In his "Educating Children at Home", Alan Thomas found that many home educating families chose or gravitated towards an informal style of education, radically different from that found in schools. Such learning, also described as unschooling, natural or autonomous, takes place without most of the features considered essential for learning in school. At home there is no curriculum or sequential teaching, nor are there any lessons, textbooks, requirements for written work, practice exercises, marking or testing. But how can children who learn in this way actually achieve an education on a par with what schools offer? In this new research, Alan Thomas and Harriet Pattison seek to explain the efficacy of this alternative pedagogy through the experiences of families who have chosen to educate their children informally.Based on interviews and extended examples of learning at home the authors explore: the scope for informal learning within children's everyday lives; the informal acquisition of literacy and numeracy; the role of parents and others in informal learning; and, how children proactively develop their own learning agendas. Their investigation provides not only an insight into the powerful and effective nature of informal learning but also presents some fundamental challenges to many of the assumptions underpinning educational theory. This book will be of interest to education practitioners, researchers and all parents, whether their children are in or out of school, offering as it does fascinating insights into the nature of children's learning.

In the first systematic study of the philosophy of Thomas Nagel, Alan Thomas discusses Nagel's contrast between the "subjective" and the "objective" points of view throughout the various areas of his wide ranging philosophy. Nagel's original and distinctive contrast between the subjective view and our aspiration to a "view from nowhere" within metaphysics structures the chapters of the book. A "new Humean" in epistemology, Nagel takes philosophical scepticism to be both irrefutable and yet to indicate a profound truth about our capacity for self-transcendence. The contrast between subjective and objective views is then considered in the case of the mind, where consciousness proves to be the central aspect of mind that contemporary theorising fails to acknowledge adequately. The second half of the book analyses Nagel's work on moral and political philosophy where he has been most deeply influential. Topics covered include the contrast between agent-relative and agent-neutral reasons and values, Nagel's distinctive version of a hybrid ethical theory, his discussion of life's meaningfulness and finally his sceptical arguments about whether a liberal society can reconcile the conflicting moral demands of self and other.

Superb blend of sure-footed Bible teaching and professional teaching on mental illness issues. Especially helps us discern when behaviour cannot be helped due to the sufferer's condition, and when it is wrong and sinful

In the first systematic study of the philosophy of Thomas Nagel, Alan Thomas discusses Nagel's contrast between the "subjective" and the "objective" points of view throughout the various areas of his wide ranging philosophy. Nagel's original and distinctive contrast between the subjective view and our aspiration to a "view from nowhere" within metaphysics structures the chapters of the book. A "new Humean" in epistemology, Nagel takes philosophical scepticism to be both irrefutable and yet to indicate a profound truth about our capacity for self-transcendence. The contrast between subjective and objective views is then considered in the case of the mind, where consciousness proves to be the central aspect of mind that contemporary theorising fails to acknowledge adequately. The second half of the book analyses Nagel's work on moral and political philosophy where he has been most deeply influential. Topics covered include the contrast between agent-relative and agent-neutral reasons and values, Nagel's distinctive version of a hybrid ethical theory, his discussion of life's meaningfulness and finally his sceptical arguments about whether a liberal society can reconcile the conflicting moral demands of self and other.

This volume provides a systematic overview and comprehensive assessment of Bernard Williams' contribution to moral philosophy, a field in which Williams was one of the most influential of contemporary philosophers. The seven essays, which were specially commissioned for this volume, examine his work on moral objectivity, the nature of practical reason, moral emotion, the critique of the 'morality system', Williams' assessment of the ethical thought of the ancient world, and his later adoption of Nietzsche's method of 'genealogy'. Collectively, the essays not only engage with Williams' work, but also develop independent philosophical arguments in connection with those topics that have, over the last thirty years, particularly reflected Williams' influence.

First published in 1978. In this title, Alan Thomas examines the invention of photography in the early nineteenth century. How the members of this first "visual" generation used photography and how it changed their perceptions of the world are the subjects of this lavishly illustrated book. As the author convincingly shows, the camera's presence was felt nearly everywhere during the course of the nineteenth century. Approaching the subject topically, Thomas surveys the work of the early photographers in terms of its motivation, insights, and impact on society. The book is rounded out with sections on other genres of photography - theatrical, landscape, and social realism - that amply document the far-reaching impact of this phenomenon on nineteenth-century sensibilities.

First published in 1978. In this title, Alan Thomas examines the invention of photography in the early nineteenth century. How the members of this first "visual" generation used photography and how it changed their perceptions of the world are the subjects of this lavishly illustrated book. As the author convincingly shows, the camera's presence was felt nearly everywhere during the course of the nineteenth century. Approaching the subject topically, Thomas surveys the work of the early photographers in terms of its motivation, insights, and impact on society. The book is rounded out with sections on other genres of photography - theatrical, landscape, and social realism - that amply document the far-reaching impact of this phenomenon on nineteenth-century sensibilities.

The first book length study of property-owning democracy, Republic of Equals argues that a society in which capital is universally accessible to all citizens is uniquely placed to meet the demands of justice. Arguing from a basis in liberal-republican principles, this expanded conception of the economic structure of society contextualizes the market to make its transactions fair. The author shows that a property-owning democracy structures economic incentives such that the domination of one agent by another in the market is structurally impossible. The result is a renovated form of capitalism in which the free market is no longer a threat to social democratic values, but is potentially convergent with them. It is argued that a property-owning democracy has advantages that give it priority over rival forms of social organization such as welfare state capitalism and market socialist institutions. The book also addresses the currently high levels of inequality in the societies of the developed West to suggest a range of policies that target the "New Inequality" of our times. For this reason, the work engages not only with political philosophers such as John Rawls, Philip Pettit and John Tomasi, but also with the work of economists and historians such as Anthony B. Atkinson, Francois Bourguignon, Jacob S. Hacker, Lane Kenworthy, and Thomas Piketty.

Contents:
1. NGOs and their Influence on Environmental Policies in Africa: a Framework Alan Thomas
2. Land Degradation and Sustainable Resource Management in an African Context David Humphreys and Susan Carr
3. NGO Influence at the International Negotiating Committee for a Convention to Combat Desertification: Perspectives from Zimbabwe and Nigeria Susan Carr, Alan Thomas, Enoch Okpara, Roger Mpande and David Humphreys
4. Challenging Maize: The Role of NGOs in Promoting the Use of Small Grains in Zimbabwe's Semi-Arid Regions Derek Gunby
5. The Campaign for Water from the Zambezi for Bulawayo Derek Gunby, Roger Mpande and Alan Thomas
6. The Policy of Fencing Botswana's Communal Rangelands Onalenna Selolwane
7. The Campaign against the Southern Okavango Integrated Water Development Project Alan Thomas, Onalenna Selolwane and David Humphreys
8. An NGO Campaign to Protect the Hadejia-Nguru Wetlands in Northern Nigeria Susan Carr and Obasi Ogbonnaya
9. The Ogoni People's Campaign over Oil Exploitation in the Niger Delta Susan Carr, Oronto Douglas and Uche Onyeagucha
10. Influence thrust upon them? NGOs' role in Public Action on the Environment in Africa Alan Thomas, David Humphreys and Susan Carr
Annex: Participants in the international seminar on Environmental Policies and NGO Influence: Land Degradation and Resource Management Harare, Zimbabwe, 26-28 June 1996

This volume provides a systematic overview and comprehensive assessment of Bernard Williams' contribution to moral philosophy, a field in which Williams was one of the most influential of contemporary philosophers. The seven essays, which were specially commissioned for this volume, examine his work on moral objectivity, the nature of practical reason, moral emotion, the critique of the 'morality system', Williams' assessment of the ethical thought of the ancient world, and his later adoption of Nietzsche's method of 'genealogy'. Collectively, the essays not only engage with Williams' work, but also develop independent philosophical arguments in connection with those topics that have, over the last thirty years, particularly reflected Williams' influence.

The first book length study of property-owning democracy, Republic of Equals argues that a society in which capital is universally accessible to all citizens is uniquely placed to meet the demands of justice. Arguing from a basis in liberal-republican principles, this expanded conception of the economic structure of society contextualizes the market to make its transactions fair. The author shows that a property-owning democracy structures economic incentives such that the domination of one agent by another in the market is structurally impossible. The result is a renovated form of capitalism in which the free market is no longer a threat to social democratic values, but is potentially convergent with them. It is argued that a property-owning democracy has advantages that give it priority over rival forms of social organization such as welfare state capitalism and market socialist institutions. The book also addresses the currently high levels of inequality in the societies of the developed West to suggest a range of policies that target the "New Inequality" of our times. For this reason, the work engages not only with political philosophers such as John Rawls, Philip Pettit and John Tomasi, but also with the work of economists and historians such as Anthony B. Atkinson, Francois Bourguignon, Jacob S. Hacker, Lane Kenworthy, and Thomas Piketty.

Alan Thomas presents an original study of the status of value and its relation to the contexts in which evaluative claims are justified. He articulates and defends the view that human beings do possess moral and political knowledge, but that it is historically and culturally contextual knowledge in ways that, say, mathematical or chemical knowledge is not. His exposition of a 'cognitivist contextualism' in ethics and politics builds upon contemporary work in epistemology, moral philosophy, and political theory to fashion an argument that is relevant to current debates about culture, modernity, and relativism.

Alan Thomas presents an original study of the status of value and its relation to the contexts in which evaluative claims are justified. He articulates and defends the view that human beings do possess moral and political knowledge, but that it is historically and culturally contextual knowledge in ways that, say, mathematical or chemical knowledge is not. His exposition of a 'cognitivist contextualism' in ethics and politics builds upon contemporary work in epistemology, moral philosophy, and political theory to fashion an argument that is relevant to current debates about culture, modernity, and relativism.

Poverty & Development in the 21st Century provides a fully updated, interdisciplinary overview of one of the world's most complex and pressing social problems. The book analyses and assesses key questions faced by practitioners and policy makers, ranging from what potential solutions to world poverty are open to us to what form development should take and whether it is compatible with environmental sustainability. The third edition considers the complex causes of global poverty and inequality, introducing major development issues that include hunger, disease, the threat of authoritarian populism, the refugee crisis and environmental degradation. Three new chapters illustrate the impact of climate, refugee and health crises on development by drawing on accounts of lived experience to explore the real-world implications of theory. Refreshed student-centred learning features include boxes outlining key concepts, definitions and cases that explore contested issues in greater depth. These case studies encourage critical reflection on key issues, from refugees' personal accounts of containment to the Ebola epidemic to indigenous perspectives on climate change. Questions posed at the start of each chapter provide a framework for critical reflection on key assumptions and theories within the field of development. Each chapter also clearly unpacks figures and tables, supporting students to develop a nuanced understanding of economic arguments and key skills of data interpretation Digital formats and resources The third edition is available for students and institutions to purchase in a variety of formats, and is supported by online resources. - The e-book offers a mobile experience and convenient access along with functionality tools, navigation features, and links that offer extra learning support: www.oxfordtextbooks.co.uk/ebooks - Students and lecturers are further supported by online resources to encourage deeper engagement with content. For students: Web links organised by chapter to deepen students' understanding of key topics and explore their research interests For lecturers: Customisable PowerPoint slides support effective teaching preparation Figures and tables from the book allow clear presentation of key data and support students' data analysis

The Oxford Textbook of Old Age Psychiatry, Third Edition, has been thoroughly updated to keep pace with the developments that have taken place in old age psychiatry since publication of the Second Edition in 2013, including the publication of the DSM-5/ICD-11 classification criteria. The Third Edition also includes new chapters on the ageing brain; the experience of dementia; carers' issues; biomarkers; and old age psychiatry in low- and middle-income countries. This new edition introduces two new co-editors, Robert Stewart, Professor of Psychiatric Epidemiology & Clinical Informatics at King's College London (and a Co-Editor of Practical Psychiatric Epidemiology), and John-Paul Taylor, Professor of Translational Dementia Research at Newcastle University. Part of the authoritative Oxford Textbooks in Psychiatry series, this comprehensive resource is an essential reference for old age psychiatrists, geriatricians, and other clinicians who are interested in the mental health care of older people.

This book is a critical guide to conducting investigations under time- and resource-pressured conditions, equipping readers with the key skills and approaches for research designed to influence or inform development policies. Unlike a simple 'how to' guide, Research Skills for Policy and Development also provides a critique of various methods and situates these approaches within 'real life' organisational settings, enabling those working in or studying development to locate, evaluate and use relevant information quickly but rigorously.

The successor to Finding Out Fast (SAGE, 1998) it reflects the changes in development management theories and practice over the last seven years, and includes new material and advice on critical use of the web as a resource and research tool. It is essential reading for development managers in NGOs and public sector agencies as well as students of development management and development studies more generally.

Natural Curiosity is a warm and contemplative insight into one family's experience of moving from mainstream schooling to home education, and learning through the lens of nature and natural history. Since becoming 'unschooled', the two children have thrived on a diet of self-directed play and learning, amassing life skills, confidence, responsibility, and a vast array of knowledge along the way. This thoughtful book touches upon important themes in education and environmentalism, such as children's rights in schooling, the use and place of technology in learning, and the absence of the natural world in mainstream education. It gives a considered, balanced view of home schooling, interspersed with entertaining tales including constructing life-sized mammoth skeletons and living for a day as historically accurate Vikings. It offers an understanding of how this type of education works and what inspires the choice to pursue it.

Nobody wants to grow old but what would you give for the chance of eternal youth? In this gripping novel an ambitious scientist sets out to prove that ageing is a 'disease' that can be cured - a quest that has devastating consequences. Wealthy businessman Dimitry Yablonsky finds it unbearable to witness his beloved father's descent into old age. So he decides to award a prize of $100 million to anyone who can find a way of halting the human ageing process. Dr Jonathan Palmer, a brilliant Cambridge scientist, aims to do just that. Despite the opposition of his deeply-religious wife, his colleagues and the Law, he is determined to let nothing stand between him and the ultimate prize in science. But Palmer's work sparks off a chain of events that bring both joy and hope, bitterness and betrayal in their wake. He is prepared to sacrifice his marriage and even his life in pursuit of his quest, while Yablonsky risks losing his reputation and his liberty if a guilty secret is revealed. Based on contemporary scientific developments, The Man Who Refused to Die confirms that today's medical fiction may soon be tomorrow's medical fact