LOGIC · PHILOSOPHY
Avi Sion
Avi Sion, Ph.D. Philosophy, is an independent researcher and writer in Logic, Philosophy, and Spirituality.
I. By cause of itself I understand that whose essence involves existence, or that whose nature cannot be conceived unless existing.
— from Ethics
Most acclaimed
Ethics
The feminist movement has challenged many of the unstated assumptions on which ethics as a branch of philosophy has always rested - assumptions about human nature, moral agency, citizenship and kinship. The twenty-six readings in this book express the discontent of a succession of fiercely articulate women writers, from Mary Wollstonecraft to the present day, with the masculine bias of 'morality'. The editors have contributed an overall introduction, which discusses ethics, feminism and feminist themes in ethics, and have provided introductions to each of the readings, designed to situate in their historical and intellectual context. They have also compiled two lists for further reading: `Ethics: a Feminist Bibliography' and 'The Male Tradition'. Ethics: A Feminist Reader is an essential resource for students and teachers of philosophy, political theory and women's studies. For anyone with a stake in progressive sexual politics it is an inspirational guide. The volume contains essays by: Mary Wollstonecraft, Cicely Hamilton, Margaret Sanger, Betty Friedan, Christine Delphy, Andrea Dworkin, Rosalind Coward, Nickie Roberts, Emma Goldman, Virginia Woolf, Simone de Beauvoir, Audre Lorde June Jordan, Jacqueline Rose, Judith Williamson, Seyla Benhabib, Alexandra Kollontai, Adrienne Rich, Kate Soper, Catherine A. MacKinnon, Elizabeth Wilson, Susan F. Parrsons, Rosalind Pollack Petchesky, Sara Ruddick and Sheila Jeffreys.
Meditations
'Meditations' is one of the most significant works of Stoic philosophy, though it was never intended for publication. It is the private journal and notebook of the Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius (121-180 AD), composed during his turbulent reign as a source of self-guidance and spiritual exercise. The writings are a direct, intimate conversation with himself, exploring how to live a life of virtue, duty, and tranquility amidst overwhelming political and military challenges. The central philosophy of the work is based on two core disciplines of Stoicism: logic (understanding the nature of the universe) and ethics (the practice of good action). Aurelius constantly reminds himself that the world operates according to a rational, interconnected Nature, and the only path to peace is to accept what he cannot control-external events, the actions of others, and physical suffering. His focus is radically internal: while external life is chaotic and fleeting, a man's true well-being rests solely on the quality of his judgments and intentions. Aurelius emphasizes the importance of performing one's duties (Dharma in a different context) without complaint, recognizing the brevity of human life and the vastness of eternity. He uses vivid mental exercises, such as the "View from Above," to cultivate humility and perspective, seeing himself and his problems as tiny, momentary elements in the grand scheme of the cosmos. He urges the practice of detachment from desire and fear, viewing obstacles as opportunities to practice virtue (wisdom, justice, courage, and temperance). Ultimately, Meditations is a manual for developing mental resilience, reminding the reader that happiness comes not from changing the world, but from aligning one's mind with reason and accepting the present moment as exactly what is meant to be.
Inductive logic
Inductive Logic is a ‘thematic compilation’ by Avi Sion. It collects in one volume many (though not all) of the essays, that he has written on this subject over a period of some 23 years, which all demonstrate the possibility and conditions of validity of human knowledge, the utility and reliability of human cognitive means when properly used, contrary to the skeptical assumptions that are nowadays fashionable. This volume includes essays on the laws of thought, credibility, logical modality, contextuality, adduction, theory formation and selection, induction of actual and modal propositions, factorial induction (factor selection and formula revision), the phenomenological approach, experience, conceptualization, generalization and particularization, causation and its determinations, volition (freewill) and influences thereon, negation, and existential import.