Papers Books

In a very real sense this book focused on applied philosophy. It is an answer to those who might feel that all of philosophy is so much academic banter and never filters its way into the actual issues of the day. This book introduces philosophy and shows how it relevant it is. The ideas reflect the time and the culture, and they help to shape its future development. The tools that the philosopher uses-language, logic, reason, intuition, etc.-also shape and are shaped by the culture.

The book is divided into five parts: Methods of Inquiry (dealing with sources, nature and validity of knowledge, commonly known as epistemology, along with science and its relationship to philosophy), Man and His Place in the World (classical questions about the nature of man and the mind, and what is the self, again in terms of the realities of scientific progress; this section also deals with freedom and determinism and shows how our lives and experiences contain elements of each), Types of Philosophy (Naturalism, Idealism, Realism, Pragmatism, Analytic Philosophy and Existentialism/Phenomenology, along with areas in which all of these types agree and disagree), the Realm of Values (questions of values, ethics, morality, aesthetics, and this is where oriental philosophies were introduced), and the Social Scene (civil liberties and the rule of law, individualism and governmental control, and the philosophies of history and education).

The topics brought up in the social scene are so crucial to today's world, where invective between liberals and conservatives is so often slung. There is such a gulf of misunderstanding between people and we are too muddle-minded to work our way through it. The questions of big government ("constitution doesn't call for welfare" versus the notions of "common good or social contract") versus individualism are critical in a society where democrats are considered synonymous with communists and republicans are considered de facto fascists. The philosophies of history cover Spengler, Toynbee, Sorokin and others-these are thinkers who truly influenced their time and the ensuing generations.

There is a lot of treatment at the beginning of the book to the epistemological questions; I'm not sure if I would have led with this. As Woody Allen said: "Is knowledge knowable; if not, how do we know this?" As this very ubiquitous textbook popularizes philosophy, it's worth taking note of the fact that these issues may turn off a lot of students. Tying philosophy too closely to science and giving too much credence to scientific methods of inquiry also has its risks. As Durant, Roszak, Mumford and others have pointed out, science and technology are often given too much power over the humanities, and they are better placed inside the fold of humanistic study (this is not necessarily an anti-progressivist view, and need not take away from the scientific method itself for the practice of science).

The section on Man and His Place in the World deals with the philosophical questions that adolescents love the most: who am I, what is the self, what is reality, what is the mind, what is freedom. This is all the fun stuff and the section that asks the big questions that draws in the curious young minds.

The "types of philosophy" leads back into dry definition of terms, but this is necessary. The progression from naturalism (only empirical things are real) to idealism (ideas are real), to realism (both the objects of our senses exist and the knowing of these objects also exist) and to pragmatism (which emphasizes both experience and experimentation, and allows us to look pragmatically at the consequences or ends to see what is real) is a telling one in the history of our own (for those of us who are Western) culture, and it invites the reader to test one's own beliefs against the schools put forth. Analytic philosophy and existentialism/phenomenology are the most constructs discussed; the former deals extensively with linguistic studies and the latter is associated with problems of existence and alienation in the modern world.

The section on values, ethics and morals raises a lot of questions that should concern any critical thinker; this section discusses what it means to live a moral life. This is also the section that veers into religion, and there is a very good exposition on the variations of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam that are prevalent in the world today. This is also the only section that deals with Eastern philosophy and religion such as Hinduism and Buddhism. In all, these issues are so vital in this age of "crusading" our value-perspectives in the post cold war world.

In all, the book is an excellent foundation for a beginning inquiry into philosophy. It is a highly readable textbook that will help you understand why you care about philosophy and give you the tools to pursue further study.

As a new student of philosophy, I must admit that I was assigned this title as a text in class. Though, as text books go, it is suprisingly thin (450 pages), it is packed with definitions, explanation, comparisons, and reflections. I found it easy to read, and most enjoyed the separate introductions (with quotes) of nearly all leading philosophers throughout history. Also very helpful, the suggested readings (at the end of every chapter) allow you to immediately find sources of greater substance on very specific subjects. The authors even included brief descriptions of each book, to further narrow your search. I would have to rate it as the best textbook yet, on a difficult subject to introduce in a cohesive manner! I will be reading other texts by these authors - without being assigned to them!

In this conversation style book, Loritts relates the Gospel as well as popular Bible stories in modern, easy-to-understand language. This quick read is as entertaining as it is informative. With a solid biblical foundation, this book is perfect for the seeker who is tired of "being preached to". Believers who need a fresh look at Bible stories they've heard 1000 times will also enjoy Loritts' style of writing.

I'm not a fast reader, but once I picked this book up I didn't put it down until I finished it the next afternoon!!!

Loritts' ability to intertwine ancient and modern history, coupled with his down-to-earth personal anecdotes, truly set this book apart from your typical Christian reading fare. "Real" is probably the best all encompassing word for his style of communication.

I found myself engrossed in the life story of Malcolm X or a historical perspective on the bubonic plague one minute, and the next feeling compelled to apply great Christian truths in a deeper way in my life. Its surprising approach draws you deep into nitty-gritty Biblical stories that are often glossed over by Christians, such as those involving prostitutes, cheaters, stealers, liars, murderers, and all the not so "perfect" Bible heroes.

All around it's a really cool book by a guy who draws on a wealth of super interesting knowledge, and who has a keen ability to explain what's going on in one of the most misunderstood books in history.

You'll laugh, cry, and be consistently amazed at God's "passion and pursuit" of everyday people throughout ancient and modern history. I can't wait for his next book! (I know that sounds cheesy, but it's true.)

God's Hammer: The Bible and Its Critics is far more intricate and logically cohesive (despite being a collection of Dr. Clark's essays), than one would suppose from the dogmatic title. As in all his works, Clark offers the best that Christianity has to offer to the Church and the World. Its clarity is brilliant, its scope comprehensive, and consistent throughout. One does not need to be a believer or unbeliever in order to grow from the experience of having been introduced to one of this century's most noteworthy philosophers. The cohesion of his arguments and his insistance on clearly defined terms teaches the reader how to cogitate complex ideas correctly. In short, this book teaches the reader not merely about issues surrounding the subject in question but also how to think properly. The book intends to do this much. He states in the first chapter that his aim is to deal with the logic of the situation. I can think of no one else that is more fit to accomplish the task. Logic pervades the entirety of his catalogue of works. He does not deal with archaeology nor biblical criticism, but with thought--epistemology and its relation to matters of inerrancy. Being therefore, a text dealing with general issues, it is as beneficial to theists and non-theists alike. Both groups will, I believe, be relieved from the ignorance that pervades the subject. 'God's Hammer' is rationaly amiable, enough so to bring clarity and reason to this emotionaly charged subject of discussion. Ignore the title, it is an intellectually fulfilling little book, whomever you are.

One of the distinguishing features of any book written by Gordon Clark is the razor sharp precision with which he defines words. In 'God's Hammer' this is especially important due to the subject matter. The author believed that each generation of Christians has a particular doctrinal battle to fight. One of the major battles for our generation is for the inerrancy of the Bible. If this foundation is undermined then any and all Christian doctrine can be compromised of completely disgarded. Two ways that the author attempts to defend the Bible's plenary inspiration is by what the Bible itself has to say in this regard, and secondly by showing the logical consistency of the Scriptures. Mr. Clark points out that this is no easy task in our day because many are convinced that the Bible contradicts itself. Gordon Clark is well aware that at the end of the day, that God by His spirit must reveal to any individual the absoulute truthfulness of His Word.(Theologians have called this the internal witness of the Holy Spirit of God), and under His blessing will use our attempts to expound and explain its meaning to unbelievers. By verbal inspiration the Bilble means that they are both the words of the prophets and apostles(those who wrote the Word of God)and God's words at one and the same time. The author writes on page 10 "between Moses and God there was an inner union ,an identity of purpose, a co-operation of will , such that the word Moses wrote were God's own words and Moses own words at the same time." For believers who may have trouble understanding this, there are other parallels in Scripture. Take the incarnation for example, Christ is both God and man in one person at the same time. This is a great mystery no doubt,but it is true nonetheless. The chapter the Bible as truth is illuminating and brilliant. Clark's careful definition of terms are invaluable. To communicate effectively we must certain that the words we are using are understood by our hearers, and that they have the exact meaning that we intend(that presupposes that we have an accurate understanding of the terms that we are using). The importance of this book and the doctrine of the Bible's inerrancy can be seen in this comment by Gordon Clark on p.58 " If the Bible in a hundred different passages is mistaken in its account of itself , why should the rest of its message be accepted as true? If the prophets spoke falsely when they said that their words were the words of God.. if they were thus in error, what confidence can we have in anything else they said." Therefore, if the Bible is not infallible, how can we have confidence in any of its teachings? God's Hammer would be a great weapon in any Christians arsenal in defending the very foundation upon which all of their beliefs rest.

Gold Fever is an outstanding book! I ordered this book to use with American students ages 7-9 learning about the American West. We read the book aloud and discussed its content as we went. The content was perfect for this age group and the illustrations were wonderful. My students were enthralled and begged for more time (we read it over two days). They asked great questions and wanted to learn more. This book has great basic information about gold, the Gold Rush, and its impact on California/the West. Overall--good, solid content and thought-provoking illustrations.

I HIGHLY recommend this book!

This book traces the history of the California Gold Rush from 1848 to 1859. It is an exciting tale of fortunes won and lost, of thousands of men and women catching "Gold Fever" --the promise of easy riches. Some of it is quite humorous "...Get our California Gold Grease! Only 10$ a box. Rub on your body, roll down a hill. Gold, and only gold [in italics] will stick to your skin!"

The book also is realistic, telling of the dangers facing people who came over land or by sea around South America to the Isthmus of Panama. Both during the gold rush and after its height a gold-based service economy arose to meet the needs (at highy inflated prices) of the miners.

The book describes how gold was mined, and the properties of gold that make it valuable "A piece of gold the size of a pea can be stretched into a wire that is two miles long. ...Gold is eight times heavier than stones and sand. Gold is sturdy, yet soft." Surprisingly informative and always interesting, with Michael Eagle's portraits and exciting scenes illustrating the already exuberrant text. An excllent book for elementary school readers in grades 2 through 5 (or so), "Gold Fever" makes history fun!

After reading several Carl Rogers books and papers I was led to Martin Buber's works. Martin Buber was one of the most profound thinkers of our times. Not an easy read but a one well worth the time and effort. Illuminating and insight on the subject of good and evil.

There is a sense that this is one of the most important book in my life. I have re-read it for the last 3 summers and i have found different things that i needed. Buber has a distinct method of communication that pulls from you who you are... i hear his subtlety in my ear even now. Buber is brilliant.

Disclaimer - I was a student of Jim McCawley's. I think the guy was a frelling genius.

This book, a nearly complete collection of his writings on syntax and semantics up to 1971, most of which had appeared in journals, contains gems from the early days of modern linguistics. Working as I do in computer language processing, I continue to find useful insights in it.

One of the most significant essays is "The Role of Semantics in a Grammar". Although many of the detailed examples and arguments re specific transformations are obsolete, the fundamental principle for which it argues - that syntax and semantics are inextricably intertwined - revolutionary in its day when the Chomsky's concept of "deep structure" as purely syntactic ruled the discipline, remains a critical insight today.

McCawley's incisive style and irrepressible dry wit make his writings more fun than you would expect from serious scholarly work. His honesty and frank amusement at his own mistakes led him to refuse to update anything, instead adding a set of endnotes that point out errors in detail.

Disclaimer - I was a student of Jim McCawley's. I think the guy was a frelling genius.

This book, a nearly complete collection of his writings on syntax and semantics up to 1971, most of which had appeared in journals, contains gems from the early days of modern linguistics. Working as I do in computer language processing, I continue to find useful insights in it.

One of the most significant essays is "The Role of Semantics in a Grammar". Although many of the detailed examples and arguments re specific transformations are obsolete, the fundamental principle for which it argues - that syntax and semantics are inextricably intertwined - revolutionary in its day when the Chomsky's concept of "deep structure" as purely syntactic ruled the discipline, remains a critical insight today.

McCawley's incisive style and irrepressible dry wit make his writings more fun than you would expect from serious scholarly work. His honesty and frank amusement at his own mistakes led him to refuse to update anything, instead adding a set of endnotes that point out errors in detail.

Guinness here put me on guard as to how much my faith is modified by my culture rather than the other way around. Written somewhat like CS Lewis' The Screwtape Letters, Guinness gives us subversive letters and communiqués from the enemy Directorate. It is a great conspiracy story-and way too true to real life (the life of the church).

Os Guinness, in this work, presents the Church in America and the problems that beset it. All written in a series of communiques from the enemy "Directorate." It has the same feel of The Screwtape Letters, and a fascinating idea of the way of the "Third Fool" as being the way to break through the present-day irrelevance, bickering, factionalism, marketing, and paranoia that are strangling the lifeblood out of the Church in America. In light of the events of 9/11/01, these suggestions become even more vital, as the Church must get serious about proving and providing a steady, Rock-like foundation amidst the fear and doubt.

Anyone who has seen intricate architectural modeling will certainly be fascinated by the origamic architecture method! It makes short work out of an extremely complicated looking result. If ever there was a true aphrodisiac, send your date one of these and tell her it's the first of a collection. Your patience will be rewarded!

Great book of Origamic Architecture diagrams. All the buildings you'd expect to have plus one or two skylines.

It is wonderful tour de force of the author.

Then, I thank to Amazon for letting me have a chance of getting this book.

From Wager to Walter, even Ozawa and Davis (both of these two conductors were 'NEW FACE' at that time of publishing this old copy!) were mentioned.

Regardless of containg what subject inside this book, the classic lovers should own this item.

Schonberg, the New York Times music critic of many years, writes here one from his series of books on music history. He takes a light yet well-informed approach to the conductors up through Bernstein, Maazel, and Mehta. His gentle sense of humor and love for music exude from this sentive work, which explores not only the technique of great conductors, but their lives and personalities as well. A fine light introduction to the history of conducting.

I have loved the Tom Tierney books for some time. When I am directing a new play I use his books as reference materials quite often because the images are so easy to see, and really help me to find the right language when I start working with the costumer. This particular book, with its wider range of featured designers and very different looks, is especially nice. The only con, and it is a small one, is that the paper doll forms seem to be somewhat smaller than the forms in some of his other books. Still, an overall wonderful book!

This is one of my favorite Tom Tierney paper doll books. The dolls look as if they've stepped straight from a 1950-s magazine, and the outfits are beautifully drawn. The detail is especially lovely on the lace gowns and the colors throughout are superb.
The outfits chosen for the book are a great summary of the wardrobe of an elegant, wealthy woman of the fifties. The only items which should have been included but weren't are bathing suits and draped evening dresses.