Roger Kennedy has written a masterful investigation into the concept of
evil. He begins with a general view of the subject before moving into
more detailed analysis. First is a review of the science of evil,
including evidence from neuroscience and social psychology. This is
followed by psychoanalytical studies of the individual and groups before
presenting an overview of the philosophy of evil. Also included are
historical and social studies which inform an understanding of evil in
action. Kennedy goes on to examine the nature of genocide using a main
focus on the Holocaust and of slavery. Both of these "journeys to evil"
remain relevant for understanding contemporary society and issues. The
Nazi past continues to disturb and resonate decades on. The politics and
social fabric of Western society was reliant on slavery as a foundation
of economic wealth and is haunted by its inability to process the harsh
reality of slavery and its continuing after-effects. Kennedy moves from
there to a discussion on the genius of Shakespeare and his encapsulation
of the essential features of how evil can develop and take over a
person's inner world. The book concludes with a summary of the main
themes and a look at those who have resisted evil and what we can learn
from them if we are to build a society that can resist the forces of
evil. The book is informed by a psychoanalytic approach, with its
emphasis on the power and influence of unconscious processes underlying
human actions, and on the role of inner conflicting and elemental fears
and anxieties often driving individual and group behaviours. It brings
fresh insight to an eternal discourse.
