Jeff McMahan
Sekyra and White's Professor of Moral Philosophy at the University of Oxford, specializing in practical ethics, political philosophy, and the ethics of killing; author and editor of work on controversial ethical issues.
Best podcasts with Jeff McMahan
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Mar 5, 2026 • 57min
Is it moral to attack Iran?
Jeff McMahan, moral philosopher questioning just-war claims. Shiva Mahbobi, former political prisoner offering an Iranian dissident view. Simon Mabon, international politics expert warning of regional fallout. Barak Seener, policy advocate for robust action. James Orr, philosopher analysing moral criteria. Mona Siddiqui, ethicist on human-rights implications. Anne McElvoy and Matthew Taylor add political and policy perspective. They debate legality, timing, regional consequences and humanitarian claims.
Oct 27, 2025 • 1h 17min
#1168 Jeff McMahan: The Ethics of Political Violence: Can It Be Justified?
In this discussion, Jeff McMahan, Professor of Moral Philosophy at Oxford, dives deep into the murky waters of political violence. He defines its parameters, distinguishing it from war and questioning if actions like genocide qualify as such. McMahan examines whether political violence can ever be justified, highlighting cases like Palestinian resistance and the ethics surrounding political assassinations, including the controversial Charlie Kirk case. He also tackles the ramifications of celebrating murders and debates the consequences for those expressing radical political views, emphasizing context.
