Why do doctors, army generals, high-ranking government officials, and other people in positions of power make bad decisions that cause harm to others? On the other hand, why do people insist on sitting through an awful play or film just because the tickets were expensive?Irrational beliefs and behaviour are virtually universal. It is not only gamblers and parapsychologists that fall into simple statistical traps to do with sample sizes or simple assumptions, but experts of all type...

This acclaimed account by Stuart Sutherland, the best-selling author of Irrationality, of his own manic depression remains unique in its honesty and perception. As an eminent psychologist who suffered a severe mental breakdown, Sutherland provides us with an original and insightful description of his illness, its often bizarre consequences, and an analysis of the origins of mental illness. Essential reading for students and anyone affected by or interested in mental illness, Sutherland des...

Stuart Sutherland’s work is the first modern bibliography in English of the Seven Weeks’ War of 1866. It includes books in English French German and Italian and is subdivided into sections on general histories particular campaigns and battles (Hanoverian Bohemian-Moravian Italian southern German and naval) biographies journals and reminiscences by participants and state organizational and regimental histories the last divided by arm of service. Many rare works are covered and there are edi...

The so-called Seven Weeks' War of 1866 between Prussia and Italy and Austria was notable not only for its effect on future German history but also because it was the last time the armies of the smaller German states fought as independent contingents. Forces from 30 smaller states were involved and they were either of some strength or barely able to guard their rulers' palaces. They have largely been ignored in standard histories and this book attempts to begin to redress that imbalance by ...

First published in 1962. This volume is a collection of the papers from the Mercantile College that preserved as examples of the 'accounts of many distinguished and eminent merchants deceased ... who trod the Royal Exchange with supreme credit and dignity'. They bring together the commercial pride which was reached in the eighteenth century, before the challenge of industry and an economic interpretation based on its predominance brought its sobering influence to bear on 'the great mercant...

Since its first publication 75 years ago, Davidson's Principles and Practice of Medicine has kept pace with how modern medicine is taught, providing a wealth of trusted information in an easy-to-read, concise, and beautifully illustrated format. Now in its 25th edition, this classic text with origins in Sir Stanley Davidson's much admired lecture notes has been owned by more than two million medical students, doctors, and other health professionals around the globe. Carefully updated conte...

In a riveting scene from the film Wall Street, Gordon Gekko proclaims that “greed is good.” The great philosopher David Hume, on the other hand, describes greed as the most destructive of the vices. The recent banking debacle and continuing uproar about executive bonus pay has placed the controversial issue of greed at the very heart of how we view modern society. Is Gekko’s maxim simply in need of some moderation? Or is Hume’s view too extreme?In Greed, Stewart S...

* Gives an account of the history, the theological basis, the practice and the current state of the study of religion and religions throughout the world * Combines a clear and non-technical style of presentation with a structure and range of contributions which reflect the richness and complexity of religion itself, of the religions of the world and the study of religions * Comprehensive index, bibliographies and suggestions for further reading `Intriguing philosophical questions are raise...

There is increasing understanding that climate change will have profound, mostly harmful effects on human health. In this authoritative book, international experts examine long-recognized areas of health concern for populations vulnerable to climate change, describing effects that are both direct, such as heat waves, and indirect, such as via vector-borne diseases. Set in a broad international, economic, political and environmental context, this unique book expands these issues by reviving...

Compiled after his death in 1662, Pascal's*"*pens├®es" (thoughts) are his ideas for a book in defense of faith in a rational world. These fragments give evidence of a profoundly original thinker who had resolved the conflict between his scientific mind and his heart-felt faith.The book begins with an analysis of the difference between mathematical and intuitive thinking and goes on to consider the value of skepticism, contradictions, feeling, memory, and imagination. It is a powerf...

Examines the `primitive' (traditional) non -mainstream religion and also 20th century sects such as the Moonies and Scientology. Looks at the `nature' of religion - the general philosophical issues. Written by international specialists.