The Sacred Monstrous: A Reflection on Violence in Human Communities

(Paperback)

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Wedding an analysis of relevant anthropological literature and philosophical theory, this important book re-positions violencelong trivialized by philosophers as an incidental or anomalous feature of humanityas a central concern for ethical thought. Wendy Hamblet focuses on a fundamental paradox that emerges when well-meaning communities and individuals attempt to implement their ideals in our social, or socialized, world. Very often the unintended consequences of these individual or communal ideals run headlong into the brute fact of bloody human engagement. Through her investigation of violence-legitimization in myth and ancient tales, philosophical accounts (from Plato to Nietzsche), the concept of home as 'refuge,' and recent social scientific data, Hamblet takes up the charge that violence is steeped in our beingit pervades human history and is embedded in the ethos of our modern institutionsand gives us essential tools for better understanding how violence actually operates.

Reviews

Although Professor Hamblet is not directly concerned with contemporary events in her interesting study, her phenomenology of violence surely suggests to the reader a deeper and quite disturbing framework for interpreting the impact of 9/11 on American life. -- David Gauthier, Emeritus Distinguished Service Professor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh
Professor Hamblet has written an important text, well worth the investment of serious thought and reflection. Not only has she addressed the ongoing nature of violence in the human community, but she has done so through a careful analysis of the work done by anthropolgists, religionists, and philosophers. In entering into these conversations, and making us acquainted with her own orientation, we are privileged to observe a philosopher at work addressing one of the mostif not the mostvitally important problems of our age. -- Steven Leonard Jacobs, Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies, University of Alabama
This book will make a significant contribution to many fields. I would definitely quote it in anything I may write about violence and refugees. And while some ideas and examples may be controversial for some readers, the book should spark many debates. -- Elzbieta M. Gozdziak, Director of Research, Institute for the Study of International Migration (ISIM), Georgetown University
A troubling reflection on the deepseated violence of our times. -- James P. Sterba, Philosophy Department, University of Notre Dame

Author Bio

Wendy C. Hamblet is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Adelphi University. Her research focuses upon the problems frustrating peaceful engagement within and among human communities, especially for communities that have suffered histories of radical victimization.