Exploring the evolution of Aldous Huxley from a satirist to a guru-mystic, this biography by Dr. Kieron O'Hara delves into Huxley's impactful life and work. It offers an insightful analysis of his contributions, including the invention of the term 'psychedelic,' while highlighting his lasting influence on modern thought. The book combines a thoughtful biography with accessible reading notes, making it an essential introduction to one of the twentieth century's most significant intellectual figures.
In David Cameron's review of the first edition of this book, he praised its 'road map for a sustained Conservative recovery' and is now following its prescription, leading to a successful Tory revival. Revised and significantly expanded this is the first book to consider Cameron and the Tories' future. Calling the first edition 'a compelling, and often persuasive read', David Cameron's detailed review of "After Blair" has been held up by the "Guardian" as the best description of his policies yet. His strong association with the book continued when he referred to it in his famous Keith Joseph lecture last spring. In this revised and expanded edition, O'Hara places Cameron in the context of Conservative history, explaining Cameron's intellectual and political roots in a way that no other book has. Including new, exclusive interviews with Cameron's principal advisors and strategists, a summary of the threat from the right to the Tories' new direction, and an analysis of Cameron's potential, this is the essential book on British politics today.
Exploring the evolution of conservative philosophy, the book delves into its original focus on managing change, as articulated by Edmund Burke in the eighteenth century. It highlights the disparity among contemporary political groups that identify as conservative, including the religious right and libertarians, illustrating how their beliefs often conflict. The text argues for the importance of genuine conservatism in today's fast-paced and tumultuous world, emphasizing its relevance in navigating societal transformations.
A startling expose of the surveillance state we didn't even know existed: from
CCTVs to blogging, from cookies to RFID tags, we are watched more than ever
before.
Blamed for the disasters of the 20th century: Auschwitz, the Gulags,
globalisation, Islamic terrorism; heralded as the harbinger of reason,
equality, and the end of arbitrary rule. This book traverses these conflicts,
presenting the history, politics, science, religion, arts, and social life of
the Enlightenment.
Focusing on the concept of digital modernity, the author examines its implications within a society shaped by ubiquitous technology and data-driven interactions. Key aspects include the anticipatory nature of choices, the emphasis on disruptive innovation, and the control afforded by data analysis. The work highlights the synergies and tensions among these elements, addressing the challenges of misinformation. By identifying five guiding principles and contrasting digital modernity with other contemporary theories, the author underscores its significance in understanding technology's evolution and its impact on society.
Joseph Conrad's writing offers a profound commentary on contemporary issues through its exploration of skepticism, pessimism, and the fragility of community. The book emphasizes how Conrad's themes illuminate the challenges of escaping our historical context, providing valuable insights into the political landscape of today. His unique perspective sets him apart from his contemporaries, making his work particularly relevant for understanding modern societal dynamics.
Four Internets offers a revelatory new approach for conceptualizing the
Internet and understanding the sometimes rival values that drive its
governance and stability. It unravels how tensions between the models play out
across politics, economics, and technology, ultimately debating whether these
models can continue to co-exist-or what might happen if any fall away.
How smart machines are transforming us all -- and what we should do about it. The smart-machines revolution is re-shaping our lives and our societies. Here, Nigel Shadbolt, one of Britain's leading authorities on artificial intelligence, and Roger Hampson dispel terror, confusion, and misconception. They argue that it is human stupidity, not artificial intelligence, that should concern us. Lucid, well-informed, and deeply human, The Digital Apeoffers a unique approach to some of the biggest questions about our future.
A comprehensive, rigorous, multidisciplinary analysis of privacy debates,
organised around a framework for understanding the different questions and
perspectives of antagonists. -- .