Philosophers, theorists, writers and such commentators use various yardsticks of measurement when trying to gauge the temperature and general well-being of the human condition. This book seeks to investigate the state of the human condition as it stands in the 21st century, thus far. To this end, the concepts of democracy and postmodernism are given much attention in this book. Several threats to 21st century democracy are examined, as 'real' world issues are highlighted as examples for you the reader to assimilate. This exercise exposes that some threats to democracy are underpinned by the factors of religion and religious fanaticism. This reality is shown to be an indication of a retarded state of human development, so metaphysical philosophy and postmodernism are proffered as concepts that encapsulate the ideological medicine that is necessary to remedy this state of retardation. The postmodern debate is therefore assessed, as this book seeks to further define postmodernism while trying to transform this intriguing and otherwise profound concept, into a more cognitively palatable philosophical construct. A metaphysical interpretation of postmodernism is given in an endeavour to reveal that postmodernism has an eclectic core that is, in part, spiritual in nature. Time graphs are provided, showing the developmental trajectory of both modernism and postmodernism, as they progress through time. It is hoped that these graphs serve to show even clearer, what is the real situation of societal evolution before and during the reign of postmodernism.

This fascinating work provides a complete overview of paranormal phenomena, including the beliefs, attitudes, and notable figures who have attempted to explain, defend, or debunk the mysteries behind the unknown. Recent interest in the paranormal as pop culture fodder belies its historical status as an important subject of cultural, philosophical, and scientific significance. This book traces the trajectory of paranormal studies from its early role as a serious academic and scientific topic studied by mainstream scientists and eminent scholars to its current popularity in books, film, and TV. This compelling reference work details the experiences, encounters, and ideas that make up this controversial field of study. The contributed entries examine the broad phenomena of the paranormal, addressing the history of scientific investigations along with its contemporary media depictions to illustrate the evolution of cultural attitudes about the paranormal. A selection of primary documents provides real-life accounts and contributions from noted experts that explore the full scope of themes from spiritualism to poltergeists to astrology. Accompanying images, timelines, quotations, and sidebars make the content come to life and encourage alternative explanations of these events. Contains more than 120 factual entries as well as extensive excerpts from several primary documents in the area of the paranormal Features contributions from noted experts in its field from across viewpoints-including believers and skeptics Profiles a number of important individuals who have contributed to the history and study of the field Includes such topics as near-death experiences, paranormal dreams, the supernatural, magic, and the occult

This book (hardcover) is part of the TREDITION CLASSICS. It contains classical literature works from over two thousand years. Most of these titles have been out of print and off the bookstore shelves for decades. The book series is intended to preserve the cultural legacy and to promote the timeless works of classical literature. Readers of a TREDITION CLASSICS book support the mission to save many of the amazing works of world literature from oblivion. With this series, tredition intends to make thousands of international literature classics available in printed format again - worldwide.

The world as we know it is about to change. Whether it is the Mayans' 2012 or the Christians' final days, humans can feel a major change coming to the world they now inhabit. Blood Quantum offers the hope of change of mind and soul over that of physical extermination. A world where the veil between the spirit world and the physical world once again is opened so that both can be quided by the Great Mystery of life, in a peaceful and harmonious way.

This book is much more than an authoritative and compelling look at the cultural history of the supernatural over the last century in America-it also explains why we want to believe. The supernatural-psychic phenomena (telepathy, clairvoyance, or ESP), communicating with the dead, and the sighting and tracking of ghosts-has played an integral role in American culture across the last century. In fact, attention and interest in the supernatural has increased, despite our society's reliance upon and enthusiasm for science and technology. Even some top scholars, officials from the military and police, and public figures in places as high as the Oval Office have believed in at least some aspects of the supernatural. Supernatural America: A Cultural History is the first book to examine the cultural history of the supernatural in the United States, documenting how the expansion of science and technology coincided with a rise in supernatural/paranormal beliefs. From the flourishing of "spiritism" in the 1920s to the early 21st century, when the paranormal is bigger than ever, this entertaining and educational book explains the irresistible allure of the supernatural in America. Shares hundreds of real-life stories, and uses hundreds of sources, many of them forgotten Provides a bibliography of authoritative books and articles, both in support of and arguing against beliefs in the supernatural