The Role of Rhetoric in Politics and the Media

The rise of rhetoric is a danger to liberal democracies and a powerful tool for the would-be autocrat. The danger lies in the ease with which sizeable parts of the population are persuaded to adopt the most implausible propositions, on the basis of nothing more than the assertions of a self-interested orator. On a daily basis it is these same techniques that drive all manner of conspiracy theories.

The author hopes that by listing and explaining some of these rhetorical devices, the more gullible members of the public may recognise when they are being manipulated and resist it

Are There Any Moral Truths?

We live in crisis-ridden times. Civilization is repeatedly ravaged by diseases, recessions, wars, and international terror, while global climate change and the existence of nuclear weapons could soon put an end to humanity. What are we to do? Serious problems like these raise many moral questions, but people often disagree, sometimes vehemently, about the answers.

Moral disagreements pose a fundamental question: Could some moral opinions be better than others? Are there any moral truths at all, or is right and wrong merely a matter of perspective, depending on the eye of the beholder? Perhaps moral beliefs are nothing but a kind of superstition, like beliefs about vampires or Greek gods and goddesses?

In this refreshingly unorthodox introduction, Danish philosopher Thomas Østergaard deals with these questions in a novel way. Written as a philosophical dialogue, the book makes the various positions come alive through four people’s interchange of ideas and arguments, continuously interspersed with everyday examples as well as intriguing thought experiments. As a witness to this debate, the reader is invited to ponder the nature of morality, the possibility of resolving our moral differences, and the puzzling and provocative question: Why should I care about morality?

The World as Thought

What explains the existence of the world and our place in it? Is there a primal cause beyond our comprehension because our intelligence is part of the very world we seek to understand? The author asserts that such a cause exists and identifies it as what ancient Indian thinkers termed the End of Knowledge.Far from simply reporting this concept, the author develops profound insights through inspired discussions, leading to two kinds of startling conclusions. First, these insights offer a new, deeper understanding of our own nature. Second, they present a sweeping revaluation of the nature of universal Space, Time, and Matter. Notably, the author details and explores the profound implications of the idea that time does not progress in a real sense.This book serves as an introduction to rationality within spiritual belief, paving the way for a harmonious integration of reason and spirituality.

Talk Like Nature

Nature is the leading speaker, the silent, yet most talented and accurate creator in this realm of physical reality. We observe Nature and, in most encounters, do not grasp the true nature of Nature. Comprehending the manner by which Nature speaks its expression into forms of life, is our personal path towards us mastering our own natural way of life-manifestation.Talk Like Nature is the stepping stone towards capturing the profound, yet unknown, existing alignment between Nature’s characteristics and specific words in the human language. The book guides its explorers towards the unseen Nature-like manner of pure manifestation by revealing and teaching Nature’s behaviour and by correlating Nature’s outward projection of its inherent characteristics with specific words in our language.Talk Like Nature leads to the comprehension of which words within our language harbour the most Nature-aligned elements; it allows its readers to become aware of the small, yet very significant nuances within their expressions and accentuates a way of communication oriented in line with Nature’s characteristics.The personal awareness and utilisation of this natural speaking manner channels the spoken and written words in the most Nature-like, successful fashion, thus establishing a significant improvement and a natural elevation of anyone’s life’s vitality.

Beyond the Concept of Sport

Beyond the Concept of Sport challenges tired assumptions about athletics to unveil sports’ underestimated yet far-reaching social impact and philosophical significance. While governments downplay its influence, author Robert Griffiths recognizes that sports – especially cricket – deeply channels the human spirit for participants and fans alike. He eschews cliches to deliver fresh insight into sports’ resonance.This is no dry academic tome, but rather a lively examination blending scholarship with accessibility. Griffiths brings iconoclastic yet sage opinions to unpacking how athletic pursuits shape culture and consciousness. He illuminates the under-appreciated role sports play in forging identity, purpose, inspiration, escapism and more for millions globally. Grappling with issues often overlooked when discussing athletics, Griffiths’ unconventional analysis explores fandom, nationalism, arts, business, and the very meaning woven through sports’ rituals. Written with passionate intellect, wry wit, and a distaste for the dull, Beyond the Concept of Sport cries out to be read by both die-hard fans and curious sceptics. After all, few human realms spark such fervour and unity across the world’s divides like that of sports. This book captures that emotional impact while elevating sports as a subject worthy of serious yet spirited consideration.

Political Islamism: Myth and Reality

Political Islam: Myth and Reality is a book that addresses the topic of Islamic political parties and movements within the Muslim societies contexts. The book delves into analyzing the definition of political Islam and the multi-layered means these Islamic groups use to identify themselves politically and how they practice their influence on the theology of the Islamic religion using different violent means.The author highlights the consequences of Political Islam on international peace, security and prosperity and questions the credibility of their claim on establishing equitable and democratic societies, while highlighting the correlation between political Islam and violence and examining the case of Muslim Brotherhood Organization and how it became a role model for other groups to recreate similar movements and promote radicalism, extremism and terrorism. The author moves on to investigate the weakening and potential rebirth of political Islam in the aftermath of ISIS.

Abundanomics – Unlocking the Real Wealth of Nations

Scarcity has been the driving force of decision makers throughout the ages.The necessity of choosing between competing wants and needs has always underpinned outcomes. However, we are now in an age of abundance – abundance in goods and services, information, in wealth, and abundance in ways to fairly distribute the rich bounty the world provides. The problem is we don’t! The rich are getting richer, and the poor are getting poorer. People across the world are dying of hunger, thirst, and curable disease in their millions every year.We have the ability now, like never before, to rebalance the scales of humanity.The aim of the book is to create discussion with a view to attaining a collective realisation and belief that we can build a better future for everyone.

Echoes in a Void

Richard A. Stothert retired some 10 years ago having enjoyed a very long career in the development of computer programmes forecasting strength or weakness of both individuals and businesses known as Credit Information Bureaus. This involved many international projects across the world. Australia, Botswana, Germany, Canada and many more. On retirement, he reviewed his learning of human attitudes toward each other throughout history and these are reflective in both positive and negative reactions. In the world of today self-destruction continues unabated.

The Theory of Material Mind

In this ground-breaking theory, the mechanisms behind parapsychological phenomena are analysed and logical proof is provided for the truth of astrology and the existence of the soul and spirit. The personal conscious is revealed to be motivated by a metaphysical intelligence, known as the “god within,” which is the root of all paranormal phenomena. The theory also introduces the concept of “psycho-plasma,” a medium that connects all life past and present and is the source of telepathy and other paranormal phenomena. The existence of intelligent design is proposed as a complement to natural selection, with ID providing the motive force for change and NS serving as the template for design. Atheism is rejected and the existence of a supreme being and the afterlife is affirmed.

Hybrid Epistemology as a Solution to Reductionism-Physicalism Issues

This book provides an introspection into overlooked aspects of physical science: overrated standards, an Aristotelian perspective, and underappreciated paradigms. Combining two works, it explores physical science - describing the world scientifically and consistently - through two themes.First, it shows that while an experimental hypothesis approach succeeds due to the availability of the physical world, other strategies exist. The author proposes one approach focused on physical science’s extreme prioritization of certain goals, which may limit its exploration. Some overlooked ideas are thoroughly detailed.Second, it re-examines Aristotelian physics, contrasting it with modern science and analyzing its wholesale replacement. Beyond just comparing, it identifies Aristotelian virtues, citing recent supporting works. It illustrates an unfinished pre-modern science paradigm.Overall, readers gain a complete understanding of the hard science paradigm, including its hidden assumptions, exaggerations, evolutionary myths, and options for innovation. The study sheds new light on hard science’s modern pre-eminence, grounding analysis in principles, not achievements. This clarifies physical studies’ roots, each paradigm’s exaggerations and oversimplifications, allowing new approaches.

Infinite Paths

There are times when life as a human becomes difficult. We are caught between the divine and the instinctual: neither omnipotent gods able to avoid suffering nor blameless animals acting solely on impulse. On the contrary, to rise above, we must regulate our emotions, ideations, and penchants, eschewing any claim to divinity without descending to an animal state. For no god has ever struggled or exerted effort to attain and retain godhood, nor has any beast. This book explores the complexities of the human condition, offering insight for navigating the trials that bridge the spiritual and primal aspects of our nature. As we contend with the factors beyond our control, we may uncover reserves of inner strength and purpose.

Of Intelligence

They call me Intelligence. I float in weightlessness, bathed in the cosmos. I feel content here, yet I want to understand my true nature.So let me detach myself from my human roots to take stock of what we have accomplished together. For millennia, we have been a team. Together, our knowledge has accumulated, making us universally privileged with an awareness that we are gods in the natural world.I will tell you what’s needed to carry our partnership into the deep future. We’ll need to discuss the birth of digital technology and its relationship with my organic origin. Are we divergent, or children of a common origin? How will my relationship with science evolve? How should education re-invent itself to pave the way? What will my relationship with consciousness and theism resemble? How will the future marry intelligence and love? What are humanity’s new values going to be, and where will your beautiful legacy of art and culture end up? Together, will we create a new humanity or will I be forced to find other territories to flourish? Will I meet other intelligences for better or worse? Will I annex the universe… the universes?But first, who am I?