The sheer variety of socio-political events and technological advancements which affect modern society, and the speed and intensity at which these events occur around the world, delivers change known as epistemic and social transformation. Within this context, the question of justice for all is a poignant one. It is a cognitive revolution challenging humankind to consider whether or not the already contested meaning of philosophy can remain unchanged. The contributions to Contrasts and contests about philosophy address this challenge from a variety of different, and even contending, perspectives. This book was originally published as a special issue of the South African Journal of Philosophy.

The book Theory and Practice of Contrast completes, corrects and integrates the foundations of science and humanities, which include: theory of art, philosophy (aesthetics, epistemology, ontology, axiology), cognitive science, theory of information, theory of complexity and physics. Through the integration of these distant disciplines, many unresolved issues in contemporary science have been clarified or better understood, among others: defining impact (contrast) and using this definition in different fields of knowledge; understanding what beauty/art is and what our aesthetic preferences depend on; deeper understanding of what complexity and information are in essence, and providing their general definitions. Complexity means integration, value and goodness - concepts that seem to be neglected today. The book also has a high degree of integration/complexity, although each chapter introduces a new issue. The last chapter: "Binary Model of the Universe" draws attention to the need for including in physics the analysis of our mind and the resulting new possibilities, which include the mentioned (digital) model of the universe. Despite the difficult issues raised here, this study is written in accessible language and may be interesting not only for scientists and academics.

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy provides an excellent way of looking at some intriguing issues in philosophy, from vegetarianism and Artificial Intelligence to God, space and time. This is an entertaining yet thought provoking volume for students, philosophers and fans of The Hitchhiker's series.

In this acclaimed book, Scruton takes the issues relating to vivisection, hunting, animal testing and BSE and places them in a wider framework of thought and feeling. Now available in paperback

Comparing is one of the most essential practices, in our everyday life as well as in science and humanities. In this in-depth philosophical analysis of the structure, practice and ethics of comparative procedures, Hartmut von Sass expands on the significance of comparison. Elucidating the ramified structure of comparing, von Sass suggests a typology of comparisons before introducing the notion of comparative injustice and the limits of comparisons. He elaborates on comparing as practice by relating comparing to three relative practices – orienting, describing, and expressing oneself – to unfold some of the most important chapters of what might be called comparativism. This approach allows von Sass to clarify the idea of the incomparable, distinguish between different versions of incomparability and shed light on important ethical aspects of comparisons today. Confronting the claim that we are living in an age of comparisons, his book is an important contribution to ideas surrounding all-encompassing measurements and scalability and their critique.

Have you ever found yourself pondering the vast mysteries of the universe? Do you possess an insatiable curiosity about the diverse and profound perspectives that shape our understanding of existence? This book is your gateway to unraveling the intricate tapestry of philosophical thought. This enlightening book offers a clear and accessible path for grasping the rich history, diverse schools of thought, and fundamental concepts that define philosophy. Whether you're a newcomer to the realm of philosophical inquiry or seeking to deepen your existing knowledge, this guide breaks down complex ideas into easily digestible insights. Dive into the intriguing debate between philosophy and scientific methodologies, exploring how each approach interprets and investigates the phenomena of our world. Discover the enduring importance of philosophy in shaping our modern society, influencing everything from ethics and politics to art and culture. Simply Learn Philosophy also delves into the origins of philosophical thought, examining both the perceived beginnings and the actual historical developments that have shaped this intellectual discipline. By understanding the roots of philosophy, you'll gain a clearer perspective on its evolution and relevance in contemporary times. More than just an introduction, this book invites you to embrace your "inner philosopher." Engage with thought-provoking discussions, challenge your preconceptions, and embark on a transformative journey of intellectual exploration. Learn how to reconcile the differences between philosophy and science, and discover the profound freedom that comes from delving into the depth and breadth of the philosophical world. Embrace the adventure of philosophical exploration and experience the liberating power of knowledge.

This book presents a systemic analysis of Spinoza’s philosophy and challenges the traditional views. It deals with Spinoza’s concepts of substance, truth conditions, attributes, and the first, second, and supreme grades of knowledge. Based upon an analysis of the relevant details in all of Spinoza’s philosophical works, the book reveals many important points, including the following: Spinoza’s system is not, nor is meant to be, a foundational-deductive system but was meant to be a coherent system of a network model. Spinoza’s reality is not made in the image of a mathematical model. Imaginatio, the first grade of knowledge, and ratio, the second grade, are parts or properties of the supreme grade of knowledge, scientia intuitiva, which is their essence. Finite beings, especially humans, are necessary and eternal (unless they are mistakenly perceived by imaginatio) whereas time, place, and death are simply “entities of imagination.” The salvation, happiness, and blessedness that Spinoza’s Ethics offers us, are active and depend only upon us. Concluding a careful examination and interpretation, the book suggests additional novel viewpoints in interpreting Spinoza’s philosophical psychology and political philosophy.