Books matching: personal identity
100 result(s)
- #1
Reasons and Persons by Derek Parfit is a dense philosophical book that delves into moral and social questions, providing reasoning, examples, and arguments that challenge common beliefs about self-interest, ethics, personal identity, and obligations to future generations. Parfit's writing style is clear and airtight in its reasoning, exploring complex topics such as ethical behavior theories, personal identity, and population ethics. The book is divided into four sections, each building on the former, with the later sections discussing Reductionist views of personal identity and ethical implications of these views.
WHAT do we have most reason to do? Several theories answer this question. Some of these are moral theories; others are theories about rationality. When applied to some of our decisions, different theo... - #2
"Frost in May" by Antonia White tells the story of Nanda Grey, a young girl who enters a Catholic convent school at the age of nine. The novel explores Nanda's experiences in the school, where she faces emotional abuse and strict rules imposed by the nuns. As Nanda navigates the challenges of the convent, she grapples with her faith, friendships, and the oppressive atmosphere of the school. The writing style captures the stifling environment of the convent and portrays Nanda's journey of self-discovery and resilience despite the hardships she faces.
- #3
'The Condition' by Jennifer Haigh is a family drama that revolves around the McKotch family and their struggles, particularly focusing on their daughter Gwen who is born with Turner Syndrome. The story spans over several years, showcasing the complexities within the family dynamics, individual character flaws, and the challenges they face. Set against the backdrop of traditional family values and societal expectations, the novel delves into themes of relationships, identity, and acceptance.
'Axiomatic' by Greg Egan is a collection of short science fiction stories that delve into compelling ideas about humanity's possible future, exploring themes of bioengineering, chemistry, and physics. The stories are presented in a readable manner, addressing what it means to be human in a world dominated by technological developments. Egan's writing style is described as intense yet accessible, with a focus on thought-provoking concepts that challenge readers to consider the impact of technology on society and individuals.
Why? They tell me I’m stable. Reliable. Dependable. After each debriefing, The Company’s psychologists (complete strangers, every time) shake their heads in astonishment at their printouts, and tell m...- #5Foolsby:
In 'Fools', Pat Cadigan plunges the reader into the mind of a young woman who believes she is an actress that has franchised her personality to dissatisfied customers. The story delves into a near-future world filled with Brain Police, memory junkies, struggling actors, and mind pirates, where the boundaries between personal identity and memory become blurred. The plot unfolds in three interconnected novellas, challenging the reader to navigate through a complex narrative that questions the essence of self and reality.
The writing style of 'Fools' is described as gritty and witty, filled with energy and imagination. The novel is a cyberpunk tale that explores themes of human individuality, memory manipulation, and the consequences of runaway technology on society. Cadigan's storytelling is fast-paced, intricate, and disorienting, requiring readers to pay close attention to every detail to unravel the twists and turns of the plot.
The holo fish floating through the deep blue holo water flickered, vanished, and then reappeared more vividly than before. I could relate; I’d just flickered into existence myself, it felt like. A sma... - #6
The Man Who Watched Trains Go By by Georges Simenon follows the story of Kees Popinga, a respectable middle-aged office worker who experiences a sudden breakdown after discovering his boss's fraudulent activities, leading to a series of impulsive and violent actions. As Kees spirals into madness, he deserts his family, commits a murder, and embarks on a journey to Paris where he becomes a subject of media scrutiny. The novel delves into criminal psychology rather than a traditional detective story, offering a psychological exploration of a man's unraveling mental state and his desperate attempts to evade the consequences of his actions.
Simenon's writing style in The Man Who Watched Trains Go By is characterized by a detailed portrayal of Kees Popinga's descent into madness, weaving together everyday details with hints of paranoia and detachment from reality. The narrative is primarily told from Kees's perspective, allowing readers to empathize with his character and understand the internal struggles he faces as he navigates a world where his identity as a "normal man" is shattered, culminating in a quizzical existential tale that is both humorous and thought-provoking.
As far as Kees Popinga was personally concerned, it must be admitted that at eight o’clock that evening, there was still time, since his destiny was not yet fixed. But time for what? And could he do a... - #7
"Slouching Towards Bethlehem" by Joan Didion is a collection of essays that provide a captivating insight into the author's experiences and observations, particularly focusing on 1960s California. Didion's writing style is described as lyrical, mysterious, and engaging, requiring careful reading to fully appreciate the imagery she conveys. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from personal reflections on self-respect and keeping a notebook to societal issues such as the cultural milieu of California during that era.
this book is called Slouching Towards Bethlehem because for several years now certain lines from the Yeats poem which appears two pages back have reverberated in my inner ear as if they were surgicall... - #8
In "The Heiress Effect" by Courtney Milan, the story revolves around Jane Fairfield, an eccentric heiress who is determined to remain unmarried to protect her sister. When she meets Oliver Marshall, a man with political aspirations, their paths cross, leading to a struggle between ambition and honor. The book is praised for its character development, humor, and eventual happy ending, as well as for portraying a diverse representation of characters and relationships in Victorian England.
MOST OF THE NUMBERS THAT Miss Jane Victoria Fairfield had encountered in her life had proven harmless. For instance, the seamstress fitting her gown had poked her seven times while placing forty-three...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Brothers Sinister ) - #9
'Widdershins' in the series 'Whyborne & Griffin' by Jordan L. Hawk follows the story of Percival Whyborne, a shy and intelligent philologist haunted by his past, and Griffin, an ex-Pinkerton with his own demons. When a murder investigation leads them to translate an ancient book, sparks fly between them, but Lovecraftian horrors and a murder mystery complicate their budding romance. Set in a Victorian-era atmosphere with a mix of supernatural elements, the book features strong character development, a compelling plot, and a touch of romance that keeps readers engaged. The writing style is described as natural, flowing, and immersive, drawing readers into the world of Widdershins and the adventures of Whyborne and Griffin.
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, livi... - #10
'Mortal Questions' by Thomas Nagel is a collection of philosophical essays that cover a wide range of topics such as death, sexual behavior, social inequality, war, political power, personal identity, consciousness, freedom, and value. Nagel challenges his audience to delve into these complex philosophical issues and explores the relationship between subjective and objective knowledge, emphasizing the importance of subjective viewpoints in understanding reality. The writing style is dense and thought-provoking, with Nagel delving into deep philosophical concepts and providing original insights into various moral and existential dilemmas.