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Positive psychology and war: an oxymoron
1St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN 38105-3678, USA. sean.phipps@stjude.org
The American Psychologist
|October 5, 2011
Summary
This critique argues that positive psychology should focus on preventing war and promoting peace, rather than supporting military efforts. It calls for a shift towards conflict resolution and peaceful solutions in psychological applications.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Peace Studies
- Conflict Resolution
Background:
- A special issue of American Psychologist (January 2011) presented positive psychology principles for military application against jihadist Islam.
- The author expresses dismay, anger, and shame regarding the profession's current direction, questioning the "positive" aspect of this application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critique the application of positive psychology in supporting military endeavors.
- To advocate for a reorientation of positive psychology towards conflict prevention and peace promotion.
- To question the unquestioning support for military action and encourage exploration of peaceful alternatives.
Main Methods:
- Critical analysis of the content and implications of the special issue.
- Philosophical argumentation regarding the ethical and practical scope of positive psychology.
Main Results:
- The special issue failed to discuss positive psychology's role in reducing international conflict or promoting peace.
- The author contends that positive psychology's primary aim should be eradicating war, not supporting its participants.
Conclusions:
- A significant ethical concern exists regarding the application of positive psychology in contexts of warfare.
- Positive psychology should prioritize the development of strategies for peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
- The field needs to critically examine its role in societal conflicts and advocate for non-violent solutions.
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