Philosophical traditions and schools of thought Books

Book SynopsisIn her never-finished My Life’s Travels and Adventures, the eighteenth-century Polish doctor Regina Salomea Pilsztynowa plays a myriad of roles, including child bride, wife, mother, lover, adventuress, slave trader, writer, and home-taught physician. She successfully carved out a viable niche for herself, navigating the multicultural, multiethnic, and varied religious environment of Europe’s eastern periphery. Despite limited expectations for female professionals, she became a highly sought after and well-respected practitioner of the medical arts and rose to the position of court physician to Turkish pashas and Hungarian princes, and even to Sultan Mustafa III. My Life’s Travels and Adventures—part memoir, part autobiography, and part travelogue—provides a view into eighteenth-century social, professional, and gender interactions and weaves a rich narrative replete with vignettes of love, travel, and popular superstitions important to our historical, ethnographic, and religious understanding of the era. This edition brings the entirety of this personal and idiosyncratic memoir to English for the first time. Trade Review“Thanks entirely to the discovery of her lost memoir at the end of the nineteenth century, Regina Salomea Pilsztynowa enjoys the reputation of being the first female doctor in Polish history. And how all this came about is a fascinating story, vividly conveyed in Roczniak’s tour-de-force translation. . . . Pilsztynowa’s compelling story as told in this splendid critical edition is worthy of her legacy.” -- Barry Keane, University of WarsawTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction The Other Voice Her Life, Her Book, and Her Times The Emancipate’s Journey Pilsztynowa as Other, Pilsztynowa and Others Note on Locations and Translation My Life’s Travels and Adventures Preface, To the Estimable Reader Chapter One, First Journey to Istanbul, and Other Adventures Chapter Two, My Second Marriage, and Other Adventures Chapter Three, The Disagreement with Mr. Bekierski, and My Cavalier Chapter Four, My Second Arrival in Istanbul Chapter Five, The Turkish Sect Chapter Six, The Route to Jerusalem Chapter Seven, About Fasting on Saturdays Appendix One: Glossary of Places Appendix Two: Pilsztynowa’s Patients Appendix Three: Chronology Bibliography Index

Read more less

Book SynopsisIn A Philosophy of Pessimism Stuart Sim traces the development of pessimistic thought in the Western history. he argues that that pessimism is a realistic worldview, that it deserves to be personally cultivated and that it is in the public interest that its cause is defended vigorously.

Read more less

Book SynopsisToday, simple living is a rallying cry for anti-consumerists, environmentalists and anyone concerned with humanity’s effect on the planet. But what is so revolutionary about a simple life? Why are we so fascinated with simplicity today? Why do we still sometimes resist simplifying our lives? A Philosophy of Simple Living brings together an array of people, practices and movements, from Henry David Thoreau to Steve Jobs, and from Cynics and Quakers to voluntary simplicity and degrowth. Written in elegant, spare prose, this book will inspire all who wish to simplify their lives and convince many that a good life is a simple life.Trade Review"In this insightful debut, Brillaud. . . analyzes the 'simple life' by examining historical figures who 'saw simplicity as a way of life.' Among the exemplars of simplicity Brillaud surveys are antiestablishment spiritual pioneers such as the desert monks of early Christianity and the Shakers of the late eighteenth century, as well as philosophical giants including fourth-century BCE philosopher Diogenes the Cynic and American transcendentalist Henry David Thoreau. Each, Brillaud writes, sought to lessen the noise of a busy life in order to 'remain attuned to the quiet activity of living which transpired in and around them.' Ironically, in offering a diverse array of paragons and dissecting their choices—for example, when he opens the book with a deep dive into various stages of Greek philosophy, language, and history—Brillaud’s study gets pretty complicated. While the academic nuance helps illustrate different approaches to the simple life, one is left wondering what the simple life really is; Brillaud admits it’s 'a concept with far-reaching resonance' and that it cannot be reduced to 'static principles, lofty ambitions, or technological expedients.' Those looking for advice on creating a 'life governed by simple rules' will enjoy Brillaud’s inviting portraits." * Publishers Weekly *“A powerfully insightful work that deserves wide attention at a time of unprecedented confoundment and burden in the human condition.” -- Brendan Gleeson, author of "The Urban Condition"“Thoughtful and beautifully written. . . . A must-read in our era of noise and distraction.” -- Phillip John Usher, New York University"This fascinating and well-written book by Brillaud does not evangelize about simple living or tell readers how to think or live. Rather, it is a diverse and profound review of various perspectives on simplicity that have emerged throughout the ages, from the Ancient Greeks, through Christianity, to the modern Voluntary Simplicity Movement, with notable discussions of prominent figures including Diogenes, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Henry Thoreau. Paradoxically, however, it turns out the notion of ‘simplicity’ is surprisingly complex, but readers will be both challenged and enriched by this paradox. Brillaud has made a fine contribution to the philosophical literature on a concept that is as important as it is neglected." -- Samuel Alexander, author of "Prosperous Descent: Crisis as Opportunity in an Age of Limits" and editor of "Simple Living in History: Pioneers of the Deep Future""Brillaud's superb work is a powerful reminder that Western intellectual and cultural history is full of admiration for simple living. In an age of soaring emissions and growing environmental impacts, a return to simplicity—to localism, to conscious living, to low-impact lifestyles—is not only a means of survival and an ethical imperative, but also a pathway to rediscovering the basic joys of life." -- Jeremy Caradonna, adjunct professor of environmental studies, University of Victoria, author of "Sustainability: A History"Table of ContentsIntroduction: What's in a Name? 1 Simple Beginnings 2 Walking in Simplicity 3 The `Gift to Be Simple' 4 A Simple Reform 5 Simplicity Made Simple Conclusion: A Simple Voice References Bibliography Acknowledgements

Read more less

Book SynopsisThis text stresses the importance of Hume's "An Inquiry Concerning Human Understanding" not only as a philosophical text in its own right, but also as a starting point for developing an understanding of broader philosophical issues. Taking in such thinkers as Pierce, Wittgenstein, Frege and Ryle, the book is written as a companion volume to the "Inquiry". First published in 1961, this is a reprint of the corrected 1966 edition.Trade Review'I think very highly of the book. It has scholarship and fire. Almost a record.' - Gilbert Ryle '[A]dmirably clear to read . . . he ought to give sufficient food for thought to any worthwhile student, and make him read the Inquiry more profitably.' - Mind 'Any subsequent discussion of Hume's secularism will have to begin with Flew.' - John Passmore, The Philosophical Review

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less

Book Synopsis

Read more less