Between whispers of peace and roars of war: reflections on education and conflict in the contemporary world

This article examines the interaction between historical, pedagogical, and theoretical notions of peace and war. Structured into three main sections, it initially explores the history of values such as peace, freedom, and justice. It then delves into the "ethics of war," exploring how moral principles clash with warlike inclinations in human nature. Lastly, it considers the figure of the peace advocate, crucial in the foundation of a society governed by universal ethical values. The essay criticizes the contemporary trend of marginalizing the teaching of nonviolence and fairness, highlighting the urgency to strengthen commitment towards a global culture of peace. Through a comparison of historical theories and modern practices, it invites a revaluation of educational competencies towards peace in the age of contemporary conflicts and stresses the need for both collective and individual involvement in promoting peace.