Philosophy of Self-Defense and Punishment

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Questions and Answers

From the perspective of punishment, who is considered guilty in the scenario involving Smith, his wife, and the mobsters?

Only Smith is guilty.

Only the mobsters are guilty.

Only Smith's wife is guilty.

Smith, his wife, and the mobsters are all guilty. (correct)

What is the key distinction between the perspective of self-defense and the perspective of punishment in regards to killing?

Self-defense prioritizes the preservation of life, while punishment prioritizes justice.

Self-defense focuses on immediate threat, while punishment considers broader guilt and innocence. (correct)

Self-defense is reactive, while punishment is proactive.

Self-defense only concerns the individual defending themselves, while punishment involves societal consequences.

How does Fullinwider apply the concept of self-defense to the situation of war?

He argues that war is inherently justified under the principle of self-defense, regardless of civilian casualties.

He suggests that only the armed forces of warring nations are legitimate targets in self-defense. (correct)

He believes that all citizens of a nation at war are liable to be killed under the principle of self-defense.

He emphasizes the moral responsibility of noncombatants in war and their obligation to fight for their nation.

Why does Fullinwider consider the civilian population of a nation at war "morally immune" from attacks?

Because civilians are not involved in the direct military action and do not pose an immediate threat. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main argument presented by Fullinwider regarding the killing of noncombatants in war?

Killing noncombatants is morally wrong because it violates the principle of self-defense. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a consideration that Fullinwider uses to argue against the killing of noncombatants in war?

Noncombatants have a moral obligation to support their nation's war effort. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a key principle that Fullinwider uses to justify his argument against killing noncombatants in war?

The principle of self-defense, which only justifies killing those who pose a direct threat. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the scenario involving Smith, his wife, and the mobsters relate to Fullinwider's argument about noncombatants in war?

Smith's wife represents the civilian population, while the mobsters represent the enemy's armed forces. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the fundamental law of nature according to John Locke?

Mankind should preserve itself as much as possible. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to John Locke, which of the following represents a natural right?

The right to life, liberty, and property. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What do aggressors forfeit when they initiate force or war according to Locke?

Their right to life. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the view on noncombatants' rights during war according to the content?

They maintain their rights to life if they pose no threat. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does Fullinwider argue about the killing of non-combatants in war?

It should be seen as murder. (A) Signup and view all the answers

According to the principle of punishment discussed, whom can nations punish?

Only the morally guilty individuals. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does Locke believe about the power of defenders over captured soldiers?

Defenders have the right to enslave captured soldiers. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is indicated by the existence of perfect techniques of warfare according to the text?

It allows for targeting based on moral guilt. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key distinction the traditional view draws concerning the killing of enemy combatants and the killing of enemy non-combatants?

Enemy combatants are guilty of waging war against your country, while enemy non-combatants are not. (D) Signup and view all the answers

According to the traditional view, what is the primary justification for killing enemy combatants?

Punishment for their guilt in waging war. (A) Signup and view all the answers

The My Lai Massacre highlights what potential drawback of the traditional view?

It justifies the killing of innocent civilians under the guise of punishment. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the "immunity thesis" as it applies to non-combatants during wartime?

Non-combatants are considered innocent and cannot be killed legally. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between the traditional view and the "just war" theory?

The traditional view emphasizes the principle of punishment, while the "just war" theory focuses on the justification for war itself. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does the My Lai Massacre challenge the traditional view's distinction between combatants and non-combatants?

It shows that non-combatants can be targeted by mistake or as a result of prejudice. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the main criticism of the traditional view's reliance on the principle of punishment?

It is based on an unrealistic assumption of individual culpability for collective actions. (A), It fails to recognize the complexities of war and the potential for innocent casualties. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a potential consequence of the traditional view's distinction between combatants and non-combatants?

The emphasis on military strategy over moral considerations. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does utilitarianism primarily focus on concerning war?

The outcomes of the actions (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best characterizes absolutism?

It focuses on the morality of actions regardless of the consequences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is implied by the phrase 'the ends justify the means' in the context of war?

The consequences of actions are more important than the actions themselves. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the author's stance on the conflict between absolutism and utilitarianism?

Certain scenarios may necessitate a violation of absolutist principles for the greater good. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What does the phrase 'qualified absolutism' imply in the author's argument?

There are circumstances where absolutist rules may be justifiably breached. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does absolutism perceive the act of causing harm to others in wartime decision-making?

It is fundamentally concerning and alters the moral equation. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is suggested about moral rules concerning war according to the author?

They have a moral basis that transcends mere utility. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of the utilitarian approach, what does 'preventing a great evil by producing a lesser' refer to?

Choosing a less harmful action when faced with dire alternatives. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary justification for the deliberate killing of non-combatants according to some moral perspectives?

It may be permissible if it leads to a sufficiently worthy end. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which position on war completely rejects the idea of morality in warfare?

Realism (C) Signup and view all the answers

Who is primarily credited with the systematic exposition of just war theory in the Western tradition?

St. Thomas Aquinas (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the central goal of just war theory?

To create a framework for justifying some wars while limiting others. (B) Signup and view all the answers

According to just war theory, what activities are permitted during war for a Christian?

Actions are permissible only if they contribute to a just cause. (A) Signup and view all the answers

What historical event prompted a revival of just war theory in the twentieth century?

Nuclear warfare and the Vietnam War (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a criterion typically associated with just war theory?

Total destruction of the enemy (A) Signup and view all the answers

What underlying moral conviction is associated with attacking civilian populations?

It is acceptable if the military gains outweigh the harms. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the concept known as R2P intended to address?

The moralization of international politics (B) Signup and view all the answers

How do mature democratic states generally respond to violence?

They favor dialogue over violence within their own borders. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which statement reflects a concern about democracies and war?

Democracies have an expansive capacity to understand their interests and can resort to violence. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant risk associated with the collective agency celebrated in democratic practices?

An overly permissive attitude towards collective violence. (A) Signup and view all the answers

In the context of war, how should democratic values be viewed?

As constraints on the forms and ends of collective violence. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What has the global record of democracies shown regarding the use of violence?

Democracies regularly have justified their wars through humanitarian rhetoric. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What does the 'politics of cooperation' in democracy emphasize?

The fusion of individual wills in creating a common societal space. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What concern arises from the increased legitimacy of collective violence within democracies?

It can create a habit of normalizing violence as a political tool. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Ethics of War

American soldiers attached My Lai village, expecting enemy combatants, but found unarmed villagers.
The massacre of over 300 unarmed civilians, including women, children, and elderly, occurred.
Soldiers were reported to have bayoneted old men, shot women and children in the back of the head, and raped and killed a girl.
A group of villagers were rounded up and shot.

Traditional View

Non-combatants are innocent human beings, and killing them is murder (Anscombe, Ramsey).
Killing enemy combatants is permissible or even obligatory.
This distinction is called the immunity thesis.

Justification of Difference

Combatants are not innocent in the way non-combatants are.
They are involved in the active prosecution of war.
They are a threat, and killing them is justified.

Objection

George Mavrodes argued that the traditional view's sense of innocence lacks moral content.
He argued that reluctant conscripted combatants might be less responsible for the prosecution of war than enthusiastic non-combatants.

Fullinwider's Response

The justification for killing combatants rests on self-defense, not guilt or desert.

Self-Defense vs. Punishment

The point of view of self-defense and the point of view of punishment are different.
Considerations of guilt and innocence are relevant in the context of punishment but not necessarily self-defense.

Moral Immunity of Non-Combatants

Only those posing an immediate and direct threat are justifiably killed in self-defense.
In war, the armed forces of one nation are the agents of the threat to the other, not the civilian population.
Non-combatants are morally immune from attack.

Natural Right to Life

Locke argued that the fundamental law of nature is to preserve mankind.
Basic rights include life, liberty, and property.

Just War Theory

Thomas Aquinas and Augustine provided early frameworks.
Just wars must have a just cause, right intentions, probability of success, proportion, and distinguish between combatants and non-combatants.
Killing non-combatants is murder, while killing combatants is not.

Realism and Just War Theory

Some reject the very idea of a morality of war when the guns start firing.
They argue that moral considerations cease to apply.

Pacifism

The position of pacifism believes that no person should be killed under any circumstance.

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Description

Explore the ethical considerations surrounding self-defense and punishment through a detailed analysis of Fullinwider's perspectives on war and the treatment of noncombatants. This quiz examines key arguments and theoretical distinctions relevant to contemporary moral debates.