Author: Bertrand Russell File Type: pdf Few philosophers have had a more profound influence on the course of modern philosophy than Bertrand Russell. The Basic Writings of Bertrand Russell is a comprehensive anthology of Russells most definitive essays written between 1903 and 1959. First published in 1961, this remarkable collection is a testament to a philosopher whom many consider to be one of the most influential thinkers of the twentieth century. This is an essential introduction to the brilliance of Bertrand Russell.About the AuthorBertrand Russell (18721970) was one of the most formidable thinkers of the modern era. A philosopher, mathematician, educational innovator, champion of intellectual, social and sexual freedom, and a campaigner for peace and human rights, he was also a prolific writer of popular and influential books, essays and lectures on an extensive range of subjects. Considered to be one of the most controversial figures of the twentieth century, Bertrand Russell is widely renowned for his provocative writings. These definitive works offer profound insights and forward-thinking perspectives on a changing western society progressively shaped, most significantly, by two world wars, the decline of British imperialism and an evolving moral landscape.

Author: Bonner G File Type: pdf Aurelius Augustinus (354-430), bishop of Hippo Regius (the modern Annaba in Algeria), is considered one of the outstanding thinkers in Western Christian civilization, Catholic and Protestant alike. Particularly influential has been his pessimistic doctrine of divine predestination, which holds that only a small proportion of humanity has been selected by God for salvation, while the overwhelming majority, including all unbaptized persons, are damned. Yet, paradoxically, Augustines exposition of the Eucharistic unity of the elect in the Body of Christ, his Christology, and his emphasis on love as the principal mark of the Godhead have provided a pattern for Christian devotion and spirituality down through the ages. This book seeks to explain this paradox in Augustines theology by tracing how these different emphases arose in his thought, and speculating as to why he endorsed, in the end, his theology of predestination. The book is intended not only for students of theology and church history, but even more for readers attracted to Christian doctrine. Written in straightforward language, it supplies adequate references to original sources for those wishing to further pursue the subject. The author, a historian turned theologian, has studied Augustine for more than sixty years and seeks neither to extenuate nor to condemn him, but to depict his thought. His book will prove fruitful for all who engage it. ABOUT THE AUTHOR Gerald Bonner is university reader emeritus at the University of Durham. From 1991 to 1994 he was distinguished professor of early Christian studies in the School of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America. He is the author or editor of several books including St. Augustine of Hippo Life and Controversies and The Monastic Rules. PRAISE FOR THE BOOK As a well-known and respected Augustinian scholar, Gerald Bonner does a masterful job of shedding light on this paradox found in the writings and sermons of Augustine. . . . His book will prove very helpful not only to the person already engaged in the study of Augustinian theology but also the initiate as well. John C. Meyer, Catholic Books Review Covering a varied range of topics within the confines of a book of merely 142 pages is a remarkable tour de force, something which only an erudite Augustine scholar such as Gerald Bonner is able to accomplish. . . . The authors lucid literary style, with its meticulous choice of wording, makes this book a pleasure to read and a storehouse of quotable phrases. He amply demonstrates his familiarity with various writings of Augustine (his anti-Pelagian writings, epistles, sermons, early dialogues, and, of course, his masterpieces (Confessions, De civitate Dei, De Trinitate)), which greatly contributes to the richness of the work. This fine study not only provides a refreshing, balanced view of Pelagianism, it does the same of Augustine. . . . Each chapter of this concise publication contains such a wealth of insights and enough food for thought to make it worth reading again and again. Geert Van Reyn, *Augustiniana * Bonner writes with sensitivity and complexity on Augustines views of freedom, responsibility, and predestination. One senses his bafflement and disappointment with an Augustine he clearly loves who could not see his way to rejecting the shocking consequences of his predestinarianism. Speculum This book is the fruit of many years of thought and writing. Its author writes with a clarity which reflects this quiet maturing of its conclusions. . . . Bonner is visibly working out not just what Augustine really thought and why, but what is to be made of it by the modern believer, including himself. This is an approach Augustine himself would have warmed to. He liked nothing better as an author than an honest working out of experimental an **

Author: Jason David Hall File Type: pdf This book repositions thinking about rhythm, meter and versification during the Mechanical Age. Cutting across disciplinary boundaries, the book examines the rhythmical workings of poems alongside not only Victorian theories of prosody and poetics but also contemporary thinking about labor practices, pedagogical procedures, scientific experiments, and technological innovations. By offering an exploded definition of meterone that extends beyond conventional foot-based scansionthis book explicates the conceptual and, at times, material exchanges between poetic meter and machine culture. The machines of meter include mid-century theories of abstraction and technologies of smoothness and even spacing a deeply influential, though rarely credited, system of metrical manufacture verse produced by a Victorian automaton the mechanics of the human body and mind and the meters that issued from them and the promise of scientific machines to resolve metrical dilemmas once and for all. **

Author: Abraham Lincoln File Type: pdf The seven debates between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas held during the Illinois senatorial race of 1858 are among the most important statements in American political history, dramatic struggles over the issues that would tear apart the nation in the Civil War the virtues of a republic and the evils of slavery. In this acclaimed book, Holzer brings us as close as possible to what Lincoln and Douglas actually said, Using transcripts of Lincolns speeches as recorded by the pro-Douglas newspaper, and vice-versa, he offers the most reliable, unedited record available of the debates. Also included are background on the sites, crowd comments, and a new introduction. A vivid, boisterous picture of politics during our most divisive periodThis fresh, fascinating examination. deserves a place in all American history collection.-Library Journal **