Fair Division and Collective Welfare

Book Description

The concept of fair division is as old as civil society itself. Aristotle's "equal treatment of equals" was the first step toward a formal definition of distributive fairness. The concept of collective welfare, more than two centuries old, is a pillar of modern economic analysis. Reflecting fifty years of research, this book examines the contribution of modern microeconomic thinking to distributive justice. Taking the modern axiomatic approach, it compares normative arguments of distributive justice and their relation to efficiency and collective welfare.

The book begins with the epistemological status of the axiomatic approach and the four classic principles of distributive justice: compensation, reward, exogenous rights, and fitness. It then presents the simple ideas of equal gains, equal losses, and proportional gains and losses. The book discusses three cardinal interpretations of collective welfare: Bentham's "utilitarian" proposal to maximize the sum of individual utilities, the Nash product, and the egalitarian leximin ordering. It also discusses the two main ordinal definitions of collective welfare: the majority relation and the Borda scoring method.

The Shapley value is the single most important contribution of game theory to distributive justice. A formula to divide jointly produced costs or benefits fairly, it is especially useful when the pattern of externalities renders useless the simple ideas of equality and proportionality. The book ends with two versatile methods for dividing commodities efficiently and fairly when only ordinal preferences matter: competitive equilibrium with equal incomes and egalitarian equivalence. The book contains a wealth of empirical examples and exercises.

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Fair Division and Collective Welfare.

ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000ICNGCE

Book Description

This book argues that the changes in the global economy are so profound that the world is now confronted with nothing less than a new political economy of development. The changes include: the continuing rise in the power of multinational corporations; the standardized policy package of structural adjustment now imposed by the World Bank and IMF; the coercive and much more far-reaching rules governing international trade in goods and services embodied in the World Trade Organization Agreements; the OECD’s impending Multilateral Agreement on Investment; the new international conventions on the environment; and globalization generally. The author provides an intellectually commanding survey of this new terrain. He subjects its economic and ideological assumptions to trenchant critique and shows how the rules of the game primarily reflect the interests of the rich and powerful countries of the North.

STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT, GLOBAL TRADE AND THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT.(Review) (book review): An article from: Journal of Contemporary Asia

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STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT, GLOBAL TRADE AND THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT.(Review) (book review): An article from: Journal of Contemporary Asia
Mark Beeson
Manufacturer: Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital
ASIN: B0008GVUZA
Release Date: 2005-07-28

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Journal of Contemporary Asia, published by Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers on March 1, 2000. The length of the article is 742 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: STRUCTURAL ADJUSTMENT, GLOBAL TRADE AND THE NEW POLITICAL ECONOMY OF DEVELOPMENT.(Review) (book review)
Author: Mark Beeson
Publication: Journal of Contemporary Asia (Refereed)
Date: March 1, 2000
Publisher: Journal of Contemporary Asia Publishers
Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Page: 140

Article Type: Book Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale

Book Description

Kruger National Park in South Africa has one of the most extensive sets of records of any protected area in the world, and throughout its history has supported connections between science and management. In recognition of that long-standing tradition comes The Kruger Experience, the first book to synthesize/summarize a century of ecological research and management in two million hectares of African savanna.

The Kruger Experience places the scientific and management experience in Kruger within the framework of modern ecological theory and its practical applications. The book uses a cross-cutting theme of ecological heterogeneity -- the idea that ecological systems function across a full hierarchy of physical and biological components, processes, and scales, in a dynamic space-time mosaic. Contributors, who include many esteemed ecologists who have worked in Kruger in recent years, examine a range of topics covering broad taxonomic groupings and ecological processes. The book's four sections explore:

the historical context of research and management in Kruger, the theme of heterogeneity, and the current philosophy in Kruger for linking science with management
the template of natural components and processes, as influenced by management, that determine the present state of the Kruger ecosystem
how species interact within the ecosystem to generate further heterogeneity across space and time
humans as key components of savanna ecosystems

In addition to the editors, contributors include William J. Bond, Jane Lubchenco, David Mabunda, Michael G.L. ("Gus") Mills, Robert J. Naiman, Norman Owen-Smith, Steward T.A. Pickett, Stuart L. Pimm, and Rober J. Scholes.

The book is an invaluable new resource for scientists and managers involved with large, conserved ecosystems as well as for conservation practitioners and others with interests in adaptive management, the societal context of conservation, links between research and management in parks, and parks/academic partnerships.

Book Description

In fourteen gloriously revelatory essays, Lembke ponders some of the most loathsome creatures on the planet. But for every creature's nasty reputation, there is a silver lining, which Lembke brings to our attention with dazzlingly researched bits of history, science, and culture.

These beautifully written pieces are graced with fantastic allusions to Greek and Roman mythology, Shakespeare, and classical music - as well as downright hilarious personal anecdotes. It is proof of the symbiosis of all living things, and of the undeniable truth that we are all stuck with one another on this small and fragile planet. All lovers of nature and lovers of natural storytellers will love Despicable Species.

Customer Reviews:

Book Review- Despicable Species.......2002-01-02

Despicable Species by Janet Lembke is a book definitely worth reading. Lembke combines literary allusions, personal stories, and ecological facts throughout the 203 page book to create an enlightening reading experience. Despicable Species, published and copyrighted in 1999 by The Lyons Press, is made up of 14 essays in which Lembke discusses some of the plants, animals and viruses that people consider particularly vile. This book, while mostly intended toward naturalists, or people who want to learn about the environment and creatures in it, can be read and appreciated by anybody. I believe Lemke's purpose in writing this book was to make us, Homo sapiens, realize that although some other creatures and things may look different, or even harm us, does not mean that they don't have a purpose in life and can't provide a benefit. "How do we deal with the bad stuff? With all those disgusting, sickening, despicable, repellently alien lives that impinge on ours?" are the straightforward questions that begin the book. But as you continue reading the answers to these questions become all the more complicated and it seems as though the answers are aimed at answering the more complex question, "Are there lives that the world could do without?"
During the book, Lembke looks at the world from an ecological standpoint. The introduction to the book, titled "Living together, like it or not", talks about the complex subject of symbiosis. Lembke leads the reader to make the conclusion that we are all put on Earth together and there is nothing that can be done to rid the world of creatures we find despicable. Even the most revolting creature has a very important relationship with other creatures that may not seem as revolting to them.
Beginning with sandburs, Janet Lembke creatively informs the reader of species we find very contemptible. In "Prospect and Refuge: Sandburs", sandburs which can be any of several grasses of the genus Cenchrus, which have a spiny bur-like envelope that surrounds several one-grained spikelets, are explored. Although not too dreadful, sandburs can be annoying. The next essay, "The Barkings of a Joyful Squirrel: Gray Squirrel" is far more humorous but also provides an excellent example of symbiosis. This essay also includes a recipe for Jannette East's Brunswick Stew. "Murmurations: European Starling" is the next essay. Lembke's literary allusions and her vast knowledge of Greek and Latin classics are especially prominent in this essay. "The Natural History of Proteus: Pfiesteria piscida", and "Blood: The Tabanids-Deerflies and Horseflies" come after that. "A Foot in the Door: The Fungi" is the next essay. In this, Lembke reminisces about her childhood and the finding of mold in old books. "The Creature with Nineteen Lives: Common Opossum" comes next. After that, she wrote intriguing essays about hornworms and centipedes. Then comes an essay called "Heritage: Kudzu", about a plant that is despised be many people in the U.S., but used extensively in the Far East. "The Wisdom of Nature: Brown-Headed Cowbird" and "The Dew Lovers: Drosophila Fruit Flies" are the next essays. "Unfinished Business: Homo sapiens" is the last and most interesting essay by far. Lembke discusses humans' purpose on earth and concludes the book with the fact that as humans, it's not the world that needs us but, "Rather, it's we who need the world."
From reading the book Despicable Species I have gained the understanding that although some creatures may not be very pleasant, they are still important. I also learned just how important symbiosis is-that everything is related in some way. In the past, I had known a little about symbiosis and only the negative aspects of species in the book. Janet Lembke has taught me a lot about different creatures and ways I am related to them and how they help me. I also learned what we, as Homo sapiens, believe-- that we are the superior beings on earth and some species do not deserve to live-- is completely untrue; all species are indispensable.
In conclusion, Lembke's book revealed more clearly the interdependence between species. I fear that in the past, humans were too quick to make judgements on the roles played by other "lesser" species and therefore were quick to discard their importance. Lembke was effective in calling to attention the need to be thorough in our analysis of these roles in order for us to continue to improve our environment.

Despicable Species.......2001-12-27

Despicable Species
Review by Katie Sheahan

Despicable Species was written by Janet Lembke. It was published by The Lyon's Press Company, located in New York, NY 10011. There are 216 pages in Despicable Species. Janet Lembke wrote this book with the purpose of opening up our eyes to the bigger picture of how all creatures are useful and connected. She writes about some rather annoying species, such as the mosquitoes, and identifies how important they truly are to keeping other populations in balance. The ideas of the book can be understood by readers of all ages; however the wording may be a little tricky for younger readers. Despicable Species was composed of essays written about individual species. It was written in 1999 and it draws from locations all over America. She raises the probing question: Why do we want to destroy creatures who benefit us in ways we can't appreciate?
My favorite essay was the one about the Gray Squirrels. It had lots of humor in it about how dim-witted the squirrels were. When a friend of Janet was asked why he disliked squirrels, his answer was, "Because they're stupid, that's why. They pile up nuts and bury them. Then they forget where they put them. Every year those durn animals tear up my yard looking for nuts." (28) After that truthful statement, I didn't think that there was any way I could be convinced that squirrels were good. Janet then surprised me by telling a story about a gray squirrel who worked its way through the mechanics of a special problem- that of taking one of her green apples up a tree. (35) She personified the squirrel by describing its hard work and dedication. The interactions of symbiosis were shown when she explained that squirrels are apart of a win-win symbiosis with trees. Just as trees aid squirrels, providing them with food, shelter, nesting materials, exercise, and safety from earth-bound creatures (or those at least who do not carry guns), so squirrels serve trees by practicing reforestation. (36) The biggest problem with the squirrel chapter was that at the end it gave a recipe for Brunswick "squirrel" stew--not a happy ending to an uplifting story.
A few months ago in class we talked about relationships between different organisms. The first style discussed was mutualism. Mutualism is a victorious win-win relationship. Commensalisms is another relationship that we talked about. It involves one organism benefiting, while the other one is neither helped nor hurt. The last two relationships talked about were the parasitism and predation. These conclude with a plus-minus result. One organism is harmed or killed while the other is helped. Lembke gives examples of all of the types of Symbiosis. The yucca plant and their adapted moths need each other to survive. The plant needs the moth for pollination and the moth needs the plant for larval food. This was a very clear explanation of mutualism. All of her examples painted a clear picture of how the different interactions of symbiosis are so crucial to the cycles of nature. By understanding symbiosis, I could understand why all of the diverse species on earth need to be here so they can interact with one another.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It opened my mind to recognizing the importance of many of these "despicable" creatures on earth. Janet Lembke described the food web and its huge impact on us in perfect detail. Her explanations and examples of symbiosis were great. She showed the benefits of these creatures, and how the environment would change for the worse if we didn't have them. She quotes, "We're stuck here, like it or not. So, it behooves us to think hard and well about how we fit into the scheme of things and how we should behave ourselves so that the scheme continues to cohere." (15) In other words, unless we realize that nature won't survive without our cooperation, we will lose more than just the despicable creatures.

Affectionately considered.......2000-08-05

It's a pleasure to read somebody who writes as well as Lembke. She is a good old Southern gal, part poet, part naturalist, who chooses every word with loving care. She displays a rationalist's affection for the creatures she writes about rather than that of a bleeding heart.

In addition to those in the title, the "despicable species" include sandburs, squirrels, starlings, dinoflagellates, deerflies, horseflies, fruit flies, and even homo sapiens. Lemkbe devotes a chapter to each following an introduction entitled, "Living Together, Like It or Not," which sets the tone of the book. This is a personal experience that she relates, tempered with a classicist's love of allusion and a precision about nomenclature that would please the most exacting. She has a no nonsense attitude about her fellow creatures, especially the two-legged kind, whom she guides with little lectures. Rodney Barker, for example, author of When the Waters Turned to Blood (1997) gets taken to the wood shed not only for getting the species wrong, but for pronouncing "dinoflagellate" with a short "i" (p. 68).

The text may be a little too precious in parts for some, and the poetic style is not intended to be merely informative; on the other hand, there is a dimension of beauty and a vividness achieved here that rewards the reader's effort. There's no index, but there is an eclectic reader's guide, "For the Bookworm," that includes some fine old names like Homer, Audubon, Jonathan Swift, Eric Hoffer, John Updike, and some new, like Sue Hubbell and Scott Weidensaul

On page 38 is a recipe for squirrel stew.

Them and Us.......2000-06-21

Them are starlings, kudzu, and other things that bother us. Millipedes, possums, and flies. Bugs, flies, dinoflagellates. On and on and on. We are all on this earth, we have to live here together, and we can do little about it. Janet Lembke tells us about these creatures and how they fit into their places, niches, in the real world. She calls these creatures despicable because that is how most of us view them. She is a wonderfully gifted story teller, getting her material from a myriad of sources, and weaving it into enchanting tales. She wears no political, religious, or cultural collars, so she is free to think uncommon thoughts, thoughts that often draw the attention of cultural watchdogs. Possibly what holds them at bay is her wonderful sense of humor and lack of self-importance.

For example, she believes that the extinction of a species will not bring the whole living world crashing down. She believes, along with Eric Hoffer, that Man is an unfinished business. She believes that we need the world far more than the world needs us. She sees biodiversity as essential to humanity. But, there are so many rich thoughts in this book that the only way to really appreciate is to read it all the way through, then re-read it from time to time. Highly recommended.

Oh, yes - humans are one of the despicable species.

Fascinating observations in a lively format........2000-03-03

Janet Lembke's Despicable Species surveys the habits of cowbirds, kudzu and other ugly or vile species and investigates some of the most annoying creatures on the planet, providing a different take on the ways in which they benefit humans. How can blood sucking horse flies benefit? By hatching maggots that secrete chemicals which aid in healing human tissue. Fascinating observations are presented in a lively format.

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For the Spiritually Minded

Great Book - A One Stop Shop

Like Sand Between the Fingers

Excellent resource

This book puts in perspective some of our "every day" ideas.

The Warrior Is Silent: Martial Arts and the Spiritual Path
Scott Shaw
Manufacturer: Inner Traditions
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
Spiritualism | Occult | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Spirituality | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
General | Martial Arts | Individual Sports | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Sports | Subjects | Books
General | Arts & Photography | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0892816686
Release Date: 1998-05-01

Book Description

A master illuminates the spiritual foundations of martial artspractice in this fully illustrated guide.

â€¢ Presents an overview of the spiritual foundations of the martial arts.

â€¢ Takes the reader through a well-illustrated series of self-defense techniquesÂ that utilize Ki energy.

â€¢ An essential guide for anyone interested in a spiritually-centered martial arts practice.

The Warrior Is Silent presents an overview of the spiritual foundations of martial arts practice in the East and its intimate connection with the perfection of the art itself. In addition, the author, an accomplished martial artist, takes the reader through a well-illustrated series of self-defense techniques that utilize Ki energy. Establishing a balance between the spiritual and physical aspects of the martial arts, The Warrior Is Silent is an essential guide for anyone interested in a spiritually-centered martial arts practice.Â

Customer Reviews:

For the Spiritually Minded.......2002-05-23

I actually read the comments from the other readers before purchasing this book myself and the "he" / "she" reference which most of the reviewers mentioned didn't really get in the way of the content of the book itself. (Who knows, that may not have been the writer, but rather the publishing company, like so many other typos in books). I liked the way Scott Shaw intermingles spirituality with the martial arts; it reminds you of how the old Chinese practitioners see the martial arts - as an art and not just for fighting. I learned interesting tid-bits from this book and recommend it for anyone who is spiritually-minded.

Great Book - A One Stop Shop.......2002-02-06

The is really a great book. It begins by detailing a factual history of the ancient martial arts and their interaction with Taoism, Confucianism, and Buddhism. It then goes on to outline numerous meditation and Ki development exercises. It even throws in a few self defense techniques, just to show how the "Spiritual Warrior" can learn to consciously defend "Him" or "Her" self. This text provides the reader with not only a new and deeper understanding of the physical aspects of the martial arts but a complete how to for Ki development and the various forms of Buddhist meditation which have been developed for and associated with the martial arts over the centuries. I used this book as one of the references for my Master's Thesis.

While doing my Thesis I contacted Master Shaw. He was so nice and talked to me indepth about meditation and how it can become a natural evolution of the martial arts. He possesses a vast amount of knowledge on this subject, which is apparent in this book. I believe this book truly adds a new chapter to the martial arts.

One of the things I like most about this book is that it does not solely reference the martial artist, or "Spiritual Warrior" as Scott Shaw details all of us to be as, "He" or "Him." It also intermingles "She" or "Her" with this delineation. When speaking to Master Shaw he told me that this was not his idea, nor was it the way he had written the book. It was something done by the editors. None the less, I think this interchangable style is great. It acknowledges and gives power to us ladies, something most books on the martial arts never do.

Overall, I believe this to be an important work on breaking down the barriers of the traditional macho male dominated martial arts and taking them to the level where they can be embraced by the more spiritually inclined among us.

Your one stop shop...

Like Sand Between the Fingers.......2002-01-31

For those that know their martial art history, the beginning chapter of this book is shady. Most of the information is true, but some of the printed material is speculative and not labeled as such.

The mixing and mingling of feminine and masculine pronouns assigned to 'the warrior' throughout the text made the reading...inconsistent and strangely difficult. There is no doubt that both men and women are/can be warriors, and I think the writing would have been more fluent if Shaw had just made that point, chose one pronoun, and stuck to it.

Shaw displays his opinions upon the spiritual path to the martial arts very well, but I think that he forgot to stay open to the idea that there is more than one way to skin a cat. When reading this book it sounds as if you are doing everything wrong if not following the path he is documenting, and I strongly disagree. To put it more poetically, "There are many paths up the mountain, but only one peak".

Sprirituality is a difficult subject to write about. It is like sand - when a person tries to take hold of it in a physical manner it simply slips through the fist. I bought this book looking for a truly spiritual text, and was disappointed to find yet another picture filled manual on the martial arts. Shaw's effort is to be commended, but I'm affraid that in his attempt to convey something very esoteric the sand slipped between his fingers.

Excellent resource.......2000-01-02

This is a surprisingly enlightening book, with historical information on the development of the martial philosophy up to the modern day applications. It's written to be understood but doesn't talk down to people. One of the best books yet I've seen for martial arts. I recommend it to all new practitioners as well as the seasoned ones.

This book puts in perspective some of our "every day" ideas........1999-08-24

I like this book. It thought me a lot of things. That is to say that it cleared or put in to words some of the ideas I was thinking at the time. The first part of this book is an exelent path for those who are looking for a different view on martial arts if not life as a whole. With the good things said, now I have to write about the only draw back of the book. The second part of the book talks about exercises and meditation technics, and these are fine and easy to follow. However, after these technics come a serious of fighting moves an teachings that quite frankly didn'tsit well with me. I don't mean that they are bad technics. I just didn't see a real reason to have them in the book because the fighting technics shown are common to most martial arts that teach some kind of grappling. Maybe after I mature more as a person and a martial artist the secound part of the book will make sense to me. In closing buy the book and pay attention.

Book Description

From Cover To Coveris a fresh, up-to-date look at some of the best examples of children's literature today, and also includes practical advice on how to write clearly articulated, reasoned opinions so that others can learn about books they have not yet read.

It includes:

a short explanation of the process of making a children's book from manuscript to final bound book
a description of the importance of the many different parts of a book (jacket flaps, title page, copyright, Cataloging-in-Publication information, etc.)
six thought-provoking chapters that explain how ot think about and critically evaluate several different genres of children's books:
- traditional literature (myths, legends, tall tales, folktales)
- poetry, verse, rhymes, and songs
- picture books
- easy readers and transitional books
- fiction
a concluding chapter on how to write reviews that are both descriptive and analytical

From Cover To Cover is an invaluable resource for all professionals who wish to write book evaluations that go beyond a simple personal response.

This definitive guide to reviewing children's books makes it effortless for parents, teachers, librarians, children's literature students and general readers who are interested in becoming children's book reviewers to assess the strengths and weaknesses of a children's book. An authoritative reviewer in her own right, Kathleen Horning provides practical guidelines for reading critically, evaluating an initial response, answering questions raised during the first reading, putting a response into words, balancing description with criticism, and writing reviews for a particular audience.

Customer Reviews:

Good book, a bit overstated.......2007-08-23

First let me say that this is a good book, I am glad that I purchased it. It codifies many of the characteristics of a quality children's book, and helps writers and reviewers exercise better critical judgment.

However, the author sometimes "puts a bit too fine a point on it," as a Brit might say. There is a section on the layout of early readers and transitional books which describes a specific target number of words per line, lines per page, text size, etc. I found this section quite helpful overall, and I specified changes to our style guide after reading it. But as useful as this material is, I felt the author's attempt to distinguish numbers of words per line between level 1, level 2 and level 3 early reader books was taking the process a bit too far.

Overall, this is a minor issue. As other reviewers have mentioned, writers will find value in the detailed descriptions of how children learn to read, how they react to themes, styles and plots (and how to recognize weakness in each), and how to target different age groups. Indeed, this is the only book I have found with detailed and usable information on these points.

Summary: Buy it if you are a creator or reviewer of children's books.

All right for a textbook.......2005-09-24

The book isn't really all that interesting. Some of the good aspects are that the print is big, and it is easy reading. You can knock a chapter or two out of the way in an hour easily.

Good tool for writers, too.......2000-02-03

This book is should be an essential for anyone writing for children. Horning covers all the genres, offering insight into pacing, character and plot. She better defines what makes a picture book, an early reader, a chapter book, a mid-grade and a young adult -- definitions that are often murky in writing books. Although this book may have been intended for librarians and others in the book industry, I recommend it highly for anyone contemplating writing for children.

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