Dear Theo,
Much as I enjoy reading the various debates currently running in the Newsletter, I thought that for my first contribution I had better start a completely new topic. (Although this could have some tenuous connection to Dave Botting's comments on cannibalism [C 88, p4].)
Aggression is a normal part of human behaviour. Indeed, it is a 'natural' feature of all (thinking) animals. Yet to claim that the mass murder caused by war is simply an extrapolation of 'domestic violence' on a global scale is, I think, unacceptable. (Cf. Dave Botting's comments on moral relativism.)
Most (all ?) wars are caused by political disagreements which (apparently) cannot be settled peacefully. But why do the politicians concerned think that it is right for them to stay in their bunkers, and send out large numbers of people - who may very well disagree with the politicians over the ends in question - to kill each other ? It is interesting to note that, following his own experiences beginning with the siege of Sebastopol, Tolstoy claimed that a better way to fight "would be for each army to exchange men, one-for-one, until one or more of the armies had only one man left [and then] let the war be decided on a personal fight between those few men only" (paraphrasing slightly).
[Tolstoy, tr.1889, "My Religion"]
So, when the next war arises, why not force the politicians out of their cubby-holes, to fight themselves ? Why not let the Northern Ireland disputes be settled by a boxing match between Tony Blair, Ian Paisley, Gerry Adams and Mo Mowlam ?? Is it not true (now paraphrasing Plato) that many, if not most, citizens are only concerned about political disputes when the disputes start to interfere with the citizens' personal lives ? and, if so, surely politicians who order mass conscription are doing no better than the Nazi leaders who presided over the gas chambers?
[The quote of Plato is taken from Joad, "Teach Yourself Philosophy", Everyman University Press]
Looking forward to replies !
Mike Rossell, Middlesex University
Regards,
Theo