This course surveys key debates in the ethics of war and political violence. When, if ever, is resorting to war justifiable' How should wars be fought' Are these two questions at all interrelated' Does it even make sense to speak of the ethics of war and political violence' Are arguments for pacifism or nonviolence, for example, more compelling' Are these hopelessly political questions, unsuitable for ethical consideration' Throughout this course, we will study a range of perspectives on these issues¿many of which have informed international law, including the Charter of the United Nations and the Geneva Conventions. In the process, we will also address topical debates in international ethics, including the ethics of self-defense and preemptive war; humanitarian intervention and the responsibility to protect; combatant liability and noncombatant immunity; ¿proportionality¿ in collateral damage; guerrilla warfare and terrorism; and more. Course materials draw widely from political philosophy, international law, literature, and film. Effective Spring 2025, this course fulfills a single unit in each of the following BU HUB areas: Critical Thinking, , Global Citizenship and Intercultural Literacy, Philosophical Inquiry and Life's Meanings.

Note that this information may change at any time. Please visit the MyBU Student Portal for the most up-to-date course information.