Pacifism
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I will be able to explain what pacifism is and outline arguments for and against it.
Key learning points
- Pacifism is the belief that all violence is wrong, leading some to reject war, protest, punishment, and self-defence.
- There are varied forms, from absolute (no violence ever) to selective (some violence may be justified).
- Kantian ethics focuses on duty, while utilitarianism weighs outcomes, both can support or oppose pacifism.
- Supporters argue violence is always wrong and peaceful methods lead to lasting solutions.
- Critics argue force is sometimes needed when others won’t negotiate or to stop serious injustice.
Keywords
Pacifism - belief that all violence is wrong, which then affects all behaviours
Peace - the opposite of war; harmony between all in society
Violence - behaviour involving physical force which intends to hurt, kill or cause damage
Common misconception
Pacifism just means being against war.
Pacifism is broader than just opposing war. It’s a belief that all violence is wrong, which can affect how someone responds to conflict, punishment, protest and even self-defence.
Teacher tip
Use some real world scenarios of conflict to form the basis of discussion
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Terrorism is the use of and threats to intimidate others and build fear.
Q2.Which of these is a social cause of terrorism?
Q3.Which of these is not a religious terrorist group?
Q4.Why do Christians reject terrorism?
Q5.What is a key Christian response to terrorism?
Q6.What does the World Council of Churches teach about terrorism?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is pacifism?
Q2.What does Kantian ethics focus on when making moral decisions?
Q3.Bertrand Russell believed that using force against in World War II might have been necessary to prevent greater harm.
Q4.The International Group works to reduce violence by advising governments and encouraging peaceful dialogue.
Q5.What % of British people said they believed 'definitely' or 'probably' will be a time when there are no wars?
Q6.Pacifism just means being against war.
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Pacifism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 11 religious education lesson on: Pacifism, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 religious education lessons from the Religion, peace and conflict unit, dive into the full secondary religious education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.