Radical Evil - Richard J Bernstein

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Résumé :
Seeks to discover what we can learn about the meaning of evil and human responsibility. This book turns to philosophers such as Kant, who coined the expression 'radical evil', as well as to Hegel and Schelling. It also examines other explorations of evil, namely the thinking of Freud and Nietzsche on the moral psychology of evil.

Biographie:
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Sommaire:
Preface. Introduction. Part I Evil, Will, and Freedom. Radical Evil: Kant at War with Himself. Hegel: The Healing of the Spirit?. Schelling: The Metaphysics of Evil. Intermezzo. Part II: The Moral Psychology of Evil. Nietzsche: Beyond Good and Evil?. Freud: Psychic Ambivalence and Ineradicable Evil. Part III: After Auschwitz: Radical Evil and Responsibility. Prologue. Levinas: Evil and the Temptation of Theodicy. Jonas: A New Ethic of Responsibility. Arendt: Radical Evil and The Banality of Evil. Conclusion. Notes. Bibliography. Index

Richard Bernstein takes us through the most baffling question of all, the one that in the end defies philosophical understanding, that of evil. The last century put this irresistibly on our agenda, and we cannot avoid it. No--one has the answer, but Bernstein takes us through a number of the most important and insightful thinkers, who can help us in our search. With the admirable clarity and great philosophical sympathy which always characterizes his work, he defines their understanding of evil, and puts them into conversation with each other. One emerges from this work still baffled, but in a much more fruitful way, empowered to go on thinking. This is a striking achievement for a work on this subject. Bernstein has once again pushed the debate forward several steps. Charles Taylor, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, McGill University Richard Bernsteina s work represents the best of an American tradition in philosophy, inspired by pragmatism and the analytical requirements of jargon--free clarity and drawing extensively and powerfully on traditions within Continental philosophy. To my ears Bernsteina s is a hugely important voice in contemporary philosophical debate -- it is sane and humane. Simon Critchley, Centre for Theoretical Studies, University of Essex