POLI 231 Lecture : POLI 231 - Gandhi
19 Dec 2011
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Document Summary
Satyagraha seeking to eliminate antagonisms without harming antagonists themselves; arming individual with moral rather than physical power. Believes endurance of suffering is a means to an end. Use of reason speak truth in order to persuade. Use of self-suffering reason not sufficient; one must persuade hearts of others. Civil disobedience non-cooperation, non-violence acceptance of legal punishments this either moves the oppressor, or moves the oppressed masses, which will undermine the power of the oppressor. Presuppositions to this doctrine humans are spiritual and physical beings physical reality makes it impossible to be completely non-violent humans should minimize violence (ahimsa) Gandhi believes god is necessary to be able for individuals to sacrifice all. Criticisms non-violence, non-cooperation is the doctrine of the weak unable to match power of the state should one use violence they would be blown away strategy vs. morals. Believes satyagraha comes from a position of strength.
