Böcker i Philosophy-serien

For those who are looking for ways of living and being with the body, the mind/spirit and the earth that nurture the health of all three, this book presents Taoism as a path of triple cultivation. Drawing on the rich oral and textual traditions of Taoism, The Way of Taoism provides ways of living and being with the body and the earth that nurture the health of both in mutual spirituality and materiality. From the written tradition of Taoism, it brings together teaching about the Taoist body and Taoist ecology. It also draws on the living oral and scriptural tradition of the Taoist Tai Chi Society(TM)/Fung Loy Kok Institute of Taoism(TM) that has a strong connection with Buddhism and Confucianism in the 'three religions' tradition. It is the first book written by a member practitioner of this Society to bring all these aspects together. The Way of Taoism crosses the great divides and dualisms between mind and body, humans and 'the environment, ' spirituality and materiality, east and west. It provides ways of nurturing bodily, spiritual/mental and 'environ-mental' health along the path of triple cultivation. The Way of Taoism engages in cross-cultural dialogue between eastern and western culture, and in historical exchange between traditional and contemporary times. It argues against monotheism, makes a plea for polytheism and foregrounds Taoism as a polytheistic religion. It is a comprehensive guide to the way of Taoism.

Sigmund Freud: The Biography of the Founder of Psychoanalysis, Writings on the Ego and Id, and his Basic Interpretation of Dreams" is an enlightening and comprehensive exploration of the life and groundbreaking work of Sigmund Freud, the Austrian neurologist who revolutionized the field of psychology. Authored by a leading expert in the field, this book delves into the fascinating journey of Freud, shedding light on his significant contributions and enduring legacy. Born in 1856 to Galician Jewish parents in Freiberg, Austria, Freud embarked on a path that would reshape our understanding of the human mind. Trained as a doctor of medicine at the University of Vienna, Freud went on to develop psychoanalysis, a clinical method that aimed to uncover and resolve the deep-seated conflicts of the psyche. Through his innovative techniques, such as free association and analysis of dreams, Freud uncovered the role of the unconscious mind and the complex dynamics of human behavior. In this biography, readers will witness Freud's rise from a docent in neuropathology to a renowned psychoanalyst, influencing the fields of psychology, psychiatry, and psychotherapy. The book explores Freud's fundamental concepts, including the Oedipus complex, the id, ego, and superego, and his groundbreaking theories on sexuality and the unconscious. Furthermore, it examines Freud's exploration of the human psyche and its relation to religion and culture. While Freud's ideas have generated extensive debate and evolved over time, his work continues to captivate and intrigue both scholars and the general public. This book provides an engaging narrative, combining historical context with insightful analysis, to present a comprehensive understanding of Freud's life, his seminal theories, and their impact on contemporary Western thought and popular culture. Whether you are a student of psychology, a practitioner in the field, or simply intrigued by the enigmatic workings of the human mind, "Sigmund Freud: The Biography of the Founder of Psychoanalysis, Writings on the Ego and Id, and his Basic Interpretation of Dreams" offers a thought-provoking and accessible exploration of one of the most influential figures in the history of psychology.

Plato: The Biography of Greece's Republic Philosopher who Founded the Platonist School of Thought, delves into the life and profound contributions of one of the most influential thinkers in Western philosophy. Born in Athens during the Classical period of Ancient Greece, Plato's intellectual legacy continues to resonate to this day. At the heart of Plato's philosophical journey was his unwavering commitment to seeking truth and understanding the nature of reality. As the founder of the Academy, a renowned educational institution, Plato nurtured a generation of scholars and shaped the course of philosophical discourse for centuries to come. This meticulously researched biography unveils the man behind the renowned works, exploring his early life as Aristocles, son of Ariston, of the deme Collytus. It reveals how his nickname, Plato, derived from his wrestling coach's astute observation of his physical build, ultimately became the name through which the world would come to know him. Plato's intellectual prowess revolutionized the field of philosophy. He introduced groundbreaking concepts such as the Theory of Forms, which addressed the enduring problem of universals. Through his ingenious use of written dialogues and dialectic forms, he crafted profound arguments and engaged his readers in thought-provoking debates on a vast array of topics, both theoretical and practical. In addition to his mentorship under Socrates, Plato drew inspiration from the pre-Socratic thinkers Pythagoras, Heraclitus, and Parmenides, whose ideas he masterfully incorporated into his own philosophical framework. The biography delves into these influences, shedding light on the intellectual lineage that shaped Plato's unique perspective. Beyond the philosophical realm, Plato's impact extended far and wide. His concepts of Platonic love and Platonic solids have permeated literature, art, and even popular culture. Moreover, his ideas resonated with subsequent generations, deeply influencing Christian and Islamic philosophy through figures like Al-Farabi. "Plato: The Biography of Greece's Republic Philosopher who Founded the Platonist School of Thought" provides an engrossing account of Plato's life, ideas, and enduring significance. With meticulous research and engaging prose, this biography offers readers an opportunity to explore the intellectual journey of a philosopher whose works have stood the test of time. It is an indispensable resource for anyone seeking to understand the foundations of Western thought and the remarkable mind behind it.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712-1778) was a renowned philosopher, writer, and composer from Geneva. His profound influence on the Age of Enlightenment and his contributions to political, economic, and educational thought continue to shape modern society. Rousseau's works, such as the Discourse on Inequality and The Social Contract, are considered foundational texts in political and social philosophy. In his Discourse on Inequality, Rousseau delves into the origins and consequences of social inequality, challenging prevailing notions of human nature and the structure of society. The Social Contract explores the concept of a just society, emphasizing the importance of popular sovereignty and individual freedoms. These groundbreaking works have had a profound impact on political movements and revolutions, including the French Revolution. Rousseau's literary accomplishments extend beyond philosophy. His novel Julie, or the New Heloise, published in 1761, played a pivotal role in the emergence of preromanticism and romanticism in fiction. This sentimental novel explores themes of love, passion, and societal norms. Emile, or On Education, published in 1762, is an influential treatise on educational philosophy, highlighting the significance of individual development within the framework of society. In addition to his philosophical and literary pursuits, Rousseau's autobiographical writings provide deep insights into his personal experiences and thoughts. The posthumously published Confessions, composed in 1769, is recognized as a foundational work in the genre of autobiography. His unfinished work, Reveries of the Solitary Walker, written between 1776 and 1778, reflects the introspective and subjective style that would become characteristic of modern writing. Jean-Jacques Rousseau's intellectual contributions continue to resonate today, as his ideas on equality, freedom, and the role of the individual in society remain highly relevant. This comprehensive book explores the life, philosophy, and literary achievements of Rousseau, shedding light on his enduring impact on political, social, and cultural discourse.

Immanuel Kant is an illuminating exploration of the life, ideas, and lasting impact of one of the most significant figures in Western philosophy. Immanuel Kant, a German philosopher born in Königsberg, Prussia, left an indelible mark on the intellectual landscape with his groundbreaking works in epistemology, metaphysics, ethics, and aesthetics. Kant's philosophical system, often referred to as transcendental idealism, challenged conventional notions of space, time, and the limits of human knowledge. In his influential work, the Critique of Pure Reason, he argued that space and time are fundamental structures that shape our perception and understanding of the world, while the true nature of things remains ultimately unknowable. Drawing on the analogy of the Copernican revolution, Kant proposed that our cognitive faculties actively participate in shaping our experience, leading to a unique form of a priori knowledge. In addition to his groundbreaking epistemological insights, Kant delved into the realms of ethics and aesthetics. He posited that reason serves as the foundation of morality, emphasizing the importance of moral principles derived from rational thinking. Furthermore, he explored the nature of beauty and the faculty of disinterested judgment in his work on aesthetics. The book also sheds light on Kant's complex religious views, which intertwined with his moral theory. While the precise nature of his beliefs remains a topic of debate, his philosophical approach heavily influenced his perspective on faith and its connection to ethics. Beyond his academic pursuits, Kant held an optimistic vision for a harmonious world order. He envisioned perpetual peace through the establishment of an international federation of republican states and collaborative efforts among nations. While acknowledging Kant's significant contributions to philosophy, the book addresses the controversy surrounding his views on scientific racism. It explores the evolution of his beliefs on the subject, revealing a shift in his stance during the final years of his life. This book offers readers a comprehensive and engaging account of Kant's life, ideas, and legacy. It provides a nuanced understanding of his philosophical system, its impact on subsequent thinkers, and the ongoing debates that surround his contributions. This book is an essential read for anyone interested in delving into the profound philosophies of Immanuel Kant and the Enlightenment era.

Dive into the profound life and groundbreaking ideas of Friedrich Nietzsche, the German philosopher, cultural critic, and literary genius, in 'Friedrich Nietzsche: The Biography of a Cultural Critic that Redefined Power, Will, Good and Evil.' Born on October 15, 1844, Nietzsche embarked on a remarkable intellectual journey that would revolutionize contemporary philosophy and shape the course of human thought. Beginning his career as a classical philologist, Nietzsche quickly transitioned to philosophy and astounded the academic world by becoming the youngest person ever to hold the Chair of Classical Philology at the University of Basel at the tender age of 24. However, relentless health issues plagued Nietzsche, leading to his resignation in 1879. Despite his struggles, Nietzsche dedicated the following decade to completing the core writings that would establish him as one of the most influential thinkers of all time. Tragedy struck Nietzsche in 1889 when, at the age of 44, he experienced a mental collapse that left him incapacitated, paralyzed, and likely suffering from vascular dementia. Supported by his mother and later his sister, Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche, Nietzsche spent his remaining years under their care until his death in 1900, succumbing to pneumonia and multiple strokes. In 'Friedrich Nietzsche: The Biography of a Cultural Critic that Redefined Power, Will, Good and Evil,' readers will explore Nietzsche's vast body of work, which spans philosophical polemics, poetry, cultural criticism, and fiction, revealing his penchant for aphorism and irony. Prominent elements of Nietzsche's philosophy, such as his radical critique of truth in favor of perspectivism, his genealogical critique of religion and morality, and his aesthetic affirmation of life in the face of the "death of God" and nihilism, are meticulously examined. This captivating biography unravels Nietzsche's revolutionary concepts, including the Übermensch (Overman) and the doctrine of eternal return, and delves into his preoccupation with the individual's creative power to challenge societal norms and embrace new values. It explores Nietzsche's profound insights into art, music, tragedy, religion, and culture, drawing inspiration from Greek tragedy and influential figures like Zoroaster, Arthur Schopenhauer, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Richard Wagner, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Furthermore, 'Friedrich Nietzsche: The Biography of a Cultural Critic that Redefined Power, Will, Good and Evil' sheds light on the controversial manipulation of Nietzsche's unpublished writings by his sister, Elisabeth, who distorted his opinions to align with her ultranationalist ideology. It also discusses the subsequent efforts by scholars like Walter Kaufmann, R. J. Hollingdale, and Georges Bataille to defend Nietzsche's true intent and provide corrected editions of his works. This immersive biography is a must-read for both enthusiasts and scholars seeking a comprehensive understanding of Nietzsche's transformative life and enduring impact. It examines how his ideas have resonated throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, influencing philosophy, art, literature, poetry, politics, and popular culture. 'Friedrich Nietzsche' is a captivating exploration of a brilliant mind that forever altered the way we perceive power, will, good, and evil.

Karl Marx is a groundbreaking German philosopher and revolutionary known for pioneering the Marxist school of thought. His most famous works include The Communist Manifesto and Das Kapital, which have influenced generations of intellectuals, labor unions, activists, artists, and political parties all over the world. Through his critical theories on society and economics he predicted that capitalism would eventually lead to its own destruction by class conflict between the ruling classes and working classes. This self-destruction would then be replaced by a system where workers were emancipated from oppressive forces within their economic structure. Karl Marx's contribution to modern social science has been immense: He believed that organized action by working people could topple existing systems in order to create genuine freedom for all citizens. His writings continue to inspire new generations today as they strive for global socio-economic liberation from oppressive structures.

François-Marie Arouet, more commonly known as Voltaire, was one of the most important Enlightenment philosophers and writers. He wrote more than 20,000 letters and 2,000 books and pamphlets during his lifetime. His writing covered almost every literary form from plays to poems to essays to histories. Known for his wit and sharp criticism of religion and politics, particularly Roman Catholicism and slavery, he advocated for civil liberties such as freedom of speech and separation between church and state. Voltaire's magnum opus is Candide-a novella that satirizes many themes prevalent in eighteenth century Europe such as intolerance, religious dogma, bureaucracy etc. Through this work--and all of his works--Voltaire left a lasting legacy on our society today setting an example for those wishing to speak out against standard norms which threaten individual freedoms.

This book aims to reflect on mental illness through considering the influence that criticism and German idealism exerted on directions of philosophical, scientific and psychoanalytical thought in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, and which can still be perceived today.

Our historical period is characterized by a vision of liberal heritage and a capitalist economic path. But it is far from obvious what "liberal" really means here, and what connection it has with capitalism. The current volume thus first attempts to provide a clarification of the long-term genesis of "liberal reason" in the West, following its development in the seventeenth century down to the present day. Secondly, the text aims to identify the basic logic that feeds liberal reason, a logic that nourishes capitalist processes but goes far beyond them. This analysis provides a picture in which liberal reason no longer needs to be "represented" because it has tacitly occupied the entire conceptual space of the political. It now plays all the parts in the political comedy, both majorities and oppositions, right and left, concealing the systematic operation of distortion that has taken place. The ramifications of liberal reason have also taken root among intellectuals and movements that consider themselves to be "neutral", or even "anti-capitalist". Liberalism's occupation, as pervasive as it is unnoticed, lies at the basis of the perceived impossibility of conceiving alternatives, and therefore of the continual deadlock in which contemporary consciousness struggles.

The Kyoto School is the most important philosophical current in Japan during the 20th century. There is a growing interest in Japanese philosophy, as well as in non-European philosophy in general. This essay aims to conceptualize the political thought of two Japanese authors, Kiyoshi Miki (1897-1945) and Jun Tosaka (1900-1945), in dialogue with contemporary political debates for the first time. Miki and Tosaka were two leftist thinkers, especially interested in thinking about political action "from below." In that sense, this book introduces their core concepts, explores ways to think about the interplay between practice and ideology, while still accounting for their reciprocity and dynamism.

Do you want to learn from the best?Socrates is one of history's most renowned and respected philosophers. In this book, you will be able to have conversations with him as if he were still alive. You will learn about his life, his teachings, and how he changed the course of philosophy forever.Socrates was one of the most famous philosophers to originate from Athens. Despite leaving very few written works behind, his influence still lives on. He was well known for engaging in conversations with his students, famously asking them questions they were often unable to answer. Socrates encouraged them to use and develop their own critical thinking abilities to come up with answers and form their own opinions on the world around them. Though many centuries have passed since his death, his life lessons still stand strong in our society today. His legacy can be observed through the many philosophers around us today who must remember to carry those conversations with dead philosophers like Socrates through the walls of time by actively living out their ancient wisdom and passing it on to younger generations.This book is packed with wisdom that can be applied to your own life. It doesn't matter who you are or what you do - there is something in these pages for everyone. If you are looking for a way to improve yourself, then look no further than Socrates: The Biography of a Philosopher from Athens and his Life Lessons - Conversations with Dead Philosophers.

What do we mean by moral freedom? What are the necessary conditions required for it? Do the exponential advances and pervasive applications of artificial intelligence (AI) promote it, or do they undermine it? Are we dealing with a new ethical challenge?

The volume considers the theories of the passions in Hobbes, Descartes and Spinoza. Particular attention is given to the passion of fear, highlighting how these three writers considered fear as both an individual and a collective affect.

Nine essays on ethics, metaethics and normative ethics from John Rawls to David Gauthier, from Richard Rorty to Jonathan Dancy, from auomatic concepts to Leibnizian ontology, from the end of work to cyber warfare.

Written by four hands, the current volume moves on two planes that fruitfully intersect and sometimes conflict in their interpretations.

The volume contains the proceedings of an international conference exploring the concept of 'contemporaneity' from different perspectives and in reference to different disciplinary fields (philosophy, literature and art theory).

One of the fundamental aspects of the cultural landscape of the last century has been the revival of philosophical anthropology, in the form of a radical examination of the humanum: an examination that has attempted to meet the primary challenge of an era which, in an increasingly radical way, doubts the very possibility of a semantics of humanism.

The current volume provides an interpretation of American pragmatism according to which pragmatism is not opposed to metaphysics but instead represents a vital, non-dismissive, non-deflationary attempt to respond to classical questions of philosophy concerning the nature of reality, truth, goodness, beauty, ideality, etc. American pragmatism has been often interpreted as a form of crass utilitarianism applied to all areas of philosophy - a precipitation of the "industrialist" spirit of the United States. This book demonstrates how such an interpretation is misguided. The chapters focus on different topics in the philosophies of Peirce and Dewey - what is "meaning," what is the human self, what is truth, what is consciousness, what "semiotics" can add to realism - that articulate the unitary view that the "real" is always inhabited by and open to the "ideal."

The book places suffering at the center of its socio-critical considerations, replacing the famous alienation motif of the Frankfurt School. It begins by critiquing the concept of alienation and its long tradition in social and political philosophy, especially in Critical Theory.

What can we learn from the way artists live and operate in the world?

Despite being much less famous, Price's 'A Review of the Principal Questions in Morals' can stand up to comparison with the greatest classics of eighteenthth-century Anglo-Saxon ethics, such as Hume's 'Enquiry Concerning the Principles of Morals' or Adam Smith's 'Theory of Moral Sentiments'.

A historical and philosophical approach to understanding COVID-19 from scholars with diverse perspectives and opinions.

From the historical roots of second-wave feminism to current debates about feminist theory and politics. This introduction to Anglo-American feminist thought provides a critical and panoramic survey of dominant trends in feminism since 1968. Feminism is too often considered a monolithic movement, consisting of an enormous range of women and ideologies, with both similar and different perspectives and approaches. The book is divided into two parts, the first of which takes a close look at the most influential strands of feminism: liberal feminism, Marxist/socialist feminism, radical feminism, lesbian feminism, and black feminism. In later chapters, Whelehan ties these complexities of, and conflicts within, feminism. The role and relationship of men to feminism, and feminism's often thorny relationship to postmodernism, are also the subject of chapter length treatment. Concluding with a provocative discussion of the much-heralded advent of post-feminism and the rise of the new feminist superstars such as Camille Paglia, Naomi Wolf, Susan Faludi, and Katie Roiphe, Modern Feminist thought is an ideal text for students and a book no feminist teacher or activist should be without.

Robots as social companions in close proximity to humans have a strong potential of becoming more and more prevalent in the coming years, especially in the realms of elder day care, child rearing, and education. As human beings, we have the fascinating ability to emotionally bond with various counterparts, not exclusively with other human beings, but also with animals, plants, and sometimes even objects. Therefore, we need to answer the fundamental ethical questions that concern human-robot-interactions per se, and we need to address how we conceive of »good lives«, as more and more of the aspects of our daily lives will be interwoven with social robots.