Gnnter Dux, Dr. iur., University of Bonn, is Professor Emeritus of Sociology at Freiburg University; Germany. He has published mainly on the sociology of culture, sociology of social and cultural change and sociology of politics. --
This fascinating new book draws on insights from across th social sciences - from psychology, economics and geography as well as sociology - to examine the changing character of society and nature.
This volume contains essays that offer both historical and contemporary views of nature, as seen through a hermeneutic, deconstructive, and phenomenological lens. It reaches back to Ancient Greek conceptions of physis in Homer and Empedocles, encompasses 13th century Zen master Dōgen, and extends to include 21st Century Continental Thought. By providing ontologies of nature from the perspective of the history of philosophy and of contemporary philosophy alike, the book shows that such perspectives need to be seen in dialogue with each other in order to offer a deeper and more comprehensive philosophy of nature. The value of the historical accounts discussed lies in discerning the conceptual problems that contribute to the dominant thinking underpinning our ecological predicament, as well as in providing helpful resources for thinking innovatively through current problems, thus recasting the past to allow for a future yet to be imagined. The book also discusses contemporary continental thinkers who are more critically aware of the dominant anthropocentric and instrumental view of nature, and who provide substantial guidance for a sensible, innovative “ontology of nature” suited for an ecology of the future. Overall, the ontologies of nature discerned in this volume are not merely of theoretical interest, but strategically serve to suspend anthropocentrism and spark ethical and political reorientation in the context of our current ecological predicament.
Humans have always sought ecstatic experiences - moments where they go beyond their ordinary self and feel connected to something greater than them. Such moments are fundamental to human flourishing, but they can also be dangerous. Beginning around the Enlightenment, western intellectual culture has written off ecstasy as ignorance or delusion. But philosopher Jules Evans argues that this diminishes our reality and denies us the healing, connection and meaning that ecstasy can bring. He sets out to discover how people find ecstasy in a post-religious culture, how it can be good for us, and also harmful. Along the way, he explores the growing science of ecstasy, to help the reader - and himself - learn the art of losing control. Jules' exploration of ecstasy is an intellectual and emotional odyssey balancing personal experience, interviews and readings from ancient and modern philosophers that will change the way you think about how you feel. From Aristotle and Plato, via the Bishop of London and Sister Bliss, radical jihadis and Silicon Valley transhumanists, The Art of Losing Control is a funny and life-enhancing journey through under-explored terrain.
The book is a meditation on the ideas of the Ego, the Soul and the Higher Self and the differences between them. The narrator is a rather amorphous figure that can actually be anyone who has thought about these issues. There are no characters per sé, but as the novel evolves, night, darkness, the dreaming process, the mind, and thought become the main characters. The story is part of a very long, complex dream that the narrator seems to be going through as he makes his way to the realization that the Higher Self is the source of everything.
Love Matters for Psychic Transformation is woven by a profound respect and love for the soul and the transformative powers of the Body Psyche. It is an exploration of the embodied psychic transformation in the specific context of the BodySoul Rhythms® work (BSR) developed by Ann Skinner, Mary Hamilton, and Marion Woodman. In describing the BSR work, interviewing six women about their experiences, and linking the BSR approach with the new neuroscience, developmental psychology, change in therapy, attachment theory, and relational trauma, Dr. Reinau brings to light all that the BSR approach has to offer. It is with relief and pleasure that I write this endorsement. Relief comes because someone with clarity, accuracy, and care has outlined the “consonants” of the work of BSR. Pleasure because the “vowels” of the work have been explored in an authentic voice from an open heart, with a keen intelligence, and from several well-studied points of view. Once again Maja Reinau has put on her diving costume, gone down, and this time surfaced with the pearl: Love Matters in Psychic Transformation. Thank you Maja. –Ann Skinner, co-creator of Body Soul Rhythms Love Matters For Psychic Transformation is a gift to the many women who have benefited from the BSR-work. Dr. Reinau is able to delve deeply into the methodology of BodySoul work without destroying the mystery. It is a treasure of information for those who seek this way of transformation in their lives. The interviews deepen the mystery as well as the understanding of the work. Dr. Reinau’s ability to link BodySoul experience to early developmental theories and to neuroscience provides the path to her conclusion that it is all about love. A conclusion with which I am sure Marion Woodman would agree. Everyone who seriously considers understanding BodySoul work should read Love Matters for Psychic Transformation. –Patricia C. Patrick, M.A., M.D., Child Adolescent and Adults Psychiatrist, The Marion Woodman BodySoul Rhythms Leadership Training Board Member, Marion Woodman Foundation, Teaching Member Sand Play Therapist Association
This book is a collection of sermons preached at home and abroad, intended mainly for a lay audience, which presents teachings and applications of biblical texts from both the Old and New Testaments. It builds around the theme of the Christian life being a walk with a hidden and revealed God, a walk requiring understanding, a walk in which one remains faithful, a walk that has developmental stages, and a walk requiring wisdom.