Johnathan Bi The Case for Emotional Pacifism | Martha Nussbaum on Britten’s War Requiem
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Apr 4, 2025 
Martha Nussbaum, a renowned philosopher known for her work on ethics and political philosophy, dives deep into the intersections of music, war, and peace. She explores how Britten's 'War Requiem' reflects complex feelings about global conflicts, urging empathy in the face of violence. Nussbaum discusses emotional pacifism, drawing inspiration from Gandhi and Mandela's nonviolent approaches. She questions traditional morality through the lens of the Abraham and Isaac narrative, emphasizing the beauty of human connection amid tragedy.
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Just War vs. Unjust War
- Britten's War Requiem commemorates WWII and uses Wilfred Owen's WWI poems.
- This created a problem for Nussbaum, since she views WWII as a just war, unlike WWI.
Pacifism's Implausibility
- Britten's pacifism, influenced by Gandhi, rejected all violence.
- Nussbaum finds this implausible, citing the necessity of fighting Hitler.
Two Types of Pacifism
- Nussbaum distinguishes between pacifism of action (no violence) and emotional pacifism (controlling aggression).
- She advocates for emotional pacifism, even when using violence is necessary.