Peace, Human Rights, and Religious Perspectives - Vocabulary Flashcards

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from Weeks 1-3 notes on peace concepts, the eight pillars of peace, faith-based perspectives, and major human rights instruments (UDHR, CEDAW, CRC).

Peace (negative)

Absence of violence or direct conflict; the idea of peace as not fighting.

Peace (positive)

Presence of social justice, equity, and harmony that prevent violence.

Structural violence

Violence built into social, economic, and political structures that perpetuate inequality (Galtung).

Utopia

A perfectly ideal society with complete contentment.

Peace with nature

Foundation for positive peace; harmony between humans and the natural world.

Well-functioning Government

Delivers high-quality public services, fosters trust, stability, and rule of law.

Sound business management

Strong economic conditions and private-sector support; key to a peaceful, robust economy.

Equitable distribution of resources

Fair access to education, health, and income; reduced inequality.

Acceptance of the rights of others

Formal laws and informal norms that protect basic human rights and freedoms.

Good relations with neighbors

Harmonious internal and regional relations; reduces conflict and increases stability.

Free flow of information

Independent media promotes knowledge and informed decision-making.

High levels of human capital

A skilled, educated population that boosts productivity and participation.

Low levels of corruption

Less resource misallocation; higher trust and efficiency.

Conflict root causes (Machado, 1993)

Conflicts often arise from competing social, political, and economic goals, not solely from faith.

Rejection of violence (Jesus)

Jesus refused violence and did not join guerilla resistance; advocated nonviolence.

Transforming initiatives (Jesus)

Peacemaking through active, positive actions to neutralize violence and injustice.

Glen Stassen four practical steps

Affirm enemies’ legitimate interests; talk to adversaries; associate with the powerless; don’t return evil for evil.

Islam: al-silm

Root word meaning peace—peace with God and with other people.

Tawheed

Oneness of God; monotheism; unity of God’s creation.

Zakah

Obligatory charity (~2.5% of wealth) to redistribute wealth and help others.

Fasting (Ramadhan)

Spiritual fast in Ramadan; fosters solidarity and reflection.

Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

Once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage to Mecca if financially feasible.

Qur’an 5:32

Sanctity of life; protection of life and prohibition of unjust killing.

Qur’an 60:8

Justice and kindness toward others; ethical treatment and respect.

Qur’an 2:190

No aggression in war; guidelines for conduct in conflict.

Hadith on peace

Reconciling differences is better than prayer/fasting; promote peace and avoid harm.

Prince Siddhartha (Buddha)

The founder of Buddhism; sought a balanced path away from extremes.

Middle Path

Balanced approach avoiding extremes; a cornerstone of Buddhist practice.

Buddhism: human nature

Human nature is basically gentle and not inherently aggressive.

Buddhism: inner peace

Inner peace as the primary source of happiness.

Buddhism: happiness from caring for others

Happiness rooted in concern for others’ well-being and relationships.

Buddhism: non-harming and generosity

Practice of ahimsa and cultivating generosity and humility.

Karma

Moral law of cause and effect; deeds shape future experiences.

Shanti

Sanskrit term for peace; represented by triple repetition of peace (inner, family, world).

Ahimsa

Nonviolence or non-injury; a central Hindu principle.

Indigenous Traditions: land stewardship

Land is a collective resource; communities steward and protect it rather than own it.

Brown (1999) Manobo quote

Land as God’s gift; land is both father and mother to people.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)

1948 document establishing a common standard of human rights for all peoples and nations.

UDHR Article 1

Right to equality: all humans are free and equal in dignity and rights.

UDHR Article 3

Right to life, liberty, and personal security.

UDHR Article 4

Freedom from slavery and servitude.

UDHR Article 19

Freedom of opinion and information.

UDHR Article 26

Right to education; education should be free and accessible.

CEDAW (Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women)

International treaty focused on eliminating discrimination against women.

CEDAW Article 1

Definition of discrimination: any distinction or restriction based on sex that undermines equal rights.

CEDAW Article 3

Equality of rights for women in political, economic, social, and cultural life.

CEDAW Article 4

Temporary special measures to achieve equality; not permanent.

CEDAW Article 5

Addressing gender roles and stereotypes; promote shared child-rearing responsibilities.

CRC (Convention on the Rights of the Child)

International treaty focused on the rights and well-being of children.

CRC Article 1

Definition of a child: anyone under 18 unless laws differ.

CRC Article 2

Non-discrimination in rights for children.

CRC Article 3

Best interests of the child as a primary consideration.

CRC Article 4

States’ obligation to implement rights for children.

CRC Article 6

Right to life, survival, and development for children.

CRC Article 12

Right of young people to express opinions and have them considered.