Ep. 01
In this thought-provoking episode, hosts Adam Hakan and Amy Septerfield explore a compelling article that delves into the complex factors shaping moral decisions made by Israeli soldiers during military operations. Titled “Factors Influencing Moral Decisions in the Use of Force,” the article investigates how soldiers navigate the challenging terrain of targeting terrorists in civilian areas.
Join Adam and Amy as they break down the study’s findings, which reveal a significant correlation between moral decision-making and four key variables: the proportionality principle, religiosity, authoritarian personality traits, and political attitudes. The hosts highlight how agreement with the proportionality principle—balancing military advantage against potential collateral damage—serves as a strong predictor of moral choices in high-stakes situations.
The episode also examines potential differences in decision-making processes across various groups, including regular soldiers, reserve soldiers, and students, as well as between male and female students. Adam and Amy engage in a candid discussion, offering insights into how these factors influence the ethical dilemmas faced by soldiers on the ground and the broader implications for military conduct.
Tune in for an enlightening conversation that tackles the intersection of morality, military strategy, and human behavior in the context of one of the most challenging conflicts in modern history.