Pacifism

Pacifism is the opposition to war or violence. It is not a single, uniform belief. Instead, it covers a broad spectrum of views. Some people believe international disputes should be resolved peacefully. Others call for the total abolition of military institutions. This is known as institutional pacifism. Some people oppose any government using force through anarchist or libertarian pacifism. Others reject physical violence to reach political or social goals. At its core, pacifism often suggests that the ends do not justify the means.

There are different ways to understand the reasons for pacifism. One way is through a deontological view, which is based on moral principles. Principled pacifists believe certain types of violence are always morally wrong. Another way is through a consequentialist view, which is based on pragmatism. Pragmatic pacifists believe the costs of war are too high. They argue that better ways to resolve disputes must be found. These people focus on the practical results of avoiding conflict.

Pacifists are often divided into two main types: absolute and conditional. An absolute pacifist believes human life is so valuable that it should never be killed. They may refuse to fight even in self-defense. This can be very difficult to practice consistently. A conditional pacifist holds a different view. They represent a spectrum of positions that depart from absolute rejection. For example, common pacifism might allow for defense. However, it does not advocate for interventionism or constant defensiveness.

History shows many ancient traditions of peace. In ancient China, the Mohist School opposed aggressive war. They used defensive strategies to protect smaller states from larger ones. The Taoist scripture, the "Classic of Great Peace," also advocated for a world of peace. In the Chatham Islands, the Moriori people practiced pacifism by order of their ancestor, Nunuku-whenua. This helped them preserve limited resources in a harsh climate. Sadly, this led to their near annihilation in 1835 when they were invaded by Māori groups.

Religious traditions have also shaped these ideas. Many people view Jesus of Nazareth as a pacifist. He taught his followers to "turn the other cheek." He also said that those who take the sword will perish by the sword. In India, the concept of "ahimsa," meaning to do no harm, is central to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In the 19th century, Leo Tolstoy revived interest in these ideas. Later, Mahatma Gandhi used "satyagraha," or steadfast nonviolent opposition, to help India gain independence.

Gandhi's methods served as an inspiration for many others. Martin Luther King Jr. used nonviolent methods during the American civil rights movement. Other leaders like James Lawson and James Bevel were also involved. Some pacifists also use nonviolent resistance, or civil resistance, to make changes. This can include symbolic acts like pouring red paint to represent blood. Some people may even support the destruction of property during emergencies. However, not all participants in these movements are absolute pacifists.

Sometimes, pacifists have supported specific conflicts they viewed as necessary. During the American Civil War, some argued the conflict was a "police action" rather than a war. French pacifist René Gérin similarly supported the Spanish Republic during the Spanish Civil War. He viewed the conflict as a domestic police action against criminals. In the 1960s, some members of the New Left supported wars of national liberation. They believed peaceful attempts to liberate certain nations were no longer viable. This shows how complex the relationship between peace and force can be.