Terminology
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[edit] Violence
A generalized definition of "violence" appears to have originated with Johan Galtung.
- Violence is any action that prevents another human from reaching their full potential.
This definition focuses on human behavior. Natural disasters and the effect of natural forces are destructive and potentially injurious but would not be characterized as an act of violence using this definition. If a person (or a group of people) acts in a manner that limits the growth of another person (physically, mentally, emotionally, developmentally,...), that action would be considered a form of violence.
Willingly ingesting substances that damage one's physical and mental abilities would be characterized as self-inflicted (self-directed) violence. Because all children require physical and mental assistance to develop into a self-sufficient and enabled adults, the lack of proper nutrients, clean air and water, health care, and educational opportunities are considered to be forms of "structural violence" by responsible adults under this definition. Because humans are typically socially connected beings, actions considered to be non-physical such as isolation, ostracism, denigration, intimidation, bullying, exaggeration of perceived danger, etc. that traumatize and detract from future growth would also be considered forms of violence.
The World Health Organization defines violence as the intentional use of physical force or power, threatened or actual, against oneself, another person or against a group or community, that either results in or has a high likelihood of resulting in injury, death, psychological harm, maldevelopment or deprivation. Violence places a massive burden on national economies, costing countries billions of US dollars each year in health care, law enforcement and lost productivity.
[edit] Other Perspectives
[edit] Peace
Negative Peace is often considered as the lack of violence or absence of war.
But there are other perspectives including:
- "Peace is a never ending process... it is an attitude, a way of life, a way of solving problems and resolving conflict." - Oscar Arias Sanchez, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate.
Positive peace is considered to be the opposite of violence or actions that promote and provide opportunities for human growth. Measures of the peacefulness of a society would then be the lack of violence AND the presence of adequate food, clean water & air, clothing, shelter and access to health care as well as educational opportunities, meaningful employment, and recreational opportunities that allow a person to pursue their potential (in a manner that does not violate others).
- Peace is an existential state where individuals are not only free from bombs raining down on their heads and an absence of planes flying into buildings, but where every person enjoys the basic human rights of security, prosperity, a good and free education, plentiful food, accessible healthcare, clean water and a clean planet free from catastrophic global climate change and overwhelming pollution. Cindy Sheehan
[edit] Definitions of Peace
[edit] Foreword
Definitions of peace are as diverse as the people who develop them. The following is not a comprehensive survey of peace definitions; however it can serve to illustrate similarities and differences in how people envision Peace. Much of this information can be found on the internet. In many cases, the hyperlinks to the original source material have been retained for easy reference.
[edit] Secular Definitions (e.g. Dictionaries)
peace noun
1 a. the state existing during the absence of war b. (as modifier)
example: peace negotiations
2 [modifier]denoting a person or thing symbolizing support for international peace
example: peace women
3 [often cap];a treaty marking the end of a war
4 a state of harmony between people or groups;
example: Peace is a never ending processâ¦it is an attitude, a way of life,
a way of solving problems and resolving conflicts⦠Oscar Arias Sanchez,
example: Peaceful living is dealing constructively with diversity and
differing opinions. It is busy, noisy, hard work, challenging, and charged with emotion. It is rewarding, educational, interdependent, synergistic, compassionate, co-operative,
prosperous, truthful, inquisitive, exploring, expanding - yet becoming as
one with the universe
5 law and order within a state; absence of violence or other disturbance
example: a breach of the peace
6 absence of mental anxiety (often in the phrase peace of mind)
7 a state of stillness, silence, or serenity
8 at peace
a. in a state of harmony or friendship b. in a state of serenity c dead example: the old lady is at peace now
9 hold or keep one's peace to keep silent
10 keep the peace to maintain or refrain from disturbing law and order
11 make one's peace withs to become reconciled with
12 make peace to bring hostilities to an end
[edit] ETYMOLOGY [12th Century: from Old French pais, from Latin pax]
peace (NO VIOLENCE) noun (a period of) freedom from war and violence, esp. when people live and work together happily without disagreements
Example: Now that the war is over may there be a lasting peace between our nations. Peace lasted in Europe for just over 20 years after 1918 before war broke out again. Source: The Collins English Dictionary © 2000 HarperCollins Publishers:
peacekeeping noun a the maintenance of peace, esp. the prevention of further fighting between hostile forces in an area b (as modifier)
Example: a UN peacekeeping force Source: Cambridge International Dictionary of English (http://dictionary.cambridge.org/define.asp?key=peace*1%200)
make-peace (noun) - 1. someone who tries to bring peace
Synonyms: conciliator, pacifier, peacemaker, sreconciler Source: WordNet ® 1.7, © 2001 Princeton University
For additional information on terms...
Someone who is a proponent / advocate of providing opportunities for people is a "pro-opportunist"?
