Christopher Williams

As Plato’s tripartite division of the soul, Descartes’s criterion of clear and distinct ideas, and Kant’s notion of the categorical imperative attest, philosophy has traditionally been wedded to rationalism and its “intellectualist” view of persons. In this book Christopher Williams seeks to wean his fellow philosophers away from an overly rationalistic self-understanding by using resources that are available within the philosophical tradition itself, including some that anticipate strands of Nietzsche’s thought.The book begins by developing Hume’s critique of rationalism, with reference especially to the section of the Treatise that deals with the continuing existence of bodies (an argument that subverts intellectualist criteria by attempting to satisfy them) and to his neglected essay “The Sceptic” where Hume reveals the importance of our embodiment through a comic portrayal of philosophers’ efforts to “correct our sentiments.” Then it moves on to ward off charges of irrationalism by showing that, although our powers of self-correction are more limited than the rationalist thinks they are, a Humean position is able both to sustain a commitment to reflection and to sensitize us to a version of irrationalism, manifest in monotheistic theologies, that is otherwise difficult to detect. The book concludes, more speculatively, with a comparison of persons to artworks in order to show how our aesthetic dimension is the source of some of the normative work previously assigned to rationalist reason.Ranging as it does across subfields from epistemology and history of philosophy to ethics and aesthetics, A Cultivated Reason should appeal to a wide audience of philosophers and to scholars in other fields as well.

As Plato’s tripartite division of the soul, Descartes’s criterion of clear and distinct ideas, and Kant’s notion of the categorical imperative attest, philosophy has traditionally been wedded to rationalism and its “intellectualist” view of persons. In this book Christopher Williams seeks to wean his fellow philosophers away from an overly rationalistic self-understanding by using resources that are available within the philosophical tradition itself, including some that anticipate strands of Nietzsche’s thought.The book begins by developing Hume’s critique of rationalism, with reference especially to the section of the Treatise that deals with the continuing existence of bodies (an argument that subverts intellectualist criteria by attempting to satisfy them) and to his neglected essay “The Sceptic” where Hume reveals the importance of our embodiment through a comic portrayal of philosophers’ efforts to “correct our sentiments.” Then it moves on to ward off charges of irrationalism by showing that, although our powers of self-correction are more limited than the rationalist thinks they are, a Humean position is able both to sustain a commitment to reflection and to sensitize us to a version of irrationalism, manifest in monotheistic theologies, that is otherwise difficult to detect. The book concludes, more speculatively, with a comparison of persons to artworks in order to show how our aesthetic dimension is the source of some of the normative work previously assigned to rationalist reason.Ranging as it does across subfields from epistemology and history of philosophy to ethics and aesthetics, A Cultivated Reason should appeal to a wide audience of philosophers and to scholars in other fields as well.

`[an] excellent and path-breaking book, which also considers crime prevention measures before giving advise on crime reporting, using the courts, and civil remedies. It contains a great deal of material useful to staff working with people with learning difficulties, plus training material and ideas.'- Labour Campaign for Criminal Justice Newsletter`This is an important and accessible book which is likely to prove useful to a variety of professional audiences. This book is both a handbook for practitioners and a summary of the state of knowledge about the criminal and other kinds of victimization suffered by people with learning difficulties. Alongside the literature review there are extracts from press reports as well as the relevant law, policies and charters, and details of organisations which will provide further information and help. There are also many vivid anecdotal accounts from social workers and from victims themselves, and these bring the research material to life in a remarkable way. This book represents a valiant attempt to combine research dissemination with practical tools for change, and it largely succeeds in its ambitious project…a timely and valuable addition to the literature.'- British Journal of Social Work`Williams ably describes the situation and the wide range of crime, abuse and victimisation which can take place… This publication will be an excellent source book.'- Community Care`Clear advice is offered in relation to crime prevention and how best to make use of press reporting and the courts should a crime occur. This is an excellent reference book. Key points are presented in useful summaries and the addresses of many relevant organisations are provided… This publication should be read by everyone interested in the rights of people with learning disabilities.'- Nursing Times`The book is a valuable contribution to the body of specialist information available about people with learning difficulties.'- Connect Bulletin`Chris' work is the most complete look at the subject today, giving details of research into the current situation and the relevant laws; providing a comprehensive guide as to action in particular situtations and making recommendations for changes in current practice and procedures. This book includes outline training sessions for support staff, advocates and the police.'- Values into Action`The book contains a wealth of detail and information…Clearly and accessibly written…provides excellent resource material for training staff and advocates, and for work with people with learning difficulties themselves.'- Professional Social Work`It is a scholarly work and relies upon extensive consultation and research…There are some salutary lessons and the book is disturbing to read, not only for examples of unacceptable conduct towards people with learning disabilities but also for illustrations of how well-intentioned people may behave in an inappropriate manner…everyone concerned with the welfare of mentally disabled and other vulnerable individuals will have much to learn form this comprehensive study of…the problem.'- Journal of Applied Research in Intellectual Disabilities`I recommend this book as an invaluable reference for more or less anyone in this field, although perhaps one could single out advocates, staff trainers and service managers as those who could least afford to be without a copy. A feature that I found particularly appealing is the way the author takes care to illustrate good practice as well as holding bad practice up for vilification…Buy the book for your library; if you know a judge or magistrate you may consider it a good idea to send a copy on his or her birthday!'- British Journal of Learning DisabilitiesInvisible Victims outlines the range and nature of crimes against people with learning difficulties, and the way the law does - or should - relate to these crimes. It discusses the sources of victimization and deals with prevention specifically from the perspective of learning disabilities, outlining:how to achieve redress for victims through the police and courtsmethods for creating alternative means of redress to these usual channels.The concerns voiced in the book will also have relevance for other minority groups who are `invisible' to current crime research and policy development.Intended as a basis for action, the book contains material and ideas for staff training and offers clear policy proposals. The book will provoke discussion on the subject of crimes against people with learning difficulties among a variety of audiences.

This book is about the shape of things. What limits the height of a tree, why is a large ship or office building more efficient than a small one, what is the similarity between a human rib cage and an aeroplane, or a bison and a cantilevered bridge? How might we plan for things to improve as they are used instead of wearing out? The author has chosen eight criteria that constitute the major influences in three-dimensional form. These criteria comprise the eight chapters of the book; each looks at form from entirely different viewpoints. The products of both nature and man are examined and compared. The facts and information were gathered from many sources and the result is an invaluable work for students, designers, architects, planners, and an informed introduction to a fascinating subject for laymen.