Dialogues Across Differences
Lessons from the Jaina Tradition on Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24033024 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Nisha Daga (0009-0003-8754-5889, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur, corresponding author), George Kodimattam Joseph (0000-0001-7511-9768, Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 17 |
| Issue | 8 |
| Pages | 950 |
| Publication date | 2026-08-12 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Religions (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2077-1444 • E-ISSN: 2077-1444 |
| Publisher | MDPI AG (PUBLISHER • IT) |
| DOI | 10.3390/rel17080950 |
| OpenAlex | W7202250561 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 16 |
Contemporary society grapples with diverse values and socio-economic structural differences. These differences extend beyond subtle contextual nuances and strategic considerations, intruding into one’s first-person account and preferences. From its first-order mooring, these divergences ascend to higher-order manifestations, expressing themselves in distinct political perspectives, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. While such differences inevitably give rise to conflicts, a deeper analysis reveals that the core of rising conflict often lies in sectarian differences. Although various conflict resolution mechanisms have been employed to settle disputes, they often fail to yield enduring results. In this regard, the paper proposes interfaith dialogue as a promising approach for conflict resolution and reconciliation. The paper argues that interfaith dialogue is neither a debate nor a negotiation, but a sustained endeavour to break down the walls of difference. Furthermore, to ensure substantive outcomes, the dialogue must be firmly grounded in philosophical foundations that are value-laden and universally acknowledged. Against this backdrop, the paper introduces the Jaina philosophical tradition, specifically the principle of ‘non-absolutism’ (anekāntavāda) and the doctrine of ‘qualified assertion’ (syādvāda), as a coherent framework for dialogical engagements. Focusing on epistemic decentring, conditional articulation, and non-violent involvement, the Jaina framework pushes interfaith dialogue beyond conflict resolution towards conflict transformation.
Conflict resolution · Dialogical self · Doctrine · Politics · Resolution (logic) · Indian and Buddhist Studies · Indian History and Philosophy · Karl Barth and Christian Theology
| Highly cited | No |
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