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The classic programme of conceptual engineering (Cappelen, Herman. 2018. Fixing Language: An Essay on Conceptual Engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press; Eklund, Matti. 2021. "Conceptual Engineering." In The Routledge Handbook of Social and Political Philosophy of Language, edited by Justin Khoo, and Rachel Sterken, 15–30. London: Routledge) envisages a two-stage ameliorating process. First, we assess 'F' and determine what the term should express. Second, we bring it about that 'F' expresses what it should express. The second stage gives rise to a practical challenge: the implementation challenge. Engineering advocates need to explain by what means they can implement specific conceptual changes in the natural language shared by a community – a feat Herman Cappelen (2018. Fixing Language: An Essay on Conceptual Engineering. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2020; "Conceptual Engineering: The Master Argument." In Conceptual Engineering and Conceptual Ethics, edited by Alexis Burgess, Herman Cappelen, and David Plunkett, 132–151. Oxford: Oxford University Press) argues to be beyond our understanding and control both on an externalist and on an internalist meta-semantics. I devise a new answer to the implementation challenge. Enlisting the influential theory of social norms by Cristina Bicchieri, I argue that engineering social norms in Bicchieri's technical sense amounts to an effective, specific, and feasible means to implement specific conceptual change, at least on internalist premises. I also argue that Bicchieri's social norms are an essential addition to the more familiar conventions and moral norms when it comes to conceptual engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

How can we make rational decisions that involve transformative experiences, that is, experiences that can radically change our core preferences? L. A. Paul ([2014]. Transformative Experience. Oxford: Oxford University Press.) has argued that many decisions involving transformative experiences cannot be rational. However, Paul acknowledges that some traumatic events can be transformative experiences, but are nevertheless not an obstacle to rational decision-making. For instance, being attacked by hungry sharks would be a transformative experience, and yet, deciding not to swim with hungry sharks is rational. Paul has tried to explain why decisions involving 'sharky' outcomes are an exception to the rule. However, her putative explanation has been criticized by Campbell and Mosquera ([2020]. 'Transformative Experience and the Shark Problem.' Philosophical Studies 177: 3549–3565.). In this paper, I offer a different solution to this problem. Roughly, I argue that transformative experiences give rise a problem for rational decision-making only if the decision can lead to satisfying some of our (new) core preferences, but can also frustrate other (new) core preferences. I also argue that agents can partially project what traumatic transformative experiences are like. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergency industry has always been an important and challenging profession. Paramedics and firefighters are exposed on a daily basis to potentially traumatic situations with some of what they experience leading to transformations, changing them deeply and fundamentally. These transformative experiences (Paul [2016]. Transformative Experience. Oxford: Oxford University Press) where they are required to navigate life and death as part of their profession provide a clear need for transformative learning (Mezirow [1991]. Transformative Dimensions of Adult Learning. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass; Mezirow [2012]. "Learning to Think Like an Adult: Core Concepts of Transformation Theory." In The Handbook of Transformative Learning: Theory, Research, and Practice, edited by Edward W. Taylor, and Patricia Cranton, 73–95. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass) in order to improve their professional and private lives. The study uses a qualitative approach where 57 paramedics and firefighters reflected on their experiences working in the field and on the impact these experiences had on them and their private lives. In empirically charting, the transformative experiences and learning processes, the data support the theories of Paul (2016) and Mezirow (1991; 2012) and show there is a need to provide support for existing workers and better preparation before they enter a career. It raises the question whether saving lives is currently a sustainable profession and how it can become a more sustainable profession. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide an overview of instruments related to the three most representative theories of approach-avoidance (Monni et al., in Personality and Individual Differences 166:110163, 2020): The Regulatory focus theory (Higgins, in American Psychologist 52:1280–1300, 1997; Advances in Experimental Social Psychology 30:1–46, 1998), the Reinforcement sensitivity theory (Gray, in Behaviour Research and Therapy 8:249–266, 1970; The psychology of fear and stress, CUP Archive, 1987; as reported by Gray & McNaughton (The neuropsychology of anxiety: An enquiry into the functions of Septo-hippocampal system, Oxford University Press, 2000), and the Approach-Avoidance temperament theory (Elliot & Thrash, Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 82:804–812, 2002; Journal of Personality 78:865–906, 2010). We examined published peer-reviewed empirical studies guided by three aims: (1) providing a brief description and comparison of the basic constructs of the three theories; (2) offering an overview of the approach-avoidance assessments that have been used in the literature; (3) discussing the strengths and weaknesses of these methodologies and suggesting which might be the most effective technique according to the constructs' operationalization and the psychometric-procedural quality to help researchers choose the reference theory and method best suited to their research focus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper addresses the problem of imaginative resistance in science, that is, why and under what circumstances imagination sometimes resists certain scenarios. In the first part, the paper presents and discusses two accounts concerning the problem and relevant for the main thesis of this study. The first position is that of Gendler (Journal of Philosophy 97:55–81, 2000), (Gendler, in: Nichols (ed) The Architecture of the Imagination: New essays on pretence, possibility and fiction, Oxford University Press, New York, 2006a), (Gendler & Liao, in: Gibson, Carroll (eds) The routledge companion to philosophy of literature, Routledge, New York, 2016), according to which imaginative resistance mainly concerns evaluative scenarios, presenting deviant moral attitudes. The second account examined is that of Kim et al. (in: Cova, Réhault (eds) Advances in experimental philosophy of aesthetics, Bloomsbury, London, 2018), who insisted on the link between imaginative resistance on the one hand and counterfactual and counterdescriptive scenarios on the other. In the light of both theories, this paper discusses the importance of addressing the problem of imaginative resistance in the scientific enterprise in the light of some mechanisms of embodied simulation, based on the activity of mirror neurons and investigated within the framework of the Embodied Simulation Theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In light of Oxford University Press issuing two volumes in The Critical Works of William Empson (Some Versions of Pastoral [1935] and The Structure of Complex Words [1951]), this essay thinks over Empson's career and major works to consider what his value may be nearly a century after his first book, with special attention to problems that Empson's Englishness may pose to readers in the United States. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For Anscombe a solitary activity is intentional if the agent has self-knowledge of what she is doing. Analogously one might think that to partake in shared intentional activities is for the agents involved to have plural or collective self-knowledge of what they are doing together. I call this 'the Plural Practical Knowledge Thesis' (PPK). While some authors have advanced related theses about the nature of the knowledge involved in shared practical activities (see Laurence, B. [2011]. "An Anscombian Approach to Collective Action." In Essays on Anscombe's Intention, edited by Anton Ford, Jennifer Hornsby, and Frederick Stoutland. Cambridge: Harvard UP; Schmid, H.-B. [2016]. "On Knowing What We Are Doing Together." In The Epistemic Life of Groups: Essays in the Epistemology of Collectives, edited by Michael S. Brady, and Miranda Fricker. Oxford: Oxford UP; Rödl, S. [2015]. "Joint Action and Recursive Consciousness of Consciousness." Phenomenology and Cognitive Sciences 14: 769–779. doi:; Rödl, S. [2018a]. "Joint Action and Pure Self-Consciousness." Journal of Social Philosophy 49 (1): 124–136; Rödl, S. [2018b]. Self-Consciousness and Objectivity. Cambridge: Harvard UP) this alternative remains relatively underexplored in the current literature. The paper offers an account of plural practical knowledge based on the idea that shared activities of the relevant sort share a normative structure given by practical, means-end structures and proposes a paradigmatic methodology that generalizes this account to understand what different cases of collective intentional action have in common. It then discusses the differences between the proposed approach and those due to Schmid 2016. "On Knowing What We Are Doing Together." In The Epistemic Life of Groups: Essays in the Epistemology of Collectives, edited by Michael S. Brady, and Miranda Fricker. Oxford: Oxford UP and Laurence 2011. "An Anscombian Approach to Collective Action." In Essays on Anscombe's Intention, edited by Anton Ford, Jennifer Hornsby, and Frederick Stoutland. Cambridge: Harvard UPand the reasons why it should be preferred. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Controlling the Capital: Political Dominance in the Urbanizing World" by Tom Goodfellow and David Jackman explores the rise of authoritarianism globally and its impact on capital cities. The book focuses on Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia case studies, examining how authoritarian regimes establish and sustain dominance in capital cities. It discusses the relationship between cities and political dominance, contributing to debates on authoritarianism, urbanization, political contestation, resistance, development, and the prospects for democracy. The book provides historical and contemporary analysis, covering various political matters and highlighting the challenges faced by urban populations. However, it lacks a serious projection of the future of cities and their potential for democracy, and future research should address this issue. [Extracted from the article]

Review article of Words at War: The Contested Language of the English Civil War, edited by Andrew Hadfield and Paul Hammond, Oxford, Oxford University Press, 2024, xi + 342 pp., £90 (hardback), ISBN 9780197267622. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Shakespeare Beyond the Green World: Drama and Ecopolitics in Jacobean Britain" by Todd Andrew Borlik is a study that explores Shakespeare's engagement with the environmental politics of early Stuart Britain. The book argues that Shakespeare's plays warn against environmental mismanagement and 'eco-hubris' through cautionary tales. It examines the exploitation of the environment under James VI and I, and how Shakespeare's plays reflect the environmental challenges of his time. The study covers ten of Shakespeare's Jacobean plays and analyzes their connections to Stuart environmental politics. Overall, the book offers a compelling environmental history of the early seventeenth century. [Extracted from the article]

"The Economics of the Middle East: A Comparative Approach" by James E. Rauch is a book that examines the political and economic structure of twenty-one Arab countries, Iran, and Turkey. It focuses on various aspects such as human development, income inequality, gender gaps, environmental challenges, government spending, and political economy. The book provides policy recommendations to promote socioeconomic development in the region. It is a valuable resource for researchers interested in understanding the social, political, and economic dynamics of the Middle East and North Africa. [Extracted from the article]

This study is concerned with the evaluation of cultural contextualization of two widely used EFL textbooks in Iran, Prospect (2014) and Interchange (2012). Looking at these textbooks, it tries to investigate key issues such as culture, ideology, and otherness, which are imperative for creating learners' third space (Kramsch, C. J. (1998). Language and Culture, 67–70, Oxford: Oxford University Press). Therefore, it investigates which types of cultures based on Cortazzi and Jin's (1999. Cultural Mirrors: Materials and Methods in the EFL Classroom. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press) classification of culture (source, target, and international target) are demonstrated in the textbooks' discourses at both linguistic and visual levels. The study is based on a qualitative method of research and utilizes a social semiotic multimodal approach, developed by Souryana Yassine (2012. "Culture Ideology and Otherness in EFL Textbooks in Algeria: A Multimodal Approach" Ph.D. diss., Mouloudi Mammeri University of Tizi-Ouzou, Algeria) according to the maxims of social semiotics. The results indicate how the two textbooks represent culture dissimilarly. While the Interchange series approve the mainstream American target, neglecting source culture completely, the Iranian ELT textbooks contain more source cultural content. Moreover, the representation of Self and Other reflects the societies' diverse underlying ideological positions in explicit and implicit ways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The New World of Self: Heinz Kohut's Transformation of Psychoanalysis and Psychotherapy" by Charles B. Strozier, Konstantine Pinteris, Kathleen Kelley, and Deborah Cher is a comprehensive and accessible book that explores the concepts and theories of self psychology, particularly those developed by Heinz Kohut. The authors emphasize the importance of empathy in the analyst-patient encounter and the need for flexibility in therapeutic techniques. They also highlight the impact of racism, sexism, political trauma, and historical context on the self, providing a holistic vision of self psychology. The book also delves into Kohut's theory of dreams and offers a user-friendly appendix categorizing dreams by type. Overall, "The New World of Self" is a valuable resource for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of self psychology. [Extracted from the article]

"The Criminalization of Childhood and Adolescence" is a review of the book "Willful Defiance: The Movement to Dismantle the School-To-Prison Pipeline" by Mark R. Warren. The review discusses the disproportionate impact of the school-to-prison pipeline on children of color, children with disabilities, and LGBTQ youth. It highlights the negative consequences of zero tolerance policies and the presence of police in schools, including increased arrests and racial disparities. The review emphasizes the need for reform and alternative approaches, such as restorative justice and counseling, to create safer and more equitable school environments. It also acknowledges recent resistance to these reforms and the importance of revisiting the lessons presented in the book. "Willful Defiance" by Professor Daniel J. Losen and Professor Russell J. Skiba is a book that explores the school-to-prison pipeline (STPP) and provides practical guidance on how to dismantle it. The book focuses on the experiences of black and brown parents and communities affected by the STPP and emphasizes the importance of community organizing and grassroots empowerment. It discusses the history and evolution of the STPP, as well as community-based initiatives to challenge zero tolerance policies. The book also addresses the significance of centering the voices and stories of affected communities and the challenges of collaborating with national advocacy efforts. While progress has been made in reducing suspension rates, racial disparities persist, and the book calls for the authentic implementation of strategies to transform school climate and culture. It also recognizes the need [Extracted from the article]

Using data from seven R1 and R2 universities in Ohio, this study seeks to determine the extent of usage of full-text e-journal articles stored across multiple platforms. Specifically, COUNTER 5 data is presented from five major academic journal publishers (Taylor & Francis, SAGE, Oxford, Wiley, and Springer), looking at usage within each of the publishers' respective platforms, as well as in EBSCO, JSTOR, and OhioLINK's Electronic Journal Center platform. The overarching goal of the analysis is to identify where exactly usage occurred for this e-journal content within the different platforms, especially in cases where an individual title has duplicate full-text access. Analysis of this data was conducted using Tableau and Excel. Findings raise significant questions about end-user behavior in terms of students' and faculty's ability to locate full text, regardless of whether it is discoverable from Google or other commercial search engines. The findings also suggest a strong connection between EBSCO usage and the academic calendar, with peak usage (as a percentage of overall usage) occurring in October, November, March, and April. Lastly, findings for Taylor & Francis e-journals within EBSCO call into question what these duplicate holdings mean for "big deal" subscription packages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Thoughtful Images: Illustrating Philosophy through Art" by Thomas E. Wartenberg explores the philosophy of illustration and its historical significance. The book discusses different types of illustrations, including text-based, concept-based, and theory-based illustrations, and examines the balance between fidelity and creativity in translating verbal descriptions into visual representations. Wartenberg also analyzes various examples of illustrations throughout history, including pre-modern illustrations, frontispieces of books, theory-based illustrations, and graphic philosophy in comics. While the book offers valuable insights, some of its categorizations and claims may be subject to debate. Overall, "Thoughtful Images" provides a thought-provoking exploration of the relationship between philosophy and art. [Extracted from the article]

Gary Smith's book, "Distrust: Big Data, Data-Torturing, and the Assault on Science," explores the factors that have led to a decline in the credibility of science. The book highlights the role of social media and the internet in spreading conspiracy theories and misinformation that question the reliability of science. It also discusses the practices of data torturing and data mining, which produce false findings and diminish the trust in legitimate science. Additionally, the book examines the dangers of excessive faith in artificial intelligence. While the book presents a bleak picture of contemporary science, it also suggests that institutional changes can help address these issues and restore trust in science. [Extracted from the article]

Esther Zimmer Lederberg, a pioneer in bacterial genetics, faced challenges as a woman in a male-dominated field. She made significant contributions to the field alongside her husband, Joshua Lederberg, but her work was often overshadowed. After their divorce, Esther's scientific career declined, and she spent the rest of her life tending the Plasmid Reference Center at Stanford University. The book "A Hidden Legacy" explores Esther's life and work, but the author's lack of clarity and methodological rigor prevent a comprehensive understanding of her legacy. The book also fails to provide a thorough contextualization of bacterial genetics within the broader scientific trajectory. Despite these shortcomings, the book sheds light on the experiences of women in science and highlights the need for further research in this area. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the book "The Pragmatist Challenge: Pragmatist Metaphysics for Philosophy of Science," edited by Holly K. Andersen and Sandra D. Mitchell. The book consists of six essays by distinguished philosophers of science and explores the application of pragmatist approaches to various topics in philosophy of science. The essays cover subjects such as the role of truth in science, scientific realism, the toleration of metaphysically loaded concepts, the unification of scientific theories, and the interpretation of quantum field theory. The book offers a valuable contribution to the field and will be of interest to those interested in pragmatist approaches to philosophy of science. [Extracted from the article]

Peter Vickers' book, "Identifying future-proof science," challenges skepticism towards scientific progress by arguing that consensus among a diverse population of scientists is a reliable indicator of approximate truth. While Vickers provides case studies to support his argument, challenges exist in gathering evidence of consensus and determining scientific diversity. The distinction between core claims and changeable details also raises questions. Despite these challenges, building public trust in science can be achieved through sharing evidence and promoting an ever-improving understanding of the world. The article by David Harker discusses Springer Nature's neutral stance on jurisdictional claims and institutional affiliations in published maps, without providing further information or context. [Extracted from the article]

In this book review, the author discusses Peter Vickers' book "Identifying future-proof science" and raises concerns about Vickers' claims. Vickers argues that some of our current best scientific theories will remain correct as long as scientific knowledge continues to be produced. He proposes criteria for identifying future-proof science, including a robust international scientific consensus and a substantial diversity of perspectives. The author raises concerns about the certainty of Vickers' claims, the examples he provides, and the practical implications of determining future-proof science. Despite these concerns, the author acknowledges the intellectual value of Vickers' work. [Extracted from the article]

Peter Vickers's book, "Identifying Future-Proof Science," explores the concept of scientific facts that will remain valid over time. Vickers examines the criteria for determining scientific statements as facts and how non-experts can identify future-proof science. He suggests that laypeople should look for a solid scientific consensus, where at least 95% of relevant scientists agree unambiguously on a claim. However, there are challenges in defining diversity and plurality within the scientific community, as well as relying on quantitative measures like publication numbers and journal reputation. Vickers proposes improving science education to help individuals evaluate scientific claims effectively. [Extracted from the article]

Steffen Ganghof's Beyond Presidentialism and Parliamentarism: Democratic Design and the Separation of Powers (Oxford University Press, 2021) posits that "in a democracy, a constitutional separation of powers between the executive and the assembly may be desirable, but the constitutional concentration of executive power in a single human being is not" (Ganghof, 2021). To consider, examine and theorise about this, Ganghof urges engagement with semi-parliamentarism. As explained by Ganghof, legislative power is shared between two democratically legitimate sections of parliament in a semi-parliamentary system, but only one of those sections selects the government and can remove it in a no-confidence vote. Consequently, power is dispersed and not concentrated in the hands of any one person, which, Ganghof argues, can lead to an enhanced form of parliamentary democracy. In this book review symposium, George Tsebelis, Michael Thies, José Antonio Cheibub, Rosalind Dixon and Daniel Bogéa review Steffen Ganghof's book and engage with the author about aspects of research design, case selection and theoretical argument. This symposium arose from an engaging and constructive discussion of the book at a seminar hosted by Texas A&M University in 2022. We thank Prof José Cheibub (Texas A&M) for organising that seminar and Dr Anna Fruhstorfer (University of Potsdam) for initiating this book review symposium. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Civilian Protective Agency in Violent Settings" is a book that explores the concept of civilian agency in times of violence. The book challenges the assumption that civilians are passive victims in conflicts and argues that they are active players who exert influence over violence. It covers various violent settings, including political violence, civil war, communal violence, criminal violence, and genocide, and examines different aspects of civilian protective agency such as evasion, resistance, rescue, and adaptation. The book also discusses the policy implications of external actors and international interveners in supporting civilian agency. Overall, the book provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners interested in conflict dynamics, civilian protection, and peacebuilding. [Extracted from the article]

This article summarizes the key ideas in my book, 'What's the Point of Knowledge?'. First, I articulate the method of function first epistemology, which looks at our epistemology from a practical point of view. Second, I outline my core hypothesis about the purpose of the concept of knowledge, namely, we have this concept to identify reliable informants. Third, I explain how this account is used to resolve a number of epistemological issues. I also draw connections between pragmatism and my own theory of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amrita Narayanan's book, "Women's Sexuality and Modern India: In a Rapture of Distress," explores the sexual experiences, roles, and identities of contemporary Indian women. The book addresses the challenges women face due to societal expectations, traditional gender roles, and taboos surrounding female sexuality. Narayanan uses personal narratives, poetry analysis, and psychoanalytic sessions to delve into the complexities of women's sexuality in India. The book also examines the contradictions and tensions that shape the lives of Indian women, drawing on psychoanalytic theories and historical and sociological perspectives. The article discusses the complexities of Indian women's sexuality and identity within the Me Too movement, arguing that the movement has focused too much on victimization and has overlooked the empowered aspects of Indian women's sexual experiences. The article also explores the role of male narcissism and absent fathers in shaping Indian women's experiences of aggression and desire. It calls for a comprehensive and open dialogue about these issues and emphasizes the need for a more holistic and equitable understanding of Indian femininity. [Extracted from the article]

"Afghan Crucible: the Soviet invasion and the making of modern Afghanistan" by Elizabeth Leake is a comprehensive account of Afghanistan under Soviet occupation from 1979 to 1989. The book challenges conventional understandings of the occupation and portrays it as a test of competing interpretations of modernity in Afghanistan and beyond. It explores the clash between different Afghan and foreign visions of the future and the complex web of alliances among Islamic resistance groups. The book also examines the involvement of the United States, the plight of Afghan refugees, and the role of the United Nations in negotiating the Geneva Accords. Overall, "Afghan Crucible" provides valuable insights into the roles of local, regional, and international actors during this critical period in Afghan history. [Extracted from the article]

"The Origin of Secular Institutions: Ideas, Timing, and Organization" by H. Zeynep Bulutigil explores the factors that contribute to the secularization of state institutions. The author argues that the circulation of Enlightenment literature and the emergence of secular reform movements are crucial in achieving successful secularization. Through a cross-national comparison of 89 countries, Bulutigil demonstrates the relationship between the dissemination of anti-clerical and secular ideas and the development of secular reform movements. The book makes theoretical, empirical, and methodological contributions to the study of religion and politics, state-formation, and political institutions. However, it is criticized for not thoroughly exploring alternative hypotheses and for its limited case selection. Overall, the book is an important addition to the study of religion and politics, emphasizing the influence of both religious and secular movements and ideas. [Extracted from the article]

"Reading with the Senses" is a book edited by Annette Kern-Stähler and Elizabeth Robertson that explores the interplay between literature and the senses. The essays in the book examine how readers experience texts through appeals to their senses, such as seeing the plot unfold in their mind's eye or imagining the taste of food described in the narrative. The book is organized according to the five senses of sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch, and includes contributions that span different historical periods and literary genres. It also includes a section on multisensoriality, highlighting the interconnected nature of sensory perceptions. The book offers new perspectives on the relationship between literature and the senses, but it primarily focuses on English literature. [Extracted from the article]

"Transnational Social Protection" is a book that explores the relationship between international migrants and their families, focusing on their mutual support and protection in the face of changing welfare state landscapes. The authors introduce the concept of "hybrid transnational social protection," which encompasses a wide range of policies, initiatives, and institutions that safeguard migrants and their families across borders. The book examines various aspects of social protection, including family caregiving, education, labor, health, and aging, providing valuable insights into the complexities of these issues. While the authors acknowledge the role of social networks, they do not fully explore their significance. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive perspective on transnational social protection and is recommended for scholars and educators in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The book review discusses Ruth Dassonneville's book, "Voters under Pressure: Group-Based Cross-Pressure and Electoral Volatility," which explores the reasons behind increased electoral volatility in advanced democracies. Dassonneville argues that voters who were previously unconstrained in their voting choices due to socio-demographic characteristics and group memberships are now experiencing cross-pressure, leading to instability in their voting decisions. The author supports this argument with a comprehensive analysis of survey and panel data from eight countries. While the book has some limitations, it is considered a significant contribution to the study of voter behavior and electoral volatility. [Extracted from the article]

This article is a review of the book "Xi Jinping. Political Career, Governance, and Leadership, 1953–2018" by Alfred L. Chan. The book provides insights into Xi Jinping's political career and his ambitions for China's domestic and international standing. It covers Xi's early life, his time in various bureaucratic posts, and his first two presidential terms. The book explores Xi's anti-corruption campaigns, his consolidation of power, and his vision for a modern China guided by the Communist Party. The review suggests that understanding Xi's vision is important, especially as China faces economic challenges and increasing international tensions. [Extracted from the article]

"Revealing Schemes: The Politics of Conspiracy in Russia and the Post-Soviet Region" by Scott Radnitz explores the use of conspiracy theories by elites in authoritarian and hybrid regimes. The book compiles a database of conspiracy theories and examines their political use and efficacy in post-Soviet countries. The author argues that conspiracy theories are more frequently invoked in societies with competitive elections and free media, and rulers use them to bring down opponents or explain unexpected events. The book's findings suggest that conspiracy claims can be used pre-emptively or defensively, and a combination of both is common. [Extracted from the article]

"Volatile States in International Politics" by Eleonora Mattiacci explores the increasing unpredictability of state behavior in world politics. The book combines statistical data and archival frames of reference to explain the concept of "volatility" in international politics, its causes, impact, and potential remedies. The author examines factors that contribute to interstate volatility, such as relative power and resource availability, and proposes novel methods for measuring volatility. The book also provides a detailed assessment of countries engaged in strategic rivalry and explores the prevalence of volatility in interactions between countries with defensive commitments. While the book emphasizes the importance of understanding volatility, it neglects the larger context of the security dilemma and the potential value of creative diplomacy in countering volatility. Overall, "Volatile States in International Politics" is a well-written and valuable introduction to the concept of volatility in international politics. [Extracted from the article]

"The Oxford Handbook of Japanese Philosophy" is a comprehensive reference book that complements the previously published "Japanese Philosophy: A Sourcebook." It includes pre-modern philosophy and reflects the mainstream view that Japanese philosophy extends to earliest times. While the handbook is relevant, it may require a revised edition due to potential shortcomings in interpretations. The book features authoritative contributors and is readable for a broad audience. Its solid factual information ensures its continued demand for years to come. [Extracted from the article]

Based on the work of Chandrasekhar [The Mathematical Theory of Black Holes, Chap. 3, Sec. 20 (Oxford University Press, 1992)], we investigate the null geodesic structure of the emergent Barriola–Vilenkin (BV) spacetime in the context of k-essence theory. For k-essence, the emergent gravity metric is a one-to-one correspondence with the BV metric connected to the Schwarzschild background, where the global monopole charge is replaced by the dark energy density. This equivalence holds specifically for a certain class of k-essence scalar fields that have been constructed by Gangopadhyay and Manna [Eur. Phys. Lett. 100, 49001 (2012)]. We have traced out different trajectories for null geodesic in the presence of dark energy for the k-essence emergent BV spacetime. It is demonstrated that the outcomes deviate from the typical Schwarzschild spacetime owing to the fundamental configuration with a constant dark energy density. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Predictive processing is a recent approach in cognitive science that describes the brain as an engine of probabilistic hierarchical inference. Initially proposed as a general theory of brain function, predictive processing has recently been expanding to account for questions of consciousness in philosophy and neuroscience. In my previous work (Kukkonen 2020 Probability designs: literature and predictive processing. New York, NY: Oxford University Press), I have shown how predictive processing can also be used to model our engagement with literary texts. In this article, I use my account of our engagement with literature in predictive processing terms, as well as recent work on predictive processing and consciousness, to explore how literature can shed light on various aspects of conscious experience, including qualia, counterfactual depth in conscious experience and sense of self. In the final section, I propose a number of theoretical questions that could be addressed by drawing on literature as a source of hypotheses and stimuli for possible experimental designs. The upshot is a picture where literature is not just a source of illustrative examples about conscious experience, but a designer environment through which we can explore and rethink consciousness. This article is part of the theme issue 'Art, aesthetics and predictive processing: theoretical and empirical perspectives'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I discuss the emerging field of conceptual engineering from the perspective of the philosophy of mind and cognitive science. I explore the role the latter disciplines can and do play by specifically focusing on how different notions of what a concept is affects the general conceptual engineering framework, both positively and negatively, before considering a particular account that eschews talk of concepts altogether. I call this project 'Cappelen's challenge' as it draws from suggestive remarks in his work (Cappelen, H. 2018. Fixing Language: Conceptual Engineering and the Limits of Revision. Oxford: Oxford University Press). I argue that by appreciating the range of options that each theory of concepts brings with it, the field as a whole can come to better grips with its foundations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"The Community of Advantage: A Behavioural Economist's Defence of the Market" by Robert Sugden explores the challenges posed by behavioral economics to mainstream economic theory. Sugden argues that liberal economic arrangements can be reconciled with the findings of behavioral research. He proposes a contractarian approach that focuses on identifying economic institutions that can be useful to individuals who do not know what they prefer. Sugden also introduces the idea of "team reasoning" and advocates for the Principle of Mutual Benefit as a way to defend market relations. However, there are criticisms of Sugden's rejection of paternalism and his lack of engagement with the public reason approach. [Extracted from the article]

Agarwala, Rina (2022) The Migration-Development Regime: How Class Shapes Indian Emigration. Oxford : Oxford University Press 2022. 288 pages. Paperback $29.95. Hardcover $99.00.Iskander, Natasha (2021). Princeton : Princeton University Press. 360 pages. Paperback $27.95. Hardcover $95.00. [Extracted from the article]

"The Unification of the Arts: A Framework for Understanding What the Arts Share and Why" by Steven Brown is a book that aims to integrate cognitive, biological, and evolutionary perspectives on the arts. Brown explores the relationships among different art forms and addresses questions about what the arts have in common and how they combine. The book covers foundational topics, the narrative arts, the coordinative arts, and creativity. While the book provides interesting insights and a coherent theoretical framework, it is also hypothetical and may lack scientific rigor. Overall, it offers a broad and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the arts. [Extracted from the article]

In the book "Causation with a Human Face" by James Woodward, the author proposes a functional approach to causation that integrates descriptive and normative aspects. Woodward argues that understanding causation requires examining the goals and purposes of causal reasoning in human activity. The book draws on various disciplines, including statistics, computer science, philosophy, and empirical research on causal cognition. Woodward's research program expands the boundaries of these disciplines and offers important insights into the philosophy of causation. While the book raises questions and challenges, it provides a clear understanding of why causation matters and offers valuable guidance for future research in the field. [Extracted from the article]

The quiet ego interprets the self and others by balancing concerns for their welfare and cultivating their growth (Bauer and Wayment, in: Wayment, Bauer (eds) Transcending self-interest: psychological explorations of the quiet ego, American Psychological Association Books, Washington, DC, 2008). A growing body of research shows that the Quiet Ego Scale (QES; Wayment et al. in J Happiness Stud 16:999–1033, 2015a, Front Psychol 6:1–11, 2015b) relates to numerous measures of human flourishing. The present three studies of college students and adults situate the quiet ego within a framework of value orientation and actualization that organizes constructs of human flourishing in terms of motives (including moral motives), well-being (as hedonic satisfaction and eudaimonic meaningfulness, including moral fulfillment), and wisdom (Bauer in The transformative self: personal growth, narrative identity, and the good life, Oxford University Press, New York, 2021). Results from samples of college students and adults suggest that the QES corresponds to: (1) mainly humanistic and eudaimonic (including moral) motives; (2) hedonic and especially eudaimonic well-being (including moral fulfillment); and (3) motives, well-being, and wisdom independently. The discussion considers the quiet ego in terms of Epicurean ataraxia and Buddhist upekkha, a model of a good life that, like the quiet ego, emphasizes equanimity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jennifer Lackey's book, "Seeking and Speaking the Truth: Criminal Testimonial Justice," explores the issue of testimonial injustice within the criminal justice system. Lackey was inspired to write the book after learning about the wrongful conviction of Demetrius, a 15-year-old African-American male who was coerced into confessing to a crime he did not commit. Lackey argues that false confessions, unreliable eyewitness testimony, and coercive plea bargaining practices are all examples of testimonial injustice, which undermines the agency and credibility of individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Lackey calls for a radical change in how confessions and testimonies are viewed and treated within the legal system. [Extracted from the article]

James Woodward's book, "Causation with a Human Face," offers a unique perspective on causation by starting with how humans reason causally and then exploring the normative aspects of causation. Woodward acts as an "epistemic or conceptual engineer," connecting different aspects of causation with their functional roles in human reasoning. The book integrates empirical research on causal cognition, formal approaches like causal modeling, and philosophical theories of causation, all under the umbrella of a "functional account of causation." Woodward's approach aims to overcome dichotomies between the descriptive and the normative, as well as between epistemology and metaphysics. The book explores the role of philosophy and empirical research in studying causal cognition and evaluates different conceptions and theories of causation. Woodward's normative framework is based on the notions of invariance and proportionality, which are derived from empirical work on human causal cognition. However, the grounding of these normative notions in the descriptive features of causation requires careful methodology and justification. Overall, Woodward's book provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary exploration of causation from a human-centered perspective. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses Richard Rorty's perspective on the relationship between philosophy and liberal democracy, as well as Robert B. Brandom's theory of normativity in his book "Pragmatism and Idealism: Rorty and Hegel on Reason and Representation." Rorty argues that philosophical theories cannot justify or ground liberal democracy, but can only align with it. Brandom, on the other hand, aims to resuscitate representation from Rorty's critique by demonstrating its compatibility with social pragmatism about norms. However, the article points out a gap in Brandom's account regarding the distribution of normative attitudes among groups, which reinforces Rorty's prioritization of democracy over philosophy. The article concludes by suggesting that the extent to which these views align with liberal democracy is still uncertain. [Extracted from the article]

"A Miracle Creed: The Principle of Optimality in Leibniz's Physics and Philosophy" by Jeffrey K. McDonough explores the connection between Leibniz's physics and philosophy, focusing on the Principle of Optimality. The book discusses Leibniz's application of this principle to various aspects of nature, such as the laws of reflection and refraction, rigid body mechanics, and the conservation of vis viva. McDonough argues that Leibniz's teleological explanations challenge the prevailing view that early modern physics rejected final causes. While the book raises important questions about Leibniz's metaphysical writings and the role of God in his philosophy, it provides a stimulating and innovative account of Leibniz's conceptions of nature and science. [Extracted from the article]

Drawing on arguments in Doris (2002, 2022) [Lack of Character: Personality and Moral Behavior. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press; Character Trouble: Undisciplined Essays on Moral Agency and Personality. Oxford: Oxford University Press], this essay argues that good character is typically an insufficient "bulwark" against misconduct in military organizations, for two reasons: (1) the situational sensitivity of behavior and (2) the relatively small effect sizes associated with personality variables. Additionally, what is known about moral development and education gives limited reason to think organizations are likely to have much success in inculcating reliably good character in their members. Instead, military organizations concerned to reduce misconduct should focus on developing organizational cultures structured by carefully crafted and assiduously enforced moral rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Having been a student in one of Julian Hook's seminars nearly a decade ago and having experienced an embryonic form of many of the chapters that would eventually mature into I EMS, i I was fortunate to have my horizons broadened by his insights. Long-time readers of Hook's scholarship might notice the strong resemblance in title between I EMS i and his epoch-defining 2006 article in I Science i , "Exploring Musical Space", and this is no accident. The astute reader of the first two Parts of I EMS i will by this point have noticed that scant attention has been paid to the geometric techniques which have gradually gained much traction in twenty-first-century mathematical music theory. [Extracted from the article]