Evil: A Critical Primer

The book Evil: A Critical Primer argues that evil is a concept that is contextually bound and that we should not expect to find shared or similar notions of evil across cultures. It provides an empirical and heuristic framework for the study of religion by redescribing evil within a new framework of dangers and aversions and focusing on attitudes and practices.

Format: Hardback
Length: 174 pages
Publication date: 01 October 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

Evil: A Critical Primer is a groundbreaking exploration that challenges the notion of evil as a universally shared concept. It asserts that evil is inherently contextual, meaning that different cultures may have distinct interpretations and understandings of what constitutes evil. In order to address evil in a way that is both relevant to specific cultural contexts and applicable across cultures, this primer proposes a novel framework that redefines evil in terms of dangers and aversions. By focusing on the things that cause harm and the things to be avoided, this primer offers an empirical and heuristic approach to studying religion, shifting the emphasis away from traditional notions of evil such as the devil, wickedness, or a diabolic will. Instead, it emphasizes attitudes and practices, including rituals of purity and impurity, concepts of clean and dirty, and expressions of disgust.

Furthermore, Evil: A Critical Primer delves into cultural and cognitive aspects of classification, myth, ritual, emotions, and morality, shedding light on how our colloquial conception of evil is influenced by historical and cultural context and cross-cultural comparison. It argues that by examining these aspects, we can gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of evil and its impact on human societies.

In conclusion, Evil: A Critical Primer is a thought-provoking and indispensable resource for anyone interested in exploring the concept of evil in a broader cultural and historical context. It provides a valuable framework for understanding the complexities of evil and its impact on human societies, and encourages us to approach the study of religion and morality with a fresh perspective.

Weight: 658g
Dimension: 213 x 137 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781781796184