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Reflections on the Guillotine

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( 2,118 ratings, 268 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
Albert Camus's Reflections on the Guillotine is a profound essay that delves into the moral and philosophical arguments against capital punishment. Camus combines personal anecdotes with philosophical insights to reflect on the value of human life and the implications of state-sanctioned death.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you are intrigued by philosophical reflections on justice and capital punishment, appreciate Camus' existentialist ideas, or enjoy thought-provoking essays that challenge moral and societal norms.

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Reflections on the Guillotine

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Reflections on the Guillotine, a profound essay by philosopher and writer Albert Camus, delves into the heart of the moral and ethical implications of the death penalty. The narrative confronts the brutal reality of execution in a deeply personal and philosophical exploration, revealing the psychological torment faced by both the condemned and those who administer capital punishment. Through detailed arguments and evocative prose, Camus challenges the reader to reconsider their stance on the sanctity of human life and the justice system's role in preserving or destroying it.

This compelling treatise, written when execution by guillotine was still legal in France, serves as a devastating critique of the 'obscene exhibition' of capital punishment. Camus employs a combination of personal reflection, historical context, and moral reasoning to craft one of the most persuasive arguments against the death penalty ever presented. His eloquent writing exposes the barbarity and futility of state-sanctioned killing, prompting readers to contemplate the ethical contradictions at the heart of this practice.

Great Ideas: Throughout history, certain books have transformed our understanding of ourselves and each other. These works have sparked debate, inspired revolutions, and profoundly impacted society. They have the power to enlighten, provoke, comfort, and even destroy. Now, Penguin brings you the seminal works of great thinkers, pioneers, radicals, and visionaries whose revolutionary ideas have shaped civilization and helped define who we are today.

Camus's Reflections on the Guillotine remains a timeless piece that speaks to the core of human existence, challenging societal norms and inspiring ongoing dialogue about justice, morality, and human rights. Whether you are a seasoned scholar or a curious reader, this essay's compelling insights and thought-provoking arguments will leave an indelible mark on your perceptions of life and death.

Series: Penguin Great Ideas

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Reflections on the Guillotine by Albert Camus is highly praised for its profound and thought-provoking critique of capital punishment. Reviewers commend Camus's compelling arguments and eloquent writing style, which blend philosophy with personal reflection. Many find it a powerful and persuasive work that continues to resonate with contemporary discussions on justice and morality.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780241475225

Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 24 September 2020

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Penguin Classics

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 5.0mm

Width: 111.0mm

Height: 181.0mm

Weight: 62g

Pages: 96

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About the Author

Albert Camus (1913-60) grew up in a working-class neighbourhood in Algiers. He studied philosophy at the University of Algiers, and became a journalist. His most important works include The Outsider, The Myth of Sisyphus, The Plague and The Fall. After the occupation of France by the Germans in 1941, Camus became one of the intellectual leaders of the Resistance movement. He was killed in a road accident, and his last unfinished novel, The First Man, appeared posthumously.

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