Democracy is emerging as the political system of choice throughout the world. Peoples now freed from the shackles of totalitarian systems seek to share the benefits made possible by democracy in its "home bases" in North America and Western Europe. Yet, paradoxically, in the last decade liberal democracy has been subjected to an onslaught of criticism from thinkers at its "home bases". Criticisms of democracy have been informed by scholarship in feminism, postmodernism and communitarianism as well as the revived interest in applying ethics to public policy. These criticisms raise important questions about the traditional values - liberalism, neutrality or equality, autonomy, and human rights - thought to justify democracy. They also raise questions about the success of democratic systems in promoting alternative values and in protecting lifestyles not desired by majorities. This anthology contains essays by authors at the forefront of the controversy as well as by acute observers of the processes by which "democratic" public policy is formed. The essays include criticisms of democratic theory and practice, defences of liberalism (the set of values often thought to ground democracy), calls for major revisions of democratic institutions and practices, and recommendations for new ways of understanding our rights and responsibilities as members of democratic communities.

With World War I looming and communists overrunning Hungary, one family makes a critical decision: They will leave their home and journey to America.

Benjamin and Julianna look forward to a better future for themselves and their children, Marri, Pauley and Lizzie. But when Julianna realizes they are actually entering the United States illegally, she understands for the first time that life in the land of opportunity may not be as simple as she thought.

After a long and difficult journey, the family passes through Ellis Island, which is guarded over by the Statue of Liberty. But that's the easy part, as now the family needs to learn a new language, adapt to a new culture and find ways to earn a living. They also seek out an elusive relative who is supposedly somewhere in the mammoth city.

Join one family and look at life from their various perspectives as each one tries to overcome the odds to live a life they can be proud of in Beautiful Lady.

For the past decade, creativity has been extolled as a virtue in education, business, and the media. Creativity and Beyond offers a wide-ranging, interdisciplinary tour of cultures past and present to examine the different ways people have conceived of "creativity" and how the common understanding of creativity is changing in the current flux of global culture. The book demonstrates linkages among disciplines and cultures through the use of many illuminating examples -- Egyptian pyramids, Chinese philosophy, Michelangelo, jazz, the United Nations, genetic engineering. Weiner analyzes the ways in which understanding creativity is tied to broader contemporary patterns, including intellectual concerns with postmodernism; trends in the arts; the changing status of women; the power of the electronic media; multiculturalism; developments in psychology, science, and technology; and the dramatic political, economic, and social transformations of our age.

"The finest statement of the Christian message I have read!" -Dr. Barry Bailey, retired pastor of one of America's largest United Methodist churches (First UMC, Ft. Worth)

"An exceptional challenge by a devoted Christian scholar!" -Dr. Robert Richardson, retired executive, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia

There are truths and falsehoods, treasures and trash, in what we call the Holy Bible and "Christianity." Separating those elements is not always easy. Through the centuries, our churches have added a multitude of beliefs and practices to the life and religion of Jesus of Nazareth. Some of those beliefs and practices are appropriate expressions of Jesus' mind and spirit. Others are far from, even caricatures of, what Jesus would want. For eighty years I have learned and taught about "Christianity," at personal, community, church, college, university, state, national, and international levels. I have learned that there are many "Christianities," some loving, some hateful, some intelligent, some stupid, some healing, some hurtful. If we are going to live our Christianity-in our small and big worlds-may God help us get it "right! "

This collection focuses on a long-running debate over the logical validity of Karl Marx's theory that exploitation is the exclusive source of capitalists' profits. The "Fundamental Marxian Theorem" was long thought to have shown that orthodox Marxian economics succeeds in replicating Marx's conclusion. The debate begins with Andrew Kliman's disproof of that claim. On one side of the debate, representing orthodox Marxian economics, are contributions by Simon Mohun and Roberto Veneziani. Although they concede that their simultaneist models cannot replicate Marx's theory of profit in all cases, they insist that this is as good as it gets. On the other side, representing the temporal single-system interpretation of Marx's theory (TSSI), are contributions by Kliman and Alan Freeman. They argue that his theory is logically valid, since it can indeed be replicated when it is understood in accordance with the TSSI. While the debate initially focused on logical concerns, issues of pluralism, truth, and scientificity increasingly assumed center stage. In his introduction to the volume, Nick Potts situates the debate in its historical context and argues forcefully that the arguments of the orthodox Marxist economists, and the manner in which those arguments were couched, were "suppressive and contrary to scientific norms." The volume concludes with a 2014 debate, in which many of the same issues re-surfaced, between the philosopher Robert Paul Wolff and proponents of the TSSI.

The striking scene of Judith cutting off Holofernes's head with his own sword in his own bed has inspired the imaginations of readers for millennia. But there is more to her story than just this climactic act and more to her character than just beauty and violence. This volume offers a comprehensive examination of gender ideologies in the book of Judith, from the hyper-masculine machinations of war and empire to the dynamics of class in Judith's relationship with her enslaved handmaid. Overall, this commentary investigates the book of Judith through a feminist lens, informed by critical masculinity studies, queer theory, and reception criticism.

Governments, big business and communities are coming under increased pressure to develop low carbon energy supply technologies. Within the context of the climate change debate a delicate balance has to be reached between local environmental protection and our need for reliable low carbon energy. This books brings together ten years of research conducted by the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research and uses a range of case studies from carbon capture and storage to on-shore wind farms to explore the complex nature of disputes between a wide variety of stakeholder groups. Topics covered include: the importance of context the relationship between risk and trust sense of place role of the media An invaluable resource for researchers and readers in local or national government, industry or community groups who wish to deepen their understanding of controversy around low carbon technology and how to overcome it.

This book offers a comprehensive analysis of the nature, causes, dimensions, and effects of absenteeism and gives professionals specific guidelines for determining how it affects their particular organization. Economic, psychological, and sociological dimensions are discussed in clear, nontechnical terms. Readers will learn how to analyze absenteeism and measure its direct and indirect costs; how to collect, test, and evaluate data; how to formulate a workable personnel policy; and how to implement effective absenteeism control procedures. The analyses and prescriptions offered are applicable to union and nonunion, blue collar and white collar occupations in virtually any type of industry, agency, or institution. Incorporating the recommendations of arbitrators who have evaluated a wide variety of problems in this area, the authors provide concrete examples of workable and unworkable approaches and bring a wealth of practical expertise to bear on a probelm that continues to pose a major obstacle to greater efficiency and productivity.

"YOUNG CHILDREN" have hundreds of tales to tell, most of them humorous, with a special blend of love and emotion. I tried to share some of my favorites from these formative years.

"THE TEENAGERS" are so much more secretive in their storytelling. My parents hadn't a clue as to what was going on in my mind during the mid-1940's. Read about how we all share in the triumphs and the disappointments of our teen years.

"LOVE, MARRIAGE & CHILDREN" go hand in hand, along with trying to build a home, literally, for your family. Raising children is a wonderful experience. This portion of the book contains more humor than I anticipated. Most of us can relate to these sentimental anecdotes.

"OLD AGE" brings with it a multitude of problems, but I wouldn't change it for the world. It also brings grandchildren, who light up my life and make each day a joy. I have attempted to write about all the inspiration they have bestowed upon this humble writer.

"JOIN ME" as we go through many of these precious golden moments.

This book is a collection of twelve essays devoted to Michael Boylan's important work in moral philosophy, A Just Society. The collection is thematically organized to mirror Boylan's own volume, so the first half explores fundamental issues of justification in ethics while the second half focuses on issues involving ethical discourse, social justice, and the moral foundations of public policy. In their critical and engaging essays, the authors challenge many of the original and controversial arguments developed and defended by Boylan in his book, and Boylan responds in a lengthy and philosophically rich reply. The book will appeal both to philosophers working on the cutting edge of moral and political theory and to public policy practitioners working to make society more just

This book is a collection of twelve essays devoted to Michael Boylan's important work in moral philosophy, A Just Society. The collection is thematically organized to mirror Boylan's own volume, so the first half explores fundamental issues of justification in ethics while the second half focuses on issues involving ethical discourse, social justice, and the moral foundations of public policy. In their critical and engaging essays, the authors challenge many of the original and controversial arguments developed and defended by Boylan in his book, and Boylan responds in a lengthy and philosophically rich reply. The book will appeal both to philosophers working on the cutting edge of moral and political theory and to public policy practitioners working to make society more just

Among the most influential, world-renowned scientists during the early decades of the twentieth century was the Dutch astronomer Jacobus Cornelius Kapteyn (1851-1922). Kapteyn's influence resulted from and contributed to the golden age of Dutch science. In the words of the brilliant English astrophysicist, Arthur S. Eddington: Holland has given many scientific leaders to the world: it is doubtful whether any other nation in proportion to its size can show so fine a record. J.C. Kapteyn was among the most distinguished of its sons -- a truly great astronomer'. The present text is an English translation of Kapteyn's 1928 (Dutch) biography by his daughter Henrietta Hertzsprung-Kapteyn. While the original biography suffers from -- but in many ways is also enriched by -- the emotional excesses of a loving daughter writing of her famous father, this new translation provides an annotated assessment of Kapteyn as family man, scientist and world leader. This new volume also opens up to a much wider reading public many of the enormously rich contributions, not only of Kapteyn the man but also of the Dutch, to the emergence of astronomy as a major intellectual force in the world. Perhaps equally important, the translated biography reproduces many biographical and technical details from Kapteyn's correspondence with numerous other scientists and scholars. Access to the Kapteyn biography becomes an archival treasure for future studies dealing with Kapteyn himself, as well as with the history of both modern and Dutch astronomy and with the rise of international astronomy.

Some Asian political leaders and Western academics have recently claimed that China is unlikely to produce an open political system. This claim rests on the idea that ?Confucian culture? provides an alternative to Western civil values, and that China lacked the democratic traditions and even the horizontal institutions of trust that could build a c

Amid a welter of simultaneous policy initiatives in the UK, health treatment centers were a top-down National Health Service (NHS) innovation that became subverted into a multiplicity of solutions to different local problems. This book is a highly readable account of how and why these centers evolved with completely unforeseen results, revealing clear practical lessons based on UK case-study research involving over 200 interviews. By following the case studies through each key stage of reform, the book tells the story of NHS reform in action. Well-structured and clearly written, it uncovers a range of difficulties and conflicts in pushing forward wide-sweeping reforms at a local level, and it outlines the practical lessons to be learned.

Amid a welter of simultaneous policy initiatives in the UK, health treatment centers were a top-down National Health Service (NHS) innovation that became subverted into a multiplicity of solutions to different local problems. This book is a highly readable account of how and why these centers evolved with completely unforeseen results, revealing clear practical lessons based on UK case-study research involving over 200 interviews. By following the case studies through each key stage of reform, the book tells the story of NHS reform in action. Well-structured and clearly written, it uncovers a range of difficulties and conflicts in pushing forward wide-sweeping reforms at a local level, and it outlines the practical lessons to be learned.

In Robert Ward's The Crucible: Creating an American Musical Nationalism, Robert Paul Kolt explores the life of the American composer Robert Ward through an examination of his most popular and enduring work, The Crucible. Focusing on the musical-linguistic relationships within the opera, Kolt demonstrates Ward's unique synthesis of text and music, one that lends itself to the perception of American musical nationalism. This book contains the most thorough and in-depth biography of Ward yet in print. Based on interviews with the composer, Kolt presents new information about Ward's life and career, focusing on his opera and examining the formation and construction of The Crucible's libretto and score, in turn offering new insights into the process of composing an opera. Kolt observes how the libretto's linguistic aspects helped Ward formulate the opera's melodic and rhythmic musical material. A detailed and unique analysis of the opera, particularly the musical and linguistic techniques Ward employed, demonstrates how these techniques lend themselves to the opera's reception as a work of American musical nationalism. The book also provides yet unpublished information on Arthur Miller's play, examining how it came to be written and soon after became the basis for Ward's work. Several appendixes provide a fuller picture, including a deleted scene from Miller's play and Ward's version of the scene, a chronological overview of the Salem Witchcraft Trials, and illustrations and photo reproductions from Ward's manuscript.

This collection focuses on a long-running debate over the logical validity of Karl Marx's theory that exploitation is the exclusive source of capitalists' profits. The "Fundamental Marxian Theorem" was long thought to have shown that orthodox Marxian economics succeeds in replicating Marx's conclusion. The debate begins with Andrew Kliman's disproof of that claim. On one side of the debate, representing orthodox Marxian economics, are contributions by Simon Mohun and Roberto Veneziani. Although they concede that their simultaneist models cannot replicate Marx's theory of profit in all cases, they insist that this is as good as it gets. On the other side, representing the temporal single-system interpretation of Marx's theory (TSSI), are contributions by Kliman and Alan Freeman. They argue that his theory is logically valid, since it can indeed be replicated when it is understood in accordance with the TSSI. While the debate initially focused on logical concerns, issues of pluralism, truth, and scientificity increasingly assumed center stage. In his introduction to the volume, Nick Potts situates the debate in its historical context and argues forcefully that the arguments of the orthodox Marxist economists, and the manner in which those arguments were couched, were "suppressive and contrary to scientific norms." The volume concludes with a 2014 debate, in which many of the same issues re-surfaced, between the philosopher Robert Paul Wolff and proponents of the TSSI.

This volume performs a critical and vibrant reconstruction of Anabaptist identity and theological method, in the wake of the recent revelations of the depth of the sexual abuse perpetrated by the most influential Anabaptist theologian of the 20th century, John Howard Yoder. In an attempt to liberate Anabaptist theology and identity from the constricting vision appropriated and reformulated by Yoder, these essays refuse the determinative categories of the last half century supplied by and carried beyond Harold Bender's The Anabaptist Vision. While still under the shadow of decades of trauma, a recontexualized conversation about Anabaptist theology and identity emerges in this volume that is ecumenically engaged, philosophically astute, psychologically attuned, and resolutely vulnerable. The volume offers a Trinitarian and Christological framework that holds together the importance of Scripture, tradition, and the lived experience of the Christian community, as the contributors examine a wide variety of issues such as Mennonite feminism, Anabaptist queer theology, and Mennonite theological methods. These essays interrogate the operations of power, violence, exclusion, and privilege in methodology in this changed context, offering self-critical constructive alternatives for articulating Anabaptist theology and identity.

Between the years 1890 and 1924, the dominant view of the universe suggested a cosmology largely foreign to contemporary ideas. First, astronomers believed they had confirmed that the sun was roughly in the centre of the Milky Way galaxy. Second, considerable evidence indicated that the size of the galaxy was only about one-third the value now accepted by today's astronomers. Third, it was thought that interstellar space was completely transparent, that there was no absorbing material between the stars. Fourth, astronomers believed that the universe was composed of numerous star systems comparable to the Milky Way galaxy. The method that provided this picture and came to dominate cosmology was 'statistical' in nature, because it was based on the counts of stars and their positions, motions, brightnesses and stellar spectra. Professor Paul describes the rise of this statistical cosmology in light of developments in nineteenth-century astronomy and explains how this cosmology set the stage for many of the most significant developments of twentieth-century astronomy.

Some Asian political leaders and Western academics have recently claimed that China is unlikely to produce an open political system. This claim rests on the idea that "Confucian culture" provides an alternative to Western civil values, and that China lacked the democratic traditions and even the horizontal institutions of trust that could build a civil society. An opposed school of thought is far more optimistic about democracy, because it sees market economies of the kind China has begun to foster as pushing inexorably against authoritarian political control and reproducing Western patterns of change."Alternate Civilities" argues for a different set of political possibilities. By comparing China with Taiwan's new and vibrant democracy, it shows how democracy can grow out of Chinese cultural roots and authoritarian institutions. The business organizations, religious groups, environmental movements, and women's networks it examines do not simply reproduce Western values and institutions. These cases point to the possibility of an alternate civility, neither the stubborn remnant of an ancient authoritarian culture, nor a reflex of market economics. They are instead the active creation of new solutions to the problems of modern life.