Reason and Morality in the Age of Nuclear Deterrence

Abstract: The argument in this paper is that although rationality and morality are distinguishable concepts, there is nevertheless a rational morality, a set of principles, namely, which it is rational of all to require of all. The argument of this paper is that such a morality would certainly issue in a general condemnation of aggressive war. (Whether this also makes it irrational for States to engage in such activities is another, and not entirely settled, matter). Correlatively, it would issue in a strong right of defense. Would this right be sufficient to include resort to nuclear deterrence, if need be? It is argued that the answer must be in the affirmative - although the question of ‘need’ is by no means settled in current circumstances.

Object Details

• Location: Deutsche Nationalbibliothek Frankfurt am Main
• Extent: Online-Ressource
• Language: Englisch

References and Relationships

• Bibliographic citation: Reason and Morality in the Age of Nuclear Deterrence ; volume:10 ; number:2 ; year:1988 ; pages:206-232 ; extent:27 ; Analyse & Kritik ; 10, Heft 2 (1988), 206-232 (gesamt 27)

Contributors, Places and Time

• Creator: Narveson, Jan

Further information

• DOI: 10.1515/auk-1988-0205
• URN: urn:nbn:de:101:1-2404171545171.968077937062
• Rights: Open Access; Der Zugriff auf das Objekt ist unbeschränkt möglich.
• Last update: 14.08.2025, 10:49 AM CEST