War and Morality (P02190)

? Credit Points : 20 ? SCQF Level : 11 ? Acronym : SPS-P-P02190

The course addresses the following kinds of critical question. Under what conditions, if any, is a country morally entitled to go to war? Only to defend itself against aggression by others, or to further some of the legitimate goals of a nationally self-determining country? Is humanitarian intervention merely permissible or, in some cases, mandatory as well?
TOPICS COVERED
Pacificism
War and collective self-defense
Humanitarian intervention
The principle of non-combatant immunity
Sieges and blockades
Weapons of mass destruction
Torture
Terrorism

LEARNING OUTCOMES
By the end of the course, students will have read major texts and articles in just war theory; they will have learnt to use analytical tools and concepts which are important not merely to this particular area of study, but to moral and political philosophy in general (such as right doctrines, the doctrine of double effect, the doctrine of acts and omissions, etc.). They will have learnt to use historical, factual examples in support of philosophical, normative claims.

Entry Requirements

? Pre-requisites : The course is open to postgraduate students who have taken at least one course in philosophy or political theory prior to studying in Edinburgh, or who are taking at least one such course while studying at Edinburgh.

Subject Areas

Home subject area

Politics, (School of Social and Political Studies, Schedule J)

Delivery Information

? Normal year taken : Postgraduate

? Delivery Period : Semester 2 (Blocks 3-4)

? Contact Teaching Time : 1 hour(s) 50 minutes per week for 10 weeks

First Class Information

Date	Start	End	Room	Area	Additional Information
10/01/2008	09:00	10:50	Room 3.304, Adam Ferguson Building	Central

All of the following classes

Type	Day	Start	End	Area
Tutorial	Wednesday	09:00	10:50	Central
Tutorial	Thursday	09:00	10:50	Central

? Additional Class Information : If more than 15 students take the course, the class will be split into two groups. Group 1 classes: Wednesdays 9:00-10:50 (12 BP); Group 2 classes: Thursdays 9:00-10:50 (AF304). First class for everyone: Thursday January 10, 9:00-10:50, room (AFB304)

Summary of Intended Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, students will have read major texts and articles in just war theory; they will have learnt to use analytical tools and concepts which are important not merely to this particular area of study, but to moral and political philosophy in general (such as right doctrines, the doctrine of double effect, the doctrine of acts and omissions, etc.). They will have learnt to use historical, factual examples in support of philosophical, normative claims.