Challenging Ideas

Challenging Ideas is a selection of articles which address the intersections between theory and empirical research. In general, the contributions to the volume focus on how imaginations of the temporal relationship between past and present might inform theory as well as empirical research. It is divided into two parts, the first of which, Memory, looks at the memory turn in the discipline of history, and includes investigations into the relationship between past and present in the working through of trauma and reflections on the relationship between media memory, collective memory and trauma. The second part of the volume, History looks at the intersections between social science, political theory and the writing of history. This section includes reflections on how the historian’s archival work might inform the construction of social and political theory and explorations of the temporal relationship between past and present at work in the archives. The contributions to this volume encourage historically oriented scholars to approach their work with an active interest in disciplines close to their topic and a reflexive attentiveness to the broader power relations within which they work. They offer different perspectives on the intrinsic relationship between past and present at work in the interactions between theory and empirical research, and thereby give impetus to challenging ideas and to the challenging of ideas in the social sciences and in the humanities.

Challenging Practice in Mental Health Nursing questions theories and practices which have become central in mental health care today. The book is inspired by the growing concerns of both the public and professionals about accepted methods of practice and their effects on patients and clients. Liam Clarke argues that while many different theories and models exist their validity and effectiveness in caring for patients has yet to be proved. Chapters examine: * holism * Rogerian and other counselling theories * forensic psychiatry * rational emotive therapy. This will be an essential and thought-provoking read for nurses and other mental health professionals who want to develop as critical practitioners.

In his book "Smarter than the Devil", Napoleon Hill proposes a controversial view of the nature of success and personal achievement. Through an allegory involving an encounter with the Devil, Hill presents 13 principles that he considers essential for overcoming life's obstacles and reaching the top. Although the work became a bestseller, with millions of copies sold, it also attracted criticism for its simplistic and, in some cases, dangerous ideas . In this ebook , I aim to unmask the flaws in Hill's book and offer an alternative perspective on success and happiness. Criticism of the 13 Principles 1.Desire: Hill places desire as the basis of success, stating that "faith begins with a burning desire." However, desire alone does not guarantee the achievement of goals. You need to be clear about what you want, develop an action plan and, above all, take concrete measures. 2.Faith: Hill argues that faith is the force that moves the universe and that, without it, success is impossible. This view is reductionist and ignores the role of hard work, persistence and intelligence in achieving goals. 3.Autosuggestion : Hill advocates autosuggestion as a powerful tool for overcoming obstacles and achieving success. However, autosuggestion is not a magical method and can be dangerous if used inappropriately. 4.Expertise: Hill recognizes the importance of expert knowledge for success, but does not offer a clear view on how to obtain it. Formal education, practical experience and continuous learning are essential elements for developing expertise. 5.Imagination: Hill highlights the power of imagination to create the desired reality. However, imagination needs to be combined with reality and logic to generate concrete results. 6.Organized planning: Hill emphasizes the importance of planning, but his planning model is simplistic and superficial. Effective planning must be detailed, flexible and adaptable to changes. 7.Decision: Hill states that the ability to make decisions is crucial to success. However, it does not provide tools or strategies to assist in making complex decisions. 8.Persistence: Hill recognizes the importance of persistence in overcoming obstacles and achieving goals. However, persistence does not mean stubbornness and requires flexibility and adaptability. 9.Power of the Subconscious: Hill believes that the subconscious is the key to success and that it can be programmed through autosuggestion . This view is controversial and has no proven scientific basis. 10.Force of Habit: Hill recognizes the power of habits and advocates creating positive habits for success. However, it does not offer effective methods for changing ingrained habits. 11.Intuition: Hill considers intuition to be a powerful tool for making decisions and achieving success. However, intuition needs to be developed and combined with logical reasoning to generate reliable results. 12.Sixth sense: Hill believes that the sixth sense is a source of knowledge and power that can be harnessed for success. This view is pseudoscientific and has no scientific basis. 13.Unshakable Faith: Hill asserts that unshakable faith is essential to success. However, blind faith can lead to hasty decisions and negative results. Conclusion "Smarter than the Devil" offers a simplistic and, in some cases, dangerous view of success and personal fulfillment. The book ignores the role of hard work, persistence, intelligence, and specialized knowledge in achieving goals. Instead of following Hill's principles, I recommend that you seek a more realistic and comprehensive perspective on success. Work hard, develop your skills, be persistent and seek specialized knowledge. Remember: success is not a magic formula, but rather the result of effort, dedication and intelligence. Learn Much More...

In this book, the author engages with the critical histories of two literary titans, illuminating how Dostoevsky reacted to, challenged, adapted, and ultimately transformed the work of his predecessor Pushkin. Focusing primarily on Dostoevsky's works through 1866 - including Poor Folk, The Double, Mr. Prokharchin, The Gambler, and Crime and Punishment - the author observes that the younger writer's way to literary greatness was not around Pushkin, but through him.

Challenging Institutional Analysis and Development demonstrates the importance of one of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Economics winners Elinor Ostrom's research program. The Bloomington School has become one of the most dynamic, well recognized and productive centers of the New Institutional Theory movement. Its ascendancy is considered to be the result of a unique and extremely successful combination of interdisciplinary theoretical approaches and hard-nosed empiricism. This book demonstrates that the well-known interdisciplinary and empirical agenda of the Bloomington Research Program is the result of a less-known but very bold proposition: an attempt to revitalize and extend into the new millennium a traditional mode of analysis illustrated by authors like Locke, Montesquieu, Hume, Adam Smith, Hamilton, Madison and Tocqueville. As such, the School tries to synthesize the traditional perspectives with the contemporary developments in social sciences and thus to re-ignite the old approach in the new intellectual and political context of the twentieth century. The book presents an outline and a systematic analysis of the vision behind the Bloomington Research Program in Institutional Analysis and Development, explaining its basic assumptions and its main themes as well as the foundational philosophy that frames its research questions and theoretical and methodological approaches. This book will be of interest to students and scholars of social science, especially those in the fields of economics, political sciences, sociology and public administration.

This monograph discusses how to more effectively prevent, identify, and address challenging behaviours by taking a positive behavioural approach.

Energy Fables: Challenging Ideas in the Energy Sector takes a fresh look at key terms and concepts around which energy research and policy are organised. Drawing on recent research in energy and transport studies, and combining this with concepts from sociology, economics, social theory and technology studies, the chapters in this collection review and challenge different aspects of received wisdom. Brief but critical introductions to classic notions like those of ‘energy efficiency’, ‘elasticity’, ‘energy services’ and the ‘energy trilemma’, together with discussions and analyses of well-worn phrases about ‘low hanging fruit’ and ‘keeping the lights on’, articulate aspects of the energy debate that are often taken for granted. In re-working these established themes and adding twists to familiar tales, the authors develop a repertoire of new ideas about the fundamentals of energy demand and carbon reduction. This book presents a valuable and thought-provoking resource for students, researchers and policy-makers interested in energy demand, politics and policy.