Study Guides

Unit Summary

In this unit pupils examine ideas of violence and how some religions justify war in terms of holy or just war. They will move on to examine specific ideas such as nuclear war and terrorism. Finally they will examine the role of religion in finding and making peace.

Lesson Summary

You will be able to explain what pacifism is and outline arguments for and against it.

Key Notes

• Pacifism is the belief that all violence is wrong, leading some to reject war, protest, punishment, and self-defence.
• There are varied forms, from absolute (no violence ever) to selective (some violence may be justified).
• Kantian ethics focuses on duty, while utilitarianism weighs outcomes, both can support or oppose pacifism.
• Supporters argue violence is always wrong and peaceful methods lead to lasting solutions.
• Critics argue force is sometimes needed when others won't negotiate or to stop serious injustice.

Vocabulary To Learn

• pacifism: belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
• peace: the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
• violence: behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage

Common Mistakes To Avoid

• Pacifism just means being against war.

3 Quick Questions (With Answers)

More Lessons In This Unit

• Contrasting religious views about violence Study Guide
• Different religious views about pacifism Study Guide
• Different religious views about weapons of mass destruction Study Guide
• Nuclear weapons and nuclear deterrence Study Guide
• Reasons for war Study Guide
• Religion and peace-making Study Guide
• Religion as a cause of war and Holy War Study Guide
• Religious responses to victims of war Study Guide
• Terrorism Study Guide
• The Just War theory Study Guide
• The meaning and significance of peace, justice, forgiveness and reconciliation Study Guide
• The work of Christian Aid for victims of war Study Guide
• Violence, including violent protest Study Guide
• Weapons of mass destruction Study Guide