Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

A forum for old votes and nomination threads
Locked
User avatar
PhilosophyGeek
New Trial Member
Posts: 1
Joined: July 15th, 2014, 9:22 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by PhilosophyGeek »

I recently came across this short story on Amazon: Not Guilty... By Reason of Determinism

Not only is it hilarious, but a completely new way of introducing key topics, which is likely to engage readers from a much more diverse pool than usual.

I therefore believe it is a prime candidate for discussion.
Platos stepchild
Posts: 545
Joined: July 19th, 2014, 9:58 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Platos stepchild »

The book which I'd like to nominate is entitled Deciphering the Cosmic Number: the Strange Friendship of Wolfgang Pauli and Carl Jung (2009). Although it's author, Arthur I. Miller has a Ph.D. in physics from the Massachusetts institute of technology, the book, itself isn't so much a scientific treatise, as it is an enquiry into a certain esoteric, animal known as the fine-structure-constant (approximately equal to 1/37). Unlike most other "physical constants", however this particular number is dimensionless. This makes it, in a very real sense fundamental to the fabric-of-reality (Being "dimensionless", "the constant" doesn't rely on measurements; rather, it's derived "conceptually, In other words, the universe wouldn't be the same without it).

The fine-structure-constant is also inextricably linked to the halcyon days of quantum mechanics. At the time, it was tacitly assumed that "quantum reality" is a homeomorphism of our "Newtonian world", an assumption which Pauli eventually helped to repudiate. The question which made the fine-structure-constant pertinent was how many coordinates are needed to uniquely locate an electron, in it's atomic orbit. The obvious answer was "3": three Cartesian coordinates should've sufficed, just as they do when specifying the locations of macroscopic objects. And, although a fourth coordinate did keep impinging on the debate, the impossibility of visualizing what that meant precluded it's easy acceptance.

Among other anecdotes, Miller refers back to a running feud between Johannes Kepler, and one Robert Mudd. The question, at that time was basically which numbers should bear the "divine imprimatur". Even at the dawn of the Enlightenment, certain "numbers" still retained a kind of Pythagorion panache: was the number "3" the archetype of God's aesthetics; or, was it "4"? Pauli studied the relevant correspondence between the two men, trying to glean some insights into his own numerical debacle. Although Initially, Pauli sided with Kepler, he nevertheless found himself beguiled by the arguments of the less scientifically-inclined Fludd. As he felt his own sanity slipping away, in despair, Pauli sought out Carl Jung as his therapist. Pauli was simply going mad, trying to understand why quantum space was so bizarre.

A good deal of the book is devoted to the various machinations, which a heretofore, dogmatic empiricist resorted to, in order to make his intuitive leap explaining just how weird quantum reality actually is. I see the book, Deciphering the Cosmic Code as an empiricist manual which nevertheless acknowledges the inexplicable roots of the presumably explicable. Although the "intuitive leaps" which scientists make cannot be reduced to an algorithm, they do draw on a rich history of esoteric literature, and art. Jung opened Pauli's eyes to that "history", thereby enriching a new field of scientific study. For anyone who scoffs at opening the door, of science to such spookery, the book'll no doubt seem provocative. On the other hand, it's not a license to raid the i-ching for inspiration, either. A balanced, and thoughtful reading of Miller's book should afford a newfound appreciation for the role which "gifted hunches" play in making scientific advances possible. That's why I'm recommending it.
User avatar
Thought_2000
Posts: 87
Joined: July 30th, 2013, 5:54 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Thought_2000 »

I would like to nominate Essays on Order, Books 1 - 4 by author Chuck Pyburn. A mind bending collection of topics on the thought process of the human condition. The minds on-going struggle between questions and answers is interesting.

If all that post on this board had no more questions but only answers, would this board have any purpose?
Hosshere
Posts: 12
Joined: August 16th, 2014, 11:04 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Hosshere »

I say we nominate Thomas Nagel's "Mortal Questions" (Cambridge U. Press, ISBN softcover0 52129460 6). Only 213 pages, but makes you really think. These questions the book raises includes meaning, nature and value of human life.
ShrimpMaster
Posts: 324
Joined: August 5th, 2014, 5:58 pm
Favorite Philosopher: St. Augustine
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by ShrimpMaster »

User avatar
Atreyu
Posts: 1737
Joined: June 17th, 2014, 3:11 am
Favorite Philosopher: P.D. Ouspensky
Location: Orlando, FL

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Atreyu »

I would like to nominate "Tertium Organum" by P.D. Ouspensky.

I'm convinced this is one of the best and most underrated books on philosophy in the 20th century.

Prove me wrong...
User avatar
Quotidian
Posts: 2681
Joined: August 29th, 2012, 7:47 am
Favorite Philosopher: Nagel
Location: Sydney
Contact:

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Quotidian »

Well, of the top two, the first is theology, the second gnosticism. I think Hosshere's choice, Thomas Nagel's "Mortal Questions", is better for this forum, being a title that would actually be taught in philosophy classes. (But the book on Pauli and Jung looks fascinating!)
'For there are many here among us who think that life is but a joke' ~ Dylan
Hosshere
Posts: 12
Joined: August 16th, 2014, 11:04 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Hosshere »

Thought_2000 brings up a good point,the questions matter just as much as the answers. Oftentimes there are no real answers, only different opinions....
ShrimpMaster
Posts: 324
Joined: August 5th, 2014, 5:58 pm
Favorite Philosopher: St. Augustine
Location: Seattle, WA

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by ShrimpMaster »

I understand this isn't a theist-friendly forum. Why not give the Blackwell Companion to Natural Theology a chance and rebuff your anti-theism? If you wish to serve your intellectual prowess it would be a good chance to prime yourself against those terrible theists.
User avatar
Baumgartenman
New Trial Member
Posts: 4
Joined: August 2nd, 2014, 10:03 am

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Baumgartenman »

I nominate John Dewey's Art as experience 1934. In this book he argues that aesthetic experience is continuous with all forms of experience. Aesthetic expereince is the bedrock upon which all meaningful experiences emanate. A truly great book. Baumgartenman
AHD88
Posts: 6
Joined: September 12th, 2014, 7:04 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by AHD88 »

Saul Kripke, Naming and Necessity
User avatar
Misty
Premium Member
Posts: 5934
Joined: August 10th, 2011, 8:13 pm
Location: United States of America

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Misty »

The Sixth Extinction, An Unnatural History, by Elizabeth Kolbert

Can be viewed on amazon, also reviews to read.
Things are not always as they appear; it's a matter of perception.

The eyes can only see what the mind has, is, or will be prepared to comprehend.

I am Lion, hear me ROAR! Meow.
User avatar
Manu
New Trial Member
Posts: 4
Joined: October 22nd, 2014, 3:15 pm

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Manu »

The book of the Year should be
'A Journey into the Microcosmos'
'Evolution at its best'
By T.Adi.Ray
It is beyond anything we have ever known.
A philosophy that will change the world.
A must must read for every human interested in philosophy and truth.
It says - 'The Creation awaits each to take this Journey in time,
Your Time is NOW'.

I believe the same after I read it.
The script has multi levels and each read is giving me new knowledge and new experiences.
I want all to experience what I experience today.
'Phenomenal'
Belinda
Premium Member
Posts: 13782
Joined: July 10th, 2008, 7:02 pm
Location: UK

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Belinda »

I nominate "The No-Nonsense Guide to Islam" by Ziauddin Sarwar and Merryl Wyn Davies. 130 pages .

Foreword by Dr.Ghayasuddin Siddiqui, Director, The Muslim Institute, London.

with glossary,

Timeline,

bibliography,

list of addresses and emails contacts,

index.

The last two chapters are especially promising: "Contemporary Issues" and "Beyond the Impasse".

New Internationalist Publications Ltd. Authors' Copyright 2004.
Socialist
User avatar
Erasmus Folly
New Trial Member
Posts: 2
Joined: January 27th, 2015, 2:14 am

Re: Nominate books to be a philosophy book of the month

Post by Erasmus Folly »

For the April Book of the Month I would like to nominate:

So You Think You're Human? A Brief History of Humankind by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto.

Synopsis:

You think you're human. But what does that mean? How can humanity be defined? Felipe Fernandez-Armesto takes us on an enlightening journey through the history of humankind to reveal the challenges to our most fundamental belief - that we are, and have always been, human. Chimps and humans are objectively so alike that an anthropologist from Mars might classify them together; advances in artificial intelligence mean that humans no longer have exclusive access to reason, consciousness and imagination; developments in genetics threaten humanity with an uncertain future. The harder we cling to the concept of humanity, the more slippery it becomes. But if it breaks down altogether, what will this mean for human values, human rights, and the defense of human dignity? So You Think You're Human? confronts these problems from a historical perspective, showing how our current understanding of what it means to be human has been shaken by new challenges from science and philosophy. Fernandez-Armesto shows how our concept of humankind has changed over time, tracing its faltering expansion to its present limits and arguing that these limits are neither fixed nor scientifically verifiable. Controversially, he proposes that we have further to go in developing our concept of humankind and that we need to rethink it as a matter of urgency.
Locked

Return to “Old Book of the Month Votes”

2023/2024 Philosophy Books of the Month

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise

Entanglement - Quantum and Otherwise
by John K Danenbarger
January 2023

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul

Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless: Wisdom Behind the Incomparable Chicken Soup for the Soul
by Mitzi Perdue
February 2023

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness

Rediscovering the Wisdom of Human Nature: How Civilization Destroys Happiness
by Chet Shupe
March 2023

The Unfakeable Code®

The Unfakeable Code®
by Tony Jeton Selimi
April 2023

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are

The Book: On the Taboo Against Knowing Who You Are
by Alan Watts
May 2023

Killing Abel

Killing Abel
by Michael Tieman
June 2023

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead

Reconfigurement: Reconfiguring Your Life at Any Stage and Planning Ahead
by E. Alan Fleischauer
July 2023

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough

First Survivor: The Impossible Childhood Cancer Breakthrough
by Mark Unger
August 2023

Predictably Irrational

Predictably Irrational
by Dan Ariely
September 2023

Artwords

Artwords
by Beatriz M. Robles
November 2023

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope

Fireproof Happiness: Extinguishing Anxiety & Igniting Hope
by Dr. Randy Ross
December 2023

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes

Beyond the Golden Door: Seeing the American Dream Through an Immigrant's Eyes
by Ali Master
February 2024

2022 Philosophy Books of the Month

Emotional Intelligence At Work

Emotional Intelligence At Work
by Richard M Contino & Penelope J Holt
January 2022

Free Will, Do You Have It?

Free Will, Do You Have It?
by Albertus Kral
February 2022

My Enemy in Vietnam

My Enemy in Vietnam
by Billy Springer
March 2022

2X2 on the Ark

2X2 on the Ark
by Mary J Giuffra, PhD
April 2022

The Maestro Monologue

The Maestro Monologue
by Rob White
May 2022

What Makes America Great

What Makes America Great
by Bob Dowell
June 2022

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!

The Truth Is Beyond Belief!
by Jerry Durr
July 2022

Living in Color

Living in Color
by Mike Murphy
August 2022 (tentative)

The Not So Great American Novel

The Not So Great American Novel
by James E Doucette
September 2022

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches

Mary Jane Whiteley Coggeshall, Hicksite Quaker, Iowa/National Suffragette And Her Speeches
by John N. (Jake) Ferris
October 2022

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All

In It Together: The Beautiful Struggle Uniting Us All
by Eckhart Aurelius Hughes
November 2022

The Smartest Person in the Room: The Root Cause and New Solution for Cybersecurity

The Smartest Person in the Room
by Christian Espinosa
December 2022

2021 Philosophy Books of the Month

The Biblical Clock: The Untold Secrets Linking the Universe and Humanity with God's Plan

The Biblical Clock
by Daniel Friedmann
March 2021

Wilderness Cry: A Scientific and Philosophical Approach to Understanding God and the Universe

Wilderness Cry
by Dr. Hilary L Hunt M.D.
April 2021

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute: Tools To Spark Your Dream And Ignite Your Follow-Through

Fear Not, Dream Big, & Execute
by Jeff Meyer
May 2021

Surviving the Business of Healthcare: Knowledge is Power

Surviving the Business of Healthcare
by Barbara Galutia Regis M.S. PA-C
June 2021

Winning the War on Cancer: The Epic Journey Towards a Natural Cure

Winning the War on Cancer
by Sylvie Beljanski
July 2021

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream

Defining Moments of a Free Man from a Black Stream
by Dr Frank L Douglas
August 2021

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts

If Life Stinks, Get Your Head Outta Your Buts
by Mark L. Wdowiak
September 2021

The Preppers Medical Handbook

The Preppers Medical Handbook
by Dr. William W Forgey M.D.
October 2021

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress: A Practical Guide

Natural Relief for Anxiety and Stress
by Dr. Gustavo Kinrys, MD
November 2021

Dream For Peace: An Ambassador Memoir

Dream For Peace
by Dr. Ghoulem Berrah
December 2021