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Learner Reviews & Feedback for Paradoxes of War by Princeton University

4.6
stars
702 ratings

About the Course

The Paradoxes of War teaches us to understand that war is not only a normal part of human existence, but is arguably one of the most important factors in making us who we are. Through this course, I hope that you will come to appreciate that war is both a natural expression of common human emotions and interactions and a constitutive part of how we cohere as groups. That is, war is paradoxically an expression of our basest animal nature and the exemplar of our most vaunted and valued civilized virtues. You will learn some basic military history and sociology in this course as a lens for the more important purpose of seeing the broader social themes and issues related to war. I want you to both learn about war, but more importantly, use it as way of understanding your everyday social world. So, for example, the discussion of war and gender will serve to start you thinking about how expectations of masculinity are created and our discussion of nationalism will make clear how easy “us-them” dichotomies can be established and (ab)used. I will suggest some readings for you to complement the class and assign some activities through which you will be able to apply the theoretical insights from the course to your observations of everyday life. At the end of the course, you will start to see war everywhere and come to appreciate how much it defines our life. All the features of this course are available for free. It does not offer a certificate upon completion....

Top reviews

AM

Dec 12, 2015

This course has been an eye opening one, clearly giving poignant insights into the life of a soldier, the nature of war and the role of societies in it!

GP

Dec 6, 2019

Well done and well organized. Instructor is an excellent teacher--it feels like you are watching an episode of National Geographic on sociology of war!!

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101 - 125 of 183 Reviews for Paradoxes of War

By Hanan A H

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Dec 13, 2015

very useful and contains interesting materials.

By Leonardo O

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Sep 10, 2015

Great lessons and a very attractive format.

By Despina S

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Apr 19, 2025

Educational and engaging! Highly recomend.

By Stephenie M C

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Dec 14, 2015

Enjoyed the lectures and topics, thank you

By Ömer E K

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Nov 22, 2025

Really enjoyed and learned. Thank you !

By Patrick L

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Nov 8, 2015

Very interesting and very well taught.

By Emil

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Aug 24, 2018

Done it. Nice and informative course.

By Georgios C

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Sep 6, 2016

An in-depth course on what war is!!!

By Snae V Z

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Jun 29, 2025

Very well explaind, exceptional!

By Rohi T

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Nov 17, 2015

extraordinary.

done with passion

By Claire C

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Aug 14, 2015

unexpectedly thought provoking

By Refat A S

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Sep 7, 2025

Loved every single recording

By Inusha S K

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Aug 8, 2016

detailed, easy to understand

By José C G

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Sep 21, 2015

Very good .. congratulations

By Bill A

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Oct 23, 2015

Professor is very engaging.

By Iwo L

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Jan 16, 2017

Great toppic, nice optics

By Rose G

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Mar 28, 2016

Very interesting course

By Alexandre N N F

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Feb 16, 2022

Great and best course!

By Dirk S

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Sep 1, 2025

A very googd course.

By Renato

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Nov 8, 2015

Excellent course!

By ARIFUL H

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Nov 21, 2023

COURSE COMPLETED

By Олексій В

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Jun 29, 2018

Amazing course!)

By Lucijano J

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Dec 11, 2015

Very insightful!

By Cihan A

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Aug 2, 2017

Perfect course.

By Theodoros E

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Aug 15, 2015

Great course!!