Readers will receive an abridged version of the course offered at the Naval War College the last 40 years. The course consists of readings, philosophical, biblical and literary (Plato, Aristotle, Spinoza, Hume, Kant, and Mill on the one hand; Job, New Testament, Ignatius, Aeschylus, Dante, Shakespeare, Dostoyevsky, and Camus); and it focuses on man's need to believe that virtue is rewarded and evil is punished.
ADM James Stockdale, course designer while head of the college wrote: In a N. Vietnam prison was I a victim? Not when I became fully engaged, got into the life of unity with comrades, helping others, and being encouraged by them. As Stockdale noted, “No philosophical survival kits are issued when fighters go to war.” (The same is true for many other endeavors or adversities)
You will find pertinent examples of knowledge found in readings and experiences (e.g., books or bible passages read, spirituality experienced) that have been presented throughout history and reflect on the course theme. Lynn Bentley is please to offer his course to commemorate his fellow shipmate’s strength of character, commitment to leadership and spiritual depth.
