Title
Violent Origins: Walter Burkert, Ren Girard, and Jonathan Z. Smith on Ritual Killing and Cultural Formation,Used
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Burkert, Girard, and Smith hold important and contradictory theories about the nature and origin of ritual sacrifice, and the role violence plays in religion and culture. These papers and conversations derive from a conference that pursued the possibility and utility of a general theory of religion and culture, especially one based on violence. The special value of this volume is the conversations as suchthe real record of working scholars engaged with one another's theories, as they make and meet challenges, and move and maneuver. Girard and Burkert present different versions of the same conviction: that a single theory can account for ritual and its social function, a theory that posits original acts of group violence. Smith sharply questions both the possibility and the utility of such a general theory. Among the highlights of this stimulating interchange of ideas is a searching criticism of Girard's theory of generative scapegoating, which he answers with clarity and conviction, and a challenging of Burkert's theory of the origin of sacrifice in the hunt by Smith's argument, posed as a jeu d'esprit, that sacrifice originates with the domestication of animals.
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This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the main focus of 'Violent Origins'? A: 'Violent Origins' explores the theories of ritual sacrifice and the role of violence in religion and culture, focusing on the perspectives of Walter Burkert, René Girard, and Jonathan Z. Smith.
- Q: Who are the authors of this book? A: The book is authored by Walter Burkert, René Girard, and Jonathan Z. Smith, who are renowned scholars in their respective fields.
- Q: What type of binding does this book have? A: The book is available in paperback binding.
- Q: How many pages does 'Violent Origins' contain? A: 'Violent Origins' contains a total of 296 pages.
- Q: What condition is the book in? A: The book is listed as 'New' condition.
- Q: When was 'Violent Origins' published? A: 'Violent Origins' was published on November 1, 1988.
- Q: Does the book contain any critiques of Girard's theories? A: Yes, the book includes a critical examination of Girard's theory of generative scapegoating, along with responses that clarify his position.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, the book is suitable for academic study, particularly for those interested in the intersection of violence, religion, and culture.
- Q: What is a key theme discussed in the book? A: A key theme is the exploration of original acts of group violence as a basis for understanding ritual and its social function.
- Q: Are there any unique features of this book? A: The book features conversations and exchanges among scholars, providing insights into their theories and challenges related to ritual and violence.