Reshaping the World

Reshaping the World PDF Author: Ana Díaz
Publisher: University Press of Colorado
ISBN: 1607329530
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 367

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Book Description
Reshaping the World is a nuanced exploration of the plurality, complexity, and adaptability of Precolumbian and colonial-era Mesoamerican cosmological models and the ways in which anthropologists and historians have used colonial and indigenous texts to understand these models in the past. Since the early twentieth century, it has been popularly accepted that the Precolumbian Mesoamerican cosmological model comprised nine fixed layers of underworld and thirteen fixed layers of heavens. This layered model, which bears a close structural resemblance to a number of Eurasian cosmological models, derived in large part from scholars’ reliance on colonial texts, such as the post–Spanish Conquest Codex Vaticanus A and Florentine Codex. By reanalyzing and recontextualizing both indigenous and colonial texts and imagery in nine case studies examining Maya, Zapotec, Nahua, and Huichol cultures, the contributors discuss and challenge the commonly accepted notion that the cosmos was a static structure of superimposed levels unrelated to and unaffected by historical events and human actions. Instead, Mesoamerican cosmology consisted of a multitude of cosmographic repertoires that operated simultaneously as a result of historical circumstances and regional variations. These spaces were, and are, dynamic elements shaped, defined, and redefined throughout the course of human history. Indigenous cosmographies could be subdivided and organized in complex and diverse arrangements—as components in a dynamic interplay, which cannot be adequately understood if the cosmological discourse is reduced to a superposition of nine and thirteen levels. Unlike previous studies, which focus on the reconstruction of a pan-Mesoamerican cosmological model, Reshaping the World shows how the movement of people, ideas, and objects in New Spain and neighboring regions produced a deep reconfiguration of Prehispanic cosmological and social structures, enriching them with new conceptions of space and time. The volume exposes the reciprocal influences of Mesoamerican and European theologies during the colonial era, offering expansive new ways of understanding Mesoamerican models of the cosmos. Contributors: Sergio Botta, Ana Díaz, Kerry Hull, Katarzyna Mikulska, Johannes Neurath, Jesper Nielsen, Toke Sellner Reunert†, David Tavárez, Alexander Tokovinine, Gabrielle Vail

Reshaping the World

Reshaping the World PDF Author: Ana Díaz
Publisher: University Press of Colorado
ISBN: 1607329530
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 367

Get Book Here

Book Description
Reshaping the World is a nuanced exploration of the plurality, complexity, and adaptability of Precolumbian and colonial-era Mesoamerican cosmological models and the ways in which anthropologists and historians have used colonial and indigenous texts to understand these models in the past. Since the early twentieth century, it has been popularly accepted that the Precolumbian Mesoamerican cosmological model comprised nine fixed layers of underworld and thirteen fixed layers of heavens. This layered model, which bears a close structural resemblance to a number of Eurasian cosmological models, derived in large part from scholars’ reliance on colonial texts, such as the post–Spanish Conquest Codex Vaticanus A and Florentine Codex. By reanalyzing and recontextualizing both indigenous and colonial texts and imagery in nine case studies examining Maya, Zapotec, Nahua, and Huichol cultures, the contributors discuss and challenge the commonly accepted notion that the cosmos was a static structure of superimposed levels unrelated to and unaffected by historical events and human actions. Instead, Mesoamerican cosmology consisted of a multitude of cosmographic repertoires that operated simultaneously as a result of historical circumstances and regional variations. These spaces were, and are, dynamic elements shaped, defined, and redefined throughout the course of human history. Indigenous cosmographies could be subdivided and organized in complex and diverse arrangements—as components in a dynamic interplay, which cannot be adequately understood if the cosmological discourse is reduced to a superposition of nine and thirteen levels. Unlike previous studies, which focus on the reconstruction of a pan-Mesoamerican cosmological model, Reshaping the World shows how the movement of people, ideas, and objects in New Spain and neighboring regions produced a deep reconfiguration of Prehispanic cosmological and social structures, enriching them with new conceptions of space and time. The volume exposes the reciprocal influences of Mesoamerican and European theologies during the colonial era, offering expansive new ways of understanding Mesoamerican models of the cosmos. Contributors: Sergio Botta, Ana Díaz, Kerry Hull, Katarzyna Mikulska, Johannes Neurath, Jesper Nielsen, Toke Sellner Reunert†, David Tavárez, Alexander Tokovinine, Gabrielle Vail

C. S. Lewis's Perelandra

C. S. Lewis's Perelandra PDF Author: Judith E. Wolfe
Publisher:
ISBN: 9781606351833
Category :
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
The first single-volume study of an important Lewis novel C. S. Lewis considered his novel Perelandra (1943) among his best works. A triumph of imaginative science fiction, Perelandra--the second volume of Lewis's "Space Trilogy"--is also theologically ambitious. C. S. Lewis's Perelandra: Reshaping the Image of the Cosmos explores how the novel synthesizes the three traditions of cosmology, mythology, and Christianity. The first group of essays considers the cosmological implications of the world Lewis depicts in Perelandra while the second group examines the relationship between morality and meaning in Lewis's created cosmology of the planet Perelandra. This work brings together a world-class group of literary and theological scholars and Lewis specialists that includes Paul S. Fiddes, Monika B. Hilder, Sanford Schwartz, Michael Travers, and Michael Ward. The collection is enhanced by Walter Hooper's reminiscences of his conversations with Lewis about Perelandra and the possible provenance of the stories in Lewis's imagination. C. S. Lewis scholars and devoted readers alike will find this volume indispensible to the understanding of this canonical work of speculative fiction.

The Space Barons

The Space Barons PDF Author: Christian Davenport
Publisher: PublicAffairs
ISBN: 1610398300
Category : Business & Economics
Languages : en
Pages : 369

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Book Description
The historic quest to rekindle the human exploration and colonization of space led by two rivals and their vast fortunes, egos, and visions of space as the next entrepreneurial frontier The Space Barons is the story of a group of billionaire entrepreneurs who are pouring their fortunes into the epic resurrection of the American space program. Nearly a half-century after Neil Armstrong walked on the moon, these Space Barons-most notably Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos, along with Richard Branson and Paul Allen-are using Silicon Valley-style innovation to dramatically lower the cost of space travel, and send humans even further than NASA has gone. These entrepreneurs have founded some of the biggest brands in the world-Amazon, Microsoft, Virgin, Tesla, PayPal-and upended industry after industry. Now they are pursuing the biggest disruption of all: space. Based on years of reporting and exclusive interviews with all four billionaires, this authoritative account is a dramatic tale of risk and high adventure, the birth of a new Space Age, fueled by some of the world's richest men as they struggle to end governments' monopoly on the cosmos. The Space Barons is also a story of rivalry-hard-charging startups warring with established contractors, and the personal clashes of the leaders of this new space movement, particularly Musk and Bezos, as they aim for the moon and Mars and beyond.

Secrets of the Cosmos

Secrets of the Cosmos PDF Author: CAN BARTU H.
Publisher: CBF Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 184

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Book Description
In the vast expanse of the cosmos, humanity has embarked on an extraordinary journey—a quest to unravel the mysteries that lie beyond the stars, to understand the fabric of the universe, and to glimpse the secrets that have shaped our existence. This journey, driven by unquenchable curiosity and a relentless thirst for knowledge, has led us to explore the fundamental building blocks of reality, from the moment of the Big Bang to the enigmatic depths of black holes and the cosmic dance of dark matter and dark energy. In this book, "Secrets of the Cosmos: Origins, Structure, and Future of the Universe," we embark on an exploration that transcends the boundaries of time and space. We delve into the heart of the universe, where the echoes of the Big Bang reverberate through the cosmic tapestry, and where the gravitational embrace of black holes defies the conventional rules of physics. We traverse the intricate web of spacetime, where the fabric of reality bends and warps in the presence of massive celestial bodies, revealing the elegant dance of gravitational forces. Through each chapter, we encounter the brilliant minds who have illuminated our path—visionaries like Galileo Galilei, Albert Einstein, Edwin Hubble, and Stephen Hawking—who have reshaped our understanding of the cosmos and left an indelible mark on the annals of scientific inquiry. From the philosophical underpinnings of the universe's meaning to the harmonious interplay between science and spirituality, we contemplate the cosmic narrative that unfolds before us. As we navigate the pages of this book, we invite you to embark on a journey of discovery—a journey that traverses epochs of time, that spans the infinite depths of space, and that sparks a sense of wonder in the face of the unknown. From the fiery birth of stars to the icy expanse of the universe's future, we unravel the threads that weave the cosmic fabric, bringing to light the awe-inspiring symphony of existence. Whether you are a seasoned explorer of the cosmos or embarking on this journey for the first time, we welcome you to join us in this exploration of the universe's mysteries. Let us venture together, fueled by curiosity, guided by knowledge, and inspired by the infinite possibilities that the cosmos offers. For it is through our shared exploration that we inch closer to understanding the enigmas that have captivated the human spirit for eons. So, let us turn the page and embark on this cosmic odyssey, for the universe beckons us to seek knowledge, to embrace wonder, and to forever be in awe of the boundless mysteries that await us among the stars. Welcome to "Secrets of the Cosmos: Origins, Structure, and Future of the Universe."

Cosmic Chronicles

Cosmic Chronicles PDF Author: JB Malatji
Publisher: XinXii
ISBN: 3989118129
Category : Fiction
Languages : en
Pages : 152

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Book Description
"Cosmic Chronicles: Journeys Beyond the Stars" unveils a tapestry of interconnected science fiction and fantasy stories, each a gateway to the infinite stories of the universe and the elusive boundaries of reality. This collection embarks on a fantastical journey into space, inviting readers to explore the cosmic wonders and embark on a space exploration fantasy like no other. Through a series of captivating narratives, this anthology traverses the vastness of the cosmos, unveiling the marvels and mysteries that dwell in the furthest reaches of space and beyond. At the core of these tales lies the Astral Gateway, a beacon of cosmic wonder, guiding readers through a cosmic odyssey that defies imagination. It stands as a testament to the boundless curiosity and ambition that propel humanity-and other beings-across the uncharted territories of the galaxy. Each story in "Cosmic Chronicles: Journeys Beyond the Stars" weaves a unique thread in the grand tapestry of the cosmos, exploring the interconnectedness of the universe, the wonders that lie in the void, and the fantastical realms that exist just beyond the limits of our understanding. As adventurers of the mind and spirit, readers are invited to step through this portal of imagination, embarking on an odyssey that spans the spectrum of the human experience within the cosmic theatre. From ancient civilizations that whisper secrets of the universe, to enigmatic forces that shape the fabric of reality, each narrative unfurls the mysteries of the cosmos, inviting a deeper contemplation of what lies beyond. This collection is not just an assemblage of stories; it is an odyssey-a cosmic odyssey-that challenges the very notion of what is possible. Through the eyes of astronomers, explorers, and dreamers, we set sail on a fantastical journey into space, navigating the cosmic wonders that stretch across the celestial canvas of the universe. "Cosmic Chronicles: Journeys Beyond the Stars" is an ode to the spirit of discovery, a celebration of the interconnected science fiction and fantasy stories that dare to explore the final frontier and the infinite possibilities that await.

The Fabric of the Cosmos

The Fabric of the Cosmos PDF Author: Brian Greene
Publisher: Vintage
ISBN: 0307428532
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 594

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Book Description
NATIONAL BESTSELLER • From one of the world’s leading physicists and author of the Pulitzer Prize finalist The Elegant Universe, comes “an astonishing ride” through the universe (The New York Times) that makes us look at reality in a completely different way. Space and time form the very fabric of the cosmos. Yet they remain among the most mysterious of concepts. Is space an entity? Why does time have a direction? Could the universe exist without space and time? Can we travel to the past? Greene has set himself a daunting task: to explain non-intuitive, mathematical concepts like String Theory, the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, and Inflationary Cosmology with analogies drawn from common experience. From Newton’s unchanging realm in which space and time are absolute, to Einstein’s fluid conception of spacetime, to quantum mechanics’ entangled arena where vastly distant objects can instantaneously coordinate their behavior, Greene takes us all, regardless of our scientific backgrounds, on an irresistible and revelatory journey to the new layers of reality that modern physics has discovered lying just beneath the surface of our everyday world.

The Cycle of Emanations

The Cycle of Emanations PDF Author: Logan Gray
Publisher: Vellaz Publishing
ISBN:
Category : Body, Mind & Spirit
Languages : en
Pages : 174

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Book Description
The Cycle of Emanations - From the Source to the Return "Emanations" is a spiritual and philosophical journey that invites us to explore the essence of the universe and the self. Through a narrative that weaves together ancient esoteric traditions, such as Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Kabbalah, the book reveals the deep interconnectedness between the cosmos and the primordial source of all existence. The text guides us through the stages of creation, where everything that exists, from the stars to the human soul, is an emanation of a singular absolute force. This energy, which flows incessantly from the cosmic center, gives rise to what we know as reality, while simultaneously concealing a greater truth, hidden beneath layers of light and shadow. Every fragment of matter, every being, carries a spark of this primordial light, even when immersed in the density of material existence. As the narrative unfolds, we are led to understand that nothing in the universe is truly separate. The multiplicity we perceive is merely the expression of divine unity, and the path back to the original source is inevitable. The fall of light that forms the material world is simultaneously a fall into ignorance, but also an opportunity to return to wisdom. With its mystical and enigmatic tone, the book challenges the reader to look beyond appearances and seek the lost link that connects the material world with the spiritual. Here, the apparent chaos dissolves into an ordered cosmic dance, where every action and thought is part of an eternal cycle of emanation and return. Immersed in this work, the reader not only discovers a new paradigm of reality but also an invitation to actively participate in this flow, aligning with higher energies and rediscovering the unity behind the diversity.

Mapping the Heavens

Mapping the Heavens PDF Author: Priyamvada Natarajan
Publisher: Yale University Press
ISBN: 0300221126
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 337

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Book Description
A theoretical astrophysicist explores the ideas that transformed our knowledge of the universe over the past century. The cosmos, once understood as a stagnant place, filled with the ordinary, is now a universe that is expanding at an accelerating pace, propelled by dark energy and structured by dark matter. Priyamvada Natarajan, our guide to these ideas, is someone at the forefront of the research—an astrophysicist who literally creates maps of invisible matter in the universe. She not only explains for a wide audience the science behind these essential ideas but also provides an understanding of how radical scientific theories gain acceptance. The formation and growth of black holes, dark matter halos, the accelerating expansion of the universe, the echo of the big bang, the discovery of exoplanets, and the possibility of other universes—these are some of the puzzling cosmological topics of the early twenty-first century. Natarajan discusses why the acceptance of new ideas about the universe and our place in it has never been linear and always contested even within the scientific community. And she affirms that, shifting and incomplete as science always must be, it offers the best path we have toward making sense of our wondrous, mysterious universe. “Part history, part science, all illuminating. If you want to understand the greatest ideas that shaped our current cosmic cartography, read this book.”—Adam G. Riess, Nobel Laureate in Physics, 2011 “A highly readable, insider’s view of recent discoveries in astronomy with unusual attention to the instruments used and the human drama of the scientists.”—Alan Lightman, author of The Accidental Universe and Einstein's Dream

Conflict

Conflict PDF Author: Martin Jones
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521839600
Category : Political Science
Languages : en
Pages : 196

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Book Description
Conflict, sadly, is part of our everyday life; experienced at home, in the workplace, on our TV screens. But is it an inevitable part of the fabric of our existence? In this volume, eight experts examine conflict at many levels, from the workings of genes to the evolution of galaxies. Evolutionary biologist David Haig examines why we disagree with ourselves, and psychologist Simon Baron-Cohen asks whether differences between the average male and female mind must necessarily lead to misunderstanding. Anthropologist Richard Wrangham explores why chimpanzees and humans have evolved to kill, while archaeologist Barry Cunliffe examines the roots of warfare. Political scientist Lisa Anderson analyses conflict in the Middle East, and broadcaster Kate Adie reflects on television reporting of war. The book concludes with industrial economist William Brown's discussion of conflict in labour relations, and an exploration of the creative and destructive effects of cosmic violence by physicist P. C. W. Davies.

Perelandra

Perelandra PDF Author: Clive Staples Lewis
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category :
Languages : en
Pages :

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Book Description