This course helps third-class Cadets develop their capacities to think clearly and critically and to write in a logically rigorous and conceptually precise manner. The course acquaints Cadets with various viewpoints on major philosophic issues, a significant part of it is devoted to developing Cadets' ethical reasoning ability. The study of ethical theory provides the foundation for this ability as well as the foundation for their Academy's character development efforts. The course also includes a substantial block on the ethical application of military power through the study of the Just War Tradition.
