Philosophy 299:  Philosophy of War and Terrorism

Instructor: James Skidmore
Office:  LA 251
Office phone: 282-4661
Home phone: 478-7147
E-mail: skidjame@isu.edu
Web page:  www.isu.edu/~skidjame (course materials available there)

Office hours:    --Monday, Wednesday:  11-12
                          --Tuesday, Thursday:    12:30-1:30
                          --Gladly by appointment (or just drop by).

You are more than welcome to see me during office hours for any reason. If you have a question,
concern, complaint, or even if you just want to chat, feel free to drop in.
.
Texts:

--Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars
--Other readings will be available online or for copying.

Course Description and Objectives:

This course will examine a number of philosophical issues that arise regarding the conduct of warfare
and the practice of (and fight against) terrorism.  Our concern will be primarily with ethical questions,
such as:
        --Under what circumstances is it morally justified to wage war? (Any? None?)
        --What moral constraints are there on the conduct of a justified war? (Is it true that all
                is fair in love and war?)

As we discuss these ethical issues we will of course run into more fundamental questions, such as
        --What is war? (How does it differ from other kinds of violence?)
        --What is terrorism? (How does it differ from war?)

Our examination of these questions will also take us into prominent theories in ethics and political
philosophy, including those of historical figures such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, Mill, and Kant, as well
as contemporary figures such as Michael Walzer.

Grading

For better or worse, one of my duties in this class is to give you a grade. Your grade will be
determined by your performance on the following assignments:

           Assignments:                                          % of Final Grade

                --1st short essay (Sept. 16th)                           20
                --2nd short essay (Oct. 21st)                           20
                --3rd short essay (Nov. 18th)                           25
                --Final Exam                                                    25
                --Critical Summaries                                        10

Note on Grading:  I am aware that grading standards vary widely across the university.  I will do my
best to follow the university's guidelines.  Grades in the 'A'-range represent genuinely outstanding or
excellent work.  Grades in the 'B'-range represent good work.  Grades in the 'C'-range represent
adequate work.  I do not think you will find my grading unfair (past students rarely have), but if you
are expecting an "easy 'A' or 'B'" you may be disappointed.

Late Work Policy:  In fairness to other students, essays and exams that are handed in less than a week
late will be penalized one letter grade. Essays and exams handed in more than one week late will not normally

be accepted.

Rewrite policy: Any essay that receives less than a 'C' may be rewritten for a grade of no higher than 'C'.

Tentative Schedule of Weekly Readings and Assignments

Political Realism

Sept. 16th    --Walzer, Chpts. 4 and 5 in Just and Unjust Wars
Sept 18th     --Walzer, Chpts. 6 and 7 in Just and Unjust Wars

Sept. 23rd    --Walzer, Chpts 8 and 9 in Just and Unjust Wars
Sept. 25th    --Thomas Nagel, "War and Massacre" (online)

Sept. 30th    --Walzer, Chpts. 10 and 11 in Just and Unjust Wars
Oct. 2nd      --Walzer, Chpts. 16 and 17 in Just and Unjust Wars
                    --Elizabeth Anscombe, "Mr. Truman's Degree" (on e-reserve)

Oct. 7th     --Walzer, Chpt. 19 in Just and Unjust Wars                
Oct. 9th:     --McMahan, "The Ethics of Killing in War" (online)

Oct. 14th    --

Pacifism and Non-violence

Oct. 16th    --Holmes, Chpt. 6 (available for copying)

Oct. 21st     --Gandhi, selected writings (available for copying)
Oct. 23rd     --Holmes, Chpt. 8 (available for copying)

Terrorism

Fall Recess (no class)

Dec. 9th      --
Dec. 11th    --

Dec. 13th-19th:  Finals Week

Miscellaneous Announcements

Disabilities:  It is important to me that each of you has the opportunity to participate fully in every
aspect of the class. If you have a disability that might hinder your full participation, please see me
as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary arrangements.

Class attendance:  You will notice that attendance is not included in the calculation of your grade.
However, I do expect you to attend class, and I encourage you to participate actively. Doing so
will not only allow you to get the most out of the class, but may tip the scales in borderline grade
situations. Please note that if you must miss class, you are responsible for handing in ahead of time
any assignments due. Otherwise the late work policy will take effect.

Plagiarism:  The university views plagiarism as academic dishonesty, a very serious offense that
can quickly bring an end to your college career. In writing papers for this class, please make sure
that you document appropriately all quoted and paraphrased passages from other authors. I am
not picky about how you do it, and I am not going to crucify you for an innocent mistake; but if
you decide to turn in a paper that tries to hide a number of quotes from other texts
(or the internet), you are playing a very dangerous game:  minimum penalty for intentionally plagiarized
work is an 'F' in the course.