Event Discussion: Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin's Presentation on Ethics and the Interplay of Civilian and Military Institutions
Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin Delivers Talk on Ethics and Civil-Military Relationships at West Point
Dr. Pauline Shanks Kaurin, a renowned philosopher and expert in military ethics, recently addressed cadets at the United States Military Academy (West Point) on the topics of civil-military relationships and the future roles of cadets as junior officers.
The talk, which was hosted on West Point's website, was delivered by Dr. Kaurin, who previously held the prestigious Admiral James B. Stockdale chair in professional military ethics at the US Naval War College. Her work on ethics in military contexts has been previously featured in MWI's War Books series.
During her discussion, Dr. Kaurin delved into the complexities of obedience in the military, drawing attention to the delicate balance between heroism and villainy. She emphasized the importance of ethical education for military personnel, addressing moral dilemmas associated with combat and the role of honour in military decision-making.
A full recording of Dr. Kaurin's remarks is available below for those who were unable to attend the talk in person. The image credit for the article is Chief Petty Officer Carlos M. Vazquez II.
Dr. Kaurin's expertise in military ethics, just war theory, and applied ethics has been honed through her years of teaching philosophy and ethics to U.S. military officers and civilians at the U.S. Naval War College. Her work has been published in respected military and philosophical forums, including the Naval War College Review.
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[1] The New York Times: Navy War College Chair Resigns, Citing Academic Freedom Concerns
[2] Naval War College Review: Moral Injury and the Ethics of Military Care
[3] The Atlantic: The Ethics of Military Obedience
