more from Michael Walzer

Single Idea 23575

[catalogued under 25. Social Practice / E. Policies / 1. War / c. Combatants]

Full Idea

It would be difficult to condemn soldiers for anything they did in the course of a battle or a war that they honestly believed, and had good reason to believe, was necessary, or important, or simply useful in determining the outcome.

Gist of Idea

We can't blame soldiers for anything they do which clearly promotes victory

Source

Michael Walzer (Just and Unjust Wars [1977], 08)

Book Reference

Walzer,Michael: 'Just and Unjust Wars' [Penguin 1984], p.129


A Reaction

We can't blame unjust aggressors if their own lives are at stake, but what about in a surprise attack on the first day of the war (such as Pearl Harbour)? Or if they massacre the enemy with safe and overwhelming superiority?