Affirming a vital connection: Nonviolence and the disavowal of death as a harm
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Authors
Sanjay Lal
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Journal Article, Academic Journal
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Abstract
Though it can be said that having freedom from the fear of death is a quality needed not just by peace activists, it is in particular need of affirmation by those espousing a philosophy of nonviolence. This follows from the commonly offered assertion that violence (be it personal, institutional, or cultural) is required for protecting our lives. While there is a rich philosophical literature exploring the supposed harmfulness of death, the topic is scarcely discussed by peace theorists. In this paper, I will show the significance the topic has for more broadly showing the attractiveness of nonviolent philosophy given certain non-religious understandings of death that are well suited for advancing non-violence.
After establishing this groundwork, I will explore particular criticisms of the well-known Epicurean disavowal of the harmfulness of death and show how the example of Mahatma Gandhi actually provides Epicureans an ally with which to respond to the criticisms discussed. My ultimate aim in the second part of this essay is to more concretely illuminate the implications a rejection of the harmlessness of death has for living non-violently in everyday life.