Ethics is the study of right and wrong conduct. Concepts of right and wrong conduct in a given society derive from what the prevailing religion teaches as 'good and evil'. Because all human conduct essentially takes place in relationship to other human beings, ethical standards generally reflect the value ascribed to human life by the prevailing religion.
In Western society, which is profoundly influenced by Judeo-Christian moral teachings, the overriding ethical imperative is that human life has infinite value and inherent dignity. Right and wrong conduct BY the military profession and WITHIN the military profession must be evaluated within this context.
Professional ethics is that body of written or non-written standards by which a given profession disciplines itself. Conduct which contributes to the purpose of the profession is "right". Conduct which detracts from the purpose is "wrong".
The legitimate purpose of the military forces of a nation is to provide for the common defense, ie, to insure the survival of the nation's people and their way of life. Military force per se is neither moral or immoral. It is the way it is used which gives it moral content.
The study of military ethics must consider not only the conduct of individual
military members in a variety of circumstances, but also must address the larger
issue of the morality of using military force to achieve national goals. The
real purpose of war is a better state of peace. War always unleashes passions
which often cannot be contained. The ultimate question involves whether Is it
necessary for the nation to go to war (use military force) to achieve it's legitimate
goals. Can these goals be attained by other means? War should always be the
last resort.
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