How Do I Save My Honor?

War, Moral Integrity, and Principled Resignation

By (author) William F. Felice Eckerd College

Publication date:

16 April 2009

Length of book:

240 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

Dimensions:

237x161mm
6x9"

ISBN-13: 9780742566668

How Do I Save My Honor? is a powerful exploration of individual moral responsibility in a time of war. When people decide that the actions of their government have violated basic norms of ethics and justice, what are they to do? Are there degrees of moral responsibility that public officials, soldiers, and private citizens bear for unethical actions of their leaders and government? William F. Felice considers these central ethical questions through the compelling stories of individuals in the U.S. and British government and military who struggled to protect their moral integrity during the Iraq war and occupation. Some came to the difficult conclusion that resignation from their post was necessary to maintain their responsibility to the truth and to uphold their honor. Others decided to work from within to try to correct what they perceived as misguided policies. Examining the struggles of these contemporary men and women, as well as of historical figures facing similar dilemmas, William Felice weighs the profound difficulties of overcoming the intense pressures of misguided loyalty, patriotism, and groupthink that predominate during war.
Felice's book represents a clear, committed, even passionate cry for moral integrity, particularly with respect to the public right to know in instances of war, belligerence, or states of emergency. His analysis refers to a range of philosophical approaches including realism, utilitarian consequentialism, and deontological theories of reason and right. He stresses the importance of moral obligation in all circumstances involving hierarchical command, combat, and war. His reflections on deontology and human rights, civil disobedience, and Machiavellian notions, and 'dirty hands' provide useful guideposts toward a deeper philosophical understanding of the central issues at play. . . . Felice has written a clear and well argued presentation that outlines the costs to a democratic polity for a dishonorable loyalty and the need for deliberative politics that is renewed by the honor of moral integrity expressed through principles of resignation in protest.