The Mind's I
Douglas R. Hofstadter
This provocative collection of essays and thought experiments, edited by two renowned thinkers, delves into the profound questions of consciousness, self, and identity. Through imaginative scenarios like the 'Teleclone' and explorations of cognitive science, it challenges readers to rethink their understanding of what it means to be 'I,' aiming to disturb, befuddle, and make the strange obvious. It's an intellectual journey into the nature of mind, soul, and the boundaries of human perception.
Are Prisons Obsolete?
Angela Y. Davis
Angela Y. Davis challenges the conventional understanding of the prison system, arguing for its abolition by meticulously tracing its historical development, its deep entanglement with racism, sexism, and capitalism, and its evolution into the 'prison industrial complex.' Drawing parallels with past abolition movements, she exposes how prisons perpetuate social inequalities and proposes radical alternatives for a more just and humane society.
Rhetoric
Aristotle
Dive into Aristotle's seminal work on the art of persuasion, *Rhetoric*, presented here in a meticulously translated edition by C. D. C. Reeve. This foundational text explores the principles of effective communication, dissecting the components of argument, character, and emotion that drive persuasive speech. Aristotle positions rhetoric as an essential counterpart to dialectic and an integral part of politics and ethics, offering profound insights into human nature, logic, and the structure of compelling discourse. Essential reading for anyone interested in philosophy, communication, or the enduring legacy of ancient Greek thought.
A Book of Waves
Stefan Helmreich
Delving into the multifaceted concept of 'waves,' this book offers an anthropological exploration of how these phenomena—from ocean swells and tsunamis to radio transmissions and social movements—shape human understanding of time, nature, and the future. Drawing on ethnographic research, it examines the interplay between scientific representations of waves and their profound cultural, social, and environmental implications, particularly in an era of climate change and global turbulence. It reveals waves not just as material processes but as potent symbols and carriers of change, both predictable and unforeseen.
Fight Like Hell
Kim Kelly
Unearthing the forgotten struggles and triumphs of American labor, 'Fight Like Hell' rewrites history by centering the voices of marginalized workers—women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and sex workers. From the textile mills of New England to the coal mines of Appalachia and the fields of California, Kim Kelly reveals how these unsung heroes fought for dignity, fair wages, and safe conditions, shaping the very fabric of the nation. This powerful narrative illuminates the enduring legacy of their collective action, offering a vital, inspiring blueprint for contemporary social justice movements and a testament to the unwavering spirit of those who dared to demand a better world.
To Say Nothing Of The Dog
Connie Willis
Ned Henry, a time-traveling historian from 2057 Oxford, is sent to Victorian England for a much-needed rest cure from the chaos of Lady Schrapnell's demanding Coventry Cathedral reconstruction project. His simple mission to return a mysterious object to its proper time quickly spirals into a delightful and intricate adventure involving eccentric academics, a lovesick undergraduate, a determined cat, and a series of increasingly improbable coincidences. As Ned navigates the strict social conventions of 1888 and the looming threat of altering history, he must unravel a baffling mystery that spans centuries, all while trying to avoid further temporal paradoxes and the formidable Lady Schrapnell.
Insomniac City
Bill Hayes
After the sudden death of his long-term partner, Bill Hayes moves to New York City, seeking a fresh start in the city that never sleeps. Through a series of poignant observations, intimate journal entries, and encounters with strangers and loved ones—including his burgeoning relationship with the brilliant neurologist Oliver Sacks—Hayes explores themes of grief, love, urban existence, and the profound beauty found in everyday moments. This book is a tender and insightful meditation on finding connection and meaning in a bustling metropolis, and a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
We, the Data
Wendy H. Wong
In 'We, the Data,' Wendy H. Wong explores the profound impact of pervasive data collection—or 'datafication'—on fundamental human rights in the digital age. Through compelling examples like video doorbells and tenant screening, Wong reveals how our digital footprints, or 'sticky data,' challenge our autonomy, dignity, equality, and sense of community. She argues for a re-evaluation of human rights frameworks to address the power dynamics created by Big Tech and advocates for data literacy and collective action to ensure a more human-centered digital future.