Abstract
This chapter explores the nature of pessimism as an attitude and philosophy and contrasts it with optimism. Many in the helping professions associate or even equate pessimism with depression, fatalism, and cynicism. There are, however, multiple kinds of pessimism, with different stances with regard to the value of life, the vita activa, and expectations about what is possible in personal or political life. This chapter examines these differences and identifies their relevance for International Relations.
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Lebow, R.N. (2020). Pessimism in International Relations. In: Stevens, T., Michelsen, N. (eds) Pessimism in International Relations. Palgrave Studies in International Relations. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21780-8_2
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-21780-8_2
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Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham
Print ISBN: 978-3-030-21779-2
Online ISBN: 978-3-030-21780-8
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