His memory is not what it was. Whose is? Sometimes, it’ seems’s true, he forgets things. But writing a whole book? Who would forget that? But there are even reviews of it. In fact, three of them. And no one –not the bookstores, not his publisher, nor even his wife – seems in the least bit concerned. Does this mean he’s going crazy? But the next one is already overdue, and though each day the screen stares blankly back at him, he must push on. For it’s not like this book is going to write itself – is it? Set in the near future, Content Provider is a satirical insight into the life of the jobbing writer, the enduring mysteries of married life, and what happens to our thoughts when there’s no one there to think them.
Words of Wisdom brings together 360 of Philosophy's most famous quotations, explaining their meaning and telling the stories behind them. Western philosophy may be said to have begun in ancient Greece, where, inscribed in his temple at Delphi, the words of the god Apollo commanded those who sought wisdom to first 'know thyself'. With the author's usual humour and clarity of style, the whole 2,500 year history of philosophy is laid bare. Each quote is set in the context of its cultural background, author biography and general outlook; trends are highlighted, links established, and influences traced, all in a way that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and even fun. Words of Wisdom is the perfect book for those who always wanted to ask what philosophy was about, but were afraid they might not understand the answer.
Grow in wisdom with this practical guide to Stoic philosophy for modern day-to-day life Discover the path to a more contented, fulfilled life through the teachings of Stoic philosophers, from Marcus Aurelius to Epictetus. Learn how to build resilience, foster inner peace, and harness self-control. Stoic philosophy is not an armchair philosophy: it was designed by the ancient Greek and Roman philosophers to be used in day-to-day life, and their teachings offer a host of simple, practical ideas to maximise positivity in our lives. Tackling a key theme each month, from Happiness and Health to Money and Politics, Everyday Stoicism guides you through the calendar year to build a toolkit of simple exercises and practical ideas for how to live these values every day. So, harness the collective wisdom of the ancient Stoic philosophers today and discover the joy of everyday stoicism.
Have you ever wondered what Kant might have to say about your addiction to social media? Or whether Plato would be able to help resolve your constant arguments about what to watch on TV? Or if Hobbes would agree to feed your pet hamster while you're away on holiday? When it comes to the really important questions, who better to ask than the greatest political minds in history, with What Would Marx Do? Using 40 everyday questions and problems as springboards for exploring the great political questions of our time, this book will give you a crash course in political philosophy, and an introduction to the theories and ideas of the greatest political philosophers of all time. Includes questions such as: -Should I bother to vote? -Who should look after the baby? -Do you earn enough? -My car has just been stolen! But can I hold the thieves responsible? -Should I watch what I say on Twitter? -Should your children benefit from your success? -Is it wrong to want a bigger house? With quirky illustrations and intriguing and original takes on the biggest (and smallest) everyday questions, What Would Marx Do? is guaranteed to leave you with a better grasp on political philosophy, and able to discuss Marxism, Libertarian Socialism and Populism with ease.
Science first began as a branch of philosophy, but it has since grown up and moved out of the family home, and its successes have put its parent in the shade. Thanks to scientific knowledge we have walked on the Moon, cured once-fatal illnesses, and even identified the very building blocks of life and the universe. But it is these very successes that underline the need for philosophy. How much should we trust the pronouncements of scientists that we read in the media? What are the ethical implications of our delving into the foundations of our DNA, reproductive treatments, or artificially prolonging life? And are there limits to what science can tell us about the world we think we know? In straightforward and accessible terms, 50 Philosophy of Science Ideas You Really Need to Know explains the key philosophical questions that continue to lie at the heart of the nature and practice of science today. The ideas explored include: Appearance and reality; Knowledge; Anti-realism; Metaphysics; Science and gender; Phenomenology and science.
Dean’s got a bit of a problem. Just three days into his stint minding the family shop and already there’s a jagged hole in the wall where the new smart-drugs vending machine used to be, courtesy of the local psychopathic heavy. But as the clock ticks down on his father’s return, hope appears in the guise of an enigmatic beauty, a girl stepped straight out of Dean’s dreams, proposing a wild and improbable plan that could just change all their lives – maybe even for the better. Set in the same near-future as the author’s sci-fi novel MUNKi, Pale Kings is a sharp-witted and comical journey into the crazy world of contemporary fine art, the illicit potential of virtual reality gaming, and the neurotic susceptibilities of robotic guard dogs. This novella is part of the Merrywhile books. Set in the near-future, this is an ongoing series of sci-fi stories – novellas, short stories and full length novels – with a loose chronology, but which can be read in any order. They involve various characters and their dealings with Merrywhile Industries, a giant tech company with ambitions to take humanity to the next level – whether it wants to go there or not.
A concise and very readable summary of Nietzsche's Beyond Goodand Evil, geared toward students embarking on their studies andgeneral readers. It is an ideal companion for those new to thestudy of this challenging and often misunderstood classic. Offers clear explanations of the central themes and ideas,terminology, and arguments Includes a glossary of difficult terms as well as helpfulbiographical and historical information Illustrates arguments and ideas with useful tables, diagrams,and images; and includes references to further readings Forms part of a series of Guides designed specifically forA-level philosophy students by an experienced teacher and founderof the popular website Philosophy Online
Merrywhile is dead. Long live Merrywhile! With the company in crisis and her boss absconded, Dr Geraldine Andersen struggles to get Project MUNKi back on track. But while her efforts to build the world’s most advanced toy robot flounder, she is approached by an old friend in need of a favour. A friend whose paralysed, locked-in son is being charged with murder – of his own father. Can Gerry help prove his innocence? But the deeper she digs, the more puzzling things become. For all families have secrets – and this one most of all. Mr Wolf is a near-future sci-fi whodunnit, an insight into the politics of Italian refuse collection, and a cautionary tale about the lengths to which we will go to protect the things we love.
Instant Philosophy pulls together all the pivotal philosophical knowledge and thought into one concise volume. Each page contains a discrete "cheat sheet", which tells you the most important facts in bite-sized chunks, meaning you can become an expert in an instant. From Nietzsche and Nozick to empiricism, solipsism, Pascal's wager and Ockham's razor, every key figure, discovery or idea is explained with succinct and lively text and graphics. Perfect for the knowledge hungry and time poor, this collection of graphic-led lessons makes philosophy interesting and accessible. Everything you need to know is here.
In a flooded city, the arcology provides a high-tech haven – for those who can afford it. For those who can't, life outside is a struggle for survival, battling climate change and a society on the brink of collapse, where unregulated technology runs amok, spawning genetic monsters, robotic nightmares and virtual ghosts. Here, Squirrel is a memory thief, eking out a fraught existence in service to the criminal gangs that trade in illicit gene hacks, blackmarket augments and – her speciality – stolen secrets. But Squirrel has strange skills she doesn’t know she possesses, and when they uncover a secret that some very bad people would do anything to keep hidden, her only chance at escape leads to the arcology itself, and the answers to a mystery no one wants her to learn. Tidelands is an ongoing sci-fi and fantasy serial. Set some years in the future, it is a dystopian blend of cyberpunk, first contact, Lovecraftian horror and dark humour. Part 1: Ghosts & Monsters collects together instalments 1–17.
Animals feel pain – so much is obvious. But René Descartes didn't think so. In fact, the man who has been called the Father of Modern Philosophy thought there was no more to the yelps and cries of a suffering animal than the squeaks and groans of an unoiled hinge, and (for the purposes of science) he was even rumoured to have dissected living dogs and nailed cats to trees. For, he reasoned, we wouldn't worry about the “feelings” of a watch or a clock, no matter what noises it made. Descartes’s views on animals now seem callous and outdated, and we might readily consign them to the dustbin of the history of ideas – except for the fact that many people still share them. For curiously, Descartes's views have formed the basis for modern developments in computing and artificial intelligence – from which point of view, we are all just machines. Written in an engaging and humorous style, this short book investigates the roots of this philosophy, exploring the connections between Descartes’s view of animals, AI, and the persisting puzzle of consciousness.
Philosophy: Key Themes is a beginner's guide to understanding and critiquing philosophical arguments. Each chapter introduces one of the major themes in philosophy. Baggini's approach combines explanation with summary while encouraging the reader to question the arguments and positions presented.
Knowledge and Reality: A Beginner’s Guide to Theory of Knowledge is an accessible introduction to the core philosophical positions and arguments that underpin all other areas of philosophy, and provide the basis for both our scientific and everyday understanding of the world. An engaging and informative guide to what is commonly considered a dry and difficult subject. Uses illustrations and diagrams to enhance clarity Supported by material on the author's popular web site Further reading guides offer students suggestions for further study
Words of Wisdom brings together 360 of Philosophy's most famous quotations, explaining their meaning and telling the stories behind them. Western philosophy may be said to have begun in ancient Greece, where, inscribed in his temple at Delphi, the words of the god Apollo commanded those who sought wisdom to first 'know thyself'. With the author's usual humour and clarity of style, the whole 2,500 year history of philosophy is laid bare. Each quote is set in the context of its cultural background, author biography and general outlook; trends are highlighted, links established, and influences traced, all in a way that is entertaining, thought-provoking, and even fun. Words of Wisdom is the perfect book for those who always wanted to ask what philosophy was about, but were afraid they might not understand the answer.
Animals feel pain – so much is obvious. But René Descartes didn't think so. In fact, the man who has been called the Father of Modern Philosophy thought there was no more to the yelps and cries of a suffering animal than the squeaks and groans of an unoiled hinge, and (for the purposes of science) he was even rumoured to have dissected living dogs and nailed cats to trees. For, he reasoned, we wouldn't worry about the “feelings” of a watch or a clock, no matter what noises it made. Descartes’s views on animals now seem callous and outdated, and we might readily consign them to the dustbin of the history of ideas – except for the fact that many people still share them. For curiously, Descartes's views have formed the basis for modern developments in computing and artificial intelligence – from which point of view, we are all just machines. Written in an engaging and humorous style, this short book investigates the roots of this philosophy, exploring the connections between Descartes’s view of animals, AI, and the persisting puzzle of consciousness.
With a foreword by Iain Sinclair. London is an ancient city, whose foundation dates back literally thousands of years into the legendary prehistory of these islands. Not surprisingly it has accumulated a large number of stories, both historic and mythical, during this period, many of which, though faithfully recorded at the time, have lain almost forgotten in dusty libraries throughout the city. The Secret Lore of London is a guide to the legends, including a discussion of their importance as part of the oral tradition of Britain, combining Prehistoric, Celtic, Arthurian, Roman, Saxon and Norman levels - each of which has contributed to the many-layered life of the city. The first part contains a unique selection of essays (some printed here for the first time) by experts in their fields, each of whom possesses a unique interest in the legends of these islands, and who have written widely on associated themes. The second part of the book will consist of a Gazetteer of the sites mentioned which are still in existence, together with various other sites of associated interest, compiled by the Editor, the contributors, and members of the London Earth Mysteries Group. This part will be fully updated and extended to include many more sites. The result is a wide ranging and wholly fascinating book, with wide sales application possible. A series of appendixes will include William Stukley's extraordinary document The Brill, which relates to the ancient prehistoric sites around the area of present day St. Pancras, and excerpts from some of the best known 19th and early 20th century works on Legendary London by Lewis Spence and Harold Bayley Contributors to the book are: Nigel Pennick John Matthews Caroline Wise Caitlín Matthews Carol Clancy R.J. Stewart Bernard Nesfield-Cookson Gareth Knight Robert Stephenson Geraldine Beskin Chesca Potter William Stukeley Lewis Spence Harold Bayley Alan V. Insole Ross Nichols
Merrywhile is dead. Long live Merrywhile! With the company in crisis and her boss absconded, Dr Geraldine Andersen struggles to get Project MUNKi back on track. But while her efforts to build the world’s most advanced toy robot flounder, she is approached by an old friend in need of a favour. A friend whose paralysed, locked-in son is being charged with murder – of his own father. Can Gerry help prove his innocence? But the deeper she digs, the more puzzling things become. For all families have secrets – and this one most of all. Mr Wolf is a near-future sci-fi whodunnit, an insight into the politics of Italian refuse collection, and a cautionary tale about the lengths to which we will go to protect the things we love.
10 years after he died, Cari's grandfather is back. Or at least, his memories are. Stolen and repackaged into a corporate video by tech giant Merrywhile Industries to promote their latest project – digital immortality. When no one believes her, Cari’s search for proof drives her into a lawless virtual underworld of hackers-for-hire where anything is for sale – and payment isn't always in cryptocurrency. But global megacorporations don’t take well to scrutiny. As Cari looks into Merrywhile, Merrywhile also looks into her. And as she realises there’s more to the grandfather she loved and thought she knew, his secrets make her a target for shadowy players in a game with stakes much higher than data theft. ------- What readers are saying: "A romp through technologies current and imminent in a search for what humanity is going to become when it grows up... It would make a great movie." – Big Al’s Books and Pals "MUNKi is as good as any popular sci-fi I’ve read... Blake Crouch is the name that comes to mind… I could see this working very well as a film or TV series: the visuals are stunning" – Orchid’s Lantern, Independent Press and Book Review Blog "A brilliant book. I was gripped from the start … full of twists and turns, grounded by well drawn, authentic characters." – Amazon UK reviewer "Beautifully, eloquently written … particularly appealing for those who enjoy philosophy" – Amazon Australia reviewer "A fully immersive read … loved the settings, characters, complexity and speeding pace … and most unexpectedly, I was very moved by it." – Amazon UK reviewer "A clever and at times unsettling cyberpunk story … some of the phrasing is quite sublime … an intelligent, believable plot and a quite compelling read." – Goodreads Reviewer "Deeply Brilliant … full of love and humanity, greed and death, robots and monsters." – Amazon UK reviewer "SF meets philosophy meets pop culture … Wonderful blend of up to the minute SF themes and philosophical ideas" – Amazon UK reviewer "Complex compelling plot ... Very well done, with meaningful social commentary well hidden beneath the action." – Amazon US reviewer ------- For those who love clever, twisty, character-driven sci fi, MUNKi is a near-future mystery, complete with robots, virtual reality, rogue AI and people swearing in Welsh.
In a flooded city, the arcology provides a high-tech haven – for those who can afford it. For those who can't, life outside is a struggle for survival, battling climate change and a society on the brink of collapse, where unregulated technology runs amok, spawning genetic monsters, robotic nightmares and virtual ghosts. Here, Squirrel is a memory thief, eking out a fraught existence in service to the criminal gangs that trade in illicit gene hacks, blackmarket augments and – her speciality – stolen secrets. But Squirrel has strange skills she doesn’t know she possesses, and when they uncover a secret that some very bad people would do anything to keep hidden, her only chance at escape leads to the arcology itself, and the answers to a mystery no one wants her to learn. Tidelands is an ongoing sci-fi and fantasy serial. Set some years in the future, it is a dystopian blend of cyberpunk, first contact, Lovecraftian horror and dark humour. Part 1: Ghosts & Monsters collects together instalments 1–17.
A gazetteer of the many fine Shropshire country houses, which covers the architecture, the owners' family history, and the social and economic circumstances that affected them.
Through the lens of an extraordinary family, a number of fascinating stories relating to the wider tumult of late 19th century Europe are revealed. Playing an instrumental role in the Ottoman Empire, the story of the Robinsons is an incredible rags-to-riches tale that stretches from the tenant farms of Lincolnshire to the palaces of Constantinople.
Disputed Territories investigates the significance of land for contesting cultural identities in comparable settler societies. In the regions of Australasia and southern Africa, European visions of landscape and nature have engaged with southern hemisphere environments and the cultures of indigenous peoples. Amid conflicts over land as a material resource, there has also been an intellectual contest over the aesthetic, iconic and cultural meanings of natural forms and species.Arising from a programme of seminars held at The University of Western Australia, this collection of eminent international authors assembles contributions from anthropology, geography, history and literary studies. The combination of diverse methods and theoretical approaches establishes the ways that land and nature constitute disputed territories in the mind, as well as material resources subject to pragmatic negotiations.
Marshland is a deep map of the east London marshes, a blend of local history, folklore and weird fiction, where nothing is quite as it seems. Cocker spaniel by his side, Rees wanders the marshes of Hackney, Leyton and Walthamstow, avoiding his family and the pressures of life. He discovers a lost world of Victorian filter plants, ancient grazing lands, dead toy factories and tidal rivers on the edgelands of a rapidly changing city. Ghosts are his friends. As strange tales of bears, crocodiles, magic narrowboats and apocalyptic tribes begin to manifest themselves, Rees embarks on a psychedelic journey across time and into the dark heart of London. It soon becomes clear that the very existence of the marshland is at threat. For on all sides, the developers are closing in...
This electronic version has been made available under a Creative Commons (BY-NC-ND) open access license. This book is available as an open access ebook under a CC-BY-NC-ND licence. Vaccinating Britain shows how the British public has played a central role in the development of vaccination policy since the Second World War. It explores the relationship between the public and public health through five key vaccines – diphtheria, smallpox, poliomyelitis, whooping cough and measles-mumps-rubella (MMR). It reveals that while the British public has embraced vaccination as a safe, effective and cost-efficient form of preventative medicine, demand for vaccination and trust in the authorities that provide it has ebbed and flowed according to historical circumstances. It is the first book to offer a long-term perspective on vaccination across different vaccine types. This history provides context for students and researchers interested in present-day controversies surrounding public health immunisation programmes. Historians of the post-war British welfare state will find valuable insight into changing public attitudes towards institutions of government and vice versa.
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