Is It Possible for Negative Peace to Evolve into Positive Peace?A Philosophical Analysis

Abstract

 Humanity's search for peace is almost as old as human history. It is obvious that people need a peaceful environment in social and global terms in order to live a peaceful life. Throughout the history of thought, philosophers have not remained indifferent to the phenomenon of peace and have put forward important ideas on how this situation can be established. It is seen that various peace ideas have emerged from Thales in the Antiquity to Galtung in the 20th century. It is noteworthy that peace theories are not limited to utopian narratives, but also justified and possible peace ideas have been written. In this study, the two types of peace in the philosophical sense, "negative peace" and "positive peace", are brought to discussion. While negative peace refers to a more limited time period, positive peace aims for a constant state of conflict-free life. It is also stated that negative peace is a much older understanding, while positive peace is a more modern peace discourse. When considered in a philosophical context, it becomes clear that humanity's contentment with "negative peace" is a handicap for world peace. Because the search for a better human condition is at the forefront of the basic characteristics of philosophy. The main purpose of our study is to analyze how it is possible to transform the limited understanding of peace defined by negative peace into positive peace. In this context, it is emphasized that peace is primarily a matter of consciousness and culture. In the second stage, the concept of peace is addressed within the framework of justice, rights and law. Accordingly, it is stated that peace is an atmosphere that can develop and grow together with justice and human rights. Therefore, it is seen that permanent peace corresponds to a situation that can be achieved together with the implementation of justice and fundamental rights. Therefore, the transformation of negative peace into positive peace is not a situation that can be achieved with a simple choice, but requires a very serious effort from humanity. However, the initiatives that countries and the leaders of international politics will determine regarding the establishment of world peace are important. Therefore, the determination of a common will towards changing humanity's familiar habits and building permanent peace seems essential for the establishment of permanent peace. In addition, our study is aimed to make a philosophical contribution to regional and universal peace studies.