The Meaning of Obedience in a Time of Authoritarianism: Ethics of Care in and beyond the Military

Abstract

In my book, On Obedience, Contrasting Philosophies for Military, Community and Citizenry, I anticipated emerging and different problems of authority and the nature/character of obedience in military and civic cultures. My anticipations proved to be correct, and more urgent questions have emerged. I pay new attention here to faith perspectives and their roles within communities of care (COC), along with the moral perspective implied within COCs. The religious/moral examples of Dietrich Bonhoeffer and Magda Trocmé provide practical grounding for my thesis.