Charles Foster je autorom, ktorého diela sa venujú širokej škále tém, od cestovania a evolučnej biológie po prírodnú históriu, antropológiu a filozofiu. Jeho jedinečný prístup k písaniu pramení z rozmanitých skúseností, ktoré zahŕňajú akademické štúdium a právnu prax, ako aj extrémne expedície po celom svete. Táto zmes vedeckého poznania a dobrodružstva umožňuje Fosterovi skúmať zložité ľudské a prírodné svety s neobvyklou hĺbkou a perspektívou. Čitatelia ocenia jeho schopnosť prepájať zdanlivo nesúrodé odbory a vytvoriť tak podnetné a pútavé rozprávanie.
Co to znamená být člověkem? Odpověď nenajdete v knihovnách ani v intelektuálních diskuzích, ale v dešti, blátě a nepohodlí, kdy každý pór kůže a každá buňka vašeho těla divoce křičí a žije. Charles Foster se vypravil do divočiny a zkusil žít v lesích a neolitických osadách, stejně jako kdysi naši předci.
Všetci sme konfrontovaní s nepríjemnými pravdami, ktoré musia byť komunikované. Ale ako povedať našu pravdu inému človeku bez toho, aby sme spôsobili bolesť alebo niečo zbabrali? A ako máme vedieť, či je vôbec vhodné povedať pravdu?
A fox, grown strong on pepperoni pizza from the dustbins of the East End, dances along a railway track towards Essex, the territory of wild foxes and wilder huntsmen. An orca, mourning the loss of her mother in a valley west of Skye, knows that she must now lead the pod as matriarch. She swims again through her childhood, thinking about the old ways, the old roads, laid down thousands of years ago. But the old roads aren't so easy now. At moonrise in a West Country river, an otter floats slowly downstream. The tide, though it pushes him landwards when it exhales, seems to pull him out when it inhales. He turns on his back. He can see the stars clearly for the first time and wonders if he can swim to them. The land has never stopped waiting. It has only ever been in exile, right under our noses, waiting to confound, outrage and re-enchant.
Human religious experiences are remarkably uniform; many can be pharmacologically induced. Recent research into the neurology of religious experience has shown that, when worshipping or praying, a certain part of the brain, apparently dormant during other activities, becomes active. What does all this mean for those of faith and those with none? In this fascinating book barrister Charles Foster takes a survey of the evidence -- from shamans to medieval mystics, to out-of-body experiences and epilepsy, via Jerusalem and middle-class Christianity -- and assesses its significance. Written in short, accessible chapters, this is a fascinating tour of religious and mystical experiences and their relation to human physiology.
A radical work of nature writing and philosophical enquiry, resituating us in our real human skins.
Transcendentally eccentric nature writing of the first order. Charles Foster digs deep under the skin of other animals, uncovering gems of wisdom that our usually superficial gaze will otherwise miss Hugh Warwick
Exploring the interplay between intuition and reasoning in ethics, this book engages with the ideas of prominent philosophers and psychologists, particularly Joshua Greene and Jonathan Haidt. It critiques the prevailing notion that intuition dominates moral judgments, as proposed by Haidt, while also challenging Greene's call for reason to take precedence in modern ethical dilemmas. By advocating a balanced approach, it offers fresh insights relevant to both philosophical and psychological discussions, making it a compelling read for those interested in moral reasoning.
Exploring the intersection of law and personal morality, this book delves into various legal domains such as criminal, tort, contract, family, and medical law. It critically analyzes whether current laws aim to enhance ethical behavior, the specific moral standards they uphold, their effectiveness, and the legitimacy of morality as a legal objective. Through this examination, the text raises important questions about the role of law in shaping individual ethics and the implications of moral enhancement technologies.
This is a radical new look at the Common Swift - a numerous but profoundly un- common bird - by Charles Foster, author of the New York Times Bestseller, Being a Beast. Foster follows the swifts throughout the world, manically, lyrically, yet scientifically.