About the book
Advocates of pacifism usually stake their position on the moral superiority of nonviolence and have generally been reluctant or unwilling to concede that violence can be an effective means of conducting politics. In this compelling new work, which draws its examples from both everyday experience and the history of Western political thought, author Dustin Ells Howes presents a challenging argument that violence can be an effective and even just form of power in politics. Contrary to its proponents, however, Howes argues that violence is no more reliable than any other means of exercising power. Because of this there is almost always a more responsible alternative. He distinguishes between violent and nonviolent power and demonstrates how the latter can confront physical violence and counter its claims. This brand of pacifism gives up claims to moral superiority but recuperates a political ethic that encourages thoughtfulness about suffering and taking responsibility for our actions.
Editions of Toward a Credible Pacifism
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781438428611
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781438428628
- PDF
- ISBN 9781438428635
Read an Excerpt
Advocates of pacifism usually stake their position on the moral superiority of nonviolence and have generally been reluctant or unwilling to concede that violence can be an effective means of conducting politics. In this compelling new work, which draws its examples from both everyday experience and the history of Western political thought, author Dustin Ells Howes presents a challenging argument that violence can be an effective and even just form of power in politics. Contrary to its proponents, however, Howes argues that violence is no more reliable than any other means of exercising power. Because of this there is almost always a more responsible alternative. He distinguishes between violent and nonviolent power and demonstrates how the latter can confront physical violence and counter its claims. This brand of pacifism gives up claims to moral superiority but recuperates a political ethic that encourages thoughtfulness about suffering and taking responsibility for our actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Toward a Credible Pacifism about?
Advocates of pacifism usually stake their position on the moral superiority of nonviolence and have generally been reluctant or unwilling to concede that violence can be an effective means of conducting politics. In this compelling new work, which draws its examples from both everyday experience and the history of Western political thought, author Dustin Ells Howes presents a challenging argument that violence can be an effective and even just form of power in politics. Contrary to its proponents, however, Howes argues that violence is no more reliable than any other means of exercising power. Because of this there is almost always a more responsible alternative. He distinguishes between violent and nonviolent power and demonstrates how the latter can confront physical violence and counter its claims. This brand of pacifism gives up claims to moral superiority but recuperates a political ethic that encourages thoughtfulness about suffering and taking responsibility for our actions.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Toward a Credible Pacifism?
Society and Social Sciences > Politics and government > Political science and theory
Where can I read a sample of Toward a Credible Pacifism?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781438428611
How long is Toward a Credible Pacifism and how many pages does it have?
Toward a Credible Pacifism has 278 page(s)
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Toward a Credible Pacifism?
Dustin Ells Howes
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Toward a Credible Pacifism is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781438428611) and paperback(ISBN 9781438428628) and pdf(ISBN 9781438428635)
Where can I buy Toward a Credible Pacifism online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Toward a Credible Pacifism from below
Where can I buy Toward a Credible Pacifism?