The conflict over the genocidal events in Rwanda exemplified a deeper philosophical struggle. On one side, there were those who argued that realities are subjective, thereby claiming that every perspective holds equal validity. Conversely, there were those who contended that these constructs of reality should be assessed based on their moral implications, suggesting that some beliefs are inherently right or wrong. This dichotomy reflects a broader debate that, while often academic and abstract, has profound real-world consequences.

In Rwanda, the dire consequences of this theoretical debate became starkly evident, underscoring the urgent need to confront questions of truth and morality directly. The author, Philip Gourevitch, highlights that the philosophical discussions surrounding objective truth are not just academic but can significantly impact human lives, reaffirming that in the context of genocide, these discussions are indeed a matter of survival and moral judgment.