Kevin Marcoux

PHI-Ethics

3/24/2010

WAR

War, destruction, and disagreements have been a major part of human history since the beginning of our race. Of course there are millions upon millions of people who believe that war is a horrible and frightful event that should be avoided at all means, but there are also others that are for war due to their own beliefs, whatever they may be. I am one of those people who believe that conflict and war not only is inevitable, but a necessary solution for maintaining overall peace on this planet. With the ever-growing population of this planet, resources are becoming more and more scarce and rapidly increasing in need for civilization as a whole. Fossil fuels, grain, and potable drinking water are among a few of the resources needed for life in today’s world.
Just as the demand grows for needed supplies, the tension grows in the hearts of men who are in need and cannot find which in turn results in swift conflict in order to acquire what is needed. I believe in going to war to ensure the future security in society as a whole. Some see that the only just cause for war is strictly in defense, which is when the enemy comes to you. Why not go to the enemy and attack first to ensure the upper hand? Or if you know that a certain country is invading another country solely to build a force to attack us? Take the fight to them I say, and destroy the force that threatens the life and liberty of our families and fellow citizens. In our world, we will always have to deal with the so-called extremists or fundamentalists. The problem with these people is not their convictions, but the way they translate their convictions into everyday life. The problem is that you cannot argue with such individuals in a decent rational manner and therefore diplomacy will never work on these guys. Only war remains an option. Besides, we are better off without them. The problem with the world is that intelligent people think too much sometimes and are therefore quite uncertain. It is the irrational, extremist, individuals that are always so certain of themselves and their "convictions".
War, or the preparation for war can change an individual into a better person overall. For example, when you meet an individual in the military, how does the individual present themselves? Do you see a slacker or a drug addict, or even a slouching, overweight waste of life? No, you see a proud and professional person with their chin held high speaking intelligently and professionally. Not only that, but with the knowledge of how to protect loved ones, or how to respond calmly in the face of danger or emergencies. Soldiers of war maintain a physical fitness and a clean appearance. What if there were never wars or the soldiers to prepare for them? Eventually, a disagreement would arise between countries. Without properly trained soldiers to defend themselves, only disaster waits. I’ve been thinking a lot lately, and it seems that without war, humanity would never have gotten as far is it has.
What do you think, is war a good thing, or would we be better off if there was no such thing as war? War solves major conflict, and guides history is every way. How many of us do you think would be here today if the Civil War went different, or how about the Spanish-American War? Social Darwinism as is a flawed theory, although it is correct in stating that the weak leech off of the strong. It fails to acknowledge that the strong leech off the weak. For example, the Hebrew’s were inferior to the Egyptians and forced into slavery. Once slaves to Egypt, the Hebrew’s became reliant on their Egyptian superiors to provide them with food and shelter (thus leeching off the stronger). However, also keep in mind that the Egyptians leeched of the Hebrews in order for manual labor. Egypt leeched off the Hebrews manpower. Every man has something to gain off another, whether it is protection, intelligence or simply labor. That is where dual benefits come into play where two parties are rewarded through interaction with one another.
I would say without hesitation that I would prefer to die fighting that to starve. Starving is a slow and painful death that goes without honor. Death by fighting is more an honorable way to die and in most cases much faster. With over six billion people on the planet and growing, war over food alone is bound to happen. Ultimately, yes, war is a good thing. Although it’s not so much war that is a good thing as it is conflict. Man grows through conflict, becoming stronger, smarter, faster, etc. Conflict brings out both the best and the worst in people. Conflict also brings to light issues that would otherwise have remained buried. In this regard, it also works as a vent, allowing thoughts and feelings to be given voice rather than shut away and allowed to fester, poisoning mankind and everything man has created. This is true on every scale from all out war, to the schoolyard. Conflict is a fundamental aspect of life. It is foolish to deny it. Avoiding all conflict will destroy you as surely as engaging in too much conflict.