UA Philosophy Lecture Series Brings ‘Weighing Lives in War’

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. – Dr. Thomas Hurka, a professor of philosophy at the University of Toronto, will speak April 13 at The University of Alabama on “Weighing Lives in War: When is Collateral Damage Excessive?” at 7:30 p.m. in room 205 of Smith Hall.

His presentation will conclude UA’s 2009-2010 Philosophy Today lecture series, featuring experts discussing timely and provocative philosophical topics.

“Military acts that do not target civilians directly can nonetheless be illegal and immoral if the collateral harm they cause civilians is excessive or disproportionate; this has been one ground of criticism of recent acts by the United States and Israel, among others,” Hurka said.

“But what does “proportionality” mean here, and when is harm to civilians excessive?”

Hurka earned his doctorate degree in philosophy from Oxford University. He has taught at the University of Toronto since 2002, and taught at the University of Calgary for 24 years prior.

Hurka’s main area of research and teaching is moral and political philosophy, particularly normative ethical theory.

He is currently writing two books. “The Good Things in Life,” looks at the various things that can make a person’s life desirable, such as pleasure, knowledge and personal love. The second book examines British moral philosophy during the years of 1874 to 1952.

The Philosophy Today lectures are geared toward a general audience and should be of interest to those in any profession or academic discipline. The presentations are free and open to the public.

The series is sponsored by UA’s College of Arts and Sciences; the department of philosophy; a grant from Louis W. Perry of La Jolla, Calif.; and other alumni and friends of the department.

UA’s department of philosophy is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes Scholarships, Goldwater Scholarships and memberships on the USA Today Academic All American Team.