Peace Research and Science. A Discussion Paper

Abstract

The paper discusses the theoretical foundation of peace research, and argues that a coherent theory of conflict, based on a sociological understanding of social processes, is required and possible. Biological and psychological approaches are fruitful in understanding human conflict behavior, but societal conflict — which includes war — has properties that can only be grasped at the collective level. Today, peace research seems incoherent because insufficient attention has been paid to social theory and to the philosophy of science that must underlie any powerful theory. To be of value to peace research, such theory must integrate descriptive, normative and reflexive points of view.