Nonviolence in Theory and Practice

This valuable collection of thirty-two readings--representing some of the most thoughtful attempts to explain what nonviolence is and to show how it is implemented--promotes critical thinking about what constitutes the success or failure of both violence and nonviolence. Through his arrangement of the works, Holmes has been mindful of readers who are relatively new to the philosophy of nonviolence. He begins with the origins of nonviolence; he then presents the perspectives of three principal philosophers; considers women and nonviolence, pacifism, and pragmatic nonviolence; and concludes with examples of the practice of nonviolence. Readers will discover the depth and multidimensionality of nonviolence--it can be passive resistance or nonviolent direct action; the commitment to nonviolence can be qualified or unqualified; it can be viewed as a tactic or a way of life. The knowledge gleaned from the highly regarded perspectives in this collection enables us to achieve meaningful objectives, whether they are focused on a personal level or on a broader initiative.