This course deals with the study of the nature of war, the philosophical and political issues that arise from the conflict between people as well as the values relating to life and death. Included in this course are the questions regarding the nature of man, the morality of war and a possible integrated theory of peace.
To examine what war is all about, the whys of its existence and beginnings, and to understand the motivations behind human conflicts and ideologies. To stare hard and long at the interests, beliefs and values that govern the passions of men. More significantly, to inspect the possibilities of laying down the foundation of peace towards national and international relations.
I. Is War Inherent In Human Nature?
Is war man's invention or a biological necessity? Does man have a natural propensity towards violence and aggression? Does instinct explain?
| "Naked Ape Or Homo Sapiens?" by John Lewis & Bernard Torres. The Philosophic Impulse: A Contemporary Introduction. California: Wadsworth Pub. Co. |
| "Cain's Children" by Robert Ardrey. The Philosophic Impulse |
| "Because War Is Inherent In Human Nature?" by James P. Speer. World Polity. California: Q.E.D. Press, 1986. |
| "Phenomenology of War" by Pierre Joseph Proudhon. The Philosophic Impulse. |
What is war? What are its common causes? War according to some philosophers.
| "Theories On The Nature Of War" by Kenneth W. Thompson. Conflict And Cooperation Among Nations. New York: Holt, Rinehart & Winston, Inc., 1960. |
| "The Causes of War" by Frederick Hartman. The Relations of Nations. 4th ed. New York: McMillan Book Co., 1973. |
| "Of the State of War" by John Locke. Political And Social Philosophy: Traditional and Contemporary Readings. New York: McGraw-Hill Book Co., 1973. |
| "The Social Contract" by Jean Jacques Rousseau. Political and Social Philosophy. |
Can war be justified? Is there morality behind acts of war?
| "Moral Man and Immoral Society" by Reinhold Niehbuhr. Political And Social Philosophy. |
| "How Much Can 'The Just War' Justify?" by Donald Wells. Ethics And Public Policy. New Jersey: Prentice-Hall, Inc., 1975. |
| "The Moral Logic of War" by Ralph B. Potter, Jr. Peace And War. Beitz, Charles & Theodore Herman (eds.) San Francisco: W. H. Freeman & Co., 1973. |
| "Critique of Armed Force as an Instrument of Justice" by H.J.N. Horsburg. Peace And War. |
Are there rules governing war? How should prisoners-of-war be treated? What humane treatment ought to be afforded to children, women and old people during war?
| "Methods and Means of Warfare: Combatant and Prisoner-of-War Status". Protocol I. The Geneva Conventions of Aug. 12, 1949. |
| "Treatment of Persons in the Power of a Party to the Conflict". Protocol I. |
| "Humane Treatment". Protocol II. Part II. |
Is peace possible theoretically? Or is it just an ideal?
| "Perpetual Peace" by Immanuel Kant. Kant: Selections. Lewis White (ed.). New York: MacMillan Pub. Co., 1988. |
Quiz every meeting or at the start of every new article. A paper is required two weeks before the Final Exams . All of the references listed in this Course Outline are available at the Reserved Section, Main Library.
http://amychaves.bizland.com/courses/war/ph58.htm