The Trouble With Theory

Author : Gavin Kitching
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 131 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2020-07-23
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781000247213

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The Trouble with Theory by Gavin Kitching Pdf

Postmodern theory has engaged the hearts and heads of the brightest students because of its apparent political and social radicalism. Despite this Professor Gavin Kitching claims that, 'At the heart of postmodernism is very poor, deeply confused and misbegotten philosophy. As a result even the very best students who fall under its sway produce radically incoherent ideas about language, meaning, truth and reality.' This is not another conservative attack on postmodernism. Rather, it is a carefully considered analysis from a dedicated university teacher who is convinced that we have gone terribly astray. He shows that postmodern theory is at best irrelevant to, and at worst undermining of, persuasive political arguments, and reveals the basic philosophical confusion at its heart which makes this so. Essential reading for any student writing a thesis in the humanities and the social sciences, and for their teachers. 'It is the strongest and best attack on the ravages of routine post-modernism that I have ever read. I applaud the way he lists the good causes that students warmly espouse, and then suggests a simpler way to support them without the self-destructive it's all just language that is implicit in their work.' - Professor Sir Bernard Crick, Emeritus Professor of Politics, Birkbeck College, University of London 'Gavin Kitching rattles the cages. Will the inmates hear this? They should, if only for the reason that there is virtue in learning to argue against yourself. This is a serious book.' - Professor Peter Beilharz, Sociology, La Trobe University 'Required reading for anyone who wants to understand how and why postmodernism has had such disastrous pedagogical consequences.' - Professor David G. Stern, Philosophy, University of Iowa

Author : G. N. Kitching
Publisher : Penn State Press
Page : 244 pages
File Size : 45,7 Mb
Release : 2008
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 0271034513

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The Trouble with Theory by G. N. Kitching Pdf

"A critique of postmodernism and poststructuralism and an examination of their impact on higher education. Argues that students influenced by these trends in philosophy produce radically incoherent ideas about language, meaning, truth, and reality"--Provided by publisher.

Author : Lee Smolin
Publisher : Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Page : 420 pages
File Size : 55,6 Mb
Release : 2006
Category : Science
ISBN : 0618551050

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The Trouble with Physics by Lee Smolin Pdf

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Author : Cheryl Hall
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 174 pages
File Size : 53,7 Mb
Release : 2013-01-22
Category : Political Science
ISBN : 9781135336479

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The Trouble With Passion by Cheryl Hall Pdf

Political theorists have long argued that passion has no place in the political realm where reason reigns supreme. But, is this dichotomy between reason and passion sustainable? Does it underestimate the indispensable role of passion in a fully democratic society? Drawing upon Plato, Rousseau, and contemporary feminist theorists, Cheryl Hall argues that passion is an essential component of a just political community and that the need to educate passion together with reason is paramount. Trouble with Passion provides a compelling defense of the crucial place of passion in politics.

Author : Adam Becker
Publisher : Basic Books
Page : 418 pages
File Size : 49,9 Mb
Release : 2018-03-20
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780465096060

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What Is Real? by Adam Becker Pdf

"A thorough, illuminating exploration of the most consequential controversy raging in modern science." --New York Times Book Review An Editor's Choice, New York Times Book Review Longlisted for PEN/E.O. Wilson Prize for Literary Science Writing Longlisted for Goodreads Choice Award Every physicist agrees quantum mechanics is among humanity's finest scientific achievements. But ask what it means, and the result will be a brawl. For a century, most physicists have followed Niels Bohr's solipsistic and poorly reasoned Copenhagen interpretation. Indeed, questioning it has long meant professional ruin, yet some daring physicists, such as John Bell, David Bohm, and Hugh Everett, persisted in seeking the true meaning of quantum mechanics. What Is Real? is the gripping story of this battle of ideas and the courageous scientists who dared to stand up for truth. "An excellent, accessible account." --Wall Street Journal "Splendid. . . . Deeply detailed research, accompanied by charming anecdotes about the scientists." --Washington Post

Author : Robin Ian MacDonald Dunbar
Publisher : Harvard University Press
Page : 226 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 1995
Category : History
ISBN : 0674910192

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The Trouble with Science by Robin Ian MacDonald Dunbar Pdf

Robin Dunbar asks whether science really is unique to Western culture, even to humankind. He suggests that our "trouble with science" may lie in the fact that evolution has left our minds better able to cope with day-to-day social interaction than with the complexities of the external world.

Author : Richard Dawid
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
Page : 213 pages
File Size : 42,9 Mb
Release : 2013-05-02
Category : Science
ISBN : 9781107067585

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String Theory and the Scientific Method by Richard Dawid Pdf

String theory has played a highly influential role in theoretical physics for nearly three decades and has substantially altered our view of the elementary building principles of the Universe. However, the theory remains empirically unconfirmed, and is expected to remain so for the foreseeable future. So why do string theorists have such a strong belief in their theory? This book explores this question, offering a novel insight into the nature of theory assessment itself. Dawid approaches the topic from a unique position, having extensive experience in both philosophy and high-energy physics. He argues that string theory is just the most conspicuous example of a number of theories in high-energy physics where non-empirical theory assessment has an important part to play. Aimed at physicists and philosophers of science, the book does not use mathematical formalism and explains most technical terms.

Author : Raymond M. Smullyan,Melvin Fitting
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 0 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 2010
Category : Continuum hypothesis
ISBN : 0486474844

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Set Theory and the Continuum Problem by Raymond M. Smullyan,Melvin Fitting Pdf

A lucid, elegant, and complete survey of set theory, this three-part treatment explores axiomatic set theory, the consistency of the continuum hypothesis, and forcing and independence results. 1996 edition.

Author : John K. Rhoads
Publisher : Penn State Press
Page : 390 pages
File Size : 45,6 Mb
Release : 1991
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780271032870

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Critical Issues in Social Theory by John K. Rhoads Pdf

Critical Issues in Social Theory is an analytical survey of persistent controversies that have shaped the field of sociology. It defines, clarifies, and proposes solutions to these &"critical issues&" through commentary on the writings of such influential social theorists as Hobbes, Marx, Durkheim, Weber, Mead, Merton, Parsons, and Schutz. Instead of being just another history, or another classification of theories, Rhoads's four-part model allows him to focus attention on issues that remain at the core of sociological theory today. First, Rhoads analyzes the controversy over positivism as the proper methodological model for the study of human society. Is there one science, of which sociology is a branch, or do the peculiarities of sociology's subject matter require a modification of the scientific method borrowed from the natural sciences? Rhoads next considers the relationship of individuals to society and its structures. Does society have a mode of existence distinct from its members, or is it merely an abstraction derived from the characteristics of individuals? Third, a discussion of social order raises the question of whether social order is the consequence of rules and their underlying moral values, or the product of continuous construction based on self-interest. Finally, the relative importance of consensus and conflict in social relationships is addressed. Is society better understood as a community united by beliefs, values, and rules, or is the social dynamic of continual conflict over beliefs, values, and rules more fundamental? In coming to grips with these issues, the author in some instances takes sides and in others arrives at a synthesis of diverse perspectives. In the final chapter he points to the limitations on the possibility of rational action that come to light in the clashes over these basic issues.

Author : Mariam Thalos
Publisher : Routledge
Page : 278 pages
File Size : 52,7 Mb
Release : 2016-03-17
Category : Philosophy
ISBN : 9781317394952

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A Social Theory of Freedom by Mariam Thalos Pdf

In A Social Theory of Freedom, Mariam Thalos argues that the theory of human freedom should be a broadly social and political theory, rather than a theory that places itself in opposition to the issue of determinism. Thalos rejects the premise that a theory of freedom is fundamentally a theory of the metaphysics of constraint and, instead, lays out a political conception of freedom that is closely aligned with questions of social identity, self-development in contexts of intimate relationships, and social solidarity. Thalos argues that whether a person is free (in any context) depends upon a certain relationship of fit between that agent’s conception of themselves (both present and future), on the one hand, and the facts of their circumstances, on the other. Since relationships of fit are broadly logical, freedom is a logic—it is the logic of fit between one’s aspirations and one’s circumstances, what Thalos calls the logic of agency. The logic of agency, once fleshed out, becomes a broadly social and political theory that encompasses one’s self-conceptions as well as how these self-conceptions are generated, together with how they fit with the circumstances of one’s life. The theory of freedom proposed in this volume is fundamentally a political one.

Author : John Bancroft
Publisher : Indiana University Press
Page : 386 pages
File Size : 52,8 Mb
Release : 2000
Category : Psychology
ISBN : 0253337062

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The Role of Theory in Sex Research by John Bancroft Pdf

Attempting to bridge the epistemological gaps between "positivist" and "postmodern" approaches to theoretical models of sexual behavior, this book brings together essays and discussion by scholars representing a range of viewpoints and contrasting theoretical approaches. The essays examine four areas: sexuality through the life cycle, sexual orientation, individual differences in sexual risk taking, and adolescent sexual behavior.

Author : Dean Rickles
Publisher : Springer Science & Business Media
Page : 265 pages
File Size : 52,6 Mb
Release : 2014-02-18
Category : Science
ISBN : 9783642451287

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A Brief History of String Theory by Dean Rickles Pdf

During its forty year lifespan, string theory has always had the power to divide, being called both a 'theory of everything' and a 'theory of nothing'. Critics have even questioned whether it qualifies as a scientific theory at all. This book adopts an objective stance, standing back from the question of the truth or falsity of string theory and instead focusing on how it came to be and how it came to occupy its present position in physics. An unexpectedly rich history is revealed, with deep connections to our most well-established physical theories. Fully self-contained and written in a lively fashion, the book will appeal to a wide variety of readers from novice to specialist.

Author : Vicki Kirby
Publisher : A&C Black
Page : 193 pages
File Size : 54,6 Mb
Release : 2006-08-01
Category : Social Science
ISBN : 9780826462923

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Judith Butler: Live Theory by Vicki Kirby Pdf

Offering an account of the work and thought of Judith Butler, this guide is meant for those studying this pioneering thinker within the context of sociology, cultural studies, literary criticism, feminism, and philosophy. It explores her contributions to gender theory, and her impact on how the discipline of gender studies has been shaped.

Author : Anonim
Publisher : Unknown
Page : 1038 pages
File Size : 40,5 Mb
Release : 1894
Category : Beneficial insects
ISBN : CORNELL:31924068414634

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Economic Entomology by Anonim Pdf

Author : Len Fisher
Publisher : Basic Books
Page : 288 pages
File Size : 48,7 Mb
Release : 2008-11-04
Category : Science
ISBN : 9780786726936

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Rock, Paper, Scissors by Len Fisher Pdf

Praised by Entertainment Weekly as “the man who put the fizz into physics,” Dr. Len Fisher turns his attention to the science of cooperation in his lively and thought-provoking book. Fisher shows how the modern science of game theory has helped biologists to understand the evolution of cooperation in nature, and investigates how we might apply those lessons to our own society. In a series of experiments that take him from the polite confines of an English dinner party to crowded supermarkets, congested Indian roads, and the wilds of outback Australia, not to mention baseball strategies and the intricacies of quantum mechanics, Fisher sheds light on the problem of global cooperation. The outcomes are sometimes hilarious, sometimes alarming, but always revealing. A witty romp through a serious science, Rock, Paper, Scissors will both teach and delight anyone interested in what it what it takes to get people to work together.