Bourdieu’s thought is disturbing. Provocative. Scandalous even, at least for those who do not easily tolerate the unmitigated truth about the social. Nonetheless his ideas, among the most important and innovative of our time, are here to stay. This thought has taken form in the course of a career and through works on diverse subjects that have constructed a far-reaching analytical model of social life, which the author calls more readily an anthropology rather than a sociology. In their totality, they (...) constitute today an original and powerful proposal to explain human practices. In the face of criticisms commonly leveled at Bourdieu’s thought (notably the charge that it reduces everything to a single schematic model), it is important to identify the spirit of his enterprise. Early on, it is true, his thought drew on a few fundamental concepts—the trilogy habitus, field (champ), practice (pratique)—to which it constantly returned, and followed a clearly defined trajectory. At the same time, however, he continually reformulated, adapted, and refined his analytical model, depending on the operations to which he subjected new objects of inquiry. The regenerative and transformative force of his thought was supported by two convictions. First, that there being nothing more vain than theory for theory’s sake, it is preferable that theoretical production originate in the study of concrete and occasionally very specific cases. Second, that in order to escape stereotypical classifications, boundaries separating disciplines are best transgressed, thereby favoring new constructions of the object of inquiry. (shrink)

The sphere of manifestation of philosophy is thinking. Thinking itself appears and is reflected in different forms, which contributes to a different perception of philosophy. The study and teaching of philosophy as a science is its main direction, an important condition for which is the disclosure of truth. Throughout history, this process manifested itself first as a manifestation of philosophy in theology, and then as its reflection in poetry. "Philosophy of Azerbaijani Studies" by Heydar Aliyev is a discourse aimed (...) at the formation and development of society. In other words, the national leader directed philosophy to its practical implementation in statehood and human life. According to our conclusions, Heydar Aliyev's "philosophy of Azerbaijani studies" was not only an intention, but also a means. The basis of this philosophy was laid in advance, but its full formation took place during the period of independence of Azerbaijan. The main tasks in this situation were self-consciousness, self-return and self-expression. The basis of the essence of the “philosophy of Azerbaijani studies” is, regardless of the affiliation and dissent of the people, to preserve and maintain the main traditions and cultural heritage. It is precisely such efforts that ensure the ideological security of society and actually prevent the creation of problems and barriers that block its development. Heydar Aliyev combined various understandings of globalization, multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism in a single understanding and reunited them in a common philosophy, which was called the “philosophy of Azerbaijani studies”. In his reports and speeches, explaining the essence of the "philosophy of Azerbaijani studies", he referred to a single whole of different cultures and noted the importance of solitude. The strategic plan and the main elements of the “philosophy of Azerbaijani studies” are the development of the Azerbaijani language, religion and culture, as well as the preservation of national and spiritual values and traditions. In the article, all these concepts are explained with illustrative examples. In integrity, Heydar Aliyev's "philosophy of Azerbaijani studies" serves to unite, preserve, develop the tradition of independence and create a legal-social state. (shrink)

Explores some steps toward non-assimilative encounters in the "global village.".

Comparative political theory is at best an embryonic and marginalized endeavor. As practiced in most Western universities, the study of political theory generally involves a rehearsal of the canon of Western political thought from Plato to Marx. Only rarely are practitioners of political thought willing (and professionally encouraged) to transgress the canon and thereby the cultural boundaries of North America and Europe in the direction of genuine comparative investigation. Border Crossings presents an effort to remedy this situation, fully launching a (...) new era in political theory. Thirteen scholars from around the world examine the various political traditions of West, South, and East Asia and engage in a reflective cross-cultural discussion that belies the assumptions of an Asian "essence" and of an unbridgeable gulf between West and non-West. The denial of essential differences does not, however, amount to an endorsement of essential sameness. As viewed and as practiced by contributors to this ground-breaking volume, comparative political theorizing must steer a course between uniformity and radical separation--this is the path of "border crossings.". (shrink)

In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:Bioethics in Azerbaijan:History and Development of Bioethics in AzerbaijanAdelia Avaz gizi Namazova (bio) and Tarana Qadir gizi Taghi-Zada (bio)HistoryAzerbaijan is a unique country with a centuries-old culture and history; it is a country located at the junction of Europe and Western Asia, uniting economic and cultural relationships between two continents and harmoniously combining the elements of various civilisations and cultures. Peculiarities of the historical development of Azerbaijan and its (...) geographical location, as well as the ethnic composition of the population created an opportunity for the flourishing of various religions. Idolatry, fire worship, Zoroastrianism, Judaism, Christianity, Islam and other religions were spread in the country during different periods. The multinational and confessional state (also known as a multicultural state), with its unique cultural inheritance, provided the opportunity not only to adhere to traditions and customs of previous generations, but also to develop spiritual-moral values that created respect and tolerance towards other religions. As a result of this cultural synthesis throughout the centuries, universal ethical values such as respecting the dignity of all persons, veneration of elderly people by youth, and principals of mercy, care and love to those in need and in the closing stages of life evolved. Numerous sources of ancient manuscripts bear witness that poetry, philosophy and the ethics of medical practice have always been part of the searching and thinking in medicine.One of the ancient religions, Zoroastrianism, begins from fire worship and was revealed to the religious teacher and prophet Zoroaster (seventh century BC, Holy Book Zend-Avesta). According to the basic understandings of Zoroastrianism, there are two principles which are always contradictory—Kindness and Evil. [End Page 433] Zoroaster called upon people to be fair and pure, to fight any kind of unfairness and disgracefulness.The name of the healer Logman is covered with legends and is well known among different nations of the East. Across generations in Azerbaijan the name Logman has been used, inspiring the sharing of medical secrets and advice, cure of different illnesses and their prevention.1 This is witnessed by the Logman Covenants. The first covenant warns of excessive consumption of alcohol and food, educating people in hygienic practices and developing that culture. Another covenant is dedicated to the high mission of the medic: “Every kindness on this planet created people. The kind beginning is there where you have a doctor.”The basic principles of humanitarian behaviour of the doctor have also been described in an ancient manuscript of Azerbaijani literature, the national epic “Kitabi-Dede Qorqud” (seventh century), which provides advice on how to maintain one’s health in good condition, and the importance of spiritual purity, health and morals.Outstanding philosophers, poets and scientists of the ancient land of Azerbaijan, such as Bakhmaniyar ibn Marzaban (eleventh century), Omar Osmanoglu (eleventh century), Khatib Tabrizi (1030–1109), Khagani (1120–99), Nizami Ganjavi (1141–1209), Nakchivani (thirteenth century), Makhmud Shabustari (1287–1320), Seid YakhyaBakuvi (1410–62), Fizuli (1498–1556), Vagif (1717–97) and many others, described in their doctrines the difficult, selfless activities of doctors and the positive results and outcomes.6Back in the eleventh2 century, when madrasas or spiritual schools, where theology and medicine were taught and, ecclesiastics and tabibs (medics) were prepared and educated, a medical school was established in Azerbaijan’s old capital Shamakha. Here, under the guidance of the most famous doctor and pharmacologist in all the East, Omar Osman oglu, training and education of medical workers took place. Having been widely educated, Omar Osman oglu was an adherent of the moral principles declared by Logman and taught his students that the main goal of any doctor’s activities should be based on love towards the other person. His understanding of a medic’s behaviour was contrary to major customs of that time, saying: “Don’t deny your enemy. Heal him.” Omar Osman oglu inspired his students to undertake spiritual pureness, patriotism and service to the nation. “Bring benefit to the nation, even if it is contrary with your personal benefit”, “do not be egotistical”, “do not try to find your way to heaven and do not be afraid of hell” were his slogans.The famous poet Khagani (1120... (shrink)

A person should establish a connection between both his material and spiritual worlds and maintain this harmony by establishing harmony between these two worlds. In this sense, a person must have a philosophy of spirituality. Because moral values stand like a beacon above the ideas and thoughts that extend from the individual to the society, from the state to history, from economic order to art and religion. The values and norms that people have to obey in the establishment of social (...) relations constitute the moral philosophy of a person in public life. The source that satisfies this need for a modern human model or personality is the history, literature, cultural and religious tradition of the society in which a person lives. As the famous historical scholar Bernard Lewis said: "In human history, political ideologies such as socialism and capitalism have not offered anything to man in the desired form, so the man of the 21st century will look for his happiness in his historical roots". It is for this reason that in the Turkish world in recent times, "the need for our people to turn to the history of philosophical thought in order to review the traditional sources of spirituality with the possibilities of modern times" has been voiced as the main principle. Nurettin Topcu, a philosopher who considers spirituality and morality to be one of the elements of the state, says: “Morality and spirituality take their source from religion. Therefore, morality is the basis and direct essence of the Islamic religion. Those who want to separate morality from religion or religion from morality are those who want to see the inner world of a person separate from himself”. We can easily say that this philosophical approach was accepted by the national leader Heydar Aliyev as the main criterion for the formation of the Azerbaijani people as a nation in the 21st century. He was saying: "We will never depart from our faith and religion and we will build our future using these spiritual resources!" As a leader with one or another slogan, he emphasized that our history of philosophical thought is rich in every platform and that it is easy to achieve and implement it in the context of modern possibilities. The article reflects the philosophy of spirituality in general and the context of Heydar Aliyev. (shrink)

It is known that the scale, size, form, and content of the world view is beyond calculation, expression and explanation, as it belongs to the world and to Man. Maybe it’s not even right to call it an event. The worldview combines the countless compatibility inherent in both the world and man, and at the same time, it distinguishes mother and child, as close as twins, native beings as far apart as heaven and earth. Worldview is a product of consciousness. (...) It is a system of relationships. An individual understands the world and the environment through worldview. On the other hand, a person is perceived according to his worldview. In the historical approach, the point of view is variable. Its objects are often outdated or rapidly updated. People are often judged according to the “oldness - newness” of their outlook. Since the worldview phenomenon is evaluated with different approaches (concepts of worldview) according to the requirements of the time, it is more deeply understood in relation to a person, especially a professional personality represented by full activity in a certain field. From this point of view, it is important to study the outlook of the genius scientist Lotfi A. Zadeh, who was born in Azerbaijan, benefit from the principles of history and modernity, outlook on life, and worldview. In the article “Worldview concept. History and modernity (in the context of Lotfi A. Zadeh’s world view)” we tried to analyze the world view of the genius scientist of Azerbaijani origin Lotfi A. Zadeh, who lived for 96 years, i.e. almost 1 century, and continued his scientific research. Thus, in the article, we determined the place of the concept of Worldview in History and Modern consciousness, and by comparing the scientifictheoretical aspects of this concept with Lotfi A. Zadeh’s worldview, we obtained new, relevant and important results. (shrink)

Philosophy in Minutes distils 200 of the most important philosophical ideas into easily digestible, bite-sized sections. The core information for every topic - including debates such as the role of philosophy in science and religion, key thinkers from Aristotle to Marx, and introductions to morality and ethics - is explained in straightforward language, using illustrations to make the concepts easy to understand and remember. Whether you are perplexed by existentialism or pondering the notion of free will, this accessible small-format book (...) will help any reader to quickly grasp the basics of this highly nuanced subject. Chapters include: Truth and logic, Marxism, Communism and Socialism, Ontology, Philosophy and literature, Existence of God, Feminist theory, Consciousness, The future of philosophy. (shrink)

The second volume in the _Blackwell Brown Lectures in Philosophy_, this volume offers an original and provocative take on the nature and methodology of philosophy. Based on public lectures at Brown University, given by the pre-eminent philosopher, Timothy Williamson Rejects the ideology of the 'linguistic turn', the most distinctive trend of 20th century philosophy Explains the method of philosophy as a development from non-philosophical ways of thinking Suggests new ways of understanding what contemporary and past philosophers are doing.

This book treats Chinese philosophy today as a global project, presenting the work of both Chinese and Western philosophers.

... AND PROFITABLE INVENTIONS AND DISCOVERIES; THE BEST STATE OF THAT PROVINCE”: TECHNOLOGY AND CULTURE DURING FRANCIS BACON'S STAY IN FRANCE* Luisa ...

Chinese Philosophy provides a clear, accessible conception of the Chinese philosophical sensibility and its evolution throughout history.

First published in 2003. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Examines the diverse cultural influences which have shaped the basic philosophical traditions of India "Indian philosophy was at the heart of Zimmer's interest..

Wolfson's systematic presentation of the philosophy of Spinoza has long been a classic. It is with pride that we make it available again in a one-volume edition.

Absolute devaluation : Friedrich Nietzsche -- Homelessness : Martin Heidegger -- Fatal positivities : Theodor Adorno -- The naive calculation of the negative : Maurice Blanchot -- Bad violence : Jacques Derrida -- The fracture : Giorgio Agamben -- Distortions, or, Nihilism against itself : Gianni Vattimo -- The denial of (Greek) thought : Alain Badiou.

Much discussion about experimental philosophy and philosophical methodology has been framed in terms of the reliability of intuitions, and even when it has not been about reliability per se, it has been focused on whether intuitions meet whatever conditions they need to meet to be trustworthy as evidence. But really that question cannot be answered independently from the questions, evidence for what theories arrived at by what sorts of inferences? I will contend here that not just philosophy's sources of evidence, (...) but also its inferential resources, are in great need of closer examination. (shrink)

Jonathan Y. Tsou examines and defends positions on central issues in philosophy of psychiatry. The positions defended assume a naturalistic and realist perspective and are framed against skeptical perspectives on biological psychiatry. Issues addressed include the reality of mental disorders; mechanistic and disease explanations of abnormal behavior; definitions of mental disorder; natural and artificial kinds in psychiatry; biological essentialism and the projectability of psychiatric categories; looping effects and the stability of mental disorders; psychiatric classification; and the validity of the DSM's (...) diagnostic categories. The main argument defended by Tsou is that genuine mental disorders are biological kinds with harmful effects. This argument opposes the dogma that mental disorders are necessarily diseases that result from biological dysfunction. Tsou contends that the broader ideal of biological kinds offers a more promising and empirically ascertainable naturalistic standard for assessing the reality of mental disorders and the validity of psychiatric categories. (shrink)

Wittgenstein finished part 1 of the Philosophical Investigations in the spring of 1945. From 1946 to 1949 he worked on the philosophy of psychology almost without interruption. The present two-volume work comprises many of his writings over this period. Some of the remarks contained here were culled for part 2 of the Investigations ; others were set aside and appear in the collection known as Zettel . The great majority, however, although of excellent quality, have hitherto remained unpublished. This bilingual (...) edition of the Remarks on the Philosophy of Psychology presents the first English translation of an essential body of Wittegenstein's work. It elaborates Wittgenstein's views on psychological concepts such as expectation, sensation, knowing how to follow a rule, and knowledge of the sensations of other persons. It also shows strong emphasis on the "anthropological" aspect of Wittgenstein's thought. Philosophers, as well as anthropologists, psychologists, and sociologists will welcome this important publication. (shrink)

Wolfson's systematic presentation of the philosophy of Spinoza has long been a classic. It is with pride that we make it available again in a one-volume edition.

Obviously medicine should be evidence-based. The issues lie in the details: what exactly counts as evidence? Do certain kinds of evidence carry more weight than others? (And if so why?) And how exactly should medicine be based on evidence? When it comes to these details, the evidence-based medicine (EBM) movement has got itself into a mess – or so it will be argued. In order to start to resolve this mess, we need to go 'back to basics'; and that means (...) turning to the philosophy of science. The theory of evidence, or rather the logic of the interrelations between theory and evidence, has always been central to the philosophy of science – sometimes under the alias of the 'theory of confirmation'. When taken together with a little philosophical commonsense, this logic can help us move towards a position on evidence in medicine that is more sophisticated and defensible than anything that EBM has been able so far to supply. (shrink)