A Philosophy of War: Why We Fight

Synopsis

Why has war remained a constant throughout human history? In Why War?, philosopher Frédéric Gros examines the enduring nature of armed conflict through the ideas of some of history's most influential political thinkers, including Plato, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Clausewitz, Marx, and Hannah Arendt. Moving from classical philosophy to contemporary conflicts, Gros explores questions of justice, violence, sovereignty, and the relationship between war and the modern state.

Written in response to the renewed visibility of war in the twenty-first century, this concise and thought-provoking work asks why societies continue to wage war despite its devastating consequences. Accessible and deeply informed, Why War? offers a philosophical framework for understanding one of humanity's oldest and most persistent realities.

About the Author

Frédéric Gros is a French philosopher and professor of political philosophy at Sciences Po Paris. He is the author of numerous acclaimed works, including the international bestseller A Philosophy of Walking. His writing explores ethics, political thought, violence, and the ways philosophy can illuminate contemporary life.

Publisher
Verso

Publication Date
August 26, 2025

Format
Paperback

Pages
240

Subjects
Philosophy · Political Philosophy · History · War Studies

ISBN
9781804296028