The Nature of Hate

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Cambridge University Press, Apr 28, 2008 - Psychology - 246 pages
What is hate and why is there so much of it? How does it originate, and what can we do about it? These are some of the questions addressed in The Nature of Hate. This book opens with a discussion of how hate makes its presence felt in the real world. Then it discusses various definitions and theories of hate. Next it describes a duplex - two-part - theory of hate. According to the first part of the theory, hate has three components: negation of intimacy, passion, and commitment. According to the second part of the theory, this structure of hate originates from stories people create about the target - that, say, a group comprises enemies of God, or monsters, or vermin, or power-crazy tyrants, or any of a number of other stories. The book discusses hate in the context of interpersonal relationships. Then it surveys the role of propaganda in inciting hate. Next it analyzes the role of hate in instigating terrorism, massacres, and genocides. Finally, it discusses possible cures for hate.
 

Contents

Section 1
15
Section 2
51
Section 3
78
Section 4
110
Section 5
125
Section 6
145
Section 7
165
Section 8
197

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About the author (2008)

Robert J. Sternberg is Dean of the School of Arts and Sciences, Professor of Psychology, and Adjunct Professor of Education at Tufts University. He is also Honorary Professor of Psychology at the University of Heidelberg in Heidelberg, Germany, and past president of the American Psychological Association. Sternberg is the author of about 1,200 refereed journal articles, book chapters, and books. Karin Sternberg is Research Associate at the National Preparedness Leadership Initiative of the School of Public Health and the J. F. Kennedy School of Government of Harvard University. She is co-editor of the book The New Psychology of Love as well as of the book Psychologen im Beruf: Anforderungen, Chancen und Perspektiven (Psychology as a Profession: Demands, Chances, and Perspectives).

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