Practical Pacifism

"In a world addicted to war, choosing peace is the most radical act."

Andrew Fiala’s Practical Pacifism is a thought-provoking philosophical examination of peace, nonviolence, and the ethical dimensions of war in the modern world. Rather than advocating an absolute rejection of violence, Fiala proposes a pragmatic, humanistic framework for resisting militarism while recognizing the complexities of political reality.

The book addresses timeless questions — When is violence justified? Can war ever be ethical? — through the lens of philosophical modesty, tolerance, and critical self-consciousness. Fiala critiques ideological certainty, whether religious, revolutionary, or nationalist, arguing that such certainty often fuels conflict. He emphasizes individual responsibility: at every moment, each person must choose between the rival possibilities of violence and peace.

Key topics include the roots of political violence in biology and culture, the interplay between militarism and state power, and the contrast between absolute pacifism and just war theory. Fiala examines propaganda, patriotism, and the rhetoric that makes violence seem virtuous when “our side” uses it. He also scrutinizes the “supreme emergency” exemption in just war theory, the marketing of war to the public, and the moral dangers of eschatological thinking — the belief that a final, transcendent goal justifies present suffering.

In exploring terrorism, suicide bombers, and religious extremism, Fiala challenges the simplistic “us vs. them” worldview and warns against demonizing the Other. He advocates focusing on alleviating present suffering rather than chasing speculative historical outcomes. His melioristic approach — grounded in liberal hope and humanism — balances optimism with realism, urging readers to work incrementally toward peace without illusions of perfection.

Today, Practical Pacifism resonates in a world grappling with terrorism, ideological polarization, and perpetual conflict. It offers tools for resisting manipulation by political and media establishments and calls for cultivating humility, empathy, and rational reflection as antidotes to violence. Fiala’s vision replaces grand utopian schemes with a commitment to concrete, ethical action in the here and now — making this book a vital guide for activists, policymakers, and anyone seeking a principled yet pragmatic path to peace.

Andrew Fiala writes for a general audience interested in politics and war. His first book, The Philosopher's Voice: Philosophy, Politics, and Language in the 19th Century, was published in 2002 by the State University of New York Press. An Associate Professor of Philosophy and Humanistic Studies associated with the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, he has written many articles for Philosophy in the Contemporary World, Metaphilosophy, Res Publica, the Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy, and The Humanist.