New Weapons, Old Ideas (#2006)

War has been a recurring theme in human affairs, an ultimate recourse in defending vital interests and dealing with mortal dangers. Traditionally, just-war theory morally validates war as a last resort. Today the prevalence of powerful nuclear bombs, as well as drones and bacterial weapons, means there is no way to fight a major war without terrible death and devastation on all sides. Yet evil forces exist in the world that threaten us and ruthlessly torture and kill innocent people. More nations, as well as non-state actors, will have terrible weapons tomorrow. Can we give up the traditional idea that good people should be willing to use armed force to confront danger and evil? How shall we think of war today when weapons are so fearsomely destructive? The class will deal with this tormenting question.