Guilt and Child Soldiers
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2-2016
Published In
Ethical Theory And Moral Practice
Abstract
The use of child soldiers in armed conflict is an increasing global concern. Although philosophers have examined whether child soldiers can be considered combatants in war, much less attention has been paid to their moral responsibility. While it is tempting to think of them as having diminished or limited responsibility, child soldiers often report feeling guilt for the wrongs they commit. Here I argue that their feelings of guilt are both intelligible and morally appropriate. The feelings of guilt that child soldiers experience are not self-censure; rather their guilt arises from their attempts to come to terms with what they see as their own morally ambiguous motives. Their guilt is appropriate because it reaffirms their commitment to morality and facilitates their self-forgiveness.
Keywords
Child soldiers, Guilt, Moral responsibility, Coercion, Self-forgiveness
Recommended Citation
Krista Karbowski Thomason.
(2016).
"Guilt and Child Soldiers".
Ethical Theory And Moral Practice.
Volume 19,
Issue 1.
115-127.
DOI: 10.1007/s10677-015-9595-3
https://works.swarthmore.edu/fac-philosophy/228