Judaism & Weapons of Mass Destruction (Edexcel GCSE Religious Studies B): Revision Note

What are Weapons of Mass Destruction?

• Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMDs) are powerful weapons that can cause large-scale death, injury, and destruction

• Unlike regular weapons, WMDs can harm or kill many people at once and have long-lasting effects on the environment

• They are typically divided into three main types:

  • Nuclear weapons: These use nuclear reactions to create massive explosions, causing widespread damage, death, and radiation that can last for years

    • Example: The bombs dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II

  • Chemical weapons: These release toxic chemicals that can cause severe illness, breathing problems, burns, or even death

    • Examples: Mustard gas and nerve agents like sarin

  • Biological weapons: These use harmful bacteria or viruses to spread disease, causing illness and death

    • Examples: Anthrax and the smallpox virus

• WMDs are extremely dangerous, and their use is banned under international law due to the massive harm they cause

The problems and benefits of Weapons of Mass Destruction

• There are many problems associated with the possession and use of WMDs

  • WMDs can cause devastating loss of life in a short amount of time

    • For example, nuclear bombs can kill thousands instantly and harm even more people with radiation and long-term health effects

  • The use of WMDs can cause long-lasting environmental damage

    • Nuclear weapons, for example, can create radioactive waste that can harm land, water, and air for generations

  • The use of WMDs can have unpredictable effects, not only for the target population but also for the surrounding regions

    • Chemical and biological weapons can spread diseases and toxic substances beyond the intended targets

  • The existence of WMDs creates the risk of a larger war

    • Countries may feel the need to develop their own WMDs to protect themselves, leading to an arms race where tensions rise and the risk of conflict increases

  • The aftermath of a WMD attack can lead to a humanitarian crisis, with people facing injury, death, homelessness, and a lack of resources like food, water, and medicine

• However, there are some potential benefits of WMDs

  • Some people argue that WMDs can act as a deterrent

    • The idea is that if countries know their enemies have these powerful weapons, they might be less likely to attack

    • This is often referred to as mutually assured destruction (MAD), where no side would attack because both could be destroyed

  • Countries that possess WMDs might feel safer from attacks because they have the power to defend themselves in extreme situations

    • WMDs can act as a shield, making potential attackers think twice

  • Countries with WMDs often gain more political influence on the global stage

    • Having these weapons can make a country seem more powerful, and others may be more likely to negotiate or make agreements with them to avoid conflict

  • Some argue that the existence of nuclear weapons in particular may have helped prevent large-scale wars between powerful countries

    • The fear of total destruction may have kept superpowers like the U.S. and Russia from engaging in direct warfare during the Cold War

Jewish responses to the problems and benefits of weapons of mass destruction

• While some argue that WMDs, particularly nuclear weapons, serve as a deterrent to ensure survival and peace, many Jews focus on the moral and humanitarian problems these weapons create

• There are several Jewish teachings which would make the use of WMDs difficult to justify

  • In Jewish law, the sanctity of human life is paramount and the Talmud teaches that saving a single life is equivalent to saving the whole world (Sanhedrin 37a)

    • WMDs, which can cause the mass loss of life, contradict this central value of preserving life

    • Because these weapons indiscriminately target civilians they violate the ethical principle of avoiding harm to innocents

  • Judaism teaches the importance of protecting the earth (bal tashchit), which prohibits unnecessary destruction

    • The use of WMDs can lead to irreversible environmental damage, harming future generations and violating this commandment

    • This raises concerns within Jewish communities, because it contradicts the idea of stewardship over God's creation

  • Judaism teaches the importance of peace (Shalom) and avoiding conflict when possible

    • The idea of pursuing peace is central in Jewish thought, with the Torah instructing Jews to make peace even with enemies (Proverbs 16:7)

    • Therefore, many Jewish thinkers would argue that WMDs are extremely dangerous and their use undermines the possibility of achieving lasting peace

  • The Torah and Jewish teachings stress justice (tzedakah) and care for the vulnerable

    • WMDs can cause mass suffering, disease, and displacement, and this goes against these principles

• However, there are some Jewish teachings which might allow for the possessions and use of WMDs

  • Judaism recognises the right to self-defence and upholds the principle of Pikuach Nefesh, and in certain situations, Jews are permitted to protect themselves from harm

    • The concept of just war (Milchemet Mitzvah) in Jewish tradition permits war in the defence of the community

    • Some Jewish leaders argue that possessing WMDs (such as nuclear weapons) serves as a deterrent against threats

  • Judaism values peace, but also recognises the reality of threats

    • In some cases, Jews may support the existence of WMDs, because they have contributed to avoiding major global conflicts

Atheist attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

• Atheism is the lack of belief in gods or deities

• Atheists often base their beliefs on reason, evidence, and human-based ethics

  • Atheists tend to oppose WMDs because these weapons cause massive destruction and suffering, which goes against the well-being of humanity

    • Atheists often prioritise human life, and since WMDs can kill millions of people and harm the environment, they are seen as unacceptable

  • Atheists may argue that religious justifications for possessing WMDs (for example, deterrence) are not rational

    • They may see these weapons as unnecessary and argue that diplomatic and peaceful solutions should be prioritised over the threat of mass destruction

  • Atheists are likely to be concerned about the risks of escalation

    • The existence of WMDs can increase global tensions and lead to arms races, making wars and conflicts more likely

    • For many atheists, this is a dangerous and irrational situation that could lead to the extinction of humanity

Humanist attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

• Humanism is a worldview that emphasises human reason, ethics, and justice

• Humanists believe that people should seek to improve the world through science, compassion, and a focus on human rights

  • Humanists generally oppose WMDs because they cause unnecessary suffering 

    • The sheer scale of destruction caused by WMDs goes against the humanist belief in the value of human life and dignity

    • Humanists campaign for the protection of human rights and the prevention of unnecessary harm, which means opposing the use of WMDs 

  • Humanists believe in finding peaceful solutions to global problems

    • WMDs are seen as an extreme response that threatens peace and security rather than promoting it

    • Humanists would argue that diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution are better ways to resolve tensions between countries

  • Humanism also stresses the importance of caring for the environment and future generations

    • The environmental destruction caused by WMDs, such as nuclear fallout or contamination from chemical weapons which could lead to irreversible damage to the planet

Jewish responses to Atheist and Humanist attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

• Judaism places a high value on the sanctity of human life (pikuach nefesh), and many Jewish thinkers align with atheist and humanist concerns about the mass destruction caused by WMDs

  • They agree that these weapons cause disproportionate harm and go against the moral principles of protecting life and reducing suffering

• Some Jewish perspectives may differ from atheist and humanist views

  • Given the historical context of Jewish persecution (for example, the Holocaust), some Jewish thinkers argue that WMDs, especially nuclear weapons, are necessary for deterrence and self-defence

    • This view prioritises security over the potential risks of these weapons

• Judaism also values peace (shalom) and would generally support efforts for global disarmament and diplomatic solutions, aligning with humanist principles

  • However, the need for defence, especially in an unsettled region, remains a significant factor in Jewish thought

Utilitarian attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

• Utilitarianism is a moral philosophy that suggests that the best action is the one that maximises happiness or well-being for the greatest number of people

• The focus is on the outcomes of actions, and a utilitarian will consider whether something leads to more happiness or more suffering for society as a whole

  • Utilitarians would evaluate WMDs based on the consequences they produce

    • If the use of WMDs leads to massive loss of life and suffering, they would generally oppose them, as the harm caused would far outweigh any potential benefits

  • Some utilitarians might argue that WMDs can have a positive impact if they act as a deterrent, preventing larger-scale wars and ensuring peace through fear of mutual destruction

    • However, many utilitarians would still argue that the risks of escalation and the potential for catastrophic outcomes are too great to justify the use or possession of WMDs

  • A utilitarian would consider not only the immediate effects of WMDs but also the long-term consequences

    • Even if WMDs might prevent some wars in the short term, the lasting environmental and human damage could result in a net increase in suffering, making them morally unjustifiable in the long run

Jewish responses to Utilitarian attitudes to weapons of mass destruction

• Jewish teachings would agree with many aspects of utilitarianism 

  • Judaism places a strong emphasis on the sanctity of human life and the principle of pikuach nefesh teaches that saving life is one of the highest values

    • Jews might agree with utilitarian views that WMDs cause extreme harm and suffering, especially in terms of mass loss of life

    • The harm caused by WMDs would be seen as unacceptable because it contradicts the Jewish value of preserving life

  • Judaism also allows for self-defence, especially in the context of protecting the Jewish people which have experienced persecution

    • Some Jews may differ from utilitarianism by arguing that WMDs, especially nuclear weapons, are necessary to protect Jewish people from threats

    • They might justify them based on the idea of deterrence, where the fear of mass destruction prevents others from attacking, thus ensuring the safety and survival of many people

  • Judaism values peace (shalom) and the peaceful resolution of conflicts and the Torah encourages making peace, even with enemies

    • Jewish thought often supports the utilitarian goal of peace

    • However, the balance between ensuring peace and securing a nation's safety, especially in a region of conflict, remains a challenge

  • Tikkun olam (repairing the world) is a core Jewish value that encourages improving the world for future generations

    • Many Jews may agree with utilitarian concerns about the long-term consequences of WMDs, including environmental damage

    • Judaism teaches about human responsibility for the planet and its people. Therefore WMDs should be avoided in order to protect the world