Pragmatic Nonviolence:
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Writen byAndrew Fitz-Gibbon - Publisher Brill | Rodopi
- Year2021
Andrew Fitz-Gibbon presents a compelling synthesis of nonviolence philosophy, American pragmatism, and empirical research to argue that nonviolence is not merely an abstract ideal but a practical, lived strategy for building personal and communal well-being. The book situates nonviolence as a working philosophy—grounded in pragmatism—that can guide real-world actions in conflict transformation, education, and social change. Fitz-Gibbon highlights both the theoretical foundations and concrete applications, showing that nonviolence is a path to ethical living, social justice, and community resilience. Rather than seeing nonviolence only in religious, historical, or activist terms, this book reframes it as pragmatic action that connects personal growth with societal transformation. This book is highly relevant in an era marked by polarization, radicalization, and systemic violence, offering a philosophy that is both practical and adaptable across diverse contexts. Community Engagement Mechanisms include: • Conflict mediation workshops using pragmatic nonviolence as a toolkit. • Educational curricula that combine philosophy, ethics, and peace studies for schools and universities. • Interfaith & intercultural dialogue forums applying pragmatist methods of consensus-building. • Grassroots peacebuilding initiatives connecting personal ethical responsibility with social justice movements. • Policy think-tanks adopting nonviolence principles for restorative justice and community resilience. The book offers a bridge between theory and practice, making it valuable for both academics and practitioners. Its pragmatist framing makes nonviolence relatable beyond religious or purely moral contexts, which is particularly useful for secular institutions, civil society, and educational organizations.

