The Sacred Monstrous: A Reflection on Violence in Human Communities

by Wendy C. Hamblet

Overview

Wedding an analysis of relevant anthropological literature and philosophical theory, this important book re-positions violence—long trivialized by philosophers as an incidental or anomalous feature of humanity—as 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 being—it pervades human history and is embedded in the ethos of our modern institutions—and gives us essential tools for better understanding how violence actually operates.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780739107430
Publisher:	Lexington Books
Publication date:	12/11/2003
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	136
Product dimensions:	5.80(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

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.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Preface: apologia Chapter 2 Ritual and Mythical Beginnings Chapter 3 Ritual In-form-ations: the anthropologists' theories Chapter 4 Resonances in Ritual Theory Chapter 5 Mythical Traces of the Legacy of Violence: under the shadow of the "fall" Chapter 6 Home-Craft in the History of Philosophy: "innocent egoist and alone" Chapter 7 The Ambiguities of Home: "a phenomenology of identity-construction" Chapter 8 Violence as Community: the suffocating embrace of the home Chapter 9 Superstructures of Identity Chapter 10 In the Wake of Violent Rituals

Editorial Reviews

A troubling reflection on the deepseated violence of our times.

James P. Sterba

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

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 most—if not the most—vitally important problems of our age.

Steven Leonard Jacobs

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

A troubling reflection on the deepseated violence of our times.

James Sterba

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

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

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 most--if not the most--vitally important problems of our age.--Steven Leonard Jacobs, Aaron Aronov Chair of Judaic Studies, University of Alabama

From the Publisher