In 'Arguing about War,' Michael Walzer delves into the ethical complexities surrounding conflict and warfare, challenging traditional justifications for war. Through thought-provoking analysis and compelling historical examples, he questions whether moral principles can truly be upheld in the chaos of battle. Walzer invites readers to ponder the weight of political responsibility and the consequences of intervention. His exploration of just war theory ignites debate on the morality of military action, making us confront uncomfortable truths about human nature. Engage with this critical discourse and discover how morality and war intersect in ways that will reshape your understanding of global conflicts.
By Michael Walzer
Published: 2005
"In war, the destruction of the enemy is paramount; yet what is often overlooked is the vital importance of maintaining our own humanity in the midst of chaos."
A provocative discussion of recent wars and the issues that surround them, written by a preeminent political theorist Michael Walzer is one of the world's most eminent philosophers on the subject of war and ethics. Now, for the first time since his classic Just and Unjust Wars was published almost three decades ago, this volume brings together his most provocative arguments about contemporary military conflicts and the ethical issues they raise. The essays in the book are divided into three sections. The first deals with issues such as humanitarian intervention, emergency ethics, and terrorism. The second consists of Walzer's responses to particular wars, including the first Gulf War, Kosovo, Afghanistan, and Iraq. And the third presents an essay in which Walzer imagines a future in which war might play a less significant part in our lives. In his introduction, Walzer reveals how his thinking has changed over time. Written during a period of intense debate over the proper use of armed force, this book gets to the heart of difficult problems and argues persuasively for a moral perspective on war.
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“In war, the destruction of the enemy is paramount; yet what is often overlooked is the vital importance of maintaining our own humanity in the midst of chaos.”
Arguing about War
By Michael Walzer
Discover a world of knowledge through our extensive collection of book summaries.
Michael Walzer is an esteemed American political theorist and author known for his influential work in the fields of political philosophy and social justice. He is best recognized for his notable books, including 'Just and Unjust Wars', 'Spheres of Justice', and 'The Company of Critics'. Walzer's writing is characterized by its rigorous analysis, engaging prose, and a focus on the moral implications of political actions. His contributions to debates on ethics in warfare, multiculturalism, and democracy have established him as a prominent voice in contemporary political thought.
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