Title: Violence and nonviolence : an introduction /
Authors: Gan, Barry L., 1948-
Year: 2013
Subjects: Violence; Nonviolence; Violence Philosophy; Nonviolence Philosophy.
Abstract: Overview: Violence and Nonviolence: an Introduction critiques five dominant societal views about violence and nonviolence. Using evidence from scientific studies as well as anecdotal evidence and news reports, esteemed scholar and editor Barry L. Gan shows readers that these widely adopted and violent views are largely mistaken, and require a fundamental rethinking and adjustment. By synthesizing new research with old philosophies, Gan introduces readers to an alternative paradigm of nonviolence through which we can begin to build a more peaceful world. Nonviolent strategic action-a kind of selective nonviolence-is the first of the two alternative paradigms that provides a concrete approach to addressing social and political problems arising from violence. Nonviolence as a way of life is the second of the paradigms that expands upon (and in some respects critiques) the first, preferring a comprehensive and radical response to the scourges of violence that have plagued human history.
Contents: I: Violence. Molded by myths -- The myth of physical violence -- The myth of good guys and bad guys -- The myth of necessary violence -- The myth of effective punishment -- II: Nonviolence. An overview of nonviolence -- Selective nonviolence -- Toward a theory of comprehensive nonviolence -- Comprehensive nonviolence.