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Talking with Dementia Reconsidered
by Keith Oliver Reinhard Guss Ruth BartlettThe aim of the book is to extend understanding and knowledge of the lived experience of dementia through analysis of current research and in-depth conversations about dementia with a range of people living with the condition in the UK. It draws upon previous work on the “the experience of dementia” in the book Dementia Reconsidered – Revisited, 2nd edition, alongside an exploration of key concepts of Tom Kitwood’s original text. A key aim and unique feature of the book is to give a voice to people with dementia and to link this with issues in dementia care, frameworks, policy and practice.
Tarot for Love & Relationships: How to read the cards to nurture your heart & soul
by Jane StruthersRelationships are fundamental to our quality of life and we strive to understand them and make them better. The tarot persuades us to look deeply and more carefully at every aspect of both our love and our work relationships.In both our love lives and work relationships, tarot readings can instil a sense of deeper understanding and more careful consideration. Whether you feel let down by your best friend, stuck in a stagnant relationship, or sensing friction at work the Tarot can be a powerful tool for making decisions.From the triumphs to the heartbreaks, it can help us to assess current situations or future events with extraordinary accuracy, and its 78 cards allow it to cover a huge variety of possibilities. Tarot for Love & Relationships includes sample readings using both classic spreads and new arrangements, and illustrated with the classic Rider Waite deck, this is a complete guide to navigating relationships with the Tarot.
Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education: Transformative Learning for Patient-Centric Health (Emerald Studies in Higher Education, Innovation and Technology)
by Cristina Vaz de Almeida and Miltiadis D. LytrasThe new challenges in healthcare education require new methodological approaches and transparent integration of technology enhanced learning approaches. Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education promotes the best practices and lessons learnt from COVID-19 and highlights the importance and impact of using information systems to increase levels of health literacy. The chapter authors cover processes such as augmented or virtual reality to allow for distraction and decreased anxiety of the patient and services such as telemedicine and tele-consultation in the follow-up of non-acute patients. These are just a few ways in which health professionals can utilise information systems and transformative technology to increase the quality of health care, levels of health literacy and, thus, increase the health outcomes of their patients. Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education is an innovative volume for health specialists, educators, higher education medical experts, medical school students and health management professionals. It is key reading for those looking to learn more about the latest developments on active and transformative learning within health education and medical technology (MedTech).
Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education: Transformative Learning for Patient-Centric Health (Emerald Studies in Higher Education, Innovation and Technology)
by Cristina Vaz De Almeida Miltiadis D. LytrasThe new challenges in healthcare education require new methodological approaches and transparent integration of technology enhanced learning approaches. Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education promotes the best practices and lessons learnt from COVID-19 and highlights the importance and impact of using information systems to increase levels of health literacy. The chapter authors cover processes such as augmented or virtual reality to allow for distraction and decreased anxiety of the patient and services such as telemedicine and tele-consultation in the follow-up of non-acute patients. These are just a few ways in which health professionals can utilise information systems and transformative technology to increase the quality of health care, levels of health literacy and, thus, increase the health outcomes of their patients. Technology-Enhanced Healthcare Education is an innovative volume for health specialists, educators, higher education medical experts, medical school students and health management professionals. It is key reading for those looking to learn more about the latest developments on active and transformative learning within health education and medical technology (MedTech).
Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine (Exploring Medicinal Plants)
Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the oldest medical doctrines, globally known due to pioneering physicians and scientists. The greatest source of natural medicines in TPM originates from medicinal plants. Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine provides a background on the history of TPM, as well as an introduction to 40 of the most popular medicinal plants used in TPM. It is a practical guide for readers interested in medicinal plants used in the prevention, management, and treatment of different diseases.Features: Includes both traditional therapeutic applications and modern evidence/ uses Makes a comparison between preclinical and clinical studies Provides information on major chemical constituents, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, and safety for each plant species A volume in the “Exploring Medicinal Plants” series, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, academicians, and scientists dealing witth medicinal plants, as well as for those interested in the fields of pharmacognosy, naturopathy, phytotherapy, and traditional medicines.
Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine (Exploring Medicinal Plants)
by Roja Rahimi Roodabeh BahramsoltaniTraditional Persian Medicine (TPM) is one of the oldest medical doctrines, globally known due to pioneering physicians and scientists. The greatest source of natural medicines in TPM originates from medicinal plants. Therapeutic Medicinal Plants in Traditional Persian Medicine provides a background on the history of TPM, as well as an introduction to 40 of the most popular medicinal plants used in TPM. It is a practical guide for readers interested in medicinal plants used in the prevention, management, and treatment of different diseases.Features: Includes both traditional therapeutic applications and modern evidence/ uses Makes a comparison between preclinical and clinical studies Provides information on major chemical constituents, therapeutic uses, adverse reactions, and safety for each plant species A volume in the “Exploring Medicinal Plants” series, this book is a valuable resource for researchers, students, academicians, and scientists dealing witth medicinal plants, as well as for those interested in the fields of pharmacognosy, naturopathy, phytotherapy, and traditional medicines.
Therapeutic Nutrition in Ayurveda
by Pankaj Wanjarkhedkar Yashwant V. PathakNutrition remains the key to the successful treatment of diseases, in addition to the various evolved medical treatments across the world. The treatment outcome improves to a better extent with a degree of nourishment of the patients. Therapeutic Nutrition in Ayurveda (TNA) categorizes diseases system-wise and discusses nutrition with references from Ayurveda classics as well as publications from indexed journals in today’s world. This book emerges as a pilot project to discuss the clinical experiences directly and the concept of nutravigilance by experienced authors of respective specialties like hepatology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, cardiology, gynecology, and so on. It broadly discusses diet and nutrition based on 12 different groups of diet in Ayurveda. Nutrition has been widely discussed for every disease dynamically in Ayurveda, with details of exclusion and inclusion of foods over a stipulated period or entire duration of treatment. Key Features: Presents system-wise and disease-wise therapeutic nutrition Includes clinical experience of physicians on therapeutic nutrition Contains interdisciplinary discussion on therapeutic nutrition with an integrated approach The integration of traditional and conventional health systems, along with the multidisciplinary approach, is the emerging trend for inclusive health care in the coming decades. This book serves as a handy guide for health care professionals across the continents, providing interdisciplinary correlations on nutrition.
Therapeutic Nutrition in Ayurveda
by Pankaj Wanjarkhedkar Yashwant V. PathakNutrition remains the key to the successful treatment of diseases, in addition to the various evolved medical treatments across the world. The treatment outcome improves to a better extent with a degree of nourishment of the patients. Therapeutic Nutrition in Ayurveda (TNA) categorizes diseases system-wise and discusses nutrition with references from Ayurveda classics as well as publications from indexed journals in today’s world. This book emerges as a pilot project to discuss the clinical experiences directly and the concept of nutravigilance by experienced authors of respective specialties like hepatology, neurology, dermatology, ophthalmology, oncology, cardiology, gynecology, and so on. It broadly discusses diet and nutrition based on 12 different groups of diet in Ayurveda. Nutrition has been widely discussed for every disease dynamically in Ayurveda, with details of exclusion and inclusion of foods over a stipulated period or entire duration of treatment. Key Features: Presents system-wise and disease-wise therapeutic nutrition Includes clinical experience of physicians on therapeutic nutrition Contains interdisciplinary discussion on therapeutic nutrition with an integrated approach The integration of traditional and conventional health systems, along with the multidisciplinary approach, is the emerging trend for inclusive health care in the coming decades. This book serves as a handy guide for health care professionals across the continents, providing interdisciplinary correlations on nutrition.
Think Like a Dietitian: A Nutrition Counseling Starter Kit
by J. Barretto PattersonWhile courses in nutrition counseling teach providers to listen to their patients, this book gives registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) a heads-up on what to listen for, with educational materials that address the everyday challenges many people, hence many RDNs, face.Split into four distinct sections, this book equips readers with comprehensive education and counseling for the most common nutrition referrals.Topics include:- How to structure a nutrition counseling session, from getting a patient to open up to empowering them with information and strategies for self‑care.- Strategies for the provider to address personal challenges such as cultivating empathy, implicit bias, and cultural competence.- Routine eating patterns and challenges reported in nutrition counseling, such as night eating, emotional eating, and more.- Common reasons for referral to a dietitian, and frequently asked questions on topics including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and weight counseling.- Special issues in health educationThis book is appealing to both early nutrition professionals and experienced dietitians alike, providing a holistic tool kit for RDNs of all levels of experience.
Think Like a Dietitian: A Nutrition Counseling Starter Kit
by J. Barretto PattersonWhile courses in nutrition counseling teach providers to listen to their patients, this book gives registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) a heads-up on what to listen for, with educational materials that address the everyday challenges many people, hence many RDNs, face.Split into four distinct sections, this book equips readers with comprehensive education and counseling for the most common nutrition referrals.Topics include:- How to structure a nutrition counseling session, from getting a patient to open up to empowering them with information and strategies for self‑care.- Strategies for the provider to address personal challenges such as cultivating empathy, implicit bias, and cultural competence.- Routine eating patterns and challenges reported in nutrition counseling, such as night eating, emotional eating, and more.- Common reasons for referral to a dietitian, and frequently asked questions on topics including diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and weight counseling.- Special issues in health educationThis book is appealing to both early nutrition professionals and experienced dietitians alike, providing a holistic tool kit for RDNs of all levels of experience.
This Is Why You Dream: What your sleeping brain reveals about your waking life
by Rahul JandialHarness the neuroscience of dreams to improve your health, boost performance and stimulate creativity'THIS BOOK WILL CHANGE YOUR LIFE' Lewis Howes'TRANSFORMATIONAL' Julia Samuel'OUR POET LAUREATE OF NEUROSCIENCE' Greg Whyte'AN INSTANT CLASSIC' Bryan FogelDreams are a source of mystery. They have changed the course of individual lives and the world, spurring business deals, inspiring art and scientific breakthroughs, triggering military invasions and mental breakdowns. Yet the source of dreams is not mysterious. They are the product of an extraordinary transformation that occurs in the brain each night when we sleep.In this pioneering book, bestselling neurosurgeon Rahul Jandial delves into the dreaming brain and shares stories from his own practice to show the astonishing impact that dreams have on our waking life. He explains how dreaming of an exam might help you score up to 20% higher, why taking a long nap could make you better at problem-solving, and even that certain dream disorders can warn you of serious diseases like Parkinson’s years ahead of other symptoms. He offers clear and compelling advice, backed by new research, to become a lucid dreamer, understand your dreaming patterns and unleash their creative power.Sharing the very latest discoveries in modern neuroscience, This Is Why You Dream provides answers to some fundamental questions: Why do we dream? How do we dream? What do dreams mean? And perhaps, most importantly, do we sleep in order to dream?
The Time is at Hand!: Ahrimanic and Michaelic Immortality and the Apocalypse of the Age of Michael
by Yeshayahu Jesaiah Ben-Aharon'The twenty-first century is the second, middle century of the three centuries of the present age of Michael, and it is the most decisive one. If humanity again misses Michael's goal, it will hardly be possible to recuperate from it, and human evolution will be derailed for a long time. The present age of Michael can therefore rightly be called 'the Apocalypse of the age of Michael'. – Yeshayahu Ben-Aharon In five lively, challenging lectures, Dr Ben-Aharon offers encouraging perspectives on the apocalyptic challenges facing humanity. The key Michaelic task for human beings today, he says, is to comprehend fully the new revelation of the etheric Christ. On the success of this depends humanity's resurrection from the abyss – from the grave of civilization. However, it can still be achieved, and the time is at hand! The author describes the global School of Spiritual Science's contemporary work to create a path to conscious recognition of the Christ and Michael impulses. Offering numerous fresh viewpoints into the trials of our time, The Time is at Hand! is an essential handbook for any serious student of anthroposophy. The talks (from 2017 and 2022) are titled: 'Ahrimanic Immortality, the Matrix and the Technological Singularity'; 'Michaelic Immortality'; 'The Two Apocalyptic Beasts and the Mystery of the Wound; 'Follow This Star'; and 'The Time is at Hand!'
Tough Broad: From Boogie Boarding to Wing Walking—How Outdoor Adventure Improves Our Lives as We Age
by Caroline PaulFrom the New York Times-bestselling author of The Gutsy Girl, a funny, inspiring, deeply researched exploration into the science and psychology of the outdoors and our place in it as we age.Caroline Paul has always filled her life with adventure: From mountain biking in the Bolivian Andes to pitching a tent, mid-blizzard, on Denali, she has never been a stranger to the exhilaration the outdoors can hold. Yet through it all, she has long wondered, Why aren't women, like men, encouraged to keep adventuring into old age? Tough Broad is her quest to understand not just how to live a dynamic life in a changing body, but why we must. She dives deep into the current research on aging, and highlights the results with the stories of women like ninety-three-year-old hiker Dot Fisher-Smith, eighty-year-old scuba diver Louise Wholey, fifty-two-year-old BASE jumper Shawn Brokemond, sixty-four-year-old birdwatcher Virginia Rose, and the many septuagenarian Wave Chasers who boogie board together in the San Diego surf. These women aren't experts. But their experiences and the scientific studies that back them up offer important insight into our own physical and emotional health as we age, showing that growing older is no reason for women to sell themselves short. Tough Broad is a high-spirited call for women to embrace the outdoors, not back away from it, in our fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond, casting our own futures in a new and dazzling light
Towards Spiritual Encounter: Everyday Sacramental Meetings
by Albert SmitIn his general practice as a doctor, Albert Smit observed numerous psychological issues in his patients – issues that often caused an existential crisis for the individual concerned. These experiences led Smit to change his career and to begin a path of research to discover how genuine inner healing could be achieved. In this succinct and inspiring study, the author offers a clear way forward that allows for individual and social transformation. Smit points to a statement by Rudolf Steiner, that human relationships could become something of a social art. We can begin on this work today, through free and conscious choice. Engaging the forces of the heart, we can meet our fellow human beings as true individuals – as equals – and ultimately as brothers and sisters. Such work could help to heal the individual alienation and social divisions of our time. Eventually, human encounter could evolve into a spiritual event – even a sacramental act! Towards Spiritual Encounter is a valuable text for meditation and reflection. 'The basis for all free religious feeling that will unfold in humanity in the future will be the acknowledgement – not merely in theory but in actual practice – that every human being is made in the likeness of the Godhead. … For then every meeting between one person and another will of itself be in the nature of a religious rite, a sacrament.' – Rudolf Steiner
Transformations of Global Food Systems for Climate Change Resilience: Addressing Food Security, Nutrition, and Health
Transformations of Global Food Systems for Climate Change Resilience: Addressing Food Security, Nutrition, and Health provides poignant case studies of climate change resilience frameworks for nutrition-focused transformations of agriculture and food systems, food security, food sovereignty, and population health of underserved and marginalized communities from across the globe. Each chapter is drawn from diverse cultural contexts and geographic areas, addressing local challenges of ongoing food and health system transformations and illustrating forms of resistance, resilience, and adaptations of food systems to climate change. Fourteen chapters present global case studies, which directly address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s global call to action for transforming agriculture, addressing food security and nutrition, and the health of populations impacted by climate change and public health issues.They also integrate reflections, insights, and experiences resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. This edited volume includes research on (1) enhancing food sovereignty and food security for underserved populations with a particular focus on indigenous peoples; (2) improving locally contextualized definitions and measurements of climate change resilience, food security, hunger, nutrition, and health; (3) informing public health programs and policies for population health and nutrition; and (4) facilitating public and policy discourse on sustainable futures for community health and nutrition in the face of climate change and natural disasters, including ongoing and future pandemics or emergencies. Within this book, readers discover an array of approaches by the authors that exemplify the mutually engaged and reciprocal partnerships that are community-driven and support the positive transformation of the people with whom they work. By doing so, this book informs and drives a global sustainable future of scholarship and policy that is tied to the intersectionality and synergisms of climate change resilience, food security, food sovereignty, nutrition, and community health.
Transformations of Global Food Systems for Climate Change Resilience: Addressing Food Security, Nutrition, and Health
by Preety Gadhoke Barrett P. Brenton Solomon H. KatzTransformations of Global Food Systems for Climate Change Resilience: Addressing Food Security, Nutrition, and Health provides poignant case studies of climate change resilience frameworks for nutrition-focused transformations of agriculture and food systems, food security, food sovereignty, and population health of underserved and marginalized communities from across the globe. Each chapter is drawn from diverse cultural contexts and geographic areas, addressing local challenges of ongoing food and health system transformations and illustrating forms of resistance, resilience, and adaptations of food systems to climate change. Fourteen chapters present global case studies, which directly address the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Food and Agriculture Organization’s global call to action for transforming agriculture, addressing food security and nutrition, and the health of populations impacted by climate change and public health issues.They also integrate reflections, insights, and experiences resulting from the COVID-19 Pandemic. This edited volume includes research on (1) enhancing food sovereignty and food security for underserved populations with a particular focus on indigenous peoples; (2) improving locally contextualized definitions and measurements of climate change resilience, food security, hunger, nutrition, and health; (3) informing public health programs and policies for population health and nutrition; and (4) facilitating public and policy discourse on sustainable futures for community health and nutrition in the face of climate change and natural disasters, including ongoing and future pandemics or emergencies. Within this book, readers discover an array of approaches by the authors that exemplify the mutually engaged and reciprocal partnerships that are community-driven and support the positive transformation of the people with whom they work. By doing so, this book informs and drives a global sustainable future of scholarship and policy that is tied to the intersectionality and synergisms of climate change resilience, food security, food sovereignty, nutrition, and community health.
Turning Inward: The Practice of Introversion for a Calm, Joyful, Authentic Life
by Ross Rayburn&“Ross shows us that meditation doesn&’t have to mean sitting still. You can turn within to find inspiration and guidance, even when you are dancing.&”—Misty Copeland, principal dancer at American Ballet Theatre, New York Times bestselling author Lead Instructor of Yoga and Meditation for Peloton Ross Rayburn offers a new and accessible take on mindfulness and the art of meditation through the practice of introversion, which is a method of self-exploration for finding authenticity, joy, and calm in our hectic, extroverted world. As New York Times bestselling author Robin Arzon says, &“Turning Inward provides the tools to befriend yourself. In sharing his mindfulness TIPs, Ross provides a path for even the most novice meditator. Herein lies many entry points back to oneself.&” Building off his popular Peloton meditation and yoga classes and his years of teaching and spiritual study, Ross Rayburn offers a new way to look at meditation. Rather than a purely esoteric practice, meditation is, Ross argues, simply &“turning in,&” which anyone can learn how to do through the practice of introversion. Billy Porter, award-winning actor, singer, director, composer, and playwright, commented, &“Ross Rayburn is one of those rare people who understands how to help us access our inner depths. I&’m proud to call him both my teacher and my friend.&” Because we spend most of our time &“turned outward&” in order to function in society, introversion offers both a respite and a source of insight. The practice of introversion leads to a happier, calmer life and a truer sense of yourself and your path—something many crave in our chaotic and often polarized world. With the easy and enjoyable techniques in this book, and a surprisingly simple and straightforward way of thinking and seeing, you can begin introverting with more intention and with more structure and regularity, for even greater benefits. You&’ll learn how to handle life&’s difficulties with less anxiety and greater perspective, and you&’ll have the tools to remember who you really are, especially during those times it&’s easiest to forget. Through these practical exercises, guided visualizations, opportunities for contemplation, breathing techniques, and more, you will discover that everything you need to be is already who you are. It&’s inside you. All you have to do is turn inward to find it.
The Twentysomething Treatment
by Meg JayOur twenties can be challenging. Today, so many twentysomethings are struggling, especially with anxiety and depression, and yet we’re not sure what to think or do about it. In The Twentysomething Treatment psychologist Dr. Meg Jay explores why and unveils a ground-breaking approach that prioritizes skills over pills.
The Unknown God: W. T. Smith and the Thelemites (Oxford Studies in Western Esotericism)
by Martin P. StarrThe Unknown God is the first documentary study of Thelema, a twentieth-century religious movement in the "magical" family, founded by the occultist, poet, and prophet of a new age of personal freedom, Aleister Crowley (1875--1947). Martin P. Starr tells the history of the movement through the biography of its leader, Wilfred Talbot Smith (1885--1957), who took up Crowley's plans for organizations to teach the latter's methods in Western and Eastern esoteric traditions and his laws for a new world order, and established these systems in British Columbia and in California. Crowley provided the concepts; Smith and his associates made them take flesh, applying Crowley's doctrine of "Do what thou wilt" and cementing it a part of the artistic and religious underground of the twentieth century. This account provides a contextual overview of the elements of the resulting bricolage of religions, which included Freemasonry, Theosophy, Rosicrucianism, Neo-Gnosticism and other related forms of esotericism, demonstrating the overlap between apparently disparate ideologies, groups, and participants. Drawing primarily on diaries and letters, Starr gives a rare and fascinating study of the contemporaneous application of Crowley's thought, whose long trail we can see in the Satanism of Anton LaVey, the Scientology of L. Ron Hubbard, and the popularization of many forms of witchcraft, magic, and tantric practices.
Unprocess Your Life: Break Free From Ultra-processed Foods For Good
by Rob Hobson‘This brilliant book is the answer for anyone wanting to make a profound shift away from eating ultra-processed foods, but just doesn’t know where to start’ – Dr Hilary Jones
Upgrade Your Brain: Unlock Your Life’s Full Potential
by null Patrick HolfordDo you often feel exhausted and negative? Do you spend your days feeling tired and wired? Your nights unable to fall asleep easily, or without a drink? Do you wake up anxious and stressed and in need a coffee to get going? Do you forget what you were doing, forget people’s names and where you put things? Is your mental acuity and memory slipping? Are you concerned about your memory or mental wellbeing? Something depressing is happen to humanity, and possibly even you. Our brains are degenerating and – in parallel – we’re seeing a worrying increase in mental illness across the world. Rates of anxiety, depression, dementia, ADHD and autism are all increasing at an alarming rate across the globe. According to the World Health Organisation, our declining brain health is the greatest threat we face – more than cancer, diabetes or obesity. Individually and collectively,though, we can optimise our brain health and cognitive function – to improve mood, memory, stress resilience, sleep and ability to focus. How? By understanding the powerful effects that nutrition and other holistic lifestyle factors can have on our brains. In Upgrade Your Brain, bestselling author Patrick Holford will draw on his 40 years’ of expertise – as well as countless experts from around the world – to teach us all how to reverse the tide.
The Vegan Air Fryer: Quick & easy, healthy meals
by Niki WebsterHealthy Eating Made Simple.This quick-and-easy cookbook makes healthy meal prep, and eating more veg, effortless.Everyone will love these delicious, vibrant breakfasts, snacks, lunches, dinners, baking and desserts cooked in your air fryer. If you’re new to vegan eating or have just got an air fryer, this book is for you.Find 70 plant-based recipes for beginners. Enjoy cooking:- Easy breakfasts- Simple lunches & light bites- Super quick meals – ready in 15 minutes or less- 30-minute meals - Bread, cakes, cookies & desserts
Walking with the Seasons: The wonder of being in step with nature
by Alice PeckPractical wisdom from poets, philosophers and scientists – alongside advice, inspiration, activities, meditations, and much more – to connect you with nature and the seasons on your daily walk. Being outdoors is a balm to the soul, and what better way to experience the wonders of nature in all their seasonal glory than with a daily walk? This thoughtful guide explores what happens to our minds, bodies and spirits when we spend time outdoors and suggests a wide range of beneficial walking activities, meditations, reflections, advice and inspiration to help you connect with nature and get the most out of each season. Whether basking in summer sunshine or crunching golden leaves underfoot, finding joy in springtime blossom or taking solace in winter's hush, you can enjoy the benefits of a positive mindset, happier social interactions, resilience – and much more! – that the beauty and power of walking in nature can bring.
The Weirdness of the World
by Eric SchwitzgebelHow all philosophical explanations of human consciousness and the fundamental structure of the cosmos are bizarre—and why that&’s a good thingDo we live inside a simulated reality or a pocket universe embedded in a larger structure about which we know virtually nothing? Is consciousness a purely physical matter, or might it require something extra, something nonphysical? According to the philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel, it&’s hard to say. In The Weirdness of the World, Schwitzgebel argues that the answers to these fundamental questions lie beyond our powers of comprehension. We can be certain only that the truth—whatever it is—is weird. Philosophy, he proposes, can aim to open—to reveal possibilities we had not previously appreciated—or to close, to narrow down to the one correct theory of the phenomenon in question. Schwitzgebel argues for a philosophy that opens.According to Schwitzgebel&’s &“Universal Bizarreness&” thesis, every possible theory of the relation of mind and cosmos defies common sense. According to his complementary &“Universal Dubiety&” thesis, no general theory of the relationship between mind and cosmos compels rational belief. Might the United States be a conscious organism—a conscious group mind with approximately the intelligence of a rabbit? Might virtually every action we perform cause virtually every possible type of future event, echoing down through the infinite future of an infinite universe? What, if anything, is it like to be a garden snail? Schwitzgebel makes a persuasive case for the thrill of considering the most bizarre philosophical possibilities.
The Weirdness of the World
by Eric SchwitzgebelHow all philosophical explanations of human consciousness and the fundamental structure of the cosmos are bizarre—and why that&’s a good thingDo we live inside a simulated reality or a pocket universe embedded in a larger structure about which we know virtually nothing? Is consciousness a purely physical matter, or might it require something extra, something nonphysical? According to the philosopher Eric Schwitzgebel, it&’s hard to say. In The Weirdness of the World, Schwitzgebel argues that the answers to these fundamental questions lie beyond our powers of comprehension. We can be certain only that the truth—whatever it is—is weird. Philosophy, he proposes, can aim to open—to reveal possibilities we had not previously appreciated—or to close, to narrow down to the one correct theory of the phenomenon in question. Schwitzgebel argues for a philosophy that opens.According to Schwitzgebel&’s &“Universal Bizarreness&” thesis, every possible theory of the relation of mind and cosmos defies common sense. According to his complementary &“Universal Dubiety&” thesis, no general theory of the relationship between mind and cosmos compels rational belief. Might the United States be a conscious organism—a conscious group mind with approximately the intelligence of a rabbit? Might virtually every action we perform cause virtually every possible type of future event, echoing down through the infinite future of an infinite universe? What, if anything, is it like to be a garden snail? Schwitzgebel makes a persuasive case for the thrill of considering the most bizarre philosophical possibilities.