40 results for "Science"

A project to find the fundamental theory of physics

Wolfram, Stephen
'In many ways it s the ultimate question in natural science: How does our universe work? Is there a fundamental theory? An incredible amount has been figured out about physics over the past few hundred years. But even with everything that s been done and it's very impressive - we still, after all this time, don t have a truly fundamental theory of physics.' The Wolfram Physics Project is a bold effort to find the fundamental theory of physics. It combines new ideas with the latest research in physics, mathematics and computation in the push to achieve this ultimate goal of science. Written with Stephen Wolfram's characteristic expository flair, this book provides a unique opportunity to learn about a historic initiative in science right as it is happening. A Project to Find the Fundamental Theory of Physics includes: The announcement of the project; A technical introduction; A history section that outlines the backstory which led Wolfram to this point; Background information from computational essays published by the author in 2015 and 2017; Foundational information, including historical notes and an excerpt from Wolfram's; 2002 New York Times Best Seller A New Kind of Science; Hundreds of beautiful full-colour visualisations. Stephen Wolfram is a distinguished scientist and best-selling author, and the creator of some of the world's most respected software systems, including Mathematica, Wolfram|Alpha and Wolfram Language. For more than 30 years he has been the CEO of the global technology company Wolfram Research.
Wolfram Media 2020 778 pages

Psychology and the Soul

Otto Rank
2011 Reprint of 1950 Translation by William Turner. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Recommended, both as a fascinating and little-known document in the history of psychology and as a provocative reading of the history of psychology. (Religious Studies Review). Will interest many students of the history of psychoanalysis... Rank's conclusions contribute to present-day controversies about the status of psychoanalysis as a science. (Psychiatric Times ) The first complete English translation of a work that Rank published in 1930. It draws on anthropology, sociology, mythology, religion, philosophy, history, and literature to chart the development of the human psyche... The book's antimaterialistic passion makes it a compelling counterpoint to the stern biology of our own age, and the bounds it sets to what psychoanalysis can claim are justly drawn. (Wilson Quarterly ) Unquestionably Rank's most important work... This new translation is an effort to create a Rank for our millennium... [and it] reads elegantly and comfortably in English... The argument is complex and intricate, consisting of a long historical/ethnographic sweep that takes us from a 'primitive' state, via animism through the Christian or sexual era to the scientific era and modern development of psychology... Along the way we find traces of many of Rank's other brilliant psychological surveys -- the double, Don Juan, heroes' birth myths, the theme of incest -- woven into this massive canvas and viewed on the largest scale... Throughout this book, the grand tapestry is set with some remarkable gems of observation. (Naomi Segal Psychoanalysis and History ) This is the first complete translation of Otto Rank's fascinating text on the nature and history of the concept of the Soul and Will in the psychological history of humankind... a tour de force in vigour, scope and application to many contemporary issues such as sexual behaviors, the nature of dreaming, incest prohibitions and narcissism, to name but a few. (L.R. Edgar Journal of the Royal Anthropological Society ) In his last years, Otto Rank turned his lifetime of thought and learning toward two of the most difficult topics in human history: religion and the soul. The result was this now-classic work, available in this new, very accessible English translation. Unlike many other intellectuals of the twentieth century, Rank maintains a place for the soul rather than dismissing it as a fantasy. The soul and the beliefs about it, he argues, set forth the foundation for psychology, with its complex analyses of consciousness, self-consciousness, and personality. Rank's commentary is not limited to beliefs about individual souls but includes ideas about group souls, sometimes encompassing nations or generations. Rank suggests that it is in expression of group beliefs that the idea of the soul attains its greatest power. What is the soul? Otto Rank treats it as a universal and essential belief for individuals and their societies, constant in function but evolving in form through millennia. To borrow a post-Rankian metaphor, the soul was created in the big bang of irresistible psychological force colliding with immutable biological fact-our will to live forever against death. The collision creates a spark in our individual and social consciousness which through history has become both consolation and inspiration: the immortal soul. All ideologies reflect this phenomenon and modify its expression to suit the era. Otto Rank wrote before the atom bomb or television, both of which alter our perception of death without changing the fact. Rank's introduction of the soul as an essential part of contemporary psychology helps explain a number of perplexing, irrational phenomena in contemporary life.
Martino Fine Books 2011 206 pages

Analytic philosophy and human life

Nagel, Thomas
"This book collects Thomas Nagel's recent philosophical reflections on topics of fundamental interest: ethics, moral psychology, science and religion, death and the holocaust, and the metaphysics of mind. Among the figures discussed are Peter Singer, Alvin Plantinga, Christine Korsgaard, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot, Iris Murdoch, T. M. Scanlon, Ronald Dworkin, Samuel Scheffler, Daniel Kahneman, Jonathan Haidt, Joshua Greene, and Daniel Dennett. Nagel consistently defends a realist interpretation of moral truth and resists reductive attempts to subsume ethics to psychology and evolutionary theory. He also defends a pluralistic conception of the content of morality against utilitarianism, including deontological elements such as rights and special responsibilities. A realist outlook also informs his discussions of metaphysical and epistemological questions. The book closes with tributes to a number of people Nagel has known over the course of his career. The essays are all addressed to a general audience, and should appeal not only to philosophers but to anyone interested in current attempts to understand human life, human values, and how we fit into the world"--
Oxford University Press 2023 291 pages

Spinoza, atheist

Nadler, Steven
"In 1656, a young Amsterdam merchant was excommunicated by his Portuguese-Jewish community in the harshest terms it had ever used. Baruch Spinoza was accused of unspecified "horrifying heresies," but the precise reasons for his expulsion remain a mystery. When he published his Theological-Political Treatise in 1670, which was condemned as "the most atheistic book ever written," he began to reveal to the world what his heresies may have been. Yet ever since the eighteenth century, most readers and scholars have assumed that Spinoza was a pantheist--even a "God-intoxicated man," as the poet Novalis put it. After all, how could a person whose books are suffused with talk of God be an atheist? In Spinoza, Atheist, Steven Nadler, one of the world's leading authorities on the philosopher, aims to settle the question and show that that's exactly what he was. Nadler makes a powerful case that there is no real divinity for Spinoza. God is Nature, and isn't an object of worshipful awe or religious reverence but can only be understood through philosophy and science. There is nothing supernatural--no mystery, ineffability, or sublimity. Spinoza does speak of "blessedness" and "salvation," but these, too, are to be understood in natural and rational terms, as the peace of mind and happiness that come from understanding ourselves and the world. Whether Spinoza believed in God is a fascinating and enduring controversy. Spinoza, Atheist promises to transform our understanding of his views and to make clear just how radical a thinker he was and remains."--
Princeton University Press 2026-04-07 244 pages

The philosophical correspondence of David Armstrong and David Lewis

Armstrong, David M.,Lewis, David Kellogg
"This is the complete philosophical correspondence between two of the leading analytic philosophers of the late twentieth century, David Armstrong and David Lewis. Ranging from 1968 until Lewis' untimely death in 2001, this volume is an extraordinary philosophical repository of the highest order. It contains the backstory to some of the most important recent works of analytic metaphysics as well as documenting the formation of a deep philosophical friendship"--
Oxford University Press 2025-10-23 580 pages

Laughter, An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic

Bergson, Henri
Henri Bergson’s Laughter, An Essay on the Meaning of the Comicis an essential read for scholars, academics, and students of philosophy. Through an examination of the psychological and physiological effects of laughter, Bergson argues that the comic arises from the perception of incongruity and mechanical inelasticity in the human world. Drawing on a range of sources, including philosophy, science, and literature, Bergson’s work offers a comprehensive and compelling exploration of the nature of comedy. Laughter, An Essay on the Meaning of the Comic is an invaluable resource for those interested in the philosophical, psychological, and sociological implications of humor. This edition is based on the 1911 translations by Cloudesley Brereton (1863-1937) and Fred Rothwell (1869-1934). Henri Bergson (18 October 1859 – 4 January 1941) was a French philosopher who was one of the most influential thinkers of the early 20th century. His work focused on the nature of time and memory and how they influence the human experience. He developed a unique philosophical approach, combining elements of philosophical idealism, realism, and pragmatism. Although his ideas were initially met with skepticism, they gained wide acceptance throughout the philosophical community. Bergson is best known for his two major works, Matter and Memory (1896) and Creative Evolution (1907). He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1927 for his contributions to philosophy. Bergson was born in Paris, France, to an affluent Jewish family. He was educated at the Lycee Condorcet and the Ecole Normale Superieure. After graduating, he began teaching philosophy at the University of Paris, where he quickly developed a reputation as an innovative and influential thinker. He argued that time and memory could not be understood through the traditional methods of scientific analysis and proposed a new approach to understanding the human experience. Bergson's philosophy was based on the concept of durée, or "duration," which argued that time and memory are inseparable, and that time is experienced differently by each individual. He also argued that memory is a creative force, allowing individuals to make choices based on their past experiences. His theories have had a lasting impact on the fields of psychology and philosophy, particularly in the areas of phenomenology and existentialism. Bergson's work has been the subject of numerous books and essays, and his influence has been felt across a variety of disciplines, including literature, film, and anthropology.
Independently published 2021 102 pages

Ressentiment

Max Scheler
"Ressentiment" by Max Scheler delves into the psychological and philosophical underpinnings of resentment as a fundamental human emotion. Scheler explores how ressentiment arises in individuals who feel powerless and oppressed, leading to a moral inversion where they vilify the values of those they envy. This work is significant in understanding the dynamics of social relationships and the impact of feelings of inferiority on moral judgments. Scheler's insights into the nature of ressentiment provide a critical lens through which to examine personal and societal conflicts. *** In this book, Scheler also contrasts ressentiment with authentic values, emphasizing the importance of love and empathy in overcoming negative emotions. He argues that ressentiment can lead to destructive behaviors and societal decay, as it fosters a culture of blame and victimhood. By analyzing the roots of ressentiment, Scheler encourages readers to reflect on their own emotional responses and the broader implications for society. His philosophical approach invites a deeper understanding of how feelings of resentment can shape moral landscapes and interpersonal dynamics.
Zinc Read 2025-12-16 125 pages

The World of Silence

Picard, Max
Max Picard’s philosophy of silence, presence, and resistance to conformity finds resonance with contemporary discussion on mindfulness, minimalism, and the pursuit of meaning. His insights remind us of the importance of slowing down, seeking solitude, and engaging with the world in a thoughtful and intentional manner. As a philosopher and writer whose contributions to the fields of aesthetics, philosophy of religion, and existentialism have left an indelible mark on intellectual discourse. Initially published in 1948, his book (‘Die Weit des Schweigens’) - ‘The World of Silence’ explored the intricate relationship between silence and speech. In this book, Picard crafts a masterpiece that remains relevant even in our hyper-connected world.
Independently published 2023 276 pages

Arabic Chrestomathy In Hebrew Characters: With A Glossary (1892)

Hirschfeld, Hartwig
Arabic Chrestomathy In Hebrew Characters: With A Glossary (1892) is a book written by Hartwig Hirschfeld. The book contains a collection of Arabic texts written in Hebrew characters, along with a glossary of Arabic words used in the texts. The purpose of the book is to provide a resource for students of Arabic who are familiar with Hebrew characters. The texts included in the book cover a range of topics, including religion, history, and literature. The glossary provides translations and explanations of the Arabic words used in the texts, making it easier for readers to understand the meaning of the texts. Overall, Arabic Chrestomathy In Hebrew Characters: With A Glossary (1892) is a valuable resource for students of Arabic who are interested in learning about the language and its cultural context.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
Kessinger Publishing, LLC 2010-09-10 242 pages

Culture and Cultural Entities - Toward a New Unity of Science

Joseph Margolis
Culture and Cultural Entities provides an original philosophical analysis of the nature and explanation of cultural phenomena, with special attention to ontology and methodology. It addresses in depth such topics as: the relation between physical and biological nature and cultural phenomena; the analysis of intentionality; the nature and explanation of action; causality; causal explanation and the unity of science; theories of language; historicity; animal and human intelligence; psychological and social phenomena; technology and evolution. Its approach features a form of non-reductive materialism, examines a wide range of views, and is highly readable, making it suitable for professionals, advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and an informed general audience. A new chapter was added to give a sense of pertinent trends since the appearance of the first edition, particularly with respect to the history of philosophy, pragmatism, the unity of science, and evolution. The unity, scope, and simplicity of the theory are well-regarded.
Springer Netherlands 2010-10-28 156 pages

Space, Time, And Deity

Samuel Alexander
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
Creative Media Partners, LLC 2022-10-26 460 pages

Spinoza and the Sciences

Marjorie Glicksman Grene,Professor Marjorie Grene,Debra Nails
I. Spinoza and Seventeenth Century Science.- Spinoza in the Century of Science.- Spinoza and Cartesian Mechanics (translated by Debra Nails and Pascal Gallez).- Spinoza and the Rise of Modern Science in the Netherlands.- II. Spinoza: Scientist.- Spinoza: Scientist and Theorist of Scientific Method.- Spinoza and Euclidean Arithmetic: The Example of the Fourth Proportional (translated by David Lachterman).- III. Spinoza and the Human Sciences: Politics and Hermeneutics.- Towards a Canonic Version of Classical Political Theory.- Some New Light on the Roots of Spinoza's Science of Bible Study.- IV. Scientific-Metaphysical Reflections.- Self-Knowledge as Self-Preservation?.- Spinoza's Version of the Eternity of.- V. Spinoza and Twentieth Century Science.- Parallelism and Complementarity: The Psycho-Physical Problem in Spinoza and in the Succession of Niels Bohr.- Res Extensa and the Space-Time Continuum.- Einstein and Spinoza (translated by Michel Paty and Robert S. Cohen).- VI. Bibliography.- Annotated Bibliography of Spinoza and the the Mind Sciences.- Index Locorum.- General Index.
Springer 2011-11-04 360 pages

Grammars of Creation

Steiner, Mr. George,Steiner, George
“We have no more beginnings,” George Steiner begins in this, his most radical book to date. A far-reaching exploration of the idea of creation in Western thought, literature, religion, and history, this volume can fairly be called a magnum opus. He reflects on the different ways we have of talking about beginnings, on the “core-tiredness” that pervades our end-of-the-millennium spirit, and on the changing grammar of our discussions about the end of Western art and culture. With his well-known elegance of style and intellectual range, Steiner probes deeply into the driving forces of the human spirit and our perception of Western civilization’s lengthening afternoon shadows. Roaming across topics as diverse as the Hebrew Bible, the history of science and mathematics, the ontology of Heidegger, and the poetry of Paul Celan, Steiner examines how the twentieth century has placed in doubt the rationale and credibility of a future tense—the existence of hope. Acknowledging that technology and science may have replaced art and literature as the driving forces in our culture, Steiner warns that this has not happened without a significant loss. The forces of technology and science alone fail to illuminate inevitable human questions regarding value, faith, and meaning. And yet it is difficult to believe that the story out of Genesis has ended, Steiner observes, and he concludes this masterful volume of reflections with an eloquent evocation of the endlessness of beginnings.
Yale University Press 2002-09-01 350 pages

The Anatomy of Fate

Zev ben Shimon Halevi
This revised edition of The Anatomy of Fate, with its additional pictures, captions and diagrams, sets out the philosophy of astrology. This tradition dates back to Ur of the Chaldees, the home of Abraham the father of Kabbalah, the Jewish mystical line. Applying celestial symbols and archetypal images, the metaphysical background to this ancient form of psychology, human development and cosmic reality fuses the medieval version into a modern comprehension of a profound esoteric system. It is one thing to interpret a birth chart but another to perceive what astrology is really about.
KS Books Limited 2024-12-30 204 pages

Kabbalah and Astrology

Zev ben Shimon Halevi
Astrology and Kabbalah is a rewrite of The Anatomy of Fate, first published in 1978. It is about astrology's place in the wider context of Existence as set out by the ancient esoteric tradition of Kabbalah. The topics to be examined are the origin of humanity and the influence of the cosmos on mankind, at both the individual and collective levels. The birth chart is looked at from a psychological and spiritual perspective, as is personal fate and transpersonal destiny. The character and karma of nations, Providence and free will are also considered; so too is an astrological school of the soul, from an esoteric viewpoint. This work is the result of over 50 years' reflection on astrology and Kabbalah. When The Anatomy of Fate was published by Penguin Books it was described as 'a learned and wise classic.' This new and now revised edition, with its added pictures and diagrams, gives yet deeper insights.
KS Books Limited 2024-12-22 192 pages

Wittgenstein and the Human Form of Life

Oswald Hanfling
Wittgenstein's later writings generate a great deal of controversy and debate, as do the implications of his ideas for such topics as consciousness, knowledge, language and the arts. Oswald Hanfling addresses a widespeard tendency to ascribe to Wittgenstein views that go beyond those he actually held. Separate chapters deal with important topics such as the private language argument, rule-following, the problem of other minds, and the ascription of scepticism to Wittgenstein. Describing Wittgenstein as a 'humanist' thinker, he contrasts his views on language, art humanity and philosophy itself with those of scientifically minded philosophers. He argues that 'the human form of life' calls for a kind of understanding that cfannot be achieved by the methods of emirical science; that consiousness, for example, cannot properly be regarded as a property of the bran; and that the resulting 'problem of consoiusness is an illusion. Wittgenstein and the Human Form of Life is essential reading for anyone interested in Wittgenstein's approach to what it means to be human. It will be invaluable to all Wittgenstein scholars, and all who are interested in the philosophy of mind, language and aesthetics.
Routledge 2006 176 pages

Kabbalistic Contemplations

Zev ben Shimon Halevi
Contemplation is a working method for expanding the mind and deepening one's understanding of Existence. The kabbalistic diagrams called the Tree of Life and Jacob's Ladder set out a metaphysical framework for examining a wide range of themes in this book. As well as considering macrocosmic aspects of the universe, we focus on the crucial role of Self-development in the evolution of humanity in terms of religion, psychology, astrology and schools of the soul. Kabbalistic Contemplations contains short chapters together with a diagram or an image to illustrate each topic. As such, these are designed to be used as a basis for further contemplation in both individual and group work.
KS Books Limited 2024-12-27 206 pages