This book provides an up-to-date revision of materialism’s central tenets, its main varieties, and the place of materialistic philosophy vis a vis scientific knowledge. Materialism has been the subject of extensive and rich controversies since Robert Boyle introduced the term for the first time in the 17th century. But what is materialism and what can it offer today? The term is usually defined as the worldview according to which everything real is material. Nevertheless, there is no philosophical consensus about whether the meaning of matter can be enlarged beyond the physical. As a consequence, materialism is often defined in stark exclusive and reductionist terms: whatever exists is either physical or ontologically reducible to it. This conception, if consistent, mutilates reality, excluding the ontological significance of political, economic, sociocultural, anthropological and psychological realities. Starting from a new history of materialism, the present book focuses on the central ontological and epistemological debates aroused by today’s leading materialist approaches, including some little known to an anglophone readership. The key concepts of matter, system, emergence, space and time, life, mind, and software are checked over and updated. Controversial issues such as the nature of mathematics and the place of reductionism are also discussed from different materialist approaches. As a result, materialism emerges as a powerful, indispensable scientifically-supported worldview with a surprising wealth of nuances and possibilities.

How to get your share of the $4.5 trillion Forex market

Forex trading and driving a car are both risky endeavors. Each requires the ability to manage multiple factors at once, be vigilant of the changing environment, and adapt when necessary. And both activities get much easier with time--if you follow the right set of rules.

In "The Forex Trading Manual," Javier Paz draws the parallel between driving and trading, illustrating how success in the forex market is simpler to achieve than you think. The key to becoming a proficient trader requires starting the process with the right basic knowledge, adopting sensible expectations, and having precise step-by-step instructions.

"The Forex Trading Manual "supplies everything you need to get started. Beginning with important forex terminology, risk management, and basic technical and fundamental analysis, it follows with a rules-based trading strategy, a precise trading plan, and a chapter devoted to trader psychology. Learn how to: Master MT4, the most popular forex trading platform software Select trade entry and exit points that have a high probability of turning a profit Set sensible performance targets and trade exposure rules Customize whatever trading strategy you are currently using to fit a robust trading plan Condition yourself mentally by aligning your habits, thought patterns, feelings, and goals to match those of a proficient forex trader

The forex market is huge--an estimated 4.5 trillion U.S. dollars changed hands daily during 2011--and is suited for trading during periods of economic uncertainty. Tens of millions of individual traders--from stay-at-home parents to young professionals and the self-employed--have already made the move to trading forex.

"The Forex Trading Manual "will be your trusted guide every step of the way as you begin this exciting journey.

Praise for "The Forex Trading Manual"

"Javier has written a guide for Forex that is like no other. . . . If you want to understand how the world of Forex works, then you must read this book."
--Casey Stubbs, founder of WinnersEdgeTrading.com

""The Forex Trading Manual" has hit the ball out of the park--a real home-run. We have long needed explicit instructions on the trading plan all the gurus say we need, and here it is.."
--Barbara Rockefeller, author of "Technical Analysis for Dummies," founder of Rockefeller Treasury Services

"This book is excellent. . . it is] oriented towards the practice of trading. Contrary to most other related books, it gives excellent advice on how to start and make progress. In it I have found inspiration for my own tries."
--Arnaud Jeulin, Founder of forexticket.com and mataf.net

"An excellent guide for those looking to take their forex trading to a higher level. . . . and a] valuable addition to any forex trader's bookshelf."
--James Chen, CTA, CMT, Director of Technical Research and Education, FXDD, and author of "Essentials of Foreign Exchange Trading" and "Essentials of Technical Analysis for Financial Markets"

"A great resource for investors looking for education that integrates the theory of forex trading with application on the industry's best-practice trading platform."
--John Jagerson, founder of LearningMarkets.com and author of "All About Investing in Gold"

"It coaches readers on how to trade consistently with a disciplined approach and how to recondition your trading habits if you're an experienced retail trader in search of better results."
--Dean Popplewell, Chief Currency Analyst at OANDA and editorial director of MarketPulseFX, OANDA's forex blog

"A concise, detailed, no-nonsense resource. . . . Highly recommended."
--Jamie Coleman, Managing Editor, ForexLive.com