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Scientific Autobiography and Other Papers
by Max PlanckIn this fascinating autobiography from the foremost genius of twentieth-century physics, Max Planck tells the story of his life, his aims, and his thinking. Published posthumously, the papers in this volume were written for the general reader and make accessible his scientific theories as well as his philosophical ideals, including his thoughts on ethics and morals. Max (Karl Ernst Ludwig) Planck was a German physicist and philosopher known for his quantum theory, for which he won the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918. Planck was born in Kiel, Germany, in 1858 to an academic family, and he valued education from a young age. He attended the Universities of Munich and Berlin to study physics under the great scientific leaders Kirchhoff and Helmholtz. His early work mainly focused on the study of thermodynamics, and in 1900 he published a paper on his quantum theory that would change the face of modern physics. Planck worked as a professor at Berlin University his entire life, and he also served as the president of the Kaiser Wilhelm Society for the Promotion of Science. During World War II, Planck experienced great hardships while he remained in Germany but openly opposed the Nazi regime. One of his two sons was executed during this time for an unsuccessful attempt on Hitler’s life, and Planck’s home in Berlin was eventually bombed. He continued to write on physics and philosophy until his death in 1947.
The Social Contract
by Jean-Jacques Rousseau Maurice CranstonWith the publication of The Social Contract in 1761, Jean-Jacques Rousseau took his place among the leading political philosophers of the Enlightenment. Like his contractarian predecessors (Thomas Hobbes and John Locke), Rousseau sought to ground his political theory in an understanding of human nature, which he believed to be basically good but corrupted by the conflicting interests within society. Here self-interest degenerated into a state of war from which humanity could only be extricated by the imposition of a contract. As a party to the compact, each individual would find his true interest served within the political expression of the community of man, or the "general will."
Specialists and Generalists: A Comparative Study of the Professional Civil Servant at Home and Abroad (Routledge Revivals)
by F. F. RidleyOriginally published in 1968, this book provides surveys of the Australian, French, German, Swedish and American systems of public administration. Previously unpublished material on the professional classes in Britain was made available which filled a gap in the (then) available textbooks on British government. A concluding chapter deals with the wider aspects of the generalist versus specialist problem, an original contribution to administrative theory. The book will be of interest to students of politics and government and the student of comparative administration, as well as to those concerned with civil service reform
Too Young to Run?: A Proposal for an Age Amendment to the U.S. Constitution
by John SeeryUnder the Constitution of the United States, those with political ambitions who aspire to serve in the federal government must be at least twenty-five to qualify for membership in the House of Representatives, thirty to run for the Senate, and thirty-five to become president. What is the justification for these age thresholds, and is it time to consider changing them? In this provocative and lively book, John Seery presents the case for a constitutional amendment to lower the age barrier to eighteen, the same age at which citizens become eligible to vote. He divides his argument into three sections. In a historical chapter, he traces the way in which the age qualifications became incorporated in the Constitution in the first place. In a theoretical chapter, he analyzes the normative arguments for office eligibility as a democratic right and liberty. And in a political chapter, he ruminates about the real-world consequences of passing such an amendment and the prospects for its passage. Finally, in a postscript, he argues that younger citizens in particular ought to be exposed to this fundamental issue in civics.
Totalitarianism: Part Three of The Origins of Totalitarianism (Origins Of Totalitarianism Ser.)
by Hannah ArendtThe great twentieth-century political philosopher examines how Hitler and Stalin gained and maintained power, and the nature of totalitarian states. In the final volume of her classic work The Origins of Totalitarianism, Hannah Arendt focuses on the two genuine forms of the totalitarian state in modern history: the dictatorships of Bolshevism after 1930 and of National Socialism after 1938. Identifying terror as the very essence of this form of government, she discusses the transformation of classes into masses and the use of propaganda in dealing with the nontotalitarian world—and in her brilliant concluding chapter, she analyzes the nature of isolation and loneliness as preconditions for total domination. &“The most original and profound—therefore the most valuable—political theoretician of our times.&” —Dwight Macdonald, The New Leader
Truth, Knowledge and Causation (Routledge Library Editions: Epistemology)
by C. J. DucasseOriginally published in 1969. This book examines the fundamental concepts of metaphysics and of theory of knowledge. Topics treated include the nature of substance and of causation; their relation to natural laws, dispositions, and attributes; the nature of consciousness and purposiveness; of symbols, signs, and signals, and their relation to interpretation and objective reference; and the nature and criteria of truth. The author holds that philosophy is by intent a science and that its becoming so requires precise and non-arbitrary semantical analysis of basic philosophical terms. He argues that philosophy then, like the other sciences, has practical importance: in its case this consists in its capacity to give to difficult practical decisions not only the efficacy insured by its application of the findings of the other sciences, but in addition some of the wisdom which is philosophy’s distinctive ultimate aim.
Twilight of Idols and Anti-Christ
by Friedrich NietzscheIn these two devastating late works, Nietzsche offers a powerful attack on the morality and the beliefs of his timeNietzsche's Twilight of the Idols is a 'grand declaration of war' on reason, psychology and theology, which combines highly charged personal attacks on his contemporaries (in particular Hegel, Kant and Schopenhauer) with a lightning tour of his own philosophy. It also paves the way for The Anti-Christ, Nietzsche's final assault on institutional Christianity, in which he identifies himself with the 'Dionysian' artist and confronts Christ: the only opponent he feels worthy of him.Translated by R. J. Hollingdale with an Introduction by Michael Tanner
The Twilight of the Idols and the Anti-Christ
by R. J. Hollingdale Friedrich Nietzsche"Twilight of the Idols", an attack on all the prevalent ideas of his time, offers a lightning tour of Nietzsche's whole philosophy. It also prepares the way for "The Anti-Christ", a final assault on institutional Christianity. Both works show Nietzsche lashing out at self-deception, astounded at how often morality is based on vengefulness and resentment. Both reveal a profound understanding of human mean-spiritedness which still cannot destroy the underlying optimism of Nietzsche, the supreme affirmer among the great philosophers.
Wages, Prices, Profits, and Economic Policy: Proceedings of a Conference Held by the Centre for Industrial Relations, University of Toronto, 1967
by John CrispoThe essays included in this book are the proceedings of a conference held by the Centre for Industrial Relations at the University of Toronto, 1967. They have been divided into five sections: "Wage-Price-Profit Relations in Canada—The Problem in Perspective," "A Diagnosis of the Problem," "Foreign Experience," "The Government and Wage-Price-Profit Relations," and "A Policy for Canada." The essays included are by such eminent contributors as Dr. John Deutsch, Professor G.L. Reuber, Mr. David McQueen, Dr. Arthur M. Ross, and The Honourable Mitchell Sharp.
The Wisdom of Albert Schweitzer (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesReverence for Life—Albert Schweitzer&’s pivotal philosophyMusician, physician, humanitarian, and philosopher, Albert Schweitzer was a twentieth-century Renaissance man who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his &“Reverence for Life&” philosophy. The Wisdom of Albert Schweitzer explores this core philosophy, which inspired one of the world&’s great humanitarians. While traveling in Africa, Schweitzer recognized that all living creatures have a will to live and believed that through a &“reverence for life&” mankind had an ethical imperative to aid in the welfare of all living things, including the environment. His words have remained an inspiration for generations of humanitarians and environmentalists.
The Wisdom of Albert Schweitzer (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesReverence for Life—Albert Schweitzer&’s pivotal philosophyMusician, physician, humanitarian, and philosopher, Albert Schweitzer was a twentieth-century Renaissance man who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his &“Reverence for Life&” philosophy. The Wisdom of Albert Schweitzer explores this core philosophy, which inspired one of the world&’s great humanitarians. While traveling in Africa, Schweitzer recognized that all living creatures have a will to live and believed that through a &“reverence for life&” mankind had an ethical imperative to aid in the welfare of all living things, including the environment. His words have remained an inspiration for generations of humanitarians and environmentalists.
The Wisdom of Confucius (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesHundreds of sage observations from China&’s most revered scholar Teacher, politician, philosopher, and student, Confucius offered wisdom and aphorisms on a variety of topics that transcend borders and time. Whether considering his own life, human nature, or a society&’s responsibilities, Confucius&’s teachings emphasize personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. He aimed to effect social and political reform, and left a legacy of wisdom that remains true today. Organized by topic and accompanied with contextual footnotes, this collection of quotes, sayings, and lessons is often as entertaining as it is educational.
The Wisdom of Confucius (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesHundreds of sage observations from China&’s most revered scholar Teacher, politician, philosopher, and student, Confucius offered wisdom and aphorisms on a variety of topics that transcend borders and time. Whether considering his own life, human nature, or a society&’s responsibilities, Confucius&’s teachings emphasize personal and governmental morality, correctness of social relationships, justice, and sincerity. He aimed to effect social and political reform, and left a legacy of wisdom that remains true today. Organized by topic and accompanied with contextual footnotes, this collection of quotes, sayings, and lessons is often as entertaining as it is educational.
The Wisdom of Leo Tolstoy (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesFollow the renowned novelist&’s journey to his own peace Leo Tolstoy was born to an aristocratic Russian family, became a world-famous influential novelist, and then chose to lead the simple life of a peasant. Dating from this last part of his life, Tolstoy&’s influential book, What I Believe, takes readers along on the path to a life modeled literally on Jesus Christ&’s &“Sermon on the Mount&” and the teachings of the Gospels. In revealing and frank essays he reimagines a faith without dogma, centered solely on Jesus&’s doctrine of love, humility, and self-denial. This collection of chapters from What I Believe includes examinations of Resist Not Evil, Judge Not Thy Neighbor, Letting Go of Fear, and Allowing Forgiveness.
The Wisdom of Leo Tolstoy (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesFollow the renowned novelist&’s journey to his own peace Leo Tolstoy was born to an aristocratic Russian family, became a world-famous influential novelist, and then chose to lead the simple life of a peasant. Dating from this last part of his life, Tolstoy&’s influential book, What I Believe, takes readers along on the path to a life modeled literally on Jesus Christ&’s &“Sermon on the Mount&” and the teachings of the Gospels. In revealing and frank essays he reimagines a faith without dogma, centered solely on Jesus&’s doctrine of love, humility, and self-denial. This collection of chapters from What I Believe includes examinations of Resist Not Evil, Judge Not Thy Neighbor, Letting Go of Fear, and Allowing Forgiveness.
The Wisdom of Mao (Wisdom)
by The Wisdom SeriesBeyond the Little Red Book: China&’s revolutionary leader and his philosophy In this collection of essays, China&’s Chairman Mao Tse-Tung explains the interpretation of Marxism-Leninism ideology that became known as Maoism. This philosophy fueled the Chinese Revolution and the massive social and economic changes Mao instituted as the nation&’s leader. From examining the way contradictions can cause great shifts within a society, to the necessity of guerilla-based revolution, Mao mixes his philosophical positions with the history of the Chinese people. Featured works include Relation Between Knowledge and Practice, Between Knowing and Doing, The Universality of Contradiction, The Place of Antagonism in Contradiction, China&’s Historical Characteristics, The Politics of New Democracy, The Economy of New Democracy, The Culture of New Democracy, and more.This collection offers a detailed insight into the mind of the most important figure in twentieth-century Chinese history.
Yesterday's Tomorrows: A Historical Survey of Future Societies (Routledge Revivals)
by W. H. ArmytageFirst published in 1968, Yesterday’s Tomorrows elucidates on the favourite occupation of man: forecasting the future. By man’s predictions, he mirrors his own wish-fulfilments, displacements, projections, denials, evasions and withdrawals. These predications can take the form of countries of the imagination, ‘mirror worlds’ like Rabelais’ Ever-Ever lands or the Erewhon of Butler. Alternatively, they may spring from panic, reflecting fear rather than hope, often manifesting themselves, in our technological age, as reports of ‘flying saucers’ or invasions from another planet. In either form, they provide philosophers, scientists, doctors and sociologists with material for evaluating man’s future needs, offering both criticism of our present society, plans for our future, and release from tension and disequilibrium. Professor Armytage shows in this book how such ‘visions’ can, and do, refresh minds for renewed grappling with the present by arming them with ideas for man’s future needs. He indicates that, out of an apparent welter of futuristic fantasies, a constructive debate about tomorrow is emerging, providing us with operational models of what tomorrow could be. This book will hold special interest for students of philosophy and of English literature.
The Yogi and the Devotee: The Interplay Between the Upanishads and Catholic Theology (Routledge Revivals)
by Ninian SmartFirst published in 1968, Ninian Smart’s The Yogi and the Devotee: The Interplay Between the Upanishads and Catholic Theology is based on lectures given in Delhi and explores in a novel way the relation between Hinduism and Christianity. The author puts forward a general theory of the relationship between religious experience and doctrines, a theory he had developed in earlier works. He argues that a new form of ‘natural theology’ should be presented, which would show the relevance of religious experience and ritual to what is given in revelation. Smart believes this could be the key to a new understanding between Christianity and Indian religions, and also examines what Christians can learn from other faiths. During a career as a Professor of Religious Studies and Philosophy, Ninian Smart was hugely influential in the way Religious Studies was taught, not only in Britain but around the world.
Zen and the Birds of Appetite
by Thomas Merton"Zen enriches no one," Thomas Merton provocatively writes in his opening statement to Zen and the Birds of Appetite--one of the last books to be published before his death in 1968. "There is no body to be found. The birds may come and circle for a while. . . but they soon go elsewhere. When they are gone, the 'nothing,' the 'no-body' that was there, suddenly appears. That is Zen. It was there all the time but the scavengers missed it, because it was not their kind of prey. " This gets at the humor, paradox, and joy that one feels in Merton's discoveries of Zen during the last years of his life, a joy very much present in this collection of essays. Exploring the relationship between Christianity and Zen, especially through his dialogue with the great Zen teacher D. T. Suzuki, the book makes an excellent introduction to a comparative study of these two traditions, as well as giving the reader a strong taste of the mature Merton. Never does one feel him losing his own faith in these pages; rather one feels that faith getting deeply clarified and affirmed. Just as the body of "Zen" cannot be found by the scavengers, so too, Merton suggests, with the eternal truth of Christ.
American Influence on English Education (Routledge Library Editions: Education)
by W H ArmytageThe American ideal has exercised a powerful influence over English educational policy over the last two centuries, even as it has itself changed. Today the very size of America enables it to rehearse problems we shall meet tomorrow. This volume answers key questions for education, as relevant now as they were when it was originally published: Is there an optimal size and a maximal use of a school? Are there adequately sophisticated batteries of attainment tests? Or valid methods of vocational guidance?
The Art of the Soluble (Routledge Revivals)
by P.B. MedawarFirst published in 1967, The Art of the Soluble presents collection of essays giving the views of the author on creativity and originality in science and on the logical connections between creative and critical thought. It is also a pioneering study of the ethology of the scientists – of the anatomy of scientific behaviour. Is it true that scientists are detached or dispassionate observers of Nature? What underlies the scientist’s deep concern over the matters of priority? How did a class distinction grow up between pure and applied science? By what criteria do scientists value their own and their colleagues work? Some of the answers grow out of author’s four critical studies of Teilhard de Chardin, Arthur Koestler, D’Arcy Thompson and Herbert Spencer and the book as whole is knit together by a major essay Hypothesis and Imagination, on the nature of scientific reasoning. P. B. Medawar, who won the Nobel Prize for Medicine in 1960, did not see science as a book-keeping of Nature but, on the contrary, as the greatest of human adventures. This book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of philosophy of Science, natural science, and philosophy in general
The Birth of Tragedy and the Case of Wagner
by Friedrich NietzscheThe Birth of Tragedy (1872) was Nietzsche's first book. Its youthful faults were exposed by Nietzsche in the brilliant "Attempt at a Self-Criticism" which he added to the new edition of 1886. But the book, whatever its excesses, remains one of the most relevant statements on tragedy ever penned. It exploded the conception of Greek culture that was prevalent down through the Victorian era, and it sounded themes developed in the twentieth century by classicists, existentialists, psychoanalysts, and others. The Case of Wagner (1888) was one Nietzsche's last books, and his wittiest. In attitude and style it is diametrically opposed to The Birth of Tragedy. Both works transcend their ostensible subjects and deal with art and culture, as well as the problems of the modern age generally. Each book in itself gives us an inadequate idea of its author; together, they furnish a striking image of Nietzsche's thought. The distinguished new translations by Walter Kaufmann superbly reflect in English Nietzsche's idiom and the vitality of his style. Professor Kaufmann has also furnished running footnote commentaries, relevant passages from Nietzsche's correspondence, a bibliography, and, for the first time in any edition, an extensive index to each book.
Black Skin, White Masks
by Frantz FanonThe new translation of the classic work by the author of Wretched of the Earth: &“A strange, haunting mélange of analysis [and] revolutionary manifesto&” (Newsweek). Few modern voices have had as profound an impact on the black identity and critical race theory as Frantz Fanon, and Black Skin, White Masks represents some of his most important work. This new translation by Richard Philcox makes Fanon&’s masterwork accessible to a new generation of readers. It also includes a foreword by philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah. A major influence on civil rights, anti-colonial, and black consciousness movements around the world, Black Skin, White Masks is the unsurpassed study of the black psyche in a white world. Hailed for its scientific analysis and poetic grace when it was first published in 1952, the book remains a vital force today from one of the most important theorists of revolutionary struggle, colonialism, and racial difference in history.
The Concept of Representation
by Hanna F. PitkinBeing concerned with representation, this book is about an idea, a concept, a word. It is primarily a conceptual analysis, not a historical study of the way in which representative government has evolved, nor yet an empirical investigation of the behavior of contemporary representatives or the expectations voters have about them. Yet, although the book is about a word, it is not about mere words, not merely about words. For the social philosopher, for the social scientist, words are not "mere"; they are the tools of his trade and a vital part of his subject matter. Since human beings are not merely political animals but also language-using animals, their behavior is shaped by their ideas. What they do and how they do it depends upon how they see themselves and their world, and this in turn depends upon the concepts through which they see. Learning what "representation" means and learning how to represent are intimately connected. But even beyond this, the social theorist sees the world through a network of concepts. Our words define and delimit our world in important ways, and this is particularly true of the world of human and social things. For a zoologist may capture a rare specimen and simply observe it; but who can capture an instance of representation (or of power, or of interest)? Such things, too, can be observed, but the observation always presupposes at least a rudimentary conception of what representation (or power, or interest) is, what counts as representation, where it leaves off and some other phenomenon begins. Questions about what representation is, or is like, are not fully separable from the question of what "representation" means. This book approaches the former questions by way of the latter.
The Enlightenment Tradition
by Robert AnchorThis synoptic survey examines critically the origins, development, decline, and historical significance of the European Enlightenment. The underlying theme of the inquiry is the real and possible relevance of the Enlightenment tradition to contemporary Western society.