Pauline M. Shanks Kaurin, Ph.D.
Professor College of Leadership and Ethics

Biography
Pauline Shanks Kaurin is professor and Admiral James B. Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics. She holds a Ph.D. in philosophy from Temple University and specializes in military ethics, “just war theory” and philosophy of law and applied ethics. She is author of “On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Community and Citizenry” and “Achilles Goes Asymmetrical: The Warrior, Military Ethics and Contemporary Warfare.” She served as a contributor for The Strategy Bridge and has published in War on the Rocks, Clear Defense, The Wavell Room, Grounded Curiosity, Newsweek and Just Security. She is a member and serves on the board of directors for the Military Writers Guild.
Contact Information
Areas of Expertise
- Civil-Military Relations
- Ethics
- Irregular Warfare
- Leadership
- Vietnam War
Professional Highlights
Author
Stockdale Chair in Professional Military Ethics
Education
Ph.D., Temple University, Philosophy
M.A., University of Manitoba, Philosophy
B.A., Concordia College, Philosophy and International Relations
Research Contributions and Publications
Ethics
Military Ethics
Military Professionalism
Moral Injury
Moral Agency, Promising and My Lai
Leadership and Ethics
Philosophy and Race
David Hume
Philosophy of Law/International Law
Strategy and Ethics
Just War Thinking
Asymmetric War
Moral Education and Professional Military Education
Narrative Theory and Case studies
Military Honor
External Memberships and Associations
International Society for Military Ethics
Society for Public Philosophy in America
Material and external links contained herein are made available for the purpose of peer review and discussion and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Naval War College, Department of the Navy or the Department of Defense.