Paul Morrow
Philosophy

Book
Unconscionable Crimes: How Norms Explain and Constrain Mass Atrocities
MIT Press, September 2020
Presents the first general theory of the influence of norms on genocide and mass atrocity. Addresses outstanding problems of explanation and prevention posed by large-scale crimes. Employs primary sources consulted at the Fortunoff Archive, the Wiener Library, the Bodleian Library, and elsewhere. Website Introduction
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Articles and Book Chapters
The Meaning of Mass Atrocity Beyond Our Moral Fate
Analyse & Kritik, 2020
Asks what the historical record of mass atrocities can tell us about the prospects for durable moral progress in human societies. Focuses particular attention on philosopher Allen Buchanan's recent monograph, Our Moral Fate.
Naturalizing the Centennial: History, Memory, and the Limits of Human Lifespans
Memory Studies, 2020
Provides a naturalistic account of centennials based on upper limits to human lifespans. Shows how these limits
explain centennials' key functions as standards of greatness, mirrors of progress, and spurs to renovation. Considers how centennial practices might change in a future age of extended longevity. View Abstract
Identity-Directed Norm Transformations and Moral Progress
Journal of Value Inquiry, 2019
Analyzes the relationship between identity-instituting and identity-vindicating norm transformations. Draws on archival sources to show that such transformations can provide both
evidence of, and mechanisms for, moral progress. Get Paper
Contingent Pacifism
Routledge Handbook of Pacifism and Nonviolence, 2018
Defends a contingent pacifist position towards personal participation in war. Critiques the
account of individual decision-making about prospective military service offered in L.A. Paul's
Transformative Experience, and provides an alternative analysis of the moral and epistemic conditions
for this choice. View Abstract
A Theory of Atrocity Propaganda
Humanity, 2018
Develops a novel theory of atrocity propaganda rooted in C.L. Stevenson's notion of persuasive
definition. Explains how accusations of engaging in atrocity propagandizing can themselves serve
propagandistic purposes, and outlines strategies for defusing this threat. Get Paper
Are Holocaust Museums Unique?
Philosophy, 2016
Argues that Holocaust museums are comparable to other kinds of museums in their selection
of exhibits, strategies for educating patrons, and reliance on professional/artifactual networks. View Abstract
The Thesis of Norm Transformation in the Theory of Mass Atrocity
Genocide Studies and Prevention, 2015
Clarifies and defends claim that changes in norms are central the explanation and prevention of genocide and other mass atrocities. Considers the evaluative implications of this thesis. Get Paper
Mass Atrocity and Manipulation of Social Norms
Social Theory and Practice, 2014
Assesses means by which manipulation of social norms may help encourage, or alternatively deter, individual participation in mass atrocity. Provides detailed discussion of the historical case of Nazi language rules. Get Paper
Research
