The Dissipation of Liability: Rescuing the Theory of Intervening Agency
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Authors
Kelly, Jim
Issue Date
2023
Type
Journal articles
Language
Keywords
Political Science and Security Studies
Alternative Title
Abstract
Within the conventional Just War Theory, there exists a principle that non-combatants are immune from being targeted. However, scholars such as Jeff McMahan argue that those who are morally responsible for threatening lethal harm incur liability to be harmed themselves, defensively. In this context, a debate has emerged over whether non-combatants supporting an unjust war could justifiably be targeted by the victims of that war. This paper explores the moral justifications for discrimination, where only combatants can be rightfully attacked and killed, while non-combatants enjoy the privilege of non-liability, specifically examining the Intervening Agency theory that draws on the concept of causal proximity and liability to defensive killing.
Description
Citation
Kelly, Jim. “The Dissipation of Liability: Rescuing the Theory of Intervening Agency.” West Point Journal of Politics and Security 1, no. 2 (2023): 14-18
Publisher
West Point Press
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
ISSN
2993-5946