Final answer:
The Greek goddess Athena advocates for just warfare with strategic and moral purposes, while Ares represents a love for war and conflict without moral guidance. This highlights the historical contemplation on just war theory versus war as an end in itself.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Greek gods Athena and Ares represent two different approaches to the concept of war. Athena, the goddess of warfare and wisdom, is often portrayed as a supporter of just war. She believes in the strategic side of war, where conflict must serve a just purpose and embody wisdom. In mythology, she is depicted as providing assistance to heroes and guiding wars that have moral and strategic foundations. Conversely, Ares, the god of war and son of Zeus and Hera, embodies the brutal and chaotic nature of war. Rather than fighting for justice or wisdom, Ares represents the sheer love of conflict and bloodshed. His approach to war is impulsive and destructive, taking pleasure in the carnage without any underlying moral guidance or strategic purpose.
This distinction between just and unjust warfare is not solely a mythological concept but has been pondered throughout human history. The just war theory, which suggests that war can only be morally justified under certain conditions, echoes Athena's approach. Ares’ perspective, on the other hand, is reflective of war as an end in itself, pursued for personal glory or the love of destruction. These contrasting views reflect upon how war is perceived and justified, shaping the moral and ethical frameworks that societies construct around the concept of armed conflict.