non-violence – the paradise paradox

Discipline: Is harsh discipline necessary or beneficial in raising a child? Mr. J. & Link McElvenny Part 3 – Episode 137

The Story: What are the appropriate ways to teach a child?

There is a debate which has continued in recent decades on a topic which most feel strongly about one way or another – the disciplining of children, especially physical discipline. Is it moral? Is it necessary? And is it harmful, or beneficial?

One side claims that to strike an innocent child who has harmed no one can never be moral, that violence must only be reserved for those rare occasions where it is necessary to prevent more violence. The other side might claim that being an efficient teacher requires using all tools that are available, and if violence is necessary for a lesson, we shouldn’t withhold what might be the only useful method for communication.

If a child is too young to be capable of reason, then surely he is too young to understand the reason for the blows. However, even if the child does not understand, is it possible that he will learn to control his actions through conditioning? And if so, is it desirable?

In this episode, Mr. J. and Link McElvenny continue a very interesting discussion. Kurt assumes the negative position, arguing against the use of violence and negative reinforcement on children. Mr. J. takes the position that harsh discipline should be used, though with care and sparingly, and Link acts as an impromptu arbitrator.

Join us on the next child-rearing, brain-expanding episode of … The Paradise Paradox!

The Eps:

Integrity – A man’s gotta have a code part 1

Values – A man’s gotta have a code part 2

The Links:

The case against spanking

10 reasons not to hit your child

The facts about spanking

Dayna Martin – Radical unschooling: Peaceful parenting and natural learning

The Cash:

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The Episode:

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Integrity – A Man’s Gotta Have a Code Part 1: Link McElvenny & Mr. J. – Episode 135

The Story: Values, principles and ideals

Many people go through this life without thinking too deeply about what it is they value, what they would be willing to die for, and what they would be willing to kill for. It takes an uncommon man to consider the question deeply, and an even rarer man to follow through with his decision when the chips are down. Undoubtedly, people fail in this process all the time, but when you see someone make one of those tough choices, putting his principles above his bank balance, or his integrity before gratification, it can inspire you, and make you wonder: if one soul can stand so firm, firmer than old concrete, what else might it be able to achieve?

In this episode, Kurt is joined by two friends and collaborators, Link McElvenny and Mr. J. to discuss their ideas on the codes, principles, values and frameworks which they use to make decisions, and guide themselves through interesting lives. We discuss liberty, the non-aggression principle, non-violence, masculine and feminine polarity, trying to help others to gain a more empowering perspective, open-mindedness, and the difference between eastern and western views of teaching and learning.

Join us in this next soul-challenging, introspective, middle-path-walking episode of The Paradise Paradox!