A short history of western ideology : a critical account / Rolf Petri.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Petri, Rolf.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Ideology.

Political science--Philosophy--History.

Political science.

Civilization, Western.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (viii, 243 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

[London] : Bloomsbury Academic, 2018.

Summary:

"We are arguably living in a 'postideological' era. However, when we tune into the TV news we can hear political leaders talk about 'advanced' societies, geopolitical experts suggest 'humanitarian' interventions, and sober events presenters qualify a murder as 'barbaric'. What does this mean? In this comprehensive book, Rolf Petri reveals how our everyday political language is full of ideological representations of the world, and places them in an accessible historical narration. From the secularization of Europe and the Enlightenment project of 'civilization' to the contemporary preoccupation with ecological catastrophes or the end of history, A Short History of Western Ideology carves out the central elements of western ideology. It focuses on a wide variety of issues including religion, colonialism, race and gender, which are essential for how we conceive of the modern world. By creating an awareness of the ideological character of the western worldview, its limits and its flaws, this book warns us of the dangers that derive from a self-righteous mindset. It is stimulating and important reading for history and politics students seeking to understand the ideology of the western world."--Bloomsbury Publishing.

Contents:

Intro

Title Page

Copyright Page

Contents

Acknowledgments

Introduction

i

ii

iii

iv

Chapter 1: Europe and history

1.1 Christianitas

1.2 Civilize or make disappear

1.3 Philosophies of history

1.4 A somewhat gloomy utopia

Chapter 2: Freedom and sovereignty

2.1 Liberty and liberalism

2.2 A chosen people in a promised land

2.3 The religion of the people

2.4 Democracy and the rule of law

Chapter 3: Hierarchy among equals

3.1 European spaces

3.2 Human races

3.3 World cultures

3.4 Global rights

Chapter 4: A craving for goodness

4.1 A fair amount of killing

4.2 An over-accumulation of benevolence

4.3 A rescue from the limbo of history

4.4 Imperialism: A popular sentiment

Chapter 5: Ecology and apocalypse

5.1 Nature

5.2 Identity

5.3 Alienation

5.4 Apocalypse

Afterword

References

Index.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

ISBN:

9781350026117

1350026115

9781350026070

1350026077

OCLC:

1016156261