War and Peace - Tapa blanda

A student generation with no practical experience, and next to no anecdotal experience, of war is inclined to view it as an unalloyed evil. The exception to this is, of course, the Second World War, to which is attached vague notions of being "necessary" or "good". This excellent course book by Jonathan Rowe provides a clear guide to the philosophical and ethical justifications for, as well as against, war. The book's structure is logical and is separated under the headings "Militarism", "Pacifism" and "Just War Theory". Each section contains the arguments for and against. These are very clearly laid out with reference to the appropriate philosophical and ethical terminology. Particularly useful for students are the acronyms included which allow them to get to grips with the sometimes rather opaque language of philosophy. Each section then ends with a glossary of key terms used and self tests. What elevates this guide above the norm is the inclusion of some intelligent and well chosen examples. I particularly liked his inclusion of the letters of last resort, written by each Prime Minister and given to the captains of Britain's missile submarines, these letters give the captains their options should the worst happen. The student is then invited to consider what he or she would write in such a letter, an interesting ethical dilemma. I strongly commend this coursebook to all who have to study, or teach, the difficult subject of the ethics of war. It is an invaluable guide and a reminder that things are not as clear-cut as we often assume. --Richard Crichton

Just War principles both ancient and modern, religious and secular, are placed in the context of recent conflicts as experienced teacher Jonathan Rowe demonstrates how ethics can be brought to bear on one of the world's lasting challenges: to bring peace with justice.