The ‘irrationality’ of the arms race

Peter BAEHR

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › Research › peer-review

Abstract

This paper considers the four ways that the concept of ‘irrationality’ has been employed by members of the European peace movement in their evaluation of current bloc tensions. Against Bernard Williams who has recently taken issue with the peace movement's alleged tendency to dismiss political realities, the present author argues that the use of the language of irrationality reveals just the opposite orientation. Finally, it is argued that although the language of irrationality constitutes a powerful descriptive and normative instrument, as an explanation of the Cold War it is a nonstarter.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)231-241
Number of pages11
JournalJournal of Applied Philosophy
Volume2
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Oct 1985
Externally publishedYes

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Irrationality
Language
Peace
Evaluation
Descriptive
Bernard Williams
Cold War

Cite this

BAEHR, Peter. / The ‘irrationality’ of the arms race. In: Journal of Applied Philosophy. 1985 ; Vol. 2, No. 2. pp. 231-241.
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BAEHR, P 1985, 'The ‘irrationality’ of the arms race', Journal of Applied Philosophy, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 231-241. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5930.1985.tb00036.x

The ‘irrationality’ of the arms race. / BAEHR, Peter.

In: Journal of Applied Philosophy, Vol. 2, No. 2, 10.1985, p. 231-241.

Research output: Journal Publications › Journal Article (refereed) › Research › peer-review

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BAEHR P. The ‘irrationality’ of the arms race. Journal of Applied Philosophy. 1985 Oct;2(2):231-241. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-5930.1985.tb00036.x

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