A Pacifist Continuum

Cady's writing begins by assessing and examining views of opposition to war and looking at the diversity of anti-war views. Cady develops a scale to better understand the range of viewpoints regarding pacifism. The scale begins at what Cady calls "absolute pacifism" which is the view that no matter what, causing harm to another person is always wrong. Cady explains that this viewpoint can be argued from both a secular and religious standpoint, but either way it is very difficult to uphold and to defend.
Cady also makes a point that I think is important when he defines what violence is, and makes a distinction between violence and coercion. He defines violence as "any physical act intending to injure, damage, or destroy a person or object."(p. 61) Coercion may use violence but it does not necessarily. He separates this from Power, which is any ability put to use to accomplish another task (p. 60) and it may or may not use the previous two definitions. It is important to understand what violence is before understanding the pacifist standpoint and understanding that pacifists have different degrees of their ideals and may oppose some or all of these things.
Cady goes on to describe the next step on the scale in which violence in the case of self-defense is acceptable, and then the step after which holds the view that violence against individuals is acceptable but not violence by and towards groups (e.g. war). Further along the scale considers acceptance of war in principle, but still is in opposition to war because of the lack of knowledge of all the circumstances in order to know if the killing of these individuals is justified.
Cady goes on to explain the complexity of the scale and of each step on it.
Cady also explains technological pacifism, which holds the view that nuclear weapons should not be used, and from an ecological standpoint, the view that we should be aware of the damage that can be done to the planet's health.
Finally, pragmatic pacifism holds the view that war can relieve human suffering in some cases.
Overall I think Cady makes an acceptable scale for analyzing pacifism at its different degrees; however, it is important to consider that there are different degrees of pacifism and in order to understand it fully it is important to analyze each piece individually. He should more clearly address the fact that people may have an eclectic view of pacifism, taking bits from each of the steps on the scale. I think the difference in individuals is the most important factor because every person may have a different justification for their actions, and may be acting based on true principal, or simply because they have a greater agenda. I think that in regards to pacifism, it is important to maintain a happy medium. It is important to avoid violence while still able to maintain a self-defense for one's own well-being, because protection of self, I personally believe, falls under the category of preventing violence.