Nuclear Deterrence, Morality, and Realism
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Book Overview
Providing a rigorous and objective ethical analysis of nuclear deterrence, this book discusses such issues as the Soviet menace, possible holocaust, and strategic imperatives. At the same time, the authors unmask types of deterrence that they perceive essentially as moral evasions, maintaining that deterrence cannot be bluffing, pure counterforce, the lesser (or greater) evil, or a step towards disarmament. Concluding that deterrence is unjustifiable, this book examines the new questions of conscience that this raises for us all.
Format:Paperback
Language:English
ISBN:0198247915
ISBN13:9780198247913
Release Date:September 1988
Publisher:Clarendon Press
Length:444 Pages
Weight:1.30 lbs.
Dimensions:1.1" x 5.9" x 8.2"
Related Subjects
Arms Control Criticism & Theory English Literature Ethics Ethics & Morality History History & Criticism International & World Politics International Relations Language Arts Literature Literature & Fiction Military Nuclear Philosophy Political Science Politics & Government Politics & Social Sciences Weapons & WarfareCustomer Reviews
2 ratings
Bad Timing
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
Rather unfortunately, this book appeared just two years before the end of the Cold War. It therefore will now seem dated to some, particularly in light of the new threats that have arisen since 1989; the old battles over nuclear deterrence have been replaced by new battles over how to deal with terrorism. But it would be a great shame to let the book be forgotten for this reason. Finnis, Grisez, and Boyle are three of the leading scholars responsible for the revival of Natural Law theories in the late twentieth century, and their book presents their joint effort in analyzing the moral deficiencies of consequentialist (outcome-oriented) thinking. The book is well worth owning for just this reason. No matter one's feelings about the success of Natural Law reasoning (and I have considerable doubts), this book will help any reader better understand what is truly at stake in, for instance, contemporary debates over the use of torture.
A new outlook
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 24 years ago
Finnis presents a new outlook on an old battle. He considers the ethical and moral, as well as the pragmatic issues pertaining to the nuclear question.
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