Lectures in Astrobiology: Volume II (Advances in Astrobiology and Biogeophysics)

Based on material delivered at several summer schools, this book is the first comprehensive textbook at the graduate level encompassing all aspects associated with the emerging field of astrobiology. Volume II gathers another set of extensive lectures covering topics so diverse as the formation and the distribution of elements in the universe, the concept of habitability from both the planetologists' and the biologists' point of view and artificial life. The contributions are held together by the common goal to understand better the origin of life, its evolution and possible existence outside the Earth's realm. Foucault is one of those rare philosophers who has become a cult figure. Born in 1926 in France, over the course of his life he dabbled in drugs, politics, and the Paris SM scene, all whilst striving to understand the deep concepts of identity, knowledge, and power. From aesthetics to the penal system; from madness and civilisation to avant-garde literature, Foucault was happy to reject old models of thinking and replace them with versions that are still widely debated today. A major influence on Queer Theory and gender studies (he was openly gay and died of an AIDS-related illness in 1984), he also wrote on architecture, history, law, medicine, literature, politics and of course philosophy, and even managed a best-seller in France on a book dedicated to the history of systems of thought. Because of the complexity of his arguments, people trying to come to terms with his work have desperately sought introductory material that makes his theories clear and accessible for the beginner. Ideally suited for the Very Short Introductions series, Gary Gutting presents a comprehensive but non-systematic treatment of some highlights of Foucault's life and thought. Beginning with a brief biography to set the social and political stage, he then tackles Foucault's thoughts on literature, in particular the avant-garde scene; his philosophical and historical work; his treatment of knowledge and power in modern society; and his thoughts on sexuality. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable. Based on material delivered at several summer schools, this book is the first comprehensive textbook at the graduate level encompassing all aspects associated with the emerging field of astrobiology. Volume II gathers another set of extensive lectures covering topics so diverse as the formation and the distribution of elements in the universe, the concept of habitability from both the planetologists'and the biologists'point of view and artificial life. The contributions are held together by the common goal to understand better the origin of life, its evolution and possible existence outside the Earth's realm.The volume ends with 120 pages of a very useful appendix comprising'Some Astrophysical Reminders','Useful Astrobiological Data'and'An Astrobiological Glossary'. This Work Highlights Foucault's Life And Thought, Showing His Impact On Society, As Well As Tackling His Thoughts On Literature, In Particular The Avant-garde Scene; His Philosophical And Historical Work; And His Treatment Of Knowledge And Power In Modern Society. Lives And Works -- Literature -- Politics -- Archaeology -- Genealogy -- The Masked Philosopher -- Madness -- Crime And Punishment -- Modern Sex -- Ancient Sex. Gary Gutting. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 111-119) And Index. This VSI highlights Foucault's life and thought, showing his impact on today's society. Beginning with a brief biography to set the social and political stage, Gary Gutting then tackles Foucault's thoughts on literature, in particular the avant-garde scene; his philosophical and historical work; and his treatment of knowledge and power in modern society, including his thoughts on sexuality. "Gary Gutting provides an introduction to Michel Foucault's work in the fields of literature, politics, history, and philosophy, and explores some of the key themes that fascinated the philosopher in his quest to more deeply understand identity, knowledge, and power in modern society."--Jacket [This is a textbook at the graduate level.] Volume I gathers a set of lectures that cover a range of topics, from the formation of solar system to the quest for the most primitive life forms that emerged on the Early Earth -- back cover