"Applying a number of historical, scientific and social-scientific approaches ... this study produces an integrative portrait of the reasons for human behavior and advances a number of different interpretations for their genesis. The book makes clear the extent to which we live in socially-constructed realities in which we cling for dear life to a range of conceptions and beliefs which can all too easily fall apart in situations of crisis."--Provided by publisher.

Includes bibliographical references and index.