This is a fascinating look at how human identity is shaped by three powerful but enigmatic forces. Richard Kearney shows how the human outlook on the world is formed by the mysterious triumvirate of strangers, gods and monsters. 'With a combination of philosophical rigour, clear-headedness, and generosity that we have come to expect from Kearney, Strangers, Gods and Monsters brings to the table many insights and at least as many questions as he invites us to get to know our others and, in the process, ourselves in new and transformative ways.' - The Hedgehog Review 'While the call to pardon monsters must remain open for philosophical argument, Kearney pleasingly and provocatively continues the conversation started by Socrates in The Republic when he asked pious old Cephalus: What is justice?' - Symposium Vol 7 'It is important to acknowledge the contribution ... to the re-evaluation of a concept (i.e mediation) whose fate after hegel has much been debated.' - Critical and Cultural Theory