Track
Philosophical and ethical enquiries
Moderator
Mariarosaria Taddeo, Oxford Internet Institute, University of Oxford (President, International Association for Computing and Philosophy)
Objectives
In the age of the information revolution, the ability to control, disrupt or manipulate the enemy’s information infrastructure has become as decisive as weapon superiority with respect to determining the outcome of conflicts. It does not come as a surprise then that, during the past decade, information warfare has acquired a central role in both defensive and offensive strategies. This new form of warfare is rapidly changing the dynamics of combat as well as the role that warfare plays in political negotiations and the life of civil societies. Such changes are not the exclusive concern of the military, for they also have a bearing on philosophers, ethicists and policymakers, since existing ethical theories of war, together with national and international regulations, struggle to address the novelties of this phenomenon. The issue could not be more pressing for there is a much felt and fast escalating need to share information and coordinate ethical theorising. The symposium will offer a venue for debating the most relevant conceptual and ethical issues posed by the dissemination of information warfare.
Subjects and scope
Submissions of abstract (up to 1000 words) are invited focusing on:
- Applicability of Just War Theory to the case of Information Warfare;
- Moral responsibility and automation;
- Regulatory gap;
- The distinction between civilians and military.
Format
The available time will be used to:
- allow four speakers to present their papers (15 minutes each); and
- organize a round table on key problems concerning the regulation of information warfare.
Important Dates
Submission deadline: 27 February 2015
Notification of acceptance: 20 March 2015
