{"title":"Wolfgang Müller-Funk","description":"\u003cp\u003eExplore the thought-provoking works of \u003cem\u003eWolfgang Müller-Funk\u003c\/em\u003e, a renowned author whose scholarly pursuits delve into various realms of cultural and literary theory, intertwining with history and philosophy. His writings often challenge readers to reconsider established norms, prompting deep reflection and enriched understanding.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eOne of his notable contributions, \u003cstrong\u003eCruelty\u003c\/strong\u003e, offers a profound examination of the concept of cruelty throughout history, blending insights from cultural studies and critical theory. With an emphasis on the histories and dynamics that shape military and societal structures, Müller-Funk's works are indispensable resources for those eager to explore complex historical narratives and the philosophical questions they inspire.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEngage with this collection to appreciate Wolfgang Müller-Funk's unique ability to illuminate the intricacies of human nature and cultural phenomena, making it an essential addition for any historian or philosopher's library.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"cruelty-by-wolfgang-muller-funk-9781509563951","title":"Cruelty","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn a humane world, cruelty should not exist, and yet it has been a feature of our societies since time immemorial. From individual acts of cruelty to systematic torture and mass murder, cruelty has been humanity’s constant companion, attesting to a darker side of human nature. Cruelty involves the use of violence but it is more than this, since it is organized and calculated; its intention is to inflict pain and suffering on others, even to destroy the other. Cruelty is perhaps the ultimate form of violence in which the extermination of the other is staged as a threat in order to make others compliant or instil in them the fear of death.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIn this wide-ranging cultural history, Wolfgang Müller-Funk examines the ways in which different thinkers and authors – from Herodotus to Nietzsche, from Seneca to Musil and Koestler – have conceptualized and tried to make sense of a phenomenon we would prefer to ignore. He seeks to unveil the conditions under which an economy of cruelty emerges, in which violence is calculated and becomes a quasi-natural matter of course. The economy of cruelty involves the efficient use of means to pursue irrational goals. It also involves discourses and narrative patterns that legitimize organized violence and neutralize emotions, such as empathy and compassion, that would restrain or obstruct the pursuit of cruelty.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis disturbing inquiry into the nature of cruelty and its role in human culture will be of interest to students and scholars throughout the humanities and to a wide general readership.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Unknown","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47031782441196,"sku":"9781509563951","price":59.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/12661763482725.jpg?v=1764147296"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/wolfgang-muller-funk.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}