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2003-04 MATCHETTE LECTURES
Funding provided through a grant from
the Franklin J. Matchette Foundation
General Theme:
The Uses & Abuses of Force In International Relations
The Department of Philosophy at Kent State University is pleased to announce the Kent State University Matchette Lectures for 2003-04. The theme for this year's lectures is "The Uses & Abuses of Force In International Relations."
Except for strict pacifists, people generally agree that on certain occasions the use of force is justified or even morally required. However, the necessary and sufficient conditions for the use of force are far more controversial. Such concerns become paramount as the United States finds its role as leader and peacemaker increasingly enmeshed in the brokerage of coalitions and cognizance of world opinion. This broad issue finds focus in such questions as:
- Are there objective criteria for "terrorists" or "acts of terrorism?"
- Does terrorism justify uses of force that differ or exceed those found in so-called "conventional" conflicts?
- To what extent, if any, does American and Western hegemony over other cultures justify retaliation?
- What, if any, conditions warrant intervention in a sovereign state?
- Does terrorism blur the moral boundary between combattants and non-combattants?
- Do the rules of engagement change when one's enemy is regarded as intolerant or fanatical?
The Kent State University Matchette Lectures, Fall 2003 will feature:
Robert Holmes
(Philosophy, University of Rochester)
"The Misguided War on Terrorism"
Thursday, September 25, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Kent Sent Student Center, Governance Chamber
James Sterba
(Philosophy, University of Notre Dame)
"Iraqi War II: A Blatantly Unjust War"
Thursday, October 30, 2003
7:00 p.m.
Kent Sent Student Center, Governance Chamber
