War Theory, Thursday, 4th Period

[harringtongreen]

Honor stood in her usual position at the front of the room, again clad in her uniform, and Nimitz perched in his usual position on her shoulder. Behind her, on the screen, a map of ancient Athens and Sparta was visible; on the table to her left, the sign-in sheet waited, along with offerings of coffee, hot chocolate, water, and light snacks. A

Comments

Discussion

[harringtongreen]

"So my question to you is this: Was Athens justified in attacking Melos? Which side would you have taken?

"And, as a corollary: Does might make right, or should might be used for right -- for justice?"

Re: Discussion

[bookwormwood]

"I think Athens wasn't obligated to attack them not to mention there was vary little to gain from Melos, and therefore, when they did attack they merely lost the city completely. There was no real gain involved, only lose on both sides."

Re: Discussion

[harringtongreen]

"What about the Athenian claim that conquering Melos would allow them to help suppress unrest in their other conquered territories? Do you think they gained that, whether or not Melos surrendered?"

Re: Discussion

[bookwormwood]

"Melos really wasn't fighting so I can't imagine them really making a lot of "unrest.""

Re: Discussion

[once_a_king]

"Might ought to be used for justice," Peter replied instantly. "But I don't think I would get to choose a side if I were involved in the situation. I would have either been born an Athenian or a Melian."

Re: Discussion

[harringtongreen]

Honor smiled. She understood Peter's reasoning -- she was born Manticoran, raised Manticoran and so, the Havenite mentality didn't always make sense to her; she would go to her death defending her home. "The great thing about a theory class, Sir Peter, is that we get to explore the 'might have beens,'" she replied. "If you were Athenian, would you, in good conscience, have been able to sign off on the destruction of a neutral city?"

Re: Discussion

[once_a_king]

Peter thought for a long second. "It would depend on what I knew, my Lady. If I knew what I know from the standpoint of history, then no, of course not. It was unjust. But if, as an Athenian, I truly felt that the conquering of Melos was necessary to the survival of the Athenian Empire, then I might feel it was the correct thing to do. However, I would never condone the slaughter and destruction of most of the city."

Re: Discussion

[bound2blade]

Sakurazaki pondered over this for a while before offering her raised hand and thoughts

Re: Discussion

[harringtongreen]

To this, Honor nodded. It fit what she had learned of Japanese culture, and specifically of samurai culture. "Should the Melians have conceded defeat when presented with the Athenians, knowing their strength and their reputation?"

Re: Discussion

[bound2blade]

"In my opinion? No. No, they shouldn't have. By fighting back, they did what I would consider to be the right thing. But that is just an opinion."

Re: Discussion

[socksofcool]

"Of course they weren't justified in attacking a neutral party without provocation," Seely replied. "Didn't stop them though."

Re: Discussion

[threeweapons]

"I agree with Peter, most people don't get to choose with country or whatever they fight for." Alanna considered the second part. "And I believe might should be used for justice, but sometimes that leads to war."