What is Medieval (Christian or Islam) philosophy? Explain its Metaphysics, Epistemology and Ethics. Justify your answer.

Medieval philosophy

Medieval philosophy is the philosophy of Western Europe and the Middle East during what is now known as the medieval era or the middle ages, roughly extending from the fall of the Roman Empire to the Renaissance. Medieval philosophy is defined partly by the rediscovery and further development of classical Greek and Hellenistic philosophy, and partly by the need to address theological problems and to integrate sacred doctrine with secular learning.

Some problems discussed throughout this period are the relation of faith to reason, the existence and unity of God, the object of theology and metaphysics, the problems of knowledge, of universals, and of individuation.

Philosophers from the middle Ages include the Muslim philosophers Alkindus, Alfarabi, Alhazen, Avicenna, Algazel, Avempace, Abubacer and Averroes; the Jewish philosophers Maimonides and Gersonides; and the Christian philosophers Anselim, Peter Abelard, Roger Bacon, Thomas Aquinas, Duns Scotus, William of Ockham and Jean Buridan.

Metaphysics, Epistemology and Ethics.

Students of Plato and other ancient philosophers divide philosophy into three parts: Ethics, Epistemology and Metaphysics. While generally accurate and certainly useful for pedagogical purposes, no rigid boundary separates the parts.

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Is violence justified in Buddhism?

Buddhist teachings maintain that under any circumstance whether political, religious, cultural, or ethnic, violence cannot be accepted or advocated to solve disputes between nations. All Buddhist traditions unanimously agree that war cannot be the solution to disputes and conflicts either even to achieve a religious goal, violence cannot be used or applied. Theoretically, violence is not associated with Buddhism. Its “five precepts,” which all Buddhists, including monks, nuns, and lay Buddhists should observe, begins with “non-violence” or “not killing”—abstain from violence or killing. All sentient beings fear violent activities, it states, in particular, that all living beings are scared of death, all living beings value their own lives, when one is faced with violence, and one has to reflect that one’s situation is similar to that of others because of the fact that as human beings we want our own lives to be secure. Thus, the Buddhist notion of protecting all forms of life and avoiding violent activities derives from the fundamental conviction that as one’s life is worthy for oneself, others also have a similar position with respect to their own lives.

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Define the terms peace and Non-violence.

Peace is a state of harmony characterized by non-violent. It is an absence of hostility or the existence of interpersonal or international relationships. It means the presence of cooperation, compassion, equality and worldwide justice. It also means the agreement after disagreement, harmony and unity. We can define peace as a political condition that ensures justice and social stability through formal and informal institutions, practices, and norm. In Buddhism peace is known as saanti which primarily means inner rather than outer peace referring to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of stress in body in speech and in mind. The aim of the good life, as understood in Buddhism, is described as the attainment of a state of “Peace” or “santi. No violence is the intentional not use of physical force or power, not threatened, not against oneself another person or not against a group or community. 

Its five precepts which all Buddhist should observe begins with non-violence or not killing, abstaining from violence. Non-violence means fighting for political or social change without using force. Non-violence is the policy of using peaceful methods not force, to bring about political or social change, not involving force or to injure somebody. He who seeks his own happiness torments with rod, being that are desirous of happiness, doesn’t obtain happiness hereafter.

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Principles of Dialogue

Participation in a local interfaith organization is one of the better ways to get to know people of other religions, because you not only find out more about other religions, you also get to know people of differing faiths at the personal level. In this time of dialogue, keep in mind the following guidelines:

Honesty and tolerance: dialogue shall be based upon honesty and tolerance. It requires effective listening and learning, producing genuine engagement. Dialogue conducted in a spirit of tolerance emphasizes that all people inhabit the same earth. This assumes certain shared values such as the sacredness of life, the dignity of all human beings and the integrity of creation and nature.

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World Peace and the Goals of Buddhist

By Mangala Priya Bhikkhu

BA, English Program, 2012,

Buddhist Studies, MCU.

 Introduction

The word peace has various meanings and the meanings differ from different type of interpretations. It is mostly used as to interpret as inner state of tranquility, equilibrium, contentment, or serenity.  But according to some other interpretation it means the external social condition, being free from hostilities and hatred, especially free from warfare, but also freeing individuals to lead peacefully with harmony. Peace is a state of harmony characterized by the lack of violent conflict. It is an absence of hostility and the existence of interpersonal or international relationships.[1] The establishment of Peace is a working political order that serves the true interests of all. Therefore, we could simply define peace as a political condition that ensures justice and social stability through formal and informal institutions, practices, and norm.[2] In Buddhism peace means inner rather than outer peace. Inner peace refers to a state of being mentally and spiritually at peace, with enough knowledge and understanding to keep oneself strong in the face of stress.[3] Buddhism combines four primary issues: happiness, peace, freedom and security for peace. The idea of world peace means non-violence across the planet, and by which every nation in the world cooperates happily which means freedom and happiness among all peoples and all nations. According to Ven. P.A. Payutto, peace and happiness are synonymous: an unhappy person cannot find peace and there can be no peace without happiness. Buddhism prescribes freedom as another synonym for peace and happiness. Endowed with freedom, people can live happy and peaceful lives.[4]

World Peace

World peace simply means the idea of planetary non-violence by which nations cooperate by virtue of a system of governance that prevents warfare. Human race has been in such great need for freedom from conflict, ill-will, selfishness, deceit and strife. We are in dire need of peace not only in our homes,

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Transformational leadership theory

Definition of transformational leadership theory

It is simply defined as how the leader affects followers who are intended to trust, admire and respect. It means increasing their awareness of task importance and value. It means to get the followers to focus first on team or organizational goals, rather than their own interests. It also means of activating their higher-order needs. Transformational leadership theory is a path to positive changes in those who follow. Transformational leadership theory produces energy, enthusiasm and passion. Transformational leadership theory Not only concern and involve in the process but it also focuses on helping every member of the group succeed.

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