Ethical Issues of Conflict and Peace in Gaza: From Various Philosophical Perspectives

The ongoing conflicts in Gaza present profound moral and philosophical challenges that extend beyond political narratives. These situations prompt critical reflection on the challenges to the application of universal human rights and democratic values. This workshop will explore the limitations of various philosophical and social theories in providing a comprehensive moral assessment of such conflicts. Our presenters will examine alternative frameworks and critiques to better understand and address the ethical dimensions of suffering and conflict.

Wai Kit Choi will focus on European critical theorists and explain their failure to recognize the annihilation of Palestinians in terms of their understanding of domination which erases the centrality of physical violence-a standpoint that was made possible by their historical position of never having been subjected to colonial racial extermination. To examine the possibility of an alternative source of moral critique, Sylvia J. Martin will discuss the tensions between Jewish ethical teachings and contemporary Zionist views, which have played a key role in the occupation of Palestinian territories. William Sin will turn to Western analytic moral philosophy and interrogate how futile utilitarian calculations of the "greater good" are when the media is overwhelmed with misinformation regarding Gaza's humanitarian crises. From the perspectives of contingent pacifism and international law and order (such as International Humanitarian Law and International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights), Benedict Chan will explore the ethical difficulties within current international institutions, suggesting that we may be entering a situation characterized by moral tragedy and a shift toward political realism.