How Perfectionism Affects Pacifism

Introduction

Many thinkers have always believed that pacifism is a worldview that isn’t realistic or achievable due to its stringent requirements. Although many find this unrealistic, people still tend to embrace this ideology. This essay will provide a firm explanation of the values, beliefs, and goals of a pacifist worldview, and how effective and positive a pacifist or pacifist-like worldview can be. Reconciliation, pacifism, and peace education are three key areas that will be elaborated upon to demonstrate how effective peace and the control of power can be. The article "Pacifism" by Matthew Miskelly and Jaime Noce will be reviewed, as well as the article on peace education by Dinka Corkalo and the reconciliation document by Raymond G. Helmick.

Pacifism: An Ever-Present Worldview

Pacifism has always been a prominent worldview, advocating for peace and controlled power. It dates back to the sixth century B.C. in India. Over the years, the ideology has obviously evolved, adapting to changes in the world and giving rise to different branches. It is a worldview that aspires for international peace, which might seem very unrealistic to many politicians who rely on coercive power. As explained in the document "Pacifism" by Matthew Miskelly and Jaime Noce, "International peace, they argue, can only be attained by a combination of hard-headed diplomacy and military preparedness. Domestic peace, they claim, will only be achieved with a strong police force and a tough court system. Pacifism, say many thinkers, belongs not in the domain of politics but in the realm of religious ideology. At best, pacifists are seen as hopeless idealists or as otherworldly dreamers. Thus, pacifism is recognized in standard political philosophy by its rejection" (Miskelly & Noce, 2007).

Pacifism is a worldview that has always stood against war and violence, focusing instead on peace and the control of power. It is the root of many other ways of thinking that are still applied in our world today because they have proven successful. The main goal is to always maintain peace and control of power, which is where most politicians find it lacking. While pacifism might not be fully implemented in today's world, many ideologies that stem from this idea are actively working in our society.

Peace Education: A Manifestation of Pacifism

Pacifism also manifests in education, known as peace education, because its goal is to achieve education in a peaceful manner. Peace education contains a pacifist worldview as it seeks to eliminate structural violence and social injustice. According to Dinka Corkalo, "Negative peace is defined as the absence of large-scale physical violence, the absence of the condition of war. Positive peace involves the development of a society in which, except for the absence of direct violence, there is no structural violence or social injustice" (Corkalo, 2012).

Its primary goal is to foster an environment of peace and justice. Peace education is essential because it was not always present in our world. Corkalo’s article explains that the aftermath of World War I was a powerful message advocating for a peaceful educational system. World War II further propelled the movement for peace education, largely due to the numerous victims and the use of chemical attacks. Education should always maintain a peaceful environment for children not only for their safety but also to enhance their academic results. Corkalo emphasizes that "The complex systems of society, the circumstances, and the context make the peace education field very active and diverse" (Corkalo, 2012).

This approach has many positive effects as it reduces ethnic separation and other forms of unethical discrimination, such as racial group separation. Individual equality, values, and rights are more respected with this method. Peaceful education is present in today’s world, evident in the rules established in schools to prevent violence and unethical or dangerous acts. It is a successful example of pacifism in our contemporary society.

Reconciliation: A Branch of Pacifism

Pacifism has many branches, including reconciliation. According to Raymond Helmick, "Reconciliation, the overcoming of differences, the healing of broken relations" (Helmick, 2011). It is usually a response to past events. For instance, the Reconstruction Era following the Civil War from 1865-1877 aimed to reorganize the South’s political system using military intervention. This is a good example of reconciliation, as new governments formed to counter military domination in the South, setting objectives for reconciliation by attempting to overcome injustice and differences.

Another successful attempt at integrating pacifism into our society was during the Victor’s Burden, as Helmick notes, "The Civil War was precipitated by the decision of the Southern states to secede from the Union in 1860–1861, but it was caused by the Southerners’ long-term fear that their valuable and profitable institution of slavery was endangered by a hostile majority in the North. This fear came to a head with the election of a Republican, Abraham Lincoln, to the presidency and his Northern party’s capture of Congress. As a result of the war, secession was defeated and slavery abolished. Alarmingly, however, the successful resolution of the long-term cause of the war (slavery) and of the short-term cause (secession) did not end the matter" (Helmick, 2011).

Reconciliation is the positive consequence following wars, uniting people and creating peace. These events demonstrate how reconciliation aims to maintain peace, justice, and controlled power. Helmick’s description illustrates how reconciliation can manifest, showing its successful integration into our society, leading to positive outcomes in various countries. The power of reconciliation is significant because it unites people and is a peaceful way to reduce violence and maintain majority power.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while pacifism might not be fully embraced in today’s world, many of its ideas are successfully and effectively implemented in our generation. Peace education is perhaps the best example of pacifism today, as it maintains peace and a violence-free environment in our educational system. Reconciliation, an idea akin to pacifism used in the late 1800s, was also crucial in maintaining peace and uniting populations after disastrous wars. This illustrates why pacifist-like ideas can lead to positive results in our world. This worldview matters because it promotes non-violence and peace, which are undeniably beneficial, and advocates for controlled power—a significant issue in today’s world. If the worldview of pacifism were applied verbatim in today’s society, would it result in positive or negative outcomes?

References:

• Corkalo, D. (2012). Peace Education.
• Helmick, R. G. (2011). Reconciliation.
• Miskelly, M., & Noce, J. (2007). Pacifism.