When Bad Things Happen to Other People - Softcover

Portmann, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0415923352 ISBN 13: 9780415923354

Publisher: Routledge, 2000

Synopsis

Although many of us deny it, it is not uncommon to feel pleasure over the suffering of others, particularly when we feel that suffering has been deserved. The German word for this concept-Schadenfreude-has become universal in its expression of this feeling. Drawing on the teachings of history's most prominent philosophers, John Portmann explores the concept of Schadenfreude in this rigorous, comprehensive, and absorbing study.

About this title

Review:

." . . raises many questions about the nature of suffering, the character of pleasure and the meanings of their continuing association -- an extraordinarily rich subject." -The New York Times ..."a valuable addition to moral philosophy because it points up some of the conundrums associated with a careful consideration of "Schadenfreude." -"Philosophy and Literature ..."strongly recommended as a stimulating and perceptive examination of issues and questions relating to our attitudes toward the misfortunes of other people with which all of us are familiar in our moral lives." -"The Virginia Quarterly Review "Lucid and engaging." -"The Wall Street Journal "A demanding but productively provocative analysis." -"Booklist

Synopsis:

What is it in human nature that sometimes makes us derive pleasure from the suffering of others? In this original and provocative book, John Portmann explores this all-too-human foible - what Germans call Schadenfreude . Disagreement about suffering - what it is, who deserves it, and how much - has compelled philosophers for centuries. Portmann examines the complexity inherent in Schadenfreude , engaging philosophers such as Kant and Nietzsche, thinkers and writers including Freud, Baudelaire, Dickens, and even contemporary novelists Umberto Eco and Toni Morrison. When Bad Things Happen to Other People makes a vital contribution to philosophy, human behaviour and ethics, and challenges us to re-examine our feelings about suffering, sympathy and the ambiguity of justice.

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2000
• ISBN 10: 0415923352
• ISBN 13: 9780415923354
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 264