"War's origins are complex: they are found in the nebulous systems of thoughts generated in cultures over time. But while reason and explication can unravel those origins - and explain why man wages war - the task of abolishing war can never be completed.

The focus of this book centers on the importance and continued relevance of proven concepts regarding war and societies, provided by minds with advanced foresight into the subject. Prominent generals from the past and present have studied these theories and military institutions all over the world continue to practice their strategies. During the initial phase of the nuclear age many strategists believed these theories were no longer relevant. However, they soon realized, through proxy wars during the Cold War, that nuclear weapons were a tool for advancement rather than a strategy for war. This contribution is unique because it articulates and analyzes how these theories apply to a variety of scenarios (conflicts) across the historical spectrum. It contains no embellishments as accounts were extracted from primary sources supplemented with historiographical literature by sources that have published extensively on the subject. It will be especially alluring for those interested in military thought rather than those interested in a simple account of events unfolding in a certain war.

The words of the ancient Chinese sages are as timeless as they are wise. IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award Winner 2017! The words of ancient Chinese philosophers have influenced other thinkers across the world for more than 2,000 years, and continue to shape our ideas today. The Art of War & Other Classics of Eastern Philosophy includes translations of Sun Tzu's Art of War, Lao-Tzu's Tao Te Ching, the teachings of the master sage Confucius, and the writings of Mencius. From insights on warfare and diplomacy to advice on how to deal with one's neighbors and colleagues, this collection of classical Eastern philosophy will provide readers with countless nuggets of wisdom.

Wars have played a momentous role in shaping the course of human history. The ever-present specter of conflict has made it an enduring topic of interest in popular culture, and many movies, from Hollywood blockbusters to independent films, have sought to show the complexities and horrors of war on-screen. In The Philosophy of War Films, David LaRocca compiles a series of essays by prominent scholars that examine the impact of representing war in film and the influence that cinematic images of battle have on human consciousness, belief, and action. The contributors explore a variety of topics, including the aesthetics of war as portrayed on-screen, the effect war has on personal identity, and the ethical problems presented by war. Drawing upon analyses of iconic and critically acclaimed war films such as Saving Private Ryan (1998), The Thin Red Line (1998), Rescue Dawn (2006), Restrepo (2010), and Zero Dark Thirty (2012), this volume's examination of the genre creates new ways of thinking about the philosophy of war. A fascinating look at the manner in which combat and its aftermath are depicted cinematically, The Philosophy of War Films is a timely and engaging read for any philosopher, filmmaker, reader, or viewer who desires a deeper understanding of war and its representation in popular culture.

War in history and theory -- Ancient war -- Medieval to modern war -- Theories of war and war's more recent history -- The causes and effects of war -- The causes of war -- The effects of war -- Ethics, law and war -- The future of war.

War has been a key topic of speculation and theorising ever since the invention of philosophy in classical antiquity. This anthology brings together the work of distinguished contemporary political philosophers and theorists who address the leading normative and conceptual issues concerning war. The book is divided into three parts: initiating war, waging war, and ending war. The contributors aim to provide a comprehensive introduction to each of these main areas of dispute concerning war. Each essay is an original contribution to ongoing debates on various aspects of war and also provides a survey of the main topics in each subfield. Serving as a companion to the theoretical issues pertaining to war, this volume also is an important contribution to debates in political philosophy. It can serve as a textbook for relevant courses on war offered in philosophy departments, religious studies programs, and law schools.