CONFLICT AND DEVELOPMENT FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF COMPARATIVE PHILOSOPHY
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Abstract
The eastern and western philosophies have elaborated greatly on the issue of conflict, conflict resolution, development, war, peace, etc. The common axis in many of the theories is the human factor, the way the individual perceives and is affected by these phenomena. In these theories there is an attempt to establish a working connection between the practical and the ideal. While conflict can be either a basis for societal development or non development, it also substantiates a perspective for the existence of values which are eventually intrinsic to political and moral improvements. Such values aim at the direction of prosperity and well- being, which remains an ecumenical and diachronic problem, not only under economic terms. Human societies are still faced with the dilemma, whether material progress is the fast track to the resolution on conflict. However, what is still disregarded, as shown in comparative philosophical literature, is that development has to take into consideration a richer notion of the human being; one concerned with elements of his inner reality. In that sense, development is the aftermath not only of the avoidance of war or conflict but of the enrichment of human life and action with certain advancements in individual and collective virtues, advancements that offer macroscopically benefit to the political.
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