Military Ethics: What Everyone Needs to Know(r)

Description: A comprehensive and case-driven account of the core ethical principles of the "Profession of Arms," together with a description of the rigorous ethical demands and moral dilemmas these principles impose upon individuals, both in and beyond combat. A thorough but readable, engaging account addressed both to military personnel and the wider public.

Review Quotes: "Professor Lucas has constructed a gem of a book. It is a true innovation in the complex and challenging field of military ethics. His approach is engaging and unique in that he tackles the major themes through a process of incisive questions and comprehensive answers. His analysis of the issues ranges from the influence of the Greeks, just war theory, St Thomas Aquinas and Kant through to the contemporary challenges of private security contractors, drones, cyber and robotics. Highly recommended for field commanders, military educators and general readers alike." --Jamie Cullens, Colonel, ADF (retired) and Director, Centre for Defence Leadership and Ethics, Australian Defence College, Canberra

"George Lucas, in Military Ethics: What Everyone Needs to Know, offers us an excellent, compact, and highly-readable account. Interest in military ethics has exploded in recent years, and Lucas here constructs a masterful introduction which is both easy-to-read and filled with helpful real-world examples. In the first part, he details the foundations of professional military ethics, which range from ancient custom through just war theory and into international law. In the second, Lucas applies the established practices of military ethics to such cutting-edge issues as: private security companies; drones; cyber-warfare; and using military force in aid of humanitarian crises. Highly recommended for anyone interested in professional military ethics." --Brian Orend, author of The Morality of War

"With scholarly erudition and a deep understanding of the military milieu, Professor Lucas explores the myriad ethical challenges facing soldiers and provides a clear basis for how to think about them. This work takes on ancient issues of just war theory as well as challenges presented by emerging technologies. It should be required reading for all, military and civilian alike." --Major General Robert H. Latiff, Ph.D. (US Air Force, retired) and Research Professor and Director of the Intelligence and Security Research Center at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia

"George Lucas has written the ideal introduction to military ethics. The book that is engaging, comprehensive, and deeply erudite. From ancient sources to the battlefield frontiers of military robots and cyber-war, Lucas ranges across different traditions and historical periods to shows how we can make sense of the ethical problems of war. Whether citizen or serviceman, the need to reflect on the ethics of military action has never been greater. This is the perfect guide." --David Rodin, Co-Director and Senior Research Fellow, Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, University of Oxford

"No one understands the significance of ethics in the military more so than renowned Professor Emeritus George Lucas." - Christopher Booth, United States Coast Guard Officer