Nonviolence in Theory and Practice [Paperback]

Robert L. Holmes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 22, 2001 | ISBN-10: 1577661834 | ISBN-13: 978-1577661832

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.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Bowers et al., The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control, Second Edition (ISBN 0881337129); Cupach-Canary, Competence in Interpersonal Conflict (ISBN 1577661605); Makau-Marty, Cooperative Argumentation: A Model for Deliberative Community (ISBN 1577661397); and Stewart et al., Persuasion and Social Movements, Fourth Edition (ISBN 1577661451).

From the Back Cover

Titles of related interest from Waveland Press: Bowers et al., The Rhetoric of Agitation and Control, Third Edition (ISBN 9781577666141); Cupach et al., Competence in Interpersonal Conflict, Second Edition (ISBN 9781577666493); Makau-Marty, Cooperative Argumentation: A Model for Deliberative Community (ISBN 9781577661399); Pardue, Ruminations on Violence (ISBN 9781577665083); and Stewart et al., Persuasion and Social Movements, Fifth Edition (ISBN 9781577664635). --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 208 pages
• Publisher: Waveland Pr Inc (March 22, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1577661834
• ISBN-13: 978-1577661832
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 7.5 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,392,028 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An incredibly good introduction, May 8, 2002

By 

Kerry Walters (Lewisburg, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nonviolence in Theory and Practice (Paperback)

Robert Holmes has put together a wonderful collection of essays on the topic of nonviolence. Topics range from religious and philosophical foundations, to the nonviolent philosophies of Gandhi, Tolstoy, and King, Jr., to women and violence, pacifism, and case studies. The whole is prefaced by a very good Introduction in which Holmes analyzes the different meanings of "nonviolence," and is ended with a decent bibliography of relevant works on nonviolence.

For the beginner, Holmes' anthology admirably makes three essential points about nonviolence: first, pacifism is one form of nonviolence, but is not identical to nonviolence; second, nonviolence isn't merely abstinence from physical violence; third, violence is not the same as force. Nonviolent resistance, for example, is clearly an exercise of force. Keeping points such as these in mind constitutes a good counterweight to the conventional assumption that proponents of nonviolence are quietistic, passive types who suffer any and all injustice.

If I have any reservations about this excellent collection, it's that Holmes doesn't do justice to the religious foundations of nonviolence, particularly when it comes to Christianity and Buddhism. Moreover, his inclusion of parts of Thoreau's "Civil Disobedience" is rather perplexing. Thoreau (as Holmes admits) was not an advocate of nonviolence.

Still, no book can do everything, and this one does much. Highly recommended.

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars great intro to political/military philosophy, March 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Nonviolence in Theory and Practice (Paperback)

This is a wonderful textbook for any course in the history or philosophy of nonviolence. Not only is it a complete overview of the history or nonviolence, but it includes some very unexpected contributors, in addition to the obvious. one of the most remarkable theories presented is an essay by A.A. Milne, more popularly known for his winnie the pooh books than for serious philosophical theorizing. and his proposed solution to war is so gloriously simple! He makes brilliant metaphors concerning war as a poison or a medicine, and a brilliant domestic analogy, but really, read the whole thing for yourself.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great reference!, March 28, 2007

By 

J. Breneman - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Nonviolence in Theory and Practice (Paperback)

More of a text than anything, this book serves as a good introduction to the various forms and roots of nonviolent philosophies.

From ancient Jainism to modern peace writers, this will make a great basic reference for anyone, complete with sample writings and a few examples of nonviolence theories in action.

If you're looking for depth, this won't give you any, but it is sure to enlighten and broaden your knowledge on the various theories and their presentation and after reading this you will have a good knowledge base to work from.