Difference between revisions of "Defeatism"
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| − | '''Defeatism''' is acceptance of defeat without struggle. In everyday use, defeatism has negative connotation and is often linked to treason and pessimism. However, defeatism can have positive | + | '''Defeatism''' is acceptance of defeat without struggle. In everyday use, defeatism has negative connotation and is often linked to [[treason]] and [[pessimism]]. However, defeatism can, on occasion, have positive consequences. The opposite of defeatism is [[triumphalism]]. Defeatists tend to be pragmatic in choosing their losses, while triumphalists believe that [[faith]] will triumph over all. |
| − | The term is commonly used in the context of war: a soldier can be a defeatist if he or she refuses to fight because he or she thinks that the fight will be lost for sure or that it is not worth fighting for some other reason. The term can also be used in other fields, like politics, | + | The term is commonly used in the context of [[war]]: a soldier can be a defeatist if he or she refuses to fight because he or she thinks that the fight will be lost for sure or that it is not worth fighting for some other reason. The term can also be used in other fields, like [[politics]], [[sports]], [[psychology]] and [[philosophy]]. The term originates from [[France]] during [[World War I]].{{fact}} |
[[category:politics]] | [[category:politics]] | ||
Revision as of 15:41, August 14, 2008
Defeatism is acceptance of defeat without struggle. In everyday use, defeatism has negative connotation and is often linked to treason and pessimism. However, defeatism can, on occasion, have positive consequences. The opposite of defeatism is triumphalism. Defeatists tend to be pragmatic in choosing their losses, while triumphalists believe that faith will triumph over all.
The term is commonly used in the context of war: a soldier can be a defeatist if he or she refuses to fight because he or she thinks that the fight will be lost for sure or that it is not worth fighting for some other reason. The term can also be used in other fields, like politics, sports, psychology and philosophy. The term originates from France during World War I.[Citation Needed]