There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
Noam ChomskyRead
Pre-emptive war might fall within the framework of international law.
Interpretation
Pre-emptive war, though potentially legal, raises ethical questions about its justification.
Noam Chomsky's quote highlights the complex nature of pre-emptive war, suggesting that while it may be permitted under international law, it also invites scrutiny regarding moral justification. The concept challenges the notion of lawful conduct in conflict, where the implications of acting first can lead to significant ethical dilemmas about aggression and the potential consequences of such actions.
In practice
During a debate on foreign policy, one might cite this quote to discuss the moral implications of military action.
There is no plausible theory under which the record of the Pentagon Papers can be interpreted as relating to the national defense.
The 'free-floating intellectual' may occupy himself with problems because of their inherent interest and importance, perhaps to little effect.
If you're teaching today what you were teaching five years ago, either the field is dead or you are.
There are very few people who are going to look into the mirror and say, 'That person I see is a savage monster;' instead, they make up some construction that justifies what they do.
The Republican Party has become overwhelmingly so extreme that it's hardly a traditional political party anymore.
There is still much debate about whether torture has been effective in eliciting information - the assumption being, apparently, that if it is effective, then it may be justified.
If you go to Heaven without being naturally qualified for it you will not enjoy yourself there.
...virtue is not merely a state in conformity with the right principle, but one that implies the right principle; and the right principle in moral conduct is prudence.
Unless you see yourself standing there with the shrieking crowd, full of hostility and hatred for the holy and innocent Lamb of God, you donβt really understand the nature and depth of your sin or the necessity of the cross.
Tell me there is a God in the serene heavens that will damn his children for the expression of an honest belief! More men have died in their sins, judged by your orthodox creeds, than there are leaves in all the forests in the wide world ten thousand times over. Tell me these men are in Hell; that these men are in torment; that these children are in eternal pain, and that they are to be punished forever and forever! I denounce this doctrine as the most infamous of lies.
Let nobody be afraid of true freedom of thought. Let us be free in thought and criticism; but, with freedom, we are bound to come to the conclusion that science is not antagonistic to religion, but a help to it.
On their deathbed men will speak true, they say.
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