Practical pacifism

As American citizens, where do we stand in regard to the actions our soldiers are taking our name? The United States has a unique responsibility and opportunity to use democracy to end war; but, after 9/11, many can no longer imagine pacifism in any form. Practical Pacifism argues for an approach to peace that aims beyond religion toward a moral consensus that is developed pragmatically through dialogue aimed at overlapping consensus. This work is a closely-reasoned argument for a practical commitment to pacifism in light of the way in which war is currently waged. Practical Pacifism looks at just war theory, the doctrine of double effect, John Rawls and Lao-Tse, utopianism and Machiavellianism, presenting a closely reasoned argument for a practical commitment to pacifism in light of the way in which war is currently waged. Pondering the question from many angles, the author argues for an approach to peace that aims beyond religion toward a moral consensus that is developed pragmatically. The United States may have a unique responsibility and opportunity to use democracy to end war; Fiala enlists the great thinkers and the outlines of recent history to lead the debate. Like Simon Wiesenthal s 1976 book, The On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, Practical Pacifism challenges the reader to define his beliefs about justice, compassion, and human responsibility. Under what circumstances is aggression forgivable? How can we be sure aggression is warranted? This book will be a stimulating resource for classes debating issues in the Middle East and the moral dilemmas that face the world s sole superpower. Index, Footnotes.