Hiroshima and Nagasaki - History and Ethics and Ways of Knowing - can we 'know' and understand without personal knowledge?

  Young Turks TV show takes a somewhat critical look at American Atomic bombs video above.          




 In recent years, many academics and others have condemned President Truman's decision to use the atomic bomb on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as unnecessary and immoral. Yet this interpretation relies on a poor understanding of history that both lacks perspective and ignores context. Dropping the bomb shortened the war and saved countless lives -- both American and Japanese. In five minutes, Professor of History at Notre Dame, Father Wilson Miscamble, argues for one side of the argument.

(Is it appropriate to ask if Jesus ('blessed are the peacemakers') would have argued for alternatives to war or an end to war itself rather this argument of 'the lesser of two evils'? This is a hypothetical question but  is there something unsettling about a man of God arguing so passionately that the killing of so many people was justified? Nonetheless, this man is both a priest and professor and we should evaluate his articulate and well-researched views as he is a credible academic source. His religious faith is not obvious in this video apart from his appearance. So focus on the history and ethics aspects but some students and teachers might want to look at the theology of a just war in some religions.)


Here is an example of Knowledge Questions in History as an Area of Knowledge.



Watch the video - evaluate the evidence - look online for academic voices of contradiction - weigh claims and counterclaims from different historians - reputable sources (not everyone online is reputable) - now use Reason and Emotion and Sense Perception and Language to unpack the questions around this tragic event.