A Meta-system for Conflict Resolution

We use nomology, the science of the laws of the mind, which provides frameworks based on four embedded layers that explain how people come into conflict. The first is about our commitments, the second our convictions, the third about how we would like to get other people to adjust, and the fourth about how we ourselves are prepared to adjust. The third and fourth layers shape numerous inter-connected dilemmas. The person involved in a conflict resolution process should try to draw the conflicted person out of ´anger´ to ´avoid more violence´, from ´grief´ to ´show respect´, from ´fear´ to ´improve conditions´, from ´shock´ to ´include all parties´, from feeling the sense of ´atrocity´ to ´encourage civil society´, from ´retaliation´ to ´consult/train/counsel´, from ´revenge´ to ´bridge-building´, and from ´bitterness´ to ´truth and reconciliation´. We illustrate with a discussion between two academics about the treatment of Palestinian students by Israeli Defence Forces.