This book provides an introduction and overview to the Phenomenology of Religion through describing, analysing and evaluating the ideas of key thinkers in the phenomenology of religion. At the same, the author places the ideas of the key thinkers identified into historical and social contexts by examining the formative influences over their thinking and by indicating how their ideas have helped to create the debates at the core of religious studies today. The book's focus on the phenomenology of religion confirms the central and even overriding, role phenomenology has played in shaping religious studies as a discipline distinct from theology, sociology or anthropology. Having traced background factors drawn from philosophy, theology and the social sciences, the author examines the thinking of scholars within the Dutch, British and North American 'schools' of religious phenomenology. Many of the severe criticisms, which have been levelled against the phenomenology of religion during the past twenty-five years by advocates of reductionism, are then presented and analysed. The author concludes by reviewing alternatives to the polarised positions so characteristic of current debates in Religious Studies before making a case for what he deems a 'reflexive phenomenology'.

This title offers a fun, concise and attractive introduction to a fascinating and challenging subject. This is the ideal book for teenagers and students coming to philosophy for the first time, or indeed for anyone who just doesn't know where to start. The book examines 18 key thinkers, from Socrates to Derrida, exploring their ideas in relation to each other and to their historical and cultural contexts. Derek Johnston uses clear and accessible language to present an engaging chronological picture of the key figures, events and ideas that have shaped the history of philosophy. Boxes giving timelines of key events and crisp, clear explanations of key terms feature throughout the book. The book can be easily used as a reference tool or read all the way through for a clear overview of philosophy. Indeed, as the reader's understanding of the nature of philosophy develops, so too does the book's approach to its subject matter, introducing more complex ideas as the chapters progress. Crucially, the book does not try to cover everything - this is a concise and accessible introduction to philosophy for those starting out in this compelling subject. No prior knowledge of philosophy is required to enjoy this incisive, reader-friendly introduction. This is the ideal book for AS/A2 level students or general readers looking for a way into this fascinating, but very often challenging subject.

Taking Flight is a story about love, loss and dealing with death. Luke goes to see his grandpa every day after school. He likes it there, and especially enjoys helping with Grandpa's pigeons. But Grandpa gets sick and muddled and needs more than Luke's help. When he goes into hospital, events take a turn for the worse and suddenly Luke has to grow up very fast...

"Continuum's Guides" for the Perplexed are clear, concise and accessible introductions to thinkers, writers and subjects that students and readers can find especially challenging. Concentrating specifically on what it is that makes the subject difficult to fathom, these books explain and explore key themes and ideas, guiding the reader towards a thorough understanding of demanding material. Edmund Husserl's work is a cornerstone of Continental philosophy and the phenomenological tradition. Husserl stands as a key influence on such major philosophers as Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty and Sartre, and is required reading for anyone studying phenomenology and European philosophy of the last 100 years. However, the complex ideas central to his work, and the rather convoluted language in which they are expressed, mean that arriving at a full and clear understanding of Husserlian phenomenology is no small undertaking. "Husserl: A Guide for the Perplexed" addresses directly those major points of difficulty faced by students of Husserl and leads them expertly through the maze of complex ideas and language. In identifying and working through common sources of confusion arising from Husserl's philosophy, the book builds up a comprehensive and authoritative overview of his thought and, more broadly, of phenomenology itself. The text covers the central tenets of phenomenology, Husserl's work on consciousness, and key philosophical topics in Husserl, including psychologism, intersubjectivity, the lifeworld and the crisis of the sciences.

Daily political events and the steady inevitability of globalism require that informed students and citizens learn something about religious traditions foreign to their own. Designed for both classroom and general use, these handy "Key Words" guidebooks are essential resources for those who want clear and concise explanations of common terms and unfamiliar concepts of major world religions.Sample Definitions: Ashram "Lit. shelter." A retreat place or hermitage used for spiritual development and often the centre of teaching for a particular "guru" or sect.

Teaching Creative Writing is a collection of twelve essays written by international experts in the field, with a critical introduction by Graeme Harper to the teaching and learning of the subject. The book includes:

Responding positively to genre-specific challenges Considering learning styles and teaching techniques Actively approaching creative writing in universities and colleges Assessing the creative writing workshop and individual learning Relating practice and criticism: new work in the field Recommendations by authors of notable books/resources. Contributors cover the writing of short fiction, poetry, the novel, work for film, TV and radio, creative non-fiction, writing for the stage, writing for children and young adults, new media writing, the critical-creative cross-over, workshops, and key issues in creative writing research. Tightly focused around typical course modules, innovative and lucidly written, this will be the essential book for teachers and learners of creative writing in higher education.

This is a beginner's guide to contemplation for anyone in the second half of life and also a love story. Autumn Years describes the practice of contemplation as part of a strategy of successful aging. Recognizing that there is no single contemplative path, it includes: sitting meditation, centering prayer, walking meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. It also looks at other practices as well: yoga, lectio divina, koan study, music meditation, dream work, and even travel as pilgrimage.
'Shows that marriage is as much a spiritual journey as monasticism... youth only the beginning of the human exploration of wonder, divine passion, and holiness.' Laurence Freeman, O.S.B., director of the World Community of Christian Meditation

'Caring for and working to support children struggling to cope with the confusing difficulties associated with speech and language impairment is unquestionably a huge challenge. The difficulties are diverse and wide-ranging and have significant implications on the child's ability to learn in general, but on the acquisition of an effective literacy level in particular.

This book is alive with tried and tested ideas and strategies that are equally valuable for school or at home. The warmth and passion Jill feels for her work with these children and their families shines through on every page. The holistic approach she takes to the work and the ever-present voice of the family underpinning everything Jill does puts this book in a class of its own.'

Gill Britten, Family Learning Co-ordinatorChildren with SLI are a challenging yet stimulating group to work with. To be successful in teaching them you need enthusiasm, patience, flexibility and a large bank of ideas. This book offers information, guidance and examples of good practice to teachers, learning assistants and parents. Included are rhymes for speech production and memory work, and a photocopiable word bank. This new edition has been fully updated and now includes a photocopiable, task-based assessment chapter, and a new chapter on Individual Education Plans with a bank of possible targets. >

Taking the long view, the Christian religion for two thousand years maintained a disapproving attitude toward human sexuality ("sex is dirty"). As David Carr of Union Theological Seminary observes, "From the outset, Christianity has depicted sex as a dangerous, chaotic, anti-spiritual force." Such a negative attitude raises the question: Why has the church over the centuries exhibited a hostile attitude toward sex? Sullivan attempts to answer that question in Part One of this book. He contends that early Christian theologians failed to understand the mythic character of the Adam and Eve story and read into it ideas which are not there. In addition, early theology preached that "the soul and the body - which is inferior to the soul - are constantly at war with one another." Since human sexuality involves the body (which is inherently bad), early theologians concluded sex must be bad. In Part Two of "Rescuing Sex from the Christians", Sullivan examines the controversial subjects of masturbation, homosexuality, adultery, and prostitution and demonstrates how the Christian idea of sexuality has vilified these practices, not always for the good.

This is a classic introduction to philosophy in the tradition of Bertrand Russell's "The Problems of Philosophy" and A.J. Ayer's "Central Questions of Philosophy". As in those books, here Margolis focuses on the core of Western Philosophy - questions of epistemology, ontology, language and logic. "An Introduction to Philosophical Problems" represents a major and authoritative mind revisiting basic problems and clarifying them both for their own sake and for that of the reader. Margolis shows how arguments concerning each of the chestnuts of Western philosophy are inter-related and argues - honestly and transparently - in favour of his own philosophical tradition, pragmatism. Thematically structured, "Introduction to Philosophical Problems" introduces such concepts as Knowledge and Belief, Perception and Sensation, Identity and Individualism, and Language and Truth.

"Human Nature: Fact and Fiction" brings together a collection of inspiring, thought-provoking and original perspectives on human nature by ten leading writers, scientists and academics. What do we mean by 'human nature'? Is there a genetically determined core of humanity that unites us all as members of a single species? Or is the thing we call human nature a social construct? And how do we explain the mystery of human creativity? Do great writers have an intuitive grasp of what makes human beings tick, or are they merely the mouthpiece of contemporary culture? It has been claimed that 'the greatest enterprise of the mind has always been and always will be the attempted linkage of the sciences and humanities' (Edward O. Wilson). This groundbreaking book marks the beginning of a new dialogue between the two. Rather than focusing on the division between them, it shows that the sciences and humanities have much to learn from each other. Points of disagreement remain. Yet there is in this volume a genuine attempt to bridge the gulf that has traditionally separated the sciences and humanities and to reach a better understanding of what it means to be human. "Human Nature: Fact and Fiction" is a major new contribution to the debate on human nature, set to be required reading for anyone with a background in either the arts or the sciences who is interested in understanding what defines us as human beings - in what we are, and why.

Jean-Paul Sartre in one of the most widely read and important of twentieth-century philosophers, an iconic figure, whose ideas and writings continue to resonate. A confident understanding of Sartre is essential for students of Continental philosophy. Sartre: A Guide for the Perplexed is an illuminating and comprehensive introduction to the work of this major twentieth-century thinker. It identifies the four key themes that run through Sartre's writings - consciousness, freedom, bad faith and authenticity. It explores each theme in detail, building up a clear and thorough overview of Sartre's philosophy in its entirety. Anyone required to read Sartre will find this thematic account of his work an invaluable companion to study.

One of the most influential philosophers and cultural theorists of the twentieth century, Theodor Adorno poses a considerable challenge to students. His works can often seem obscure and impenetrable, particularly for those with little knowledge of the philosophical traditions on which he draws. Adorno: A Guide for the Perplexed is an engaging and accessible account of his thought that does not patronise or short-change the reader. Those new to Adorno - and those who have struggled to make headway with his work - will find this an invaluable resource: clearly written, comprehensive and specifically focused on just what makes Adorno difficult to read and understand.

A philosophical and historical testament to the twentieth century, this volume consists of a wide-ranging series of interviews conducted in 1999/2000 between the then centenarian and his former assistant and associate of over thirty years, Riccardo Dottori.
These ten dialogues distill and situate Gadamer's philosophy in the context of what has arguably been the bloodiest century in human history. In the course of the interviews, Gadamer addresses-often critically-the work of a wide variety of philosophers, including Heidegger, Nietzsche, Jaspers, Popper, Vico, Habermas, Rorty, and Derrida. He also elaborates on German philosophy during the Nazi period; and, in one of the more fascinating conversations, we are treated to a glimpse of Gadamer's personal perspective on the question of Heidegger's Nazism, including a discussion of the political influence that great philosopher's wife, Elfirde, had on him that tends to contradict most other published accounts. With the possible exception of his autobiography 1985, A Century of Philosophy is perhaps the most accessible expression of Gadamer's life and work in English today.

Kant's Critique of the Power of Judgment is widely held to be the seminal work of modern aesthetics. In recent years it has been the focus of intense interest and debate not only in philosophy but also in literary theory and all disciplines concerned with the aesthetic. The Aesthetic in Kant is a new reading of Kant's problematic text. It draws upon the great volume of recent philosophical work on this classic text and on the context of eighteenth century aesthetics. Kant's work is used as a basis on which to construct a radical alternative to the antinomy of taste - the basic problem of the aesthetic. In Kant's account is a theory of the aesthetic that, far from establishing its 'disinterested' nature, instead makes it symptomatic of what Kant himself describes as the ineradicable human tendency to entertain 'fantastic desires'.

Paul Virilio is one of contemporary Continental thought's most original and provocative critical voices. His vision of the impact of modern technology on the contemporary global condition is powerful and disturbing, ranging over art, science, politics and warfare. In Art and Fear, Paul Virilio traces the twin development of art and science over the twentieth century. In his provocative and challenging vision, art and science vie with each other for the destruction of the human form as we know it. He traces the connections between the way early twentieth century avant-garde artists twisted and tortured the human form before making it vanish in abstraction, and the blasting to bits of men who were no more than cannon fodder i nthe trenches of the Great War; and between the German Expressionists' hate-filled portraits of the damned, and the 'medical' experiments of the Nazi eugenicists; and between the mangled messages of global advertising, and the organisation of global terrorism. Now, at the start of the twenty-first century, science has finally left art behind, as genetic engineers prepare to turn themselves into the worst of expressionists, with the human being the raw material for new and monstrous forms of life. Art and Fear is essential reading for anyone wondering where art has gone and where science is taking us.

In this sequel to his first volume of autobiography ("Pride and Perjury"), Aitken starts his story as he is taken down from the courtroom and incarcerated at Her Majesty's Pleasure. He writes frankly of subsequent events. Visited by the ever-optimistic Lord Longford, Aitken emerged from the jaws of despair a chastened man. How this Old Etonian former Cabinet Minister on Mrs. Thatcher's inner circle managed to establish new relationships and lasting friendships with fellow prisoners is fascinating - so too is this account of how religious belief transformed his life and began to influence the life of others. Emerging from Bellmarsh Prison, with nothing but a black plastic sack of clothes, Aitken recounts how he was accepted at Wycliffe Hall Oxford to read theology and how this reconditioned his mind as well as his soul. Aitken has lost none of his charm, fluency and determination. But now these are used for greater purposes. He has found a new life and meaning to it. The authenticity of this new life is something which drives him on, and which readers of this entertaining new book will be able to judge for themselves.

Film Fables traces the history of modern cinema. Encyclopedic in scope, Film Fables is that rare work that manages to combine extraordinary breadth and analysis with a lyricism which attests time and again to a love of cinema. Jacques Ranciere moves effortlessly from Eisenstein's and Murnau's transition from theatre to film to Fritz Lang's confrontation with television, from the classical poetics of Mann's Westerns to Ray's romantic poetics of the image, from Rossellini's neo-realism to Deleuze's philosophy of the cinema and Marker's documentaries. The Film Fable shows us how, between its images and its stories, the cinema tells its truth.

Students often think that science is a boring and difficult subject with no relevance to their every day lifes. 100 Ideas for Teaching Science contains creative ideas on putting the 'wow' factor back into science lessons and for showing kids how relevant science is.

A practical and engaging guide for teachers on tackling boys' behaviour problems. The author analyses the many factors that can lead to boys' misbehaving in class - including SEN, giftedness, peer pressure etc - and shows how their full potential can be unleashed and exploited by teachers. Packed with innovative strategies and useful suggestions, this book should be a must-read for every teacher.

This is the magical memoir of Lily Shaine, an orphan brought up by her two eccentric bachelor uncles in New York in the 1950s. Uncle Len is a six-foot-six-inch private investigator, a trench-coated cross between Abraham Lincoln and Sam Spade. Uncle Gabe, a librarian, is a confirmed dreamer who writes gospel songs in his spare time. With these two men as mentors, the human jungle of the Bronx as her playground, the schoolroom as her torture chamber and very knowing little girls as her playmates, Lily learns the secrets of life, sex, death and, above all, family love. A wry, funny and deeply affectionate portrait of the most unlikely of happy families, "Sleeping Arrangements" is a modern classic.

In this concise and lucid book, Alban McCoy considers the fundamental principles of morality in a Christian context. Starting from the widespread phenomenon of seemingly insuperable disagreement in discussion of the most basic moral issues, he locates the root cause of such disagreement in confusion about the essential nature of morality as such. What distinguishes a moral judgement from an historical or scientific judgment? Which considerations are relevant to moral issues as opposed to questions of a pragmatic or practical importance? What resources are available to us when weighing moral matters? Various critiques of morality such as amoralism, determinism, subjectivism and cultural relativism, as well as different moral theories such as utilitarianism and absolutism are considered and found wanting. At the heart of the book, McCoy offers a rational account of morality rooted in virtue and character and human flourishing. He then sets this in a Christian context in order to show what difference Christian revelation makes to our understanding of morality. Writing clearly and without jargon, McCoy provides the non-specialist reader with a stimulating discussion of the fundamental concepts we employ in everyday consideration of moral questions. He manages to render difficult matters intelligible without oversimplification and his book will appeal to anybody interested in finding a way through the moral maze and to students of philosophy embarking on a study of ethics.

Hans Kng (1928-) is one of the most distinguished and widely-acclaimed theologians of the twentieth century. He has committed himself to a Christian Church full of life and freedom and humanity. His ideas have been warmly received and appreciated by people throughout the world and have stirred the imaginations of Christians and non-Christians alike. But why have his ideas also met with such opposition and even outright hostility from many Church authorities? And what does Hans Kung himself make of these personal attacks? In this simple, personal and often moving testimony, Hans Kng describes his fundamental convictions and reveals why, despite all the difficulties he has to face, he is still committed to the Christian way. What Hans Kng has thought, experienced and expresses in this book will help others in their search for personal values and a sense of direction - and also help them realise the unique value and importance of the Christian way.

Jesus remains a popular figure in contemporary culture and Allison remains one of our best interpreters. He speaks around the U.S.A. in a variety of venues on matters related to the study of the Historical Jesus. In his new book, he focuses on the historical Jesus and eschatology, concluding that the Jesus was not a Hellenistic wonder worker or teacher of pious morality but an apocalyptic prophet. In the opening chapter Allison astutely and engagingly captures the history of the search for the historical Jesus. He observes that many contemporary readings of Jesus shift the focus away from traditional theological, Christological, and eschatological concerns. In provocative fashion, he takes on not only the Jesus Seminar but also other Jesus interpreters such as N.T. Wright and Marcus Borg.

After the considerable success of "God Still Matters" by Herbert McCabe, here is a more popular collection of his spiritual writings, sermons and addresses. They can be compared to the addresses of the great preachers of this century in English - Leslie Weatherhead, Dean Inge, Donald Soper and H.A. Williams. Published for the first time, here is a collection of Herbert McCabe's more popular spiritual writings. McCabe was highly regarded as a writer on philosophy and theology but in true Dominican tradition (the Order of Preachers) he was also a brilliant preacher. He always preached in a lively and witty way - his style has been compared to that of G.K. Chesterton. Here is a collection of his sermons and spiritual addresses. Never platitudinous or short of ideas, these chapters are filled with questions, arguments and solid intellectual content. The major influence on McCabe was the Bible but he was also a devoted admirer of the thought of St Thomas Aquinas, whose ideas saturated his public speaking. From the Bible, McCabe derived the notion of God leading us to happiness through the work of grace and through the life and teachings of Jesus. From Aquinas, McCabe derived a hatred of idolatry, a powerful sense of the incomprehensibility of God and recognition that we depend on God's gracious revelation of himself rather that what we can work out on the basis of our limited understanding. A presiding theme in this book is that we are saved because of the life of someone fully human. This new book by Herbert McCabe communicates the essence of the Gospel in an original and compelling way. It can therefore be mentioned in the same breath as works by Dean Inge, Donald Soper, H.A. Williams and Leslie Weatherhead.