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Questions and Answers
According to Cicero, war is defined as
According to Cicero, war is defined as
- A contention by force (correct)
- A type of social action to compel an enemy to submit
- An act intended to make the enemy do your will
- A state of affairs that may exist even without fighting
According to Thomas Hobbes, war can exist even when
According to Thomas Hobbes, war can exist even when
- There is an act of force to compel an enemy
- There is a state of affairs
- There is a contention by force
- There is no fighting (correct)
According to Carl von Clausewitz, war is the continuation of
According to Carl von Clausewitz, war is the continuation of
- Economic, social, and political means
- Nation-states' political relations
- Politics by other means (correct)
- Military violence as a last resort
According to Sun Tzu, the ideal way to win a war is
According to Sun Tzu, the ideal way to win a war is
According to Martin Shaw, war can be defined as
According to Martin Shaw, war can be defined as
What is a problem with Cicero's definition of war?
What is a problem with Cicero's definition of war?
What is a problem with Clausewitz's definition of war?
What is a problem with Clausewitz's definition of war?
What is a problem with Shaw's definition of war?
What is a problem with Shaw's definition of war?
What is a problem with Hobbes' definition of war?
What is a problem with Hobbes' definition of war?
What is a problem with Sun Tzu's definition of war?
What is a problem with Sun Tzu's definition of war?
War is usually defined as a type of social problem because of several factors. Which of the following is NOT one of those factors?
War is usually defined as a type of social problem because of several factors. Which of the following is NOT one of those factors?
What are the four broad social conditions that characterize a condition of war, according to the text?
What are the four broad social conditions that characterize a condition of war, according to the text?
According to the historian Quincy Wright, how does he define war?
According to the historian Quincy Wright, how does he define war?
What does the anthropologist Douglas Fry define war as?
What does the anthropologist Douglas Fry define war as?
What are some examples of war-related activities?
What are some examples of war-related activities?
What are the three successive levels of public hostility mentioned in the text?
What are the three successive levels of public hostility mentioned in the text?
What is one reason why war is usually defined as a type of social problem?
What is one reason why war is usually defined as a type of social problem?
What are some social conditions that are present during war?
What are some social conditions that are present during war?
What is one factor that contributes to war being more destructive?
What is one factor that contributes to war being more destructive?
What are some examples of war-related activities?
What are some examples of war-related activities?
Carl von Clausewitz focused on the use of ______ and argued that war necessarily involves violence.
Carl von Clausewitz focused on the use of ______ and argued that war necessarily involves violence.
Sun Tzu argued that the ideal is to win a war in as bloodless a way as possible, using many different means including ______, social and political means.
Sun Tzu argued that the ideal is to win a war in as bloodless a way as possible, using many different means including ______, social and political means.
Martin Shaw defines war as 'a type of social action that can be defined as an act of ______ by an organized social power to compel an enemy to submit to its will.'
Martin Shaw defines war as 'a type of social action that can be defined as an act of ______ by an organized social power to compel an enemy to submit to its will.'
Thomas Hobbes defined war as a state of affairs, which may exist even while its ______ are not continued.
Thomas Hobbes defined war as a state of affairs, which may exist even while its ______ are not continued.
Cicero defined war as a 'contention by ______.'
Cicero defined war as a 'contention by ______.'
Carl von Clausewitz defined war as the continuation of politics by other ______.
Carl von Clausewitz defined war as the continuation of politics by other ______.
According to Cicero, war is defined as 'contention by ______.'
According to Cicero, war is defined as 'contention by ______.'
According to Carl von Clausewitz, war is the continuation of ______ by other means.
According to Carl von Clausewitz, war is the continuation of ______ by other means.
Sun Tzu argued that the ideal way to win a war is to win it in as ______ a way as possible.
Sun Tzu argued that the ideal way to win a war is to win it in as ______ a way as possible.
Thomas Hobbes defined war as a state of affairs, which may exist even while its ______ are not continued.
Thomas Hobbes defined war as a state of affairs, which may exist even while its ______ are not continued.
The examples of the World Wars, with their mega-deaths, are still part of our cultural ______.
The examples of the World Wars, with their mega-deaths, are still part of our cultural ______.
We are also conscious of our potential to end all human life with nuclear and ______ weapons.
We are also conscious of our potential to end all human life with nuclear and ______ weapons.
Modern societies face constant disruption due to rapid social ______.
Modern societies face constant disruption due to rapid social ______.
War is more destructive due to new technologies of ______.
War is more destructive due to new technologies of ______.
Increased education, literacy, and standard of living has increased awareness of the impacts of war and public pressure to avoid involvement in ______.
Increased education, literacy, and standard of living has increased awareness of the impacts of war and public pressure to avoid involvement in ______.
Research suggests that there are four broad social conditions that characterize a condition of ______.
Research suggests that there are four broad social conditions that characterize a condition of ______.
As war approaches, public opinion about the enemy becomes more hostile and tends to follow a progressive pattern: Successive Levels of Public ______.
As war approaches, public opinion about the enemy becomes more hostile and tends to follow a progressive pattern: Successive Levels of Public ______.
Contact with enemy groups is suspended, resident aliens are put under surveillance or interned, protestors are arrested, business and treaties are suspended. Categories of Conflict Under ______ Law.
Contact with enemy groups is suspended, resident aliens are put under surveillance or interned, protestors are arrested, business and treaties are suspended. Categories of Conflict Under ______ Law.
Internal conflicts are put aside, censorship comes into effect, regulation of media sources, loyalty to the state becomes more important than loyalty to religion, ethnic group, political party, etc. Intense Political ______.
Internal conflicts are put aside, censorship comes into effect, regulation of media sources, loyalty to the state becomes more important than loyalty to religion, ethnic group, political party, etc. Intense Political ______.
The historian Quincy Wright defines war in this way: ”A state of war, then, is a condition of intensification of military activity, psychological tension, legal power, and social ______ that enables a group to carry on armed conflict with one or more hostile groups.”
The historian Quincy Wright defines war in this way: ”A state of war, then, is a condition of intensification of military activity, psychological tension, legal power, and social ______ that enables a group to carry on armed conflict with one or more hostile groups.”
Study Notes
Defining War
- Cicero defines war as "contention by force".
- Thomas Hobbes argues that war can exist even when its "acts of hostility" are not continued.
- Carl von Clausewitz defines war as the continuation of "politics" by other means.
- Sun Tzu believes the ideal way to win a war is to win it in as "bloodless" a way as possible.
- Martin Shaw defines war as "an act of organized violence by an organized social power to compel an enemy to submit to its will."
Problems with Definitions of War
- Cicero's definition is problematic because it doesn't account for internal conflicts or situations where force isn't used.
- Clausewitz’s definition is problematic because it suggests the continuation of politics is always the goal of war.
- Shaw's definition is problematic because it focuses on organized violence, leaving out other forms of conflict.
- Hobbes' definition is problematic because it suggests war is a permanent state of affairs, ignoring periods of peace.
- Sun Tzu's definition is problematic as it is utopian and in reality, wars are rarely bloodless.
War as a Social Problem
- War is generally considered a social problem because it involves widespread violence, destruction, and social disruption.
- Four Broad Social Conditions that Characterize War:
- Intense Political Hostility
- Suspension of Contact with the Enemy
- The Rise of Internally Directed Hostility
- A Shift in the Dominant Social Values
Defining Conflict
- Quincy Wright defines war as "a condition of intensification of military activity, psychological tension, legal power, and social organization that enables a group to carry on armed conflict with one or more hostile groups."
- Douglas Fry defines war as "a violent conflict between organized groups, characterized by lethal force and a high level of social disruption."
War-Related Activities
- Examples of war-related activities include:
- Military operations
- Political negotiations
- Propaganda campaigns
- Economic sanctions
- Humanitarian aid
Levels of Public Hostility
- As war approaches, public opinion about the enemy becomes more hostile, developing in stages:
- Stage 1 - Initial Hostility: Stereotypes and prejudice toward the enemy emerge.
- Stage 2 - Increased Hostility: Increased hostility and distrust towards the enemy.
- Stage 3 - Extreme Hostility: Hatred and dehumanization of the enemy.
Factors Contributing to War
- War being considered a social problem is due to it being destructive and harmful to human lives.
- Social conditions during war:
- Increased political hostility
- Suspension of contact with the enemy
- Increased internal hostility
- Shift in social values
- Modern warfare is more destructive due to new technologies of weapons.
- Increased education and awareness have raised public pressure to avoid involvement in war.
Key Thinkers and Theories
- Carl von Clausewitz focused on the use of force and argued that war necessarily involves violence.
- Sun Tzu argued that the ideal is to win a war in as bloodless a way as possible, using various means including deception, social and political means.
- Martin Shaw defines war as 'a type of social action that can be defined as an act of organized violence by an organized social power to compel an enemy to submit to its will.'
- Thomas Hobbes defined war as a state of affairs, which may exist even while its "acts of hostility" are not continued.
- Cicero defined war as a 'contention by force.'
- Carl von Clausewitz defined war as the continuation of politics by other means.
Cultural Impact and Modern Warfare
- The examples of the World Wars, with their mega-deaths, are still part of our cultural memory.
- We are also conscious of our potential to end all human life with nuclear and other weapons of mass destruction.
- Modern societies face constant disruption due to rapid social change.
- War is more destructive due to new technologies of weapons.
- Increased education, literacy, and standard of living have increased awareness of the impacts of war and public pressure to avoid involvement in war.
- Research suggests that there are four broad social conditions that characterize a condition of war.
- As war approaches, public opinion about the enemy becomes more hostile and tends to follow a progressive pattern: Successive Levels of Public Hostility.
- Contact with enemy groups is suspended, resident aliens are put under surveillance or interned, protestors are arrested, business and treaties are suspended. Categories of Conflict Under International Law.
- Internal conflicts are put aside, censorship comes into effect, regulation of media sources, loyalty to the state becomes more important than loyalty to religion, ethnic group, political party, etc. Intense Political Hostility.
- The historian Quincy Wright defines war in this way: ”A state of war, then, is a condition of intensification of military activity, psychological tension, legal power, and social organization that enables a group to carry on armed conflict with one or more hostile groups.”
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Description
Test your knowledge on the classical definitions of war by Cicero and Thomas Hobbes. Explore the problems with Cicero's definition and discover what elements should be included in a fuller definition. Engage with the philosophical perspectives of these ancient thinkers and deepen your understanding of the concept of war.