Persuasion vs. Coercion or Persuasion and Coercion

This article explores the nuanced distinctions between persuasion and coercion through Robert K. Greenleaf’s 1977 article “Overcome Evil with Good.” Greenleaf’s comparisons of John Woolman, John Whittier, and Mohandas Gandhi highlight the complexities and consequences of their methods in combating societal evils. Woolman’s gentle persuasion contrasts with Whittier’s fiery abolitionism and Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance, which Greenleaf critiques as coercive and leading to violence. The article examines the controversy sparked by Greenleaf’s views, including reader responses and the impact on his subsequent writings, supported by unpublished manuscripts and correspondence from Greenleaf’s archives. It engages with philosophical perspectives on persuasion and coercion, referencing thinkers like Confucius, Sun Tzu, and phenomenologists such as Husserl and Gadamer, and critiques Greenleaf’s idealistic definition of persuasion, considering historical and social contexts. Ultimately, it argues for a balanced approach, recognizing the potential necessity of both persuasion and coercion in achieving social change. The article concludes by emphasizing the importance of appreciating differing perspectives and the need for both idealists and pragmatists to work together for the common good.