Friday, May 28, 2010

A Theory of Justice

One of the first books challenging the daunting utilitarian framework, A Theory of Justice, has succeeded as a viable alternative to the more engrained utilitarian doctrine. John Rawls unique prescience enabled him to present a theory that insidiously dismantles utilitarianism through a series of thought experiments. Rawls ultra moral proposition of the "Veil of Ignorance" describes the idea that a theory of justice can only be just if the creator of that theory is unbiased. The way to acheive perfect objectiveness on behalf of the creator is to assume a "veil of ignorance", which is the notion that the creator does not know his or her own position in society. They may be poor, rich, intelligent, or immoral, all of which could potentially influence the agenda of people who are entering this basic contract. Derivative of contract theory, a theory of justice outlines a theory that can be interpreted as a hybrid between contract theory and utilitarianism, eloquently striking a middle-ground.

Jimmy Sagan

Consciousness Explained

Daniel Dennett eloquently derails the most intuitive notions of consciousness and offers a fresh perspective. The first couple of pages were confusing and counterintuitive, but eventually I came to see Dennet's theory as a formidable challenge to "The Cartesian Theatre". The "Cartesian Theatre" describes the entrenched idea of consciousness and reveals the fallability of the theory, ultimately revealing "The Great Illusion". Cartestian Materialism panders to the notion that our brains present conscious material to the mind, but unless there is an active super-natural agent, this notion seems unlikely at best. Dennet deconstructs this notion and introduces "The Multiple Drafts" theory, a theory that is capable of describing consciousness without the aid of a super-natural agent. Naturally, this theory requires a deconstruction of the most entrenched presuppositions of the mechanisms of consciousness, and describes consciousness as a connectivity between thousands of neural specialists that form coalitions. These neural demons only apprehend information once, which then goes through the rigorous process of revision. This concept dispels of the "Cartesian Theatre" and proves that our brains do not recapitulate information for the benefit of the observer, because there is no observer. Dennet's book is thoroughly complex, inaccesible, and even frustrating at times.However, the value of such a theory far outweighs the mental labor that is required to fully grasp the over-arching concepts of the book. This brilliant book has undoubtedly shed light on the nature of the brain and it is a brilliant attempt at dismissing the mind/brain problem as base.


Jimmy Sagan

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Shredderman

Shredderman is a series of books. An easy, and quick read, but will make you want to read the next one in the series. Shredderman is probably one of the most enjoyable series of books I have ever read. There is a huge secret to the series but you will have to read the novels to find out. If your looking for a fun, quick and enjoyable read, than pick up Shredderman, you won't regret it!

Chip B.

Mickey Mantle Biography

The Biography of Mickey Mantle is a novel about a guy who built him self up from the ground. Being the oldest child in a family is tough enough, but in the middle of the great depression? This biography recaps Mantle's ups and downs he suffered to be one of America's ultimate baseball heros. A great novel for a sports lover.

Chip B.

The Outsiders

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a novel that all teenagers should read. Most kids read this book in early years of high school or middle school, either way this novel is outstanding. This book somewhat reminds you of your own town you live in. If you can relate to this story than you will most likely really enjoy it. Stay Gold.

Chip B.

Hoot

Hoot is a quick read, with an intruiging adventure as the plot. This book has a great enviromental message and if your the kind of person who likes reading about action packed adventures and great endings, than this is the book for you. I would reccomend the novel Hoot to most young high school students.

Chip B.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Water For Elephants by Sara Gruen

Water for Elephants is book about the 1932 circus. It takes place when a young man named Jacob, who has recently been orphaned, jumps a passing train, and enters a world of circus freaks. He joins the circus as the circus vet and meets the love of his life, Marlena. This book is beautifully written and takes you to a different time and place. I loved this book and would recommend it to anyone.. But I do warn you it is a bit of a romance :)

Saturday, May 15, 2010

The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.

If you have forgotten about what a global icon and world leader MLK was, than this novel will certainely remind you. He was a passionate man with great ideas. This novel takes you from his backround, to his most memorable speeches. I would reccomend this novel to all students because it is a very inspirational book and shows you what a true 'leader' should like.

Chip B.

Gandhi an Autobiography

After reading this novel, I learned a lot about Mahatma Gandhi. Before this book, I only knew him by his quotes and what I had read about him on the internet. But now I know about his what made him a great individual and his Indian history. A great read for all high school students looking for an autobiography about a true leader.

Chip B.

The Pigman

In The Pigman by Paul Zindel, to Sophomores John and Lorraine, nothing is important. They certainly can never please their parents. To pass the time, they play pranks on unsuspecting people. It's during one of these pranks that they meet the "Pigman", a kind, fat, balding old man. You will soon find how the 3 make a connection. I really enjoyed this novel and most High School students would as well.

Chip B.

The Wringer

Jerry Spinelli's "Wringer" is a very special book: a novel that is marketed to younger readers, but which also has much to offer teenagers. This is a powerful and message sending book. Once you pick up this novel, you will not want to put it down! You will be very intruiged by Spinelli's novel.

Chip B.

Lord of the Flies

A great book to those who can understand the books true meaning. Every object of the book has a meaning - the conch for unity. The beast for the darker side of humanity. Even Piggy - his logic and brains show that looks aren't everything. I would recommend this novel to most highschool students. Lord of the Flies is for more mature readers, but most students would follow the novel fairly easy.

Chip B.

Of Mice and Men

I recently read Of Mice and Men for an English class. I really enjoyed this novel. In Of Mice and Men, you learn a lot about friendship and loyalty. It is a great and enjoyable read for all highschool students. Steinbeck's great description of the setting and all the characters shows what life was like back in the 1930's.

Chip B.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

A brave new world

A brave new World, written by Aldous Huxley, is a very interesting book about a futuristic utopian society in which everyone is genetically changed to fit a specific roll in life. There are some people who live on reservations similar to indian reservations and there an old way of life is preserved. The story follows one person from a reservation and a man who takes him from the reservation and introduces him to the society. This book is very good and I enjoyed it all the way through. I highly recommend this book.
Steven Lee

Song of the Sparrow

I recently read Song of the Sparrow, by Lisa Anne Sandel. Although poetry is certainly not my favorite form of literature, I enjoyed this particular book. It is a version of the story about Camelot, from the perspective of Elaine (the subject of the poem The Lady of Shalott). Sandel writes about themes like freindship, understanding, jealousy, and self-confidence in a poetic format. Through learning about Gwynivere, a seemingly vain girl, Elaine comes to realize more about herself and the people she loves. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry or the story of Camelot.
(Megan, the latest book in the series you were talking about came out a few days ago, I believe it is titled Burned)
Jordan