Evil in Joint Action: The Ethics of Hate and the Sociology of Original Sin

This book explores the discourse of evil in the West, focusing on the 'Pear Theft episode in St. Augustine's Confessions and arguing that it offers secular insights when placed in the context of social thought. It suggests that joint radical improvisation can lead to convincing accounts of intentional evil action, such as the Pear Theft, which involves group identification and institutional action.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the intricate discourse of evil, which has been gaining prominence in the West in recent years. By integrating insights from social science and philosophy, it presents a nuanced perspective on this topic. Through an examination of the famous "Pear Theft episode" in St. Augustine's Confessions, the author goes beyond the theological implications of the event to explore the secular insights it offers when contextualized within social thought. By focusing on Augustine's lengthy reflections on a seemingly marginal episode, the author argues that it is possible to discern the elements of a convincing account of intentional evil action. The Pear Theft, in this context, represents a case of joint radical improvisation that lacks collective deliberation. Consequently, a new perspective emerges on familiar and more intuitive forms of evil in joint action, which involve group identification and institutional action. Evil in Joint Action is a valuable resource for scholars engaged in the study of sociology, social theory, and philosophy, with a particular interest in ethics, collective action, and concepts of evil. It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities and nuances of evil in human interactions, shedding light on the ways in which individuals and groups can be influenced by social structures and institutions.

Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367520465