Michael R D James Book order

The book delves into the philosophical debate surrounding Artificial Intelligence, tracing its roots to the 1940s and 50s, primarily through the contributions of Alan Turing. It highlights Turing's role in the Enigma Project and the invention of the Automatic Computing Engine, which sparked claims of machine intelligence. The text explores the contested nature of intelligence as a psychological concept, referencing Piaget's theories and the subsequent efforts to measure intelligence. Ultimately, it posits that philosophical inquiry is essential for addressing these complex issues.

Exploring the philosophical journey from darkness to light, the book delves into the concepts of globalization and cosmopolitanism through the lenses of Aristotle and Kant. It examines the ancient concerns of time and change, highlighting Aristotle's principles and their evolution in Kant's thought. The narrative reflects on the Enlightenment's promise of progress, which ultimately gave rise to modernity's disillusionment, leading to the tumult of the 20th century. The text serves as a critical analysis of philosophical frameworks that shape our understanding of change and human nature.

Exploring the impact of war and economics on philosophy, this volume examines how contemporary culture has become a wasteland of ideas, overshadowed by fear and apathy. It traces the lineage of philosophical thought from ancient awe to modern disillusionment, highlighting the influence of figures like the Minotaur and Janus. The text critiques our collective forgetfulness regarding the essence of Being and seeks to uncover the signs of progress in 20th-century philosophy, guided by Hylomorphic and Critical Philosophy.

Exploring the continuity of philosophical ideas, this work delves into three pivotal historical periods: Ancient Greece, the Renaissance, and the Enlightenment. Using the metaphor of Ariadne's thread, it examines the waning influence of Aristotle leading to Rousseau and the resurgence of Aristotelian thought in Kant's philosophy, followed by its decline due to modern influences from Hegel and economics. The author posits that the next significant age should be defined by Philosophical Cosmopolitanism, shaped by current globalizing forces.

Exploring the challenge of self-knowledge, this work critiques the disconnect between Psychology and Philosophy that emerged in the late 1800s. It delves into the insights of Ancient Greek thinkers, from Thales to Aristotle, presenting their reflections as foundational for understanding our existence and moral identity. By tracing the philosophical evolution, the text emphasizes the intertwined nature of Philosophy and Psychology, likening them to Janus, seeking the same truths from different perspectives. The significance of Aristotle, Kant, and Wittgenstein is highlighted throughout.