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On Obedience: Contrasting Philosophies for the Military, Citizenry, and Community
This volume is designed to be an in-depth and nuanced philosophical treatment of the virtue of obedience in the context of the professional military and the broader civilian political community, including the general citizenry. The nature and components of obedience are critical factors leading to further discussions of the moral obligations related to obedience, as well as the related practical issues and implications. Pauline Shanks Kaurin seeks to address the following What is obedience? Is it a virtue, and if it is, why? What are the moral grounds of obedience? Why ought military members and citizens be obedient? Are there times that one ought not be obedient? Why? How should we think about obedience in contemporary political communities?
In answering these questions, the book draws on arguments and materials from a variety of disciplines including classical studies, philosophy, history, international relations, literature and military studies, with a particular focus on cases and examples to illustrate the conceptual points. While a major focus of the book is the question of obedience in the contemporary military context, many similar (although not exactly the same) issues and considerations apply to other political communities and in, particular, citizens in a nation-state.
In answering these questions, the book draws on arguments and materials from a variety of disciplines including classical studies, philosophy, history, international relations, literature and military studies, with a particular focus on cases and examples to illustrate the conceptual points. While a major focus of the book is the question of obedience in the contemporary military context, many similar (although not exactly the same) issues and considerations apply to other political communities and in, particular, citizens in a nation-state.
- GenresNonfictionPhilosophy
288 pages, Hardcover
Published March 15, 2020
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148 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
September 17, 2020
"On Obedience" is an exploration on the need for, or refusal of, obedience in contemporary times, from an academic stand. Dr Pauline Shanks Kaurin, of the U.S. Naval War College, analyses a series of cases, both real and cinematic, through the perspective of Western philosophy and social mores to understand the role of obedience, loyalty, and discipline among military and civil society (namely, the United States). Conclusion: obedience is as essential element of hierarchical society, but its implementation needs to be tempered with education and training in moral judgement.
This book, which claims an intent to address the issue of mistrust in the government, plus how this affects the tendency to disobedience among the ranks as well as citizenry, is very clearly a product from, and for, American military personnel. The cases the author explores are, with side mentions of social disobedience movements such as racial and gay equality rights, centred around military situations. Even the civilian cases are presented as parallel to, or against the background of, the armed services. Additionally, all the philosophies and theories engaged are Western, from Aristotle, to current American revisionists.
It is important to acknowledge these specific starting points at the onset of reading, the better to understand both the scope reached, and the place the volume has in global discourse. "On Obedience" belongs squarely within the academic American military discourse, and is a good reflection of what is happening in the midst of that scene. Finally, it offers sound advice on how to achieve critical (intellectually engaged) obedience: training individuals and groups in “reasonable challenge”, and educating them in the philosophical exercise of moral rational activity within the community.
Who would enjoy this
Academic books are very specific in format, content, and audience, for all of which "On Obedience" serves as excellent example. It will therefore suit the tastes of someone who enjoys dry analytical philosophy, discussing military and social values, and has a background knowledge in the subject.
Nevertheless, I would expect it would also be a very attractive read to anyone who has an interest in social and civil disobedience, particularly as they try to make sense of the conflicts inherent in the current political stage. As polarisation grows, it is important to understand one’s tendencies to support one’s group, one’s alliance.
This is particularly important, in my opinion, for teachers. With education being a key element for both personal success and civil cohesion, and much of education reflecting some of the military takes on training and discipline, I find this would be a challenging, but eye-opening read for those who need to ready next generations to engage in critical obedience, political activism, social negotiation.
Who should give this a pass
In all honesty, "On Obedience" would be a struggle to anyone who is not accustomed to, let alone enjoys, reading academic philosophy, more specifically military philosophy. This is not a book for the public at large. Although the concepts and aim are applicable to society in general, the format and detail would lose, probably frustrate, most hobby readers. I would redirect those curious about the content, but not the format, to other works so they can meet their interests without harming their dedication.
(For additional comments on writing tips from this book, and how to improve similar ones, please check the conclusions and suggestions at www.thereadingreview.com)
This book, which claims an intent to address the issue of mistrust in the government, plus how this affects the tendency to disobedience among the ranks as well as citizenry, is very clearly a product from, and for, American military personnel. The cases the author explores are, with side mentions of social disobedience movements such as racial and gay equality rights, centred around military situations. Even the civilian cases are presented as parallel to, or against the background of, the armed services. Additionally, all the philosophies and theories engaged are Western, from Aristotle, to current American revisionists.
It is important to acknowledge these specific starting points at the onset of reading, the better to understand both the scope reached, and the place the volume has in global discourse. "On Obedience" belongs squarely within the academic American military discourse, and is a good reflection of what is happening in the midst of that scene. Finally, it offers sound advice on how to achieve critical (intellectually engaged) obedience: training individuals and groups in “reasonable challenge”, and educating them in the philosophical exercise of moral rational activity within the community.
Who would enjoy this
Academic books are very specific in format, content, and audience, for all of which "On Obedience" serves as excellent example. It will therefore suit the tastes of someone who enjoys dry analytical philosophy, discussing military and social values, and has a background knowledge in the subject.
Nevertheless, I would expect it would also be a very attractive read to anyone who has an interest in social and civil disobedience, particularly as they try to make sense of the conflicts inherent in the current political stage. As polarisation grows, it is important to understand one’s tendencies to support one’s group, one’s alliance.
This is particularly important, in my opinion, for teachers. With education being a key element for both personal success and civil cohesion, and much of education reflecting some of the military takes on training and discipline, I find this would be a challenging, but eye-opening read for those who need to ready next generations to engage in critical obedience, political activism, social negotiation.
Who should give this a pass
In all honesty, "On Obedience" would be a struggle to anyone who is not accustomed to, let alone enjoys, reading academic philosophy, more specifically military philosophy. This is not a book for the public at large. Although the concepts and aim are applicable to society in general, the format and detail would lose, probably frustrate, most hobby readers. I would redirect those curious about the content, but not the format, to other works so they can meet their interests without harming their dedication.
(For additional comments on writing tips from this book, and how to improve similar ones, please check the conclusions and suggestions at www.thereadingreview.com)
October 2, 2021
With numerous small editing errors that would earn this a B- at best in an undergrad class, the author cheapens her argument by making attempts any cute anecdotes to her children.
The topic is sound and her conclusions as well but really this is an introductory analysis at best. References to previous contribution to the field of study are wave-top levels only, and her case studies are detrimentally vague and largely revolve around pop culture: movies such as A Few Good Men, Four Feathers, and B level movies.
Despite this (or maybe because of this) this would be a great OPD assignment for an ROTC 101 crowd or for a basic NCO school. Any meaningful contribution to the profession is lacking here.
The topic is sound and her conclusions as well but really this is an introductory analysis at best. References to previous contribution to the field of study are wave-top levels only, and her case studies are detrimentally vague and largely revolve around pop culture: movies such as A Few Good Men, Four Feathers, and B level movies.
Despite this (or maybe because of this) this would be a great OPD assignment for an ROTC 101 crowd or for a basic NCO school. Any meaningful contribution to the profession is lacking here.
May 13, 2021
A fascinating look at the question of obedience - especially as it relates to those serving in the military. The best part of the book for me, though was that the principles were thought-provoking and universal. I thought a lot about obedience in the context of my religious faith while reading the book.
I recommend this book to a general audience. For military professionals I consider it a must read.
I recommend this book to a general audience. For military professionals I consider it a must read.
January 24, 2023
This is a decent book to begin a thought process on moral agency and the concept of obedience. She goes through the various competing thought processes of obedience, particularly in the military context.
November 12, 2020
Best book I have read this year. Not an easy read as it deals with many philosophical ideas. It should be required reading for anyone who wishes to have deeper understanding of ethics and morality.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews