The Morality of Self-Defense and Innocent Deaths in War

In this episode of New Ideal Live, Ben Bayer and Ziemowit Gowin discuss the right to self-defense, deaths of innocents in war, and just war theory in the context of Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza. Among the topics covered: Why the responsibility for deaths of innocents in war falls on the aggressor; How the right to self-defense rests on the inalienable right to your own life; How the aggressor can be morally responsible for deaths the defender caused; How the principle of “double effect” undermines the right to self-defense. Mentioned in this podcast is Onkar Ghate’s New Ideal article “Innocents in War?” The podcast was recorded on November 3, 2023. Listen to the discussion below. Listen and subscribe from your mobile device on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or Stitcher. Watch archived podcasts here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=S51PUGuNiHc Podcast audio: