HSM 311 All Course Discussions Week 1 - 5

HSM 311 Ethics & Homeland Security 

Ashford Course - January 2016

Week 1 Discussion 1 Logical Theories

Briefly describe deontological and teleological theories

Week 1 Discussion 2 - Rule Utilitarianism

Briefly analyze rule utilitarianism and its focus on rule over action. 

Week 2 Discussion 1 - Last Resort

Do you think negotiating a peace with the Taliban and al-Qaeda have been more ethical than invading Afghanistan one month after the U.S. was attacked on 9/11? Respond to atleast two of your classmates’ postings.

Week 2 Discussion 2 - The Relatively of Just War Theory

In 250-300 words, provide a comprehensive answer using your reading, knowledge and experience for this Discussion Question. Does Just War Theory truly justify the triumph of good over evil, or is it simply a justification for the use of force relative to the side one is on? Apply three Just War tenets to the United States and those same Just war tenets to the al-Qaeda and explain if the war on terrorism is absolutely just to one side, or if it is just relative to the side one is on. Respond to atleast two of your classmates’ postings.   

Week 3 Discussion 1 - Ethics and the United Nations

What ethical theories studied in this course could justify the United Nations as an ethical organization? Do you believe that the U.N. is ethical in theory and in practice (or neither)? 

Qualify your argument

Week 3 Discussion 2 - Humanitarian Warfare

Briefly analyze Just War Theory and its application to humanitarian intervention.

Was the U.S. use of force in Somalia in 1993 justified morally? 

Why or why not? 

Week 4 Discussion 1 - Waterboarding

U.S. policy states that “the use of torture is illegal.” There is a known terrorist mastermind in U.S. custody who is unwilling to divulge his wealth of information. Top CIA officials support the clandestine use of waterboarding to elicit his information that is judged could help thwart an imminent terrorist attack.  Give an ethical argument for and against the use of waterboarding on this subject

Week 4 Discussion 2 - Justifying Terrorism

Is terrorism simply “the poor man’s” use of force?  If nations can justify war, can non-state actors? Using Just War Theory, give a justification for and against the use of terrorism through the lens of Hezbollah.

Week 5 Discussion 1 - The USA Patriot Act

Do you believe that the costs to our liberties are worth the security measures that the Act provides? 

Week 5 Discussion 2 - The FOURTH AMENDMENT in the 21st century.

Understanding the powers given to the federal government to search, seize, and survey under the USA PATRIOT Act, do you feel that the 4th Amendment is being violated? 

Make a coherent argument for or against the USA PATRIOT Act vis-à-vis the 4th Amendment.  (You are not expected to have in-depth knowledge of the 4th Amendment).