- #1
Adam
- 65
- 1
A simple question. Do you think nations can afford to fight wars (not including wars of defence) out of altruism? Yes or no?
Can Nations Afford Altruistic Wars?
- Context: News
- Thread starter Adam
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around whether nations can afford to engage in wars driven by altruism, excluding defensive conflicts. Participants explore the definitions and implications of altruism in the context of warfare, questioning the motivations behind such actions.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the question of altruistic wars cannot be answered with accuracy due to its complexity.
- Others inquire about historical examples of wars fought out of genuine altruism, questioning the distinction between altruism and propaganda.
- There is a proposal that definitions of "altruism" and "wars of defence" need to be clarified, as they may often overlap in practice.
- One viewpoint argues that if altruism does not exist, then nations like the USA cannot be said to engage in wars for altruistic reasons.
- Another participant reiterates the idea that denying the existence of altruism implies that the USA's military actions are not altruistic.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the existence of altruism and its role in warfare, indicating that multiple competing perspectives remain without consensus.
Contextual Notes
The discussion highlights the complexity of defining altruism and its implications for understanding the motivations behind wars, suggesting that assumptions about these concepts may vary among participants.