 |
| Gandhian Nonviolence as a Response to Epistemological Violence |
File Information
| Document Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Title | Gandhian Nonviolence as a Response to Epistemological Violence |
| Article Credit | Year: 2009, (Pubd in: Academia.edu) |
| Author | Peter Cox (University of Chester, Emeritus) |
| Subject | This paper argues that Gandhian nonviolence, reinterpreted as emancipatory praxis, offers a critical response to the epistemological violence of reductionist science and global capitalism, challenging the hegemony of neo-liberal marketisation. |
| Category | Academic Paper |
| Institution | University of Chester |
| Country of Publication | Not clearly identified in the document. |
| Main Topics | Epistemological violence, Reductionist science, Gandhian nonviolence, Global capitalism, Neo-liberal globalisation, Structural violence, Post-development critique, World Social Forum |
| Number of Pages | 25 |
| Language | English |
| File Type | |
| File Size | 177.9 KB |
Summary Note of this Document
This paper, presented at the 'Rethinking Gandhi & Global Nonviolence' conference, argues that Gandhian nonviolence, reinterpreted as an emancipatory praxis, offers a critical response to the epistemological violence inherent in reductionist science and global capitalism. Drawing on Vandana Shiva's 1988 essay 'Reductionist Science as Epistemological Violence', the author contends that the dominant techno-scientific paradigm, intertwined with neo-liberal marketisation, constitutes a form of structural violence that subordinates alternative knowledges and experiences. The paper examines the relationship between class conflict and nonviolence, engaging with Marxist analysis while emphasizing Gandhi's rejection of econometric reductionism and his focus on human agency. It explores the potential for nonviolent anti-capitalisms, drawing on the World Social Forum and Santos's concept of counter-hegemonic globalisation. The author argues that contemporary nonviolence must move beyond reformist conflict resolution to challenge the very structures of empire, advocating for creative dissent and noncooperation as means to envision alternatives to the hegemonic order. Ultimately, the paper positions Gandhian thought as a vital resource for confronting the violence of global capital and fostering transformative social change.
Core Themes
- Epistemological violence
- Gandhian praxis
- Anti-capitalism
- Structural violence
- Emancipatory politics
Keywords
About Mahatma Gandhi
Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi lived from 1869 to 1948. Born in India, he trained as a lawyer and became a political thinker. Colonial rule repelled him. He opposed it fiercely and eventually led India’s independence movement.
Gandhi pioneered Satyagraha, the power of truth and nonviolent resistance. He put these ideals into practice during political and social upheavals. Over twenty years in South Africa shaped his thinking. That’s where he developed his tactics of nonviolent defiance. He returned to India in 1915 and launched major movements against British rule. Non-Cooperation Movement. Salt March. Quit India Movement. Each one challenged colonial domination.
In 1883 he married Kasturba Gandhi. Marriage and family life remained central to who he was. He spoke powerfully about his beliefs. His writing included Hind Swaraj, Satyagraha in South Africa, and The Story of My Experiments with Truth, his autobiography.
His vision stretched beyond political independence. Religious harmony mattered to him. Social equality. Self-reliance. Women’s rights. Ending untouchability. All of these were part of what he fought for.
Nonviolence and Satyagraha shaped movements worldwide. Civil rights activists drew from his example. Freedom struggles across the globe felt his influence. His approach changed how people thought about resistance and change.
Complete Gandhi Research Collection
Download the entire collection of Gandhi research PDFs available on HISTORY MARG