Focusing on the concept of justice, the book explores how various social systems have envisioned the idea of an "Ojust society." It delves into the interplay between political and religious ideologies that underpin these representations, providing a nuanced analysis of how different cultures interpret and implement justice within their societal frameworks.
The book explores the interplay between belief and social behavior in Ancient Egypt and Classical Athens, highlighting how ideology influences actions and contributes to societal stability. It investigates the role of social status and change in relation to social control mechanisms. Additionally, the author proposes sociological frameworks for understanding complex pre-industrial systems, emphasizing the significance of ideology as a persistent and determinative element in these societies. This interdisciplinary approach enriches both sociology and ancient history.
The investigation delves into the reasons behind warfare and the atrocities committed by men and women across different societies. The author posits that military training and ideology shape a specific perception of the enemy, which significantly influences the conduct and nature of war. This analysis explores the psychological and sociological factors at play, offering insights into the complexities of human conflict and the motivations that drive individuals to engage in violence against their adversaries.
Militarism is explored as a complex ideology that extends beyond mere aggression, encompassing a lifestyle that promotes military values as intrinsic goals. The book delves into how these values shape societies and individuals, examining their implications on culture and behavior. Through this lens, it offers a critical perspective on the pervasive influence of militaristic thinking in various aspects of life.
First published in 1998, this volume is a historical and comparative study of treason, whose aim is to clarify and categorize the diverse and often mixed - even confused - motives which underlie treason, both at its conspiracy and implemental stages. Its approach is to use case studies ranging from classical society to modern cases of treachery to examine this complex issue. Some of the case studies will have a familiar ring, but others will not be so well known, as the book is not merely a popular recitation of spy stories. Rather, it is concerned with the nature of treason, and offers some theoretical pointers to treason as a social and psychological phenomenon. The text demonstrates that, while in common speech the term 'treason' has pejorative connotations, it is, in fact, a multi-faceted phenomenon which merits much closer investigation.