History 3932 Week 2 The Origins of War Debates | Summary and Q&A

TL;DR

This content discusses the ongoing debate on the origins of war, including arguments from anthropologists, historians, and scholars from various disciplines.

Key Insights

• 📚 The debate over the origins of war is complex and multifaceted, with various scholars offering different perspectives and arguments.
• 💡 One side argues that war is inherent to human nature, stemming from aggression and changes in social structures.
• 🗺️ Another perspective posits that war is intermittent and not a constant feature in human history, pointing to the influence of states and advanced cognitive abilities.
• 🤝 The rise of the state and contact with complex societies has been suggested as a catalyst for war-like behavior in tribal societies.
• 📜 Several influential books have shaped the discourse on the origins of war, including Wayne Lee's "War in Late World History" and Azar Gat's 2015 article.
• 📖 Margaret Mead's essay from 1940, while influential, has been largely discredited due to its inaccuracies and flawed arguments.
• 🌍 The debate extends beyond Europe, with discussions on war in pre-civilization societies, Native American warfare, and conflict in Mesoamerica and the Andes.
• 🔍 Scholars often pick and choose elements from different theories, resulting in a diverse range of perspectives on the origins of war.

Transcript

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Questions & Answers

Q: How does Thomas Hobbs' view on the origins of war differ from Rousseau's perspective?

Thomas Hobbs argues that war is inherent in human nature due to the fallen state of humanity, while Rousseau believes that war is the result of corrupting influences from civilization.

Q: What are some of the factors that anthropologists consider when studying the origins of war?

Anthropologists consider factors such as social structures, changes in societies, aggression, and the emergence of the state when studying the origins of war.

Q: How does the book "War Before Civilization" by Lawrence Keeley contribute to the origins of war debate?

"War Before Civilization" challenges the noble savage argument by providing evidence that pre-civilization societies were violent, contradicting Rousseau's belief in the peaceful nature of humans.

Q: How do Ian Morris and Azar Gat's works offer different perspectives on the role of war in human progress?

Ian Morris argues that war has led to progress and less killing over time, while Azar Gat's work emphasizes that war is a complex phenomenon with various causes and implications for human history.

Q: What are some criticisms raised against the book "The Dawn of Everything" by David Graeber and David Wengrow?

Critics argue that "The Dawn of Everything" neglects important works by other historians and overlooks the role of warfare in human history, presenting an incomplete perspective on the origins and impact of war.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The content explores the debate on the origins of war, with a focus on different perspectives and theories put forth by scholars.

• It highlights the three main viewpoints: Thomas Hobbs' belief that war is inherent in human nature, Rousseau's noble savage argument, and the idea that war is intermittent and influenced by social structures.

• The content references various books and articles that contribute to the debate, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the topic.