In “The Moral Equivalent of War” William James argues that true peace may never be possible because war fills the human need of discipline and unity. He argues that without war that gives the structure and discipline, society will become weak. James believe that war gives us focus and courage, and that people would have to find other ways to get this if war disappeared.
In “Can Men Live in a Peaceful society” Erick MacKnight examines how society changes after war ends, especially around masculinity and social norms. He gives us notes on how bourgeois were seen as too soft to be good soldiers and that in times of peace people look for rebellion and excitement, like bourgeois women wanting more the “bad guys” Suggesting that a peaceful society might not offer the sense of purpose that people find in times of conflict.
Both essays suggest that people are driven by a need of control and meaning, people seemed to need this to feel united and that they had a purpose. Can society really achieve peace or will conflict always be part of human society? I find this question very interesting in class.