Philosophical Writings

SR No.: 001802
Original Sutra Author: N/A
Author: Hemant Shah
Publisher: Academy of Philosophy
Publication Year: 2008
Total Pages: 194
Language: English
Classification: Book_English, Articles, & Philosophy
File Size: 11 MB

Page 122

Education for Peace in Schools
103
Out of all these greater emphasis has been put on Learning to Live together” by developing an understanding of others and their history, traditions and spiritual values and, on this basis, creating a new spirit to manage the inevitable conflicts in an intelligent and peaceful way. The other three pillars will provide the base for learning to live together. We in India have conceptualized Delor's report, mainly by the Central Board of Secondary Education, New Delhi. The said Board has come out with illustrative steps to fulfill the objectives. II. 4. Prof. David Adams, a scientist in the U.S known for his expertise and innovative approach in developing new weapons, one fine day felt convinced that the world was not yet ready for science. His determination to pursue peace made him offer his services to UNESCO. On his visit to India he said, : War is an ancient invention .... The culture of war has the following elements: an enemy, an authoritative structure or hierarchy, secrecy, belief in the use of force or the idea that power comes from force and violence and arms. It is dominated by man and has, as its goal, exploitation in all its forms - for plunder, taking slaves, establishing colonies, exerting economic domination and also for exploiting nature”.
If we wish to go from war to peace, we should know that the difference between the culture of the war and culture of the peace, is in the alternatives available. Peace is made up of tolerance, democracy, transparency, belief in non-violence and dialogue, disarmament, equality of women, economic and social justice. People will have to be taught what real tolerance means. It does not mean indifference towards the other. Tolerance, as defined by the UNESCO declaration of 1995, is "respect, acceptance and appreciation.” Tolerance is harmony in difference. It is fostered by knowledge, openness, communication and freedom of thought, conscience and belief. Mr David Adams said, “Listening will promote understanding - thereby prejudices will disappear. Also, individual behaviors must be in keeping with the need to preserve the planet. Equally important is the instilling of the democratic spirit”. In short,