Ethics in Action: Justice in War – Lecture in Herne on November 12th.

Ethics in Action: Justice in War – Lecture in Herne on November 12th.

The issue of ethics in the military context remains of central importance today, particularly in the context of modern warfare. This will be particularly clear in the upcoming event entitled "Justice in War? Ethics of the Military", which will take place on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the vhs im Kulturzentrum, Herne. The speaker Volker Schneider will shed light on the complex connections between the military and ethics in the context of war in Europe. The event aims to provide a discussion forum in which those making decisions about life and death in military conflict can reflect on the ethical dilemmas they face.

In modern warfare, decision-makers are faced with a variety of challenges. On the one hand, it is important to make morally responsible decisions that meet the requirements of the Geneva Conventions; on the other hand, technological innovations and cognitive warfare influence the information situation and decision-making processes. Participants in the event are invited to actively participate in the discussion and contribute their perspectives. Registrations can be made online or by telephone at the vhs Herne, for a fee of 8 euros. The event number is 25B2053. If you have any questions, the contact telephone numbers 02323/16-2920 and 02323/16-3584 are available.

The role of military ethics

A central component of the lecture will be the doctrine of just war (Just War Theory), which serves as a guide for moral decisions during military operations. This theory deals with the conditions under which armed conflict can be justified and addresses principles such as proportionality, necessity and discrimination. These principles are essential to ensure that military actions are consistent with ethical standards. The moralization of war through such teachings could be crucial in ensuring that military personnel not only carry out the acts of war but also understand their moral implications.

Given the challenges of cognitive warfare, which can undermine even military decisions, it is essential that military personnel be trained in the doctrine of just war. This could help reduce uncertainty about the accuracy of information and promote critical thinking among decision makers. Military personnel must question unverifiable information and understand their moral responsibilities to be able to make responsible decisions.

Responsibility and liability in war

Responsibility for actions in war lies not only with the soldiers themselves, but also with their superiors. This discussion combines several perspectives: from absolute liability to collectivist approaches, the question is raised as to what responsible warfare can look like and what role ethics plays in it. It is clear that training in military ethics is not only desirable but necessary to maintain and implement moral standards in warfare. This topic will be discussed comprehensively in the event.

For anyone interested in the difficult ethical issues in the context of military and war, this event represents a unique opportunity to exchange ideas with experts and gain informed perspectives. Registration is already open and participants are cordially invited to prepare for an exciting evening.