THE IDEOLOGICAL ORIGINS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

*The Ideological Origins of the American Revolution* by Bernard Bailyn explores the intellectual foundations of the American Revolution. Bailyn argues that revolutionary leaders were deeply influenced by Enlightenment ideas, English political tradition, and a fear of British tyranny.

*The Politically Incorrect Guide to American History* by Thomas E. Woods Jr. offers a revisionist take on American history, challenging mainstream historical narratives. Woods argues that many widely accepted views about U.S. history are shaped by political correctness rather than facts.

Social Town Planning, edited by Clara H. Greed, examines how urban planning often overlooks marginalized groups like women, ethnic minorities, and people with disabilities. The book critiques traditional approaches and advocates for more inclusive, socially just, and equitable planning practices.

The book examines key concepts such as exchange, production, consumption, and distribution, exploring both formal and informal economies. It highlights the role of culture in shaping economic practices, and contrasts Western capitalist systems with indigenous, non-market-based economies.

“Leviathan,” written by Thomas Hobbes in 1651, is a foundational text in political philosophy and social contract theory. Hobbes presents a view of human nature that is fundamentally pessimistic, arguing that in a state of nature, individuals act out of self-interest, leading to a chaotic and violent existence where life is “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish, and short.”

“A History of Western Philosophy” by Bertrand Russell is a monumental work that traces the development of Western philosophical thought from ancient Greece to the modern era. First published in 1945, this sweeping narrative spans over 800 pages, covering the contributions of prominent philosophers, scientists, and theologians.”

A Short History of Modern Philosophy” by Roger Scruton is a concise and engaging survey of Western philosophy from the 17th to the 20th century. First published in 1981, this accessible book explores the development of modern philosophical thought through the contributions of key figures, including Descartes, Spinoza, Leibniz, Locke, Berkeley, Hume, Kant, Hegel, Schopenhauer, Nietzsche, and Wittgenstein.

“The Postmodern Condition: A Report on Knowledge” (1979) by Jean-François Lyotard is a seminal work that critiques modernity’s notion of progress and universal truth. Commissioned by the Quebec government, Lyotard’s report diagnoses the shift from modernity to postmodernity, characterized by the erosion of metanarratives (grand narratives) that once legitimized knowledge and truth.

“A History of Muslim Philosophy” by M.M. Sharif is a seminal two-volume work that provides a comprehensive and authoritative survey of the development of philosophical thought in the Islamic world. Volume 1, published in 1963, covers the period from the eighth to the fifteenth century, tracing the evolution of Islamic philosophy from its Greek and Persian roots to the emergence of distinctively Islamic philosophical schools.”

The book covers a range of perspectives, including:

Realism: Focuses on the competitive and conflictual nature of international politics, emphasizing state power and national interests.
Liberalism: Highlights cooperation, democracy, and international institutions, arguing that these factors can lead to a more peaceful world.
Constructivism: Examines how ideas, identities, and social constructs shape international relations, focusing on the role of norms and values.
Marxism: Analyzes international relations through the lens of class struggle, imperialism, and economic exploitation.
Feminism: Addresses gender dynamics in global politics, critiquing traditional theories for neglecting the role of women and gendered power relations.
Postcolonialism: Explores the impact of colonial histories and power imbalances in shaping contemporary international relations.