Essential Philosophy

Few ideas have been as influential in the development of moral, political, legal, and economic thought in the broad Western tradition as the idea of natural law. It is also true that the understanding of natural law and its influence on specific norms and institutions—rights, justice, private property, rule of law, limited government—is not anywhere near as widespread in the 21st century as it was just 100 years ago.

The I Ching, or Book of Change, has been consulted through the ages, in both China and the West, for answers to fundamental questions about the world and our place in it. The oldest extant book of divination, it dates back 3,000 years to ancient shamanistic practices involving the ritual preparation of the shoulder bones of oxen. From this early form of communication with the other world, it has become the Chinese spiritual book par excellence.

While social and emotional learning (SEL) is most familiar as compartmentalized programs separate from academics, the truth is, all learning is social and emotional. What teachers say, the values we express, the materials and activities we choose, and the skills we prioritize all influence how students think, see themselves, and interact with content and with others.

In this book the philosopher Jonathan Westphal examines the mind-body problem in detail, laying out the reasoning behind the solutions that have been offered in the past and presenting his own proposal. The sharp focus on the mind-body problem, a problem that is not about the self or consciousness or the soul or anything other than the mind and the body, helps clarify both problem and solutions. Westphal outlines the history of the mind-body problem, beginning with Descartes.

The organic grower's guide to planting, propagation, culture, and ecology. Trees are our allies in healing the world. Partnering with trees allows us to build soil, enhance biodiversity, increase wildlife populations, grow food and medicine, and pull carbon out of the atmosphere, sequestering it in the soil. Author Akiva Silver is an enthusiastic tree grower with years of experience running his own commercial nursery. In this audiobook, he clearly explains the most important concepts necessary for success with perennial woody plants.

Pragmatism, America's homegrown philosophy, has been a major intellectual movement for over a century. Unlike its rivals, it reaches well beyond the confines of philosophy into concerns and disciplines as diverse as religion, politics, science, and culture. In this concise, engagingly written overview, John R. Shook describes pragmatism's origins, concepts, and continuing global relevance and appeal.

Fritjof Capra, scientist, educator, activist, and accomplished author, presents the evolution of his thought over five decades in Patterns of Connection. First introduced in the late 1950s to the work of Werner Heisenberg, a founder of quantum mechanics, Capra quickly intuited the connections between the discoveries of quantum physics and the traditions of Eastern philosophy - resulting in his first book, the best-selling The Tao of Physics.

Welcome to ikigai, a Japanese mind-set that will change your life. Ken Mogi, a Japanese expert and best-selling writer, reveals all about this mysterious and fascinating miracle that is at the heart of Japan's record-breaking long life, astonishing appreciation of sensory beauty and inherent mindfulness. It is extraordinary that Japanese men's longevity ranks fourth in the world while Japanese women's ranks second. But perhaps this comes as no surprise....

Philosophy experienced its origins at the time of ancient Greece with its well-known representatives Plato and Socrates, to name just two examples. One can translate philosophy as the striving for knowledge about the meaning of life, the essence of the world, and the position of man in the world. It describes the teaching and science of the knowledge of the meaning of life and of the world and of man's position in the world.

Teachers deal with change on a regular basis, but there are some principles at the core of teaching that remain constant and that have the biggest impact on student achievement. In this inspiring book from the authors', bestselling author and speaker, you’ll learn how to focus on the most important things in the classroom, not just the "current" things. The authors reveal essential truths that will make you a more effective educator in areas such as student relationships, classroom management, and classroom culture.

Stoicism: The Essential Guide to Stoicism Philosophy, Wisdom, and History is your fundamental guide that will teach you the core principles of Stoicism. This book will teach you the great wisdom of Stoic philosophers such as such as Seneca, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius. By learning the Stoic teachings, you will be able to apply them to your life. Learn how to live a virtuous life and attain peace of mind and happiness. If you want to know how to remain stress-free amid problematic situations, and if you want to find more meaning in life, then this is the book for you.

Learn how to overcome the worries, insecurities and fears that hold you back in this perspective-shifting book. Drawing on his years of experience as a celebrated Zen master, Thich Nhat Hanh shows that by mastering the practices of mindfulness, you can learn to identify the sources of pain that cause fear and move past them to live a mindful and happy life.

Unlock the secrets of ancient wisdom with "Laozi and Liezi: Essential Teachings of Daoism," a comprehensive guide that brings together the profound insights of two of Daoism's most revered sages. This unique volume offers an accessible introduction to the philosophies of Laozi and Liezi, providing practical guidance for living a life of balance, harmony, and inner peace. Dive Deep into Daoist Philosophy: Laozi's Timeless Wisdom: Discover the transformative power of the "Tao Te Ching," where Laozi's teachings reveal the path to living in harmony with the natural world. Liezi's Engaging ...

"To give space when what one most yearns for is closeness, that is both the great test and great tragedy of love." - Simone de Beauvoir -- Important Existentialism quotes by various philosophers, now at your fingertips A great way to explore the ideas and philosophy of Existentialism Perfect for casual reading, taking ideas, and finding inspiration Makes a thoughtful gift choice for friends and family Now includes an insightful introduction to Existentialism philosophy -- "On certain mornings, as we turn a corner, an exquisite dew falls on our heart and then vanishes. But the freshness ...

No single individual is ever the sole founder of any major stance in political philosophy. Nevertheless, if one were forced to name the founder of the classical liberal perspective in political thought which holds as its primary political principle that individual liberty is to be respected and protected, one would have to point to the English philosopher John Locke.

Ralph Waldo Emerson has been famous as a major leader in the New Thought movement, establishing transcendentalism as a new paradigm. He wrote a massive amount of life-changing material in his life. His lectures and essays became the hallmark of the transcendentalist ideas and principles echoed today by many contemporary best sellers. Concepts proven to be timeless inspirational messages apply to today’s challenges.

Drawing on decades of work in philosophy including a huge range of interviews with contemporary philosophers, Julian Baggini sets out how philosophical thought can promote incisive thinking. Introducing everyday examples and contemporary political concerns—from climate change to implicit bias—How to Think Like a Philosopher is a revelatory exploration of the techniques, methods and principles that guide philosophy, and how they can be applied to our own lives.

As Erich Fromm points out, ours is "a life between having and being"—between mere having and healthy being, between destructiveness and creativity, between narcissism and productive self-understanding, between passivity and the joy of positive activity. The alternatives of having and being are basic orientations of our character and determine our behavior. The mostly unpublished and unknown texts featured in The Essential Fromm encapsulate the psychologist's views on the fulfilling life.

Ralph Waldo Emerson was an American philosopher and writer best known for leading the transcendentalist movement of the mid-19th century. He was also a heavy influence in romanticism or the Romantic era. Through his lectures, essays, and poems, Emerson championed individualism and following one's intuition, believing one will become a more moral and idealistic person in so doing. This collection is eight of Emerson's essays from The First Series published in 1841 and The Second Series published in 1844 including "Self-Reliance", "Circles", and more.

“Essential Writings Ismail al Faruqi is an important tribute and insight into the scholarship and perspective of one of the major Muslim scholars and teachers of Islamic Studies in the late-twentieth century. Professor Faruqi established the robust program of Islamic Studies section within Temple University’s Department of Religion program. Most importantly, he was an indefatigable scholar and mentor to a generation of students both in the US and globally, many of whom he recruited and supported.”Prof. Dr. John L. EspositoUniversity Professor and Professor of Islamic StudiesGeorgetown...