Diseases of the Will Alcohol and the Dilemmas of Freedom

Klappentext While associated with comfort and pleasure, alcohol has been and is 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. The author explores the question of free will versus determinism and how it has been challenged by ideas about addiction, morality and psychology during the last 150 years. The book draws on sources from the US, UK, Canada and elsewhere, and covers topics including nineteenth century 'dipsomania', the history of inebriate homes, Alcoholics Anonymous, fetal alcohol education and liquor control. It will appeal to readers in legal studies, criminology, sociology, psychology, social theory and the history of medicine. Zusammenfassung This is a sociological investigation of the history and uses of alcoholic beverages. It explores the notion of free will versus determinism and includes original research from the US! UK! Canada and Australia. It will appeal to readers in legal studies! criminology! sociology! psychology! social theory and the history of medicine. Inhaltsverzeichnis Introduction; 1. Disease or habit? Alcoholism and the exercise of freedom; 2. Repairing diseased wills: Victorian science and pastoral medicine before 'alcoholism'; 3. The fragmentation of inebriety; 4. 'Enlightened hedonism': the emergence of alcohol science in the US; 5. The power of powerlessness: Alcoholics Anonymous techniques for governing the self; 6. The liquor of government and the government of liquor; 7. Reducing risks, replacing fluids; 8. Judicial diagnostics: 'Intoxicated Automatism' and the resurrection of the will.

Product details

• Authors: Mariana (University of Toronto) Valverde, Mariana Valverde
• Assisted by: Chris Arup (Editor), Martin Chanock (Editor)
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press ELT
• Content: Book
• Product form: Hardback
• Publication date: 28.10.1998
• Subject: Guides > Law, job, finance > Family law; Humanities, art, music > Psychology > Theoretical psychology; Social sciences, law, business > Law > Civil law, civil procedural law; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Medicine > Non-clinical medicine
• EAN: 9780521623001
• ISBN: 978-0-521-62300-1
• Pages: 264
• Series: Cambridge Studies in Law and S; Cambridge Studies in Law and Society
• Subjects: Law; LAW / General; SOCIAL SCIENCE / Disease & Health Issues; Drug & substance abuse: social aspects; Drugs and alcohol: social aspects