Which of the Following Is the Strongest Objection to Strawser's

question 322

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is the strongest objection to Strawser's Principle of Unnecessary Risk?

• A) Soldiers fighting an unjust war are not morally entitled to protect themselves at the expense of other people. The Principle of Unnecessary Risk would justify soldiers fighting an unjust war in doing exactly that. Therefore, the Principle of Unnecessary Risk is morally unacceptable.
• B) The Principle of Unnecessary Risk applies only to risks that are not necessary. Different commanders might disagree about which risks are necessary. Therefore, the Principle of Unnecessary Risk does not provide adequate guidance.
• C) Some ways of reducing the risks faced by warfighters will increase the likelihood of civilian casualties while decreasing the warfighters' risks only slightly. Although the Principle of Unnecessary Risk prohibits individual actions that increase that likelihood too much, following the principle as a general rule will significantly increase the number of civilian casualties while only slightly decreasing the number of military casualties. Militaries ought not to adopt policies that will significantly increase the number of civilian casualties to slightly reduce their own casualties. Therefore, militaries should not adopt the Principle of Unnecessary Risk.
• D) Soldiers are obligated to follow their commanders' orders. Commanders are obligated to instruct soldiers about how to deal with risks to civilians whom they encounter during their combat operations. Soldiers are not allowed to deviate from those orders, even to reduce risks to noncombatants. Therefore, soldiers are not permitted to obey the Principle of Unnecessary Risk.

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Definitions:

Polychronic People

Individuals who prefer to engage in multiple activities simultaneously and value the involvement in several tasks over strict adherence to schedules.

Nonverbal Communication

The process of conveying a message without the use of words, through body language, facial expressions, and gestures.

Minutes

The official written record of the discussions and decisions made during meetings.

Professional Talking

The practice of communicating using business-appropriate language and terminology.