Question 5 Compare and contrast environmentalism with pacifism. What are the points of similarity and the points of difference?

Question 1

Similarities

Answer 1

Critique of violence/harm: Both ideologies can be seen as critiquing certain forms of violence or harm. Pacifism directly opposes violence against humans, while environmentalism critiques harm and destruction inflicted upon the natural world.

Emphasis on interconnectedness: Some strands of both ideologies emphasize interconnectedness. Pacifism, particularly communitarian approaches, highlights our shared humanity.

Ecologism stresses the interconnectedness of all living beings within ecosystems.

Ethical considerations: Both are rooted in ethical considerations about how we should interact with the world and its inhabitants.

Pacifists and Vegetarianism: we should extend non-violence to humans the idea of satyagraha

Zoos: Incarceration of other living beings for human entertainment

Pacifist movements: can apply to environmental ideas (passive resistance, non violent persuasion)
Positive peace = Enviromentalism

Question 2

Differences

Answer 2

Primary focus: Pacifism’s central concern is the opposition to war and violence between humans. Environmentalism’s primary focus is the protection and well-being of the natural environment.

Scope of concern: While some pacifists like Tolstoy extended their non-violence to animals and advocated vegetarianism, the core of pacifism remains centered on human conflict. Environmentalism’s scope is broader, encompassing ecosystems, biodiversity, climate, and the well-being of all sentient (and sometimes non-sentient) aspects of nature.

Human nature: Pacifism, as seen with the idea of corrigible human nature, often focuses on changing human behavior to eliminate violence. Environmentalism views human nature more in ecological terms, seeing humans as part of the ecosystem.

Role of the state: Pacifists are often wary of the state’s monopoly on violence.

Environmentalists generally see a role for the state in regulating the economy and protecting the environment.