New Books for March 2019
Understanding Plato
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Understanding Plato introduces beginning philosophy students to the nature of philosophy and philosophical method by providing a clear description and analysis of four of the Socratic dialogues (Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Meno), and Plato's Republic. This book is a "companion" in the sense that students can consult it for commentary and guidance while reading the original classic works. Understanding Plato is the first in a series of companion volumes offering students both a summary and critical analysis of some of the classics of ethics and political philosophy. A forthcoming volume will be devoted to John Locke's Second Treatise of Government. The third volume will discuss John Stuart Mill's ethical theory in Utilitarianism and his discussion of the limits of state power over the individual in On Liberty. Chapters in all volumes in the series will conclude with a set of questions for thought and discussion. Laurence Houlgate is Emeritus Professor of Philosophy at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California. He received M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in philosophy at the University of California, Los Angeles, and has previously held professorships at the University of California, Santa Barbara and George Mason University, Virginia. He has published many articles in legal and philosophical journals and is the author of The Child and the State; Family and State; and Morals, Marriage and Parenthood.
Understanding John Locke
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Understanding John Locke is an introduction and guide to one of the most influential books in the history of political philosophy: John Locke's Second Treatise of Government, first published in 1689.John Locke's short book was the intellectual inspiration of two revolutions: The Whig revolt against absolute monarchy in 17th century England and almost 100 years later, the revolt of the American colonies against British rule, culminating in the founding of the United States of America. Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Paine, George Mason and James Madison all ranked John Locke as one of the most influential thinkers they consulted during the American revolution and the formation of the liberal constitutional state that emerged from it. In his introduction to Second Treatise, Laurence Houlgate takes the student along with him in a clear account and exploration of Locke's main theories about the nature and origin of political power, the state of nature, the state of war, the law of nature, the social contract, the origin of private property, the distinction between political, paternal and tyrannicall power, the legitimate placing of political power, the separation of legislative and executive power, and the conditions for justifiable revolution. Houlgate's book concludes with a postscript comparing the replies that Locke and his ancient Greek predecessor Plato might give to the central questions of political philosophy.Professor Houlgate's book is not a version of Cliff Notes, nor is it a lengthy scholarly monograph full of end notes and incomprehensible technical terms. It is a book for beginning philosophy and political science students who want more than an outline. It is a book for smart students who also want to understand the progression of John Locke's ideas, arguments and methodology. This is the second book in the Smart Student's Guide series, preceded by Understanding Plato: The Smart Student's Guide to the Socratic Dialogues and The Republic.
Understanding Immanuel Kant
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This book is fourth in a series devoted to helping students understand some of the great works in ethics, social and political philosophy. It has been said that Kant's Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals "is the single most important work in modern moral philosophy" (Henry Allison). It is also one of the most difficult books to comprehend, especially for beginning philosophy students. Understanding Immanuel Kant makes Kant accessible to students while at the same time showing why his writings have had such a powerful influence on philosophical ethics. Professor Houlgate's book is not a scholarly monograph on Kant, nor is it a bare-bones outline of Kant's writings. Instead, the book gives the reader an interpretation of Kant in ordinary language, explaining the technical words Kant uses ("analytic," "synthetic," "categorical imperative," "autonomy of the will") and using examples of moral problems drawn from everyday life. The book also shows how Kantian ethics differs from the theories of the other great philosophers represented in the series (Plato, Locke and Mill). Each chapter concludes with questions for thought and discussion and within these questions students will find many topics that can be pursued in term papers.
Your Best Job Interview
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Your Best Job Interview shares author Donna A. Bacon’s fresh ideas on the job interview process based on twenty years of experience in both industry and executive recruiting. She emphasizes the not-so obvious aspects of the process and offers counterintuitive perceptions which stretch beyond the usual, brass-tacks advice. The book is practical and useful, based on real interviewing experiences including her own. Donna has packed each section with tips and wisdom from her years in the field. She will encourage you, boost your confidence, and help you maintain positivity, to take control of your own success.