Order Description
Read Chapters 8 and 9 in The ethics of war and peace: An introduction to legal and moral issues.
Read U.S. invades Panama at https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/the-u-s-invades-panama
Watch Baghdad Airstrike/Collateral Murder video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ojw5MnsqkJQ
Watch the WikiLeaks video “Baghdad Airstrikes/Collateral Murder.” (Warning: The video contains images that some may find disturbing. That said, students are advised to watch the entire video in order to note all actions and consequences before making any judgments.) Then review the definition of military necessity and Cohen’s position on military necessity, which you will find in Chapter 9 of your text.
• Does the scenario in the video seem unethical? Why or why not?
• Considering the shooters in the video seem to be unaware that they are killing civilians, does this scenario fall under the definition of military necessity? If so, were the shooters within the ethical bounds prescribed by Cohen?
• Should they have considered possible risk to civilians in this situation?
• What larger ethical implications does the video reveal about the consequences of waging a war? Given these consequences, what standards should exist for initiating a war or invading another nation
Sample Solution
