Relational permanence is defined as an idea that implies that the nature of a relationship between two people changes when they are involved in a war. This concept suggests that even if there are no physical casualties during wartime, relationships will undergo significant transformation, which may involve deep emotional trauma. Warring states have often been characterized as places where individuals experience extreme violence, uncertainty, fear, and destruction, which leads to a redefinition of relational permanence. People who were once close friends or family members may become enemies because of their beliefs or ideologies. The impact of war has also been known to disrupt traditional structures such as marriage, parenthood, and kinship systems that have shaped human societies for thousands of years. As a result, it becomes challenging to maintain relationships based on loyalty, love, trust, and commitment due to the constant threat of death and betrayal. In this essay, I shall explore how war can affect the philosophical meaning of relational permanence.
Warfare has a profound effect on personal identity and community solidarity. It creates new social and political hierarchies, including gender roles, class divisions, religious affiliations, and cultural norms. These factors contribute significantly to the redefinition of relational permanence as individuals struggle with questions about their place within society and the consequences of their actions.
Some individuals lose faith in the institution of marriage after experiencing the loss of loved ones or witnessing brutality first-hand. Others find themselves in positions where they must make difficult choices regarding their loyalties towards their nation or community. War can also create situations where people feel forced to justify killing others in order to survive or protect their families, leading to guilt, shame, and trauma. This may lead to a reconsideration of previously held beliefs about morality and ethics.
The effects of war can be long-lasting and far-reaching, particularly when it comes to the psychological health of those who experienced combat. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common condition among soldiers returning from conflict zones, which often causes flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, depression, and difficulty forming lasting relationships. The disruption of relational permanence caused by wartime can result in feelings of isolation, anger, and grief that may persist for years or even decades. In addition, veterans may develop a sense of detachment from civilian life due to their experiences during military service. They may see themselves as different from civilians, resulting in strained family ties or difficulties finding work outside the military.
War has significant impacts on humanity's understanding of relational permanence as it upends traditional notions of identity, loyalty, and trust. It shatters the concept of personal bonds between people who once shared close connections but now face adversity. The impact of war on society extends beyond physical casualties; it also affects mental health, social norms, and cultural values. As such, it is essential to recognize the ways in which war affects our perceptions of love, friendship, and kinship systems to better understand its devastating consequences.
How does war redefine the philosophical meaning of relational permanence in a world marked by unpredictability and loss?
War is an event that can never be predicted as it can occur without any warning. This sudden occurrence can cause havoc on human lives. War causes a lot of losses both physically and emotionally. Aside from losing people's physical lives, war also causes a lot of displacement among families which causes them to have no permanent homes. In this situation, some might find it difficult to cope with what they are going through.