On Guardianship

I had read chapter one of Spinoza’s Ethics once before, but at that time, I did not understand why he began a book with such a title, discoursing on God. I now see that all decision-making, and hence all ethics and morality, is inherently tied to one’s ontological beliefs or weltanschauung. Even those who claim not to muddy their minds with such beliefs inevitably have them, and therefore likely hold poorly thought-out and ignorant viewpoints. Leading to decision-making that is equally ill thought out in relation to the oneness of Nature.

Spinoza grounds his ethical framework in an understanding of God as Nature, or rather, that all of existence participates in the infinite nature of God. This, I believe, is precisely why Plato insists the soldiers in the ideal state fuse violence with philosophy. Evil exists due to human ignorance, and until such ignorance can be collectively defeated (doubtful), individuals will be required to exist who have command over physical violence in order to defend innocence. Yet this capability, in the absence of an accurate understanding of the interconnectedness of reality, causes great danger and abuses of power. This is as readily apparent in the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza, just as it was thousands of years ago.

As a soldier develops higher and higher levels of expertise in the use of force against other humans, this must be accompanied by higher levels of consciousness/awareness. Martial capability necessitates the philosophical pursuit. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case as many see these two pursuits as in juxtaposition to one another. Many soldiers who have spent years refining the art of human destruction seek opportunities to exercise their ability without regard for the ethical implications. Moreover, the modern military industrial complex, inherently tied to capitalism, focuses more on the bottom line than on how and why the bullets and bombs are flying.

The paramount philosophical outlook to achieve is to see other as self. To overcome the dualistic conditioning which pervades our current paradigm. Only through this can ethics and warfare meet. The use of violence then becomes an act of last resort to be used against those dedicated to perpetrating harm. It also becomes an act of mercy as it dissolves the ignorant back into the All.