Science

In this hymn to walking, neuroscientist Shane O'Mara invites us to marvel at the benefits it confers on our bodies and minds.In Praise of Walking celebrates this miraculous ability.

A history of women who have changed our understanding of the universe, from the creator of Brain Pickings

In this refreshing book, bestselling Danish philosopher Svend Brinkmann reveals the many virtues of missing out on the constant temptations that dominate our experience-obsessed consumer society. By cultivating self-restraint and celebrating moderation, we can develop a more fulfilling way of living and discover the joy of missing out.

The troubling ethics and politics of philanthropyIs philanthropy, by its very nature, a threat to today's democracy? Though we may laud wealthy individuals who give away their money for society's benefit, Just Giving shows how such generosity not only isn't the unassailable good we think it to be but might also undermine democratic values and set back aspirations of justice. Big philanthropy is often an exercise of power, the conversion of private assets into public influence. And it is a form of power that is largely unaccountable, often perpetual, and lavishly tax-advantaged. The affluent-and their foundations-reap vast benefits even as they influence policy without accountability. And small philanthropy, or ordinary charitable giving, can be problematic as well. Charity, it turns out, does surprisingly little to provide for those in need and sometimes worsens inequality.These outcomes are shaped by the policies that define and structure philanthropy. When, how much, and to whom people give is influenced by laws governing everything from the creation of foundations and nonprofits to generous tax exemptions for donations of money and property. Rob Reich asks: What attitude and what policies should democracies have concerning individuals who give money away for public purposes? Philanthropy currently fails democracy in many ways, but Reich argues that it can be redeemed. Differentiating between individual philanthropy and private foundations, the aims of mass giving should be the decentralization of power in the production of public goods, such as the arts, education, and science. For foundations, the goal should be what Reich terms "e;discovery,"e; or long-time-horizon innovations that enhance democratic experimentalism. Philanthropy, when properly structured, can play a crucial role in supporting a strong liberal democracy.Just Giving investigates the ethical and political dimensions of philanthropy and considers how giving might better support democratic values and promote justice.

The thrilling story of how scientists unlocked a new window onto how life works

An astrophysicist presents an in-depth yet accessible tour of the universe for lay readers, while conveying the excitement of astronomy--

A ground-breaking new popular psychology book revealing the cultural factors that link us all, with practical applications for business, politics and everyday social interactions.

Are the systems of intelligent persuasion developed by today's tech giants a threat to human freedom? Drawing on insights from Ancient Greece through to Silicon Valley, Williams argues that liberating human attention may be the defining moral and political task of the Information Age. This title is also available as Open Access.

In this game-changing book, University of Cambridge Professor Edward Bullmore reveals the breakthrough new science on the link between depression and inflammation of the body and brain.

The first ever global overview of philosophy: how it developed around the world and impacted the cultures in which it flourished

`Wonderful and timely ... Hugely recommended' STEPHEN FRYWhat do you and an ancient philosopher have in common? Aristotle's way is not to apply rules - it's about engaging with the texture of existence, and striding purposefully towards a life well lived.

In this work, cultural theorist Byung-Chul Han looks at how we have exchanged variety with an age of sameness, not characterised by external repression but by depression through the self. Tracing this violence through phenomena such as terrorism, he argues that by acknowledging the Other again, we can overcome a crushing process of assimilation.

Shortlisted for the 2018 Royal Society Investment Science Book Prize'Finally, a book about the adolescent brain written by someone who actually does the science!

An illuminating, entertaining tour of the physical imperfections, from faulty knees to junk DNA, that make us human - and a unique approach to telling our evolutionary history

Written by internationally renowned author Stella Cottrell, this is an essential resource for students looking to refine their thinking, reading and writing skills.