This multiple interpretation practice is based upon information taken from the McMasters University Site, The Centre for Peace Studies

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2. At what level peace?

The following paragraph summarizes the areas of research and teaching at the The Center for Peace Studies at McMasters University:

"The Centre supports multidisciplinary research and teaching in the area of peace and conflict studies. Research and teaching within the Centre focus on four areas: social movements against war and violence; religious and philosophical approaches to peace and conflict; human rights; and the relation of war and peace to health."

jeanne's comments:

The passage I cite here reflects my concern that much of the peacemaking literature focuses less on individual relaltionships that start right here with us than on a career option of handling the problems of others. I see several problems in that:

• Fellman's concern that we deny any part in the adversarialism for ourselves. It is as though we view ourselves as peacemakers with little self reflection on the validity of that claim.
• Such focus on the Other seems to me to risk many problems with hearing in good faith, like Freire's "circles of certainty."
• I feel there is not enough focus on the imaginary, on coming to see the situation as one in which we have a common interest, on the "shift" towards mutuality of which Fellman speaks.
• I also fear that the focus on issues as defined by the dominant discourse will lack the imaginary to see mutuality and loving alternatives.

Please note that after having asked the questions, I chose to give my comment first. I hope this process is leaving open the imaginary for us. I hope that your own comments will insinuate themselves into your thinking. They are what will permit me to recognize your learning. jeanne

Now, for the questions asked:

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1. Do they mention distributive justice? In what capacity?

   There is no actual mention in this paragraph of distributive justice, but there are several indicators that the concept of distributive justice is omnipresent. Social movements are often based on problems of inequality and injustice, and certainly those against war and violence. Religious and philosophical theory and practice, human rights theory and practice, health theory and practice would all involve a self refexive examination of theory and practice, and in so doing, would have to examine issues of social and distributive justice.

2. Does their focus approach change towards peace and justice as a one-on-one activity, or as a guidance or supervisory activity? Or?

   Because these are programs for majors and minors in universities their emphasis would tend to be more toward preparing students for a career in peacemaking. Hopefully that would include, as at Earlham University with Howard Richards, an examination and understanding of one's own commitment to mutuality and peacemaking.

3. Is the emphasis on "How shall I live?" or on "How shall they live?" Or?

   The emphasis is more on how they shall live, but that probably reflects the choice of this area for a career. The question of "How shall I live?" is still at the foundation of such a career.

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