Should there be moral limits to the use of force in countering perceived threats to national security? For example, is torture permissible in order to gain information? Is the killing of an adversary’s civilian citizens permissible? What about the use of nuclear weapons? How about political assassination?
The respect for human rights should serve as the foundation for counter-terrorism strategies as they protect and promote the rule of law as well as the fundamental human rights (Whetham 40). Ideally, particular moral limits should control the actions of security agencies and governments that are constantly dealing with national security threats. In most instances, the moral limits guard against the violation of human rights as well as the disregard of international norms and laws (Whetham 56). In this case, the use of torture, killing of an enemy’s allies, political assassinations, and the use of nuclear weapons are not permissible because they violate human rights.
What reasons does Socrates give for refusing to escape his punishment? Do you agree or disagree with Socrates’s reasons?
Socrates chose not to escape punishment to maintain his reputation and stand by his beliefs and convictions. I agree with Socrates’ decision not to refuse punishment because it is the just thing to do and it was right for him to protect his reputation.
What are some of the physical attributes of the earth that influence our political life including the way we govern ourselves and the types of issues we must politically confront.
Landforms, oceans, streams, and soil are some of the physical attributes of the earth that influence our political life. Such features contain resources that are essential to the survival and prosperity of human, animal, and plant populations. Our politics concerns itself with the control and allocation of such resources because they are limited. The earth’s physical features also influence the way social, economic, and political systems are organized in the geographical space.
What value do the political theorists ideas discussed in Chapter 5 hold for thinking about contemporary politics? Is there any? Or is the role of political philosophy relatively useless to political scientists today
Marxist and communist political ideologies have significantly influenced contemporary politics. Marxism and communism are widely embraced in the East as well as some Asian societies that strive to establish states where people work together, live in harmony, and share the fruits of their labor. However, Western politics oppose the Marxist and communist ideologies.
What is political culture, and why is it important to understand how politics works?
Political culture refers to practices and attitudes that a particular people hold. In most cases, such practices influence their day-to-day political behaviors and decisions. It is important to understand how politics works, as it shapes people’s political actions and perceptions.
Work Cited
Whetham, David. Ethics, Law and Military Operations. New Jersey: Pearson, 2010. Print.
