War
Essays in Political Philosophy

In this anthology, contemporary political philosophers and theorists address normative and conceptual issues concerning war.

Larry May (Edited by), Emily Crookston (Assisted by)

9780521876377, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 19 May 2008

344 pages
23.3 x 15.5 x 2.6 cm, 0.57 kg

"... Larry May's collection of fifteen original essays makes an excellent contribution to the discourse... this is a highly nuanced exploration of just war, it is recommended for upper-level undergraduates, higher academicians, and policymakers."
-Ann C. Wyman, Missouri Southern State University, Joplin

War has been a key topic of speculation and theorising ever since the invention of philosophy in classical antiquity. This anthology brings together the work of distinguished contemporary political philosophers and theorists who address the leading normative and conceptual issues concerning war. The book is divided into three parts: initiating war, waging war, and ending war. The contributors aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to each of these main areas of dispute concerning war. Each essay is an original contribution to ongoing debates on various aspects of war and also provides a survey of the main topics in each subfield. Serving as a companion to the theoretical issues pertaining to war, this volume also is an important contribution to debates in political philosophy. It can serve as a textbook for relevant courses on war offered in philosophy departments, religious studies programs, and law schools.

Part I. Historical Background: 1. Jus ad bellum Gregory Reichberg
2. Jus in bello Nicholas Rengger
Part II. Initiating War: 3. The principle of just cause Larry May
4. Aggression and punishment Jeff McMahan
5. Responding to humanitarian crises Cindy Holder
6. War and democracy James Bohman
Part III. Waging War: 7. Proportionality and necessity Thomas Hurka
8. Collateral damage David Lefkowitz
9. Weapons of mass destruction Steven Lee
10. Justifying torture as an act of war Michael Davis
11. Terrorism: definition, defense, and women Marilyn Friedman
Part IV. Ending War: 12. Reconciliation and war's aftermath Trudy Govier
13. Amnesties and international law Kit Wellman
14. War crimes: the law of hell David Luban
15. Revenge and demonization Nancy Sherman.

Subject Areas: Theory of warfare & military science [JWA], Political science & theory [JPA], Social & political philosophy [HPS]