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Books matching: philosophical debates

100 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 100 
  1. #1

    Murcheston: The Wolf's Tale by David Holland
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    Murcheston: The Wolf's Tale by David Holland is a compelling philosophical debate between ideas of individual strength and social obligation. The story follows Lord Darnley's transformation into a lycanthrope, exploring his descent into madness and bloodlust as he grapples with the philosophical struggle of being a werewolf. The book delves into the debate of nature versus willpower, humanity versus animality, and presents a complex narrative set in a Victorian era backdrop.

    Holland skillfully weaves a narrative primarily through Lord Darnley's journal entries, showcasing his psychological deterioration and transformation into a less human figure. The writing style captures the tone of 19th-century classics like Frankenstein, while engaging the reader in a philosophical discourse on the spiritual and animal sides of humanity, although not exploring the debate in a manner relevant to modern times.


  2. #2
    The State of the Art
    Book 4 in the series:Culture

    The State of the Art - Culture by Iain M. Banks
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    'The State of the Art' in the 'Culture' series by Iain M. Banks is a collection of short stories set in the Culture universe. The title story, which is a novella, explores the Culture's contact with 20th-century Earth and the ethical dilemmas that arise from observing Earth's societal issues without intervening. The writing style varies from dark humor to deep sociological commentary, offering a blend of thought-provoking narratives and imaginative storytelling.

    Mc9 put his grubby hands on the plank of rotten wood which formed one of the cart’s sides and looked down at the legendary Road, wondering what had caused the cart’s previously merely uncomfortable ra...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Culture )

  3. #3

    The Painter of Battles by Arturo Perez-Reverte
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    'The Painter of Battles' by Arturo Perez-Reverte is a contemplative novel that follows the story of a war photographer turned painter, Faulques, who isolates himself in a tower to create a mural depicting war scenes. The plot thickens when a man from Faulques' past, Ivo Markovic, arrives at the tower with the intention of killing him, leading to intense discussions on war, art, ethics, and the impact of past events. The narrative delves into the consequences of fleeting moments and the interconnectedness of actions, exploring themes of responsibility, the nature of art, and the inexhaustible cruelty of man.

    HE SWAM ONE HUNDRED AND fifty strokes out to sea and the same number back, as he did each morning, until he felt the round pebbles of the shore beneath his feet. He dried himself, using the towel he'd...

  4. #4

    Fractal Noise - Fractalverse by Christopher Paolini
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    Fractal Noise by Christopher Paolini is a short story that surprises readers with its quick pace and engaging plot. The book follows a group of characters on a mission that gradually becomes more suspenseful and intense as they navigate through aggressive territory. Despite being a standalone prequel to 'To Sleep in a Sea of Stars,' the book delves deep into the human spirit within the context of an ancient alien race existence, immersing readers into a nightmare of a new world expedition.


    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Fractalverse )

  5. #5

    Pantagruel - Gargantua and Pantagruel by Francois Rabelais
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    'Pantagruel' in the series 'Gargantua and Pantagruel' by Francois Rabelais is a sweeping epic that follows the adventures of two giants, a father Gargantua and his son Pantagruel. The text is filled with crude humor, scatological jokes, and violence, while also touching on social subjects and referencing classical literature and history. The plot meanders through various episodes, ranging from absurdity to satire, making it a complex and entertaining read for those who appreciate its extravagant and bawdy nature.

    The text of the first Two Books of Rabelais has been reprinted from the first edition (1653) of Urquhart's translation. Footnotes initialled 'M.' are drawn from the Maitland Club edition (1838); other...

  6. #6

    Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights by Salman Rushdie
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    Salman Rushdie's 'Two Years Eight Months and Twenty-Eight Nights' delves into a world where the realms of humans and jinn collide after a cataclysmic storm opens a portal between the two worlds. Descendants of a jinnia, Dunia, with latent powers must unite to combat the dark forces that threaten both worlds. Rushdie weaves mysticism, realism, philosophy, and romance into the fabric of the story, showcasing a battle between light and darkness, faith and reason, set over generations and exploring human frailty and the capacity to love.

    Very little is known, though much has been written, about the true nature of the jinn, the creatures made of smokeless fire. Whether they are good or evil, devilish or benign, such questions are hotly...

  7. #7
    The Philosopher Kings
    by: 
    Book 2 in the series:Thessaly

    The Philosopher Kings - Thessaly by Jo Walton
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    'The Philosopher Kings' by Jo Walton is a thought-provoking science fiction novel that delves into the consequences of setting up a city based on Plato's Republic. The story follows Apollo, now living in human form, and his daughter Arete, as they navigate grief, exploration, and ethical dilemmas in a society that has fractured into warring cities. Through a blend of Greek mythology, time travel, and philosophical debates, Walton skillfully crafts a narrative that challenges readers to contemplate what it means to be truly human.

    The book is praised for its engaging storytelling, accessible exploration of philosophical ideas, and the way it gently suggests connections between ancient Greek philosophy and modern Western narratives. Walton's writing style seamlessly weaves together elements of science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history, creating a unique and captivating reading experience that offers both entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

    Very few people know that Pico della Mirandola stole the head of the Winged Victory of Samothrace. In fact he stole it twice. The first time he stole it from Samothrace, before the rest of it was redi...

    (Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Thessaly )

  8. #8

    The Home and the World by Rabindranath Tagore
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    'The Home and the World' by Rabindranath Tagore is a novel set in Bengal during the early 20th century, amidst the Swadeshi movement aimed at self-sufficiency. The story revolves around a love triangle involving Bimala, the wife of a nobleman named Nikhil, and their friend Sandip, a political activist. The characters represent varying viewpoints on nationalism and revolution, with Nikhil advocating for non-violence and restraint, while Sandip pushes for radical actions to overthrow British rule. The novel delves into themes of political turmoil, inner struggles, and the clash between traditional values and modern ideals, all set against the backdrop of India's fight for independence.

    MOTHER, today there comes back to mind the vermilion mark [1] at the parting of your hair, the sari [2] which you used to wear, with its wide red border, and those wonderful eyes of yours, full of dep...

  9. #9

    Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook by Mark Bray
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    "Antifa: The Anti-Fascist Handbook" by Mark Bray provides a detailed account of historical and modern anti-fascist movements, focusing on the origins of proto-fascism and the various antifascist actions taken against it. It delves into the history of fascism and its opposition, shedding light on the philosophies and strategies of individuals and organizations involved in the antifascist movement. also touches on topics like free speech, deplatforming, and non-violent actions taken by groups opposing fascism, aiming to educate readers on the complexities of antifascism.

    Before analyzing anti-fascism, we must first briefly examine fascism. More than perhaps any other mode of politics, fascism is notoriously difficult to pin down. The challenge of defining fascism stem...

  10. #10

    The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky
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    'The Brothers Karamazov' by Fyodor Dostoyevsky is a classic Russian tale that delves into the lives of Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and his sons Ivan, Dmitri, and Alexei. The novel is known for its acute examination of the psychology of its main characters, as well as its exploration of Russian identity, family dynamics, and ethical debates. The book weaves together a murder mystery, a psychological thriller, a religious treatise, and a social commentary, all while portraying a dysfunctional family and the struggles of humanity.

    The writing style of 'The Brothers Karamazov' is described as deep, complex, philosophical, humane, and powerful. The book is praised for its sprawling narrative, great characters, and thought-provoking themes that encompass religion, morality, good vs. evil, and the essence of human nature. Despite its length and occasional tangents, readers appreciate the brilliance and relevance of the novel, which continues to challenge and inspire readers with its depth and complexity.

    Alexey Fyodorovitch Karamazov was the third son of Fyodor PavlovitchKaramazov, a land owner well known in our district in his own day, andstill remembered among us owing to his gloomy and tragic death...

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