Question

Michael Walzer, “Arguing About War”, Ch. 3: Explain Walzer’s conception of emergency ethics, and compare it to the characterization and critique that Brimlow develops in Ch. 3 of What About Hitler?

Answer 1

Michael Walzer argues for an "emergency ethics" in war. He believes that during a time of emergency, governments can resort to extraordinary measures to protect their population from further harm or attack. According to Walzer, political leaders in times of emergency are justified in using any means necessary and making decisions based solely on the welfare of the citizens.

In contrast, Brimlow's characterisation and critique of Walzer in Chapter 3 of What About Hitler? argues that emergency ethics allows for too much power for political leaders. He claims that there must be limits to what a government can do to protect its citizens in times of emergency and that governments must still follow ethical guidelines and codes when deciding how to respond to an emergency situation.