Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason, Volume One: Toward an Existentialist Theory of History (Sartre, Foucault & Reason in History)

Book Description

Sartre and Foucault were two of the most prominent and at times mutually antagonistic philosophical figures of the twentieth century. And nowhere are the antithetical natures of their existentialist and poststructuralist philosophies more apparent than in their disparate approaches to historical understanding.

A history, thought Foucault, should be a kind of map, a comparative charting of structural transformations and displacements. But for Sartre, authentic historical understanding demanded a much more personal and committed narrative, a kind of interpretive diary of moral choices and risks compelled by critical necessity and an exacting reality. Sartre's history, a rational history of individual lives and their intrinsic social worlds, was in essence immersed in biography.

In Volume One of this authoritative two-volume work, Thomas R. Flynn conducts a pivotal and comprehensive reconstruction of Sartrean historical theory, and provocatively anticipates the Foucauldian counterpoint to come in Volume Two.

Customer Reviews:

The Truth about Foucault and Sartrean Marxism.......2001-01-23

Flynn, a professor at Emory does a really nice job at elucidating a common problem. Foucault is casually lumped together in the structuralist/post-structuralis school because of his association with Althusser and Lacan. While that particular methodology is obviously an influence on Foucault, he distinguishes himself from them in various interviews which can be found in the plethora of collections that contain interviews and articles with or written by Foucault. Foucault (as I maintain and Flynn seems to imply) is more of a "constructivist" (a word I've heard him use to describe himself). In his genealogoy and approach to history he CONSTRUCTS clearer model of of the discourse surrounding our typical views of the social construct. He does more than elucidate the structure, he constructs some sort of history about it...HOWEVER, not to give any kind of conclusion, but rather as a disruptive act to spawn analysis and discourse.

In this way, he is like Nietszche (which he himself claims). He much prefers to be a disruptive force, or a catalyst for change and discourse than a scientific systematic philosopher. In many ways, this is his relationship to the Western Marxists (and Sartre, whose existentialism does owe a great deal to Nietzsche, which Foucault seemed to be proud of in some ways...i'm referring to both thinker's appreciation for Nietzsche). Sartre maintains subjectivity, and the ability of the subject to choose its own history, much as Engels asserts in Marxism, however, he admits like Marx claims, that there are a series of pre-determined factors that influence those choices (within the subjects environment). Flynn explores the TRUE subjectivity of existentialism...not as a will to power (though to an extent, this certainly is the case), but as the starting point for the intersubjectivity that molds our history, and its relationship to the Marxist project that elucidates the ills of captialism, the force behind the mode of production (which is the will of the people), and how we construct our history and discourse, and what that means about ourselves as individuals and our place in the world. Ultimately, reading Flynn's incredible and original book will offer a more thorough, documented and scholarly interpretation. He even pulls on some more obscure later Sartre (like the oft forgotten biography of Flaubert, "The Family Idiot"). His research is astounding, his understading of this very difficult material astounding. He makes a cohesive synthesis between existentialism and post-modernism, better than the post-modernists themselves.

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Sartre, Foucault, and Historical Reason, Volume One: Toward an Existentialist Theory of History (Sartre, Foucault & Reason in History)
Thomas R. Flynn
Manufacturer: University Of Chicago Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OORP46

Book Description

New, Unabridged on 2 CD's; Shrinkwrapped. Narrated by Carrington MacDuffie.

In February of 1675 Narragansett Indians lay siege to Mary Rowlandson's village. Most were killed. "The bullets flying thick, one went through my side, and the same through the bowels of my dear child in my arms." This marvelous reading of her account, descriptive and mindful of the will of God, is a very powerful audiobook.

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Captured by Indians: A True Account by Mary Rowlandson (Audiofy Digital Audiobook Chips)

Manufacturer: Audiofy/Sound Room
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Cards
ASIN: 1599120496

Product Description

This Audiofy audiobook chip packs Carrington MacDuffie's full 2 hour reading of "Captured by Indians: A True Account by Mary Rowlandson" on a tiny memory card. A single Audiofy audiobook chip, hardly larger than a stamp, holds a complete digital audiobook, and saves the last listening position automatically, unlike CDs. With an SD memory card slot or adapter - like those for digital cameras - this Audiofy audiobook chip can be played on Microsoft Windows and Apple Macintosh desktop computers or laptops (Microsoft Windows XP/2000/Me/98, or Apple Mac OS X 10.3.9 and above) or transferred to Apple iPod media players. Audiobook chips also move seamlessly to most Palm OS and Pocket PC handheld PDAs with SD expansion slots, as well as Treo and Windows Mobile "smartphones" (Palm OS 5.2 or Windows Mobile 2002 and above)... In February of 1675 Narragansett Indians lay siege to Mary Rowlandsons village. Most were killed. 'The bullets flying thick, one went through my side, and the same through the bowels of my dear child in my arms.' This marvelous reading of her account, descriptive and mindful of the will of God, is a very powerful audiobook. This audio production clearly presents the text of the original work in a most useful format for classroom or individual use. Listeners will enjoy the tone and inflection of the reader's clear, crisp voice. An excellent choice for collections where primary source materials are needed for early American history and women's studies. -- School Library Journal

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Captured by Indians: A True Account
Mary Rowlandson
Manufacturer: In Audio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio CD

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ASIN: 1584726288

Customer Reviews:

Who is conning who?.......2007-05-24

This is a well written and very readable book. It is, however, based on a seriously flawed premise which will become obvious to the discerning reader.

Their premise is that all medical research and testing that utilizes animals is totally useless as applied to humans, is immoral as it mistreats the animals, and wastes incredible sums of taxpayer funds that could be used for "real" research.

Since I have neither a medical nor scientific background I am not qualified to evaluate claims made by the Greeks as to the inappropriateness of specific tests or procedures. I will leave the scientific exposure of their statements and conclusions to those qualified in these fields. It is my understanding that just such a scholarly rebuttal is currently in the works.

I am, however, reasonably qualified, as are many millions of readers, in recognizing a "con" wherein we are supposed to believe that there is a huge conspiracy consisting of many thousands of professionals, doctors, scientists, graduate students and suppliers to the research industry, our neighbors, friends and relatives, that is lying to us about the effectiveness of animal research just to make a quick buck.

If we follow the principle of "Occam's Razor", paraphrased as "All things being equal, the simplest solution tends to be the best one", it is far more likely that the spinning of the facts here for a quick buck is by the authors.

eperimenting on animals is not only futile, it verges on being criminal.......2005-09-09

This book is an excellent overview of the history of (the failures of) animal expiriments. I would recommend it to lawmakers, politicians, teachers and students, and ... well everyone in general. It gives concrete examples and all in terms that do not require medical or biological background yet well documented for those who wish to verify the sources.

It does not appeal to our emotions (no horrifying pictures, nor stories of the suffering inflicted on animals) but rationally clarifies and exposes the uselessness of experiments on animals (unless we are trying to find a cure for cancer for rats).

I would summarize their concept thus: "Experimenting on animals to understand humans is like having race car technicians study bicycles to understand race cars."

Solid expose of the money-based medical research machine.......2004-12-26

I worked for a biotech company for several years and can attest that what the Greeks are saying is true - it's all about the money, not the medicine. This book is not the easiest read, but it does methodically reveal both the faulty logic in play as well as the very powerful economic motives that really drive medical research. I recommend this to anyone considering donating money to any charity or organization for the purposes of "finding a cure" for any disease. Our tax dollars are mostly funding useless ego-enhancing science projects for which many animals are being tortured and killed. Whether you care about animal suffering or care more about where your tax dollar go, you will find reason to question the status quo in this book. Lazy science, easy money, none of it advances the cause of relieving human suffering via medical treatment.

The Greeks should hit the Lab!.......2003-10-18

The Greeks believe computer models and in-vitro work with isolated cells can solve our health problems. Perhaps they are right. But then, I suggest they hit the Lab and show this line of research is feasible. If they can do so, GREAT! I am pretty sure they will then get the attention of Washington to shift funding to such models. Until then, let Science work of us and wait patiently for the Greeks to cure cancer on their PC, or by drawing on the back of their napkin.

Regarding their qualifications: I quick search on www.pubmed.gov shows that "Anesthesiologist Ray Greek and veterinarian Jean Swingle Greek" (as they present their credentials) have produced a total of 0 (yes, that's a ZERO) pieces of research and 8 opinion letters sent to various scientific journals arguing against animal research.

It seems weird that someone without any research experience can write such a book...

best book on the subject--clear, cold-blooded logic.......2003-07-14

This book stands virtually alone as a well-reasoned defense against vivisection (a.k.a. animal research). The authors make no appeals to emotion. They do not deny that animal research is sometimes cruel. However, compassion and cruelty have nothing to do with their argument.

Greek and Greek-a medical doctor/ veterinary team-argue that animal research hurts people. They point out the countless ways in which animals differ from humans. Veterinarians know that, although the same drugs are used in multiple species, these drugs behave differently and achieve different results in different kinds of animals. Mammals are alike only on the level of gross anatomy. Biochemically, even rats and mice differ enormously, to say nothing of humans and mice.

Tracing the history of western medicine, Greek and Greek show how animal models for disease became part of the expected protocol. They show how these models have hindered doctors and scientists far more than they have helped. They point out that nearly all major breakthroughs in medicine have been initiated not by study in animal models, but by autopsy and clinical studies. Careful observation of human beings by doctors and caretakers has, time and again, led to medical breakthroughs which are later "confirmed" or "substantiated" by animals research. The vivisectionists then claim the laurels for these discoveries when the animals were, in fact, superfluous. Greek and Greek also point out the tremendous harm that animal models have caused. Such models lead to a sense of false confidence that drugs will not be harmful or that the risk is low. In fact, the recall rate for drugs is 50%. Fifty percent have adverse, unexpected side affects after they are loosed on a population that has trusted in animal models. 50% is the toss of a coin! Millions upon millions of dollars are poured into animal tests yearly.

In addition, animal models have slowed the recall of harmful drugs. Thalidomide is one of many examples. This drug causes hideous birth defects in humans, but no birth defects in rats, mice, most rabbits, guinea pigs, and other animals. Doctors realized that the drug was causing birth defects and warned the company, but thalidomide could not be recalled until an animal model was found in which the drug caused birth defects! So thalidomide remained on the market, causing children to be born with flippers, until an obscure species of rabbit was found who also produced deformed kits when given the drug. Only then could thalidomide be recalled!

Greek and Greek show how the idea of the animal model is based on greed and bureaucracy, not good science. They explain that, while scientists of the past were primarily wealthy people doing a hobby they enjoyed, today's scientists are required to continually produce statistically significant results in order to keep their jobs. Just to graduate with a PhD requires a candidate to perform meaningful research. Under these conditions, the temptation to reach for something quick, easy, and difficult-to-disprove are enormous. Rats and mice fit the bill. They breed rapidly, are easy to house, and it takes a long time to show that the result of research in rats does not actually have any useful application for human beings. Clinical students in human beings, on the other hand, can take decades. In addition, human beings are far less corporative than rats, and there are limits to what you can legally do to them and what they will allow you to do. The catch, of course, is that clinical studies in human beings actually produce useful results, whereas animal models very often lead nowhere. Yet university professors anxious to keep their jobs and young students desperate to get their degrees continue to reach again and again for cheap and easy research models. In addition, huge companies manufacture expensive equipment for miniature surgeries on rats, dogs, cats, birds, mice, monkeys, goats, guinea pigs, rats, and all manner of other beasts. These creatures require all manner of housing, some of it vary expensive, and human-type surgeries on them require very specialized and expensive instruments. Animal models are a multimillion dollar industry.

With today's technology, even many clinical studies could be circumvented by using invetro methods. Human cells can be cultivated on a Petri dish or in a test tube and then exposed to various drugs. There is no reason to keep using the clumsy and inaccurate barometer of four-legged creatures.

Greek and Greek fill much of their book with one example after another. Their research is superb. I began the book as a skeptic and ended it as a believer. I have a degree in biology, and I could find nothing wrong with their research. I passed the book on to one of my college biology professors. He was impressed and decided to start including the material in his ethics course.

Whether you are a member of the medical community or merely a consumer, I strongly recommend this book. Whether you agree with all of the Greeks' conclusions or not, they certainly make some valid points and have taken pains with their research. Read the book.

Book Description

This unique "autobiography" of John Muir is told in his own words, brimming with his spirit and his adventures. The text was selected and retold by naturalist Joseph Cornell, author of Sharing Nature with Children, who is well known for his inspiring nature games. The result is a book with an aliveness, a presence of goodness, adventure, enthusiasm, and sensitive love of each animal and plant that will give young adults an experience of a true hero. It is a book that expands your sense of hope, adventure, and awareness. Adults will be just as fond of this book as young readers. Cornell includes numerous "explore more" activities that help the reader to understand and appreciate Muir's many wonderful qualities.

Customer Reviews:

A revealing presentation of John Muir's personality.......2001-03-12

John Muir: My Life With Nature is one of the best introductory biographies into the life of this great and influential American naturalist available to young readers today. Told in his own words, the text was compiled and aptly presented by naturalist Joseph Cornell who does full and complete justice in presenting the reader with an accurate and revealing presentation of John Muir's personality, life, thought, and accomplishment. Although designed specifically for young readers, John Muir: My Life With Nature will also be appreciated by adults with an interest in this unique and impressive man and his contributions to public awareness of the need for conservation and wildlife preservation.

The Young John Muir: An Environmental Biography

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Masterfully, Intricately-Done Biography
An Excellent Biography!

The Young John Muir: An Environmental Biography
Steven J. Holmes
Manufacturer: University of Wisconsin Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Kindred & Related Spirits

ASIN: 0299161544

Book Description

"Exciting, original, and highly readable. . . . This is a rich, challenging, original and beautifully written account of Muir's inner development as an environmental thinker." -John A. Tallmadge, president of the Association for the Study of Literature and the Environment

As a founder of the Sierra Club and promoter of the national parks, as a passionate nature writer and as a principal figure of the environmental movement, John Muir stands as a powerful symbol of connection with the natural world. But how did Muir's own relationship with nature begin? In this pioneering book, Steven J. Holmes offers a dramatically new interpretation of Muir's formative years, one that reveals the agony as well as the elation of his earliest experiences of nature.

From his childhood in Scotland and Wisconsin through his young adulthood in the Midwest and Canada, Muir struggled-often without success-to find a place for himself both in nature and in society. Far from granting comfort, the natural world confronted the young Muir with a full range of practical, emotional, and religious conflicts. Only with the help of his family, his religion, and the extraordinary power of nature itself could Muir in his late twenties find a welcoming vision of nature as home-a vision that would shape his lifelong environmental experience, most immediately in his transformative travels through the South and to the Yosemite Valley.

More than a biography, The Young John Muir is a remarkable exploration of the human relationship with wilderness. Accessible and engaging, the book will appeal to anyone interested in the individual struggle to come to terms with the power of nature.

For the first time placing the development of Muir's environmental consciousness in the context of his human relationships, this major reinterpretation of the early life of John Muir emphasizes Muir's childhood and youth rather than adulthood. Holmes shows how Muir's youthful experiences and influences caused him to perceive his natural surroundings as a religiously- charged "home," continuous with the emotional and cultural meanings of his actual home.

Customer Reviews:

Masterfully, Intricately-Done Biography.......2002-10-04

Environmental History is a growing and much-needed field of Academia. John Muir, a peaceful yet titanic figure in America's own enviromental movement, like Rachel Carson, like, in his own right-Teddy Roosevelt, is a Pioneer of this movement. Professor Steven J.Holmes. Lecturer in History and Literature at Harvard University, has produced a deeply poignant book about this deeply thoughtful man, i.e. in Muir's "formative" years, wherein his Scottish roots clashed, then melded and germinated beautifully with the ever-more wild Wisconsin of Muir's American years. Yet this child of Dunbar, Scotland, was to, even at the "tadpole's age" of five, begin having transformative and even existential experiences, mostly derived from and spawned by the "Wilderness," by Nature, but too by Muir's love for his beloved mother. According to Holmes' carefully-documented and sourced biographical history of Muir, the young Lad had, even at a VERY young(before age 2)age, an UNCANNY ability to interact with, respond to, and above all, Deeply TRUST his Mother-especially, began when John Muir was just two months of age. Yet to me, with Mother Earth being THE all-powerful and nurturing, kindly force that this species MUST needs be recognize(i.e., Patriarchal societies are NOW too destructive, for Mother Earth to sustain, much longer), these Youthful, formative instinctive developments on Muir's part would become incredibly important in and to that "ecocentric perspective,"(182) as Holmes terms it, that would dominate this quixotically wild but peace-loving man's entire Life's viewpoint, all to the LONG-TERM betterment(IF we can only LISTEN-NOW, if not SOONER) of this Nation-State, and this species.

An Excellent Biography!.......2001-11-16

I have been an admirer of John Muir since I was a young child. This book is excellent in the way in which Steven J. Holmes captures the essence of a man who continues to inspire persons of all ages and backgrounds with his life. It offers intimate glimpses into Muir's experiences as well as a new perspective into understanding Muir as a universalist humanitarian and hero.

John Muir: Young Naturalist (Childhood of Famous Americans)

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John Muir: Young Naturalist (Childhood of Famous Americans)
Montrew Dunham
Manufacturer: Aladdin
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 068981996X

The Importance Of Series - John Muir (The Importance Of Series)

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The Importance Of Series - John Muir (The Importance Of Series)
Tom Ito
Manufacturer: Lucent Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1560060549

Book Description

Activist and naturalist, John Muir is best remembered for his fight to preserve Yosemite Valley from development. As he claimed, "The park is the poor man's refuge. Few are altogether blind and deaf to the sweet looks and voices of nature."

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John Muir (Pioneers in Change)
Eden Eskin Force
Manufacturer: Silver Burdett Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding

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ASIN: 0382099656

To Save the Earth: The American Environmental Movement (Epoch Biography)

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To Save the Earth: The American Environmental Movement (Epoch Biography)
Jules Archer
Manufacturer: Viking Juvenile
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0670871214

Book Description

The American environmental movement stretches back over a century of activism and hard work. Four extraordinary Americans stand at its heart: John Muir, a pioneer of conservationism, was the founder of our national park system. Rachel Carson, biologist and author, brought widespread attention to the effects of pesticides and chemical wastes. David McTaggert, the organizer of Greenpeace, introduced the tactic of non-violent resistance into the struggle, while Dave Foreman, co-founder and former leader of the activist group Earth First!, shook up a movement that had grown complacent. Engaging biographies of all four, highlighted by the author's interviews with McTaggert and Foreman, place each in historical context, while Archer explains where the movement has been, and what the issues will be in the future. Numerous details and incidents vividly evoke the social climate. --Kirkus Reviews for They Had a Dream Jules Archer lives in Scotts Valley, California.

The Young John Muir: An Environmental Biography.: An article from: Church History

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The Young John Muir: An Environmental Biography.: An article from: Church History
Timothy J. Babalis
Manufacturer: American Society of Church History
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

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Book Description

This digital document is an article from Church History, published by American Society of Church History on September 1, 2002. The length of the article is 1045 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: The Young John Muir: An Environmental Biography.
Author: Timothy J. Babalis
Publication: Church History (Refereed)
Date: September 1, 2002
Publisher: American Society of Church History
Volume: 71 Issue: 3 Page: 678(2)

Article Type: Book Review

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The Young John Muir : An Environmental Biography, University of Wisconsin Press, 1999,

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The Young John Muir : An Environmental Biography, University of Wisconsin Press, 1999,
Steven J., HOLMES
Manufacturer: Univ of Wisconsin Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OSB1ZQ

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