The concept of action that requires philosophical analysis is one that concerns behavior characteristically found in humans. In Action Reconceptualized: Human Agency and Its Sources, David K. Chan examines the sources of human agency that are proposed in causal theories of action—namely desire, intention, and trying—and distinguishes them from each other in terms of their roles in practical reasoning and motivation. He conceptualizes them in relation to each other in a way that is consiste...

This volume features original essays on the ethics of ending wars (jus ex bello). It fills a significant gap in just war theory and sets the stage for other thinkers to engage with the topic.What makes questions about jus ex bello especially difficult for ethicists to answer is that the just war tradition has neglected to develop principles for ending wars justly. Until recently, debates have primarily focused on justice in going to war (jus ad bellum), j...

Mary Paik Lee left her native country in 1905, traveling with her parents as a political refugee after Japan imposed control over Korea. Her father worked in the sugar plantations of Hawaii briefly before taking his family to California. They shared the poverty-stricken existence endured by thousands of Asian immigrants in the early twentieth century, working as farm laborers, cooks, janitors, and miners. Lee recounts racism on the playground and the ravages of mercury mining on her father...

A Critical Companion to Robert Zemeckis offers a comprehensive, academic and detailed study of the works of Robert Zemeckis, whose films include successful productions such as the Back to the Future trilogy (1985-90), Forrest Gump (1994), Contact (1997), Cast Away (2000) and The Polar Express (2004), but also lesser known films such as I Wanna Hold Your Hand (1978), Used Cars (1980), and Allied (2015). Most of Zemeckis’ major productions were not only successful when they were first releas...

For many years, political leaders and analysts have debated the impacts of China’s rise on the stability of the existing international system. International observers have also debated whether China would be a status quo power or a revisionist power, and whether China would observe the rules and regulations of international institutions and regimes. China Joins Global Governance: Cooperation and Contentions, edited by Mingjiang Li, provides an insightful contribution to our understanding o...

This book is a collection of the first 4 volumes in The Insignia Series (released between 2013 and 2017).The anthologies are:JAPANESE FANTASY STORIES:INSIGNIA Vol.1. includes 9 Japanese fantasy stories with a mix of urban, literary, contemporary, myth-based, and historical fantasy pieces.Contributors: Heather Ewings, Joyce Chng, Holly Kench, Kelly Matsuura, Aislinn Batstone, Chris Ward, and Chris White.CHINESE FANTASY STORIES:

Breast Cancer: Real Questions, Real Answers is an outgrowth of Dr. David Chan's more than 20 years in private oncology practice. Inspired by his patients—who courageously face their illness but often feel fearful, confused about their options, and full of questions—Dr. Chan's book is uniquely structured as a Question and Answer between patient and doctor. It provides readers with an easily navigated, completely current resource for all of their queries. Poised to become the new must-read f...

Most people can recall encounters, episodes and experiences involving disagreements over an issue. The more important the issue, the more it affects interpersonal relationships negatively when there is strong disagreement. Disagreements often generate negative thoughts, feelings and actions that significantly influence attitudes, decisions and behaviours. These dynamics in dealing with disagreement is part of our human psychology. If the underlying psychology is understood, this knowledge ...

This book is the third collection of essays by behavioural scientist Professor David Chan, most of which first appeared in The Straits Times. Endorsed by fifty leaders from different sectors, this book provides a powerful springboard for self-reflections, sense-making, internal and public discussions, and individual and collective actions. A common theme that runs through these essays may be described as 'Meaning Matters' which refers to the content and subject matter of the critical issue...

When policymakers, communities or advocates make decisions and take actions, they do so with the purpose of achieving some desired goal. But sometimes, unintended consequences occur. These are outcomes that are not the ones intended by the purposeful decision or action.Unintended consequences can be positive or negative, although the discussions often focus on the unexpected adverse impact that may result from well-intentioned policies or public actions.It is tempting to say that unintende...

After celebrating 50 years of independence, Singapore is focused on the question of what the future may bring. The future is neither predetermined nor random. How the chapter turns out will be affected by many economic and social forces, but much will also depend on how Singapore and Singaporeans choose to contribute to it.Singapore is likely to do well if important unresolved issues can be identified and addressed, especially those that require some mindset changes in individuals, the com...

It is clear that public trust plays a critical role in developing a vibrant economy and a strong society. A reasonably high level of public trust will enable the public, the Government, and the various organisations and groups in the different sectors in Singapore to work together to build a cohesive and adaptive community. This means a community characterised by constructive relationships embedded in positive economic, human, social, political and psychological capital.Public trust is imp...