War, Violence & Peace

What Would a Consistent Opposition to War Look Like?

Many people oppose wars conducted by enemies while excusing similar conduct by allies. A consistent opposition to war must judge actions by the same moral standards regardless of who commits them.

The Moral Difference Between Terrorism and State Violence

Terrorism is commonly condemned while violence by states is often described as security, defence or military action. The labels differ, but moral judgement requires more than asking who acted.

Can a Soldier Be Morally Responsible for Following Orders?

Soldiers operate within strict hierarchies and under extreme pressure. Orders carry legal and institutional force, yet obedience does not automatically excuse participation in atrocities.

Does Deterrence Prevent War or Prepare for It?

Deterrence rests upon convincing an opponent that aggression will produce unacceptable consequences. It may preserve peace, but it also depends upon maintaining the credible capacity and willingness to inflict enormous harm.

Are Economic Sanctions Ethical?

Economic sanctions are often presented as a peaceful response to aggression or repression. Their morality depends upon who is harmed, whether the objective is achievable and whether less damaging alternatives exist.

Why Governments Use Euphemisms to Describe Violence

Governments rarely describe violence in its most direct terms. Words such as neutralisation, collateral damage and enhanced interrogation can reduce emotional resistance and obscure who was harmed.

Who Is Responsible for Civilian Deaths in War?

Civilian deaths are often described as accidental or unavoidable. Yet responsibility in war may extend beyond the individual who directly caused the death to commanders, governments and those who created or ignored foreseeable risks.

Can War Ever Be Morally Justified?

War deliberately exposes human beings to death, injury, displacement and trauma. Any claim that war is morally justified therefore requires an exceptionally strong case.

Bertrand Russell

Philosopher · 1872–1970 · Logic, philosophy, scepticism, public ethics

Bertrand Russell is important to Truth By Reason because he joined logic, scepticism, anti-dogmatism and public moral concern.