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word in movies, political speeches, and news reports, "evil" is generally seen as either flagrant rhetoric or else an outdated concept: a medieval holdover with no bearing on our complex everyday reality.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."

About the Author

Lars Svendsen is professor in the Department of Philosophy at the University of Bergen, Norway. He is the author of "A Philosophy of Fear", " Fashion: A Philosophy", and "A Philosophy of Boredom", all published by Reaktion Books.

Reviews

"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 *



Book Information
ISBN 9781564785718
Author Lars Svendsen
Format Paperback
Page Count 306
Imprint Dalkey Archive Press
Publisher Dalkey Archive Press