“War Never Changes” A content analysis of the novel Starship Troopers

Abstract

This study analyzed the novel Starship Troopers (1987). Of interest was the Mobile Infantry which served as the Armed Forces in the story and the class of History and Moral Philosophy that was used to mold future citizens and soldiers. The Philosophical/Moral Approach was used to determine if the existence of the Mobile Infantry and its purpose and the usefulness of the History and Moral Philosophy program was needed. The Mobile Infantry is a specialist ground-based combat arm of the Federation where volunteers that had passed the harshest training regime devised could serve in a meritocratic environment where race, class, creed and influence did not matter. Their existence owes itself to the very advanced Power Armor, a technological marvel that turns its user into a very dangerous and capable soldier. Those that survive their term of duty are rewarded with citizenship, the most prized title the Federation gives with all the responsibilities and powers it has. History and Moral Philosophy is a unique class in which the teacher makes the students aware of history and past and present issues by lectures, especially in engaging them on reasoned debate and discourse where everything must be backed up by facts and sound scientific analysis.