Bøger udgivet af Prometheus Books

Views science as key to undercutting traditional metaphysics. This book is suitable for those who wish to understand the author's incisive critique of Western culture and values.

Despite Muhammad's exalted place in Islam, even today there is still surpisingly little actually known about this shadowy figure and the origins of the Qur'an because of an astounding lack of verifiable biographical material. Furthermore, most of the existing biographical traditions that can be used to substantiate the life of Muhammad date to nearly two centuries after his death, a time when a powerful, expansive, and idealized empire had become synonymous with his name and vision - thus resulting in an exaggerated and often artificial characterization of the prophetic figure coupled with many questionable interpretations of the holy book of Islam.On the basis of datable and localizable artifacts from the seventh and eighth centuries of the Christian era, many of the historical developments, misconceptions, and fallacies of Islam can now be seen in a different light. Excavated coins that predate Islam and the old inscription in the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem utilize symbols used in a documented Syrian Arabic theology - a theology with Christian roots.Interpreting traditional contexts of historical evidence and rereading passages of the Qur'an, the researchers in this thought-provoking volume unveil a surprising - and highly unconventional - picture of the very foundations of Islamic religious history.

In the winter of 1776, the American War of Independence was in trouble. Thomas Paine, who had previously inspired the revolutionary cause with his pamphlet "Common Sense", published the essays titled "The Crisis". This document provides many insights into the hardships and precarious uncertainties that threatened the birth of a nation.

Well-known skeptic and acclaimed popular science writer Martin Gardner presents a complete history of the Urantia movement, from its beginnings in the early 20th century to the present day. In addition to providing an outline of the Urantia cult's worldview, Gardner presents strong evidence to establish the identity of the man whose trancelike orations formed the basis of the book. Gardner also analyzes the flaws in Urantian science and points out many instances of plagiarism in various sections of the book.In a new postscript to this paperback edition, Gardner details recent developments in the Urantia movement, corrects some errors in the original edition, and responds to critical reactions from Urantia believers to his skeptical perspective on the book and the movement.Although there are other histories of The Urantia Book, this is the only one written by a skeptic. Anyone interested in the New Age, cults, or the development of new religions will find much fascinating material in Gardner's thorough overview.

Of interest to the introductory law or philosophy student, this text contains a selection of articles that explore confrontations in the daily practice of law, employing case studies. It includes questions on moral and professional responsibility, the ideology and tyranny of advocacy, and the professional's right to case refusal.

The intricacies of elder caregiving duties and responsibilities can be overwhelming because adult children of ageing parents do not know the ins and outs of the medical and social service systems, let alone how to cope with the emotional burdens of providing care for their ailing parents. This title demonstrates the common problems in eldercare.

Offers an antidote to the misinformation and misleading hype that fuels our misguided fear of fat - both the fat we eat, and the fat we carry around. This book discusses how our much-maligned fatty tissue plays a critical role in maintaining health.

Describes how Jane Goodall's work challenged and changed perceptions of the relations between the primate and human worlds. This title reveals that Goodall found solace in her home at Gombe from the trials of life that included a divorce, the death of her second husband, criticisms from fellow scientists, and a spiritual crisis.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, our mothers leave an indelible impression on the persons we become. Our ability to function emotionally in relationships - both personal and professional - is based on our mothers' deep influence. This book shows how the mother factor can work either for or against us.

On December 20, 2005, a US district court in Dover, Pennsylvania, ruled in Kitzmiller et al v Dover Area School Board that teaching Intelligent Design in public school biology classes violates the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States. This collection informs readers about the history of the debate.

A guide for the more than 4 million women each year who experience abnormal Pap smears. It discusses the relationship of cervical cancer to infection by the sexually transmitted human papillomavirus (HPV) and underscores how crucial Pap smears are for cervical cancer prevention. It also covers the meaning of different Pap-smear diagnoses.

Helps panicky parents deal with the disturbing emotions stirred up by our competitive society, and to gives them scientific knowledge of their children's growing years. This book offers an illuminating guide to channelling competitive anxiety into positive parenting. It shows parents how to avoid burn-out, and raise children who thrive and excel.

How did freedom of the press evolve over the centuries? What values does American press freedom claim to serve? This volume addresses these and other questions. It also offers selections from other cultures on freedom of the press and examines the unprecedented challenges to a free press in the twenty-first century.

Presents the thesis that the self is best conceived as a narrative unity and that this conception is a positive alternative to traditional philosophical solutions to the problem of human identity which cast the self as either substantial or illusory.

Military families face stressful times that are unique to the military lifestyle. This book is designed to help children, and also their parents, during such difficult times. The text and illustrations encourage children to discuss their feelings and to draw their own pictures to express themselves.

The Schiavo case changed the decision to withhold life-prolonging nutrition and hydration which appeared to many to be as non-controversial as decisions to refuse respirators or dialysis. The ethical dilemmas that such cases pose great controversy. This work examines these dilemmas providing information and documentation from many perspectives.

Steve Allen created the "Tonight" show, America's longest running entertainment show and most successful late-night TV show. This book presents the history of the first "Tonight" show, complete with photos from the show and insights from over 30 entertainment legends who knew and worked with Steve Allen.

Provides a theory of self-government, legitimating democracy and concretely conceiving how political institutions should be organised. This book also shows how political self-determination has an exclusive validity independent of any assumptions, enabling democracy to be successfully defended against postmodernists and anti-modern fundamentalists.

Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel was one of the most influential philosophers of the 19th century. There is a good deal of debate about exactly how to interpret his words. For both beginners and those already familiar with Hegel's work, this work is an overview of one of philosophy's great geniuses that offers many clarifications and insights.

Using neuroscience, psychology, and psychiatry, this work shows that clear thinking is not just fun but also keeps you out of trouble, makes you more efficient, helps you develop and maintain prosperity, and generally gives you an edge in both your personal and business life.

Tells the story of Neil de Grasse Tyson's lifelong fascination with the night sky, a restless wonder that began on the roof of his Bronx apartment building and eventually led him to become the director of the Hayden Planetarium. This work is a chronicle of a young man who at one time was both nerd and jock.

On 12 August 1983, Judy Johnson called the police and told them her two-year-old son had been sexually abused at Virginia McMartin's Preschool in Manhattan Beach, California. Johnson accused a teacher, Raymond Buckey. This book reveals the McMartin Trial and uncovers prosecutorial misconduct.

Explains the scientific facts and concepts that are useful for an understanding of our material universe. This book examines sixteen standard myths about the nature of science, demonstrating that much of what passes for logical argumentation consists of the repetition of cliches and current folklore.

With an introduction by Toyin Falola, the Frances Higginbothom Nalle Centennial Professor in History at the University of Texas at Austin, this edition of these two intriguing nineteenth-century documents sheds light on the black nationalism movement in the context of African American history.

Written by internationally known scholars, this work deals with the important topic of the transatlantic linkages between western Africa and Brazil during the era of the slave trade (c 1600-1850). It focuses on the Portuguese-Brazilian slave trade and examines the impact of western Africans on the making of colonial and post-independence Brazil.

Over one hundred years ago, African Americans looked forward to the new twentieth century with mixed feelings of pride and discouragement. This collection of articles by leading African American citizens addresses 'the Negro problem'. It is complemented by foreword by Bernard R Boxill, professor of philosophy at the University of North Carolina.

Intended for the amateur astronomer or anyone curious about our place in the universe, this book takes the reader on a journey of discovery through the seasons of the starry night sky. It includes maps, drawings, photos, and a useful glossary.

We should all be having fun with math and helping our kids to do better in life by encouraging them to appreciate not only its usefulness but especially its charm. This book is intended for adults looking for a way to turn their kids on to an important subject or discover for themselves what they might have missed in their own math education.

Provides verifiable evidence that dispels the long-held myth that none of Custer's soldiers survived the massacre that took place in Montana on June 25, 1876.

In the late 1980s, the New Age movement became the focus of both media attention and widespread ridicule as some of the more outlandish aspects of the movement. Reflecting the emergence of this denominational structure, this book includes chapters that focus on specific groups. Other chapters examine the movement's historical roots.