The faces of war - analysis of theories and practices

elective seminars
general courses

(in Polish) Znajomość języka angielskiego

The aim of the seminar is to analyze modern theories of war. The context of the seminar is the war taking place across Poland's eastern border, but also other conflicts taking place in various parts of the world. The basic assumption underlying the course is the belief that both war practices and the geopolitical context undergo such transformations that they require rethinking the existing theories of war. During the seminar, therefore, we will conduct a critical analysis of selected theories of war, taking into account examples of contemporary war practices, taking into account the broader geopolitical context. Our intention is also to try to develop conceptual tools for the analysis of contemporary war.

The aim of the seminar is to analyze modern theories of war. The context of the seminar is the war taking place across Poland's eastern border, but also other conflicts taking place in various parts of the world. The basic assumption underlying the course is the belief that both war practices and the geopolitical context undergo such transformations that they require rethinking the existing theories of war. During the seminar, therefore, we will conduct a critical analysis of selected theories of war, taking into account examples of contemporary war practices, taking into account the broader geopolitical context. Our intention is also to try to develop conceptual tools for the analysis of contemporary war.

Particularly important problems from the point of view of the discussed issue are the relationship and the border between the army and civilians, how this relationship has been and is described in the discourse of the theory of war and in legal regulations, feminist analyzes that take up the issue of the place of women and children, and reproduction of life in a situation of war, how the geopolitical context influences interpretations of the normative dimension of war. The context of these considerations will be not only the conceptual tools

Acquired knowledge:

In terms of knowledge, the student:

- has knowledge of basic issues in the field of the theory of war and knows their genesis and historical development as well as theories critical to them

- knows the most important positions in contemporary disputes in these fields and the argumentation strategies used in them

- knows the basic categories of the discourse of war

- knows the views of philosophers included in the canon of knowledge in the field of theory of war

Acquired skills:

In terms of skills, the student:

- can indicate and explain the theoretical and normative assumptions of theory of war and their criticism

- can determine the political consequences of normative positions

- analyzes argumentation strategies

- recognizes the relationship between theoretical and practical knowledge

- is able to undertake and lead a discussion on current political problems at the conceptual level

Acquired social competences:

In terms of attitudes, the student:

- recognizes the philosophical dimension of political issues

- gains a critical distance to political issues

- shapes an open attitude to the diversity of socio-political views

Additional learning outcomes for doctoral students:

Acquired knowledge:

- to the extent that allows the revision of existing paradigms - world achievements, including theoretical foundations as well as general issues and selected specific issues - appropriate for the disciplines of the theory of war

- fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization from the perspective of the humanities

Acquired skills:

- make a critical analysis and evaluation of the results of scientific research, expert activities and other works of a creative nature and their contribution to the development of knowledge

- participate in scientific discourse within the humanities

Acquired social competences:

- independent and critical assessment of achievements within a given discipline of the humanities

- critically assess their own contribution to the development of a given scientific discipline and conduct discussions, formulate substantive arguments, express their arguments with respect for others, show an attitude of openness to the type of reflection appropriate for various humanities, with respect for different views