Explore the ethical and legal complexities of military conflict. Learn to analyse, evaluate, and resolve moral dilemmas in modern warfare.
Dr David Whetham is Professor of Ethics and the Military Profession at King’s College London, based at the Joint Services Command and Staff College at the UK Defence Academy. He is also the Director of the King’s Centre for Military Ethics.
As modern warfare continues to evolve—shaped by new technologies, globalised conflict zones, and complex political landscapes—ethical decision-making has never been more crucial. This course, Ethics and Decision-Making in Modern Warfare, offers a rigorous exploration of the moral, legal, and practical challenges faced by those engaged in armed conflict today. Whether you are a military professional, policymaker, student, or simply interested in the ethics of war, this course provides the intellectual tools needed to understand and navigate these issues with clarity and confidence. You will begin by examining the foundational concepts of ethics, morality, and law, and how they intersect in military contexts. Building on this, the course explores the boundaries between lawful and ethical action, highlighting real-world dilemmas faced by individuals and institutions in operational environments. The heart of the course lies in its in-depth examination of the three main traditions of ethical thinking: virtue ethics, consequentialism, and deontology (duty-based ethics). You will learn to analyse situations through these different lenses and appreciate how each framework offers distinct insights and potential solutions. Through interactive content, reflective exercises, and practical case studies, you will develop a nuanced understanding of how to evaluate complex moral questions. In the final part of the course, you will learn how to apply ethical triangulation—a method that draws on all three traditions—to resolve challenging ethical dilemmas in realistic military scenarios. This structured approach empowers you to move beyond theoretical understanding and apply ethical reasoning in practice. Designed by Professor David Whetham, a leading expert in military ethics from King’s College London, the course draws on years of experience teaching ethics to military officers around the world. It is self-paced, accessible, and requires no prior qualifications. By the end of the course, you will be able to critically engage with the ethical dimensions of modern warfare, question assumptions, recognise competing values, and make well-informed, principled decisions in the face of moral complexity. This is a short course that can be completed in 5 hours — designed to be flexible and fit into your schedule.
