The Philosophy of Mahatma Gandhi for the Twenty-First Century

Mahatma Gandhi is one of the most admired figures of the twentieth century and the relevance of his approach continues to be debated among academia and in the public domain. Bringing together leading Gandhian scholars from across the globe, this volume emphasizes the philosophical and practical urgency of Gandhi’s thought and action in the present times. The essays offer a radical critique of the dominant characteristics and priorities of modern western civilization and the contemporary world. They offer positive alternatives by using the philosophy of Gandhi, in creative and innovative ways, to focus on nonviolence, peace with justice, tolerance and mutual respect, compassion and loving kindness. The volume deliberates on cooperative relations, meaningful action-oriented engagement of dialogue, resistance, and working for new sustainable ways of being human and creating new societies. Addressing major problems and concerns of the twenty-first century–violence religious conflict, terrorism, the question of ethics, forms of exploitation, and environmental destruction–this volume conveys a strong sense of the continued significance of Gandhi’s philosophy. For the kind of issues it raises, this volume will appeal to the specialist and general reader alike. It will be read with great interest by scholars and students of philosophy, religion, political science, history, cultural studies, peace studies, and Gandhian studies.