Pacifism and violence - Assignment Example

Running head: Pacifism and Violence Reading one: the one who burns herself for peace The reading recounts the act of Alice Hertz, a woman who burned herself in 1965 to protest against Vietnam War. The reading gives a lesson as she defended that her act was an act of hope, not despair (Cheyney, 1994). Many would wonder what point she drove home regarding the war and whether she succeeded. Even though she never succeeded entirely, it stands out that she won a moral battle for pacifists because she sacrificed her life for a good cause.

For people who see no value in the greatest sacrifice, she may be regarded as a mere crank. However, the weight of the sacrifice is felt by the lamb, not by the subjects whose salvation is being sought. Alice Hertz’s sacrifice, like many others who did as she did, was meant for a noble cause. This noble cause was to save more lives from being wasted in the Vietnam war. Whether, that worked or not is a different issue altogether. Reading two: are Pacifists cowards?In this reading, Gould (2010) is evaluating the question of pacifists who believe that disputes can be settled peacefully.

The reading suggests that pacifists’ virtues occur in their rejection of war and their affirmation of nonviolent communication and conflict resolution. That pacifists seek lifelong nonviolent moral commitment is a proactive moral commitment. To their opposites, they are cowards because they necessitate no moral commitment. Pacifists may not be heroes per se, but they embody no cowardice. Where cowardice saves life and brings about peaceful coexistence, pacifism becomes a virtue. Pacifists emphasize their value for life by endeavoring to end violent ways of seeking peace.

This effort works to support a moral commitment to preserve life. Therefore, the question of whether pacifists are cowards or brave lies in ones moral orientation.Reference List Cheyney, R. (1994). The one who burns herself for peace. hypatia inc. issue, 9(2), 21-39Gould, R. (2010). Are Pacifists Cowards? A consideration of this question in reference to Heroic warrior courage. A Gandhian Review, 14(1), 19-26.