Fanaticism: On the Uses of an Idea - Couverture souple

Toscano, Alberto

Couverture souple

ISBN 10 : 1786630540 ISBN 13 : 9781786630544

Editeur : Verso Books, 2017

A propos du livre

Présentation de l'éditeur

A genealogy of fanaticism—unearthing its long history, before it became a tool in the Clash of Civilizations

It is commonplace to hear fanaticism described as a deviant or extreme variant of an already irrational set of religious beliefs, an assertion that helps to demonize convictions outside political orthodoxy. Alberto Toscano’s compelling and erudite counter-history explodes this accepted convention by exploring the critical role fanaticism played in the formation of modern politics and the liberal state. Showing how fanaticism results from a failure to formulate an adequate emancipatory politics, this illuminating history sheds new light on an idea that continues to dominate debates about faith and secularism.

This expanded edition includes new material that revisits the idea of fanaticism as it operates at the limits of the liberal political imaginary, highlighting its relation to fraternal violence, political purity and the refusal of compromise, as well as its centrality to times of social crisis and international conflict.

Présentation de l'éditeur

A genealogy of fanaticism—unearthing its long history, before it became a tool in the Clash of Civilizations

The idea of fanaticism as a deviant or extreme variant of an already irrational set of religious beliefs is today invoked by the West in order to demonize and psychologize any non-liberal politics.

Alberto Toscano’s compelling and erudite counter-history explodes this accepted interpretation in exploring the critical role fanaticism played in forming modern politics and the liberal state. In a radical new interpretation, he places the fanatic at the very heart of politics, arguing that historical and revolutionary transformations require a new understanding of his role. Showing how fanaticism results from the failure to formulate an adequate emancipatory politics, this illuminating history sheds new light on an idea that continues to dominate debates about faith and secularism.

À propos de cette édition

• Éditeur: Verso Books
• Date d'édition: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1786630540
• ISBN 13: 9781786630544
• Reliure: Broché
• Nombre de pages: 352