Last collection of books

Blood In The Machine

2023, Brian Merchant

The book delves into the historical and contemporary struggles between labor and automation, focusing on the Luddites' rebellion against mechanized looms in the early 19th century as a pivotal moment in this ongoing conflict. It explores how the rise of machines and technology has consistently threa

Chokepoint Capitalism

2022, Rebecca Giblin

The book explores the dynamics of modern capitalism, focusing on how powerful corporations create bottlenecks that stifle competition and exploit workers and consumers. It delves into the mechanisms these companies use to dominate markets, such as controlling essential infrastructure and leveraging

Empires Of The Steppes

2023, Kenneth W. Harl

The book explores the rich and complex history of the nomadic cultures that dominated the vast Eurasian steppes, highlighting their significant influence on the development of civilizations across Europe and Asia. It delves into the rise and fall of various empires, such as the Scythians, Huns, Turk

Escape From Rome

2019, Walter Scheidel

The book explores the historical trajectory of the Roman Empire's collapse and its profound impact on the development of Europe and the modern world. It argues that the fall of Rome created a fragmented political landscape that fostered competition, innovation, and economic growth, ultimately leadin

The Knowledge

2014, Lewis Dartnell

The book explores the concept of how humanity could rebuild civilization after a global catastrophe by providing a comprehensive guide to essential scientific and technological knowledge. It delves into the fundamental principles and practical techniques necessary for restarting agriculture, manufac

The Blue Machine

2023, Helen Czerski

The book explores the intricate and dynamic nature of the world's oceans, highlighting their crucial role in sustaining life on Earth. It delves into the complex systems and processes that govern oceanic behavior, such as currents, waves, and marine ecosystems, while emphasizing the interconnectedne

Alien Earths

2023, Lisa Kaltenegger

The book explores the fascinating search for habitable planets beyond our solar system, delving into the scientific advancements and discoveries that have transformed our understanding of the universe. It examines the methods used by astronomers to detect exoplanets and assess their potential to sup

The Allure Of The Multiverse

2023, Paul Halpern

The book explores the fascinating concept of the multiverse, delving into the scientific theories and philosophical implications surrounding the existence of multiple universes. It examines the historical development of the idea, from ancient philosophical musings to modern theoretical physics, and

Space Oddities

2021, Harry Cliff

The book explores the fascinating and complex world of particle physics, delving into the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental building blocks of matter. It takes readers on a journey through the history of scientific discovery, from the early theories of the cosmos to the cutting-edge expe

Your Face Belongs To Us

2023, Kashmir Hill

The book delves into the world of facial recognition technology, exploring its rapid development and the ethical dilemmas it presents. It examines how this technology is being used by law enforcement and private companies, raising concerns about privacy, surveillance, and the potential for misuse. T

How The World Became Rich

2022, Mark Koyama

The book explores the historical and economic factors that have contributed to the unprecedented rise in global wealth over the past few centuries. It delves into the roles of institutions, culture, technology, and geography in shaping economic growth and development. By examining various case studi

The Rise And Fall Of Classical Greece

2015, Josiah Ober

The book explores the remarkable development and eventual decline of Classical Greece, focusing on the period from the 5th to the 4th century BCE. It examines how a collection of small, competitive city-states managed to achieve unprecedented levels of economic prosperity, cultural achievement, and

The Narrow Corridor

2019, Daron Acemoğlu

The book explores the complex relationship between the state and society, arguing that a delicate balance between the two is essential for achieving freedom and prosperity. It delves into historical and contemporary examples to illustrate how societies have navigated this "narrow corridor" to mainta

Capitalism, Alone

2019, Branko Milanović

The book explores the dominance of capitalism as the world's sole economic system, examining its variations and impacts across different societies. It delves into the distinctions between liberal meritocratic capitalism, prevalent in Western countries, and political capitalism, exemplified by China.

Liquid Modernity

2000, Zygmunt Bauman

The book explores the concept of "liquid modernity," a term used to describe the contemporary, ever-changing state of society characterized by constant flux and uncertainty. It examines how traditional structures and institutions, such as family, work, and community, have become more fluid and less

On Love And Tyranny

2020, Ann Heberlein

The book explores the complex relationship between love and power, delving into the philosophical and historical contexts of tyranny. It examines how love can be both a force for liberation and a tool for oppression, analyzing the dynamics between personal relationships and broader societal structur

The Hidden Spring

2021, Mark Solms

The book explores the intricate relationship between consciousness and the brain, proposing a groundbreaking theory that places emotions at the core of human awareness. It delves into the neuroscience of consciousness, arguing that feelings, rather than cognitive processes, are fundamental to unders

Why? The Purpose Of The Universe

2023, Philip Goff

The book explores the profound question of why the universe exists, delving into philosophical and scientific perspectives to uncover potential purposes behind its existence. It examines various theories, including the idea that consciousness plays a fundamental role in the universe's purpose, and c

The Invention Of Prehistory

2023, Stefanos Geroulanos

The book explores the concept of prehistory and its development as a field of study, examining how the idea of a time before recorded history was constructed and understood. It delves into the intellectual and cultural shifts that led to the recognition of prehistory as a distinct period, highlighti

The Age Of Insight

2012, Eric R. Kandel

The book explores the intersection of art, mind, and brain, delving into how the Vienna School of Medicine in the early 20th century influenced the understanding of human perception and creativity. It examines the collaborative efforts of artists, writers, and scientists in Vienna, who collectively

The Outer Limits Of Reason

2013, Noson S. Yanofsky

The book explores the boundaries of human understanding, delving into the limitations of reason, science, and mathematics. It examines paradoxes, unsolvable problems, and the inherent constraints of formal systems, highlighting how certain questions may remain forever beyond our grasp. Through a jou

Code

1999, Charles Petzold

The book explores the fundamental concepts of computer science and the inner workings of computers by breaking down complex ideas into simple, understandable components. It delves into the history and evolution of technology, starting from basic communication methods like Morse code and progressing

Earth's Deep History

2014, Martin J.S. Rudwick

The book delves into the historical development of geological science, tracing how humanity's understanding of Earth's age and history has evolved over time. It explores the shift from a biblical interpretation of Earth's timeline to a scientific perspective, highlighting key figures and discoveries

Science And The Good

2018, James Davison Hunter

The book explores the intersection of science and morality, questioning whether scientific advancements can provide a foundation for ethical values. It critically examines the historical and contemporary efforts to derive moral principles from scientific understanding, highlighting the limitations a

The Claim Of Reason

1979, Stanley Cavell

The book explores the intricate relationship between skepticism, language, and the human condition, delving into philosophical themes such as the nature of knowledge, the limits of reason, and the role of ordinary language in understanding our world. It examines how skepticism challenges our claims

A World Without Why

2014, Raymond Geuss

The book explores the philosophical concept of questioning the necessity of seeking reasons or justifications for everything, challenging the traditional Western emphasis on rationality and purpose. It delves into the implications of living in a world where not everything needs a "why," examining ho

Ethical Intuitionism

2005, Michael Huemer

The book explores the philosophical theory of ethical intuitionism, which posits that humans have an innate ability to perceive moral truths directly through intuition. It argues against moral skepticism and defends the existence of objective moral facts that are self-evident and can be known throug

The Evolution Of Moral Progress

2019, Allen Buchanan

The book explores the development of moral progress through a multidisciplinary lens, examining how human societies have evolved ethically over time. It delves into the mechanisms that drive moral change, such as cultural evolution, social learning, and institutional developments, while also address

A Very Bad Wizard

2009, Tamler Sommers

The book is a collection of interviews with prominent philosophers and cognitive scientists, exploring complex questions about morality, free will, and the human mind. Through engaging dialogues, the author delves into the intricacies of ethical behavior, the nature of consciousness, and the philoso

Moral Error Theory

2014, Jonas Olson

The book explores the philosophical concept of moral error theory, which posits that while moral judgments and statements are commonly made, they are systematically false because they presuppose the existence of objective moral values, which do not exist. The author delves into the arguments support

Evidentialism And The Will To Believe

2014, Scott F. Aikin

The book explores the philosophical debate between evidentialism, the view that beliefs should be formed based solely on evidence, and the concept of the will to believe, which suggests that there are circumstances where it is permissible to hold beliefs without sufficient evidence. It delves into t

Creatures Of Cain

2018, Erika Lorraine Milam

The book explores the shifting scientific and cultural perceptions of human nature and violence during the Cold War era. It delves into how scientists, intellectuals, and the public grappled with the idea of inherent human aggression, influenced by evolutionary theory and the fear of nuclear annihil

Liberal Eugenics

2004, Nicholas Agar

The book explores the ethical implications and philosophical considerations of using genetic technologies to enhance human traits, advocating for a form of eugenics that respects individual choice and diversity. It argues for a liberal approach to genetic enhancement, where parents have the freedom

Big Gods

2013, Ara Norenzayan

The book explores the role of religion in the development of large, cooperative societies, arguing that belief in powerful, moralizing deities helped foster social cohesion and trust among strangers. It examines how these "big gods" encouraged prosocial behavior and facilitated the expansion of huma

The Glass Half Empty

2020, Rodrigo Aguilera

The book critically examines the pervasive optimism in modern society, challenging the notion that positive thinking and relentless optimism are always beneficial. It argues that this mindset often overlooks systemic issues and can lead to complacency, preventing meaningful change. By exploring vari

The Maths That Made Us

2023, Michael Brooks

The book explores the profound impact of mathematics on human history and development, illustrating how mathematical concepts have shaped societies and driven technological and scientific advancements. It delves into various historical periods, highlighting key mathematical breakthroughs and the ind

The Human Cosmos

2020, Jo Marchant

The book explores the profound relationship between humanity and the cosmos throughout history, examining how celestial bodies have influenced human culture, beliefs, and scientific understanding. It delves into how ancient civilizations interpreted the stars and planets, shaping their myths, calend

The World Before Us

2021, Tom Higham

The book explores the complex history of human evolution, focusing on the diverse hominin species that existed before and alongside modern humans. It delves into recent archaeological and genetic discoveries that have reshaped our understanding of human ancestry, highlighting the interactions and in

The Matter Of Everything

2022, Suzie Sheehy

The book explores the fascinating world of particle physics, delving into the groundbreaking experiments and discoveries that have shaped our understanding of the universe. It highlights the pivotal role of particle accelerators and the scientists behind these innovations, illustrating how their wor

The Golden Thread

2018, Kassia St. Clair

The book explores the rich and intricate history of fabric, tracing its profound impact on human civilization across various cultures and eras. It delves into how textiles have been pivotal in shaping economies, societies, and even political landscapes, from ancient Egyptian linen to modern-day inno

Aping Mankind

2011, Raymond Tallis

The book critically examines the growing trend of reducing human consciousness and behavior to mere neurological processes, challenging the notion that humans are simply biological machines. It argues against the reductionist view that neuroscience can fully explain human experience, emphasizing the

Knowing Our Limits

2019, Nathan Ballantyne

The book explores the concept of intellectual humility and the limitations of human knowledge, arguing that recognizing our cognitive boundaries is crucial for personal growth and societal progress. It delves into the psychological and philosophical aspects of how we form beliefs and make decisions,

The Knowledge Machine

2020, Michael Strevens

The book explores the unique power and success of modern science, attributing its effectiveness to a distinctive method that prioritizes empirical evidence and rigorous experimentation over philosophical reasoning or subjective interpretation. It argues that this approach, which the author terms the

The Last Superstition

2008, Edward Feser

The book presents a robust defense of classical theism and critiques modern atheism by revisiting the philosophical traditions of Aristotle and Aquinas. It argues that the decline of metaphysical reasoning has led to the rise of scientism and moral relativism, which the author sees as inadequate fra

First Steps

2021, Jeremy Desilva

The book explores the evolutionary journey of bipedalism, tracing how humans came to walk on two legs. It delves into the anatomical and environmental factors that influenced this transformation, examining fossil evidence and scientific research to provide insights into the development of human loco

The Natural And The Human

2016, Stephen Gaukroger

The book explores the intricate relationship between the natural world and human understanding, tracing the historical development of scientific thought and its impact on human culture. It examines how scientific advancements have shaped our perception of nature and humanity's place within it, highl

Dark Green Religion

2009, Bron Taylor

The book explores the emergence and significance of a global environmental movement characterized by spiritual and ethical beliefs that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life forms and the sacredness of nature. It examines how this "dark green religion" manifests in various forms, from nature-

Is Maths Real? How Simple Questions Lead Us To Mathematics’ Deepest Truths

2023, Eugenia Cheng

The book explores the philosophical and practical aspects of mathematics by examining fundamental questions about its nature and existence. Through engaging narratives and thought-provoking examples, it delves into how simple inquiries can unravel complex mathematical concepts and reveal profound tr

Majority Minority

2022, Justin Gest

The book explores the sociopolitical dynamics and implications of demographic shifts in which minority groups collectively become the majority within a society. It examines how these changes influence political power, cultural identity, and social cohesion, drawing on case studies from various count

Capitalism

2022, Michael Sonenscher

The book explores the historical development and conceptual evolution of capitalism, tracing its roots from early economic practices to its modern-day manifestations. It delves into the interplay between economic theories, political ideologies, and social structures, examining how capitalism has bee

Empty Planet

2019, Darrell Bricker

The book challenges the conventional belief that the global population will continue to grow indefinitely, arguing instead that it will peak and then decline significantly by the end of the century. This shift is attributed to factors such as urbanization, increased access to education, and changing

The Property Species

2020, Bart J. Wilson

The book explores the concept of property from an interdisciplinary perspective, examining how humans have developed systems of ownership and property rights throughout history. It delves into the cognitive and social processes that underpin our understanding of property, arguing that these systems

If We Burn

2023, Vincent Bevins

The book provides a comprehensive exploration of global uprisings and protests that have occurred over the past decade, examining the underlying causes and the varied outcomes of these movements. It delves into the motivations of the individuals involved, the role of social media in mobilizing masse

The Art Of Statistics

2019, David Spiegelhalter

The book provides a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the principles and practices of statistics, emphasizing their importance in understanding and interpreting data in everyday life. It demystifies statistical concepts by using real-world examples and case studies, illustrating how stati

The Company Of Strangers

2004, Paul Seabright

The book explores the evolution of human cooperation and the development of complex societies, examining how strangers have come to trust and collaborate with one another in large-scale economic systems. It delves into the historical and psychological foundations of social trust, highlighting the ro

The Master And His Emissary

2009, Iain McGilchrist

The book explores the profound impact of the brain's two hemispheres on human culture and thought. It argues that the left and right hemispheres have distinct ways of perceiving and interacting with the world, with the right hemisphere offering a holistic, integrative perspective and the left focusi

Contesting Modernity In The German Secularization Debate

2022, Sjoerd Griffioen

The book examines the complex discourse surrounding secularization in Germany, challenging the conventional narratives of modernity's progression. It delves into the historical and philosophical debates that question the linear transition from religious to secular societies, highlighting the nuanced

Revolt Against Modernity

1996, Ted V. McAllister

The book examines the intellectual and cultural tensions between traditionalism and modernity in American thought, focusing on the mid-20th century. It explores how certain conservative thinkers responded to the rapid changes brought about by modernity, such as technological advancements and shifts

The Flight From Reality In The Human Sciences

2005, Ian Shapiro

The book critically examines the tendency within the human sciences to detach from empirical reality, focusing on how theoretical abstractions can lead to a disconnect from practical, real-world issues. It argues for a return to more grounded, evidence-based approaches that prioritize practical rele

Gods And Demons, Priests And Scholars

2018, Bruce Lincoln

The book explores the intricate interplay between religion, mythology, and society, examining how narratives of gods and demons have been used to shape cultural and political landscapes throughout history. It delves into the roles of priests and scholars in interpreting and disseminating these stori