FILA5011 Ethics of War (5 cr)
Study level:
Intermediate studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Curriculum periods:
2024-2025, 2025-2026, 2026-2027, 2027-2028
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The course gives core knowledge of just war theory, of the ethical issues related to warfare, and of international agreements related to ethics of war.
Description
Theories of just reasons for war (jus ad bellum), of just action in a war (jus in bello), and other special issues in the ethics of war. International agreements and institutions related to ethics of war. Application of the theoretical discus-sion to new situations in the changing world.
Learning outcomes
After the course, the student is able to approach problems in the field of the ethics of war in a rational manner both in theory and in practice as related to acute crises. The student knows the central discussions, questions and problems of the ethics of war, and is able to relate them to wider philosophical, academic, and cultural contexts.
Description of prerequisites
Some ethics course is recommended.
Study materials
The materials will be announced more exactly at the course or in Moodle.
Literature
- Michael Walzer, Just and Unjust Wars. Basic books.
Completion methods
Method 1
Description:
Contact teaching (when organized)
Evaluation criteria:
Assignments are evaluated on the basis of student’s mastery of the contents of teaching and literature, as demonstrated skills in critical evaluation of arguments and the application of theoretical concepts to course questions
Select all marked parts
Method 2
Description:
Independent studies as described in Moodle.
Evaluation criteria:
Independent studies
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x
Participation in teaching (5 cr)
Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Teaching
3/18–5/20/2025 Lectures
x
Independent study (5 cr)
Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5