War, Words and Self-Perpetuating Force: Timely Reflections in the Light of Simone Weil
Publication Type |
Journal Article |
Year of Publication |
2004 |
Author |
|
Journal |
Diogenes |
Volume |
51 |
Number |
3 |
Pages |
99-113 |
Language |
English |
Publish Dates |
September |
Keywords |
|
Annotation |
Weil’s views on war, force and political propaganda as expressed in her work, particularly her essay “The Iliad or a Poem of Force", are used as a vehicle to discuss war in recent years, especially the United States’ involvement in global conflict. Weil’s thought is related to the use and danger of technological advances in developing weapons, the impact of war on the U.S. economy, the role of propaganda and the use of the media to support war, the dangers of such use and the recent curtailment of individual civil liberties in the interests of ‘national security’ especially since the September 11th, attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. Weil’s discussion of nemesis is presented in relation to the role of the U.S.A in modern warfare. |