Books matching: philosophical constructs
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'Labyrinths: Selected Stories and Other Writings' by Jorge Luis Borges is a collection of short stories, essays, and parables that explore themes such as paradoxes, brain teasers, philosophy, and metaphysics. Borges plays with concepts of reality and challenges notions of time and infinity in a clever and profound manner. The stories often revolve around labyrinths, books, history, and the exploration of tangled spaces and time, creating a thought-provoking and intellectually stimulating read.
The writing style of Borges is described as deep, philosophical, original, and thought-provoking. The stories are characterized by their intellectual conceits, simplicity in complexity, and the ability to make readers question reality and perception. Borges' work is praised for its profound meanings, originality, and the way each story presents a wealth of ideas that resonate with readers long after reading them.
I first read Jorge Luis Borges’ Labyrinthsin an armchair upholstered with a smooth lettuce-green brocade,patterned with leaves that were themselves not unlike lettuce, though they were alsorather like...- #2
Anti-Oedipus by Gilles Deleuze and Felix Guattari is a dense and challenging philosophical work that delves into topics such as desire, capitalism, psychoanalysis, and the nature of human experiences. The writing style is described as playful yet extremely dense, with the authors incorporating neologisms and obscure references. The book offers a unique perspective on desire as a form of production rather than lack, critiquing western philosophy and Freudian psychoanalysis while exploring the socio-psychological issues within capitalist systems.
During the years 1945-1965 (I am referring to Europe), there was a certain way of thinking correctly, a certain style of political discourse, a certain ethics of the intellectual. One had to be on fam... - #3
'Difference and Repetition' by Gilles Deleuze is a revolutionary work that challenges traditional representational thinking and introduces the concept of Difference as the foundation for a new form of thought. Deleuze explores the discord of faculties, the fusion of limits, and the violence inherent in true thinking, advocating for a radical, nomadic approach that breaks free from common sense and embraces the chaotic and creative nature of thought. Through a critique of Kant and Plato, Deleuze exposes the illusions of transcendental conceptualization and calls for a shift towards a transcendental empiricism grounded in sensation and the encounter with the being of the sensible.
Deleuze's writing style in 'Difference and Repetition' is characterized by its complexity and depth, challenging readers to rethink fundamental philosophical concepts and engage with the text on a deeper level. The book delves into the nature of truth, recognition, and good will, presenting a new ontology that redefines traditional philosophical frameworks and encourages a more adventurous and open approach to philosophical inquiry.
Repetition and generality: first distinction from the point of View of conduct - The two orders of generality: resemblance and equality - Second distinction, from the point of view of law - Repetition... - #4
'Being and Time' by Martin Heidegger is a challenging philosophical work that delves into the structures of everyday life, exploring concepts of authentic existence versus conformity to societal norms. The book introduces new terminology and complex ideas, requiring careful and patient reading to grasp Heidegger's unique perspective on human existence and temporality. Despite its difficulty, readers find value in the book's depth and thought-provoking content, even if it may be hard to fully comprehend.
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'The Society of the Spectacle' by Guy Debord delves into the concept of the spectacle, which encompasses our entire way of engaging with reality in modern society. It discusses how our interaction with others is always mediated by the social structures of consumerism, leading to alienation from reality. The text explores the transformation of the utility of consumption into a spectacle of consumption, where our worth is measured by superficial standards reinforced by capitalist forces like advertising and marketing. Debord also critiques the impact of technology on our lives, highlighting how it controls virtually everything and alienates individuals from each other and from their communities.
“But for the present age, which prefers the sign to the thing signified, the copy to the original, representation to reality, appearance to essence… truth is considered profane, and only illusion is s... - #6
'Democracy Incorporated: Managed Democracy and the Specter of Inverted Totalitarianism' by Sheldon S. Wolin delves into the concept of Inverted Totalitarianism, where private corporations take over the public political system, leading to the triumph of market forces over democratic freedoms. The book explores the intertwining of big business and government, the manipulation of modern culture and education, and the exploitation of human weaknesses by a technologically advanced system. Wolin's writing style is described as compelling, unassailable, and prophetic, offering a chilling analysis of the processes and resultants of Inverted Totalitarianism.
Robert S. Mueller III [director of the FBI] and Secretary of State Powell read from the Bible. Mr. Mueller’s theme was good versus evil. “We do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rul... - #7
The Tower of Babylon by Ted Chiang is a captivating short story that reimagines the biblical tale of the Tower of Babel. Chiang's writing style is described as imaginative, creative, and thought-provoking, offering a unique perspective on the building of the tower using tools and knowledge from a primitive era. The story follows the journey of stone masons tasked with working on the tower, exploring themes of human ambition, the pursuit of knowledge, and the mysteries of the universe.
Were the power to be laid down across the plain of Shinar, it would be two days journey to walk from one end to the other. While the tower stands, it takes a month and a half to climb from its base to... - #8
The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel is a personal development manual that presents metaphysical knowledge in an easy-to-follow outline. It delves into the importance of thoughts on leading a successful and happy life, providing philosophical and scientific methods to control thoughts. The book emphasizes the power of meditation, prayer, visualization, and spirituality, touching upon concepts related to the Law of Attraction.
'Four Arguments for the Elimination of Television' by Jerry Mander explores the impact of television on society, economics, personhood, and the natural world from a liberal perspective. Mander delves into the effects of continuous exposure to projected images using electronics and questions the role of television in shaping behavior and intellectual activity. The book raises concerns about the monolithic, institutional knowledge produced by television and encourages readers to reduce their usage of television and media for more constructive purposes.
Mander presents a systematic and nuanced argument against television, highlighting the dangers of passive consumption and the manipulation of viewers by big corporations through TV programming. The book challenges readers to consider the neurological and psychological effects of television on human beings and emphasizes the need for further study and investigation into the impact of this technology on society.
IF this book has any basis in “authority,” it lies in the fifteen years I worked as a public relations and advertising executive. During that time, I learned that it is possible to speak through media...- #10
The Madman by Kahlil Gibran is a collection of 35 short moral stories and poetry that delve into the theme of self-discovery and introspection. The book tells the tale of an individual who undergoes a journey of shedding illusions and societal masks, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of life, observations, and surroundings. Through poetic and mystical writing, Gibran explores the concept of sanity as a social construct and delves into philosophical reflections on man's conflicts and spiritual musings. The book's writing style is described as soulful, thought-provoking, and eye-opening, inviting readers to strip their souls and contemplate the deeper meanings within.