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'''Peace''' is a state of [[harmony]], the absence of hostility. This term is applied to describe a cessation of violent international conflict; in this international context, peace is the opposite of [[war]].  ''Peace'' can also describe a relationship between any parties characterized by [[respect]], [[justice]], and [[goodwill]].  

'''Peace''' is a state of [[harmony]], the absence of hostility. This term is applied to describe a cessation of violent international conflict; in this international context, peace is the opposite of [[war]].  ''Peace'' can also describe a relationship between any parties characterized by [[respect]], [[justice]], and [[goodwill]].  

More generally, peace can pertain to an individual relative to her or his environment, as ''[[peaceful]]'' can describe calm, serenity, and silence.  This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's self would indicate the same serenity, calm, and [[equilibrium]] within oneself.

More generally, peace can pertain to an individual relative to her or his environment, as ''[[peaceful]]'' can describe calm, serenity, and silence.  This latter understanding of peace can also pertain to an individual's sense of himself or herself, as to be "at peace" with one's self would indicate the same serenity, calm, and [[equilibrium]] within oneself.

   

   

== Understandings of Peace ==

== Understandings of Peace ==

=== Peace as the absence of violence ===

=== Peace as the absence of violence ===

=== Peace as the presence of justice ===

=== Peace as the presence of justice ===

Justice and Peace shall kiss" depicts a biblical scene, referencing [http://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Bible, King James, Psalms#Psalm 85 Psalms 85.]

Justice and Peace shall kiss" depicts a biblical scene, referencing [http://www.lafeuilledolivier.com/Ecritures/KJV.htm#PSALMS_85 Psalm 85.]

[[Mahatma Gandhi]] suggested that if an oppressive society lacks violence, the society is nonetheless not peaceful, because of the injustice of the oppression.  Gandhi articulated a vision of peace in which justice is an inherent and necessary aspect; that peace requires not only the absence of violence but also the presence of [[justice]].  Galtung described this peace, peace with justice, as "positive peace," because hostility and further violence could no longer flourish in this environment.

[[Mahatma Gandhi]] suggested that if an oppressive society lacks violence, the society is nonetheless not peaceful, because of the injustice of the oppression.  Gandhi articulated a vision of peace in which justice is an inherent and necessary aspect; that peace requires not only the absence of violence but also the presence of [[justice]].  Galtung described this peace, peace with justice, as "positive peace," because hostility and further violence could no longer flourish in this environment.

One meaning of peace refers to [[inner peace]]:  a state of [[mind]], [[body]] and perhaps [[soul]], a peace within ourselves.  People that experience inner peace say that the feeling is not dependent on time, people, place, or any external object or situation, asserting that an individual may experience inner peace even in the midst of [[war]].  

One meaning of peace refers to [[inner peace]]:  a state of [[mind]], [[body]] and perhaps [[soul]], a peace within ourselves.  People that experience inner peace say that the feeling is not dependent on time, people, place, or any external object or situation, asserting that an individual may experience inner peace even in the midst of [[war]].  

Some people believe peace can help them avoid self-consciousness, such as hippies of the 1960s {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. An affirmative definition for the concept of peace is, as worded by Sevi Regis: "the state or condition of restfulness, harmony, balance, equilibrium, longevity, justice, resolution, timelessness, contentment, freedom, and fulfillment, either individually or simultaneously present, in such a way that it overcomes, demolishes, banishes, and/or replaces everything that opposes it."

Some people believe peace can help them avoid self-consciousness, such as hippies of the 1960s. An affirmative definition for the concept of peace is, as worded by Sevi Regis: "the state or condition of restfulness, harmony, balance, equilibrium, longevity, justice, resolution, timelessness, contentment, freedom, and fulfillment, either individually or simultaneously present, in such a way that it overcomes, demolishes, banishes, and/or replaces everything that opposes it."

=== Peace and quiet ===

=== Peace and quiet ===

The '''Nobel Peace Prize''' is awarded annually to notable peacemakers and [[Visionary|visionaries]] who have overcome violence, conflict or oppression through their moral leadership, those who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations".  The prize has often met with controversy, as it is occasionally awarded to people who have formerly sponsored war and violence but who have, through exceptional concessions, helped achieve peace.

The '''Nobel Peace Prize''' is awarded annually to notable peacemakers and [[Visionary|visionaries]] who have overcome violence, conflict or oppression through their moral leadership, those who have "done the most or the best work for fraternity between the nations".  The prize has often met with controversy, as it is occasionally awarded to people who have formerly sponsored war and violence but who have, through exceptional concessions, helped achieve peace.

== See also ==

== See also ==