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New and Forthcoming Books

The Ethics of Creativity: Beauty, Morality, and Nature in a Processive Cosmos
Brian G. Henning
University of Pittsburgh Press, 2005
ISBN: 0822942712

A central concern of nearly every environmental ethic is its desire to extend the scope of direct moral concern beyond human beings to plants, nonhuman animals, and the systems of which they are a part. Although nearly all environmental philosophies have long since rejected modernity's conception of individuals as isolated and independent substances, few have replaced this worldview with an alternative that is adequate to the organic, processive world in which we find ourselves. In this context, Brian G. Henning argues that the often overlooked work of Alfred North Whitehead has the potential to make a significant contribution to environmental ethics. Additionally inspired by classical American philosophers such as William James, John Dewey and Charles Sanders Pierce and environmental philosophers such as Aldo Leopold, Peter Singer, Albert Schweitzer, and Arne Naess, Henning develops an ethical theory of which the seminal insight is called "The Ethics of Creativity."

By systematically examining and developing a conception of individuality that is equally at home with the microscopic world of subatomic events and the macroscopic world of ecosystems, The Ethics of Creativity correctly emphasizes the well-being of wholes, while not losing sight of the importance of the unique centers of value that constitute these wholes. In this way, The Ethics of Creativity has the potential to be a unique voice in contemporary moral philosophy.

"This book provides a remarkably clear and attractive foundation for an ethic that seamlessly binds human social justice to a wider moral engagement with the natural environment. Enhancing intrinsic beauty everywhere is shown to be our deepest obligation and our highest joy."– Frederick Ferré, University of Georgia

"With his focus on creativity, Henning throws into a new light all the classical concerns of ethics--persons, pleasures, pains, life, death, rights, utilities, virtues, the beautiful, the ugly, the good, the evil. He exemplifies the creative process he so much celebrates. Often demanding, this is always a most illuminating analysis: ethics taken at the pitch."– Holmes Rolston III, Colorado State University

Brian G. Henning is Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Mount St. Mary's University (Emmitsburg, MD 21727). He holds his doctorate from Fordham University.

Author website
Publisher website (03/06)

Alfred North Whitehead on Learning and Education: Theory and Application
Editor: Franz G. Riffert
ISBN: 1904303579

Alfred North Whitehead's process philosophy is one of the most creative and promising approaches developed in the 20th century. Being a scholar who for most of his professional life worked in the fields of logic, mathematics, and physics it was one of Whitehead's major intentions to exemplarily demonstrate the possibility of the creative interplay between metaphysics and other disciplines such as aestethics, ethics, theology and especially the single sciences. One scientific field which he never lost interest in during his whole life was education, a key domain for prospering societies.

In this book a selection of 15 papers explores Whitehead's educational ideas which are based on his radical process approach. Following the Introduction which presents Whitehead's criticism of traditional education and the false psychology which it is based on, the book is divided into two major parts. The first part deals with Whitehead's philosophically inspired alternative theoretical framework for learning and education. Special focus is layed on the concept of the learning process which according to Whitehead is essentially cyclic in nature. In the second part it is shown how Whitehead's ideas can profitably be applied to different sub-domains within education: management education, college education and evalutation.

The book shows that Whitehead's process approach offers a promising alternative to traditional education.

Table of Contents
· Introduction: · Via Negativa – Whitehead's Critique Of Traditional · Concepts Of Learning And Instruction — F. Riffert I. Theory
I.1. The Cyclic Nature Of Learning And Education
· 1. Education And The Phases Of Concrescence — J. Cobb
· 2. The Rhythm Of Learning And The Rhythm Of Reality — B. Garland
· 3. Whitehead's Modes Of Experience And The Stages Of Education — G. Allan
· 4. Whitehead's Cyclic Theory Of Learning And Contemporary Empirical Educational Research — F. Riffert

I.2. Prehension, Creativity, Process, And Teaching
· 5. Prehensive Selectivity And The Learning Process — A. Scarfe
· 6. A Whiteheadian Theory Of Creative, Synthetic Learning And Its Relevance To Educational Reform In China — R. Phipps
· 7. Learning In The Process Of Teaching — M. Flynn

II. Application
II.1. Whitehead's Educational Thought In The Field Of Management
· 8. A Whiteheadian View Of Management Education — R. Chia · 9. Whitehead And Management: Learning From Management Practice — P. D'Arcy & M. Dibben · 10. Process And Reality In Leadership Research and Development — M. Wood

II.2. Whitehead's Educational Thought And Its Application To Colleges
· 11. A. N. Whitehead's Philosophy As A Conceptual Framework For Teacher Education — J. Alexander & B. Darrell
· 12. Prophetic Visions For Professional Teachers: A Whiteheadian Perspective On Designing University Courses — R. Regnier
· 13. Education As Process: Why Engaging The Whole Person And How To Do It — E. Thompson

II.3 Evaluation — A Whiteheadian Turn
· 14. Evaluating University Teaching And Learning: Taking A Whiteheadian Turn — H. Woodhouse
· 15. A Whiteheadian Approach To Self-Evaluation In Schools — F. Riffert

UK: £44.99 US: $89.99 Ordering http://www.cambridgescholarspress.com/ (03/06)

Chromatikon I: Annuaire de la philosophie en procès - Yearbook of Philosophy in Process
Michel Weber et Diane d'Eprémesnil (éds.)
Presses universitaires de Louvain, 2005
ISBN: 2-87463-000-4

The « Chromatiques whiteheadiennes » network intends to bring together research on the different aspects, nuances and implications of Alfred North Whitehead's (1861-1947) thought. Since 2002, the network has fostered in Paris 1 Panthéon Sorbonne research seminars on his philosophy. Time is now ripe to make public the main results of this work through a Yearbook that will also offer critical studies and reviews in Whiteheadian and related fields. The Chromatikon yearbooks will be complementary to the works published in Ontos' « Chromatiques Whiteheadiennes » and « Process Thought » series.

The book is published in a bi-lingual (French / English) edition.

http://www.i6doc.com/doc/chromatikon (11/05)

Radical Nature: Rediscovering the Soul of Matter
Christian de Quincey
Invisible Cities Press
ISBN: 1931229155

Originally published in 2002.

Are rocks conscious? Do animals or plants have souls? Have you ever wondered whether worms or insects might feel pain or pleasure? Can trees feel anything at all? Ever wondered where in the great unfolding of evolution consciousness first appeared? If questions like these intrigue you, you are in good company because they touch on the deepest mystery in modern philosophy, science, and spirituality: How are minds and bodies related? How does consciousness fit into the physical world?

This book is of particular interest to those who want to see Whitehead's thought placed into a new and accessible context. de Quincey's approach may divide Whitehead scholars on technical issues, but equally it is likely to greatly broaden interest in process thinking.

Review
Author's web-site (09/05)

Nothing Is True - Everything Is Permitted: The Life of Brion Gysin
John Geiger
Disinformation Co
ISBN: 1932857125

Brion Gysin is one of the major influences behind this very website. The inventor of the dreamachine, vital link in the literary cut-up, and a master of permutation. This new biography by John Geiger is fascinating and informative. Gysin is beyond definition as writer, artist, influence. He touched and shaped the life and works of some of the major cultural figures of our time, from William Burroughs to David Bowie, Brian Jones to Derek Jarman.

Published July 2005. Order from Amazon UK or Amazon USA (03/05)

See my mini review.

Science of Love: The Wisdom of Well-Being
Thomas Jay Oord
Templeton Foundation Press
ISBN: 1-932031-70-7

Just published, this is a study of the varied dimensions of love, illuminating the love-science symbiosis for both scholars and general readers. Oord approaches his subject from a process-philosophical/theological perspective.

Thomas Jay Oord is a highly respected process scholar and theologian with a special interest in the interface of science and religion.

For more information and ordering details see the Templeton Foundation Press website. (08/04)

After Whitehead: Rescher on Process Metaphysics
Edited by Nicholas Rescher, Johanna Seibt, and Michel Weber
Ontos Verlag
ISBN 3-937202-49-8

When Rescher's Process Metaphysics (1996) was published, it was widely acclaimed as a major step towards the academic recognition of a "mode of thought" that has otherwise been confined within sharp scholarly boundaries. Of course it is not an easy book: despite its stylistic clarity, it remains the complex outcome of a life's work in most areas of philosophy.

The goal of the present volume is to systematically unfold the vices and virtues of Process Metaphysics, and thereby to specify the contemporary state of affairs in process thought. To do so, the editor has gathered one focused contribution per chapter, each paper addressing specifically and explicitly its assigned chapter and seeking to promote a dialogue with Rescher. In addition, the volume features Rescher's replies to the papers.

For further information and ordering details go to Ontos Verlag (07/04).

The Complete David Bowie
Nicholas Pegg
Reynolds and Hearn
ISBN 1-903111-73-0

A quick break from the normal sort of thing found here. Nicholas Pegg has produced the definitive (and fully updated) guide to David Bowie. Incredibly well researched, this is a fascinating and informative book covering every aspect of Bowie's work from the music and films, through to stage performances and the internet. It's also incredibly insightful: just check out the description to the leaked 'Leon Tapes' where Pegg rightly compares Bowie's approach to the permutational works of Brion Gysin. Equally good on the more familiar material as well, this is intelligent and comprehensive. I'm not usually much of a fan of music books, but this stands out and the sharpness of analysis makes this pretty much an essential companion work for anyone with a decent slice of Bowie in their collection.

Available from the usual outlets. You can also check out the publisher website (05/04)

The New Pearl Harbor:
Disturbing Questions about the Bush Administration and 9/11
David Ray Griffin
Interlink Publishing
ISBN 1-56656-552-9

David Ray Griffin is highly regarded as a process philosopher and theologian, but here explores the series of strange events and actions surrounding the tragic events of 9/11. Essentially a call for further investigation, he draws on a wide range of sources to raise questions that hitherto have remained both unasked and unanswered. In short he questions whether 9/11 was as unavoidable as we've been led to believe.

For further information and ordering details go to Interlink Publishing. UK pre-ordering info . (01/04)

Fruits of Time: Nature and the Unfolding of Difference
Daniel Athearn
Universal Publishers/uPUBLISH.com (2003)
ISBN: 1581125658

Daniel Athearn is well known in process philosophy circles, and here argues that physics is destined to enter a new era marked by an enlarged conception of physical knowledge. This is not a matter of future discoveries, but has to do with how scientific thought responds over time to what is known today. In the new era a genuinely explanatory dimension is restored to physical science which in the current era of thought is quietly abandoned as archaic.

The current view is that for a certain class of phenomena, physical explanations in the sense of descriptions of underlying causal processes are no longer possible. It is assumed that the general demise of classical materialistic causal models (such as the theory of ether as an all-pervading material medium of light propagation) consigns this kind of theorizing to history. Athearn accepts the breakdown of classical causal models, but not the inference that causal explanation itself is outmoded. Instead, he claims that the demise of classical assumptions opens the door on a prospect of thorough causal-physical intelligibility such as was never foreseeable within the classical worldview.

Written with the inquisitive and critically- minded layperson in mind, the book describes findings across the major facets of contemporary physics as all pointing to the same conclusion about the nature of physical reality.

To purchase or download an extract go to Universal Publishers. (01/04)

Brion Gysin:
Tuning in to the Multimedia Age
Edited by José Férez Kuri
Thames and Hudson 2003
ISBN: 0-500-28438-5

This stunning monograph on the art of Brion Gysin is lavishly illustrated with almost 200 colour reproductions of his art. Gysin of course is best known for his collaborations with William Burroughs and for the invention of the dreamachine. Rarely though has his art been so extensively brought to attention, from early surrealist work to his later calligraphic and op art presentations. Gysin wrote that literature is 50 years behind painting when he introduced the cut-up to the world. And now at last the world of art is catching up with Brion Gysin.

The accompanying texts include contributions by Gregory Corso, Felicity Mason, William Burroughs, and John Geiger. A wealth of material for fans of dreamachines and permutations as well.

Recommended? Definitely. Buy this book! (12/03)

Searching for New Contrasts: Whiteheadian Contributions to Contemporary Challenges in Neurophysiology, Psychology, Psychotherapy and the Philosophy of Mind
Author/Editor: Franz G. Riffert and Michel Weber (eds.)
ISBN, binding: 3-631-39089-0, pb.
444 pp
This first volume in the "Whitehead Psychology Nexus Studies" has just been published by Lang.

Whitehead claimed that "to sustain a civilization with the intensity of its first ardour requires more than learning. Adventure is essential, namely, the search for new perfections". This "search for new contrasts" between philosophy and psychology is the first publication of the Whitehead Psychology Nexus. It is dedicated to the cross-examination of Alfred North Whitehead's "organic" or "process" philosophy and the various facets of contemporary psychological research and debate. The editors have gathered two types of provocative communications by prominent international scholars: on the one hand, discussions of the present state of affairs in psychology; and, on the other hand, critical studies of the relevance of the imaginative generalizations of Whitehead for psychology and/or of the impact of contemporary psychology on Whitehead's system of thought.

A. N. Whitehead's extensive and impressive philosophical work planted seeds that came into harvest only decades after his death and sometimes even in fields that he himself did not extensively cultivate. The philosophy of the mental sciences (broadly construed) is an example of this. As this collection demonstrates in impressive detail, Whiteheadian ideas and theories can be pressed into useful service to advance our understanding of a wide variety of uses in this area. The twenty papers that comprise this volume deal in this way with a wide variety of issues in neurophysiology, psychology, psychotherapy, and the philosophy of mind. All of them are of a high level of insight and interest and they come here to give a striking demonstration of the scope and fertility of Whiteheadian ideas throughout this wide spectrum of important issues. In reading this book, students of Whitehead will be fascinated by those applications of his thought and practitioners of the mental sciences will be impressed by the relevance and fertility of the work of this great twentieth century philosopher.
Nicholas Rescher, Professor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh

Contributors include:
F. Riffert, M. Weber, J. Cobb, J. Brown, P. Farleigh, D. Galin and many others.

The Editors: Franz G. Riffert and Michel Weber co-ordinate the Whitehead Psychology Nexus. For further details, see www.isp.ucl.ac.be/staff/weber (11/03)

Process and Analysis: Whitehead, Hartshorne, and the Analytic Tradition, edited by George W. Shields, is released today (October 25, 2002) in paper back by the State University of New York Press. The hard back is published on November 3rd. In preparation for some five years, the volume appears in the SUNY Series in Philosophy, edited by George R. Lucas, Jr. The paper back is $23.95 (0-7914-5574-2). The hard back is $71.50 (0-7914-5573-4).

CONTENTS
PART I: OVERVIEWS
1. Introduction: On the Interface of Analytic and Process Philosophy / George W. Shields
2. The Promise of Process Philosophy/ Nicholas Rescher
3. Whitehead and Wittgenstein/ George R. Lucas Jr.

PART II: PROCESS PHILOSOPHY AND ISSUES IN ANALYTIC METAPHYSICS
4. Disanalogies Between Space and Time/ Richard M. Gale
5. Relational Particulars and Whitehead's Metaphysics/ John W. Lango
6. Whitehead and the Analysis of the Propositional Function/ James Bradley
7. Quine and Whitehead/ Leemon McHenry
8. Response to Leemon McHenry/ W. V. O. Quine
9. De Re Modality and the Ontological Argument/ George L. Goodwin
10. The Second Epistemic Way/ Billy Joe Lucas
11. The Logic of Future Contingents/ George W. Shields and Donald W. Viney

More info from SUNY.

Painful but Fabulous: the lives and art of Genesis P-Orridge.

The complete story of Genesis P-Orridge's art from COUM to Now, PBF contains hundreds of images, many in full colour. Plus a series of writings from contributors including Carl Abrahamsson, Doug Rushkoff, Richard Metzger, Bengala, Carol Tessitore, Julie Wilson, Paul Cecil, and of course Genesis himself.

This is an extraordinary and important book about one of the key artists of our times. The contributors provide both historical background and extensive analysis. The central text, by Julie Wilson, delves deep into the psyche of the artist and explores the reasons behind the life-work of Genesis P-Orridge. Paul Cecil provides a process-metaphysical take on 'art as agent', while Douglas Rushkoff, Carl Abrahamsson and others examine P-Orridge's mail-art, music and performance. 10/02

A rare and extreme opportunity to read the extraordinary method, theory and insight into the genius of Genesis P-Orridge. - Karen Finley, performance artist/writer

Out now. To order in the UK go to Amazon UK.

To order in the USA go to Amazon US.

Chapel of Extreme Experience by John Geiger. Sub-titled A Short History of Flicker, this is the true story of how the discovery of flicker potentials, and scientific observations about strange patterns, organized hallucinations, and even the displacement of time derived from stroboscopic light, very nearly resulted in a Dream Machine in every suburban living room. William S. Burroughs said: "Flicker administered under large dosage and repeated later could well lead to overflow of brain areas ... Anything that can be done chemically can be done in other ways." Aldous Huxley called it "an aid to visionary experience."

"Absolutely, unequivocally wonderful histoire. Fascinating. If I had a Dream Machine now I'd just sit all day with closed or open eyes in front of it." Leila Hadley

"For the first time, out of a kaleidoscopic cyclone, a blizzard of revolutionary scientific information and ultra-visionary creation, John Geiger has cut-up and exposed the last remaining and most significant creative and conceptual exploration of consciousness." Genesis P-Orridge

Having now had the chance to read this, I'm happy to report that this is essential reading for anyone interested in the Dreamachine. John Geiger has produced a wonderfully enjoyable excursion through 'flicker', with much new information. (Paul)

Recent Time Out review. New edition out now! Available in USA and UK. For more info go to Soft Skull Press. (04/04)

Painting the Mental Continuum: Perception and Meaning in the Making by Herb Greene. Published by Berkeley Hills Books. Applying Whitehead's philosophy to the analysis of paintings and photographs, the book applies prehension, concrescence, event, feeling, etc., to the analysis of how we feel and think about what we see. Includes 6 paintings by Vermeer, others by Picasso, Rembrandt and Dali, plus a large number of collage paintings by the author.

Further information received from the publishers, June 2003:

In Painting the Mental Continuum: Perception and Meaning in the Making, philosopher, artist and architect Herb Greene presents a powerful new analysis of cognitive and creative processes. Basing his ideas on the writings of Alfred North Whitehead, and the work of contemporary scientists such as George Lakoff, Mark Johnson, Antonio Damasio and Edward O. Wilson, Greene explores how we derive meaning, emotion and impact from works of art, and, by extension, from the world around us.

Greene's work represents a groundbreaking exploration of Whitehead's ideas on perception and visual interpretation, demonstrating how recent discoveries in the fields of neurobiology confirm the validity of Whitehead's insights. Bridging the gap between esthetic theory and the enjoyment of art, it includes a careful analysis of more than seventy paintings and photographs, reproduced in full color, including ten by Jan Vermeer. Painting the Mental Continuum embraces a wealth of fresh insights that will guide readers, specialist and non-specialist alike, as they explore the intersection of art, philosophy, and cognitive science.

Herb Greene is Professor Emeritus, University of Kentucky, and the author of Building to Last: Architecture as Ongoing Art and Mind and Image: An Essay on Art and Architecture.

"[Whitehead's] followers have believed that his work can illuminate artistic creation and appreciation, yet the use of Whitehead's thought in the interpretation of art has been quite limited. In Painting the Mental Continuum, Herb Greene steps into this void and fills it brilliantly."
- John B. Cobb, Jr., Co-Founder, Center for Process Studies

USA Orders.
UK Orders.

European Studies in Process Thought
Volume I
In Memoriam
Dorothy Emmet (1904-2000)
Ed. by Helmut Maaßen
ISBN 3-8330-0512-2

Dorothy Emmet, Notes on Whitehead's Harvard Lectures, 1928-29
Edited by James Bradley, Stephen Gardner, Helmut Maaßen and Peter Norman

Alfred North Whitehead, The Analysis of Process [unpublished manuscript]
Edited by Helmut Maaßen

Book Reviews, by Helmut Maaßen and Michel Weber (06/03)

Contemporary Readings of James' Varieties
Ed. by Felicitas Kraemer

Forthcoming
Harald Atmanspacher, Transitive States and Mental / Cognitive Instabilities
Ramón del Castillo, The Glass Prison: Emerson's and James's religion of the individual
Sergio Franzese, Is religious experience the experience of something?
'Truth', belief and 'overbelief' in James's VRE
Mathias Girel, Laws of nature in James and 1900 French Philosophy
Felicitas Kraemer, The 'Gauntlet of Hypotheses' in William James's VRE
Jaime Nubiola & Isazkun Martínez, Unamuno's Reading of The Varieties and its context
Majeda Omar, Science as a Religious Experience:The James-Kuhn Perspective
Michel Weber, James' Mystical Body (06/03)

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