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
War and collective self-defense
Preventive war
Humanitarian intervention
War and legitimate authority
The principle of non-combatant immunity
Torture
Terrorism
War crime tribunals

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 and International Relations, (School of Social and Political Science, 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

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 18 students take the course, the class will be split into two groups. Group 1 classes: Wednesdays 9:00-10:50 Group 2 classes: Thursdays 9:00-10:50

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.

Assessment Information

One essay of 5,000 words (+/- 10%), including footnotes and excluding bibliography. THe essay is due by Tuesday April 21st at noon. There will be no penalty for going over the limit. However, essays will be marked only on the first 5,500 words. Students are therefore strongly advised not to go over the limit.