Frankenstein: The Modern Day Prometheus
U.S. Con. / Gov., Period 1
10/8/13
Ethics of War Human beings have been at battle with one another since prehistoric times, and people have been discussing the rights and wrongs of it for almost just as long. The purpose of war ethics is to help decide what is right or wrong, both for individuals and countries, and to contribute to debates on public policy, and ultimately to government and individual action. War ethics also lead to the creation of formal codes of war, the drafting and implementation of rules of engagement for soldiers, and in the punishment of soldiers and others for war crimes. War ethics are a highly controversial topic and many people’s opinions differ on the subject. For instance, there are individuals who believe that war is bad because it involves deliberately killing or injuring people. These people also believe that war is a fundamental wrong and an abuse of the victims’ human rights. People opposing the war may even extend further with the idea or theory of pacifism. There are several different forms of pacifism, but they all include the idea that war and violence are unjustifiable, and that conflicts should be settled in a peaceful manner. Many people believe that pacifism is more than opposition to war. They argue that it must include action to promote justice and human rights. This is where those who believe that war isn’t particularly good nor bad but believe it may be necessary and do not see it as wrong come into the picture. The people for war believe that war should be fought if there is a just cause, has been lawfully declared, the intention behind the war is good or pure, other plans of resolving issues had been tried first, there is a reasonable chance of success, and the means must be in proportion to the end that the war seeks to achieve. Many individuals for war argue that it is important to acknowledge the difference between the moralities of pacifism as it applies to an individual, and the application
10/8/13
Ethics of War Human beings have been at battle with one another since prehistoric times, and people have been discussing the rights and wrongs of it for almost just as long. The purpose of war ethics is to help decide what is right or wrong, both for individuals and countries, and to contribute to debates on public policy, and ultimately to government and individual action. War ethics also lead to the creation of formal codes of war, the drafting and implementation of rules of engagement for soldiers, and in the punishment of soldiers and others for war crimes. War ethics are a highly controversial topic and many people’s opinions differ on the subject. For instance, there are individuals who believe that war is bad because it involves deliberately killing or injuring people. These people also believe that war is a fundamental wrong and an abuse of the victims’ human rights. People opposing the war may even extend further with the idea or theory of pacifism. There are several different forms of pacifism, but they all include the idea that war and violence are unjustifiable, and that conflicts should be settled in a peaceful manner. Many people believe that pacifism is more than opposition to war. They argue that it must include action to promote justice and human rights. This is where those who believe that war isn’t particularly good nor bad but believe it may be necessary and do not see it as wrong come into the picture. The people for war believe that war should be fought if there is a just cause, has been lawfully declared, the intention behind the war is good or pure, other plans of resolving issues had been tried first, there is a reasonable chance of success, and the means must be in proportion to the end that the war seeks to achieve. Many individuals for war argue that it is important to acknowledge the difference between the moralities of pacifism as it applies to an individual, and the application