John Kaag
Papers
1
Total Citations
26
H-Index
1
About
John Kaag is a philosopher whose work bridges the pragmatist tradition with pressing ethical questions in contemporary warfare and technology. His research centers on American philosophy, the philosophy of war, and the moral implications of military innovation. In his highly cited paper "Military frameworks: technological know-how and the legitimization of warfare" (2009, 26 citations), Kaag critically examines how precision-guided munitions and advanced military technologies reshape the ethical landscape of armed conflict. He argues that technological "know-how" often serves to legitimize warfare by creating a false sense of moral clarity, complicating the pursuit of a truly "just war." Beyond this, Kaag is widely recognized for his accessible and award-winning books, including *American Philosophy: A Love Story* and *Hiking with Nietzsche*, which bring pragmatist thought to a broader audience. His work has been featured in major outlets like *The New York Times* and *The Atlantic*, earning him a reputation as a public intellectual who makes complex philosophical ideas relevant to modern life. With a career marked by both scholarly rigor and cultural impact, Kaag continues to challenge readers to think critically about technology, ethics, and the human condition.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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