[Part 4]- Theme D- Peace and Conflict ☮️⚔️ Flashcards
1
Q
What is pacifism ?
A
- Pacifism, is the belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
2
Q
Why might some Quakers support pacifism ?
A
- Quakers, are Christian pacifists who would argue their Christian faith inclines them to be connectors objectors [a person who refuses to fight in a war, due to their religion or religious beliefs].
- This is because, they aim to ‘utterly deny all outward wars’.
- therefore they would support pacifism since it expresses peace, instead of conflict- which is always wrong as conflict can not only take lives; it can also harm the environment and one mental’s health.
3
Q
Why else might some Quakers support pacifism ?
A
- Fletcher’s situation ethics which proposes that ‘the most loving should always be done’,
- though how is it loving to cause harm to the environment- and what God has created ? Therefore in light of situation ethics, conflict is always wrong.
4
Q
What is the first evaluation point, to applying situation ethics, to pacifism ?
A
- EVALUATE ; contrary to this, this is a flawed argument because the most loving thing is relative. [as it’s dependent to each person]
- Moreover, situation ethics could also be used to oppose pacifism, further making it a weak argument.
5
Q
What is the second evaluation point, about applying situation ethics, to pacifism ?
A
- in a war, the most loving thing could be to oppose pacifism and use violence, so the country can win- meaning those people are protected.
- Though if a pacifist approach is used, this could potentially threaten the lives of innocent civilians who are created ‘in his own image’- [Genesis 1:27].
- EVALUATE: So wouldn’t it be more loving to take lives of those who ruthlessly threaten others, than harm innocent civilians whom God has fearfully and wonderfully created, in his own image ?
6
Q
What are some other reasons why some Christians may support pacifism ?
A
- Jesus [the key founder of Christianity] taught that ‘those who live by the sword die by the sword’ in Matthew 26, 26:52.
- hence this is why some Christians would support pacifism, since he is God incarnate, therefore what he teaches will have authority and won’t be taken lightly.
- so in light of this view, conflict-free decisions/resolutions should be made.
7
Q
What’s the first evaluation point, to Jesus teaching in support of pacifism ?
A
EVALUATE: On the other hand, this could be perceived as a less convincing argument because although he preached and taught about pacifism, Jesus used violence himself- in the temple.
- this contradicts his own teachings, so perhaps this is why some Christians might not support pacifism because, it can be seen as acceptable to use violence if God incarnate, Jesus used it in the Jerusalem temple- as seen in Matthew 21:12-17. ‘he overturned the tables’
8
Q
How could Kantian ethics, be used to support violence and not pacifism ?
A
- additionally, Kantian ethics could perhaps be used to reinforce this argument because although the action might not be motivated by a ‘good’ duty, using violence from a place of goodwill could be acceptable.
9
Q
What’s an example of how Kantian ethics, be used to support violence and not pacifism ?
A
- An example of this is: in defence of someone else who is being harmed.
- Although the action may cause unitended consequences for the offender going to hospital, it would come from a place of goodwill- to protect the victim from any further harm.
10
Q
Why do most Buddhists support pacifism?
A
- most Buddhists support pacifism because as Buddhists, they have a commitment to the principle of ahimsa [non-violence.]
- This is exemplified in Dhammapada chapter 10, verse 132 which warns Buddhists to not ’oppress with violence other beings who also desire happiness’
11
Q
What’s another reason, why some Buddhists may support pacifism ?
A
- another reason some Buddhists may support pacifism, is because of the threefold way [part of the eightfold path].
- This is because, it teaches Buddhist sila [ethics] such as the right action- practising the five moral precepts, and importantly, not causing harm to others [as this only furthers suffering, and is undignified]
12
Q
What’s a reason, why some Buddhists may have different views towards pacifism ?
A
- some Buddhists may have a different view towards pacifism because:
- Buddhist panna [wisdom] teaches Buddhists the noble eightfold path should be followed with the correct intention, and a sincere attitude.
- and in light of this, although it could be argued it’s an action of askula opposing pacifism [e.g- partaking in war] may in fact be seen as acceptable since, it has the correct intention and a selfless motivation- to save lives.
- This is exemplified by the Buddhist scholar Kalu Rinpoche, in the story of a girl who falls into a river, and is drowning; her mother attempts to save her
13
Q
What’s the story of a girl who falls into a river and is drowning, but her mother attempts to save her ?
A
- a girl falls into a raging river and is drowning [and sinking]; her mother attempts to save her and jumps in the water.
- as a result of this, the mother begins to drown and the girl struggles to rescue her mother to save her, though they both drown in the process to save each other.
- this story teaches Buddhists, that although this action could be seen as unskilful, the motivation is selfless and therefore, the mother and daughter will attract bounds of good karma
14
Q
What is an action of askula 🆚 an action of kusala ?
A
- askula, are actions which are considered to be unskilful, immoral, and that will attract negative karma],
- ; kusala, are actions which are considered to be skilful, moral and will attract good karma
15
Q
What’s a reason, why some Christians may have different views towards pacifism ?
A
- one reason, why some Christians may have different views towards pacifism is because of just war theory.
- This is seen, in the Catechism of the Catholic Church paragraph 2309 which teaches Roman Catholics, that ‘the strict conditions for legitimate defence by military force, require rigorous consideration’
- therefore war can be justified and seen as acceptable; there are strict conditions that must be met.
