Books matching: determinism and free will
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- #1
'Jerusalem' by Alan Moore is a massive contemporary novel that upends the rules of contemporary straight-ahead prose. The book is a highly experimental work, with each chapter told from a different character's point of view, jumping around chronologically to visit times as long past as the early Middle Ages and as far distant as the projected end of the universe. The novel delves into a reimagined take on life and death, the beyond, the common, and the absurd, offering a funny, tragic, finely wrought, and a terrifyingly energetic work of fiction that delivers more than the official blurb promises. Moore's writing style is described as a marvelous tangle of description, simile, and wordplay, creating a prose that immerses readers in a funhouse where the point is in the telling more than the tale itself.
Alma Warren, five years old, thought that they’d probably been shopping, her, her brother Michael in his pushchair and their mum, Doreen. Perhaps they’d been to Woolworth’s. Not the one in Gold Street... - #2
Freedom Evolves by Daniel C. Dennett explores the complex interplay between determinism and free will, delving into the evolution of human consciousness and moral agency. Through a blend of scientific jargon and philosophical musings, Dennett argues that our belief in free will is a product of evolution, even if it may not align with scientific facts. The book challenges traditional notions of morality and autonomy, offering a thought-provoking analysis of how our sense of freedom has evolved alongside our understanding of the natural world.
- #3
'Free Will' by Sam Harris challenges the notion of free will, arguing that it is an illusion. Through a concise and thought-provoking exploration of neuroscience and philosophy, Harris delves into the idea that our choices are determined by factors beyond our conscious control. Readers are confronted with the implications of living in a world where free will may not exist, sparking contemplation on the nature of morality, justice, and personal responsibility. Harris presents his argument in a clear and accessible manner, raising questions about the impact of deterministic beliefs on our understanding of human behavior and societal norms.
The question of free will touches nearly everything we care about. Morality, law, politics, religion, public policy, intimate relationships, feelings of guilt and personal accomplishment—most of what ... - #4
'Exhalation: Stories' by Ted Chiang is a collection of thought-provoking science fiction stories that delve into philosophical questions like free will, consciousness, and the impact of technology on humanity. Chiang's writing style is described as calm, clear, and deeply engaging, allowing the meaning of the stories to shine through the scientific concepts explored. The stories cover a wide range of themes, from time travel to the nature of existence, all tied together by universal questions about humanity and the universe.
The book features a mix of speculative technologies and philosophical undertones, expertly formulated to create compact yet suggestive narratives. Chiang's storytelling is praised for its cleverness without sacrificing the human element of the stories, making readers care about both the characters and the speculative concepts presented. Each story in the collection offers a unique and immersive experience that challenges readers to think deeply about the complex issues explored.
It has long been said that air (which others call argon) is the source of life. This is not in fact the case, and I engrave these words to describe how I came to understand the true source of life and... - #5
East of Eden by John Steinbeck is a multigenerational family saga set in the Salinas Valley of California, revolving around the intertwined lives of the Hamilton and Trask families. The novel explores themes of good and evil, family dynamics, free will, and redemption, drawing parallels to the biblical story of Cain and Abel. Through rich character development and vivid storytelling, Steinbeck delves deep into the complexities of human nature, relationships, and the pursuit of identity and purpose.
The narrative weaves together the lives of various characters, showcasing their struggles, triumphs, and moral dilemmas across generations. Steinbeck's writing style is praised for its descriptive nature, character depth, and exploration of profound themes, making the reader reflect on the choices individuals make and the impact of those decisions on themselves and others.
I remember my childhood names for grasses and secret flowers. I remember where a toad may live and what time the birds awaken in the summer—and what trees and seasons smelled like—how people looked an... - #6
"Free Will" by Mark Balaguer is a challenging yet accessible introduction to the philosophical problem of free will. Balaguer delves into the various arguments for and against the existence of free will, addressing both philosophical and scientific perspectives. The author's writing style is engaging, with a mix of humor and real-life examples, making complex concepts comprehensible without veering off-topic. Balaguer presents a balanced view of the debate surrounding free will, leaving readers with the possibility that free will exists but acknowledging the lack of definitive proof at the current time.
One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the rise and fall, birth and death of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. The novel is inventive, amusing, magnetic, sad, and alive with unforgettable characters brimming with truth, compassion, and lyrical magic that strikes the soul. The book is a masterpiece in the art of fiction, weaving together mystical stories and dozens of colorful and crazy characters into a twisted and tangled family history.
The book is written in a unique style with dense and beautiful prose, where the author can change the direction of the story in a few words. It explores the theme of history repeating itself over generations of a family, using rich literary devices like repeating character names with slight variations through each generation. The narrative seamlessly slips back and forth between reality and fantasy, creating an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience.
MANY YEARS LATER, as he faced the firing squad, Colonel Aureliano Buendía was to remember that distant afternoon when his father took him to discover ice. At that time Macondo was a village of twenty ...- #8
'Ethics' by Baruch Spinoza is a monumental work in the history of philosophy, tackling complex subjects such as thought, intelligence, and the concept of 'god'. Spinoza's writing style is described as challenging but rewarding, leaving readers with a greater appreciation for philosophy and humanity's place in the universe. includes a lucid translation and additional texts like the Treatise on the Emendation of the Intellect, providing further depth to Spinoza's philosophical ideas.
- #9
'Flashforward' by Robert J. Sawyer revolves around a global blackout during which every person on Earth experiences a glimpse of their future, specifically in the year 2030. The story primarily takes place at CERN and delves into the repercussions of this worldwide event on individuals and society. The plot intertwines elements of quantum physics, free will versus destiny, and the impact of foreknowledge on decision-making, creating a thought-provoking narrative. The writing style is described as a mix of science fiction and philosophical discussions, with a focus on interpersonal relationships and the exploration of complex scientific concepts.
The control building for CERN’s Large Hadron Collider was new: it had been authorized in A.D. 2004 and completed in 2006. The building enclosed a central courtyard, inevitably named "the nucleus." Eve... - #10
"Jacques the Fatalist" by Denis Diderot is a novel that follows Jacques and his nameless master as they travel through the French countryside, recounting tales to each other and encountering various adventures and characters along the way. The book is described as a picaresque romp through pre-Revolutionary France, filled with digressions, interruptions, and philosophical musings. The narrative is fragmented, challenging traditional storytelling conventions of the 18th century and questioning ideas of fate, human liberty, and the boundaries of what constitutes a novel.
The writing style of "Jacques the Fatalist" is characterized as a mix of philosophical comedy, stream of consciousness, and postmodernism. The author, Denis Diderot, is praised for his clever parody of narration clichés and his ability to challenge the standards of storytelling in 18th century France. The book is noted for its constant interruptions, disruptions, and recommencements, creating a unique reading experience that blends humor, philosophical discussions, love stories, and social commentary.
JACQUES: Because while I was getting drunk on his bad wine I forgot to water our horses. My father noticed and got angry. I shook my head at him and he took a stick and hit me rather hard across the s...