Bradford Books

As I was researtching for an extensive literature review on the subject of Animal Play I found this book an invaluable resource.

Gordon Burghardt;s book is an exceptionally complete review of play behavior in many diverse species of animals. It will set the standard for future research and volumes in this very popular area of research. Recommended for undergraduate and graduate courses in animal behavior and for people who want to know more about this fascinating behavioral phenomenon.

This book offers the gift of Reiki to all. It is a solid teaching tool for Reiki classes as well as a how-to for self healing. Included are testimonials offering new insights and ideas gleaned from the actual experiences of those using Reiki both on self and others. The book incorporates spiritual wisdom from many traditions in support of the healing process. The layout, combining illustrations and text, makes the techniques easy to visualize. Less is more yet it is all there and works in harmony presenting history, technique, and healing in one easy-to-use source. I sometimes just open the book and reread the wisdom notes for inspiration. It is gentle; it is spirit.

I have been teaching Reiki for many years using different books, finally there is a book that is clear and has all the correct information in a format a beginner can understand. This book explains the Reiki story so clearly without disclaiming the original story that appears in most other Reiki books. The pictures of the hand placements are wonderful and I like the additional placements also. I believe the stories throughout the book add a special dimension showing the flexibility and depth that Reiki can be used. This book has taken the number one position in my Reiki library. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Explain to people that they are fully natural, caused creatures, that they don't have contra-causal free will, and they often suppose you're dallying with fatalism. Explain that there is no provable basis for morality outside the natural world, and they often assume you're a moral relativist or nihilist. How can we construe human choices as anything but illusory if all we do is completely determined? How can we judge behavior right or wrong if there are no supernatural ethical foundations?

In Good and Real, computer scientist and independent scholar Gary Drescher mounts a mind-bending attack on these and other problems that arise when commonsense conflicts with the science-based view that we inhabit a purely physical, mechanistic, deterministic universe. (Please fasten your seatbelts.) Establishing that we are in such a universe is just one of his projects, set forth in a chapter called "Quantum Certainty." Drescher explains and defends Hugh Everett's relative-state interpretation of quantum mechanics in which there is no collapse of the waveform and in which the evolution of the (locally branching) universe in configuration space is fully deterministic. This unflinching fidelity to the mathematical quantum formalism is quite the opposite of pop-quantum physics, for instance as popularized by the film What the Bleep Do We Know, which gives the putatively undetermined conscious observer a special role in "creating" reality by collapsing the waveform. Here as elsewhere in the book Drescher draws a tough-minded, unpopular conclusion: sorry, we don't create our own reality.

Nor is consciousness something that transcends mechanism. Rather, Drescher explains in "Dust to Lust," it's what happens when a representational system goes recursive and starts taking its own episodes of representing as objects of further representation. Consciousness isn't something extra generated by recursion, it is recursion (of a particular type), and so not anything that can't be instantiated by a sufficiently complex mechanism, for instance, ourselves. Many readers will object to such a characterization: after all, we're not just machines, are we? Well yes, we're organic machines, choice machines in fact, Drescher says, whose consciousness and rationality can best be explained as the complex deterministic functionality of achieving goal states that have many sub-goals. Sticking with science, there's no reason to suppose we're animated by something non-physical in our goal-seeking behavior, since that assumption does no explanatory work. It's here that many will likely part company with Drescher, and hold out for extra-scientific claims about our cognitive capacities, for instance that consciousness transcends the brain. Such claims support a more "optimistic" view about human exceptionalism, in which our choices have contra-causal leverage over the world. But this refuses to let empirical findings drive our conclusions about reality - a no-no of the first order for scientific naturalists like Drescher.

The discussions of consciousness and quantum physics are joined by a consideration of time in the chapter "Going Without the Flow." Drescher reminds us that, according to 100 year-old standard physics, all events are sitting statically in four dimensional space-time. The past, present and future just are - there is no cursor moving forward along the time dimension that temporarily endows each moment with reality. All moments are equally real, which means that the future is there, "waiting" to be discovered by consciousness, not created de novo by human action. Now we start to see the problem for our standard intuition about human efficacy: if the future is inalterable, aren't choices futile?

Before tackling this problem, Drescher explains how the illusory impression of the flow of time arises, and further, given that basic physical laws don't specify a temporal direction, why it is we only observe events evolving forward in time, not backwards. As is often the case in this book, readers will find the explanations challenging; not because the writing isn't lucid (it is, and often entertaining) but simply due to the conceptual complexity and counterintuitiveness of the material, which sometimes translates, inevitably, into what are politely referred to as technicalities. Although the gist of his conclusions can be grasped without tangling with the tough parts, to decide if he's right requires you grapple with them.

The last third of Good and Real is devoted to the twin problems of choice and ethics in a deterministic universe, and if your mind isn't already stretched, this will definitely do the trick. If we are choice machines, whose every decision is etched inalterably in the space-time manifold, and whose consciousness isn't privileged in creating reality, why bother to act for the sake of what already exists? Part of the answer is relatively straightforward: if we didn't bother to engage in choice making behavior, which ordinarily includes considering alternative possibilities, then we wouldn't be as likely to achieve our goals. And choices needn't involve our being causal exceptions to nature:

"Thus choice...is a mechanical process compatible with determinism: choice is a process of examining assertions about what would be the case if this or that action were taken, and then selecting an action according to a preference about what would be the case. The objection *The agent didn't really make a choice, because the outcome was already predetermined* is as much a non sequitur as the objection *The motor didn't really exert force, because the outcome was already predetermined.* Both choice making and motor spinning are particular kinds of mechanical processes. In neither case does the predetermination of the outcome imply that the process didn't really take place." (p. 192, original emphasis)

But the rest of Drescher's answer takes us way down the rabbit hole, first by means of the seemingly innocent example of safely crossing the street, followed by his solution to Newcomb's Problem, a notorious thought experiment about choice and prediction that has divided philosophers for decades. It turns out, says Drescher, that it makes sense to act as if your choice had an effect on conditions preceding the choice, even though there's no causal link between your choice and those conditions. There exists what he calls a subjunctive means-end relation, a non-causal link between action and desired states of affairs. Therefore, Drescher argues, it can be rational to act for the sake of states of affairs that you know already obtain. If this seems completely counter-intuitive, join the club. Making it intuitive or at least logically transparent is Drescher's goal, which in my case was not achieved, at least at first pass (which says nothing about whether he's correct, since it will likely take several passes to fully understand the argument).

The capstone of Drescher's tour de force is to apply the rationality of appreciating subjunctive means-ends relations to the classic problem of the Prisoner's Dilemma, and from that derive an ethics grounded in enlightened self-interest. Agents caught in the dilemma who are smart enough to grasp the reality of subjunctive means-ends links will see that it's in their best interest to cooperate, not defect. This insight, generalized, becomes the rational basis for Kant's categorical imperative and the golden rule. Unlike Kant, however, Drescher posits nothing beyond the physical space-time continuum and goal-seeking choice machines (us) to establish this most basic ethical maxim. So, perhaps, he has fully naturalized it.

The scope of Drescher's ambition in this volume will not have escaped the reader. But he doesn't come across as ambitious or overbearing, just curious and relentlessly logical, wanting to get to the bottom of the best puzzles that unvarnished reality offers. That he ventures into such diverse territory might make specialists suspicious, but Drescher seems to have done his homework. Deciding whether he's right in any given instance will, however, require a close reading of his arguments and an evaluation of his evidentiary basis, for instance in consciousness studies, physics, game theory, and behavioral economics. Many of us non-specialists will likely have to reserve judgment, but can we suppose that standard intuitions about choice and reality, comforting though they be, are better than Drescher's carefully thought out if counterintuitive conclusions? Here are the big questions, addressed by a gifted, independent-minded thinker, made real for us in all their perplexity, and it's good that we should catch at least a glimpse of well-argued answers that form a satisfying whole. A deterministic, godless universe can, it seems, offer a sufficient basis for human efficacy and ethics.


Note: Gary Drescher's first book, on artificial intelligence, is Made-Up Minds, MIT Press.

Another recommendation: "A breathtakingly original assault on all the Big Issues! When philosophers get stuck in ruts, it often takes a brilliant outsider to jolt them onto new ground, and Gary Drescher, coming to philosophy from AI, offers a startling feast of new ideas." - Daniel Dennett (from the book jacket)

I am proud to write a review for this book, because I am convinced that philosophers of the future will look back on it as being ahead of its time.

Drescher establishes a comprehensive framework for studying some of the most difficult problems in philosophy, starting with a mechanistic view of the mind. With these tools, he dissects some of the most perplexing philosophical problems, questions about mind and body, consciousness, cause and effect, and moral choice. Drescher demonstrates convincingly that many our intuitions about free will and moral choice are not only not contradicted by a mechanistic view, but can be supported by it

I expect this book will not achieve the recognition it deserves for many years, because Drescher's way of thinking will be not be easy for readers with twentieth-century assumptions. Yet I am convinced that philosophers of the future will look back at this book in wonder, not because his ideas will be strange to them, but because they will find it surprising that we had so much trouble accepting them.

This is a very practical book that can have a tremendous impact on improved communication skills both for individuals and companies. The book is simple but offers thought provoking ideas that when applied will aid in listening and increase understanding of others. This is perfect for sales, marketing,and management. Small enough to fit in a pocket so employees can carry it around. I found that by focusing on one idea or principle for the day and putting it into practice my communication with fellow coworkers improved. I would recommend this book to managers as a tool they can give all members of thier team.

This is a user-friendly, handy guide in which author Ken Bradford encapsulates the key ingredients of being a good listener. Read it and you'll see how it translates into becoming a better leader, too. It's straightforward, it's relatable, it's articulate. Professionals (at ANY level) should get their hands on this how-to booklet. It contains meaningful steps to the critical, yet often overlooked aspect of communication -- listening. Buy one for yourself, co-workers, family and/or friends. You will all gain from it.

I think this is a great book. I really liked what I made and so did all the friends that came to my b-day party. You're actually proud to wear it!

I have been a handcrafter for many years and am addicted to books, magazines, patterns and the like, and am, in my opinion, especially fussy in terms of "freshness" and versatility. I thought this book was very nifty, clear, and adaptable to personal tastes or to what you have on hand.

I agree with the previous reviewer. This is a great starting point for someone interested in Kentucky history and definitely a "read before" reading "A New Kentucky History". It lays the foundation concerning the earliest portions of Kentucky history and really helped me understand the beginnings of my adopted home state. I would not have enjoyed A New Kentucky History nearly as much had I not read this book first. Well written and engrossing, a definite must have for anyone interested in the Bluegrass State. Yes, I know it's really a Commonwealth :)

Although this book was published more than 60 years ago -- and has been updated several times since then -- it is THE PLACE to begin if you are curious about Kentucky's fascinating -- and often tragic -- history. Although "A New History of Kentucky" is more current and is quite good, Clark's book is essential for understanding the Bluegrass State and how it has evolved. Clark's book also gives you a deeper appreciation of "A New History" and helps you understand some of the finer points of that book as well. Clark is a first-rate historian, but he also is a wonderful story-teller as well. He weaves a compelling story about Kentucky as a place full of optimism, corruption, idealism and missed opportunity. He captures some of the commonwealth's more colorful figures without deifying anyone or losing focus. Trying to understand Kentucky without reading Clark is not unlike trying to comprehend Rome without reading Gibbon or England without reading Churchill.

This volume represents a logical outflow of Keeney's first publication: "The aesthetics of change". It challenges the reader to use whatever she's got as personal resources in the creation of a truly personal therapeutic style.

Some echoes of his subsequent publications are also found in the re-framing of the work of other therapists. "Mind in therapy" is a clear precursor of the thought of this book.

Improvisational Therapy challenges the reader to use her own creativity, without relying on the "recipes" of others. Keeney contextualizes therapy as performing art, not completely tongue in cheek.

I got this book as part of my counseling masters course (MFT) and I must say IT IS THE BOOK for therapist, business people or ANYONE who wants to improve how they communicate with others. My husband sometimes refers to it when he comes by friends who need help in the peoples skills (shy types). Even the most experienced communicator can learn new things! I was AMAZED by the examples, conceptualizations and just the wealth of information.

This book should be required reading for everyone, regardless of field or relationship status. If you encounter a friend, relative, or stranger with something on their mind, this book shows you the steps you can take to help that person find the solutions to their own problems, a skill we all have within us. I use the skills in this book as a psychology student, a parent, and someone in long-term relationships with family, friends, and loved ones. If you can't afford the new copy, find an old one. This book will improve how you connect with others tremendously!

This is a lovely story to help children see the value of the nighttime. The illustrations are beautiful and the story is sure to help little ones be less afraid of the night.

I absolutely love this book! What a witty way to help kids love the dark, to teach them a lesson not to be afraid. My nephew and his class loved the book, same with is his teacher they all went and bought a copy, and the teacher did as well to keep in her classroom. What a talented author to write and illustrate a whole book! Can not wait for the next book, they will be the new great books children will love and especially parents!

I first read this book as a child, and have re-read it many times as an adult. It is the story of a larger-than-life hero which appears to take place in the late 19th century. In Bradford's "John Henry", the traditional "steel-drivin'" man is a steamboat roustabout who goes up and down the Mississippi, from town to town, job to job, woman to woman. A lively cast of characters, including Stagger Lee, Poor Selma, and a character who pops up in odd places, referred to only as "a nigger named Sam" make this a very amusing story, and a great read for any age. An imaginative film producer (Spike Lee, perhaps?) could make a fortune from a movie version. John Henry's run-ins with women, bosses, liquor, cocaine, bad guys, gambling, and the law roll off him like water off a duck's back. A true superhero, his demise eventually comes in an unexpected way. I won't ruin the end--if you find this book, it's a must-read.

I first read this book as a child, and have re-read it many times as an adult. It is the story of a larger-than-life hero which appears to take place in the late 19th century. In Bradford's "John Henry", the traditional "steel-drivin'" man is a steamboat roustabout who goes up and down the Mississippi, from town to town, job to job, woman to woman. A lively cast of characters, including Stagger Lee, Poor Selma, and a character who pops up in odd places, referred to only as "a nigger named Sam" make this a very amusing story, and a great read for any age. An imaginative film producer (Spike Lee, perhaps?) could make a fortune from a movie version. John Henry's run-ins with women, bosses, liquor, cocaine, bad guys, gambling, and the law roll off him like water off a duck's back. A true superhero, his demise eventually comes in an unexpected way. I won't ruin the end--if you find this book, it's a must-read.