What We Are Reading Today: ‘Algorithms for the People’ by Josh Simons

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Algorithms for the People’ by Josh Simons
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Updated 25 November 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Algorithms for the People’ by Josh Simons

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Algorithms for the People’ by Josh Simons

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are reshaping our world. Police forces use them to decide where to send police officers, judges to decide whom to release on bail, welfare agencies to decide which children are at risk of abuse, and Facebook and Google to rank content and distribute ads.

In these spheres, and many others, powerful prediction tools are changing how decisions are made, narrowing opportunities for the exercise of judgment, empathy, and creativity. 

In “Algorithms for the People,” Josh Simons flips the narrative about how we govern these technologies. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Tectonic Geodynamics’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Tectonic Geodynamics’
Updated 07 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Tectonic Geodynamics’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Tectonic Geodynamics’

Authors: Thorsten Becker and Claudio Faccenna 

Over the past half century, major achievements have been made in the study of Earth’s surface structure and kinematics and the internal dynamics of the lithosphere and mantle.

Many of these advances have relied on the integration of data and models from plate tectonics and geodynamics, yet traditional divisions persist in how these two disciplines are taught and practiced.

This textbook bridges the gap, connecting geophysical and geological approaches to understand the physical processes that shape our planet’s evolution. 


What We Are Reading Today: Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities

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Updated 06 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities

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Author: Martha C. Nusssbaum

In this short and powerful book, celebrated philosopher Martha C. Nussbaum makes a passionate case for the importance of the liberal arts at all levels of education.
Historically, the humanities have been central to education because they have been seen as essential for creating competent democratic citizens.
But recently, Nussbaum argues, thinking about the aims of education has gone disturbingly awry in the US and abroad. We increasingly treat education as though its primary goal were to teach students to be economically productive rather than to think critically.

 and become knowledgeable, productive, and empathetic individuals. This shortsighted focus on profitable skills has eroded our ability to criticize authority, reduced our sympathy with the marginalized and different, and damaged our competence to deal with complex global problems. And the loss of these basic capacities jeopardizes the health of democracies and the hope of a decent world.

In response to this dire situation, Nussbaum argues that we must resist efforts to reduce education to a tool of the gross national product.

 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘Magnetic Reconnection’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Magnetic Reconnection’
Updated 05 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘Magnetic Reconnection’

What We Are Reading Today: ‘Magnetic Reconnection’

Author: Masaaki Yamada

Plasmas comprise more than 99 percent of the visible universe; and, wherever plasmas are, magnetic reconnection occurs.

In this common yet incompletely understood physical process, oppositely directed magnetic fields in a plasma meet, break, and then reconnect, converting the huge amounts of energy stored in magnetic fields into kinetic and thermal energy.

In “Magnetic Reconnection,” Masaaki Yamada offers an illuminating synthesis of modern research and advances on this important topic. Magnetic reconnection produces such phenomena as solar flares and the northern lights, and occurs in nuclear fusion devices.


Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany
Updated 05 December 2024
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Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

Book Review: ‘The Birds of Saudi Arabia’ by Abdullah Alsuhaibany

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” offers a comprehensive exploration of the diverse avian species in the Kingdom, showcasing the expertise of its authors.

For bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and researchers, the two-volume set is an exciting compendium that explores the diverse bird life found in the Kingdom, written by Abdullah Alsuhaibany, secretary-general of the Saudi Environmental Security Coordinating Council, and Chris Boland, director of Arabian Biodiversity Consultancy. 

The collection is published by Aramco, showcasing their dedication to advancing knowledge in environmental research and conservation.

The books are available in Arabic and English, titled “The Lives of Birds” and “Species Accounts.”

Together, these volumes provide valuable information about the various bird species that inhabit Saudi Arabia.

The first book provides a broad overview of different bird families in Saudi Arabia. 

It introduces readers to groups of birds, such as colorful passerines, or songbirds, like warblers and sparrows and impressive raptors like eagles and hawks. 

Each chapter is written in a way that is easy to understand and interesting for both beginners and experienced birdwatchers. 

The book describes essential topics such as mating rituals, feeding habits, and migration. 

For example, it highlights how some birds use Saudi Arabia as a vital stop during their long journeys each year, shedding light on the country’s significance for global bird migration.

The conservation status of birds is also a key focus in this volume. The book discusses different challenges, such as habitat loss and climate change, that threaten bird populations and encourages readers to take action to protect these species. 

Additionally, the volume offers practical birdwatching tips, such as the best places and times to observe different species and what gear to bring along.

The second book focuses on specific bird species. This volume is perfect for serious birdwatchers and students of avian sciences, featuring detailed descriptions of each bird. 

Each entry includes information about the bird’s appearance, sounds, and where it can be found.

For instance, the section on the Common Redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus) discusses its colors and seasonal behaviors. 

The book also covers the Sooty Gull (Larus hemprichii), explaining its coastal habitats and feeding habits. 

The entry on the Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala) provides insights into how this bird interacts with others and its unique calls.

This volume also includes maps and descriptions that help readers visualize where different birds live in Saudi Arabia. 

The conservation information included for each species highlights the need to protect these birds and their habitats.

“The Birds of Saudi Arabia” is more than just a reference book; it celebrates the Kingdom’s amazing bird life and encourages conservation efforts. 

With both volumes, readers can learn about birds in a clear and engaging way, making it suitable for casual birdwatchers, seasoned ornithologists, and anyone interested in nature.

By facilitating access to this vital resource, Aramco not only helps to highlight the ecological wealth of Saudi Arabia but also engages a wider audience in the discussion of biodiversity and the importance of protecting fragile ecosystems.

This initiative underscores the vital connection between corporate responsibility and the preservation of our ecosystem. 


What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske
Updated 04 December 2024
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What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What We Are Reading Today: ‘The Artist’s Palette’ by Alexandra Loske

What can the palette an artist used or depicted tell us about their artistic process, preferences, and finished works? From traditional wooden boards to paint pots, ceramic plates, and studio walls, these deceptively simple yet potent tools provide vital evidence. 

“The Artist’s Palette” presents 50 unique palettes alongside paintings by the celebrated artists who used them, gathering expert analysis of color, brushstroke, and technique to offer new histories of these artists and their work.