A Philosophy of Pain

(Paperback)

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Description

In this book philosopher Arne Vetlesen addresses pain in many forms: the pain inflicted in torture and the pain suffered in incurable disease; the pain accompanying anxiety, grief, and depression; the pain brought by violence; and the pain exposed in the television show Big Brother. He also examines the dual nature of pain: how we avoid it as much as possible in our daily lives; yet conversely we receive a thrill from seeking it and from the danger it represents. In this sense, pain is about overstepping boundaries.

Reviews

'Recommended reading for those who feel invincible and invulnerable, and also those who have experienced the darker side of life.' - Dagsavisen, Norway 'A book we cannot ignore ... Arne Johan Vetlesen introduces us to different aspects of pain, and discusses the role pain has in our lives. His perspectives are broad-ranging and multiple ... a book for open debate.' - Bergens Tidende, Norway

Author Bio

Arne Johan Vetlesen is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Oslo. He has published many books, including Perception, Empathy, and Judgment and Evil and Human Agency.