Academic Activities

Ethical Issues of Conflict and Peace in Gaza: From Various Philosophical Perspectives

Date: 4th June, 2025 (Wednesday) 
Time: 2:00 - 5:00 PM (HKT)
Venue: Rm 514, 5/F, Lui Ming Choi Centre (LMC514), HSH Campus, HKBU

Moderator: Prof. Baldwin Wong, Assistant Professor, Academy of Chinese, History, Religion and Philosophy, HKBU

*This event is conducted in English.

This activity is CCL-recognized. 活動為聯通課程（CCL）。

*Participants who successfully registered the event will receive a confirmation email a few days before the event. 

成功報名者將於活動前收到確認電郵。*

Opening 

Time: 2:00-2:10 pm 

Honorable Guest:

Prof. Kwok Wai Luen, Associate Vice-President (Curriculum and Pedagogies); Director of General Education (General Education Office);  Professor, Academy of Chinese, History, Religion and Philosophy, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Hong Kong Baptist University.

“Gaza and the Non-Critical Critical Theorists of the West”

Time: 2:10-2:40 pm

Speaker:

Prof. Wai Kit Choi, Professor of Sociology, California State University, Los Angeles.

“Judaism and Zionism”

Time: 2:40-3:10 pm

Speaker:

Prof. Sylvia J. Martin, Fellow, Royal Anthropological Institute.

Break 

Time: 3:10-3:30 pm  
 

“Vividness, Utilitarianism, and Gaza”

Time: 3:30-4:00 pm

Speaker:

Dr. William Sin, Ph D, University of Reading, United Kingdom. 

Abstract:

In this presentation, I will start from Singer’s argument (1972) on famine relief; that is, physical distance is no longer morally significant in determining the bounds of our moral obligation. We are morally connected with the starving children in Bangladesh in the 70s as well as those in Gaza right now. But the situation in Gaza is not a pure famine; it is a man-made disaster: the Israeli Defense Force has been imposing a military blockade on Gaza for over three months now. In addition to constant bombing, there has been no food, water, electricity or medical aid to those who are in need in the area. Utilitarianism does not just require us to respond to the problem of hunger. If the root of the hunger problem is racial oppression and genocide, we must condemn it and try to stop it. Given that information regarding the genocide has been vastly available on social media, people in other parts of the world may have no reason to remain indifferent towards the matter. The more urgent the situation is, more transparent the information is, the more blameworthy people would have become for their irresponsiveness and ignorance here. However, I acknowledge that there is a cognitive warfare going on in the cyberspace and different political groups have been using their propaganda armies to repackage and reinterpret the history and news according to the needs of their political agendas. This would confuse the meaning and impact of even the most vivid representation of the Gazan children’s plight. I end the paper with my hope and belief that there is still room for rational inquiry into the matter. We must continue clarifying confusion and misinformation, and reveal to the world the true nature of this tragedy.

“Reimagining Conflict in Gaza and International Order: From the Perspective of Contingent Pacifism”

Time: 4:00-4:30 pm

Speaker:

Prof. Benedict Chan, Associate Dean (Teaching and Learning - Undergraduate Studies), Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences; Associate Professor, Academy of Chinese, History, Religion and Philosophy; Director, Centre for Applied Ethics, Hong Kong Baptist University.  

Abstract:

Abstract: This presentation explores the ethical dimensions of warfare and peace through the lens of contingent pacifism. Contingent pacifism challenges traditional just war theory by positing that the moral permissibility of war is heavily contingent on specific circumstances, often leading to a more restrictive stance on the use of force. This approach will be examined in the context of international order, with reference to key aspects of international law such as Article 2 and Article 51 of the UN Charter, Article 51 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, and Article 13 of Additional Protocol II. The recent conflicts in Gaza serve as a focal point to illustrate the practical implications of contingent pacifism. The presentation will address the ethical challenges faced by current international institutions, suggesting that an exclusive focus on negative pacifism may leave the global community grappling with a moral tragedy, necessitating a shift toward political realism. Whether elements of positive pacifism can contribute to comprehensive conflict resolution and peacebuilding remains uncertain and arguably pessimistic. This question requires further research and exploration, and the prospects for meaningful progress are, at best, uncertain.

 
Roundtable Discussion 

Time: 4:30-5:00 pm

Abstract 摘要

The ongoing conflicts in Gaza present profound moral and philosophical challenges that extend beyond political narratives. These situations prompt critical reflection on the challenges to the application of universal human rights and democratic values. This workshop will explore the limitations of various philosophical and social theories in providing a comprehensive moral assessment of such conflicts. Our presenters will examine alternative frameworks and critiques to better understand and address the ethical dimensions of suffering and conflict. Wai Kit Choi will focus on European critical theorists and explain their failure to recognize the annihilation of Palestinians in terms of their understanding of domination which erases the centrality of physical violence-a standpoint that was made possible by their historical position of never having been subjected to colonial racial extermination. To examine the possibility of an alternative source of moral critique, Sylvia J. Martin will discuss the tensions between Jewish ethical teachings and contemporary Zionist views, which have played a key role in the occupation of Palestinian territories. William Sin will turn to Western analytic moral philosophy and interrogate how futile utilitarian calculations of the "greater good" are when the media is overwhelmed with misinformation regarding Gaza's humanitarian crises. From the perspectives of contingent pacifism and international law and order (such as International Humanitarian Law and International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights), Benedict Chan will explore the ethical difficulties within current international institutions, suggesting that we may be entering a situation characterized by moral tragedy and a shift toward political realism.

For any inquiries, please contact cae@hkbu.edu.hk。

如有查詢，請電郵至cae@hkbu.edu.hk 。

Organizers 主辦單位：

Centre for Applied Ethics,  Hong Kong Baptist University 香港浸會大學 應用倫理學研究中心

Department of Religion and Philosophy, Hong Kong Baptist University 香港浸會大學宗教及哲學系

Asian and Asian American Institute (AAAI) , California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA)