Jeff McMahan is an American philosopher renowned for his extensive work in normative and applied ethics. His philosophical inquiries delve deeply into complex moral dilemmas at the margins of life, critically examining traditional approaches to the ethics of war. McMahan is distinguished by his incisive analysis and his challenging of deeply held beliefs within ethical theories. His thought-provoking work prompts readers to reconsider fundamental moral principles.
Jeff McMahan urges us to reject the view, dominant throughout history, that mere participation in an unjust war is not wrong. He argues powerfully that combatants who fight for an unjust cause are acting wrongly and are themselves morally responsible for their actions. We must rethink our attitudes to the moral role of the individual in war.