Ethics of War and Conscription

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Questions and Answers

What is a primary concern regarding conscription as outlined in the content?

It offers equal opportunities for all Americans.

It may constitute forced servitude for poorer individuals. (correct)

It disproportionately affects wealthier Americans.

It eliminates the voluntary army system.

During which timeframe did military recruitment figures notably rise due to economic factors?

2008-2010 (correct)

2020-2022

2015-2017

2000-2005

What argument do opponents of the draft make concerning its effects on society?

It promotes nationalistic and militaristic attitudes among citizens. (correct)

It enhances personal accountability for military actions.

It fosters greater equality among all social classes.

It increases the number of volunteers for the military.

Which of the following statements reflects a pacifist viewpoint on war?

War dehumanizes the enemy and creates a divisive mentality. Signup and view all the answers

What principle does Jonathan Granoff argue is violated by war?

The principle of reciprocity or the Golden Rule. Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason given for why democracies with conscription may be more cautious about going to war?

Draftees are more personally invested in war outcomes. Signup and view all the answers

In what way is autonomy viewed in the context of military service?

It is often sacrificed for the greater good. Signup and view all the answers

Which ethical perspective does Aquinas support concerning the justification for war?

A government must defend its citizens against aggression. Signup and view all the answers

What does the principle of double effect allow concerning military actions?

An action can be permissible if the intended effect is legitimate. Signup and view all the answers

Which criticism is mentioned regarding the principle of double effect?

It may reduce people to being mere means. Signup and view all the answers

What is one requirement for civil dissidents when breaking an unjust law?

They must be open and public about their actions. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key aspect of the principle of justice in the just-war tradition?

Violence must match the injury being addressed. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following options describes a common action of conscientious objectors?

They refuse to fire on the enemy or use their weapons. Signup and view all the answers

How many people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001?

3,000 Signup and view all the answers

What are some criticisms regarding conscription in military service?

It perpetuates inequality by burdening less privileged classes. Signup and view all the answers

How does the principle of justice relate to nuclear weapons?

It questions the fairness of selective possession by some nations. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the Universal National Service Act introduced in Congress?

It proposed national service for citizens aged 18 to 42. Signup and view all the answers

Which terrorist organization was held responsible for the September 11 attacks?

al-Qaeda Signup and view all the answers

What military campaign did President Bush initiate following the September 11 attacks?

A campaign against Taliban government in Afghanistan Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the right to self-determination as recognized by the United Nations?

People should be allowed to choose their own government. Signup and view all the answers

What does the primary moral argument against conscription involve?

It violates a person's liberty rights. Signup and view all the answers

What moral issue is raised by the response to terrorism?

Is terrorism ever justified? Signup and view all the answers

What stance did President Ronald Reagan take regarding military service?

He believed a voluntary military is more effective. Signup and view all the answers

How did the U.S. military soldiers respond in a survey conducted at the end of World War II?

Up to 75 percent refused to fire on the enemy or shot their weapons into the air. Signup and view all the answers

How many people are estimated to have died as a result of war in the twentieth century?

191 million Signup and view all the answers

What happens to conscientious objectors under the proposed Universal National Service Act?

They are assigned to noncombat or national civilian service. Signup and view all the answers

What factor complicates the application of the principle of double effect?

Balancing collateral damage and military objectives. Signup and view all the answers

What are some of the factors that provide deferments from the national service as per the proposed act?

Extreme hardship or mental disability. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the United Nations, established in 1945?

To promote world peace and justice Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about conscription discussed in the content?

It is a violation of individual liberty rights. Signup and view all the answers

Which philosopher argued that war is necessary for the survival of a civil society?

Thomas Hobbes Signup and view all the answers

What was the reaction to the destructiveness of wars in the twentieth century?

The formation of international peace movements Signup and view all the answers

What does John Stuart Mill argue regarding self-determination and political freedom?

Self-determination can occur independently of political freedom. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered an acceptable form of assistance in a struggle for self-determination?

Support from allied nations during a revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What is the duty of fidelity primarily about?

Loyalty to one's country and government. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of military service, which of the following is a potential conflict of the duty of fidelity?

Serving one's country while neglecting parental responsibilities. Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome for John Walker Lindh in 2002 related to his affiliation with al-Qaeda?

Sentenced to twenty years in federal prison. Signup and view all the answers

Which moral obligation might conflict with a soldier's loyalty to their commanders?

Duty to uphold justice and combat wrongdoing. Signup and view all the answers

What element can complicate the understanding of the duty of fidelity?

Responding to unjust government actions. Signup and view all the answers

What action did some soldiers take during the My Lai massacre that illustrates personal responsibility?

They refused to obey orders to harm villagers. Signup and view all the answers

What primary concern do Arab nations have regarding Israel?

Israel's nuclear weapons arsenal Signup and view all the answers

What was the outcome of the 1925 Geneva Convention regarding chemical and biological weapons?

Prohibition of use, but not production Signup and view all the answers

What type of pacifism believes that all violence is wrong, even for self-defense?

Absolute pacifism Signup and view all the answers

Why are biological and chemical weapons sometimes referred to as 'the poor man’s atomic bomb'?

They are easier and cheaper to produce Signup and view all the answers

Which historical event involved the use of smallpox-infected blankets as a weapon?

The French and Indian War Signup and view all the answers

What concern arises due to the long incubation period of contagious diseases for travelers?

It allows for potential terrorists to hide Signup and view all the answers

Who used chemical weapons against the Kurds in Northern Iraq?

Saddam Hussein Signup and view all the answers

What criticism is commonly directed at absolute pacifism?

It contradicts the right to self-defense. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

War, Weapons, and Terrorism

September 11, 2001 attacks: The world watched in horror as terrorists attacked the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and a plane crashed in Shanksville, Pennsylvania. Approximately 3,000 people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center, 184 at the Pentagon and 40 in the hijacked plane.
War on Terrorism: Following the attacks, President Bush declared war on terrorism and launched a military campaign against Afghanistan's Taliban government and al-Qaeda.
Al-Qaeda: A terrorist organization responsible for the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Iraq War (2003): President Bush launched a preemptive strike on Iraq, arguing that it possessed weapons of mass destruction and harbored terrorist groups intent on destroying America.
Moral Issues: The attacks and responses raise moral questions: Is terrorism ever morally justified? How should terrorism be responded to? Are preemptive wars ever morally acceptable?

Background

Nature of War: War involves armed violence between nations or political groups to achieve a political goal. Some societies have never engaged in war.
Modern War: The advent of modern nation-states and nationalism led to larger-scale wars.
International Peace Movements: The nineteenth century saw efforts to establish peace through international movements and organizations like the League of Nations.
Twentieth Century Wars: The twentieth century witnessed extraordinarily destructive wars. Approximately 191 million people died in 20th century wars – half of those were civilians.
United Nations (UN): Established in 1945 to promote peace and justice, established after World War II.
War-related Deaths: More than 400 wars have occurred worldwide since the end of World War II. Annually, there are over 1.6 million war-related deaths.
Motivations for War: Self-defense, expansion of territory, resources, and ideologies (including religion).
Just-war Theory: Christian natural law theory, particularly the work of Thomas Aquinas, established three conditions for a just war: Legitimate authority, just cause, and right intentions.

Philosophers on War and Terrorism

Machiavelli: Advocated for powerful militaries for political independence, suggesting that leaders should disregard morality if necessary to achieve success in war.
Grotius: Believed war should be limited and conducted according to principles of law, good faith, and international interests.
Hobbes: Emphasized that fear of death and security prompted the creation of societies to avoid the natural state of violence.
Kant: Believed in establishing international cooperation to prevent war.
Nietzsche: Glorified war as a natural behavior, a necessary activity for the advancement of humankind.

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Description

This quiz explores critical questions surrounding conscription, military ethics, and the just-war theory. Participants will examine various perspectives on the implications of mandatory military service and the moral debates concerning war. Delve into topics such as autonomy, pacifism, and the principle of double effect.