Immanuel Kant's Transition To Nonviolence

In the social sphere, the transition to nonviolence is an act of acceptance of certain moral choices such as promotion of consolidation towards other human beings, the establishment of mutual understanding between different cultures and ethnicities, promotion of tolerance, and readiness to resolve conflicts through respect and power of communication. Since ancient times, one can be lead to believe that violence is a part of the human nature. Humans are taught that violence is the only option to achieve a necessary resolution and due to this, words such as war and destruction has become something normal in modern societies. Despite numerous public discussions and debates about violence as a horrible mean to resolve a conflict, we as human beings …show more content…
Therefore, violence is not an innate human trait. According to Immanuel Kant, the founder of the modern philosophy, Kant emphasized that people can be rational human beings beyond their emotions. He showed respect for human beings by saying that people should be treated as rational human beings and should be respected for their values, beliefs, and ideals without causing them harm (Teuber, A., pg. 370). The nonviolence paradigm is a multidimensional concept which encompasses various strategies for either a personal or social change through peaceful and nonviolent approach (Lecture, Module 9, 1b). The strategies for either a personal or social change include symbolic protests, noncooperation, and direct nonviolent intervention. Symbolic protests include vigils, marches, and demonstrations, which utilize simple verbal persuasion, negotiation, and compromise to inform others about their positions and to influence other people (Lecture, Module 9, c). The method of noncooperation includes strikes and boycotts, which uses peaceful institutional procedures to show opposition to governmental regulations and policies. The method of direct nonviolent intervention …show more content…
In a modern society, we are conditioned to associate power with violence which results in a cycle of violence (Lecture, Module 9, a). Therefore, people in power are usually the only ones who are heard. However, what about people who do not possess a power to be heard? Nonviolence paradigm gives the weak a voice (Lecture, Module 9, 1b). As stated above, the term “rape culture” which outlines the normalization of sexual harassment also places a blame on the victims of sexual harassment (WAVAW). Canada values peace and justice, human rights, freedom, security and resolution. An example of Brock University’s professor who engaged in sexual harassment with his students has come to a light when the Brock University’s students protested for his resignation. According to CBC News’ article, “Brock University students demand resignations in sexual harassment case”, sixty students demanded for the professor’s resignation who attempted to silence students who were victims of sexual harassment by him (CBC News). The action by the students can be viewed as a social boycott towards Brock University’s “shameful” approach to handle this situation. As soon as the article became public, the university was forced to fire the professor