Genocidal wars, concentration camps, firebombed cities, spreading plagues of private blood-letting: the twentieth century has seen more than its fair share of violence, planned and unplanned, with prospects of still more to come. And yet, argues John Keane, among the paradoxes of this long century of violence is the paucity of imaginative reflection on the conceptual meaning, cause and effects, and ethical-political implications of violence itself. Comparable to Hannah Arendt's classic On Violence , Keane's book ...
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Genocidal wars, concentration camps, firebombed cities, spreading plagues of private blood-letting: the twentieth century has seen more than its fair share of violence, planned and unplanned, with prospects of still more to come. And yet, argues John Keane, among the paradoxes of this long century of violence is the paucity of imaginative reflection on the conceptual meaning, cause and effects, and ethical-political implications of violence itself. Comparable to Hannah Arendt's classic On Violence , Keane's book challenges this indifference. It throws fresh light on the notion that we are drifting towards a "new middle ages" marked by uncivil wars sanctioned by decentralized powers--warlords, gangsters, sects--which the modern state was supposed to eliminate. John Keane shows how the term "violence" is riddled with ambiguities, and he confronts the argument, stretching back from St Augustine to Freud, that violence is rooted in "human nature." Rejecting simple-minded pacifism, he goes on to formulate a theory of "uncivil society" and to examine the practical possibilities for greater civility. Above all, he insists that political philosophy and democratic politics must urgently address the issue of violence, not only because of the terrible crimes committed during the century now drawing to a close, but also because we are witnessing the significant growth of a new "politics of civility" aimed at publicizing and reducing a range of specific forms of violence, from rape and child abuse to ethnic conflict and uncivil war.
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
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This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside. This book has soft covers. In poor condition, suitable as a reading copy. Please note the Image in this listing is a stock photo and may not match the covers of the actual item, 400grams, ISBN: 9781859841150.
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Good. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Your purchase helps support Sri Lankan Children's Charity 'The Rainbow Centre'. Ex-library, so some stamps and wear, but in good overall condition. 100% money back guarantee. We are a world class secondhand bookstore based in Hertfordshire, United Kingdom and specialize in high quality textbooks across an enormous variety of subjects. We aim to provide a vast range of textbooks, rare and collectible books at a great price. Our donations to The Rainbow Centre have helped provide an education and a safe haven to hundreds of children who live in appalling conditions. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.