The Moral Paradox of Peace and War

Abstract

IN his highly suggestive and constructive Conway JLMemorial Lecture, “The Moral Paradox of Peace and War”, Prof. J. C. Flugel gives us an acute analysis which is as pertinent to our plans for reconstruction as to the building of a world order from which war has been eliminated. Starting with an analysis of the moral qualities which are responsible for the real challenge of war and which have already led to a certain recognition of the need for a moral equivalent of war, he indicates concisely the points at which this challenge must be met in a progressive society in which full expression is given to legitimate desires and aspirations. Notably he stresses the spirit of adventure, with all it connotes of excitement, un certainty, danger and tenseness or strenuous endeavour. Of this, as well as the social solidarity, the heightened sense of the individual being needed, and the identification with a nobler cause for which he or she is prepared to make any sacrifice, any stable order must take account of, and must seek to satisfy by discovering, a common purpose comparable in intensity with that induced by war. The great task that confronts democracy is to find a formula for integration in harmony with its own essential spirit, which will express our fundamental agreement as to the ultimate goal while preserving our present liberty of thought and discussion as to the best means of attaining this goal. As Prof. Flugel sees it-and in this most scientific workers will concur-we must learn to face the stark realities of man's place in Nature, and find in the challenge and opportunity they afford for the exercise of human genius, combativeness, courage and co-operation, the true moral equivalent of war. The Moral Paradox of Peace and War Conway Memorial Lecture delivered at Conway Hall, Red Lion Square, W.C.1, on March 23, 1941. By Prof. J. C. Flugel. Pp. xi + 52. (London: Watts and Co., Ltd., 1941.) Paper, 1s. net; cloth, 2s. net.