Giorgio Baruchello Ordre des livres

Part 2 of Volume 3 addresses in detail the conflicts between humor and cruelty, i. e., how cruelty can be unleashed against humor and, conversely, humor can be utilized against cruelty. Potent enmities to mirth and jollity are retrieved from a variety of socio-historical contexts, ranging from Europe’s medieval monasteries to the 2015 Charlie Hebdo massacre. Special attention is paid to the cruel humor and humorous cruelty arising thereof, insofar as such phenomena can reveal critical aspects of today’s neoliberal socio-economic order. In parallel, settings where humor has been used as an instrument to cope with suffered cruelty, whether natural or human in origin, are also retrieved and discussed. These also vary greatly and encompass domains such as hospital wards, 20 th -century Jewish ghettoes, and contemporary funeral homes. A set of concluding reflections is then offered on the psychological, theological, ethical, and metaphysical roots of humor—and its cruel rejection. „Like Aristotle and Dewey, Arnarsson and Baruchello do not define their terms at the outset, but instead they relentlessly pursue the meanings of two ordinary words that everyone vaguely understads to arrive at a critical insight into the concepts these words represent, which are both disparate and interrelated.“ - Richard Marc Rubin, President, George Santayana Society

Humor and cruelty can be the best of friends. Many cruel domains have facilitated hilarity of all kinds, whether experienced directly or vicariously, stretching from the torture chamber to the living room—or wherever else a screen is to be found. Conversely, many jests have provided the vehicle with which to dispense cruelty, whether callously or gleefully, in myriad settings, from public events to intimate family dinners. Combining the sources and resources of the humanities and social sciences, this book investigates the mutually supportive liaisons of humor and cruelty. We unearth the brutal, aggressive, and/or sadomasochistic roots of mockery and self-mockery, sarcasm and satire, whilst addressing contemporary debates in humor studies focusing on the thorny ethics and existential challenges arising from the acceptance of the much-appreciated yet seldom innocent channel for human interaction called „humor.“ „Like Aristotle and Dewey, Arnarsson and Baruchello do not define their terms at the outset, but instead they relentlessly pursue the meanings of two ordinary words that everyone vaguely understads to arrive at a critical insight into the concepts these words represent, which are both disparate and interrelated.“ - Richard Marc Rubin, President, George Santayana Society

The book explores the intricate relationship between economics, power politics, and social philosophy, proposing that social and political philosophy should be regarded as a foundational discipline. Building on John McMurtry’s work, it addresses gaps in the analyses of prominent thinkers like Paul Krugman and Naomi Klein. The narrative reveals how capital has undermined civil society while offering an optimistic perspective on escaping its grip, advocating for a return to human values that promote life and goodness.

Focusing on social and political philosophy as a foundational discipline, Baruchello explores the intersections of economics, power, and knowledge. He builds on the ideas of thinkers like John McMurtry while addressing gaps in the works of notable philosophers such as Martha Nussbaum and Hans Jonas. The book reveals how capital has distorted our understanding of ethics and meaning, threatening the well-being of people and the environment. However, it also offers an optimistic vision, illustrating pathways to transcend capital's influence and foster human goodness.

Exploring the complex theme of cruelty, this collection of essays delves into the historical treatment of the subject within Western philosophy while connecting it to contemporary issues of violence and injustice. The author presents a candid and thought-provoking analysis that challenges readers to confront difficult truths, ultimately empowering them to engage with the topic on a deeper level. This work serves as an essential reference for discussions surrounding cruelty as a philosophical concept.

Exploring a diverse range of topics, this collection delves into metaphysical themes such as history and art, alongside pressing issues like global economic injustice. Uniting these discussions is the overarching theme of death, which provides coherence to the medley. The author showcases an inquisitive intellect, balancing logical analysis with imaginative exploration, resulting in a thought-provoking and enjoyable reading experience.