Mel Thompson

Nigel Rodgers

While philosophy can enlighten, it can also mislead and delude. As Descartes observed, 'The greatest souls are capable of the greatest vices as well as the greatest virtues.'

Philosophers Behaving Badly

This 4th edition of the best-selling introduction to Ethical Theory (originally published by Hodder Education) provides a solid grounding in the subject for those wanting to understand the various ethical theories and how they may be applied to moral issues. As well as introducing utilitarianism, Kantian ethics, Natural Law and other theories, it considers the relationship between ethics and religion and also gives advice on putting together sound and persuasive moral arguments. Written in an accessible style, the text is broken up by boxes introducing key thinkers, quotes and ideas, and each chapter ends with a revision checklist and questions for discussion.

Ethical Theory: Access for Students Series

Understand political philosophy without help from a pundit Teach Yourself Political Philosophy is a fascinating guide to the principles upon which our legal and political systems are founded. It explores the key political concepts that underpin our society and unravels fundamental political and economic theories such as capitalism, Marxism, conservatism and anarchism. Each of these concepts and theories are put into context by looking at the key figures in political thought from Aristotle and Hobbes to Rawls and Wollstonecraft. Political philosophy need not be confined to the past or the realms of academia--this book brings the issues to life and discusses the questions raised daily by our politicians, their critics, and the media.

Teach Yourself Political Philosphy

'Who am I?' In a world where randomness and chance make life transient and unpredictable, religion, psychology and philosophy have all tried, in their different ways, to answer this question and to give meaning and coherence to the human person. How we should construct a meaningful 'me' - and to make sense of one's life - is the question at the heart of Mel Thompson's illuminating book.Although Thompson begins by exploring the workings of the brain, he shows that if we are to consider the nature of the self, it is not enough to argue about such things as how mind relates to matter, or whether neuroscience can fully explain consciousness. Such an approach fails to do justice to the self that we experience and the selves that we encounter around us. We need to engage with the more personal, existential questions: how do I make sense of my life? And am I responsible for the person I have become?Thompson investigates the gap between what we are and what others perceive us to be to ascertain whether we are genuinely knowable entities. He explores the central dilemma of how one can have a fixed idea of 'me' to shape and direct one's life when, in a world of constant change, events will rob us of that fixed idea at any moment. Perhaps we would be better to let go of the need for 'me', asks Thompson, but would a self-less life be possible, or desirable?Drawing on the writings of literature, philosophy, religion and science, as well as personal reflection and anecdote, Thompson has written an engaging and thought-provoking work that recaptures the notion of 'me' from the neuroscientists and situates it at the heart of finding a place in the world.

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A lust-filled, teenage Jesus freak is slowly driven to distraction by the hot babes that inhabit his evangelical, Texas youth group. Unable, due to his strict adherence to rules of chastity, to have sex, and unable, due to his lack of financial status, to attract the top-shelf women he craves, he is forced into being the b-actor of romance. He awaits his lucky break in the lottery of love. There is more than one surprise as the wheel of fate turns.The book was intended to be a kind of manual by a one Marvin Godwin Plinkers of Lake Compromise, Texas, (an admittedly mythical city). In responding the pleas of a besieged youth counselor who cannot figure out how to deal with the beta male orbiters that come to him, Marvin decides to write a series of lectures which contain all of the suppressed truth about these lost souls. However, the book quickly becomes half-confessional, a text in which seemingly dry treatises are interspersed with true romantic confessions. The lines between genres becomes hopelessly tangled. Marvin refuses to agree with either left-wing propaganda or right-wing propaganda regarding romantically unsuccessful men. He himself is that lovelorn Jesus freak who, at least seemingly, could not quite make it in any area of life.The book begins with a letter in which Marvin attempts to deal with the youth counselor who has contacted him, but the body of the book quickly degenerates into a series of dating failures and didactic mini-treatises. A recurring theme in the book is the slow loss of innocence, both theological and sexual.The book is situated in the very-transitional time of the late 1970s and early 1908s. And because every ideological and identity politics group wants to conveniently explain-away the existence of beta-male orbiters, the book is made to be ruthless in its refusal to let anyone's narrative prevail. It's universal message is that our social bedtime stories are all false. Life cannot be controlled by them, but surges forward unwilling to ever be tamed by our belief systems. Love and sex will never be bow to human attempts to manage it.

Confessions of a Beta Male Orbiter

Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy examines key ideas that developed within the ancient civilisations of India and China. It presents a range of philosophies that both inform discussion of personal, moral and social issues and address the fundamental questions about the nature of reality and the place and purpose of human life within it. From the erotic images of Tantra to the simple precision of Zen, and from the social order in traditional Confucian teaching to the rich variety of Hindu ideas and lifestyles, Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy provides a feast of ideas of universal relevance. Teach Yourself Eastern Philosophy: - Looks at the ethical and social implications of Eastern philosophy. - Gives key terms in their original language with full explananations. - Points to parallels with Western thought, where appropriate. - Provides essential background information for appreciating the religions of India and the Far East.

Eastern Philosophy: Teach Yourself

'Ethical Theory' provides essential background reading for students studying for GCSE or AS/A2 examinations in ethics. It gives an outline of major ethical theories, with quotations from original sources and an indication of how such theories may be applied.

Ethical Theory

Is this the right book for me? This book is the essential introduction to the history of Western thought. Covering all the key thinkers, both ancient and modern, and all the major branches of philosophy, it will give you new insights about the world we live in. Packed full of examples and clear explanations, and with key terms defined and explained, it is ideal whether you are student looking for a quick refresher or just want to explore this fascinating topic out of personal interest. Understand Philosophy includes: Chapter 1: The theory of knowledge Empiricism and rationalism Knowledge and justification: are you certain? The external world: appearance and reality Intuitive knowledge Scepticism The proof of the pudding... Chapter 2: The philosophy of science A historical overview From evidence to theory: scientific method Experiments and objectivity Right, wrong or what? The social sciences What counts as science? Science and authority Chapter 3: Language and logic Language and certainty Language and perception Knowledge and language Linguistic philosophy Formal logic Chapter 4: The philosophy of mind Ancient minds: Plato and Aristotle 'I think, therefore I am' The relationship between mind and body Survival? The concept of mind A 'place' for mind? Neurones and computers Knowing me, knowing you Cognitive science A 'personal' postscript Chapter 5: The philosophy of religion Faith, reason and belief Religious language Religious experience Does God exist? The origin and design of the universe: religion or science? Miracles The problem of evil Compensation after death? Psychological and sociological explanations of religion Some general remarks Chapter 6: Ethics Facts, values and choices Freedom and determinism Kinds of ethical language Three bases for ethics Absolute or relative morality? Virtue ethics The social contract Applied ethics Chapter 7: Political philosophy Only individuals? The social contract The general will Marx and materialism Justice Freedom and law Feminism Some conclusions Chapter 8: Continental philosophy Phenomenology Existentialism Structuralism Postmodernism Chapter 9: Some other branches of philosophy Aesthetics The philosophy of history The philosophy of education Chapter 10: The scope of philosophy today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Understand Philosophy

Learn in a week, remember for a lifetime! In just one week, this accessible book will give you knowledge to last forever. End of chapter summaries and multiple choice questions are all designed to help you test your knowledge and gain confidence. So whether you are a student or you simply want to widen your knowledge, you will find this seven-day course a very memorable introduction. Sunday: Think about knowledge like a philosopher Monday: Consider what science is and how we gain knowledge of the natural world Tuesday: Explore how we speak and think, and how this relates to the philosophy of mind. Wednesday: Learn how philosophers view and engage with religion Thursday: Engage with ethics - how we decide what is the right thing to do Friday: Discover how political philosophers have balanced the role of government with individual freedom. Saturday: Explore continental ideas such as existentialism and how the next generation of philosophers may build on them.

Philosophy In a Week: Teach Yourself

A modern understanding of the world is unthinkable without science, but what exactly is it? What does it mean to say that something is 'scientific'? How are its results justified? From the genetic basis of life, to the structures of the universe and the atom, TEACH YOURSELF PHILOSOPHY OF SCIENCE explores how the key ideas that shape our world have been developed. - Investigate the history of science. - Examine scientific method. - Discover key philosophers and scientists. - Explore the impact of science on Western thought.

Philosophy of Science: Teach Yourself

Moral relativism, terrorism, fundamentalism-it seems the ethical divide in civilization is getting deeper and deeper. If you are concerned but often skittish when it comes to the jargon used in typical ethics books, this book will help. Teach Yourself Ethics explores key ethical theories and thinkers using accessible language and an easy-to-grasp format. Explains complex concepts in jargon-free language Covers such major thinkers as Marx, Freud, and Machiavelli Revised to cover today's most pressing ethical issues

Ethics

A modern understanding of the world is unthinkable without science, but what exactly is it? What does it mean to say that something is 'scientific' How are its results justified? From the genetic basis of life, to the structures of the universe and the atom, Teach Yourself Philosophy of Science explores how the key ideas that shape our world have been developed. - Investigate the history of science. - Examine scientific method. - Discover key philosophers and scientists. - Explore the impact of science on Western thought.

Philosophy of Science

An engaging and often hilarious survey of the far-from-fusty extra-curricular activities of some of philosophy’s finest practitioners Philosophers Behaving Badly examines the lives of eight great philosophers—Rousseau, whose views on education and the social order seem curiously at odds with his own outrageous life; Schopenhauer and Nietzsche, two giants of the 19th century whose words seem ever more relevant today; and five immensely influential philosophers of the 20th century, Russell, Wittgenstein, Heidegger, Sartre, and Foucault.

Written for As students studying Philosophy of Religion, and Ethics.

An Introduction to Philosophy and Ethics

This book offers an introduction to key topics in the Philosophy of Religion and Ethics. The first two editions, published by Hodder Education, served as core textbooks for students taking AS-Level papers in Religious Studies in the UK. This new edition provides the same material in a more affordable form, suitable for students and anyone interested in the subject.It explores major questions, such as the existence of God, the nature of the self, religion and science, ethical theories and religious ethics, and is written in a jargon-free, accessible style. At the end of each chapter, a study guide provides students with the opportunity to check their understanding. It also contains advice on writing essays and answering examination questions.

The third edition of Ethical Theory has been updated in line with the revised A level specification requirements. It provides an essential background to ethical issues through giving an outline of major ethical theories and how these may be applied to a range of contemporary moral issues. The new edition combines all the strengths of the second edition with a new design and features to make the content more accessible to all students in order to develop their understanding of the topic. New features include: - Key questions throughout the chapters to help students focus on the key issues - Key terms defined and explained throughout the chapters - Profiles of key individuals - their contribution and significance - More summary diagrams throughout to aid revision - Photos and illustrations - Revision checklists at the end of chapters - New exam-style questions and tips at the end of each chapter.

An Illustrated History of the Carpet Industry in the Kidderminster Area Including Stourport, Bridgnorth and Bewdley : 1735-2000

Woven in Kidderminster

Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life. Learn effortlessly with a new easy-to-read page design and interactive features: Not got much time? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. Author insights Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author?s many years of experience. Test yourself Tests in the book and online to keep track of your progress. Extend your knowledge Extra online articles to give you a richer understanding of the subject. Five things to remember Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. Try this Innovative exercises illustrate what you?ve learnt and how to use it.

Understand Existentialism

Understand Existentialism breaks down a complex mode of thought into more manageable sections, enabling you to get to grips with the key concepts within the movement. Chart the origins and development of existentialism in a variety of disciplines and learn about significant thinkers from Sartre and De Beauvoir to Beckett and Camus. Whether you are a newcomer or more experienced student, this book will enhance your understanding of a brand of philosophy designed to give meaning and direction amongst the uncertainties of modern life. NOT GOT MUCH TIME? One, five and ten-minute introductions to key principles to get you started. AUTHOR INSIGHTS Lots of instant help with common problems and quick tips for success, based on the author's many years of experience. EXTEND YOUR KNOWLEDGE Extra online articles at www.teachyourself.com to give you a richer understanding. THINGS TO REMEMBER Quick refreshers to help you remember the key facts. TRY THIS Innovative exercises illustrate what you've learnt and how to use it.

Mel Thompson

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