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Critiques and Addresses

Science & Nature

The "Critiques and Addresses" gathered together in this volume, like the "Lay Sermons, Addresses, and Reviews", published three years ago, deal chiefly with educational, scientific, and philosophical subjects; and, in fact, indicate the high-water mark of the various tides of occupation by which I have been carried along since the beginning of the year 1870.

Conscious

Science & Nature

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER"If you’ve ever wondered how you have the capacity to wonder, some fascinating insights await you in these pages.” --Adam Grant, New York Times bestselling author of OriginalsAs concise and enlightening as Seven Brief Lessons on Physics and Astrophysics for People in a Hurry, this mind-expanding dive into the mystery of consciousness is an illuminating meditation on the self, free will, and felt experience.What is consciousness? How does it arise? And why does it exist? We take our experience of being in the world for granted. But the very existence of consciousness raises profound questions: Why would any collection of matter in the universe be conscious? How are we able to think about this? And why should we?In this wonderfully accessible book, Annaka Harris guides us through the evolving definitions, philosophies, and scientific findings that probe our limited understanding of consciousness. Where does it reside, and what gives rise to it? Could it be an illusion, or a universal property of all matter? As we try to understand consciousness, we must grapple with how to define it and, in the age of artificial intelligence, who or what might possess it. Conscious offers lively and challenging arguments that alter our ideas about consciousness—allowing us to think freely about it for ourselves, if indeed we can.

Manifeste pour une justice climatique

Science & Nature

Le combat pour le climat, et ce qu'il porte en lui de mutations positives, est le combat du siècle. C'est celui de la paix, de la prospérité et de la justice climatique. Tel est l'objet du manifeste de Ségolène Royal car, à travers le combat climatique, c'est l'invention du présent qui s'écrit. " L'année 2016 marque l'histoire de l'humanité avec l'entrée en vigueur de l'accord de Paris sur la lutte contre le dérèglement climatique. Il doit beaucoup aux scientifiques et aux chercheurs du monde entier qui ont prouvé la fragilité de notre planète et les destructions intolérables qu'elle subit. Il doit beaucoup aussi à toutes celles et ceux qui se sont mis en mouvement, citoyens, territoires, villes, entreprises, ONG et gouvernants et qui ont fait de cette année 2016 celle d'un aboutissement de plus de vingt ans de discussions et celle d'un nouveau départ.Pendant trois ans, j'ai vu ce monde nouveau qui s'écrit sous nos yeux et j'ai aidé de toutes mes forces à le faire émerger : des initiatives majeures, des pays qui luttent et inventent, des hommes et des femmes qui s'engagent. Partout, les citoyens transforment leurs vies, les gouvernements décident de modèles de développement sobres et durables. De nouvelles sources d'énergies sont domestiquées ; des peuples entiers se mobilisent ; la faune et la flore sont surveillées, protégées ; l'espace maritime enfin pris en considération.Contre le pessimisme, le cynisme, le relativisme, je voudrais dire que ce mouvement est réel, que sa force surprend chaque fois qu'on la rencontre dans n'importe lequel des continents. " On n'arrête pas une idée dont l'heure est venue " écrivait Victor Hugo. Aujourd'hui, cette idée poursuit sa course, et dans son sillage, une nouvelle réalité prend forme. Le scepticisme nous oblige à être plus clair et plus exigeant. Mais le combat pour le climat et ce qu'il porte en lui de mutations positives est le combat du siècle.C'est celui de la paix, de la prospérité et de la justice climatique. C'est surtout l'invention du présent qui s'écrit. "Ségolène Royal

Feyerabend

Science & Nature

This book is the first comprehensive critical study of the work of Paul Feyerabend, one of the foremost twentieth-century philosophers of science. The book traces the evolution of Feyerabend's thought, beginning with his early attempt to graft insights from Wittgenstein's conception of meaning onto Popper's falsificationist philosophy. The key elements of Feyerabend's model of the acquisition of knowledge are identified and critically evaluated. Feyerabend's early work emerges as a continuation of Popper's philosophy of science, rather than as a contribution to the historical approach to science with which he is usually associated. In his more notorious later work, Feyerabend claimed that there was, and should be, no such thing as the scientific method. The roots of Feyerabend's 'epistemological anarchism' are exposed and the weaknesses of his cultural relativism are brought out. Throughout the book, Preston discusses the influence of Feyerabend's thought on contemporary philosophers and traces his stimulating but divided legacy. The book will be of interest to students of philosophy, methodology, and the social sciences.

La fin de l'avenir

Science & Nature

« On n’arrête pas le progrès », disait-on jadis. Mais peut-être s’arrête-t-il tout seul ! L’origine de la crise profonde que subit l’Occident aujourd’hui ne serait-elle pas à chercher dans l’épuisement de l’innovation technologique ? Quand on compare la situation actuelle aux prédictions enthousiastes des futurologues des années 60, et que l’on fait un bilan objectif du développement technique jusque dans ses domaines « de pointe » (l’informatique, l’espace, la santé), un constat d’échec s’impose. Si le déclin technologique n’est pas encore évident, c’est paradoxalement grâce aux techniques anciennes qui donnent un second souffle à nos industries : le train (TGV) et les tramways, la céramique et la brique, la fonte et le fer, le coton et la laine – autant de secteurs parmi les plus modernes et les plus productifs aujourd’hui. La mise en évidence du potentiel de ces « techniques d’hier pour demain », voilà le second thème de ce livre. Mais ce plateau technologique sera provisoire, et nous abordons un tournant historique décisif – la fin de la civilisation industrielle occidentale. Bien qu’exceptionnelle, notre civilisation n’a aucune raison d’évoluer autrement que celles qui l’ont précédée. Toutes ont cru échapper à la décadence, aucune n’y est parvenu. L’inéluctable loi des cycles historiques joue désormais contre nous. Seule notre ignorance des mécanismes de l’évolution technique peut nous laisser croire le contraire. Nourri d’exemples détaillés empruntés à tous les domaines de la technique, appuyé sur une vision historique à long terme, cette analyse lucide de notre avenir est peut-être la seule qui puisse nous en donner une relative maîtrise.

Corporate Social Responsibility in Management and Engineering

Science & Nature

Referring to an organizations responsibility for their impact on society, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is greatly relevant for the competitiveness, sustainability and innovation in the management and engineering arena of organizations, and the economy worldwide. Taking in account its these concerns, Corporate Social Responsibility in Management and Engineering covers the issues related to corporate social responsibility in management and engineering in a context where organizations are facing, day after day, high challenges for what concerns issues related to their social responsibility. The book looks to contribute to the exchange of experiences and perspectives about the state of the research related to CSR, as well as the future direction of this field of research. It looks to provide a support to academics and researchers, as well as those that operating in the management field need to deal with policies and strategies related to CSR.

Adaptation to Climate Change: A Spatial Challenge

Science & Nature

As it becomes clear that climate change is not easily within the boundaries of the 1990’s, society needs to be prepared and needs to anticipate future changes due to the uncertain changes in climate. So far, extensive research has been carried out on several issues including the coastal defence or shifting ecozones. However, the role spatial design and planning can play in adapting to climate change has not yet been focussed on. This book illuminates the way adaptation to climate change is tackled in water management, ecology, coastal defence, the urban environment and energy. The question posed is how each sector can anticipate climate change by creating spatial designs and plans. The main message of this book is that spatial design and planning are a very useful tool in adapting to climate change. It offers an integral view on the issue, it is capable in dealing with uncertainties and it opens the way to creative and anticipative solutions. Dealing with adaptation to climate change requires a shift in mindset; from a technical rational way of thinking towards an integral proactive one. A new era in spatial design and planning looms on the horizon. "Mounting evidence suggests climate change is going to be much worse much sooner than most people expect with little chance remaining of capping the rise in global temperatures at just two degrees and no better than a 50-50 chance of stabilising at a four degree increase. So a book like this is absolutely vital as a guide to what we can do and how we can cope". Ken Livingstone, former mayor of London "We must urgently phase out coal emissions and move to the post fossil fuel era, if we wish to preserve a tolerable planet for our children and grandchildren. Yet even so, society must prepare for some effects of climate change that have become inevitable. This book shows how." James E. Hansen, Director NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies and Adjunct Professor Earth and Environmental Sciences, Columbia University, New York "Climate change is one of the biggest global problems mankind faces in the next centuries. People all over the world will need to save energy and use sustainable resources only. Meanwhile, they need to adapt to the effects of climate change urgently. In this book a very important contribution is made on the possibilities of spatial planning and design to enhance a high-qualitative adaptation, which can be applied over the entire globe." Prof. Dr. Victor Sergeev, MGIMO University - Center for the Studies of Global Problems, Moscow, Russia "The necessity to adapt to climate change offers us also a chance: this enhances us to improve the spatial quality of regions and to create valuable, liveable and worthwhile landscapes and urban environments. This book illuminates the way adaptation to climate change can be tackled in a spatial way. The many examples from Groningen province illustrate our frontrunner position in this field." Marc Calon, Regional Minister of Spatial Affairs, Finance, Area Development and Estate Development Corporation Policy, Province of Groningen

"Le...Moyne noir en gris dedans Varennes" / Divertissement sur les dernières paroles de Socrate

Science & Nature

Dès le début du XIXe siècle, les commentateurs de Nostradamus ont signalé, dans le 20e quatrain de la IXe Centurie, un faisceau de détails précis qui paraît annoncer la fuite et l'arrestation de Louis XVI : "de nuit", un personnage "en gris" "viendra dedans Varennes" et, aussitôt après, dans le dernier vers, un "élu cap cause tempête, feu, sang, tranche" – le tranche étant un couperet. Mais les autres détails sont inexpliqués : pourquoi le personnage en question est-il appelé "le moine noir"? Pourquoi vient-il "par la forêt de Reines"? Et que signifie le deuxième vers, sans syntaxe : "Deux parts, vaultorte, Herne, la pierre blanche"? À partir de ces données, l'auteur propose trois jeux. Un puzzle : l'étude philologique et historique du texte permet-elle d'éclairer toutes ces énigmes, sans résidu, par les circonstances du "drame de Varennes"? Un jeu logique : si l'on admet que, au milieu du XVIe siècle, Nostradamus a "vu" l'événement de 1791, quels sont les caractères distinctifs de cette connaissance, les mécanismes de cette pensée, qui diffère à la fois de la pensée onirique et de la pensée réfléchie? Un jeu métaphysique enfin : comment concevoir les moyens de cette connaissance? À la fin du Phédon, Socrate, achevant de mourir, prononce onze mots très simples qui signifient : "Criton, nous devons un coq à Asklépios. Payez la dette et n'oubliez pas." Aucune exégèse satisfaisante n'a été proposée. La plus usuelle est celle que Lamartine a mise en vers : "Aux dieux libérateurs, dit-il, qu'on sacrifie! Ils m'ont guéri! – De quoi? dit Cébès. – De la vie!" Toute l'existence, tout l'enseignement de Socrate protestent contre cette interprétation. Qu'a-t-il voulu dire?

Quantitative Analysis and Optimal Control of Energy Efficiency in Discrete Manufacturing System

Science & Nature

This book provides energy efficiency quantitative analysis and optimal methods for discrete manufacturing systems from the perspective of global optimization. In order to analyze and optimize energy efficiency for discrete manufacturing systems, it uses real-time access to energy consumption information and models of the energy consumption, and constructs an energy efficiency quantitative index system. Based on the rough set and analytic hierarchy process, it also proposes a principal component quantitative analysis and a combined energy efficiency quantitative analysis. In turn, the book addresses the design and development of quantitative analysis systems. To save energy consumption on the basis of energy efficiency analysis, it presents several optimal control strategies, including one for single-machine equipment, an integrated approach based on RWA-MOPSO, and one for production energy efficiency based on a teaching and learning optimal algorithm. Given its scope, the book offers a valuable guide for students, teachers, engineers and researchers in the field of discrete manufacturing systems.

Essai sur les données immédiates de la conscience

Science & Nature

L'ouvrage est consacré principalement à l'idée de durée, un concept clef de la pensée bergsonienne. La durée échappe à notre conscience qui elle-même nous échappe par la multiplicité de ses états. Il nous faut pourtant tenter de retenir la conscience, la continuer et l'organiser, c'est dans cette tâche que réside notre liberté.

What's Eating the Universe?

Science & Nature

Combining the latest scientific advances with storytelling skills unmatched in the cosmos, an award-winning astrophysicist and popular writer leads us on a tour of some of the greatest mysteries of our universe.In the constellation of Eridanus, there lurks a cosmic mystery: It’s as if something has taken a huge bite out of the universe. But what is the culprit? The hole in the universe is just one of many puzzles keeping cosmologists busy. Supermassive black holes, bubbles of nothingness gobbling up space, monster universes swallowing others—these and many other bizarre ideas are being pursued by scientists. Due to breathtaking progress in astronomy, the history of our universe is now better understood than the history of our own planet. But these advances have uncovered some startling riddles. In this electrifying new book, renowned cosmologist and author Paul Davies lucidly explains what we know about the cosmos and its enigmas, exploring the tantalizing—and sometimes terrifying—possibilities that lie before us.As Davies guides us through the audacious research offering mind-bending solutions to these and other mysteries, he leads us up to the greatest outstanding conundrum of all: Why does the universe even exist in the first place? And how did a system of mindless, purposeless particles manage to bring forth conscious, thinking beings? Filled with wit and wonder, What’s Eating the Universe? is a dazzling tour of cosmic questions, sure to entertain, enchant, and inspire us all.

Introductory Bioelectronics

Science & Nature

Bioelectronics is a rich field of research involving the application of electronics engineering principles to biology, medicine, and the health sciences. With its interdisciplinary nature, bioelectronics spans state-of-the-art research at the interface between the life sciences, engineering and physical sciences.Introductory Bioelectronics offers a concise overview of the field and teaches the fundamentals of biochemical, biophysical, electrical, and physiological concepts relevant to bioelectronics. It is the first book to bring together these various topics, and to explain the basic theory and practical applications at an introductory level.The authors describe and contextualise the science by examining recent research and commercial applications. They also cover the design methods and forms of instrumentation that are required in the application of bioelectronics technology. The result is a unique book with the following key features: an interdisciplinary approach, which develops theory through practical examples and clinical applications, and delivers the necessary biological knowledge from an electronic engineer’s perspective a problem section in each chapter that readers can use for self-assessment, with model answers given at the end of the book along with references to key scientific publications discussions of new developments in the bioelectronics and biosensors fields, such as microfluidic devices and nanotechnology Supplying the tools to succeed, this text is the best resource for engineering and physical sciences students in bioelectronics, biomedical engineering and micro/nano-engineering. Not only that, it is also a resource for researchers without formal training in biology, who are entering PhD programmes or working on industrial projects in these areas.

Complex Systems: Innovation and Sustainability in the Digital Age

Science & Nature

This text provides one of the first book-length studies on the innovative and sustainable development of complex systems in the era of digital transformations, combining quantitative data from several countries with detailed qualitative accounts at the national level. In particular, the book covers the basic concepts, methods, and cutting-edge research on innovation and sustainability in complex systems. Given its scope, the book will be of great interest and value to researchers and practitioners working across the social sciences and in a diverse range of areas in complexity science. Pursuing a multidisciplinary approach, the book is also an ideal resource for advanced undergraduate and graduate level courses in complexity science, sustainability research, economics, and development studies.

Cosmology

Science & Nature

Cosmology: The Science of the Universe is an introduction to past and present cosmological theory. For much of the world's history, cosmological thought was formulated in religious or philosophical language and was thus theological or metaphysical in nature. However, cosmological speculation and theory has now become a science in which the empirical discoveries of the astronomer, theoretical physicist, and biologist are woven into intricate models that attempt to account for the universe as a whole. Professor Harrison draws on the discoveries and speculations of these scientists to provide a comprehensive survey of man's current understanding of the universe and its history. Tracing the rise of the scientific method, the major aim of this book is to provide an elementary understanding of the physical universe of modern times. Thoroughly revised and up-dated, this second edition extends the much acclaimed first edition taking into account the many developments that have occurred.

Claves de la innovación

Science & Nature

La innovación es la actividad más importante de nuestra época: trae progresos espectaculares a nuestro nivel de vida, pero también, en ocasiones, cambios inquietantes a la sociedad. Matt Ridley entiende la innovación como un proceso fortuito que avanza de abajo arriba y es resultado directo de la costumbre humana del intercambio, y no como un proceso ordenado que se pone en marcha desde arriba de acuerdo con un plan establecido. Siempre es un fenómeno colectivo, colaborativo, que implica ensayo y error, y nunca responde a la creación de un genio solitario. El autor extrae estas y otras conclusiones a partir de la animada historia de numerosos avances que ilustran qué es la innovación y qué mecanismos la impulsan.

The Cambridge Companion to the 'Origin of Species'

Science & Nature

The Origin of Species by Charles Darwin is universally recognised as one of the most important science books ever written. The Origin of Species is also a work of great cultural and religious significance, in that Darwin maintained that all organisms, including humans, are part of a natural process of growth from simple forms. This Companion commemorates the 150th anniversary of the publication of the Origin of Species and examines its main arguments. Drawing on the expertise of leading authorities in the field, it also provides the contexts – religious, social, political, literary, and philosophical – in which the Origin was composed. Written in a clear and friendly yet authoritative manner, this volume will be essential reading for both scholars and students More broadly, it will appeal to general readers who want to learn more about one of the most important and controversial books of modern times.

Terítéken a világegyetem

Science & Nature

Az elmúlt években nem telt el úgy hét, hogy ne hallottunk volna a vezető hírek között valamilyen új kozmikus felfedezésről. Úgy tűnik, a nagyközönség őszintén érdeklődik a csillagászat iránt. Ezt bizonyítja például a tudományos tévéműsorok emelkedő nézettsége, de az is, hogy a producerek és rendezők, valamint a neves színészek közreműködésével készült tudományos-fantasztikus filmek is egyre nagyobb népszerűségnek örvendenek. Bár napjainkban sok tudományterület felszálló ágban van, a legmagasabbra mégis az asztrofizika csillaga emelkedett. Hogy miért? Tyson szerint a válasz egyszerű: mindenki nézett már fel a csillagos égre azon töprengve, hogy hogyan működik a mindenség és hogy hol is van a helyünk a világegyetemben. A világ kedvenc asztrofizikusa ezúttal érthető és tömör bevezetést kínál az asztrofizika rejtelmeibe azoknak, akik túlságosan elfoglaltak, hogy előadásokon, tankönyvekből vagy sokszor unalmas dokumentumfilmekből tájékozódjanak. Ez a kis könyv megalapozza az olvasó asztrofizikai műveltségét, és nem titkolt célja, hogy meghozza a kedvet ahhoz, hogy elmélyüljünk a világegyetem megismerésében.

Every Tool's a Hammer

Science & Nature

In this New York Times bestselling “imperative how-to for creativity” (Nick Offerman), Adam Savage—star of Discovery Channel’s Mythbusters—shares his golden rules of creativity, from finding inspiration to following through and successfully making your idea a reality.Every Tool’s a Hammer is a chronicle of my life as a maker. It’s an exploration of making, but it’s also a permission slip of sorts from me to you. Permission to grab hold of the things you’re interested in, that fascinate you, and to dive deeper into them to see where they lead you.Through stories from forty-plus years of making and molding, building and breaking, along with the lessons I learned along the way, this book is meant to be a toolbox of problem solving, complete with a shop’s worth of notes on the tools, techniques, and materials that I use most often. Things like: In Every Tool There Is a Hammer—don’t wait until everything is perfect to begin a project, and if you don’t have the exact right tool for a task, just use whatever’s handy; Increase Your Loose Tolerance—making is messy and filled with screwups, but that’s okay, as creativity is a path with twists and turns and not a straight line to be found; Use More Cooling Fluid—it prolongs the life of blades and bits, and it prevents tool failure, but beyond that it’s a reminder to slow down and reduce the friction in your work and relationships; Screw Before You Glue—mechanical fasteners allow you to change and modify a project while glue is forever but sometimes you just need the right glue, so I dig into which ones will do the job with the least harm and best effects.This toolbox also includes lessons from many other incredible makers and creators, including: Jamie Hyneman, Nick Offerman, Pixar director Andrew Stanton, Oscar-winner Guillermo del Toro, artist Tom Sachs, and chef Traci Des Jardins. And if everything goes well, we will hopefully save you a few mistakes (and maybe fingers) as well as help you turn your curiosities into creations.I hope this book serves as “creative rocket fuel” (Ed Helms) to build, make, invent, explore, and—most of all—enjoy the thrills of being a creator.

IC-BCT 2019

Science & Nature

This book presents articles from the International Conference on Blockchain Technology (IC-BCT) 2019, held in Mumbai, India, and highlights recent advances in the field. It brings together researchers and industry practitioners to show case their ideas linked to business case studies, and provides an opportunity for engineers, researchers, startups and professionals in the field of Blockchain technology to further collaboration.

Planète de virus

Science & Nature

Il y a plus de virus sur Terre (1031) que d'étoiles dans l'univers (1024) ! C'est difficile à croire et pourtant nous ne vivons ni sur la planète bleue ni sur celle des singes, mais bien sur celle des virus. Ils sont les plus petits êtres vivants connus de la science mais sont partout. Sous la calotte glaciaire de l'antarctique, dans les océans, qui en abritent l'équivalent de 75 millions de baleines bleues, et bien sûr, dans tous les organismes vivants dont ils sont les hôtes indésirables, à commencer par notre espèce. Rhume, grippe, Ebola, MERS, chikungunya ; virus géants ou surgis du passé. Pas une année sans que les virus fasse planer la menace d'une épidémie dévastatrice et posent de nouvelles questions à la science : Comment évoluons-nous avec eux depuis des millénaires (8% de notre génome est d'origine virale) ? Le changement climatique conduira-t-il à des épidémies encore plus mortelles ? Les virus disparus que l'on ressuscite constituent-ils une nouvelle menace ? En 10 récits brillants et incisifs, sans aucun jargon, Carl Zimmer fait la lumière sur les secrets de ce fascinant univers caché.

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