Showing results for "The Philosophy of Science" in Arts & Entertainment

In this beautifully written and brilliantly reasoned collection of essays, Ayn Rand throws new light on the nature of art and its purpose in human life. Once again, she demonstrates her bold originality and her refusal to let conventional ideas define her sense of the truth. Rand eloquently asserts that one cannot create art without infusing it with one's own value judgments and personal philosophy - even an attempt to withhold moral overtones only results in a deterministic or naturalistic message.

In this influential sequence of linked interviews, Ranciere explores the interplay of art and politics. The Politics of Aesthetics rethinks the relationship between art and politics, reclaiming "aesthetics" from the narrow confines it is often reduced to. Jacques Rancière reveals its intrinsic link to politics by analysing what they both have in common: the delimitation of the visible and the invisible, the audible and the inaudible, the thinkable and the unthinkable, the possible and the impossible.

In thirteen iconoclastic essays, Slavoj Žižek disrupts the death-grip that neoliberalists, Trumpian populists, toxic self-improvement industries and accelerationists alike have established on the idea of progress. Anatomizing what is lost when opponents of the future are allowed to define it, Žižek ruthlessly exposes what different visions of progress exclude or sacrifice and the dynamics of desire, denial and disavowal at work in Hollywood blockbusters, Buddhist economics, decolonization movements and other engines of vision.

In Thinking as a Science, Henry Hazlitt presents a timeless exploration of the art of thinking, written in an engaging style that resonates with both young learners and seasoned professionals. Across eleven insightful chapters, culminating in a detailed annotated bibliography, Hazlitt meticulously guides readers through the essential steps of incorporating logic and context into their thought processes. The in-depth chapter on Reading and Thinking sheds light on the critical distinction between simply acquiring knowledge and using reading as a tool to spark genuine thought. For anyone who has ...

Postmodernism has become the buzzword of contemporary society over the last decade. But how can it be defined? In this highly engaging introduction, the mysteries of this most elusive of concepts are unraveled, casting a critical light upon the way we live now, from the politicizing of museum culture to the cult of the politically correct. The key postmodernist ideas are explored and challenged, as they figure in the theory, philosophy, politics, ethics, and artwork of the period, and it is shown how they have interacted within a postmodernist culture.

In Introduction to Mathematical Philosophy, Bertrand Russell penned a profound exploration while imprisoned for his anti-war activism during World War I. This work delves into the groundbreaking contributions of late nineteenth-century mathematicians and presents Russells own philosophy of mathematics known as Logicism, which posits that all mathematical truths are ultimately logical truths. He reflects on his earlier significant achievements in addressing the paradoxes that challenged the foundations of mathematics, culminating in the renowned three-volume Principia Mathematica, co-authored ...

In the years leading up to his passing, Professor William James dedicated himself to articulating his thoughts on key metaphysical issues in a book intended for philosophy enthusiasts. He began crafting this introductory textbook for students in metaphysics in March 1909, driven by a deep ambition to complete it. Unfortunately, illness and other demands on his waning strength hindered his progress, and what is now available represents the entirety of his work at the time of his death in August 1910. - Summary by Henry James, Jr.

In The Problems of Philosophy, Bertrand Russell offers an engaging and accessible exploration of the key dilemmas in philosophy. He emphasizes knowledge over metaphysics, inviting readers to dive into thought-provoking discussions. Russell skillfully distinguishes between knowledge by acquaintance and knowledge by description, while introducing pivotal theories from influential thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, René Descartes, David Hume, John Locke, Immanuel Kant, and Georg Hegel. This work serves as a foundational guide for both casual readers and scholars eager to embark on their ...

Poststructuralism changes the way we understand the relations between human beings, their culture, and the world. Following a brief account of the historical relationship between structuralism and poststructuralism, this Very Short Introduction traces the key arguments that have led poststructuralists to challenge traditional theories of language and culture.

George Edward Moore, commonly referred to as G. E. Moore, (1873 – 1958) was a prominent and influential English philosopher. Alongside notable figures such as Bertrand Russell, Ludwig Wittgenstein, and the earlier Gottlob Frege, he played a crucial role in establishing the analytic tradition in philosophy, shaping the way we think about ethics and the nature of moral understanding.

In the realm of psychology, the concept of imagination has often lingered in a semi-mythological state, evading clear scientific understanding. Traditionally viewed as an elusive quality reserved for the geniuses of society, imagination has been shrouded in mystique. Yet, as M. Ribot masterfully articulates, this notion is misleading. Imagination is not a celestial gift but a fundamental function of the human mind, present to varying degrees in everyone—from commercial innovators and pragmatic leaders to the most eccentric romantic dreamers. The key distinction lies not in the existence of ...

This book transcends a mere examination of Russian Jews; it is a profound exploration of the Russian soul. It reveals that the vast majority of Russias intellectuals—including nearly all of her remarkable literary figures—stand firmly against the persecution of Jews and any other race. Their unparalleled capacity for empathy and understanding of humanity sets them apart from others around the globe. Few works capture the essence of Russias genius and compassion as brilliantly as this one does. Here, not only the leading writers but also esteemed statesmen and economists come together, ...

In Critique of Practical Reason (Kritik der praktischen Vernunft), Immanuel Kant delves into the realm of moral philosophy in this pivotal second critique, first published in 1788. Building upon the foundations laid in his Critique of Pure Reason, Kant explores the essence of ethical reasoning and the principles that govern our moral actions. This work significantly shaped the evolution of ethics, establishing itself as a cornerstone for ethical theories that prioritize the inherent rightness or wrongness of actions over their consequences. Known as deontological ethics, Kants framework laid ...

Dive into the fascinating world of dream analysis with this groundbreaking work by the father of psychoanalysis. This insightful book explores the intricate theater of the mind during sleep, shedding light on the mysteries of our dreams. It addresses a myriad of topics, making it an essential read for anyone who has awoken with a puzzled expression, struggling to grasp the meaning behind their dreams. Discover the hidden messages and deeper significance of your nighttime visions, as presented by the renowned Austrian psychoanalyst. (Summary by sidhu177)

In this intriguing 1920s American classic, renowned public speaker and self-help figure Elsie Lincoln Benedict introduces her controversial system of Human Analysis. She asserts that humanity can be divided into five distinct sub-types, each characterized by unique traits and appearances that have evolved over time. Benedict aims to equip readers with the skills to identify these types and appreciate their inherent differences. Although her theories have been dismissed by the scientific community, this book remains a staple in its genre and continues to captivate audiences today. (Summary by ...

The Science of Being Great by Wallace D. Wattles. The Science of Being Great, published in 1910 by Wallace D. Wattles, is a self-help book that teaches readers how to achieve personal greatness through self-awareness, right thinking, and spiritual development, focusing on aligning one's life with an inner, "pure idea" of power and greatness. It's a practical guide for unlocking potential, emphasizing obedience to the soul and abandoning outdated ideas to live a more powerful and purposeful life.

In this fascinating journey, we explore Newtons groundbreaking observations of the optical spectrum, which were celebrated by the scientific community. Yet, it was Goethe who illuminated a vital distinction between the rigid scientific explanations and the rich, subjective experience of color as seen through the human eye. Rather than seeking a definitive answer, Goethe meticulously gathered data and conducted experiments, revealing the intricate dance of light and shadow. Though many of his innovative ideas were dismissed as unscientific by contemporary physicists, his iconic color wheel ...

Co-hosts Spencer Aidukaitis & Eddy Padilla explore specialty coffee theory, science, philosophy, and the people in the industry that make it happen.

A self-professed "comprehensive anticipatory design scientist", the inventor Buckminster Fuller (1895-1983) was undoubtedly a visionary. Fuller's creations often bordered on the realm of science fiction, ranging from the freestanding geodesic dome to the three-wheel Dymaxion car to a bathroom requiring neither plumbing nor sewage. Yet in spite of his brilliant mind and lifelong devotion to serving mankind, Fuller's expansive ideas were often dismissed, and have faded from public memory since his death.

An unauthorized look at the philosophical issues raised by popular television show House. House was one of the top three television dramas on the air, pulling in more than 19 million viewers for each episode. This latest book in the popular Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture series takes a deeper look at the characters and issues raised in this Emmy Award-winning medical drama, offering entertaining answers to the fascinating ethical questions viewers have about Dr. Gregory House and his medical team.