15-01-2015, 01:41 PM
David Guyatt Wrote:Interesting.
However, I personally find his statistical assertions really questionable and wonder what objectivity he actually brings to the table? War has changed and is changing all the time. There are lots of wars that have never been declared as wars. Has Pinker included these, I wonder?
I'm not sure either what his methodology is. I did find it interesting because it kind of flies in the face of the perception of endemic violence. I've never studied his work but I might have a look at it.
David Guyatt Wrote:Meanwhile, I include in my general theory civilians deaths caused by starvation and other blights (drug wars, uprising from oppression etc., which he wouldn't include, I think) when we have the means to feed the world, but not the desire to do so, because it would impact upon corporate profits and also lead to a higher world population figure -- not to forget the immense number of deaths in China caused by Chairman Mao.Yes, poverty is the worst form of violence and I doubt that is counted.
"The philosophers have only interpreted the world, in various ways. The point, however, is to change it." Karl Marx
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.
"He would, wouldn't he?" Mandy Rice-Davies. When asked in court whether she knew that Lord Astor had denied having sex with her.
“I think it would be a good idea” Ghandi, when asked about Western Civilisation.