Philosophy for Everyone – serie

The philosophy of the blues From B.B. King to Billie Holiday, Blues music not only sounds good, but has an almost universal appeal in its reflection of the trials and tribulations of everyday life. Its ability to powerfully touch on a range of social and emotional issues is philosophically inspiring, and here, a diverse range of thinkers and musicians offer illuminating essays that make important connections between the human condition and the Blues that will appeal to music lovers and philosophers alike.

Stimulates thoughts and expands awareness of the philosophical dimensions of yoga in its many forms and practices Yoga — Philosophy for Everyone presents a wide array of perspectives by people whose lives have been touched by yoga. Addressing myriad aspects of yoga's divergent paths, topics include body image for men and women; the religious and spiritual aspects of yoga; and issues relating to ethics, personal growth, and the teaching of yoga. Written by philosophers and non-philosophers alike, with contributions from professional yoga instructors, lifelong practitioners, and first-timers, Yoga — Philosophy for Everyone offers a wealth of material for both enjoyment and deep reflection.

This volume reveals the wisdom we can learn from sailing, a sport that pits human skills against the elements, tests the mettle and is a rich source of valuable lessons in life. Unravels the philosophical mysteries behind one of the oldest organized human activitiesFeatures contributions from philosophers and academics as well as from sailors themselvesEnriches appreciation of the sport by probing its meaning and valueBrings to life the many applications of philosophy to sailing and the profound lessons it can teach usA thought-provoking read for sailors and philosophers alike

Covering philosophical issues ranging from tattooed religious symbols to a feminist aesthetics of tattoo, Tattoos and Philosophy offers an enthusiastic analysis of inking that will lead readers to consider the nature of the tattooing arts in a new and profound way. Contains chapters written by philosophers (most all with tattoos themselves), tattoo artists, and tattoo enthusiasts that touch upon many areas in Western and Eastern philosophyEnlightens people to the nature of tattoos and the tattooing arts, leading readers to think deeply about tattoos in new waysOffers thoughtful and humorous insights that make philosophical ideas accessible to the non-philosopher

This anthology takes the ever-controversial discussion of pornography out of solely academic circles; it expands the questions about porn that academics might tackle and opens the conversation to those who know it best—the creators and users of porn. Features essays on non-traditional issues in porn, including celebrity sex tapes, virtual sex, S&M, homosexual porn, and technology’s impact on the porn industryFeatures fascinating insights from psychologists, a lawyer, and an English professor, as well as industry insiders such as Dylan RyderA fun, entertaining, and philosophically provocative approach to pornography, written for the general reader

Serial Killers - Philosophy for Everyone investigates our profound intrigue with mass-murderers. Exploring existential, ethical and political questions through an examination of real and fictional serial killers, philosophy comes alive via an exploration of grisly death. Presents new philosophical theories about serial killing, and relates new research in cognitive science to the minds of serial killersIncludes a philosophical look at real serial killers such as Ian Brady, Ted Bundy, John Wayne Gacy, Jeffrey Dahmer and the Zodiac killer, as well as fictional serial killers such as Dexter and Hannibal LecterOffers a new phenomenological examination of the writings of the Zodiac KillerContains an account of the disappearance of one of Ted Bundy's victims submitted by the organization Families and Friends of Missing Persons and Violent Crime VictimsIntegrates the insights of philosophers, academics, crime writers and police officers

The debate on the status and legality of cannabis continues to gain momentum. Here, personal anecdotes combined with academic and scientific reports combine to sharpen some of the fascinating philosophical issues associated with cannabis use.  A frank, professionally informed and playful discussion of cannabis usage in relation to philosophical inquiryConsiders the meaning of a ‘high’, the morality of smoking marijuana for pleasure, the slippery slope to more dangerous drugs, and the human drive to alter our consciousnessNot only incorporates contributions from philosophers, psychologists, sociologists or legal, pharmacological, and medical experts, but also non-academics associated with the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabisBrings together an international team of writers from the United States, Canada, UK, Finland, Switzerland, South Africa, and New Zealand

If you just can't decide what to wear, this enlightening guide will lead you through the diverse and sometimes contradictory aspects of fashion in a series of lively, entertaining and thoughtful essays from prominent philosophers and writers. A unique and enlightening insight into the underlying philosophy behind the power of fashion Contributions address issues in fashion from a variety of viewpoints, including aesthetics, the nature of fashion and fashionability, ethics, gender and identity politics, and design Includes a foreword by Jennifer Baumgardner, feminist author, activist and cultural critic, editor of Ms magazine (1993-7) and regular contributor to major women's magazines including Glamour and Marie-Claire

Philosophy and gardens have been closely connected from the dawn of philosophy, with many drawing on their beauty and peace for philosophical inspiration. Gardens in turn give rise to a broad spectrum of philosophical questions. For the green-fingered thinker, this book reflects on a whole host of fascinating philosophical themes. Gardens and philosophy present a fascinating combination of subjects, historically important, and yet scarcely covered within the realms of philosophyContributions come from a wide range of authors, ranging from garden writers and gardeners, to those working in architecture, archaeology, archival studies, art history, anthropology, classics and philosophyEssays cover a broad spectrum of topics, ranging from Epicurus and Confucius to the aesthetics and philosophy of Central ParkOffers new perspectives on the experience and evaluation of gardens

Covering interesting and varied philosophical terrain, Cycling - Philosophy for Everyone explores in a fun but critical way the rich philosophical, cultural, and existential experiences that arise when two wheels are propelled by human energy. Incorporates or reflects the views of high-profile and notable past-professional cyclists and insiders   such as Lennard Zinn, Scott Tinley, and Lance ArmstrongFeatures contributions from the areas of cultural studies, kinesiology, literature, and political science as well as from philosophersIncludes enlightening essays on the varieties of the cycling experience, ranging from the ethical issues of success, women and cycling, environmental issues of commuting and the transformative potential of cycling for personal growthShows how bicycling and philosophy create the perfect tandemIncludes a foreword by Lennard Zinn, author and owner of Zinn Cycles Inc.

MOTHERHOODPHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE If you have ever wondered what makes a “good” or a “bad” mother, or if mothers are always right in thinking their babies are beautiful, or indeed, whether mother always knows best, look no further. Without a single nag, Motherhood – Philosophy for Everyone covers these salient philosophical issues, and more, including: The anticipation of impending parenthood compared with the realityShould we tell the occasional lie to our children?What does the Bible actually say about the virgin birth?If we were able to turn our children off, would and should we be tempted by this option?The experience of lesbian motheringThe unexpected challenges and complications of being a mother“As in any group of thinkers, some mothers are more ambitiously reflective than others, either out of temperamental thoughtfulness, moral and political concerns, or, most often, because they have serious problems with their children. However, maternal thinking is no rarity. Maternal work itself demands that mothers think…”From Maternal Thinking: Toward A Politics of Peace, Sara Ruddick

FATHERHOOD PHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE FATHERHOOD PHILOSOPHY FOR EVERYONE It has been said that being a father is what finally gives a man his meaning in life. And a father’s role has never been so involved – or expectations so high. There’s a lot for dads to discover, and as Socrates demonstrated, learning really begins when we as fathers realize how little we know. But, no fear, help is at hand as Fatherhood – Philosophy for Everyone offers wisdom and practical advice drawn from the annals of philosophy, exploring paternal concerns such as: Fatherhood and the meaning of lifeThe impact of change in men who become fathersHow to raise well-adjusted children and have a more fulfilling and enjoyable experience of fatherhoodDo real fathers bake cookies?Both thought-provoking and practical, Fatherhood – Philosophy for Everyone provides a valuable starting and ending point for reflecting on this crucial role.

From Santa, elves and Ebenezer Scrooge, to the culture wars and virgin birth, Christmas - Philosophy for Everyone explores a host of philosophical issues raised by the practices and beliefs surrounding Christmas. Offers thoughtful and humorous philosophical insights into the most widely celebrated holiday in the Western worldContributions come from a wide range of disciplines, including philosophy, theology, religious studies, English literature, cognitive science and moral psychologyThe essays cover a wide range of Christmas themes, from a defence of the miracle of the virgin birth to the relevance of Christmas to atheists and pagans

Written with insight and humor, College Sex - Philosophy for Everyone investigates a broad array of philosophical issues relating to student sex. Examines the ethical issues of dating, cheating, courtship, homosexual experimentation, and drug and alcohol useConsiders student-teacher relationships, sexual experimentation, the meaning of sex in a college setting and includes two essays based on influential research projects on ‘friends with benefits’Many of the authors teach classes that explore the philosophy of love and sex, and most are scholars from the Society of the Philosophy of Sex and Love

Climbing - Philosophy for Everyone presents a collection of intellectually stimulating new essays that address the philosophical issues relating to risk, ethics, and other aspects of climbing that are of interest to everyone from novice climbers to seasoned mountaineers. Represents the first collection of essays to exclusively address the many philosophical aspects of climbingIncludes essays that challenge commonly accepted views of climbing and climbing ethicsWritten accessibly, this book will appeal to everyone from novice climbers to seasoned mountaineersIncludes a foreword written by Hans FlorineShortlisted for the Boardman Tasker Prize for Mountain Literature, 2010

Hunting - Philosophy for Everyone presents a collection of readings from academics and non-academics alike that move beyond the ethical justification of hunting to investigate less traditional topics and offer fresh perspectives on why we hunt. The only recent book to explicitly examine the philosophical issues surrounding huntingShatters many of the stereotypes about hunting, forcing us to rethink the topicFeatures contributions from a wide range of academic and non-academic sources, including both hunters and non-hunters