NE 203: Ethics & Moral Reasoning for Naval Leaders
Bacha Bazi & Other Conflicts
Today's course looks at the difficulties of operating in sometimes radically different cultural environments. Because different people in different locations are shaped by different moral narratives, they do not always value the same things or share the same normative commitments. At other times, what seem to be different cultural commitments prove not to be, but rather are practices exercised by a few. Sometimes these few are the powerful, and sometimes the practices they indulge in are despised even by others in their culture. How to navigate these difficulties while maintaining the highest standards of the profession is difficult.
READ THIS
Readings:
"Appendix: The Abolitions of Man" - CS Lewis
Additional Resources:
"Marines are from Mars, Iraqis are from Venus" - Connable
WATCH THIS
Think about the following as you read the case study and watch the video:
1. What options are available to you if you were Capt Smith?
2. What are the primary considerations here?
3. What would you in this case if you were Capt Smith?
4. What are the challenges of working in foreign environments evident in the video? Is it possible to respect diverse cultures while also trying to accomplish the mission and protect your forces?
