In this fascinating and inventive work, A. David Napier argues that the central assumption of immunologyOCothat we survive through the recognition and elimination of non-selfOCohas become a defining concept of the modern age. Tracing this immunological understanding of self and other through an incredibly diverse array of venues, from medical research to legal and military strategies and the electronic revolution, Napier shows how this defensive way of looking at the world not only destroys diversity but also eliminates the ...
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In this fascinating and inventive work, A. David Napier argues that the central assumption of immunologyOCothat we survive through the recognition and elimination of non-selfOCohas become a defining concept of the modern age. Tracing this immunological understanding of self and other through an incredibly diverse array of venues, from medical research to legal and military strategies and the electronic revolution, Napier shows how this defensive way of looking at the world not only destroys diversity but also eliminates the possibility of truly engaging difference, thereby impoverishing our culture and foreclosing tremendous opportunities for personal growth. To illustrate these destructive consequences, Napier likens the current craze for embracing diversity and the use of politically correct speech to a cultural potluck to which we each bring different dishes, but at which no one can eat unless they abide by the same rules. Similarly, loaning money to developing nations serves as a tool both to make the peoples in those nations more like us and to maintain them in the nonthreatening status of distant dependents. To break free of the resulting downward spiral of homogenization and self-focus, Napier suggests that we instead adopt a new defining concept based on embryology, in which development and self-growth take place through a process of incorporation and transformation. In this effort he suggests that we have much to learn from non-Western peoples, such as the Balinese, whose ritual practices require them to take on the considerable risk of injecting into their selves the potential dangers of othernessOCoand in so doing ultimately strengthen themselves as well as their society. "The Age of Immunology, " with its combination of philosophy, history, and cultural inquiry, will be seen as a manifesto for a new age and a new way of thinking about the world and our place in it."
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Acceptable. Used-Acceptable. Cover slightly worn. Ships from UK in 48 hours or less (usually same day). Ex-library with wear-may contain significant amounts of highlighting and underlining in pen or pencil. Your purchase helps support the African Children's Educational Trust (A-CET). 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. Through our work with A-CET we have helped give hundreds of young people in Africa the vital chance to get an education. We provide a 100% money back guarantee and are dedicated to providing our customers with the highest standards of service in the bookselling industry.
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Fine in near fine jacket. Black cloth boards in dust jacket, octavo, sparsely illustrated in b&w. Book has handsome boards and tight binding, text clean and unmarked, press release laid in. DJ has mild rubbing.