WAR, TERRORISM AND TORTURE is one of three essays we have to write in this class. Here are the basic essay requirements straight from his syllabus—-
“Reflection Essays examine your own views in light of our readings and class discussions. Discuss how the various views we discussed in class question or support your own view. Finally you should discuss how your view has changed in light of the work undertaken. You may find that you are no longer settled in your view, or that your uncertain view has become settled. The MOST important aspect of this essay is that you engage in a critical dialog between your views and values and the views and values of someone else as contained in the class readings and discussions. Each essay should be about 1500 words in length.”
And here are the specific guidlines for this Topic (War, Terrorism, and Torture)…
States and other groups pursue their goals through violent means. Depending upon the context of the violence we typically view the violence as acceptable or unacceptable. Even when we accept the violence as legitimate, we place constraints upon it. Consider these perspectives in one of the following situations. Remember, when you define things, think about the meaning of the terms you use, especially if they might be ambiguous or carry loaded meanings. when you provide reasons, try to think about why these reasons might not be adequate, as that will help you develop better reasons…
1. Just War Theory attempts to determine under what conditions nations can go to war with one another and how they may fight that war. What conditions or events do you think permit nations to legitimately go to war and what should be the constraints on how war can be fought. You may say there are no conditions under which war is legitimate, or that there are no constraints on it, but provide your reasons for that conclusion.
2. Terrorism is highly controversial today and there is great disagreement over what counts as terrorism and whether it is ever legitimate. Try to define terrorism and then consider whether on your definition it can ever be justified. Provide the reasons for justifying it or not justifying it.
3. Torture has also become highly controversial, with great disagreement over what counts as torture and whether it can be used or not. Define what you think counts as torture and under what conditions, if any, it might be justified. Provide reasons for its justification under some circumstances but not others.
The class discussion and the reading on WAR, TERRORISM AND TORTURE basically involved the following readings…
WAR – Michael Walzers article about THE JUST WAR THEORY etitled “Just and Unjust Wars”
– Darrel Moellendorf’s article entitled “Is The War in Afghanistan Just?”
TERRORISM – “What Is Terrorism, Why Is It Wrong, and Could It Ever Be Morally Permissible?” by Alison Jaggar
– “Towards Liberation: Terrorism from a Liberation Ideology Perspective; Chapter 06 from Terrorism and Justice”
by Aleksandar Pavkovic
TORTURE – “Make Torture an Option” by Alan M. Dershowitz
– “Torture and the Ticking Bomb” by David Luban