Philosophy Books

This book contains a nice cross section of articles about important issues in curriculum studies from the last hundred years to the present.

Thornton & Flinders have assembled a sterling collection of original writing by the icons of American Education. Their commentary is scholarly; their selection only slightly influenced by their fondness for Eisner. Otherwise it is absolutely the best and most frugal single volume an educator could have for foundational writings.

Reading the original is so much more satisfying than the pre-digested summaries in textbooks, and these writers for the most part express their own theories quite well without interpretation. I've seen it used in graduate studies more often than undergrad, but it would be very appropriate for a high quality teacher preparation program in a liberal arts school that emphasizes literature and perennial concepts.

I had to purchase this book for a class. The material is a little dry but otherwise the book is well written.

This is a good book, it is a bit boring but nursing theory is just that--boring. It reads well and has good information for the material that it covers.

This is a great book for those in and out out of nursing school. The reader will get great information about all the nursing theorists out there and how it affects our profession. Anyone who is a nurse should read this book.

Selected by Brandon & Hill (Nursing Outlook, March-April, 1996) as core collection item for small nursing or medical libraries.

I found the diagrams in this book extremely hard to follow. I also found the book to be very dry reading. I hope you never have to read it.

For students who desire neither the whole Oxford corpus or who need a more condensed version of the Oxford translation, this edition, edited by the renowned Aristotlean scholar Ackrill, will be pleasantly kept in good company.

I own both books, and oddly find myself picking up this volume rather than the two-volume set, for easy reference. All the essential material is here, and none of the important elements are injudiciously edited. Thus for a single volume, it does double duty -- providing the most current translation of Aristotle, while appropriately editing the most salient parts for the specialist and non-specialist alike.

The book is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate semester courses as a complete enough text for either venue. It also has a nice topical index in the back that refers the reader to many essays written in the scondary literature.

This volume contains a well-chosen selection of Aristotle's works. As another reviewer suggests, this book is a welcome middle ground between 'pocket' editions and a full blown Oxford edition.

The translations (though I am by no means a scholar of Greek) seem to be quite proper, and despite the fact that different sections may be translated by different people, there is no apparent unevenness.

Ackrill laments in the introduction that it would have been more proper to leave about 30-40 Greek words (such as 'logos', 'aitia', 'ousia') untranslated, since no single English word does them justice. But that since there are translations by several people involved, that was not possible.

All in all, this would be a very handy book for anyone interested in Aristotle.

.....it caught my attention in the book store, which is weird because it's not big in size. I began to flip through it, suddenly stopping at a certain part that caught my eye and as I read those words I had to literally stop myself from crying, the words of love in this book is so overwhelming powerful and breathtakingly beautiful.....just have to read it for yourself

A book I like to refer to when I'm down. A little odd but fun and feels good once you get into it.
I've given as a gift and recommend to friends.

This book changed my way of thinking. It was a book with a powerful message and Og Mandino wrote this book elegantly.

This is one book that everyone should read. Og had a way of writing to inspire even the most cynical. His insight was incredible. He will be missed. I would like to be a ragpicker for the rest of my life.

After reading all the reviews I felt I had to post one, seeing as I didn't find any I could really agree with wholeheartedly. The book is refreshing (not overly so) and it does make you think and reflect.

As for the Christians who are saying it's blasphemous, not really. If you're in a place, a "junk pile", then this is in a way what you need to hear. No, it's not talking about Jesus every five seconds, but it does mention him. So if you want to use this as a "witnessing" tool, then it's for someone that you can spend time with and really go over with AND continue on to expound the message. It's not the be-all and end-all of books, even though it does market itself that way, but it does touch on a lot of worthwhile points.

As for non-christians, it's not (well, not TOO MUCH) "preachy". It deals a lot with low self esteem and how that hold us back. You can tell it's written by a business man. But it does make you pause and think. It touches on hope, and really that's all many of us have to go on at the end of the day.

So all in all, a nifty little book, not necessarily a quick read but the slow pace does give time for reflection on what's been written. It's heart-warming, not in the "warm fuzzy" sense, but because it does give hope in it's message and it IS inspirational.

So, all in all, not the best book in the world and I prolly won't read it or the author again, but the fact of the message contained is definitely what it has going for it. I'm not big on inspirational books, but if you're going to read one, this is pretty good. (and it's small too!)

Particle physics theory is more amazing and fantastic then I could have imagined. The depth of our understanding of the atom and particles are both beautiful and awesomely powerful.

When I was young (25) I did not know that I could understand particle physics or quantum mechanics. Worrying about my GPA I wouldn't even attempt it in college. But I read this book. Loved it. Read ten or so "real" books on quantum mechanics, string, astrophysics, then went back to learn classically physics. And learned how the equations work.

If you want to know particle physics for fun, I recommend this book. The book shows you many equations, but you don't have to work them. There will be plenty of time for that later, if you care to.

The author uses many analogies to Buddhism. They are helpful to some like me. For my generation, Buddhism was highly regarded. I learned how to meditate, otherwise the stories are nice but not necessarily true. They help illustrate points in the book. They help explain the science, but they are not science themselves. Don't worry about them if they don't appeal to you.

After learning about theoretical particle physics I read books on experimental physics and how particle accelerators and detectors work. I wanted to know exactly how the scientists knew what they said they knew. The physics in the book are provable, not everything has been proven, not all theories will be shown to be correct. Many of them are true, and have been proven before and after the book was written.

Nutshell review - a fun introduction and overview of the mysteries and quirks of the world of quantum physics. A good read written in a easy to understand style for us laymen.

I tried to read this book, as I have really enjoyed all other books by Gary Zukav. This was the exception. I just couldn't get through the entire book, so maybe I missed the point or message of the book. It was not easy reading.

I have not recieved my order. The book "Dancing Wu Li Masters" has not arrived. I would like to get it soon.

Thank You
Ed Chevalley

One of my favorites along with The Tao of Physics. If you like discussions bringing Western physics and Taoism together you should enjoy this.

I am no educational research expert, but the Sadkers seem to have a very left-wing political slant in their presentation of "the facts". Their so called "You be the judge" and other controversial issue discussions often give both sides without any evidence behind the various points of view, leading the reader to believe that they are equally valid.

The book isn't particularly useful either when it comes to seeking real world advice on lesson planning, disciplinary procedures, or how a mere teacher can make his/her voice heard on the school district board to effect change. It's highly theory-based and speaks in very general terms. This is characteristic however, of many published pieces in the genre. Facts, figures, and charts are prominent and welcomed, but are few and far between.

Overpriced for little content.

The seller of this book was not upfront in her business dealings. I needed the 5th edition, and she put the ISBN # for the 4th. Consequently I ended up paying an outrageous amount for an out of date book. The content of the book is good, but inn comparison with the current edition doesn't compare with the quality.

The other reviews for this are for the old edition and not the Brief Introduction to Education, so please be aware that the date of the reviews is before this text was published.

In reading the other reviews, it was obvious that the reviewers missed the point of the text--it is to be used in an introductory course, not in a course where preservice or practicing teachers would be designing lessons and units.

This text provides a great overview of the educational issues and problems that someone contemplating becoming a teacher needs to know about before investing time, energy, and money into obtaining certification. The brief version is much better, more up-to-date and student friendly than the original text by Sadker and Sadker.

For anyone contemplating being a teacher, the issues presented in this text may help you decide if you really have what it takes to be a classroom teacher. It gives an overview of the political, economic, and social issues facing educators as well as the historic perspective of American Education.

Well worth the cost.

The book was very detailed. We used in our college class and it really has very interesting, upto date information. It tells us how to teach, can teaching be taught or is it an art or science. The book also tells us about pedagy and we discussed adrogogy as well.

Lewis Thomas' essays offer the creative and whimsical perspectives of a scientist. I doubt the non-biologist would appreciate these 'notes of a biology watcher' much, but as a biologist myself, I have to say that this is one of my favorite books for light reading.

No, I don't get a great deal of new knowledge from reading Lives of a Cell, but he clearly looked at science and the world in ways that I wouldn't have thought of. I've caught myself chuckling at his wit with each and every essay - and there are quite a few in there - and I re-read them when the occasion arises (usually while passing the time during traveling).

And so, in a phrase, I'd describe this book as 'light reading and wit for biologists.' If that's what you're looking for, it's a very good book indeed.

Chapter 9 of "The Lonely Silver Rain" by John D. MacDonald, Fawcett 1985, opens with McGee "...reading Lewis Thomas and for the first time he depressed me, even when he said that the glue that seems to hold mankind in some kind of lasting stasis is everyone's desire to be useful."

Did MacDonald and Thomas meet at Harvard? He was in the MBA program in 1938-39. Was Thomas in the medical school at that time? MacDonald died in 1986 while undergoing heart surgery. I guess if Thomas depressed him, he had it pretty bad.

In recommending this book to an acquaintance, I remembered how much I loved it. I read it a long time ago, perhaps 20 years ago, and still feel that it was one of the best reads of my lifetime. Contrary to reinforcing a rift between religion and science, this book seems to marry miracle to biology; it also marries macrocosm to microcosm. My reaction when I finished it, was to want to dance and sing! The content of this book is simply amazing! If you want to have your awe and curiosity piqued, I recommend it--with enthusiasm and joy!

This is truly an amazing work. Thomas's writing is beautiful and the stories fantastic with just enough humor. I have learned so much and enjoyed it all at the same time. I highly recommend this book. If you are not sure of something, look it up! Just think how smart you will become.

Lewis Thomas is that odd trifecta: a learned scientist; a speculative philosopher; and a master of prose both gracious and graceful.

The Lives of a Cell is a book of 29 essays originally written for the New England Journal of Medicine. They are short; they are light and airy; they are pretty; they are fun. Teenagers could enjoy them. But these essays are fundamentally serious and scientific. Lewis is always on the hunt for the cosmic insight or deeper truth.

His mind works metaphorically. He seeks interconnections. A recurring motif is to wonder whether social animals such as ants are like cells or more like human societies or perchance like the planet earth. Here is a celebrated quote:

"I have been trying to think of the earth as a kind of organism, but it is no go. I cannot think of it this way. It is too big, too complex, with too many working parts lacking visible connections. The other night, driving through a hilly, wooded part of southern New England, I wondered about this. If not like an organism, what is it like, what is it most like? Then, satisfactorily for that moment, it came to me: it is most like a single cell."

This book was a bestseller around 1975 and won the National Book Award. Everyone seemed to be reading it. I read it. I recently ordered it again because I thought it might contain a tidbit for a video I was making called How To Teach Science. No such luck, but this is a book anyone could enjoy reading twice. Most of it remains in the present. It is finally the most readable of science books. Here are two more samples:

"My cells are no longer the pure line entities I was raised with; they are ecosystems more complex than Jamaica Bay. I like to think that they work in my interest, that each breath they draw for me, but perhaps it is they who walk through the local park in the early morning, sensing my senses, listening to my music, thinking my thoughts."

"Viewed from a suitable height, the aggregating clusters of medical scientists in the bright sunlight of the boardwalk at Atlantic city, swarmed there from everywhere for the annual meetings, have the look of assemblages of social insects. There is the same vibrating, ionic movement, interrupted by the darting back and forth of jerky individuals to touch antennae and exchange small bits of information..."

For anyone thinking of writing non-fiction, this is an ultimate text book. Apparently Thomas learned his style from Montaigne. Good luck on that.

For anyone thinking of a career in science, Thomas shows the advantages of being partly a generalist, of being in your field and outside your field--the better to see some strange shadow or artifact that nobody else has noticed.

Epilogue: I ordered a used copy from an Amazon dealer in the northwest USA. Stuck in the book was an old ticket to a music concert (George Winston, solo piano; Wikipedia says he has been called The Father of New Age Music). Date of ticket: 1985. City: Norfolk, Va., where I am now. That's the sort of goofy loop that Thomas could build an essay on. What's more New Age than Amazon?

As a US History teacher, this small and inexpensive book brings personality and life to one of our most beloved Presidents. An excellent value and one that is more likely to be read and enjoyed than larger, more in depth works. Middle School kids get a kick out of the quotes.

Reading this book gives insight as to the person Lincoln was. His wit and humor, his suffering and astute personality. You will get to know this great person simply by reading his own thoughts put forth in his own words.

The book is divided nicely into categories and is a good book that doesn't need long periods of time for reading. You will enjoy many of the stories and quotations from Mr. Lincoln. A nice compilation.

This was a Xmas gift to a Abe Lincoln fan. She was absolutely thrilled. Highly Recommend.

Fans of Lincoln are likely to delight in this mixed bag of gems from the life of Honest Abe. The book moves from topical quotes, to more focused collections of anecdotes from Lincoln's life, to a collection of his best known speeches. In comparison to his quotes, the famous speeches may seem somewhat dry. After all, many Americans have read some of the speeches several times since grade school.

The book helps to put the Lincoln character in perspective. As a man, he started some place and the stories of his life did not always exist. These things actually happened. Few people realize what a witty man Abraham Lincoln was. This book is a testament to that fact.

Lynne Twist challenges us to think about our culture of scarcity and "more is better" and the impact that has on our lives and our environment. She challenges us to evaluate the self-imposed value we place on money, the impact on our happiness and the power in using money in an intentional way to align with our values and life purpose. This book can be transformative if the reader approaches reading it with that possibility in mind. Highly recommended!

Lynne....please make this an unabridged book on tape/CD! Not only could my blind boyfriend then readily access it, but I could listen to it in my car.

We as consumers are brainwashed into thinking we need more to be of value. This book brought to light the many ways we devalue ourselves and our gifts. I appreciate that Ms. Twist has given the tools to reformat our thoughts on this critical subject. Willetta S BaCote

A whole new way to look not just at money, but at life itself! Worth reading over and over again!

Well worth the effort in trying to get this book - a very forward thinker and ideas are articulated well. The world needs more thinking like this.

The author redefines "argue" as "communicate", then tries to tell you how to "win at communicating". He does this by presenting a lot of half-truths and monologues borne of a critically incomplete understanding of even his own example situations. The result is a lot of really, really bad advice.

This book is useless as a guide to arguing (or even communicating), but possibly potentially useful in understanding the kinds of broken thinking you may encounter in others while trying to argue or communicate with people of like mind with the author.

I was not a big fan of lawyers until I read this book. What a helpful and wonderful persepctive in dealing with anyone anywhere. The use of real world examples is dead-on.

Simplicity isn't emphasized, but it is fair for Spence to assume virtually all of the other books on public speaking include banal adages like "start with an impact statement" or "limit your presentation to 2 to 4 main points." I appreciated him not selling me a repeat of the basics.

Spence's point about emotion is no one cares to argue over or hear why 2 + 2 = 4. Consequently, issues worth arguing over are normally decided by a sense of justice, responsibility or the like, which involve emotions. I took Mr. Spence to assume along with his audience, with good reason, that you cannot persuade a jury, judge, board of directors or the like by logic alone. You must address what people care about.

This is an extremely helpful book from one of America's greatest trial lawyers. It is also an easy read. In short, Spence believes that arguing is important because it shows that you believe in something important. To go through life without sharing these beliefs is not to live at all.

I was initially turned off by the title because arguing can have a bad connotation these days (i.e. being confrontational). However, Spence uses the term arguing to mean sharing your deep held beliefs with others. If we all would do this, he suggests, we would all be more enlightened.

Most important, Spence shows you how to share your beliefs. "The first trick of the winning argument is the trick of abandoning trickery."

A note for trial lawyers. Although this book is not intended to teach trial techniques, Spence's message about being true to yourself when you argue in court for what you believe and in the rest of your life is well worth remembering.

Every household should have this book. It is so good, I would like to memorize it. Full of wisdom and practical logic this book shows that any argument can be won when it comes from the heart and a well prepared mind. Gerry Spence's approach at winning an argument is very creative, sensitive, compassionate as well as intelligent and astute.