Violence: A Very Short Introduction

Violence is a part of human history and nature, and it has defined the ways in which individuals and collective entities have interacted over the millennia. This Very Short Introduction examines the more visible, physical acts of violence in the modern world, exploring how violence in the pre-modern world was different from the modern world and discussing what violence is by examining understandings of the ideas, values, and cultural practices embedded in an act of violence. It also considers some core questions, such as whether violence is always bad, if there are any limits to human violence, and if we are becoming more or less violent.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

bViolence is an integral part of human history and nature, a distinctive trait shared by all cultures and societies across time. It has shaped the way individuals interact and the relationships between collective entities and states throughout history. While all societies possess the potential for violence, not all individuals or societies exhibit equal levels of violence. This Very Short Introduction explores the more visible forms of violence in the modern world, including interpersonal, gendered, collective, religious, sexual, criminal, and political violence. It examines the differences between pre-modern and modern forms of violence and their significance. By examining the ideas, values, and cultural practices embedded in acts of violence, the book explores what violence is and considers it as the outcome of a process influenced by the cultural context in which it occurs.

Throughout the introduction, Dwyer raises critical questions about the nature of violence. He questions whether violence is inherently bad and if there are any limits to human violence. He explores why certain forms of violence, such as wife beating, duelling, and slavery, were once accepted in some societies but later became unacceptable. He also examines whether we are becoming more or less violent as a society.

The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press offers concise and accessible introductions to a wide range of subjects. These books are designed to provide a solid foundation in new areas quickly and efficiently. By exploring the complexities of violence, this introduction offers valuable insights into the nature of this phenomenon and its impact on human society.

Weight: 120g
Dimension: 112 x 175 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780198831730