Robin Mackay Bücher

Comprising subjects from probability theory to theology, from quantum theory to neuroscience, from astrophysics to necrology, and involving them in unforeseen and productive syntheses, Collapse II features a selection of speculative essays by some of the foremost young philosophers at work today, together with new work from artists and cinéastes, and searching interviews with leading scientists.Against the tide of institutional balkanisation and specialisation, this volume testifies to a defiant reanimation of the most radical philosophical problematics - the status of the scientific object, metaphysics and its "end", the prospects for a revival of speculative realism, the possibility of phenomenology, transcendence and the divine, the nature of causation, the necessity of contingency - both through a fresh reappropriation of the philosophical tradition and through an openness to its outside. The breadth of philosophical thought in this volume is matched by the surprising and revealing thematic connections that emerge between the philosophers and scientists who have contributed.

An artist and a mathematician debate, find common ground, and jointly create an assemblage that is neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model. A week-long residency project brought together artist Conrad Shawcross and mathematician Matthew Watkins to reflect on the ways in which artists use (or misuse) scientific and mathematical concepts. Secrets of Creation documents this fascinating meeting of worlds, presenting both the week's discussions and debates, and the project upon which Shawcross and Watkins subsequently embarked. Navigating a route that tacked between formalism and natural language, experts and laymen, quantity and quality, poetics and mechanics, Shawcross and Watkins gradually forged a shared discourse in which the concerns of the artist and those of the mathematician could find a common ground. The project ended with their joint creation of an assemblage that was neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

This book serves as both a prism and a manual, following the traditional arc of electroacoustic composition: listen, record, compose, deploy, and feel. Each contribution focuses on a personal aspect of sonic and musical experimentation. While "experimental music" is often seen as a genre or style, it is essential to remember its original meaning, which emphasizes an approach rather than a specific aesthetic. The essence of the experimental lies in the spirit of exploring unknown territories and inventing new ideas, viewing musical composition as a journey into uncertainty rather than a safe endeavor within well-mapped areas. The content includes diverse contributions from various artists, each offering unique insights into the realm of sound and music. Topics range from recording techniques and non-human listening to the philosophical implications of sound and the nature of time. The contributions explore the relationship between sound and perception, the acousmatic experience, and the spaces of the mind, emphasizing the importance of immersion and perspective in understanding sound. Overall, the book invites readers to engage with the experimental spirit, encouraging a deeper exploration of the sonic landscape.

The book explores the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, particularly in light of recent violent escalations. Shlomo Sand, an Israeli historian, critiques the viability of the two-state solution, arguing it has become a hollow promise amid ongoing settlement expansions and systemic inequalities faced by Palestinians. He delves into historical perspectives within Zionism that advocate for a bi-national federation, proposing that an egalitarian state where Israelis and Palestinians coexist as equals may be the only feasible path towards lasting peace.