by Jürgen Klüver (2000)
The central topic of this book is the mathematical analysis of social systems, understood in the following rather classical way: social systems consist of social actors who interact according to specific rules of interactions; the dynamics of social systems is then the consequences of these interactions, viz., the self-organization of social systems. According to particular demands of their environment, social systems are able to behave in an adaptive manner, that is they can change their rules of interaction by certain meta rules and thus generate a meta dynamics. It is possible to model and analyse mathematically both dynamics and meta dynamics, using cellular automata and genetic algorithms. These tools allow social systems theory to be carried through as precisely as the theories of natural systems, a feat that has not previously been possible. Readership: Researchers and graduate students in the fields of theoretical sociology and social and general systems theory and other interested scientists. No specialised knowledge of mathematics and/or computer science is required.
Donald Nute
Relevant to philosophy, law, management, and artificial intelligence, these papers explore the applicability of nonmonotonic or defeasible logic to normative reasoning. The resulting systems purport to solve well-known deontic paradoxes and to provide a better treatment than classical deontic logic does of prima facie obligation, conditional obligation, and priorities of normative principles.
Peter L. Berger
After ten years of writing in other areas, Peter L. Berger returns to the problem of religion and modernity discussed in his earlier book A Rumor of Angels. In The Heretical Imperative, however, not only is the argument developed further in terms of the challenge to religion of modern secularism, but it is also argued that a new and greatly promising encounter is about to take place between the Judaeo-Christian tradition and the great religions of Asia. Berger discusses the options for religious thought in the contemporary world and suggests that out of the confrontation between different traditions may come a powerful revitalization of religious faith.
Pamela Abbott, Claire Wallace, Melissa Tyler
This second edition of the bestselling An Introduction to Sociology: Feminist Perspectives confirms the centrality of feminist perspectives and research to the sociological enterprise and introduces students and the general reader to the wide range of feminist contributions to key areas of sociological concern. This completely revised edition includes material on new feminist theories and post-modern feminism, as well as incorporating the findings of recent empirical research. Written by two experienced teachers and examiners, it gives students of sociology and women's studies an accessible overview of the feminist contribution to all the key areas of sociological concern.
Dan Cohn-Sherbok
Collection of essays describes the interaction of modern religion with the present day world. Focuses on subjects such as religion and the media, Marxism and liberal theology, the Church and social problems, Christianity and religious pluralism, liberation theology, the concept of Utopia in the 20th century, the new cults, Christianity under Communist rule, the concept of sanctuary, and theological reactions to the Holocaust.