The Moral Equivalent of War

Blog Post 2: The Moral Equivalent of War

by William James

Pages 45-56

  William James, an established American thinker in the fields of philosophy, psychology, and physiology, published an essay entitled The Moral Equivalent of War in 1910, in which he proves that despite his own pacifist beliefs, a world without war is not yet possible or desirable. The author of numerous related books argues that in the absence of war, political unity and the character of man cannot be built until pacifists find a more moral tool to serve its mental and emotional purposes.

        Man, says James, has been bred to be militaristic: “We inherit the warlike type; and for most of the capacities of heroism that the human race is full of we have to thank this cruel history” (James 47). Not only does he believe war to have merit, but even that it is an inherited aspect of human nature. The metaphorical comparison to something passed from generation to generation, whether viewed from a biological perspective or in terms of family heirlooms, links war with human identity, establishing its profound sentimental value. Despite any objection to war’s bestial qualities, James insists upon thanking the “cruel history.” “War is the strong life; it is life in extremis,” he emphatically states (James 46). Such poignant diction appeals to the reader on an emotional level, a basis for much of James’s writing.

        James bolsters his thesis with historical and literary evidence, allowing him achieve his purpose. References to the Boer War (James 47), recent in his initial readers’ minds, and The Iliad (James 46) give him credibility he would not otherwise command. James recognizes that to date there is no better solution than war, but offers a suggestion all the same: rather than conscription into the military, young men might enlist to work in road-building or dish-washing to make them tough without the callousness obtained in warfare. He appeases fellow pacifists with the notion that a peaceful utopia may be obtained later, while also reaffirming the militaristic belief that war is necessary. Therefore, while offering hope for the future, he successfully convinces his audience that war, for the time being, is a necessity.

(350 words)

http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/WSU-puts-World-War-I-and-II-propaganda-online-4968772.php#photo-5437347

War is a Part of Us

Through James's essay and this propaganda poster, one can see fact that war is engrained in human nature. "Be a man," the poster commands. Just as James states in his essay, war is used as a means to toughen young men. This also implies that if one does not sign up to fight, he is not a true man. Society has an idea of what a man should be, "tough" or "brave" being masculine qualities. War, it seems, is the only way to prove one's gallantry. James hopes, however, that the future might offer a less violent solution, while still to some degree upholding those ideals.