Experts to grapple with "The Ethics of Assassination" in March 27 symposium

February 2, 2012

When governments use assassination as a tool, certain questions must be considered: Is it legal? Is it morally acceptable? Can it be justified under certain conditions? Does it matter if the target is a political, military or civilian leader?

Experts in the fields of law, public policy and philosophy will examine the morality, legality and nature of assassination and whether it differs from other types of killing in a symposium on “The Ethics of Assassination,” March 27, 4-8 p.m., at the University of Richmond’s Jepson Alumni Center.

The symposium will include a panel session, reception and keynote lecture. It is free and open to the public, but online registration is required by March 20.

The keynote speaker is Eric Greitens, a Navy Seal officer and founder and chief executive officer of The Mission Continues, a nonprofit organization that serves wounded veterans. Greitens is the author of “The Heart and the Fist,” a New York Times best-seller, and the award-winning book “Strength and Compassion.” He has received numerous awards for his military service, including the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Purple Heart, and the Bronze Star.

Panelists will include:

  • Whitley R. P. Kaufman, professor of philosophy, University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has written extensively on preventive war, the legal justification of self-defense and the moral legitimacy of causing harm to civilians in war

  • Mary Ellen O’Connell, Robert and Marion Short Professor of Law and Research Professor of International Dispute Resolution, University of Notre Dame, and author of “The Power and Purpose of International Law.”

  • David L. Perry, director of the Vann Center for Ethics at Davidson College and author of “Partly Cloudy: Ethics in War, Espionage, Covert Action, and Interrogation.”

The symposium is sponsored by the Jepson School of Leadership Studies, in conjunction with the Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL) program. The event is made possible by a grant from the Richard Davoud Donchian Foundation, which is dedicated to “building the framework for intelligent, ethical and compassionate leadership.”

A book signing will follow the keynote lecture.

For more information, visit jepson.richmond.edu, email nnock@richmond.edu or call (804) 287-1960. For attorneys, this program qualifies for 1.5 hours (0.0 ethics) of MCLE credit.