The Aspects of Pacifism in the Works of Ksenija Atanasijević Cover Image

Аспекти пацифизма у радовима Ксеније Атанасијевић
The Aspects of Pacifism in the Works of Ksenija Atanasijević

Author(s): Marinko Lolić
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Social Philosophy, Nationalism Studies
Published by: Институт за политичке студије
Keywords: philosophy; religion; war; Nazism; pacifism; feminism; ethics; commitment; public

Summary/Abstract: In this paper the author discusses the philosophical foundation and the key aspects of the conception of pacifism in the philosophical writings of Ms Ksenija Atanasijević, the most famous Serbian woman philosopher in the first half of 20 century. Through analysis of the philosophical writings of Ms Ksenija Atanasijević he concludes that her understanding of pacifism represents the synthesis of various philosophical theories and religious doctrines. The pacifism of Ms Ksenija Atanasijević as theory and practical commitment is discussed in its historical context of the first half of 20 century. The pacifist thought of Ms Ksenija Atanasijević, made in very complex historical and intellectual context, was subject to the specific influence of the most important not only European but also eastern philosophical and religious doctrines. Ms Ksenija Atanasijević explores the roots of modern pacifism and discusses the European philosophical thought from the early presoctratics to Kant’s doctrine of eternal peace. The author points out the theoretical motives and historical circumstances which instigated Ms Ksenija Atanasijević to deal profoundly with the philosophical and practical aspects of various pacifist doctrines and their place in the contemporary civilization. The paper underlines that Ms Ksenija Atanasijević personally bore witness to her understanding, political achievement and the criticism of pacifism and through personal public intellectual commitment opposed increasing ascent of ideology of war which dominated strongly over the European philosophical and social scene after the Nazi party had come to power in Germany in 1930s. As a philosopher of subtle moral sensibility Ms Ksenija Atanasijević was deeply aware of numerous moral shortcomings of the contemporary civilization. She like Kant believed that only morally transformed culture will eliminate danger of abuse of modern technology for exterminating men. Trusting man’s spiritual power she was deeply aware that only enlightened consciousness can restrain egoistical and predatory instincts of men and peoples and unite them in work on common good. After having investigated the main sources of pacifism in the philosophy of Ms Ksenija Atanasijević, we can say with great certainty that her marked pessimism substantially determined her final attitude to pacifism. Ms Ksenija Atanasijević, having in mind the fierceness of human nature, assessed realistically human chances for making peace. Thus she was convinced that only by wisdom and faith “tamed” man will be able to establish in accordance with world possibilities the relative peace which, of course, will never be absolutely respected because of constant opposition of human nature to control of our consciousness and sympathy.

  • Issue Year: 2018
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 293-320
  • Page Count: 28
  • Language: Serbian