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Understanding Utilitarianism (Understanding Movements In Modern Thought Ser.)
by Tim MulganUtilitarianism - a philosophy based on the principle of the greatest happiness for the greatest number of people - has been hugely influential over the past two centuries. Beyond ethics or morality, utilitarian assumptions and arguments abound in modern economic and political life, especially in public policy. An understanding of utilitarianism is indeed essential to any understanding of contemporary society. "Understanding Utilitarianism" presents utilitarianism very much as a living tradition. The book begins with a summary of the classical utilitarianism of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Subsequent chapters trace the development of the central themes of utilitarian thought over the twentieth century, covering such questions as: What is happiness? Is happiness the only valuable thing? Is utilitarianism about acts or rules or institutions? Is utilitarianism unjust, or implausibly demanding, or impractical? and Where might utilitarianism go in the future?
Understanding Virtue Ethics (Understanding Movements in Modern Thought)
by Stan van HooftMore and more philosophers have advocated varieties of virtue-based ethics that challenge moral theory traditionally founded on moral obligation and the delineation of what is right or wrong in given situations. Virtue ethics, which focuses upon the character of moral agents more than on the moral status of their actions or the consequences of those actions, has become one of the most important and stimulating areas of contemporary ethical theory. "Understanding Virtue Ethics" is an accessible and lively introduction to the subject. It provides a broad overview of the history of virtue ethics from Aristotle to Nietzsche as well as examining the ideas of such contemporary writers as Ricoeur and Levinas. Major themes dealt with by moral theory are examined and how a virtue ethics approach to them differs from those of other traditions is explored. Practical problems of moral complexity such as abortion, euthanasia, and integrity in politics, and how they might be approached from a virtue perspective are considered. The charges of relativism and egoism that are often mounted against virtue ethics are rebutted and virtues that are especially relevant to contemporary life, namely, courage, taking responsibility, and reverence are examined in depth. Finally, the author argues that virtue ethics is highly relevant to our understanding of the moral dimensions of professional roles.
Understanding Visuals in the Life Sciences (Understanding Life)
by Han YuFrom photographs to micrographs, from the various types of graphs to fun, interactive visuals and games, there are many different forms in which science can be visualised. However, all of these forms of visualisation in the Life Sciences are susceptible to misunderstandings and misinformation. This accessible and concise book demonstrates the misconceptions surrounding the visuals used in popular life science communication. Richly illustrated in colour, this guide is packed with examples of commonly used visual types: photographs, micrographs, illustrations, graphs, interactive visuals, and infographics allowing visual creators to produce more effective visuals that aspire to being both attractive and informative for their target audience. It also encourages non-specialist readers to be more empowered and critical, to ask difficult questions, and to cultivate true engagement with science. This book is an invaluable resource for life scientists and science communicators, and anyone who creates visuals for public or non-specialist readers.
Understanding War: An Essay on the Nuclear Age (Points of Conflict)
by W B *Decd* W. B. GallieFirst published in 1990. With the exception of Clausewitz, no reflective thinker has seriously engaged with the concept of war - with its persistent changeability and the dominant direction of its changes.The results of this failure are seen in the extreme logical weakness of most debates, during the last two centuries, on the possibility of eliminating war and, since 1945, on the possibility of eliminating nuclear weapons.Orderly, clear, and reflective, Understanding War develops two main theses: first, that the horrendous escalation of war's destructiveness in this century is primarily the result of the inherently cumulative character of war itself rather than of the application to war of recent science-based technologies; and second, that the irreversible destructiveness of nuclear weapons suggests how joint action by the superpowers could prevent their being used in any future war.
Understanding Western Culture: Philosophy, Religion, Literature And Organizational Culture
by Guobin Xu Yanhui Chen Lianhua XuPromoting cultural understanding in a globalized world, this collection offers a new perspective on Western philosophy and religion through the voices of Chinese scholars. It examines the evolution of economic and political structures across the United States and the European Union, as well as key developments in various educational systems in the United Kingdom, Sweden, the US, France and Germany. As an interdisciplinary study situated at the intersection of sociology, history, culture and philosophy, this book re-examines pivotal structures and developments in Western countries and provides readers with a succinct yet effective way of mastering a deeper understanding of Western culture.
Understanding White Privilege: Creating Pathways to Authentic Relationships Across Race (Teaching/Learning Social Justice)
by Frances KendallKnowingly and unknowingly we all grapple with race every day. Understanding White Privilege delves into the complex interplay between race, power, and privilege in both organizations and private life. It offers an unflinching look at how ignorance can perpetuate privilege, and offers practical and thoughtful insights into how people of all races can work to break this cycle. Based on thirty years of work in diversity and colleges, universities, and corporations, Frances Kendall candidly invites readers to think personally about how race — theirs and others’ — frames experiences and relationships, focusing squarely on white privilege and its implications for building authentic relationships across race. This much-anticipated revised edition includes two full new chapters, one on white women and another extending the discussion on race. It continues the important work of the first, deepening our knowledge of the recurring history on which cross-race relationships issues exist. Kendall’s book provides readers with a more meaningful understanding of white privilege and equips them with strategies for making personal and organizational changes.
Understanding Whitehead
by Victor LoweOriginally published in 1962. The central aim of this book is to discuss the development of Alfred North Whitehead's thought and to underscore how it is unique. Understanding Whitehead collects nine essays written by Victor Lowe originally published between 1941 and 1961. The essays have been revised for inclusion in this volume.
Understanding Wittgenstein's Tractatus
by Pasquale FrascollaUnderstanding Wittgenstein's Tractatus provides an accessible and yet novel discussion of all the major themes of the Tractatus. The book starts by setting out the history and structure of the Tractatus. It then investigates the two main dimensions of the early Wittgenstein's thought, corresponding to the division between what language can say by means of its propositions and what language can only show. It goes on to discuss picture theory, logical atomism, extensionality, truth-functions and truth-operations, semantics, metalogic and mathematics, solipsism and value, metaphysics, and finally, Wittgenstein's idea of the duty of maintaining silence. Frascolla also proposes a new interpretation of the ontology of the Tractatus. Based on the identification of objects with qualia, the argument put forward in the book challenges the currently prevalent ideas of the ‘New Wittgenstein'. The paradoxical nature of the Tractatus itself, and the theme of "throwing away the ladder", are thus revisited in a new key. Understanding Wittgenstein's Tractatus is essential reading for anyone wishing to further their insight into one of the most influential works of twentieth-century philosophy.
Understanding YHWH: The Name of God in Biblical, Rabbinic, and Medieval Jewish Thought (Jewish Thought and Philosophy)
by Hillel Ben-SassonThis book unlocks the Jewish theology of YHWH in three central stages of Jewish thought: the Hebrew bible, rabbinic literature, and medieval philosophy and mysticism. Providing a single conceptual key adapted from the philosophical debate on proper names, the book paints a dynamic picture of YHWH’s meanings over a spectrum of periods and genres, portraying an evolving interaction between two theological motivations: the wish to speak about God and the wish to speak to Him. Through this investigation, the book shows how Jews interpreted God's name in attempt to map the human-God relation, and to determine the measure of possibility for believers to realize a divine presence in their midst, through language.
Understanding Youth: Adolescent Development for Educators
by Michael J. Nakkula Eric ToshalisAdolescent development research and theory have tremendous potential to inform the work of high school teachers, counselors, and administrators. Understanding Youth bridges the gap between adolescent development theory and practice. Nakkula and Toshalis explore how factors such as social class, peer and adult relationships, gender norms, and the media help to shape adolescents&’ sense of themselves and their future expectations and aspirations.
Understanding Zen
by Benjamin Radcliff Amy Radcliff"The authors of this book, who both have university affiliations, present Zen as a "secular doctrine without any necessary relationship to Buddhism or Eastern culture." Some of the seven chapters deal with such concepts as reason, paradox, meaning, and existence and how they relate to Zen. Others explore successfully the origin of Zen, the practice of meditation, and the social implications of Zen. The authors also investigate the Taoist and Buddhist ideas preceding Zen and relate it to Freudian psychology, anarchism, and the dualistic truths of the scientific method. Though this well-done study is accessible to informed lay readers, it is more suitable for academic libraries."--Library Journal
Understanding Zen
by Benjamin Radcliff Amy Radcliff"The authors of this book, who both have university affiliations, present Zen as a "secular doctrine without any necessary relationship to Buddhism or Eastern culture." Some of the seven chapters deal with such concepts as reason, paradox, meaning, and existence and how they relate to Zen. Others explore successfully the origin of Zen, the practice of meditation, and the social implications of Zen. The authors also investigate the Taoist and Buddhist ideas preceding Zen and relate it to Freudian psychology, anarchism, and the dualistic truths of the scientific method. Though this well-done study is accessible to informed lay readers, it is more suitable for academic libraries."--Library Journal
Understanding a Course in Miracles
by Iyanla Vanzant D. Patrick MillerThis comprehensive introduction to the grassroots phenomenon A Course in Miracles covers the book's role in America's changing spiritual landscape, investigates its origins and history, and explains its principal tenets and philosophies. Weaving together extensive research and student perspectives, journalist D. Patrick Miller sheds light on the provocative and oft-misunderstood text. An examination of the teachings and influence of A Course in Miracles, one of the most popular and controversial texts in contemporary spirituality. With a new foreword by Iyanla VanzantCovers common questions, such as What exactly is the Course? Is it Christian, Buddhist, New Age, or something else entirely? How did the author channel the message? More than two million copies of A Course in Miracles available worldwide in 19 languages, with thousands of study groups devoted to it. From the Trade Paperback edition.
Understanding and Being: The Halifax Lectures on Insight, Volume 5
by Bernard Lonergan Elizabeth Morelli Mark MorelliBernard Lonergan (1904-1984) was a noted Canadian philosopher and theologian. He devoted his life to articulating a generalized method of inquiry and its implications, not only for the human and natural sciences, but also for a better world and a higher quality of human life. His own clear vision showed him the need to overcome the terrible fragmentation of knowledge and life in our time. The struggle to achieve an integrated view is the theme that unified the body of his work. In the history of that struggle, Understanding and Being plays a central role. Published a year after his profound and complex Insight, it is the edited transcription of some thirty hours of Lonergan's lectures on that seminal book. Understanding and Being serves as a guide to the very challenging terrain of Insight, or, as one commentator put it, if Insight is the Everest in the range of Lonergan's works, Understanding and Being is the approach through rolling foothills. This edition, the second, incorporates more of the historical setting in the text and adds a wealth of explanatory notes, as well as previously unedited discussions that followed the lectures.
Understanding and Changing the World: From Information to Knowledge and Intelligence
by Joseph SifakisThis book discusses the importance of knowledge as an intangible asset, separate from physical entities, that can enable us to understand and/or change the world. It provides a thorough treatment of knowledge, one that is free of ideological and philosophical preconceptions, and which relies exclusively on concepts and principles from the theory of computing and logic. It starts with an introduction to knowledge as truthful and useful information, and its development and management by computers and humans. It analyses the relationship between computational processes and physical phenomena, as well as the processes of knowledge production and application by humans and computers. In turn, the book presents autonomous systems that are called upon to replace humans in complex operations as a step toward strong AI, and discusses the risks – real or hypothetical – of the careless use of these systems. It compares human and machine intelligence, attempting to answer the question of whether and to what extent computers, as they stand today, can approach human-level situation awareness and decision-making. Lastly, the book explains the functioning of individual consciousness as an autonomous system that manages short- and long-term objectives on the basis of value criteria and accumulated knowledge. It discusses how individual values are shaped in society and the role of institutions in fostering and maintaining a common set of values for strengthening social cohesion. The book differs from books on the philosophy of science in many respects, e.g. by considering knowledge in its multiple facets and degrees of validity and truthfulness. It follows the dualist tradition of logicians, emphasizing the importance of logic and language and considering an abstract concept of information very different from the one used in the physical sciences. From this perspective, it levels some hopefully well-founded criticism at approaches that consider information and knowledge as nothing more than the emergent properties of physical phenomena. The book strikes a balance between popular books that sidestep fundamental issues and focus on sensationalism, and scientific or philosophical books that are not accessible to non-experts. As such, it is intended for a broad audience interested in the role of knowledge as a driver for change and development, and as a common good whose production and application could shape the future of humanity.
Understanding and Conscious Experience: Philosophical and Scientific Perspectives (Routledge Studies in the Philosophy of Science)
by Mircea Dumitru Andrei Ionuț MărăşoiuThis volume explores how understanding relates to conscious experience. In doing so, it builds bridges between different philosophical disciplines and provides a metaphysically robust characterization of understanding, both in and beyond science.The past two decades have witnessed growing interest from epistemologists, philosophers of science, philosophers of mind and ethicists in the nature and value of intellectual understanding. This volume features original essays on understanding and the phenomenal experiences that underlie it. The chapters are divided into three thematic sections. Part 1 provides theoretical characterizations of understanding, including Henk de Regt’s defense of a contextual theory of scientific understanding and a debate on whether scientific inference and explanatory power are necessary or central features of understanding. Part 2 explores how conscious experience and understanding are related. The chapters articulate a phenomenal theory of understanding and address themes that are connected to understanding, including awareness, transformative experiences and exemplification. Finally, Part 3 is devoted to domain-specific inquiries about understanding, such as logical proofs, particle physics and moral understanding.Understanding and Conscious Experience will be of interest to scholars and advanced students working in the philosophy of science, epistemology, philosophy of mind, ethics and phenomenology.
Understanding and Dealing with Controlling, Intimidating and Manipulative Personalities
by Martin J SmithThis book will examine at individuals who control, intimate, and manipulate in work, home, family, and social environments, using robust Psychological theory to comprehend and successfully tackle those who exhibit these behaviours. The focus of this book will be to look at general Personality theory together with more specific focus on the Dark Triad of personality traits and, from the Five Factor Model, the domain of Agreeableness vs Antagonism. This approach will build a greater understanding of a much broader form of controlling intimidating and manipulative personality type. The book will include both useable techniques as well as self-reflection exercises the reader can use or pass on to students, clients and service users. This book is based on a programme the author has been teaching for over twelve years to a range of audiences across a variety of roles and has also been highlighted frequently in the press over the past decade.
Understanding and Interpreting Machine Learning in Medical Image Computing Applications: First International Workshops, Mlcn 2018, Dlf 2018, And Imimic 2018, Held In Conjunction With Miccai 2018, Granada, Spain, September 16-20, 2018, Proceedings (Lecture Notes in Computer Science #11038)
by Sergio Pereira Mauricio Reyes M. Jorge Cardoso Ipek Oguz Lena Maier-Hein Danail Stoyanov Zeike Taylor Anne Martel Seyed Mostafa Kia Andre F. Marquand Edouard Duchesnay Tommy Löfstedt Bennett Landman Carlos A. Silva Raphael MeierThis book constitutes the refereed joint proceedings of the First International Workshop on Machine Learning in Clinical Neuroimaging, MLCN 2018, the First International Workshop on Deep Learning Fails, DLF 2018, and the First International Workshop on Interpretability of Machine Intelligence in Medical Image Computing, iMIMIC 2018, held in conjunction with the 21st International Conference on Medical Imaging and Computer-Assisted Intervention, MICCAI 2018, in Granada, Spain, in September 2018. The 4 full MLCN papers, the 6 full DLF papers, and the 6 full iMIMIC papers included in this volume were carefully reviewed and selected. The MLCN contributions develop state-of-the-art machine learning methods such as spatio-temporal Gaussian process analysis, stochastic variational inference, and deep learning for applications in Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and multi-site neuroimaging data analysis; the DLF papers evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of DL and identify the main challenges in the current state of the art and future directions; the iMIMIC papers cover a large range of topics in the field of interpretability of machine learning in the context of medical image analysis.
Understanding and Using Educational Theories
by Karl Aubrey Alison RileyThis textbook gives readers a clear overview of a selection of 19 of the most influential thinkers on education, including established names (Vygotsky, Bruner, Dewey), more recent thinkers (Freire, hooks, Claxton) and other key names whose writing has helped shaped our views on teaching and learning. Each chapter includes practical examples showing how theories can be used to inform classroom teaching, and critiques of each theorist exploring opposing viewpoints and the strengths and weaknesses of different ideas. This third edition includes: New chapters on Barak Rosenshine and Daniel Goleman Revamped reflective tasks with a greater practical focus for the classroom More models and theoretical diagrams throughout This is an essential primer for any university course that includes learning theory, with particular relevance for initial teacher education, education studies and early childhood degrees. Karl Aubrey has recently retired from his post at Bishop Grosseteste University. Alison Riley is the Programme Leader for the BA Early Childhood Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University.
Understanding and Using Educational Theories
by Karl Aubrey Alison RileyThis textbook gives readers a clear overview of a selection of 19 of the most influential thinkers on education, including established names (Vygotsky, Bruner, Dewey), more recent thinkers (Freire, hooks, Claxton) and other key names whose writing has helped shaped our views on teaching and learning. Each chapter includes practical examples showing how theories can be used to inform classroom teaching, and critiques of each theorist exploring opposing viewpoints and the strengths and weaknesses of different ideas. This third edition includes: New chapters on Barak Rosenshine and Daniel Goleman Revamped reflective tasks with a greater practical focus for the classroom More models and theoretical diagrams throughout This is an essential primer for any university course that includes learning theory, with particular relevance for initial teacher education, education studies and early childhood degrees. Karl Aubrey has recently retired from his post at Bishop Grosseteste University. Alison Riley is the Programme Leader for the BA Early Childhood Studies at Bishop Grosseteste University.
Understanding and Working with Shame: Psychotherapeutic, Cultural and Philosophical Perspectives
by Carsten René JørgensenThis book discusses the pivotal role of shame in a wide range of mental disorders and as a driving force in societal polarization and escalating conflicts between nations and population groups.Exploring the phenomenology of one of the most vulnerable and painful of human emotions, shame, Jørgensen dives deep into its many facets and the ways in which it manifests in mental illnesses and everyday life. Delving into an in-depth discussion of the differentiation between the moral and ethical feelings of guilt and shame, he presses the need to distinguish between constructive and destructive feelings of shame. He examines how shame permeates societal and cultural expectations, on both individual and collective levels. Solution-centric in its approach, the author not only discusses the destructive feelings of shame particularly common among individuals with more severe mental disorders, but also offers specific advice to therapists on how to deal with it.The book will be an essential read for psychoanalysts, psychotherapists, philosophers, and anyone wanting to understand the power of shame in our lives.
Understanding the Cold War: History, Approaches and Debates
by Elspeth O'RiordanThis book provides an advanced introduction to the Cold War, assessing its origins, development and conclusion as a dynamic interaction between superpower confrontation and complex regional and local situations. The evolution of the subject’s scholarly debate is discussed throughout and the contest situated alongside enduring historical themes including decolonisation, development, nationalism and globalisation. Regional case studies, on Europe, East and Southeast Asia, Latin America and the Middle East, illuminate the Cold War’s global reach. Thematic analysis considers competition in military, strategic and economic spheres, as well as in aspects of culture, ideology, society, and Human Rights. The Cold War’s transnational elements and facets of international cooperation are also highlighted. The book unpacks the subject’s extensive scholarly discourse, underlining the interdisciplinary character of today’s Cold War historiography and the importance of understanding that its development has been informed by a vibrant interface between international history, international relations and the Cold War itself.
Understanding the Emotions of Second Language Writing Teachers: A Chinese Tertiary Educational Context (English Language Education #40)
by Shulin Yu Feng GengThis book incorporates both practice-based information and research to underpin teachers' emotions in the teaching and learning settings of second language (L2) writing, in the Chinese tertiary educational context. It introduces and validates a new conceptual framework for evaluating the causes and effects of the emotions of L2 writing teachers and investigates their emotional experiences in the context of the classroom. Additionally, it demonstrates the mediating effect of emotion-regulation strategies on L2 writing teachers’ pedagogical practices, writing assessment practices, teacher–student relationships, and well-being. Finally, this book provides theoretical, practical, and pedagogical implications of emotion regulation and management in order to implement the L2 writing curriculum.
Understanding the History of the Aceh Conflict: Social Revolution in Post-Independence Indonesia (1945-1949)
by SM AminThis book is the first English translation of the original text Atjeh Sepintas Lalu published in 1950 in Bahasa Indonesia by one of Indonesia’s leading lawyers, writers, and political figures, examining the history of the continuously turbulent Aceh. The book describes the legal and political situation in Aceh between 1945 and 1949, considering the events and incidents that related to the government, judiciary, civil servants, and life of the parties at the time. It unpacks the dispute between two major streams of thoughts that cut across the people of Aceh during that era – one based on religious teachings, and the other on secular principles. What followed was the unavoidable emergence of disparate groups, which, in turn, yielded conflict. The author, as a former insider in the Aceh government, was able to uncover the 'inside story' on the ground, in analyzing and discussing this fragment of the history of Aceh. A unique resource, this translation – presented six decades after it was first made available – is still invaluable today, allowing readers to interpret the events that occurred in Aceh at the time in the context of an understanding of Aceh’s development today. This book will be of keen interest to specialists in Islamic law, regionalism, historians of Indonesia, as well as social scientists interested in the early post-independence history of Indonesia.
Understanding the Impact of Machine Learning on Labor and Education: A Time-Dependent Turing Test (SpringerBriefs in Philosophy)
by Joseph GanemThis book provides a novel framework for understanding and revising labor markets and education policies in an era of machine learning. It posits that while learning and knowing both require thinking, learning is fundamentally different than knowing because it results in cognitive processes that change over time. Learning, in contrast to knowing, requires time and agency. Therefore, “learning algorithms”—that enable machines to modify their actions based on real-world experiences—are a fundamentally new form of artificial intelligence that have potential to be even more disruptive to labor markets than prior introductions of digital technology. To explore the difference between knowing and learning, Turing’s “Imitation Game,”—that he proposed as a test for machine thinking—is expanded to include time dependence. The arguments presented in the book introduce three novel concepts: (1) Comparative learning advantage: This is a concept analogous to comparative labor advantage but arises from the disparate times required to learn new knowledge bases/skillsets. It is argued that in the future, comparative learning advantages between humans and machines will determine their division of labor. (2) Two dimensions of job performance—expertise and interpersonal: Job tasks can be sorted into two broad categories. Tasks that require expertise have stable endpoints, which makes these tasks inherently repetitive and subject to automation. Tasks that are interpersonal are highly context-dependent and lack stable endpoints, which makes these tasks inherently non-routine. Humans compared to machines have a comparative learning advantage along the interpersonal dimension, which is increasing in value economically. (3) The Learning Game is a time-dependent version of Turing’s “Imitation Game.” It is more than a thought experiment. The “Learning Game” provides a mathematical framework with quantitative criteria for training and assessing comparative learning advantages. The book is highly interdisciplinary—presenting philosophical arguments in economics, artificial intelligence, and education. It also provides data, mathematical analysis, and testable criteria that researchers in these fields will find of practical use. The book calls for a rethinking of how labor markets operate and how the education system should prepare students for future jobs. It concludes with a list of counterintuitive recommendations for future education and labor policies that all stakeholders—employers, employees, educators, students, and political leaders—should heed.