Book Launch for Sparing Civilians - Seth Lazar, ANU


Killing civilians is worse than killing soldiers. If any moral principle commands near universal assent, this one does. It is written into every major historical and religious tradition that has addressed armed conflict. It is uncompromisingly inscribed in international law. It underpins and informs public discussion of conflict. And it guides political practice, at least in liberal democracies, both in how we fight our wars and in which wars we fight. And yet, in recent years it has faced a rising tide of dissent. Political and military leaders seeking to slip the constraints of the laws of war have cavilled and qualified. Their complaints have been unwittingly aided by philosophers who, rebuilding just war theory from its foundations, have concluded that this principle is at best a useful fiction. Sparing Civilians aims to turn this tide, and to vindicate international law. In doing so, Seth Lazar develops new insights into the morality of risk and harm, relevant to everyone interested in normative ethics and political philosophy.

Registrations essential - Please RSVP to phil.admin.cass@anu.edu.au by Thursday 3 December. Lunch will be provided.

Presented by Centre for Moral, Social and Political Theory - School of Philosophy RSSS

Date & time

Mon 07 Dec 2015, 12:30pm to 2:30pm

Location

Coombs Tea Room, ANU

Contacts

Professor Christian Barry

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Updated:  1 December 2015/Responsible Officer:  Head of School/Page Contact:  CASS Marketing & Communications