Introduction -- Classical and Constructivist Pragmatism -- Positivism: Social Engineering of Peace -- Toward a Social Science of Peace -- Interpretations as a Conflict Reality -- Social Construction of Structures of Peace and Conflict -- Critical Approaches and Peace -- Intellectual Opportunities for the Creation of a Less Violent World -- Conclusions and Missions for Pragmatist Peace Research.
Summary:
Knowledge can create peaceful realities in addition to serving as an intellectual tool for peace-making. This is why pragmatist assessment of social science should avoid looking exclusively at the instrumental value of different paradigms. This book investigates the realities that positivism, anti-determinism, symbolic interactionism, social constructivism and critical theory create, and the tools they offer for a peace researcher and a peace practitioner. In essence, Paradigms of Peace looks at what social science can give to the humanity's search for peace and then offers an agenda for peace research. Using constructivist pragmatist metatheory to guide the assessment of the merits of different social science approaches to peace, this book suggests completely new ways of looking at the theory of peace and war. Difficult theoretical and philosophical constructs are presented but always supplemented with real-life examples, making it practical and relevant to both a research and policy-making level. Perfect for students and professionals of international relations, political science, peace and reconciliation studies, conflict and war studies and history. -- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.