Sunday, October 16, 2011

Life, Letters, and Epicurean Philosophy of Ninon de L'enclos the Celebrated Beauty of the Seventeenth Century

Life, Letters, and Epicurean Philosophy of Ninon de L'enclos the Celebrated Beauty of the Seventeenth Century Review



The book has no illustrations or index. Purchasers are entitled to a free trial membership in the General Books Club where they can select from more than a million books without charge. Subjects: Biography


Saturday, October 15, 2011

Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science

Physics and Philosophy: The Revolution in Modern Science Review



The seminal work by one of the most important thinkers of the twentieth century, Physics and Philosophy is Werner Heisenberg's concise and accessible narrative of the revolution in modern physics, in which he played a towering role. The outgrowth of a celebrated lecture series, this book remains as relevant, provocative, and fascinating as when it was first published in 1958. A brilliant scientist whose ideas altered our perception of the universe, Heisenberg is considered the father of quantum physics; he is most famous for the Uncertainty Principle, which states that quantum particles do not occupy a fixed, measurable position. His contributions remain a cornerstone of contemporary physics theory and application.


Thursday, October 13, 2011

The Little Philosophy Book

The Little Philosophy Book Review



The Little Philosophy Book provides a concise and engaging introduction to deep and perennial philosophical questions. In a lively and accessible style, acclaimed author Robert C. Solomon leads students and other readers through an exploration of the self, the universe, and the nature of truth and morality, posing such questions as "Who are we, really?" "Why are we here?" and "How should we live?"
The Little Philosophy Book begins with a quick tour of ancient philosophy that ranges from Socrates' Greece, to Vedic India, to Confucian, Daoist, and Buddhist China, and to the Middle East. The book goes on to examine consciousness, from Descartes' "I think, therefore I am" to phenomenology and the mind-body problem. It then considers God, nature, and spirituality; cosmology; freedom and responsibility; and morality and ethics, ending with an examination of happiness and the meaning of life and the role of philosophy in determining both. Solomon covers topics that are often omitted from other introductions, including existentialism, phenomenology, spirituality, and death. Throughout, he incorporates material on key figures and traditions in philosophy, showing how some of history's most important thinkers and movements have addressed fundamental philosophical issues. Major figures are listed at the end of each chapter.
An ideal introduction for students and novices, The Little Philosophy Book does not provide any definitive answers to universal philosophical questions, but instead encourages readers to think for themselves and to integrate philosophy into their own lives.


Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Contemporary Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction (Contemporary Philosophy)

Contemporary Philosophy of Religion: An Introduction (Contemporary Philosophy) Review



This volume provides a vivid and engaging introduction to contemporary philosophy of religion.


Monday, October 10, 2011

Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts

Harry Potter and Philosophy: If Aristotle Ran Hogwarts Review



Harry Potter has put a spell on millions of readers, and they all want to find out more about the deeper meaning of his adventures. In Harry Potter and Philosophy, 17 experts in the field of philosophy unlock some of Hogwarts' secret panels, uncovering surprising insights that are enlightening both for wizards and for the most discerning muggles. Individual chapters look at such topics as life revealed in the Mirror of Erised; the ethics of magic; Moaning Myrtle, Nearly Headless Nick, and the relation of the mind to the brain; and the character of Hermione as a case of "sublimated feminism." Also examined in this witty collection are how Aristotle would have run a school for wizards; whether the Potter stories undermine religion and morality; how to tell good people from evil ones through the characters in these novels; and what dementors and boggarts can teach readers about happiness, fear, and the soul.


Sunday, October 9, 2011

Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy

Does the Center Hold?: An Introduction to Western Philosophy Review



Does the Center Hold? is an entertaining, topically-organized introductory text with more than 500 original illustrations. The ideas and issues typically covered in introductory courses are presented here in a remarkably accessible and enjoyable manner. The author demonstrates that serious philosophical inquiry may be perplexing but is ultimately enlightening and liberating.


Friday, October 7, 2011

The Will to Believe : and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy

The Will to Believe : and Other Essays in Popular Philosophy Review



This book was converted from its physical edition to the digital format by a community of volunteers. You may find it for free on the web. Purchase of the Kindle edition includes wireless delivery.