The Ethics of Universal Standards

September 11

Traces Chomsky’s case that moral principles must apply equally to powerful states, their allies, and their enemies.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Compassion for Victims Compassion for Victims from "September 11". Compassion for Victims Chomsky affirms the horror of the attacks and the sympathy owed to their victims.

Compassion for Victims from "September 11". Compassion for Victims Chomsky affirms the horror of the attacks and the sympathy owed to their victims.

Compassion for Victims Chomsky affirms the horror of the attacks and the sympathy owed to their victims. Unambiguous Condemnation He rejects the suggestion that historical explanation softens the crime. A Moral Starting Point Compassion becomes credible when it is not reserved for victims who belong to powerful societies.

Forgotten Foreign Victims Forgotten Foreign Victims from "September 11". Forgotten Foreign Victims Chomsky contrasts attention to American victims with the neglect of people harmed by American policy abroad.

Forgotten Foreign Victims from "September 11". Forgotten Foreign Victims Chomsky contrasts attention to American victims with the neglect of people harmed by American policy abroad.

Forgotten Foreign Victims Chomsky contrasts attention to American victims with the neglect of people harmed by American policy abroad. Unequal Grief Civilian deaths in Nicaragua, Iraq, Lebanon, and Sudan receive far less public recognition. A Wider Circle A serious ethic must recognize suffering without sorting victims by nationality or political usefulness.

The Same Rule for All The Same Rule for All from "September 11". The Same Rule for All Chomsky argues that acts judged wrong when committed against one society must also be condemned when performed by that society.

The Same Rule for All from "September 11". The Same Rule for All Chomsky argues that acts judged wrong when committed against one society must also be condemned when performed by that society.

The Same Rule for All Chomsky argues that acts judged wrong when committed against one society must also be condemned when performed by that society. Universal Judgment Power does not change the moral character of violence against civilians. A Difficult Standard Applying the rule to one’s own government is more demanding than condemning distant enemies.

Responsibility at Home Responsibility at Home from "September 11". Responsibility at Home Chomsky assigns citizens some responsibility for violence conducted in their name.

Responsibility at Home from "September 11". Responsibility at Home Chomsky assigns citizens some responsibility for violence conducted in their name.

Responsibility at Home Chomsky assigns citizens some responsibility for violence conducted in their name. Public Obligations Tax support, political immunity, and selective memory make national responsibility more than an abstract question. Facing the Record Recognition of complicity can create pressure for restraint and accountability.

The Test of Practice The Test of Practice from "September 11". The Test of Practice The moral rule is tested when it would constrain one’s own side.

The Test of Practice The moral rule is tested when it would constrain one’s own side. Reciprocal Judgment If force cannot be justified for an enemy, it cannot be justified merely because a powerful state uses it. A Foundation for Peace Universal standards offer a basis for addressing violence without endorsing endless retaliation.

September 11, 2001

As the attacks are debated in September 2001

In the September 2001 interviews

In the postface

In the closing arguments of the postface