Engelska

Science, Religion And The Meaning Of Life [Bok / Inbunden]

Dogs is multi-award-winning photographer Tim Flach's stunning follow-up to the critically acclaimed Equus. Here, Flach once again sets out to document fully the lives of animals whose history is powerfully linked to our own and to provide a unique perspective on one of our closest companions: this time, dogs. Using photographs of dogs both solitary and in groups, as well as in varied settings and locations, Flach uses his lens to present a inimitable and engaging portrait of the physical and spiritual lives of dogs (breeds and crossbreeds of all types) around the globe. Since the wolf first snuck into the caves of our ancestors to take warmth from the fire, dogs have been man's constant companion. Dogs delves deep into the psyche of this enduring bond to create an exquisite study of man's best friendA". From specimens on show at Crufts and Westminster to shelter dogs lovingly rescued by volunteers; from the grace and agility of racing greyhounds to adored domestic companions; from Afghan hounds to Hungarian komondors, the dogs featured in Dogs promise to deliver one of the most appealing, popular and exciting photographic tributes to dogs ever published.

Decision-making in the face of uncertainty is a significant challenge in machine learning, and the multi-armed bandit model is a commonly used framework to address it. This comprehensive and rigorous introduction to the multi-armed bandit problem examines all the major settings, including stochastic, adversarial, and Bayesian frameworks. A focus on both mathematical intuition and carefully worked proofs makes this an excellent reference for established researchers and a helpful resource for graduate students in computer science, engineering, statistics, applied mathematics and economics. Linear bandits receive special attention as one of the most useful models in applications, while other chapters are dedicated to combinatorial bandits, ranking, non-stationary problems, Thompson sampling and pure exploration. The book ends with a peek into the world beyond bandits with an introduction to partial monitoring and learning in Markov decision processes.

The book presents compelling evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah to argue that Imam Ali ibn Abi Talib deserved to be the first caliph of Islam. It meticulously examines verses from the Qur'an, such as the Verse of Purification (33:33) and the Verse of Mubahala (3:61), which highlight the elevated status of the Prophet's household, including Imam Ali. Additionally, it analyzes key hadiths, including the Hadith of Ghadir Khumm, where the Prophet Muhammad declared, "Whomsoever I am his Mawla, Ali is also his Mawla," and the Hadith of the Two Weighty Things, which emphasizes following the Qur'an and the Prophet's progeny. The book also discusses the Hadith of Position, likening Ali's relationship to Muhammad as Aaron's was to Moses, underscoring his rightful leadership. Through these religious texts, the book argues that Imam Ali's close relationship with the Prophet, his unparalleled knowledge, and his unwavering commitment to justice make a strong case for his precedence as the first caliph.

Keshab Chandra Sen (1838-84) was one of the most powerful and controversial figures in nineteenth-century Bengal. A religious leader and social reformer, his universalist interpretation of Hinduism found mass appeal in India, and generated considerable interest in Britain. His ideas on British imperial rule, religion and spirituality, global history, universalism and modernity were all influential, and his visit to England made him a celebrity. Many Britons regarded him as a prophet of world-historical significance. Keshab was the subject of extreme adulation and vehement criticism. Accounts tell of large crowds prostrating themselves before him, believing him to be an avatar. Yet he died with relatively few followers, his reputation in both India and Britain largely ruined. As a representative of India, Keshab became emblematic of broad concerns regarding Hinduism and Christianity, science and faith, India and the British Empire. This innovative study explores the transnational historical forces that shaped Keshab's life and work. It offers an alternative religious history of empire, characterised by intercultural dialogue and religious syncretism. A fascinating and often tragic portrait of Keshab's experience of the imperial world, and the ways in which he carried meaning for his contemporaries.

Rebel In The Ranks - Martin Luther, The Reformation, And The Conflicts That [Bok / Inbunden]