Teacher’s Summary
This essay uses the Iraq War as a case study to explore the application of classical philosophical ideas in understanding modern conflicts. Through a hypothetical documentary format, the essay imagines how Aristotle, Rousseau, and Mill would analyze the war’s moral and political complexities. By juxtaposing these philosophies with real-world events, the essay provides a multi-dimensional analysis that highlights the relevance of philosophical inquiry in contemporary global issues. This creative approach effectively bridges historical thought and modern geopolitics, making it both engaging and informative.
Grade: A
Lights, Camera, Philosophy: Framing the Iraq War Through Classical Lenses
In the complex narrative of the Iraq War, we find a story that could rival any political thriller in Hollywood. As a film student, I’m fascinated by how we can use the perspectives of classical philosophers to create a multi-layered analysis of this modern conflict. Let’s imagine this as a documentary, weaving together the thoughts of Aristotle, Rousseau, and Mill to shed light on the war’s moral and political dimensions.
Act I: Setting the Stage
Our film opens with a montage of news footage from 2002 onwards, highlighting key moments of the Iraq War. Voice-over narration introduces us to the core dilemma: “The cost to America of staying in Iraq may be high, but the cost of retreat would be higher.” This sets up our central conflict – a classic case of damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Act II: The Philosophers Enter
We transition to stylized reenactments of our philosophers, each offering their unique perspective on the conflict.
Scene 1: Aristotle’s Citizen-State Symbiosis
Aristotle, portrayed as a wise elder, explains his view of the ideal relationship between citizens and the state. In his vision, citizens actively participate in governance, creating a symbiotic relationship. We cut to scenes of pre-war Iraq, showing the stark contrast between Aristotle’s ideal and the reality of Saddam Hussein’s regime. This juxtaposition highlights the philosophical justification for intervention.
Scene 2: Rousseau and the Social Contract
Next, we see Rousseau, passionate and idealistic, explaining his concept of the social contract and the general will. We intercut between scenes of American citizens debating the war and Iraqi citizens living under Hussein’s rule. This sequence illustrates the complexity of determining the “general will” in both democracies and dictatorships.
Scene 3: Mill’s Marketplace of Ideas
Finally, we meet Mill, portrayed as a forward-thinking intellectual. He argues for the importance of free speech and the exchange of ideas. We show a split-screen of war protests in America alongside the suppression of dissent in Iraq, emphasizing Mill’s point about the necessity of free expression for societal progress.
Act III: Applying Philosophy to Reality
In our final act, we bring these philosophical ideas into direct conversation with the reality of the Iraq War. We use interviews with political scientists, ethicists, and international relations experts to explore questions like:
- How does Aristotle’s ideal of citizen-state relationships apply to nation-building efforts in Iraq?
- Can Rousseau’s concept of the social contract be applied to international interventions?
- How does Mill’s emphasis on free speech inform our understanding of both war propaganda and anti-war movements?
Conclusion: The Bigger Picture
We conclude by zooming out, both literally and figuratively. As our camera pulls back from a globe, showing Iraq in the context of the entire world, we reflect on how these philosophical ideas continue to shape our understanding of international conflicts.
This approach allows us to frame the complex issues of the Iraq War through the lenses of classical philosophy, providing viewers with tools to critically examine not just this conflict, but future international interventions as well.
By structuring our analysis as a documentary, we create a narrative arc that engages viewers while also educating them about both historical philosophy and contemporary politics. This intersection of classic thought and modern conflict showcases the enduring relevance of philosophical inquiry in understanding our world.
Reference Section:
• Link to an online reference related to the Iraq War and philosophical analysis: