Notable Reading 2006
Noteable Reading from 2006
Here's a somewhat random, but oddly representative list of 10 things I found interesting to read last year:
1. Bartsch, Shadi. The Mirror of the Self: Sexuality, Self-Knowledge, and the Gaze in the Roman Empire. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2006
Abstract: An excellent scholarly study of the emergence of the self in Hellenistic thought, particularly in relation to the emergence and use of the mirror, contrasting cultural meanings of the gaze, and the understanding of self and sexuality.
2. Bloom, Paul. "Is God an Accident?" The Atlantic Monthly (2005): 105-12.
Abstract: A challenging account of the psychological evidence of the centrality of the concept of a transcendent self.
3. Dworkin, Ronald. "Three Questions for America."Vol. 53. New York, 2006.
Abstract: Close argumentation on three issues of the day: the teaching of evolution schools, gay rights, and the pledge of allegiance.
4. Gaca, Kathy L. The Making of Fornication: Eros, Ethics, and Political Reform in Greek Philosophy and Early Chritianity. Los Angeles: UCLA, 2003.
Abstract: A sustained analysis of the classical sources and influences on the Christian conception of sexuality. Really brilliant.
5. Gawande, Atul . "The Malpractice Mess." The New Yorker (2005): 63-71.
Abstract: An insightful discussion of medical malpractice.
6. Hansson, Sven Ove. "The False Promises of Risk Analysis." Ratio (1993).
Abstract: A good discussion of the limits of risk analysis.
7. Menand, Louis . "Everybody's an Expert." The New Yorker (2005).
Abstract: A good discussion of the idea of the "expert" in contemporary culture.
8. Paul, Gregory . "Cross-National Correlations of Quantifiable Societal Health With Popular Religiosity and Seuclarism in the Prosperous Democracies." Journal of Religion and Society 7 (2005): 1-17.
Abstract: Discusses evidence of mass secularization and the correlations between religious culture and social disfunction.
9. Pope Benedict XVI. "Faith, Reason and the University: Memories and Reflections." (Public Speech) (2006): 7.
Abstract: The controversial anti-islamic speech given by Pope Benedict this year, on the eve of his trip to Turkey.
10. The Economist. "Economics Discovers Its Feelings."London, 2006. 33-35.
Abstract: A round-up of recent work in economics and well-being.
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