I am writing a book on irrationality (for Polity Press, as part of their Key Concepts series). I am planning to discuss the following notions: the irrational as inexplicable; the irrational as illogical; the irrational as emotionally unruly; the irrational as unscientific; the irrational as insane; and the irrational as unwise.

 

For each notion, I shall start with a brief historical section outlining the important stages of its evolution, and then I shall offer an analysis of the contemporary debates. The plan is to highlight the implications of the development and the uses/abuses of the notion of irrationality for current practices involving non-humans, human non-persons and persons affected by mental illness.

 

I expect to complete the book in September 2012.