Description

Book Synopsis

Despite the overuse of the word in movies, political speeches, and news reports, “evil” is generally seen as either flagrant rhetoric or else an outdated concept: a medieval holdover with no bearing on our complex everyday reality. In A Philosophy of Evil, however, acclaimed philosopher Lars Svendsen argues that evil remains a concrete moral problem: that we’re all its victims, and all guilty of committing evil acts.”It’s normal to be evil,” he writes—the problem is, we’ve lost the vocabulary to talk about it.Taking up this problem—how do we speak about evil?—A Philosophy of Evil treats evil as an ordinary aspect of contemporary life, with implications that are moral, practical, and above all, political. Because, as Svendsen says, “Evil should neither be justified nor explained away—evil must be fought.”



Trade Review

"Svendsen has a way with words, and, unlike many writers of philosophy books, is also blessed with a sly wit and a thorough knowledge of popular culture."

-- Phil Miller * The Glasgow Herald *

“Another outstanding, well-written book from the young Norwegian philosopher.”

* Politiken *

A Philosophy of Evil

    Product form

    A Paperback / softback by Lars Svendsen, Kerri A. Pierce

    £10.99

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      Book details

      Publisher Dalkey Archive Press
      Published 13 May 2010
      ISBN-13 9781564785718
      978-1564785718
      ISBN-10 1564785718
      Also in:
      Philosophy: metaphysics and ontology

      Description

      Book Synopsis

      Despite the overuse of the word in movies, political speeches, and news reports, “evil” is generally seen as either flagrant rhetoric or else an outdated concept: a medieval holdover with no bearing on our complex everyday reality. In A Philosophy of Evil, however, acclaimed philosopher Lars Svendsen argues that evil remains a concrete moral problem: that we’re all its victims, and all guilty of committing evil acts.”It’s normal to be evil,” he writes—the problem is, we’ve lost the vocabulary to talk about it.Taking up this problem—how do we speak about evil?—A Philosophy of Evil treats evil as an ordinary aspect of contemporary life, with implications that are moral, practical, and above all, political. Because, as Svendsen says, “Evil should neither be justified nor explained away—evil must be fought.”



      Trade Review

      "Svendsen has a way with words, and, unlike many writers of philosophy books, is also blessed with a sly wit and a thorough knowledge of popular culture."

      -- Phil Miller * The Glasgow Herald *

      “Another outstanding, well-written book from the young Norwegian philosopher.”

      * Politiken *

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