Question

Using one of the three perspectives on war presented in Chapter 19 (realism, pacifism, or just war theory), discuss the following famous quotes:

"The atom bomb was no 'great decision'...it was merely another powerful weapon in the arsenal of righteousness." - Harry S. Truman

"It matters not whether these weapons of ours are humane; if they gain us our freedom, they are justified before our conscience and before our God." - Adolph Hitler

Answer 1

“The atom bomb was no great decision. It was merely another powerful weapon in the arsenal of righteousness”. This quote by Harry S. Truman, the 33rd president of the United States supports the view of just war theory because his view on war is only to protect the state from others. Just was theory explains the ethical responsibility and liability of the state, as well as the military officials during the war. This theory obviously doesn’t support war but it makes sure that it’s ready to protect its people and territory if a war is waged.
“It matters not whether these weapons of ours are humane; if they gain us our freedom, they are justified before our conscience and before God”. Adolph Hitler through this quote advocates war as a legitimate thing to gain control over others. He believed in killing people from other races and establishes superiority over others. He echoes the views of the realists because they consider war to be legitimate and ethical when the matter is of gaining power/ authority and matter of national security. For Hitler it was only Nazis who should rule the world and all the others should live under them. So killing people and destroying cities never stopped him from the war.

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