True Faith And Allegiance: The Burden of Military Ethics [Hardcover]

James H. Toner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 3, 1995

James H. Toner is professor of international relations and military ethics at the U.S. Air War College and author of Morals Under the Gun.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Toner, professor of international relations and military ethics at the Air War College in Alabama, addresses this volume "to those who hate the things and thoughts of war but accept its necessity when the alternatives are greater evils." He argues that military ethics, the study of honorable and shameful conduct in armed forces, is not an oxymoron. He distinguishes between the ethics of military institutions, which are collectives, and the ethics of individuals in the military. The latter begins with training and education that develop character as well as competence. General codes of conduct, he maintains, while important, cannot replace personal ethical choices. Ultimately, concludes Toner, private morality-the ability to distinguish right from wrong and abide the consequences-is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of the profession of arms. In the era of Tailhook and the Iran-Contra scandal, his is a down-to-earth approach to a vexed subject.
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Review

"Toner has packed considerable challenge into this brief volume, a challenge to which all of us who care about the future of this country and its military profession must respond." -- Air Power Journal

"Truly valuable" -- Choice

"Nothing in print provides such a wealth of factual case studies relevant to military ethics." -- Lt. Col. Paul Christopher

"The issues are timely and have a clear pubic-policy relevance." -- Naval War College Review

"Toner's book serves as both microscope and mirror for those willing to take a penetrating look at the military services and what they mean to individual members and to society." -- Proceedings

"Ultimately, concludes Toner, private morality... is fundamental in maintaining the integrity of the profession of arms. In the era of Tailhook and the Iran-Contra scandal, his is a down-to-earth approach to a vexed subject." -- Publishers Weekly

"If military ethics are better understood and improved, they can sound a more general moral awakening in America, reminding us all that there are many things worth doing honorably." -- Society

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: The University Press of Kentucky (January 3, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813118816
• ISBN-13: 978-0813118819
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.7 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,663,935 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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