Question 1

Holmes argues that the only intrinsic value in government lies in contributing to the preservation and enhancement of the lives of individual persons.

Accepted Answer

Holmes posits that the intrinsic value of government is fundamentally tied to its ability to contribute positively to the lives of individuals, emphasizing the enhancement and preservation of individual well-being as the core purpose of governance.

Question 2

Holmes writes that the assumptions that nonviolence wouldn't have worked against Hitler and that violence was successful in World War II require some qualification. Explain his qualifications to these views in your own words. Do you agree that these assumptions about nonviolence are limited and only assumptions? Or has history given them support? Explain your answer with specific examples.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Holmes writes that the assumptions that nonviolence...

Question 3

Holmes argues that the fundamental problem we face in addressing questions of security is the proliferation of nuclear weapons.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Holmes argues that the fundamental problem we...

Question 4

Holmes argues that the commitment to nonviolence must __________

Accepted Answer

Nonviolence as a principle is often advocated to be adopted as a way of life, rather than being contingent solely on religious belief or requiring universal adoption to succeed.

Question 5

Gandhi argues that there can be no hope for nonviolence until we each conquer our own greed.

Accepted Answer

Gandhi believed that nonviolence (Ahimsa) was not only a strategy for resistance but also a principle for living. He argued that personal transformation, including overcoming greed and selfish desires, was essential for the practice of nonviolence and for creating a peaceful society.

Question 6

How does Holmes propose to displace the war system?

Accepted Answer

Holmes proposes to displace the war system by advocating for a new system of cooperation, recognizing the individual's primary moral significance over the state, and prioritizing peace education. These approaches collectively aim to address the root causes of war and promote a more peaceful global society.

Question 7

Do you think the concept of jihad is often misunderstood in the United States? Did your understanding change after reading this essay?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think the concept of jihad...

Question 8

Based on this article, what misconceptions do you think most non-Muslims probably have with regard to the Islamic tradition's teachings about war? Do you think a better understanding of those teachings might improve relations between The west and the Islamic world? What specific principles ought to be emphasized?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Based on this article, what misconceptions do...

Question 9

What does Gandhi say is the greatest force man has been endowed with?

Accepted Answer

Gandhi believed that nonviolence (Ahimsa) is the greatest force at the disposal of mankind. He advocated for nonviolent resistance as a powerful and effective method for social change and conflict resolution.

Question 10

What does Gandhi say is the root of all evil?

Accepted Answer

Gandhi believed that greed is the root of all evil, as it leads to various forms of injustice and moral degradation.

Question 11

Gandhi claims that even cowardice is preferable to violence.

Accepted Answer

Gandhi believed that non-violence was superior to both cowardice and violence, but he did not claim cowardice was preferable to violence. He advocated for courage and non-violence.

Question 12

What does Holmes mean by "the war system"? What are some of its components? Is Holmes correct that many of our institutions, cultures, societies, economies, and politics lead directly to war? Explain why or why not.

Accepted Answer

The answer of What does Holmes mean by "the war...

Question 13

Do you agree with Gandhi that love leads to nonviolence and that nonviolence is the "weapon of the strong?" Explain in your own words what he means by characterizing love as law.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you agree with Gandhi that love...

Question 14

Do you think that if people took the just war theory and Islamic conditions for war seriously, war would be much less frequent? Or do you think that religions tend to justify war more than they limit war? Consider too, the possibility that many may use religious language to justify war even when the theology and ethics of any given religion may not, in fact, provide such justification.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Do you think that if people took...

Question 15

Which of the following does Hashmi say is an illegitimate reason for war, according to Islam?

Accepted Answer

Hashmi states that desiring plunder is considered an illegitimate reason for war in Islam, as it goes against the ethical principles of just warfare.

Question 16

Holms argues that a fundamental misconception is that security can be achieved through armaments.

Accepted Answer

Holmes argues that relying solely on armaments for security overlooks the importance of diplomacy, economic stability, and international cooperation, suggesting that a multifaceted approach is necessary for true security.

Question 17

Why does Holmes claim that the "occasional Hitlers of this world" are not our real problem. Do you agree? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Holmes claim that the "occasional...

Question 18

Is Holmes's argument for nonviolence unrealistic? If so, provide specific reasons why. Or is his strategy in fact more practical than war? If war has not put war to an end, do you think that nonviolent approaches might be more effective? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Is Holmes's argument for nonviolence unrealistic? If...

Question 19

According to Hashmi, the Qur'an __________.

Accepted Answer

Hashmi argues that the Qur'an sanctions violence in response to evil, indicating that it allows for violence under certain circumstances.

Question 20

How does Gandhi characterize non-violence?

Accepted Answer

Gandhi characterizes non-violence as conscious suffering, which means willingly enduring suffering without retaliating in order to achieve a moral or political goal. This approach is active and involves a deliberate decision to face adversity without resorting to violence, distinguishing it from passive acceptance or meek submission.

Quiz 8: Confronting