Tag: social Psychology

Understanding the Israel-Hamas Conflict: An Existential Perspective on the Struggle for Peace

Posted on by Aref Rezazadeh

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been raging for over a week, resulting in the death of hundreds of people and injuring thousands more. The situation has sparked widespread protests and condemnation across the world, with calls for a ceasefire and a peaceful resolution. But what are the root causes of this war, and how can we understand them from an existential perspective?

Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the 20th century, particularly after the horrors of World War II. It emphasizes the freedom and responsibility of human beings to create their own meaning and values in an absurd and indifferent world. Famous existentialists such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, and Martin Heidegger explored themes of anxiety, death, alienation, authenticity, and choice in their works.

One of the key concepts in existentialism is the notion of the “Other”. The Other is anything or anyone who is different from oneself, and who challenges one’s identity and worldview, thereby threatening one’s freedom and security. The Other can be a person, a group, a culture, a religion, or even an idea. The Other can also be a source of fascination, admiration, love, or respect. However, the Other can also provoke fear, hatred, violence, or oppression.

The war between Israel and Hamas can be seen as a manifestation of the existential conflict between two Others: the Israelis and the Palestinians. Both sides have their own histories, narratives, identities, values, and aspirations, and both have suffered from oppression, displacement, trauma, and injustice. Both sides have legitimate claims to the land, the resources, and sovereignty, and both have the right to exist and coexist.

However, both sides also perceive each other as existential threats to their very existence. Each side views the other as enemies, invaders, terrorists, or oppressors, and both sides resort to violence, aggression, retaliation, or self-defense. Each side justifies their actions by appealing to their moral principles, religious beliefs, or national interests. Both sides dehumanize each other by denying their humanity, dignity, or rights.

As an existential psychotherapist, I believe that the only way to end this war and achieve peace is to recognize and respect the Other as a fellow human being. This means acknowledging the complexity and diversity of the Other’s reality, understanding the reasons and emotions behind the Other’s behavior, empathizing with the suffering and needs of the Other, and communicating with the Other in an honest and respectful manner.

This also means taking responsibility for one’s own choices and actions, reflecting on one’s own biases and prejudices, questioning one’s own assumptions and values, and challenging one’s own fears and hatreds. This also means accepting one’s own vulnerability and mortality, facing one’s own anxiety and guilt, and embracing one’s own freedom and creativity.

The war between Israel and Hamas is not inevitable or necessary. It is not a result of fate or destiny, nor is it a consequence of God’s will or history’s logic. It is a product of human decisions and actions, a reflection of human freedom and responsibility, and an expression of human existence and meaning.

Therefore, it is up to us humans to change it. It is up to us to create a new reality and make peace possible.
Source:
(1) War and existentialism | Encore | thenews.com.pk. https://www.thenews.com.pk/tns/detail/561876-war-existentialism.
(2) Existentialism | Definition, History, Characteristics, Examples, Types …. https://www.britannica.com/topic/existentialism.
(3) Existential War – The Mackenzie Institute. https://mackenzieinstitute.com/2008/04/existential-war/.
(4) Existentialism – AllAboutPhilosophy.org. https://www.allaboutphilosophy.org/existentialism.htm.
(5) Existentialism and Classroom Practice – IOSR Journals. https://iosrjournals.org/iosr-jhss/papers/Vol8-issue6/N0868791.pdf.

Separatism in Ethnic Groups: Causes and Solutions from an Existentialist Perspective

Posted on by Aref Rezazadeh

Separatism refers to the desire of an ethnic group to secede from a larger political entity and establish its own independent state. Existentialism is a philosophical movement that emphasizes the individual’s freedom and responsibility to create their own meaning in life.

Separatism in Ethnic Groups

From an existentialist perspective, separatism can be seen as a way for ethnic groups to assert their identity and create a sense of community. Existentialists believe that every individual is unique and should not be forced to conform to the expectations of others. This can lead to a sense of alienation and isolation, which can sometimes lead to separatism.

There are several causes of separatism in ethnic groups. Some of the most common causes include:

  • The search for identity: Ethnic groups that have been marginalized or oppressed often experience a sense of identity crisis. Separatism can be a way for them to assert their identity and establish a sense of community.
  • The desire for self-determination: Every individual has the right to self-determination, and this includes the right to choose their own path in life. Separatism can be a way for ethnic groups to exercise their right to self-determination and establish their own political and cultural institutions.
  • The fear of assimilation: Every individual is unique, and they should not be forced to assimilate into a larger culture that does not value their differences. Separatism can be a way for ethnic groups to preserve their unique culture and identity.

Achieving unity in ethnic groups is a complex and challenging task. However, it is an essential task if we are to create a more just and equitable world. The following are some important ways to achieve unity in ethnic groups:

  • Respect for diversity: Every individual has a unique experience, and we should respect and appreciate this diversity. We should be open to learning about different cultures and perspectives and be willing to challenge our own assumptions about the world.
  • Communication and understanding: Communication and understanding are crucial for achieving unity. We should be able to communicate our needs and desires to others and be willing to listen and understand the needs and desires of others.
  • Compromise: Compromise is often necessary to achieve unity. We should be willing to give up something to reach an agreement that is acceptable to everyone involved.
  • Acceptance of difference: We should accept that difference is a part of life. We cannot expect everyone to agree with us all the time. We should accept and respect the differences of others.

In summary, separatism in ethnic groups can be seen as a way for them to assert their identity and create a sense of community. However, achieving unity in ethnic groups is crucial for creating a more just and equitable world. By respecting diversity, communicating and understanding, compromising, and accepting differences, we can create a world where all people can live together in peace and harmony.

Examining the reasons for the subsidence of street protests in Iran from the point of view of existential philosophy

Posted on by Aref Rezazadeh

In 2021, protests erupted in Iran due to several factors, including political, economic, and existential reasons. Dr Aref Rezazadeh explores the role of existential philosophy in these protests and its potential impact on the future.

Existentialists believe that the awareness of death is a fundamental aspect of the human condition, which can lead to fear and anxiety. This fear may have caused some individuals to withdraw from protests due to the potential threat of violence or imprisonment by the government. Additionally, the lack of hope for change and the belief that their efforts would be futile contributed to the fading of street protests.

Furthermore, existentialists argue that individuals have the freedom to create meaning in life despite the challenges posed by suffering and injustice. However, the pain and suffering inflicted on protesters may have caused some to avoid further harm and stop protesting altogether.

Other factors that contributed to the reduction of protests include the government’s use of violence and intimidation, the lack of unity among protesters, and the economic struggles faced by many Iranians.

It is important to note that although protests have decreased, smaller demonstrations have continued over the past few months and may increase in scale in the future. Ultimately, changes in Iran’s existential landscape may have contributed to the reduction of protests, but the complex nature of this phenomenon requires further exploration.