War and Morality: Over There Over Here

An Evening with Prof. Bill Hochman

A Word from Prof. Hochman

Glenn Gray, Professor of Philosophy at Colorado College and a veteran of World War II, once wrote, "No human power could atone for the injustice, suffering and degradation of spirit of a single day of warfare." When you think of the destruction and death that war causes, who can speak of a good war? Still, sometimes war may be a tragic necessity. Most people think World War II, which ended the Nazi horror, was necessary. Many think the Civil War, which ended slavery, may have been necessary too. Can we speak about those wars, in which myriads of people died, as moral or good?

The attack on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon gave us a terrible shock. Now we are ever conscious of our vulnerability; the broad and shining oceans no longer protect us as they once did. The world is inhabited by millions who do not share our moral values. Moreover, small nations and even individuals can build and deliver the terrible weapons science and technology have made possible. The very existence of those weapons threatens our security and our lives. Is it moral to use force confronting such a world? How shall we fight morally, if we have to fight? Or is "moral war" now a tragic, absurd oxymoron that has lost its relevance?

Our discussion will confront these tormenting questions. We will discuss morality and war in terms of past wars, the Iraqi War, the war
against terrorism, and mortal dangers of the future. We will also consider what war and endemic crises may mean for the liberties we cherish at home. The world changed on that terrible September day. How shall we defend our values and act morally in such a violent and frightening world?

RSVP by May 8 via email to Barb Keener '67
or call (816) 561-6415, ext. 230