Philosophy of Nonviolence Theory Essay Example
Philosophy of Nonviolence Theory Essay Example

Philosophy of Nonviolence Theory Essay Example

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  • Pages: 6 (1500 words)
  • Published: September 28, 2021
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Violence involves using force to promote people's rights, freedom, justice, and self-determination through armed struggle. In contrast, nonviolence promotes these same ideals without resorting to armed conflict. It stems from community unity and advocates for peaceful methods in the fight for rights and freedom. Civil resistance mainly focuses on political movements and community groups that employ tactics such as strikes, boycotts, mass protests, and other forms of noncooperation to challenge unjust and oppressive systems.

During class discussions, it is believed that acts of violence in a nation aim to disrupt the smooth functioning of the economy. These activities are led by political movements advocating for people's rights and have negative consequences, such as extensive property destruction during periods of political unrest.

The philosophy of nonviolence demonstrates various approaches used by individuals to combat discrimination caused by political entities. It also highli

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ghts the amicable and empathetic nature of nonviolence activists, positioning them as some of the most peaceful individuals globally.

Throughout our class sessions, we explored peaceful movements established to challenge the oppression of human rights by affluent classes across different countries. By embracing this philosophy of nonviolence, it becomes evident that its followers are dedicated proponents of peace.

Violence is often perceived as a criminal act committed by individuals or those with higher social standing to demean the less privileged. This form of violence disrupts peace and causes harm to animals, the environment, and humans. Discussions have revealed that societies worldwide employ nonviolence for diverse purposes. These encompass holding governments, corporations, and other unaccountable entities responsible for their actions. Nonviolence has also played a pivotal role in advocating for women's rights, minority rights, indigenous rights, labor rights, and democratic

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rights – all of which have been disregarded by governmental bodies. Additionally, nonviolence finds application in environmental sustainability and conservation efforts emphasizing the importance of safeguarding the environment. Violence lacks societal value as it contradicts the principles upheld by nonviolent movements.

Violence is regarded as a detrimental act that individuals and communities should steer clear of due to the harm it inflicts. When tackling intricate issues like government-related cases, it is urged to employ nonviolent means for resolution. This conviction in nonviolence garners substantial support from renowned activists globally, like Martin Luther King Junior in the United States. Students maintain that embracing a nonviolent approach is the optimal method for managing life's challenges.

Both the Holmes and sound methods of nonviolence encompass two theories. The Holmes theory of nonviolence operates on the belief that power holds immense value and acts as a compelled concept. It emphasizes the goal of achieving peace using the most optimal means. This theory is rooted in moral considerations and the actions taken. It is based on four fundamental principles that aim to educate individuals about nonviolence: refraining from killing, abstaining from engaging in war, avoiding violence, and rejecting the use of force. This theory displays great promise in terms of effectiveness and logical reasoning, as it sets boundaries for individuals involved in nonviolence movements, preventing them from compromising ethical principles.

The theory we are discussing is one that does not allow violence, war, or interference with someone's life. It is considered the most promising because it takes into account all important aspects in a country. Another theory, proposed by Martin Luther King, consists of six principles of nonviolence. These principles advocate for nonviolence

as a way of life for courageous people, meaning that it opposes evil without causing harm. It encompasses spiritual, mental, and emotional aspects. Additionally, nonviolence strives to establish friendship and understanding, aiming to reconcile different parties by implementing predetermined strategies.

Nonviolence not only strives for justice, but also highlights the significance of equitable treatment of individuals. This ideology produces transformative impacts in multiple domains of life. By upholding Martin Luther King's principles, nonviolence proves to be an invaluable instrument for promoting human rights and peacefully resolving conflicts. Moreover, it plays a vital role in educating the public about well-devised approaches to manage potential crises.

Nonviolence is a method that can be applied without causing any tragedies. It promotes accountability and control over various government organs, informing and articulating issues faced by people, communities, and institutions. Through nonviolence, solutions are found and negotiations yield positive outcomes.

Nonviolence movements emphasize love among people instead of promoting hate, which is advocated by violence. These movements promote unity among people within a country, regardless of blood ties or shared ancestry. They hold state institutions responsible for their actions and are able to challenge injustices carried out by the government. Our class discussions have highlighted the importance of nonviolence movements in various ways, including resolving conflicts within communities and ensuring accountability of state organizations within a specific timeframe. These movements have succeeded in large part due to financial support from influential institutions.

Other ways of helping the movement and achieving their goals include educating the masses. Both theories of nonviolence play important roles in explaining its significance. The three key aspects of nonviolence for resolving conflicts are: investigating the cause of the conflict, which

provides essential information for finding potential solutions; and implementing those solutions. Methods used to unearth the root cause of conflicts include asking a series of questions, such as when the upset occurred and how it started. Gathering these details aids in identifying possible problem-solving approaches.

The mediator's possible solution to the conflict involves allowing each disputant to express themselves regarding the cause of the conflict. Through elaborating on their feelings towards the disagreement, the mediator aims to facilitate a resolution and reconciliation between the involved parties. This can be achieved by encouraging them to shake hands and agree to follow the identified alternatives. Another aspect of nonviolence in conflict resolution is collaborating with the other person to find the best solutions for the challenges at hand. It recognizes conflict resolution as an opportunity for mutual benefit.

The above mentioned techniques for resolving conflicts are interpersonal. They can be applied to various global situations, such as when politicians within a state engage in disagreements. In such cases, a mediator can be summoned to communicate with those involved in order to facilitate reconciliation. This process allows the parties to agree on measures for maintaining peace during negotiations. Additionally, nonviolence can be employed to establish peace in states engaged in war. By contacting the warring factions and gathering information on their respective desires, nonviolence can help to bring them to a mutual agreement. Worldwide nonviolence movements are dedicated to protecting people's interests and safeguarding them from oppression caused by state institutions and political unrest. Resorting to legal proceedings is another method for implementing conflict resolutions by bringing the conflicting groups to court.

This is because the court remains impartial towards both

parties involved in conflicts and cannot favor any group in making final judgments. The learning in this class has the potential to impact the choices individuals make in life, such as bringing together people who disagree in different areas. In doing so, it ensures a peaceful resolution for the group. Furthermore, it can also influence choices in one's profession by equipping them with skills to resolve conflicts at the workplace using methods like mediation, court system, and collaboration with employees to find viable solutions.

The knowledge acquired in this class has been advantageous to my profession because it has equipped me with different tactics to advocate for workers' rights and attain justice. In the learning notes of the class, Martin Luther King emphasizes the significance of nonviolence, asserting that its objective is to foster friendship and comprehension, ultimately resulting in redemption and reconciliation. He also explores how nonviolence can facilitate education and transformation in individuals without necessitating personal sacrifice. Nevertheless, it is crucial to acknowledge that disagreements may arise among groups striving to cultivate this friendship, particularly when they are not on amicable terms with one another.

The documentary on Gandhi explores the origin of nonviolence, which comes from its Sanskrit root meaning the avoidance of physical violence. Nonviolence signifies showing love towards others and refraining from causing them harm. Mahatma Gandhi emphasizes in this film that the rejection of cowardice is a central concept, as it occurs when individuals lack the courage to face dangerous or unpleasant situations. According to him, nonviolence demands bravery and resisting fear.

Learning in class teaches individuals that fighting for the rights and freedom of others often involves enduring suffering, pressure, and

violence. This knowledge can equip individuals with strategies for coping with challenging situations. Additionally, classroom learning can influence personal relationships by encouraging individuals to treat others with respect, fostering unity, organization, and friendliness without causing harm. It can also encourage individuals to assist and guide others in finding solutions to their problems. Moreover, classroom learning can instill the value of sharing resources with those in need as a means of mutual support.

In summary, the class has had a transformative impact on students' thinking by promoting peace and emphasizing the significance of advocating for people's rights using nonviolent methods.

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