What does it mean to be a humanist? Is humanism a new idea? How do people live their lives without religious beliefs? The first of its kind aimed at the new curriculum for upper primary & lower secondary school children this book examines how humanists respond to fundamental questions about morals & ethics the origins of life religion & the state It looks at how humanists mark the milestones of birth marriage & death How do people without belief in God live moral & fulfilled lives with respect for humankind & the universe? This thought-provoking approach encourages readers to think about the big questions for themselves The book

Includes:: contributions from a number of prominent humanists such as Stephen Fry Camila Batmanghelidjh Philip Pullman Jim Al-Khalili Natalie Haynes & Shappi Khorsandi who explain their own philosophy & tell us what is important to them Part of the groundbreaking & important ' And Other Big Questions' series which offers balanced & considered views on the big issues we face in the world we live in today Other titles in the series include What is Feminism? Why do we need It? Who are Refugees & Migrants? What Makes People Leave their Homes?

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Seventy years ago Erwin Schrodinger posed a profound question ' What is life & how did it emerge from non-life?' This problem has puzzled biologists & physical scientists ever since Living things are hugely complex & have unique properties such as self-maintenance & apparently purposeful behaviour which we do not see in inert matter So how does chemistry give rise to biology? What could have led the first replicating molecules up such a path? Now developments in the emerging field of 'systems chemistry' are unlocking the problem Addy Pross shows how the different kind of stability that operates among replicating molecules results in a tendency for chemical systems to become more complex & acquire the properties of life Strikingly he demonstrates that Darwinian evolution is the biological expression of a deeper well-defined chemical concept the whole story from replicating molecules to complex life is one continuous process governed by an underlying physical principle The ...

The third edition of What is Military History? has been thoroughly updated &

Includes:: a new bibliography

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As the health benefits of mindfulness have been increasingly recognized & the practice has moved from spiritual & new age to secular realms misconceptions have multiplied So what is the reality? How can one thing help so many people in such different ways even those who would have previously thought it near impossible to tame their racing minds & live with more awareness? In this incisive guide neuroscientist clinical psychologist martial artist & mindfulness teacher Dr Tamara Russell demystifies the confusions that often get in the way of mindfulness training by addressing the most frequently asked questions including What does mindfulness really mean & what are its benefits? How does it actually work? Where does it come from? How can we get the most from it? What are the future possibilities with it? The Q&A approach coupled with a range of practical exercises that allow you to explore the art of mindfulness for yourself takes you on a real behind-the-scenes tour of this potentially life-changing practice in turn helping us to live calmer more contented lives ...

In this beginner's guide Charles Taliaferro addresses the important questions involved in philosophy of religion covering all the major contemporary topics What is Philosophy of Religion? takes a practical question-based approach to the subject inviting the reader to engage with this exciting topic in a down-to-earth way-- 160 pages Taliaferro Charles ...

' This lucid guide is essential reading' Guardian From Donald Trump to Recep Erdogan populists are on the rise across the globe But what exactly is populism? Should everyone who criticizes Wall Street or Washington be called a populist? What precisely is the difference between right-wing & left-wing populism? Does populism bring government closer to the people or is it a threat to democracy? Who are the people anyway & who can speak in their name? These questions have never been more pressing In this provocative book Jan-Werner Muller argues that at populism's core is a rejection of pluralism Populists will always claim that they & they alone represent the people & their true interests Contrary to conventional wisdom populists can govern on the basis of their claim to exclusive moral representation of the people if populists have enough power they will end up creating an authoritarian state that excludes all those not considered part of the proper people Proposing a number of concrete strategies for how liberal democrats should best deal with populists Muller shows how to counter their claims to speak exclusively for the silent majority Updated with a new afterword ...

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is estimated to affect around 1 in 3 people who go through a traumatic event While awareness of the debilitating impact of trauma has grown in recent years what's not so well known is that traumatic experiences can also be the catalyst for significant personal growth & transformation proving that what doesn't kill you really can make you stronger In this insightful book positive psychologist Miriam Akhtar explores the new science of post-traumatic growth answering the most frequently asked questions about the subject including What is trauma & what is post-traumatic stress? What is meant by the concept of post-traumatic growth? How do you cope positively during & after trauma? How can you strengthen your resilience to keep going? How can you grow from adversity? The combination of the Q&A approach real-life case studies & a range of practical resilience-building strategies guides you gently on the journey from adversity to growth showing that it's possible to emerge from trauma's shadow with not only greater well-being but also a deeper sense of meaning & fulfilment in life ...

This book examines psychotherapy what the needs are in all of us to which it caters; the methods by which it addresses these needs
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The eyes of the world are on the Middle East Today more than ever this deeply-troubled region is the focus of power games between major global players vying for international influence Absent from this scene for the past quarter century Russia is now back with gusto Yet its motivations decision-making processes & strategic objectives remain hard to pin down So just what is Russia up to in the Middle East? In this hard-hitting essay leading analyst of Russian affairs Dmitri Trenin cuts through the hyperbole to offer a clear & nuanced analysis of Russia's involvement in the Middle East & its regional & global ramifications Russia he argues cannot & will not supplant the US as the leading external power in the region but its actions are accelerating changes which will fundamentally remake the international system in the next two decades ...

Pamela Howard's What is Scenography? has become a classic text in contemporary theatre design & performance practice In this second edition the author expands on her holistic analysis of scenography as comprising space text research art performers directors & spectators to examine the changing nature of scenography in the twenty-first century The book

Includes:: case studies & anecdotes from Howard's own celebrated careerillustrations of her own recent work in full colour throughoutan updated 'world view' of scenography with definitions from the world's most famous & influential scenographers A direct & personal response to the question of how to define scenography by one of the world's leading practitioners What is Scenography? continues to shape the work of visual theatremakers throughout the world

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