Philosophy of science Books

Book SynopsisBringing his cosmic perspective to civilization on Earth, Neil deGrasse Tyson, bestselling author ofAstrophysics for People in a Hurry,shines new light on the crucial fault lines of our timewar, politics, religion, truth, beauty, gender, race, and tribalismin a way that stimulates a deeper sense of unity for us all.In a time when our political and cultural perspectives feel more divisive than ever, Tyson provides a much-needed antidote to so much of what divides us, while making a passionate case for the twin engines of enlightenmenta cosmic perspective and the rationality of science.After thinking deeply about how a scientist views the world and about what Earth looks like from space, Tyson has found that terrestrial thoughts change as our brain resets and recalibrates life''s priorities, along with the actions we might take in response. As a result, no outlook on culture, society, or civilisation remains untouched.InStarry Messenger, Tyson reveals just how human the enterprise of science is. Far from a cold, unfeeling undertaking, scientific methods, tools, and discoveries have shaped modern civilisation and created the landscape we''ve built for ourselves on which to live, work, and play. Tyson shows how an infusion of science and rational thinking renders worldviews deeper and more informed than ever beforeand exposes unfounded perspectives and unjustified emotions.With crystalline prose and an abundance of evidence,Starry Messengerwalks us through the scientific palette that sees and paints the world differently. From lessons on resolving global conflict to reminders of how precious it is to be alive, Tyson reveals, with warmth and eloquence, ten surprising, brilliant, and beautiful truths of human society, informed and enlightened by knowledge of our place in the universe.

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Book SynopsisIn Darwin''s Dangerous Idea: Evolution and the Meanings of Life Daniel C. Dennett argues that the theory of evolution can demystify the miracles of life without devaluing our most cherished beliefs. From the moment it first appeared, Charles Darwin''s theory of evolution by natural selection has been controversial: misrepresented, abused, denied and fiercely debated. In this powerful defence of Darwin, Daniel C. Dennett explores every aspect of evolutionary thinking to show why it is so fundamental to our existence, and why it affirms - not threatens - our convictions about the meaning of life. ''Essential and pleasurable for any thinking person''Stephen Pinker ''A surpassingly brilliant book. Where creative, it lifts the reader to new intellectual heights. Where critical, it is devastating''Richard Dawkins ''A brilliant piece of persuasion, excitingly argued and compulsively readable''The Times Higher Education SuppleTable of ContentsPart I Starting in the middle: tell me why; an idea is born; universal acid; the tree of life; the possible and the actual; threads of actuality in design space. Part II Darwinian thinking in biology: priming Darwin's pump; biology is engineering; searching for quality; bully for brontosaurus; controversies contained. Part III Mind, meaning, mathematics, and morality: cranes of culture; losing our minds to Darwin; the evolution of meanings; the emperor's new mind, and other fables; on the origin of morality; redesigning morality; the future of an idea.

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Book SynopsisPaul Davies'' The Mind of God: Science and the Search for Ultimate Meaning explores how modern science is beginning to shed light on the mysteries of our existence. Is the universe - and our place in it - the result of random chance, or is there an ultimate meaning to existence? Where did the laws of nature come from? Were they created by a higher force, or can they be explained in some other way? How, for example, could a mechanism as complex as an eye have evolved without a creator? Paul Davies argues that the achievement of science and mathematics in unlocking the secrets of nature mean that there must be a deep and significant link between the human mind and the organization of the physical world. In this quest for an ultimate explanation of the universe, he examines the origin of the cosmos, the possibility of other universes and the claim that we inhabit a kind of gigantic computer. The universe is, he concludes, no mere quirk of fate but a meanTrade ReviewMakes us re-examine the great questions of existence * The New York Times *The greatest achievement of the book is to provide an insight into the nature of science itself and the uncertainties that lie in the physical realm -- John Gribbin * Sunday Times *For those brought up on a diet of Adam and Eve, The Mind of God will make surprising reading * Independent *Table of ContentsPart 1 Reason and belief: the scientific miracle; human reason and common sense; thoughts about thought; a rational world; metaphysics - who needs it?; time and eternity - the fundamental paradox of existence. Part 2 Can the universe create itself?: was there a creation event?; creation from nothing; the beginning of time; cyclic world revisited; continuous creation; did God cause the Big Bang?; creation without creation; mother and child universes. Part 3 What are the laws of nature?: the origin of law; the cosmic code; the status of the laws today; what does it mean for something to "exist"?; in the beginning. Part 4 Mathematics and reality: magic numbers; mechanizing mathematics; the uncomputable; why does arithmetic work?; Russian dolls and artificial life. Part 5 Real worlds and virtual worlds: simulating reality; is the universe a computer?; the unattainable; the unknowable; the cosmic programme. Part 6 The mathematical secret: is mathematics already "out there"?; the cosmic computer; why us?; why are the laws of nature mathematical?; how can we know something without knowing everything?. Part 7 Why is the world the way it is?: an intelligible universe; a unique theory of everything?; contingent order; the best of all possible worlds? beauty as a guide to truth; is God necessary?; a dipolar God and wheeler's cloud; does God have to exist?; the options; a God who plays dice. Part 8 Designer universe: the unity of the Universe; life is so difficult; has the universe been design by an intelligent creator?; the ingenuity of nature; a place for everything and everything in its place; is there need for a designer?; multiple realities; cosmological Darwinism. Part 9 The mystery at the end of the universe: turtle power; mystical knowledge; the infinite; what is man?.

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Book Synopsis''Science has never had an advocate quite like David Deutsch ... A computational physicist on a par with his touchstones Alan Turing and Richard Feynman, and a philosopher in the line of his greatest hero, Karl Popper. His arguments are so clear that to read him is to experience the thrill of the highest level of discourse available on this planet and to understand it'' Peter Forbes, IndependentIn our search for truth, how far have we advanced? This uniquely human quest for good explanations has driven amazing improvements in everything from scientific understanding and technology to politics, moral values and human welfare. But will progress end, either in catastrophe or completion - or will it continue infinitely?In this profound and seminal book, David Deutsch explores the furthest reaches of our current understanding, taking in the Infinity Hotel, supernovae and the nature of optimism, to instill in all of us a wonder at what we have achieved - and the fact that this is only the beginning of humanity''s infinite possibility.''This is Deutsch at his most ambitious, seeking to understand the implications of our scientific explanations of the world ... I enthusiastically recommend this rich, wide-ranging and elegantly written exposition of the unique insights of one of our most original intellectuals'' Michael Berry, Times Higher Education Supplement ''Bold ... profound ... provocative and persuasive'' Economist''David Deutsch may well go down in history as one of the great scientists of our age'' ScotsmanTrade ReviewExperience the thrill of the highest level of discourse available on this planet ... This is the great Life, the Universe and Everything book for our time * Independent *Bold ... profound ... provocative and persuasive. * The Economist *Science has never had an advocate quite like David Deutsch. He is a computational physicist on a par with his touchstones Alan Turing and Richard Feynman, and also a philosopher in the line of his greatest hero, Karl Popper. His arguments are so clear that to read him is to experience the thrill of the highest level of discourse available on this planet and to understand it. -- Peter Forbes * The Independent *This is Deutsch at his most ambitious, seeking to understand the implications of our scientific explanations of the world ... I enthusiastically recommend this rich, wide-ranging and elegantly written exposition of the unique insights of one of our most original intellectuals. -- Michael Berry * Times Higher Education Supplement *David Deutsch...may well go down in history as one of the great scientists of our age. -- Andrew Crumey * The Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisCharles Darwin's seminal formulation of the theory of Evolution, On the Origin of Species continues to be as controversial today as when it was first published. Written for a general readership, On the Origin of Species sold out on the day of its publication and has remained in print ever since. Instantly and persistently controversial, the concept of natural selection transformed scientific analysis about all life on Earth. Before the Origin of Species, accepted thinking held that life was the static and perfect creation of God. By a single, systematic argument Darwin called this view into question. His ideas have affected public perception of everything from religion to economics. William Bynum's introduction discusses Darwin's life, the publication and reception of the themes of On the Origin of Species, and the subsequent development of its major themes. The new edition also includes brief biographies of some of the most impo

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Book SynopsisIn The Nature of Technology, ground-breaking economist W. Brian Arthur explores the extraordinary way in which the technology that surrounds us and allows us to live our modern lives has actually been developed. Rather than coming from a series of one-off inventions, almost all the technology we use today comes from previous developments: these technologies are not being created, but are instead evolving.With fascinating examples, from laser printers to powerplants, Arthur reveals how our own problem-solving skills and creative vision can evolve alongside these technologies, and how this understanding can even improve our understanding of the wider world.Trade ReviewA profoundly social view of innovation * The New York Times *Deeply analytical and thought-provoking * Good Book Guide *Entertaining and informative ... a thought-provoking book * Literary Review *

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Book SynopsisNobel Prize winner Werner Heisenberg''s classic account explains the central ideas of the quantum revolution, and his celebrated Uncertainty Principle. Heisenberg reveals how words and concepts familiar in daily life can lose their meaning in the world of relativity and quantum physics.This in turn has profound philosophical implications for the nature of reality.

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Book SynopsisPlanet Earth needs a self-help book, and this is itThe future is happening to us far faster than we thought it would and this book explains whyFifty years after Marshall McLuhan''s ground breaking book on the influence of technology on culture The Medium is the Massage, Shumon Basar, Douglas Coupland and Hans Ulrich Obrist extend the analysis to today, touring the world that''s redefined by the Internet, decoding and explaining what they call the ''extreme present''.The Age of Earthquakes is a quick-fire paperback, harnessing the images, language and perceptions of our unfurling digital lives. The authors invent a glossary of new words to describe how we are truly feeling today; and ''mindsource'' images and illustrations from over 30 contemporary artists. Wayne Daly''s striking graphic design imports the surreal, juxtaposed, mashed mannerisms of screen to page. It''s like a culturally prescient, all-knoTrade ReviewBrainy book that will rock your world * Evening Standard *Absolutely amazing -- Jon Snow * Channel 4 News *An email-like, culturally-perceptive exploration of our digital realities... a mix between a dystopian modern glossary, Internet memes, multiple-choice dropdowns, mindsourced images and a fair bit of wisdom, it is a self-help book for the "last generation that will die" * AnOther Magazine *A philosophical Anarchist Cookbook for the online era, when we are in touch with everyone at once all the time, or like to feel that we are... Like Marshall McLuhan's iconic dictum "the medium is the message" or the staccato bursts of meaning of George W.S. Trow's essay-book In the Context of No Context, The Age of Earthquakes is an abstract representation of how we feel now about how we are now. It's a book insistently engaged with the present tense... Perhaps it is the 21st century's first book-meme * Pacific Standard *Many of us feel like technologies of the future are arriving too slowly, but a new philosophy-cum-modern-self-help book suggests that, in fact, it's dawning on us faster than we ever thought possible * Vice *A pocket-sized primer on our blossoming obsolescence -- Kate Sutton * Art Forum *Age of Earthquakes = panic-inducingly addictive -- Penny Martin, editor of The GentlewomanIt's a fun, visual and easy read. Verdict: In the future all books will be written this way -- Sultan Saood Al QassimiAn abstract representation of how we feel about our digital world * Hello! *I don't know about you but I would very much like a guide to this brave new world * Huck *Addictive... A fun read. But one that makes you question how you read, why you read and just how much the internet has restructured our brains... It is a book not only inspired by the internet, but seemingly written by the internet. It is as if the internet gained not only artificial self-consciousness but wisdom - and then became your pal -- Tod Wodicka * National *I think everyone should read it -- Mike Pinnington * Double Negative *The Age of Earthquakes seeks to induce paradoxical visions of the contemporary, both ambivalent and critical * V Magazine *

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Book Synopsis''This is the most important conversation of our time, and Tegmark''s thought-provoking book will help you join it'' Stephen HawkingTHE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER. DAILY TELEGRAPH AND THE TIMES BOOKS OF THE YEARSELECTED AS ONE OF BARACK OBAMA''S FAVOURITE BOOKS OF 2018AI is the future - but what will that future look like? Will superhuman intelligence be our slave, or become our god?Taking us to the heart of the latest thinking about AI, Max Tegmark, the MIT professor whose work has helped mainstream research on how to keep AI beneficial, separates myths from reality, utopias from dystopias, to explore the next phase of our existence.How can we grow our prosperity through automation, without leaving people lacking income or purpose? How can we ensure that future AI systems do what we want without crashing, malfunctioning or getting hacked? Should we fear an arms race in lethal autonomous weapons? Will AI help life flourish as never before, or will machines eventually outsmart us at all tasks, and even, perhaps, replace us altogether? ''This is a rich and visionary book and everyone should read it'' The TimesTrade ReviewAll of us - not only scientists, industrialists and generals-should ask ourselves what can we do now to improve the chances of reaping the benefits of future AI and avoiding the risks. This is the most important conversation of our time, and Tegmark's thought-provoking book will help you join it -- Prof. Stephen HawkingThis is a rich and visionary book and everyone should read it. -- Oliver Moody * Sunday Times *I was riveted by this book. The transformational consequences of AI may soon be upon us­-but will they be utopian or catastrophic? The jury is out, but this enlightening, lively and accessible book by a distinguished scientist helps us to assess the odds. -- Prof. Martin Rees, Astronomer Royal, cosmology pioneer, author of Our Final HourThis is a compelling guide to the challenges and choices in our quest for a great future of life, intelligence and consciousness - on Earth and beyond. -- Elon Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla MotorsBeing an eminent physicist and the leader of the Future of Life Institute has given Max Tegmark a unique vantage point from which to give the reader an inside scoop on the most important issue of our time, in a way that is approachable without being dumbed down. -- Jaan Tallinn, co-founder of SkypeMax seeks to facilitate a much wider conversation about what kind of future we, as a species, would want to create. Though the topics he covers - AI, cosmology, values, even the nature of conscious experience - can be fairly challenging, he presents them in an unintimidating manner that invites the reader to form her own opinions. -- Prof. Nick Bostrom, Founder of Oxford's Future of Humanity Institute, author of SuperintelligenceThe unprecedented power unleashed by artificial intelligence means the next decade could be humanity's best - or worst. Max has written the most insightful and just plain fun exploration of AI's implications that I've ever read. If you haven't been exposed to Max's joyful mind yet, you're in for a huge treat. -- Prof. Erik Brynjolfsson, Director of the MIT Initiative on the Digital Economy and co-author of "The Second Machine Age”Max's new book is a deeply thoughtful guide to the most important conversation of our time, about how to create a benevolent future civilization as we merge our biological thinking with an even greater intelligence of our own creation. -- Ray Kurzweil, Inventor, Author and Futurist, author of The Singularity is Near and How to Create a MindThis is an exhilarating book that will change the way we think about AI, intelligence, and the future of humanity. -- Bart Selman, Professor of Computer Science, Cornell UniversityTegmark successfully gives clarity to the many faces of AI, creating a highly readable book [...] Enjoy the ride, and you will come out the other end with a greater appreciation of where people might take technology and themselves in the years ahead. * Science *Stands out ... Tegmark explains brilliantly many concepts in fields from computing to cosmology, writes with intellectual modesty and subtlety, does the reader the important service of defining his terms clearly, and rightly pays homage to the creative minds of science-fiction writers who were, of course, addressing these kinds of questions more than half a century ago. It's often very funny, too. -- Steven Poole * The Telegraph *Fascinating ... for sheer science fun, it's hard to beat -- Stuart Russell * Nature *Lucid and engaging [...] Tegmark's explanation of how electronic circuitry - or a human brain - could produce something as evanescent and immaterial as thought is both elegant and enlightening. -- Frank Rose * Wall Street Journal *It should be among the most important items on our political agenda. Unfortunately, AI has so far hardly registered on our political radar ... Max Tegmark's Life 3.0 tries to rectify the situation. Written in an accessible and engaging style, and aimed at the general public, the book offers a political and philosophical map of the promises and perils of the AI revolution. Instead of pushing any one agenda or prediction, Tegmark seeks to cover as much ground as possible, reviewing a wide variety of scenarios concerning the impact of AI on the job market, warfare and political systems. Life 3.0 does a good job of clarifying basic terms and key debates, and in dispelling common myths. -- Yuval Noah Harari * The Guardian *Tegmark's smart, freewheeling discussion leads to fascinating speculations on AI-based civilizations spanning galaxies and eons-and knotty questions: Will our digital overlords be conscious? Will they coddle us with abudance and virtual-reality idylls or exterminate us with bumblebee-size attack robots? While digerati may be enthralled by the idea of superintelligent civilizations where "beautiful theorems" servce as the main economic resource, Tegmark's future will strike many as a one in which, at best, humans are dependent on AI-powered technology and, at worst, are extinct... Love it or hate it, it's an engrossing forecast. * Publishers Weekly *'I view this conversation about the future of AI as the most important one of our time,' he writes. Life 3.0 might convince even those who believe that AI is overhyped to join in. -- Clive Cookson * Financial Times *Explores one of the most intriguing scientific frontiers, artificial general intelligence, and how humans can grow along with it. ... most will find the narrative irresistible. * Kirkus Reviews *

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Book SynopsisFrom one of our leading thinkers, a dazzling philosophical journey through virtual worldsIn the coming decades, the technology that enables virtual and augmented reality will improve beyond recognition. Within a century, world-renowned philosopher David J. Chalmers predicts, we will have virtual worlds that are impossible to distinguish from non-virtual worlds. But is virtual reality just escapism? In a highly original work of ''technophilosophy'', Chalmers argues categorically, no: virtual reality is genuine reality. Virtual worlds are not second-class worlds. We can live a meaningful life in virtual reality - and increasingly, we will.What is reality, anyway? How can we lead a good life? Is there a god? How do we know there''s an external world - and how do we know we''re not living in a computer simulation? In Reality+, Chalmers conducts a grand tour of philosophy, using cutting-edge technology to provide invigorating new answers to age-old questions.Drawing on examples from pop culture, literature and film that help bring philosophical issues to life, Reality+ is a mind-bending journey through virtual worlds, illuminating the nature of reality and our place within it.Trade ReviewChalmers is a joy: an exuberant guide through challenging terrain, quick with anecdotes and arguments, wit and wild ideas -- Kieran Setiya * TLS *Delightfully - or perhaps worryingly - convincing... A brilliant and very readable philosophical investigation... [Chalmers] tackles some frankly mindbending ideas, but does so in a lively and entertaining style, filled with references to pop culture -- PD Smith, Book of the Day * Guardian *Everyone should read this important book -- Josh Glancy * Sunday Times *Fascinating... Thoughtful, clear and funny... Reality+ is a gripping act of philosophical escapology... Hugely entertaining -- Kit Wilson * The Times *One of the most important living philosophers, existing in an exclusive club of living thinkers who are on compulsory reading lists for undergraduate philosophy students... He writes with admirable clarity and there's something quite rock'n'roll about him -- Bryan Appleyard * Spectator *[Chalmers] deftly interweaves the finer points of ancient Chinese philosophy and Cartesian dualism with the metaphysics of the Matrix films and the World of Warcraft computer games... A rich, scintillating [...] book that reflects many fascinating facets of our virtual worlds -- John Thornhill * Financial Times *A David Chalmers book is a competition. On the one hand the writing is so clear and engaging that you want to keep turning pages; on the other, the ideas are so surprising and profound that you are continually stopping to think about them. Reality+ is a treasure trove of provocative reflections on cosmology, consciousness, artificial intelligence, ethics, and more. Reading it will change the way you think about the universe -- Sean Carroll, author of Something Deeply Hidden: Quantum Worlds and the Emergence of SpacetimeFasten your seatbelt and put your helmet on, David Chalmers is going to take you on an amazing trip. Reality+ is wild, profound, and playful, placing famous arguments from the history of philosophy next to surprising observations about video games. Cleverly disguised as light reading, this book carries a large payload of new ideas about existence, knowledge, and what makes life worth living -- Jennifer Nagel, University of TorontoAs humanity enters a brave new world of artificial superintelligence and computer-generated virtual realities, how can we humble hunter-gatherers, descended from cavemen, begin to grasp our astonishing technological future? The answer lies in this book. We must think about the ultimate nature of reality. In Reality+ David Chalmers provides the roadmap to your future -- Susan Schneider, NASA/Library of Congress Chair in Astrobiology, Exploration, and Scientific Innovation, and author of Artificial You: AI and the Future of Your MindA stunning achievement. In effortless prose David Chalmers explores new ways to think about everything from consciousness to computation, deities to democracy. Reality+ shows time and again how familiar topics take on interesting new forms when viewed through the lens of virtual reality -- Scott Sturgeon, author of The Rational MindWhat is real anyway? Exploring the deepest doubts about reality from Zhuangzi to Descartes, Chalmers stirs our own doubts and leads us into the real worlds of future virtual reality. A gripping book -- Susan Blackmore, author of THE MEME MACHINE and SEEING MYSELFOne of the world's leading philosophers re-examines all the age-old questions of life through the new-fangled prism of virtual reality. Fun, provocative, occasionally zany, Reality+ sketches out the contours of a new "technophilosophy" and makes you think afresh about the possibilities of the metaverse -- John Thornhill, Books of the Year * Financial Times *What will it be like to be trapped in Zuckerberg's Metaverse? This is a mind-bending yet lucid discussion of how we might still lead meaningful lives, even in a simulated world -- The Telegraph Cultural Desk, Books of the Year * Telegraph *In a world stuffed with dangers of all scales, from microbial plagues to planet-smashing asteroids, might it be reassuring to know that we are all just software programs running on some vast alien computer simulation? The eminent Australian philosopher David J Chalmers addresses such sci-fi possibilities in Reality+ . Whether we are trapped in the Matrix or in Mark Zuckerberg's promised Metaverse, questions of what is real and how we might still lead flourishing lives are here discussed in mind-bending yet lucid fashion. The good news, according to Chalmers, is that a table made from digital ones and zeroes (if we are in VR or a simulation) is just as real as a table made from quantum wave-packets (assuming we live in the real world). That is, until a rock falls on it from space -- Steven Poole, Books of the Year * Telegraph *The Australian philosopher David Chalmers made this name when he concluded that consciousness was the "Hard Problem". Everybody else had come up with various daft conclusions. But Chalmers, not being daft, said we had no idea what it was. Now he goes further: we don't know whether we are a computer simulation -- Bryan Appleyard, Books of the Year * Sunday Times *Chalmers posits that virtual reality will not only be commonplace, but it'll be as valid as our genuine reality. We'll interact with virtual objects, which will replace screen-based computing. We'll spend much of our lives in virtual environments - come the next pandemic, we might be hanging out in simulate worlds, not on Zoom -- Rory Kiberd, Books of the Year * Irish Times *The future, too, is the subject of David Chalmers's Reality +. Rather than scoffing at Mark Zuckerberg's metaversal adventures, Chalmers gives due consideration to what the rise of virtual worlds could mean for the real one-and whether, after a certain point, they'll even be distinguishable. -- Books of the Year * Prospect *Chalmers is very clever because [in Reality+] he's managed to rehearse many of the key arguments that you would encounter in most philosophy courses, but through that lens of virtual reality... It genuinely is thought-provoking (or virtual thought-provoking). It's well-written too -- Nigel Warburton, Books of the Year * Five Books *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewIf you want to understand human success, its biological and cultural components, start with this groundbreaking collection. Essays authored by experts from many disciplines—paleoanthropology, biology, philosophy, and more. Top-quality scholarship, jargon free. I feel proud to be part of a community of scholars such as these. * Michael Ruse, Florida State University (Emeritus) *Table of ContentsEditor and Contributor Biographies 1. Introduction: The Manifold Challenges to Understanding Human Success Hugh Desmond and Grant Ramsey Part I: What is Evolutionary Success? 2. Evolutionary Success: Standards of Value Dan McShea 3. Human Success: A Contextual and Pluralistic View Marion Hourdequin 4. Human success as a complex of autonomy, adaptation, and niche construction Bernd Rosslenbroich Part II: Explaining Human Success 5. The Origin and Evolution of Human Uniqueness Geerat Vermeij 6. Wanderlust: A View from Deep Time of Dispersal, Persistence, and Human Success Susan Antón 7. Culture as a life-history character: the cognitive continuum in primates and hominins Matt Grove 8. A Gene-Culture Coevolutionary Perspective on Human Success Kathryn Demps and Peter Richerson Part III. Human Success in the Anthropocene 9. Anthropocene patterns in stratigraphy as a perspective on human success Jan Zalasiewicz, Mark Williams, Colin Waters 10. Utter success and extensive inequity: Assessing processes, patterns, and outcomes of the human niche in the Anthropocene Agustín Fuentes 11. Adaptability and the Continuation of Human Origins Richard Potts 12. Evolving Measures of Moral Success Allen Buchanan and Rachell Powell 13. Future Human Success: Beyond Techno-Libertarianism Hugh Desmond

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Book SynopsisIn The Evolution of Moral Progress, Allen Buchanan and Russell Powell resurrect the project of explaining moral progress. They avoid the errors of earlier attempts by drawing on a wide range of disciplines including moral and political philosophy, evolutionary biology, evolutionary psychology, anthropology, history, and sociology. Their focus is on one especially important type of moral progress: gains in inclusivity. They develop a framework to explain progress in inclusivity to also illuminate moral regression--the return to exclusivist and tribalistic moral beliefs and attitudes. Buchanan and Powell argue those tribalistic moral responses are not hard-wired by evolution in human nature. Rather, human beings have an evolved adaptively plastic capacity for both inclusion and exclusion, depending on environmental conditions. Moral progress in the dimension of inclusivity is possible, but only to the extent that human beings can create environments conducive to extending moral standing to all human beings and even to some animals. Buchanan and Powell take biological evolution seriously, but with a critical eye, while simultaneously recognizing the crucial role of culture in creating environments in which moral progress can occur. The book avoids both biological and cultural determinism. Unlike earlier theories of moral progress, their theory provides a naturalistic account that is grounded in the best empirical work, and unlike earlier theories it does not present moral progress as inevitable or as occurring in definite stages; but rather it recognizes the highly contingent and fragile character of moral improvement.Trade ReviewHighly recommended. * J.H. Barker, CHOICE *This is a well-written book in which a novel and insightful theory of moral progress is developed. The analysis is rich and the research on which it rests is extensive. This will be of interest to students and researchers concerned with the interface of ethics and evolution, philosophy of biology, evolutionary psychology, and the importance of moral progress. * R. Paul Thompson, The Quarterly Review of Biology *Buchanan and Powell's rich book will justly be of interest to a broad variety of readers, philosophers as well as non-philosophers ... an illuminating book on a vitally important and intriguing topic. * Toni Rønnow-Rasmussen, Metascience *It seems that the book discussed might be regarded as obligatory reading for everyone interested in the idea of moral progress, but also for those who as-sume that the evolutionary past strongly affects - usually in a negative way - our current moral intuitions and patterns. * Konrad Szocik, European Society for the Study of Science and Theology *an illuminating book on a vitally important and intriguing topic. * Toni Ronnow-Rasmussen, Metascience *This book is neither about Marx nor Marxism, yet it will be of interest to any reader who, like Marx, is interested in the phenomenon of progress, and the material conditions that underlie it. Allen Buchanan and Russell Powell, philosophers with respective specializations in the fields of ethics and the philosophy of biology, offer a novel 'biocultural' theory of the conditions amenable to moral progress, and take issue with so-called 'evoconservative' views according to which our evolved psychology imposes severe constraints on the possibility of progress [...] Especially illuminating about Buchanan and Powell's biocultural theory is their analysis of the conditions that are likely to lead to an inclusivist moral response, and those likely to lead to moral exclusivism. * Jeroen Hopster, Utrecht University, Marx & Philosophy Review of Books *A compelling, well-researched, and timely book. It articulates arguably the most persuasive naturalistic theory of moral progress to date, and lays the groundwork for important and impactful research. * Michael Brownstein and Daniel Kelly, The British Journal of Philosophy of Science *This is a marvelous book...none of my worries about how to develop their proposals further lessen to any substantial degree my enthusiasm for their book [which] is remarkable in bringing us as I hope closer to a point where we can sketch and begin to confirm the kind of account they seek. * Allan Gibbard, Notre Dame Philosophical Reviews *Table of ContentsIntroduction: Why a Theory of Moral Progress is Needed Part One: What is Moral Progress? Chapter 1: A Typology of Moral Progress Chapter 2: Contemporary Accounts of Moral Progress Chapter 3: A Pluralistic, Dynamic Conception of Moral Progress Part Two: Evolution and the Possibility of Moral Progress Chapter 4: Is Evolved Human Nature an Obstacle to Moral Progress? Chapter 5: The Inclusivist Anomaly and the Limits of Evolutionary Explanation Chapter 6: Toward a Naturalistic Theory of Inclusivist Moral Progress Chapter 7: Naturalizing Moral Regression: A Biocultural Account Chapter 8: De-Moralization and the Evolution of Invalid Moral Norms Part Three: The Path Traveled and the Way Forward Chapter 9: Improvements in Moral Understanding and the Human Rights Movement Chapter 10: Human Rights Naturalized Chapter 11: Biomedical Moral Enhancement and Moral Progress Conclusion: The Future of Human Morality Appendix: Topics for Further Research

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Book SynopsisExplores the possiblity and process of evolution beyond the standard and established scientific principles.Trade ReviewA World Beyond Physics, broken into short chapters and written with infectious enthusiasm and exclamation marks, is meant as an introduction to the importance of emergence in biology. * Kevin Schilbrack, Journal for the Study of Religion, Nature and Culture *makes for stimulating reading . . . [Kauffman's] prose is reader-friendly and thought-provoking . . . I highly recommend Kauffman's book to anyone interestedin the ongoing scientific enterprise to model the transition from physical to living systems. * Ragnar van der Merwe, University of Johannesburg, Metascience *This is a delightful little book that considers the classic question, "What is life?" * P. K. Strother, CHOICE *A World Beyond Physics is a well-written and thought provoking book. It should prove a worthwhile read for anyone with an undergraduate knowledge of biology and physics who is interested in amore philosophical take on the origins, complexities, and evolution of life. * Rebekah Hall, Mathematical & Statistical Sciences and Daniel A. Charlebois, Physics, University of Alberta, The Quarterly Review of Biology *For persons with the requisite scientific background, the book will be very rewarding to read...The book has many applications to the science and theology interchange... * Jay R. Feierman, European Society for the Study of Science and Theology News and Reviews *Table of ContentsPROLOGUE CHAPTER 1: The World Is Not a Machine CHAPTER 2: The Function of Function CHAPTER 3: Propagating Organization CHAPTER 4: Demystifying Life CHAPTER 5: How to Make a Metabolism CHAPTER 6: Protocells CHAPTER 7: Heritable Variation CHAPTER 8: The Games We Play CHAPTER 9: The Stage is Set CHAPTER 10: Exaptations and Screwdrivers CHAPTER 11: AWorld Beyond Physics EPILOGUE: The Evolution of the Economy

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Book Synopsis''The god wanted everything to be good, marred by as little imperfection as possible.''Timaeus, one of Plato''s acknowledged masterpieces, is an attempt to construct the universe and explain its contents by means of as few axioms as possible. The result is a brilliant, bizarre, and surreal cosmos - the product of the rational thinking of a creator god and his astral assistants, and of purely mechanistic causes based on the behaviour of the four elements. At times dazzlingly clear, at times intriguingly opaque, this was state-of-the-art science in the middle of the fourth century BC. The world is presented as a battlefield of forces that are unified only by the will of God, who had to do the best he could with recalcitrant building materials.The unfinished companion piece, Critias, is the foundational text for the story of Atlantis. It tells how a model society became corrupt, and how a lost race of Athenians defeated the aggression of the invading Atlanteans. This new edition combines

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Book SynopsisThis is the first book to explore how to identify future-proof science. Peter Vickers takes a transdisciplinary approach in his analysis of 'scientific fact' in order to defend science against potentially dangerous scepticism.Trade ReviewHow do scientists reach consensus? It's a simple question with increasing relevance in our polarized world. Peter Vickers draws from disparate examples in physics, anatomy, palaeontology, and virology to give an under-the-hood insight into how science really works. Although his subject is weighty, his conversational prose makes for both an enlightening and engaging read. * Steve Brusatte, University of Edinburgh, author of The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs *Vickers' discussion of the Tiktaalik blends together scientific results with sophisticated and nuanced philosophical argumentation. It is to be commended for its focus on areas of science often neglected by philosophers. It's also admirably clear and accessible. This will be readable by undergraduate and postgraduate students. * Henry Taylor, University of Birmingham *This rich but accessible, example-driven book relocates the realism debate from frontier physics to the sciences that most matter to us - shifting the burden of proof in the process. * Kerry McKenzie, University of California, San Diego *Peter Vickers has written just the book we need to move forward in the ongoing debate between scientific realism and its competitors. He investigates a wide range of heterogeneous historical examples and deploys them thoughtfully to challenge virtually all of the standard positions in that debate while making the case for a novel alternative proposal of his own. I suspect that the weight of the historical evidence he has gathered will force many contributors to the realism debate to substantially modify their own existing views-it certainly had that effect on me! * P. Kyle Stanford, University of California, Irvine *Peter Vickers gives clear, convincing philosophical arguments and fascinating case studies to support bold predictions about which scientific findings will stand the test of time. * Mike T. Stuart, NYCU Taiwan and London School of Economics *For the last sixty years, history has often been interpreted as creating profound challenges for those who ascribe to more positive views about the rationality of scientific progress and the significance of scientific success. [...] Too often we hear hardened skeptics dismiss the authority of scientists on the grounds that science has been wrong before. It will be convenient in the future to direct such individuals to Vickers' book. * Metascience *Table of ContentsPreface List of Figures 1: What is future-proof science? 2: The historical challenge to future-proof science: the debate so far 3: Meckel's successful prediction of gill slits: a case of misleading evidence? 4: The Tiktaalik 'missing link' novel predictive success and the evidence for evolution 5: The judgement of the scientific community: lessons from continental drift 6: Fundamental physics and the special vulnerability to underdetermination 7: Do we know how the dinosaurs died? 8: Scientific knowledge in a pandemic 9: Core argument, objections, replies, and outlook Bibliography Index

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Book SynopsisJ.S. Mill famously equated physical things with permanent possibilities of sensation. This view, known as phenomenalism, holds that a rock is a tendency for experiences to occur as they do when people perceive a rock, and similarly for all other physical things. In Phenomenalism, Michael Pelczar develops Mill''s theory in detail, defends it against the objections responsible for its current unpopularity, and uses it to shed light on important questions in metaphysics, the philosophy of science, and the philosophy of mind. Identifying physical things with possibilities of sensation establishes a transparent connection between the world of physics and the world of sense, provides an attractive alternative to currently fashionable structuralist and panpsychist metaphysics, offers a fresh perspective on the problem of consciousness, and yields a satisfying theory of perception, all by taking two things notoriously resistant to reduction, chance and experience, and constructing everything eTrade ReviewThe text is clearly written, elegant in its presentation, and effectively implements all the tools of the analytic philosopher. * Choice *Table of Contents1: The World as Hypertext 2: Mill's Metaphysics 3: A Signal in the Noise 4: Possibilities for What? 5: What Kind of Possibility? 6: A Revealing Correspondence 7: Phenomenalism and Science 8: Phenomenalism and Consciousness 9: A Phenomenalist Theory of Perception 10: Choose Your Own Adventure Appendix: Defining Spacetime Relations

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Book SynopsisPresenting a ground-breaking view of technology trends and their impact on our society, Artificial Era contributes to the current debate about the consequences of technological innovations. Alongside different viewpoints and statistics on the use of robots worldwide, productivity, and job displacement, Gissel Velarde identifies the particular problem of the lack of diversity in AI communities - and how that can exacerbate representation issues in employment, civil rights, gender, and education if no actions are taken.A timely, inciteful book which will be required reading for scholars and professionals working with AI and automation, and leaders in business and government interested in better understanding it and its effects on business and society.Trade ReviewOriginal, informative and easy to read. A good guide for understanding the future and facing it * Carlota Perez, Author of Technological Revolutions and Financial Capital: The Dynamics of Bubbles and Golden Ages *Highly recommended. * Alexis Marechal Marin, Head of the Computer Systems Engineering Department, Universidad Privada Boliviana, La Paz, Bolivia *There are already numerous books on artificial intelligence and its social impact, but Gissel Velarde's book has two characteristics that make it valuable and different. The first is that it is based on some 300 references in its bibliography, which gives it a very remarkable scientific character. The second is that AI is presented from the point of view of a Bolivian woman, who has lived in several European countries, and with a multidisciplinary professional profile. * Emilia Gómez, AI and Music Researcher, emiliagomez.com *A very natural and human vision of this new artificial era. * Isabel Barbancho, Full Professor, Universidad de Málaga, Spain *From the very beginning, the book invites us to think, to reflect, to question; and it does it from the freedom that we have to positioning ourselves in some place of the world of knowledge and reasoning. Is it fiction? Is it reality?...I invite you to read this text without fear or prejudice, enjoy it from beginning to end not only to include it in the reading list of the year, but to reflect, decide and act. * Willy Castro Guzmán, University Professor and Researcher, Universidad Nacional, Costa Rica *Dr. Velarde presents in this book a realistic perspective of the role technology, in particular artificial intelligence (AI), is playing and will play in our lives both at a personal level and at the society level. Instead of focusing only on the potential dilemmas of general artificial intelligence, she discusses important topics including the need for national and international strategies for AI development, as well as the consequences of developing biased AI models in a world with large inequalities (gender, racial, class, etc.). * Carlos Cancino-Chacón, Assistant Professor Institute of Computational Perception, Johannes Kepler University Linz *

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewThe work is an exciting exploration of an unreasonably marginalized topic that should be of interest to a wide array of readers that are keen on Chinese religious philosophies and cross-cultural medical humanities. * Lehel Balogh, Religious Studies Review *This lucid, accessible account of madness in ancient China demonstrates, contra Foucault, that peoples of all cultures make distinctions between the sane and insane, healthy and mentally ill. They do so, however, in vastly different ways - ways that help us think productively about current philosophical issues concerning self, personhood, and agency. Anyone who wants to understand mental illness from a scintillating, cross-cultural and comparative framework should read McLeod's book. * Erica Brindley, Professor of Asian Studies, History and Philosophy, Penn State University *The Dao of Madness is a fascinating work of comparative philosophy. By reorganizing the narrative of early Chinese thought around debates about what counts as madness and sanity, McLeod raises many intriguing ideas to a new level of prominence. Especially noteworthy is the way he brings together discussions from the early medical texts with the philosophical literature. ÃReaders interested in moral psychology, comparative ethics, and different conceptions of human subjectivity will be eager to engage with the diverse early Chinese accounts presented here. * Aaron Stalnaker, Professor of Religious Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington *The work is an exciting exploration of an unreasonably marginalized topic that should be of interest to a wide array of readers that are keen on Chinese religious philosophies and cross-cultural medical humanities. * Lehel Balogh, Religious Studies Review Vol 48.4 *MacLeod's insightful and thought-provoking study may inspire sinologists to explore the changing meaning of madness in early China. For researchers of madness and its history in the West, this masterful book may further their knowledge of the diverse ways of "being mad" in different social and historical contexts. * Shu Wan, H-Sci-Med-Tech *Table of ContentsIntroduction: In the Shadows of the Chinese Tradition Chapter 1. Self, Mind and Body, Agency Chapter 2. What is Mental Illness? Contemporary and Ancient Views Chapter 3. Madness of Last Resort: Feigned Madness, Ambivalence, and Doubt Chapter 4. The Wilds, Untamed, and Spontaneity: Zhuangist Views of Madness Chapter 5. Synthesis and Medicalization in Early Han Views of Mental Illness Conclusion: Madness and Self-Cultivation: Ways Forward

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Book SynopsisThere is ample evidence that it is difficult for the general public to understand and internalize scientific facts. Disputes over such facts are often amplified amid political controversies. As we''ve seen with climate change and even COVID-19, politicians rely on the perceptions of their constituents when making decisions that impact public policy. So, how do we make sure that what the public understands is accurate? In this book, Steven L. Goldman traces the public''s suspicion of scientific knowledge claims to a broad misunderstanding, reinforced by scientists themselves, of what it is that scientists know, how they know it, and how to act on the basis of it.In sixteen chapters, Goldman takes readers through the history of scientific knowledge from Plato and Aristotle, through the birth of modern science and its maturation, into a powerful force for social change to the present day. He explains how scientists have wrestled with their own understanding of what it is that they know, that theories evolve, and why the public misunderstands the reliability of scientific knowledge claims.With many examples drawn from the history of philosophy and science, the chapters illustrate an ongoing debate over how we know what we say we know and the relationship between knowledge and reality. Goldman covers a rich selection of ideas from the founders of modern science and John Locke''s response to Newton''s theories to Thomas Kuhn''s re-interpretation of scientific knowledge and the Science Wars that followed it. Goldman relates these historical disputes to current issues, underlining the important role scientists play in explaining their own research to nonscientists and the effort nonscientists must make to incorporate science into public policies. A narrative exploration of scientific knowledge, Science Wars engages with the arguments of both sides by providing thoughtful scientific, philosophical, and historical discussions on every page.Trade ReviewTo anyone seeking a lively historical tour of the problematic nature of scientific knowledge and our unending struggle to pin down what makes it so valuable, I recommend Science Wars enthusiastically. * David E. Dunning, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia *In a world where 'truth' has become as subjective as beauty, Science Wars is essential reading. A wide-ranging tour de force, this book tells us about the nature of knowledge, leavened with clever asides: Galileo was arrogant, Newton dismissed dissenters, and Carl Friedrich Gauss and Leonard Euler are candidates for the greatest mathematician of all time. All this to say, Steve Goldman is an engaging writer * William L. Silber, Senior Advisor, Cornerstone Research; Former Marcus Nadler Professor of Finance and Economics, Stern School of Business, New York University; and author most recently of The Power of Nothing to Lose *This book is well written and carefully presented. Steven Goldman's focus on the evolution of science from the 17th century to present day provides an excellent lens through which to explore what is meant by scientific 'knowledge.' * Rachel A. Ankeny, The University of Adelaide *Goldman's writing style is engaging and clear as he describes the problem of scientific knowledge and the two major approaches. While reading, I was impressed that he could engage with such important material in such a succinct way * Allan Franklin, University of Colorado Boulder *This is a very useful book...the explanations are clear and accessible. Some of themore historical sections are heavy going, but the effort invested in these sections will be rewarded. I have read the book to write this review but will read it again. There is much to take from it. * David Parker, Physiology, Development & Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom, Quarterly Review of Biology *As a summing up of a scholar's lifetime of thinking and teaching, no finer testimony could be imagined than this book. It should be on the mandatory reading list of all scientific aspirants, for the depth of its insights is altogether exceptional and not to be missed by any reader with a deep interest in this subject matter. * J. Lawrenz, The European Legacy *Table of ContentsIntroduction Chapter 1: Knowledge as a Problem. Chapter 2: Is There a Scientific Method? Chapter 3: Was Galileo Right and the Catholic Church Wrong? Chapter 4: Newton and Knowledge of the Universe Chapter 5: Science versus Philosophy Chapter 6: Science and Social Reform in the Age of Reason Chapter 7: What is Science About? Chapter 8: The Knowledge Problem in Mature Science Chapter 9: Scientific Realism and the Romantic Reaction against Reason Chapter 10: Early Twentieth Century Philosophy of Science Chapter 11: Einstein versus Bohr on Reality Chapter 12: In Quest of the Thinker of Science Chapter 13: A New Image for Science Chapter 14: The Opening Phase of the Science Wars Chapter 15: Taking Sides for and against Reason and Knowledge Chapter 16: The Science Wars Go Public References Index

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Book SynopsisTrade ReviewA Better Ape will transform evolutionary approaches to human morality and to human cultural evolution. With elegant, often stirring prose, and rigorous, scientifically-informed arguments, Kumar and Campbell not only illuminate the origins of human morality but also show how morality has driven human evolution. * Allen Buchanan, Laureate Professor of Philosophy, The University of Arizona *Kumar and Campbell weave a tale of the past, present, and future of moral psychology by unifying some of the most compelling theories from philosophy, biology, psychology, comparative cognition, and anthropology. The story is masterfully told, and reading the book is like reading the end of a Sherlock Holmes story, when we learn how all the clues fit together. But this book isn't just for people who already have the pieces of the puzzle. Kumar and Campbell offer clear and concise descriptions of leading theories in human evolution and moral psychology, giving just enough background to allow anyone to come along for the ride. Their argument that Darwinism richly explains morality is an important contribution to the ongoing debates. * Kristin Andrews, Professor of Philosophy and Research Chair in Animal Minds, York University *In this beautifully written book, Kumar and Campbell argue that evolution explains the emergence of morality, and, more strikingly, that human morality has subsequently played a key role in shaping our biological nature. A Better Ape manages that rare feat of making an important, novel contribution while also being a joy to read * Shaun Nichols, Professor of Philosophy and Director of Cognitive Science, Cornell University *Written in a clear, accessible style, this book presents a compelling synthesis of the best ideas in contemporary evolutionary theory and moral philosophy. A brilliant example of how philosophical reflection on topics of perennial concern can be enriched through deep engagement with the human sciences. * Joseph Heath, Professor of Philosophy, University of Toronto *Kumar (Boston Univ.) and Campbell (Dalhousie Univ.) are both scholars of philosophy and science (cognitive science and environmentalism, respectively) and in this excellent book, they explore the evolution of human morality as a biocultural adaptation and the resulting rise of collective living and human intelligence...this study is an important addition to the literature on human morality and intelligence. * Choice *This is an exceptionally well-written book, the prose is crisp, clean, and elegant-and it draws on a wealth of research in evolutionary biology and psychology. * R. Paul Thompson, Quarterly Review of Biology *Table of ContentsPreface: Origins Introduction: Morality I. MORAL APES 1: Altruism 2: Emotions II. MORAL MINDS 3: Norms 4: Pluralism 5: Reasoning III. MORAL CULTURES 6: Tribes 7: Societies IV. MORAL PROGRESS 8: Progress 9: Inclusivity 10: Equality Coda: Survival Acknowledgments Notes References

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Book SynopsisReclaiming Space is an innovative study of space travel''s history, legitimacy, and future. The NewSpace movement that presently dominates spaceflight culture is characterized by distinctly Western, free-market capitalist values and associated with the space ambitions of the super-wealthy. This book exists to incubate, illuminate, and illustrate a more diverse and inclusive conversation about space exploration. Reclaiming Space asks: What would space exploration be like if we prioritized, or even simply acknowledged, the perspectives and value systems of individuals who are disabled, aren''t white, aren''t male, or aren''t characteristically Western in their values? What can these perspectives teach us all about space exploration and its value (or even its potential for harm) that cannot be easily recognized or appreciated under the NewSpace status quo? And what should we be doing differently when it comes to space exploration? The twenty-seven original essays in this volume provide much needed perspective on space exploration by offering counterpoints to mainstream thinking about space. Essays address subjects such as the history and development of spaceflight culture, both within and outside the United States; the impact of science fiction and space art on how we conceptualize space; diverse cultural narratives and responses to space; and the ways space exploration might be leveraged in support of repairing injustices. Reclaiming Space also considers what our responsibilities might be as a spacefaring species in the distant future. Contributors include academics who research space exploration, spaceflight culture, space ethics, and space policy, as well as space artists and authors of award-winning science and speculative fiction. Written for space enthusiasts of all backgrounds, Reclaiming Space is an engaging, provocative volume of essays showcasing the perspectives of women, persons of color, and others who are typically left out of discussions of space exploration.Table of ContentsDedication Table of Contents Foreword. By Lori Garver Preface List of Contributors Chapter 1: An Introduction to Reclaiming Space. By James S.J. Schwartz, Linda Billings, and Erika Nesvold Part 1: The Evolution and History of Spaceflight Chapter 2: Neoliberalism: Problematic. Neoliberal Space Policy? Extremely Problematic. By Linda Billings Chapter 3: Space from Afar: From Africa Across the Indian Ocean to the Pacific. By Mukesh Chiman Bhatt Chapter 4: Cold Warrior Magic, Africana Science, and NASA Space Religion, Part One: Laura Nader's Contrarian Anthropology for Afrofuturist Times. By Edward C. Davis IV Chapter 5: Global Participation in the "Space Frontier." By Alan Marshall Chapter 6: Phrenology in Space: Legacies of Scientific Racism in Classifying Extraterrestrial Intelligence. By William Lempert Part 2: The Art of Envisioning Space Chapter 7: The Language of Space. By Mary Robinette Kowal Chapter 8: Spacefaring for Kinship. By Vandana Singh Chapter 9: Opportunities to Pursue Liberatory, Anticolonial, and Antiracist Designs for Human Societies Beyond Earth. By Danielle Wood, Prathima Muniyappa, and David Colby Reed Chapter 10: African Space Art as a New Perspective on Space Law. By Saskia Vermeylen and Jacque Njeri Chapter 11: Embodiment in Space Imagery: Beyond the Dominant Narrative. By Daniela de Paulis and Chelsea Haramia Chapter 12: Appreciating What's Beautiful About Space. By James S.J. Schwartz Part 3: Cultural Narratives and Spaceflight Chapter 13: Sacred Space: Decolonization Through the Afrofuture. By Ingrid LaFleur Chapter 14: Sherpas on the Moon: The Case for Including "Native Guides" in Space Exploration. By Deana L. Weibel Chapter 15: Indigeneity, Space Expansion, and the Three-Body Problem. By Tony Milligan Chapter 16: On Loving Nonliving Stuff. By Daniel Capper Chapter 17: Reclaiming Space: On Hope in a Jar, a Bear in the Sky, and the Running Red Queen. By Kathryn Denning Part 4: Being Accountable in the Present Chapter 18: Contact Zones and Outer Space Environments: A Feminist Archaeological Analysis of Space Habitats. By Alice Gorman Chapter 19: Occupy Space: Will Disabled People Fly? By Sheri Wells-Jensen Chapter 20: Protecting Labor Rights in Space. By Erika Nesvold Chapter 21: Reclaiming Lunar Resources: Paving the Way for an International Property Rights Regime for Outer Space. By Ruvimbo Samanga Chapter 22: Starlink or Stargazing: Will Commerce Outshine Science? By Tanja Masson-Zwaan Chapter 23: Creating a Culture of Extraterrestrial Environmental Concern. By William R. Kramer Part 5: Visions of the Further Future Chapter 24: Desire, Duty, and Discrimination: Is There an Ethical Way to Select Humans for Noah's Ark? By Evie Kendal Chapter 25: Deconstructing and Re-Privileging the Education System for Space. By Janet de Vigne Chapter 26: Astrobioethics Considerations Regarding Space Exploration. By Octavio Chon-Torres Chapter 27: Greening the Universe: The Case for Ecocentric Space Expansion. By Andrea Owe Chapter 28: Will Posthumans Dream of Humans? A Message to Our Dear Post-Planetary Descendants. By Francesca Ferrando Index

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1. From Content Naturalism to Methodological Naturalism 2. Content Naturalism as the Default View 3. Why Methodological Naturalism Impacts Metaphysical Theorizing 4. Case Study: Pattern Explanation and the Governing Conception of Laws 5. Case Study: Mooreanism and Nihilism about Composition 6. Case Study: Excess Structure 7. Context Dependence in Scientific Methodology 8. Metaphysics Unmoored? Conclusion References Index

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Book SynopsisWhat''s the use of philosophy? Philip Kitcher here grapples with an essential philosophical question: what the point of philosophy is, and what it should and can be. Kitcher''s portrait of the discipline is not a familiar defense of the importance of philosophy or the humanities writ large. Rather, he is deeply critical of philosophy as it is practiced today, a practice focused on narrow technical questions that are far removed from the concerns of human life. He provides a penetrating diagnosis of why exactly contemporary philosophy has come to suffer this crisis, showing how it suffers from various syndromes that continue to push it further into irrelevance. Then, taking up ideas from William James and John Dewey, Kitcher provides a positive roadmap for the future of philosophy: first, as a discipline that can provide clarity to other kinds of human inquiry, such as religion or science; and second, bringing order to people''s notions of the world, dispelling confusion in favor of clarity, and helping us think through our biggest human questions and dilemmas. Kitcher concludes with a letter to young philosophers who wonder how they can align their aspirations with the hyper-professionalism expected of them.Trade ReviewWith an inimitable combination of sharpness, generosity, elegance and wit, Kitcher diagnoses the malaise that many philosophers have long felt about our profession but have been unable to articulate with such breadth and clarity. Perhaps no one has the skills or the standing that Kitcher possesses to do so ... The book pulls no punches in showing how far contemporary philosophy has diverged from its original goals ... Yet Kitcher does not merely lament the ways in which philosophy has abandoned its traditional roles. With characteristic and sympathetic understanding, Kitcher provides a genealogy which shows how so many of philosophy's virtues have turned into flaws ... This will be read by every disaffected philosopher, and may convince many outside it to take the promise of philosophy seriously again. An extraordinary and much-needed book. * Susan Neiman, Einstein Forum, Germany *A spirited love letter to a discipline that enthralls and disappoints in equal measure. Rather than give way to gloom, Philip Kitcher asks us to dream of a philosophy that demands and does more. * Amia Srinivasan, All Souls College, Oxford *This book is challenging in the best sense: indeed, what use is philosophy? But it is also straightforward and charming - and exceedingly persuasive. * Nancy Cartwright, Durham University *Philip Kitcher's new book is a perceptive and uncompromising assessment of trends and fashions and parochialism in contemporary professional philosophy. The antithesis of parochialism is cosmopolitanism and Kitcher is a true cosmopolitan. * Clark Glymour *Urging his fellow philosophers to lift their gaze from narrow technical problems toward issues that really matter, Philip Kitcher's concise, lively book is as exciting as it is important. * Michael Ruse, Florida State University (Emeritus) *Philip Kitcher makes a compelling case for a redirection of philosophy away from what are sometimes called "core areas" and toward issues that are of more interest and value within our general intellectual culture - issues often relegated to the periphery of our discipline. These include, among others, philosophy of the various empirical sciences, moral and political philosophy done in a way that is practically useful, and philosophical engagement with the arts. This book is must reading for anyone alarmed about the future of philosophy and its current tendencies toward scholasticism and irrelevance. A brave and important book. * James Woodward, University of Pittsburgh *In this excellent book...Kitcher has useful things to say how philosophy and science can work together. * Quassim Cassam, The Society *Table of ContentsPreface Chapter 1 - Philosophy Inside Out Chapter 2 - "So Who Is Your Audience?" Chapter 3 - Pathology Report Chapter 4 - The Whole Function of Philosophy Chapter 5 - Letter to Some Young Philosophers References

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Book SynopsisThis volume presents two closely related essays by Thomas Nagel: Gut Feelings and Moral Knowledge and Moral Reality and Moral Progress. Both essays are concerned with moral epistemology and our means of access to moral truth; both are concerned with moral realism and with the resistance to subjectivist and reductionist accounts of morality; and both are concerned with the historical development of moral knowledge. The second essay also proposes an account of the historical development of moral truth, according to which it does not share the timelessness of scientific truth. This is because moral truth must be based on reasons that are accessible to the individuals to whom they apply, and such accessibility depends on historical developments. The result is that only some advances in moral knowledge are discoveries of what has been true all along.Table of ContentsPreface 1. Gut Feelings and Moral Knowledge 2. Moral Reality and Moral Progress Index

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Book SynopsisHow much faith should we place in what scientists tell us? Is it possible for scientific knowledge to be fully ''objective''? What, really, can be defined as science? In the second edition of this Very Short Introduction, Samir Okasha explores the main themes and theories of contemporary philosophy of science, and investigates fascinating, challenging questions such as these.Starting at the very beginning, with a concise overview of the history of science, Okasha examines the nature of fundamental practices such as reasoning, causation, and explanation. Looking at scientific revolutions and the issue of scientific change, he asks whether there is a discernible pattern to the way scientific ideas change over time, and discusses realist versus anti-realist attitudes towards science. He finishes by considering science today, and the social and ethical philosophical questions surrounding modern science.ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Trade ReviewThe 2nd Edition of Samir Okasha's Philosophy of Science: A Very Short Introduction is a fantastic entry point for all those who would like to get an overview of the issues philosophers of science grapple with. The book is written in a highly accessible and clear fashion, and manages to cover an impressively wide-- and I would say, representative--range of topics on a mere 130 pages. - * Samuel Schindler, Metascience *Do not underestimate the value of having a working understanding the philosophy of science, to which end this short book is one that you - if your professional life has any connection with science - could well find invaluable * Jonathan Cowie, Concatenation *Table of Contents1: What is science? 2: Scientific Inference 3: Explanation in science 4: Realism and anti-realism 5: Scientific change and scientific revolutions 7: Science and its critics Further reading Index

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Book SynopsisThis thought-provoking text presents a fresh synthesis of the principles of social evolution that underlie the major transitions, explaining how the basic theory underpinning social evolution - inclusive fitness theory - is central to understanding each event.Trade ReviewThis book is valuable for anyone interested in the history of evolutionary thought and theory. It is a must have for anyone for whom kin selection and inclusive fitness maximization is their scientific guiding lodestar. It is also a must have for those for whom kin selection and inclusive fitness maximization is the bane of their existence - to see the best case the other side can muster. Domains and Major Transitions of Social Evolution is a book for the serious evolutionary biologist seeking an intellectual challenge. I found it both enlightening and worthwhile, if not entirely persuasive. * Peter Nonacs, ISBE Newsletter 2023 *This well-researched book makes an enjoyable read. It is thought-provoking while avoiding too many technicalities, and as such also well suited for graduate teaching. Obviously, any scholar interested in social evolution will want to read this volume. It will also appeal to evolutionary biologists who would like to see a condensed treatment of the development of evolutionary thought, and to anyone who ever wondered what makes social insects so special yet, at the same time, similar to cells. * Ulrich R. Ernst, Trends in Ecology & Evolution *

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Book SynopsisThis book focuses on one of the oldest and most fundamental questions in both physics and philosophy: the nature of time. It presents original theoretical physics research on the ''problem of time'' in modern physics, in parallel with a new philosophical framework for the analysis of symmetry and evolution in physical theory, as well as new work on the early modern precursors to the problem of time. Contrary to the standard wisdom, this book argues that a substantive notion of time can, and should, be retained within a consistent formalism for modern physical theory. The book marshals an array of philosophical and formal tools to justify this claim and analyses its physical implications. This book is the first of a two-volume project articulating a new approach to the analysis of time in modern physical theory. The second volume will extend and apply this approach in the context of classical and quantum gravity including quantum cosmological models.Table of Contents1: Introduction PART I - NATURAL PHILOSOPHY OF TIME 2: On Newton On Time 3: On Leibniz On Time 4: On Mach On Time PART II - SYMMETRY AND STRUCTURE 5: Structure and Possibility 6: Conservation and Geometry 7: Irregular Nomic Structure 8: Diagnosing Dynamical Redundancy 9: The New Framework PART III - THE PROBLEM OF TIME IN CLASSICAL MECHANICS 10: Spatiotemporal Structure and Theory Rearticulation 11: Local Temporal Symmetry 12: Reparametrization Invariant Dynamics 13: Temporal Structure Regained 14: Conclusion and Prospectus

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Book SynopsisIt''s standard in epistemology to approach questions about knowledge and rational belief using idealized, simplified models. But while the practice of constructing idealized models in epistemology is old, metaepistemological reflection on that practice is not. Greco argues that the fact that epistemologists build idealized models isn''t merely a metaepistemological observation that can leave first-order epistemological debates untouched. Rather, once we view epistemology through the lens of idealization and model-building, the landscape looks quite different.Constructing idealized models is likely the best epistemologists can do. Once one starts using epistemological categories like belief, knowledge, and confidence, the realm of idealization and model-building is entered. We can object to a model of knowledge by pointing to a better model, but in the absence of a better model, the fact that a framework for epistemologizing theorizing involves simplifications, approximations, and other inaccuracies-the fact of its status as an idealized model-is not in itself objectionable. Once we accept that theorizing in epistemological terms is inescapably idealized, a number of intriguing possibilities open up. Greco defends a package of epistemological views that might otherwise have looked indefensibly dismissive of our cognitive limitations-a package according to which we know a wide variety of facts with certainty, including what our evidence is, what we know and don''t know, and what follows from our knowledge.Table of ContentsAcknowledgments Introduction 1: Idealization and Modeling 2: Modest Modeling 3: Modeling With Possible Worlds 4: Certainty and Undercutting 5: Belief and Credence 6: Inter-Level Coherence 7: Common Knowledge 8: Ideal and Non-Ideal Epistemology Bibliography

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Book SynopsisThe Anthropocene defines the here-and-now time period on Earth of indelible (and possibly irreversible) human disturbance to the natural world, from habitat destruction and mass extinction to global climate change. To ameliorate and repair the damage that threatens the world''s dwindling resources and our very existence, humanity is enacting massive interventions to fuse modern technologies with long established natural processes. Advances in genetic engineering have put us on the cusp of directly shaping the DNA of every living organism (including ourselves), as well as determining the evolution of completely novel species. The author invites the reader to explore how humans have manipulated the ancient forces of evolution and the future possibilities of genetic engineering for conservation and rewilding, de-extinction, and even the creation of viable populations of entirely new species. To entertain such possibilities of synthetic biology, he forces us to wrestle with the threats and ethical conundrums that surround the unintended consequences, as well as the values that humanity places on authenticity in nature. In so doing, this accessible and thought-provoking book explores the potential future of life on planet Earth.Trade ReviewCutter presents us with a wonderfully stimulating book, elegantly weaving in personal narratives, natural history examples, and inspiring thought experiments. * Mohamed Noor, Professor of Biology and Interim Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Duke University *This book is a must-read for anyone curious about the potential of genetic technologies to control the very fate of nature, itself. And if you happen to be someone who wants to build a dragon from scratch, then it's a good book for you, too! * Daniel Riskin, Adjunct Professor, University of Toronto Mississauga, TV Host, and Producer *An excellent primer for anyone hoping to understand how today's biotechnologies - and the way we choose to use them - have the power to change all of life on Earth. * Beth Shapiro, Professor, University of California, Santa Cruz. Author of How to Clone a Mammoth and Life As We Made It *A highly enjoyable and thought-provoking book about the ways in which timeless biological processes and ever more powerful human tinkering are, together, shaping the evolutionary future. * Rob Dunn, Professor, North Carolina State University *Very well written, this book contributes to the understanding of genetic editing and the significant changes that may result from it. Essential. All readership levels. * Choice *Table of ContentsPreface Part 1: The Hearts of Nature 1: Nature in the raw, and cooked 2: Selection, naturally and otherwise 3: Ancient forces 4: Evolution's racetracks 5: Evolutionary accelerants and speed bumps 6: Carjacking genetics 7: Genetic welding 8: On the origin of species 9: Do-it-yourself speciation 10: Ongoing evolutionary outcomes Part 2: Evolutionary Futures 11: How to evolve a dragon 12: Evolutionary engineering in the flesh 13: Nature, rewilded 14: When nature comes to call 15: Inspection by the department of health, safety, and ethics 16: When we become dragons 17: A midnight coterie of transcendent fauna

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Book SynopsisThis concise guide explains the history, theory, potential, application, and limitations of Artificial Intelligence. Boden shows how research into AI has shed light on the working of human and animal minds, and she considers the philosophical challenges AI raises: could programs ever be really intelligent, creative or even conscious?Trade ReviewReview from previous edition Boden's book is an excellent, accessible introduction even for the complete AI novice. * Mark Greener, Fortean Times *Boden, as an academic in the field of AI, really knows her stuff, and you get a clear understanding from her book of the various different kinds of AI, and their enduring limitations * Robert Colvile, The Spectator *A masterclass of a book * Barbara Kiser, Nature *Provides a usefully concise, basic grounding to topics without having to wade through a more voluminous tome. * Jonathan Cowie, Science Fact & Science Fiction Concatenation *Everything you need to know about Artificial Intelligence - a wonderful read. * Jack Copeland, Director of the Turing Archive for the History of Computing *Table of Contents1: What is Artificial Intelligence? 2: Generality as the Holy Grail 3: Language, Creativity, Emotion 4: Artificial Neural Networks 5: Robots and Artificial Life 6: But is it Intelligence, Really? 7: The Singularity Further Reading Index

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Book SynopsisEpicureanism is commonly associated with a carefree view of life and the pursuit of pleasures, particularly the pleasures of the table. However it was a complex and distinctive system of philosophy that emphasized simplicity and moderation, and considered nature to consist of atoms and the void. Epicureanism is a school of thought whose legacy continues to reverberate today.In this Very Short Introduction, Catherine Wilson explains the key ideas of the School, comparing them with those of the rival Stoics and with Kantian ethics, and tracing their influence on the development of scientific and political thought from Locke, Newton, and Galileo to Rousseau, Marx, Bentham, and Mill. She discusses the adoption and adaptation of Epicurean motifs in science, morality, and politics from the 17th Century onwards and contextualises the significance of Epicureanism in modern life. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.Table of Contents1. Introduction ; 2. Atomic worlds ; 3. Knowledge and understanding ; 4. Living, loving, dying ; 5. Material minds ; 6. Religion and superstition ; 7. Politics and society ; 8. Epicurean ethics ; 9. The Epicurean legacy ; Further reading ; Index

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Excellent. A truly original take on the history of the Weismann Barrier and how it developed into a questionable assumption that forms the basis of various modern concepts about germ cells and regeneration.” -- Hanna Lucia Worliczek, Max Planck Institute for the History of Science, Berlin“We need to see regeneration as a window into the world of biology in general, and the complex feedback loops that decide what grows, divides and dies, where and when.” -- Simon Ings * New Scientist, on "What Is Regeneration?" *Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Uncovering Assumptions That Have Shaped Germ Cell Science 2 Backgrounding Conflicts within Germ Cell Science 3 Challenging Assumptions in Germline Science 4 Implications of Reenvisioning Germline Regeneration Epilogue Acknowledgments Notes Bibliography Index

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