A Conflict Of Paradigms

"Philip Gamaghelyan relies on participatory action research and collective autoethnography to expose patterns of exclusion and marginalization as well as the paradoxical reproduction of conflict-promoting frames in current conflict-resolution practice applied to the Nagorno-Karabakh and Syrian crises. He builds on the work of postmodernist scholars, on reflective practice, and on discourse analysis to explore alternative and inclusive strategies with a transformative potential." --

"Paradigms of Peace is a compelling read, grounded in practice and experience-based insight as well as epistemological inquiry. Concluding thoughts point to the usefulness of different theoretical strands in the creation of tools for peacemaking, while offering observations on global security communities in flux. This is a timely contribution for taking stock of the field and reflecting on individual research pursits." Journal of Peace Research Knowledge can create peaceful realities in addition to serving as an intellectual tool for peace-making. This is why pragmatist assessment of social science should avoid looking exclusively at the instrumental value of different paradigms. This book investigates the realities that positivism, anti-determinism, symbolic interactionism, social constructivism and critical theory create, and the tools they offer for a peace researcher and a peace practitioner. In essence, Paradigms of Peace looks at what social science can give to the humanity's search for peace and then offers an agenda for peace research. Using constructivist pragmatist metatheory to guide the assessment of the merits of different social science approaches to peace, this book suggests completely new ways of looking at the theory of peace and war. Difficult theoretical and philosophical constructs are presented but always supplemented with real-life examples, making it practical and relevant to both a research and policy-making level. Perfect for students and professionals of international relations, political science, peace and reconciliation studies, conflict and war studies and history.

Peacebuilding is explained by combining interpretive frameworks (paradigms) that have evolved from the subfields of international relations and comparative politics.

A prominent missiologist provides insight and guidance on the hot topics within Christian mission circles in this unique and timely discussion. Through the authoritative use of Scripture and drawing from the social sciences and history, David J. Hesselgrave tackles ten of the most pressing issues facing missionaries and students of missions today. In spite of the rapid changes taking place, Hesselgrave determines that much of traditional theory, practice, and theology is still valid, if not essential, for the future of Christian missions.

Social epistemology and English studies education -- Institutionalized romantic humanism and the modern student of Literature -- From romantic humanist to postmodern pedagogy -- How the alien becomes normative in contemporary education -- Postmodern identity politics vs. the romanticized autonomous student -- Postmodern pedagogy vs. the vocationalization of education -- Critical theory, pedagogy, and the postmodern student of English -- Dialogic critical pedagogy as intervention and liberation -- Taking a dialogic critical pedagogy into the classroom -- Story of an evolving pedagogy.

This insightful book explores the question of competition and effects it has on individuals, organizations, and society as a whole. Visit our website for sample chapters!

Drawing from Scripture, social sciences, and history, David J. Hesselgrave tackles the most pressing issues facing missionaries today. The author and contributors show how theological issues have real impact on missions, and they present arguments on both sides of the fifteen subjects of debate while also offering their own biblically informed perspectives on the subjects. Despite rapid global changes, Hesselgrave holds that much of traditional theory, practice, and theology is still valid, if not essential, for the future of Christian missions. Current and prospective missionaries, pastors, seminary students, missions committee members, and laypeople interested in world Christianity will all benefit from the discussions covered in this book, including: Sovereignty and free will: An impossible mix or a perfect match? Common ground and enemy territory: How should we approach adherents of other faiths? Business as mission: When is it mission and when is it not? Harvest missions and pioneer missions: Discipling the masses or reaching to the margins? This updated and expanded edition includes five more questions along with new applications and reflections on the ten questions presented in the first edition.

"This book explores the legal, ethical, and other policy consequences of three core structural features of international human rights law: the focus on individual rights instead of duties; the division of rights into substantive and nondiscrimination categories; and the use of positive and negative right paradigms."--Book jacket.