How Do I Save My Honor?: War, Moral Integrity, and Principled Resignation
How Do I Save My Honor? is a powerful exploration of individual moral responsibility in a time of war. When people decide that the actions of their government have violated basic norms of ethics and justice, what are they to do? Are there degrees of moral responsibility that public officials, soldiers, and private citizens bear for unethical actions of their leaders and government? William F. Felice considers these central ethical questions through the compelling stories of individuals in the U.S. and British government and military who struggled to protect their moral integrity during the Iraq war and occupation. Some came to the difficult conclusion that resignation from their post was necessary to maintain their responsibility to the truth and to uphold their honor. Others decided to work from within to try to correct what they perceived as misguided policies. Examining the struggles of these contemporary men and women, as well as of historical figures facing similar dilemmas, William Felice weighs the profound difficulties of overcoming the intense pressures of misguided loyalty, patriotism, and groupthink that predominate during war.
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How Do I Save My Honor?: War, Moral Integrity, and Principled Resignation
How Do I Save My Honor? is a powerful exploration of individual moral responsibility in a time of war. When people decide that the actions of their government have violated basic norms of ethics and justice, what are they to do? Are there degrees of moral responsibility that public officials, soldiers, and private citizens bear for unethical actions of their leaders and government? William F. Felice considers these central ethical questions through the compelling stories of individuals in the U.S. and British government and military who struggled to protect their moral integrity during the Iraq war and occupation. Some came to the difficult conclusion that resignation from their post was necessary to maintain their responsibility to the truth and to uphold their honor. Others decided to work from within to try to correct what they perceived as misguided policies. Examining the struggles of these contemporary men and women, as well as of historical figures facing similar dilemmas, William Felice weighs the profound difficulties of overcoming the intense pressures of misguided loyalty, patriotism, and groupthink that predominate during war.
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How Do I Save My Honor?: War, Moral Integrity, and Principled Resignation
How Do I Save My Honor? is a powerful exploration of individual moral responsibility in a time of war. When people decide that the actions of their government have violated basic norms of ethics and justice, what are they to do? Are there degrees of moral responsibility that public officials, soldiers, and private citizens bear for unethical actions of their leaders and government? William F. Felice considers these central ethical questions through the compelling stories of individuals in the U.S. and British government and military who struggled to protect their moral integrity during the Iraq war and occupation. Some came to the difficult conclusion that resignation from their post was necessary to maintain their responsibility to the truth and to uphold their honor. Others decided to work from within to try to correct what they perceived as misguided policies. Examining the struggles of these contemporary men and women, as well as of historical figures facing similar dilemmas, William Felice weighs the profound difficulties of overcoming the intense pressures of misguided loyalty, patriotism, and groupthink that predominate during war.
William F. Felice is professor of political science at Eckerd College.
Table of Contents
Introduction Chapter 1: The Moral Obligations of Civil Servants and Soldiers Chapter 2: Ethical Theory and War Chapter 3: Staying-In: Colin Powell and Wayne White Chapter 4: Getting-Out: Brady Kiesling, John Brown, and Ann Wright Chapter 5: The Ethical Soldier: Ehren Watada and Aidan Delgado Chapter 6: Britain: Resignations from the Blair Government Chapter 7: Individual Moral Responsibility in a Time of War
What People are Saying About This
Joel H. Rosenthal
Felice has written the most important moral analysis yet of the Bush-Blair years. He exposes the limits of those who argue from 'moral certainty' and recovers the deeply held democratic principle of 'loyal opposition.' I hope every young and aspiring leader will read this book and ponder its lessons.
Richard Falk
A fascinating and urgently needed exploration of moral responsibility in wartime, focusing on the complex realities and demands since 9/11. This engagingly written and well-researched study challenges each of us to honor our better selves.
Anthony R. Brunello
This book provides a brilliant journey through the ethical labyrinth of principled resignation in the face of political pressure, loyalty and war.