In answer, this paper supports Christopher Coker‘s argument that humanity is more likely to remain in the war enterprise, contesting that war’s evolutionary process is open-ended and thus inevitable. While the paper argues that we cannot eliminate war, it acknowledges that we can do more to mitigate war. The study will methodically consider how war continues to evolve as part of human nature, culture, and technology to demonstrate that war is unstoppable, then considers the extent to which we can mitigate war and its devastating consequences via institutions and humane warfare.
While Plato would argue that “only the dead have seen the end of war” (Bowden, 2001), philosophers and scholars including Immanuel Kant, John Horgan, and Stephen Pinker envisage the long-peace and the end of war. The enders’ momentum and optimism to eliminate war is what Gustave Flaubert (1954) would describe as a “thunder against” war. Scholars and philosophers on the enders’ platform infer that “humanity has become much wealthier, healthier and more free, and war-related casualties have plummeted since the end of World War Two” (Horgan, 2015), therefore the end of war is possible and imminent. In addition, Pinker, in his seminal work “The Better Angels of Our Nature,” posits that humanity is becoming more civilised and less violent since the European Enlightenment, hence there is a little incentive for war.
The enders’ ‘thunder against war’ has ignited scholarly and philosophical debates in which John Gray, for instance, disputes that Pinker is wrong about violence and war, stating "peace and freedom alternate with war and tyranny, eras of increasing wealth with periods of economic collapse. Instead of becoming ever stronger and more widely spread, civilization remains inherently fragile and regularly succumbs to barbarism" (Horgan, 2015). In a similar perspective, Christopher Coker, world renowned philosopher of war, proposes that war is fundamental to our society, therefore to eliminate war is to alter humanity. Coker argues that “war is continuing to evolve and that until such time as it reaches an evolutionary dead-end we are more likely than not to remain in the war business” (Coker, 2014, p. 73). But the questions remain: can we do more, and even so, can war be eliminated?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Introduction
- Human nature and war
- Culture and war
- Technology and war
- Mitigating war
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper examines the ongoing debate on whether war can be eliminated, challenging the optimistic view that humanity is progressing towards a lasting peace. It argues that war is an integral part of human evolution, inherent in our nature, culture, and technological development. This paper explores how war continues to evolve, demonstrating its inevitability, while acknowledging the potential to mitigate its devastating consequences through institutions and humane warfare.
- The inevitability of war as a part of human nature and evolution
- The role of culture in shaping and perpetuating warfare
- The impact of technology on the evolution and consequences of war
- The potential to mitigate war and its effects through institutional frameworks and humane warfare practices
- The contrasting perspectives of "endists" and those who view war as an inescapable part of human existence
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Introduction: The introduction sets the stage for the debate, highlighting the contrasting views of those who believe war can be eliminated and those who see it as an inherent part of human existence. It establishes the central question of whether war can be eliminated, while acknowledging the possibility of mitigating its impact.
- Human nature and war: This chapter delves into the argument that war is rooted in human nature, exploring concepts such as Hobbes's "war of all against all," the role of competition, fear, and honor in driving conflict, and the potential influence of biological determinism. It examines the views of scholars like Hobbes, Sloan-Wilson, and Horgan on the connection between human nature and warfare.
- Culture and war: This chapter explores the cultural dimensions of war, arguing that it is not merely an abstract idea but a deeply ingrained part of human societies. It examines the enduring influence of warrior culture, the evolution of cultural practices related to war, and how cultural values and beliefs shape attitudes towards conflict. The chapter considers examples such as the warrior culture, the concept of sacrifice, and the changing role of women in military service.
- Technology and war: This chapter examines the complex relationship between technology and war, arguing that technological advancements often contribute to the evolution and escalation of conflict. It explores the development of violent technologies from ancient times to modern weaponry, including the use of drones and weapons of mass destruction. The chapter also considers the debate over whether some technologies, such as nuclear weapons, can act as deterrents to war.
- Mitigating war: This chapter shifts the focus from the inevitability of war to the possibility of mitigating its effects. It examines the role of international institutions, human rights agencies, and humane warfare practices in reducing the scale and severity of conflict. The chapter highlights efforts to promote human rights, reduce collateral damage, and ensure the humane treatment of combatants and civilians.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper examines the complex and enduring nature of war, exploring key concepts such as human nature, cultural evolution, technological advancements, humane warfare, and the enduring debate between those who believe war can be eliminated and those who consider it an inescapable part of human existence. It delves into perspectives on war from philosophers and scholars such as Hobbes, Kant, Pinker, and Coker, and examines the impact of institutions, human rights, and technological innovations on the conduct of warfare.
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- Divine S. K. Agbeti (Autor:in), 2016, Thunder against war. Can we do more and can we eliminate it?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/346675