The trans-rational interpretation of peace proposed in this book goes beyond the conventional debate and presents emotion, spirituality and physical exercise as practical aspects of applied peace work.
Spanning continents as well as disciplines, the first volume of the miniseries 'Many Peaces' presents a panorama of diverse interpretations of peace in world history and culture. Dietrich takes the reader on a fascinating journey through time and space, exploring the so-called five families of peace - energetic, moral, modern, post-modern and trans-rational. He stresses the importance of combining rationality and reason with human properties such as emotion and spirituality in applied peace work. This innovative book indicates a paradigm shift and proposes a new epistemological understanding of peace with enormous consequences for conflict work.
Spanning continents as well as disciplines, the first volume of the miniseries 'Many Peaces' presents a panorama of diverse interpretations of peace in world history and culture. Dietrich takes the reader on a fascinating journey through time and space, exploring the so-called five families of peace - energetic, moral, modern, post-modern and trans-rational. He stresses the importance of combining rationality and reason with human properties such as emotion and spirituality in applied peace work. This innovative book indicates a paradigm shift and proposes a new epistemological understanding of peace with enormous consequences for conflict work.
'Wolfgang Dietrich is the foremost thinker in the field of peace. His original contributions identify the cultural content of the concept of peace and what it means for different peoples and traditions. In this book, he reclaims old traditions while introducing solid intellectual novelties. It is a must read for any one interested in peace.' Gustavo Esteva, Rector Emeritus, Universidad de la Tierra, Mexico
'Wolfgang Dietrich seamlessly moves across disciplines of thought religious, sociological, political and philosophical to identify the interdependence of 'peaces'. Particularly compelling is his deep commitment to develop ideas by drawing on a wide range of authors and perspectives rarely found in peace and conflict studies.' John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame, France
'Dietrich's book brings a fresh air to Peace Research by helping to understand peaces as energies.' Vicent Martínez Guzmán,Directorof the UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
'Dietrich has left no area of the history of human ideas unexplored, from mythologies, to philosophies, to diverse explorations of the psyche, to our interior world of the centres of consciousness, to the realization of ever-pure atman as part of a total fabric of peace. It is not the facts alone but their interconnectivity here that serves as guidance for establishing a comprehensive understanding of peace(s).' Swami Veda Bharati, Spiritual Director of Sadhana Mandir, India
'Wolfgang Dietrich seamlessly moves across disciplines of thought religious, sociological, political and philosophical to identify the interdependence of 'peaces'. Particularly compelling is his deep commitment to develop ideas by drawing on a wide range of authors and perspectives rarely found in peace and conflict studies.' John Paul Lederach, Professor of International Peacebuilding, Kroc Institute, University of Notre Dame, France
'Dietrich's book brings a fresh air to Peace Research by helping to understand peaces as energies.' Vicent Martínez Guzmán,Directorof the UNESCO Chair of Philosophy for Peace, Universitat Jaume I, Spain
'Dietrich has left no area of the history of human ideas unexplored, from mythologies, to philosophies, to diverse explorations of the psyche, to our interior world of the centres of consciousness, to the realization of ever-pure atman as part of a total fabric of peace. It is not the facts alone but their interconnectivity here that serves as guidance for establishing a comprehensive understanding of peace(s).' Swami Veda Bharati, Spiritual Director of Sadhana Mandir, India