Description
Book SynopsisDespite a long history and tradition in the United States, conscientious objectors to war have always been in the minority. Only a handful of objectors dissented against World War I and II, and their voices were never influential in respect to the state''s war policy or public opinion. This book examines the challenges posed by conscientious objectors during World Wars by focusing on two main themes: ethic of conviction and ethic of civic responsibility. In this groundbreaking study, author Yuichi Moroi asks: How did conscientious objectors express their conviction in the case of the state''s imperative for war? On what basis could conscientious objectors define their civic responsibility and act upon it? Ethics of Conviction and Civic Responsibility asserts that despite the tension between the individual and society as experienced by conscientious objectors, there is a connection between them that holds a unique combination of conviction and civic responsibility.
Trade ReviewMoroi has done a faithful job of analyzing the position of absolutists. His juxtaposition of individual conviction and civic responsibility is very good and accurate . . . -- George M. Houser, one of eight Union Theological Seminary students who refused to register for the draft of 1940, later co-founder of Congress of
Table of ContentsChapter 1 List of Abbreviations Chapter 2 Preface Chapter 3 Acknowledgements Chapter 4 I. Moral Conviction and Civic Responsibility Chapter 5 II. Studies of Conscientious Objectors: Literature Review Chapter 6 III. Conscience and Society in Social Theory: From Durkheim to Weber Chapter 7 IV. The Traditions of Conscientious Objection in America: Peace Sects, Peace Societies, and Thoreau Chapter 8 V. Ethical Individualism and Moral Responsibility: Conscientious War Resisters in World War I Chapter 9 VI: Nonviolent Direct Action Against War and Conscription: Conscientious War Resisters in World War II Chapter 10 Conclusion: Conviction, Responsibility, and War Resistance Chapter 11 Appendix Chapter 12 Notes Chapter 13 Bibliography Chapter 14 Index Chapter 15 About the Author
