Diseases of the Will : Alcohol and the Dilemmas of Freedom (Cambridge Studies in Law and Society)
Editorial Reviews
Book Description
This broad-ranging and innovative investigation explores the ways in which both authorities and individual consumers have defined and managed the pleasures and dangers of alcoholic beverages. It explores the question of free will versus determinism and how it has been challenged by ideas about addiction, morality and psychology during the past 150 years. This book is based on years of original research and draws on sources from the United States, UK, Canada and elsewhere and will appeal to readers in legal studies, addiction studies, criminology, sociology and psychology.
Card catalog description
While associated with comfort and pleasure, alcohol continues to be a 'problem' substance, both for medical and political authorities and for many drinkers. In this broad-ranging and innovative historical-sociological investigation, Valverde explores the ways in which both authorities and individual consumers have defined and managed the pleasures and dangers of alcoholic beverages. Paradoxically, excessive drinking has been perceived to weaken 'the free will' and to be simultaneously caused by a weakness of the will. Valverde explores how the notion of a free will has been challenged by ideas about addiction. Based on years of original research, and drawing on North American, British and other sources, this book discusses nineteenth century 'dipsomania', the history of inebriate homes, postwar American notions of 'the alcoholic personality', Alcoholics Anonymous, fetal alcohol education, and liquor control and licencing.
--This text refers to the
Hardcover
edition.
Diseases of the Will : Alcohol and the Dilemmas of Freedom (Cambridge Studies in Law and Society),Mariana Valverde,Chris Arup,Martin Chanock,Pat O'Malley,Sally Engle Merry,Susan Silbey,Cambridge University Press,0521644690,General,Psychology,Social Science,Sociology,Sociology - General,Substance Abuse & Addictions - Alcoholism,Alcoholism,Drinking of alcoholic beverages--History,Social Science / Sociology / General
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