Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy: Insights on the Morality of Military Service

Summary

• Can ancient philosophers really provide useful insights for the modern warfighter?
• How might they reconcile cosmopolitan principles with patriotic duty?
• Would a truly enlightened individual participate in the horrors of war?

Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy grapples with these questions and more. Authored by a serving military professional, it breaks down the most advanced concepts of Stoicism into plain language without oversimplifying. Exhaustively researched, steeped in original sources, and informed by examples from the cutting edge of modern conflict, it builds upon ancient thinking to develop innovative theories of patriotic duty and ethical warfighting.

While Stoicism has seen an explosion in popular interest, and is widely embraced in military culture, no serious philosophical work has yet explored its full implications within the military profession. This book answers that call. Endorsed by senior military officials and academic philosophers, Stoicism as a Warrior Philosophy provides compelling and original contributions to both military ethics and the literature of modern Stoicism.