Audiobooks narrated by Martyn Swain

In a universe teeming with predators, humanity needs friends. And fast. We've come a long way in the forty years since the Shongairi attacked Earth, killed half its people, and then were driven away by an alliance of humans with the other sentient bipeds who inhabit our planet. We took the technology they left behind, and rapidly built ourselves into a starfaring civilization. Because we haven't got a moment to lose. Because it's clear that there are even more powerful, more hostile aliens out there, and Earth needs allies. But it also transpires that the Shongairi expedition that nearly destroyed our home planet ... wasn't an official one. That, indeed, its commander may have been acting as an unwitting cats-paw for the Founders, the ancient alliance of very old, very evil aliens who run the Hegemony that dominates our galaxy, and who hold the Shongairi, as they hold most non-Founder species, in not-so-benign contempt. Indeed, it may turn out to be possible to turn the Shongairi into our allies against the Hegemony. There's just the small matter of the Shongairi honor code, which makes bushido look like a child's game. We might be able to make them our friends -- if we can crush their planetary defenses in the greatest battle we, or they, have ever seen...

Chris Kennedy, David Weber (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

All Life is Problem Solving

All Life is Problem Solving is a stimulating and provocative selection of Popper's writings on his main preoccupations during the last twenty-five years of his life. This collection illuminates Popper's process of working out key formulations in his theory of science, and indicates his view of the state of the world at the end of the Cold War and after the collapse of communism.

Karl Popper (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Poverty of Historicism

“Probably the only book published this year which will outlive the century” – ARTHUR KOESTLER Karl Popper's THE POVERTY OF HISTORICISM is one of the most important books on the social sciences to have appeared since the Second World War. It is also the work of one of the most original thinkers of the twentieth-century, and a devastating criticism of the idea that there are laws of development in history and that human beings are able to discover them. Popper dedicated the book to all those who fell victim to the fascist and communist belief in Inexorable Laws of Historical Destiny. Short and lucidly written, it has inspired generations of philosophers, historians, politicians and others, and remains one of the best books for gaining an insight into the ideas of this great thinker. Karl Popper (1902-94). Philosopher, born in Vienna. One of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth-century. PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

Karl Popper (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross: A Study of the Nature and Origins of Christianity Within the Fert

Where did God come from? What do the bible stories really tell us? Who or what was Jesus Christ? This book challenges everything we think we know about the nature of religion: -The ancient fertility cult at the heart of Christianity. -The living power of cultic rites and symbols. -The sacred mushroom as the emblem and embodiment of divinity. -The secret meaning of biblical myths. -The language of religion that links us to our ancestors. The Sacred Mushroom and the Cross sets out John Allegro's quest through a family tree of languages to find the truth about where Christianity came from.

John M. Allegro (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

A Parthenon on our roof: Adventures of an Anglo-Greek marriage

Alexandra, a product of Greek Fire. Born into the cradle of civilization. Weaned on the teachings of ancient Greek philosophers, thrilled by the bravery of Spartans and thousands of years of cultural heritage. Peter, her future husband, a tea-drinking, digestive-dunking product of British society. Working to make a living with no real ambitions or dreams. But then, he fell in love. Everything changed. At times hilarious, always embarrassing, Peter's story of how he became Greek enough to live with a Greek family includes a near-death experience on a mountain road, eccentric aunts, Greek bureaucracy, melting flip-flops, and the decision to demolish the much-loved family home, replacing it with a five-storey apartment block, complete with a Parthenon on the roof terrace. To cap it all, someone thought it a good idea to put Peter in charge of the rebuild project, despite not speaking a word of Greek. What could possibly go wrong?

Peter Barber (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Conjectures and Refutations: The Growth of Scientific Knowledge

Conjectures and Refutations is one of Karl Popper's most wide-ranging and popular works, notable not only for its acute insights into the way scientific knowledge grows, but also for applying those insights to politics and to history. It provides one of the clearest and most accessible statements of the fundamental idea that guided his work: not only our knowledge but our aims and our standards grow through an unending process of trial and error. Popper brilliantly demonstrates how knowledge grows by guesses or conjectures and tentative solutions, which must then be subjected to critical tests. Although they may survive any number of tests, our conjectures remain conjectures, they can never be established as true. What makes Conjectures and Refutations such an enduring book is that Popper goes on to apply this bold theory of the growth of knowledge to a fascinating range of important problems including the role of tradition, the origin of the scientific method, the demarcation between science and metaphysics, the body-mind problem, the way we use language, how we understand history and the dangers of public opinion. Throughout the book Popper stresses the importance of our ability to learn from our mistakes. Conjectures and Refutations is essential listening and a book to be returned to again and again. Karl Popper (1902-94), philosopher, born in Vienna. One of the most influential and controversial thinkers of the twentieth century.

Karl Popper (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

What Is Metaphysics, What Is Philosophy and Other Writings

This recording contains four important and related works by Heidegger: 'What Is Philosophy', 'What Is Metaphysics', 'On the Essence of Truth' and 'The Question of Being'. It starts with 'What Is Philosophy', which originated as a lecture given in Normandy in 1955, and was first published a year later. The translators acknowledge that 'What Is Metaphysics' is often regarded as a particularly key work, they feel that 'a better preliminary understanding' of Heidegger can be obtained from 'What is Philosophy'. They write: Heidegger 'is concerned with the fact that philosophy has lost its receptivity to the Being of being/entity. In other words, philosophy no longer seeks the groundless ground of Being which allows us to ask meaningful questions about being/entity, or its appearances. Heidegger uses Being as the ‘inner light', that illumination through which we become conscious of our meaning or of our existence and of existence itself. The light allows us to know that we are 'beings'. The second work on this recording, then, is the more famous essay 'What Is Metaphysics', published in 1929, to which some 14 years later he added a 'Postscript'. Both texts are presented here. Heidegger states that rather than enter into a discussion about metaphysics, he sets out to ‘discuss a definite metaphysical question.... Our project begins with the presentation of a metaphysical question, then goes on to its development and ends with its answer'. In 'On the Essence of Truth', (1930) Heidegger explains: 'The question as to the nature of truth is not concerned with whether truth is the truth of practical experience or of economic calculation...or the truth of scientific research or art...or religious belief...but what is ‘the mark of 'truth' of every kind.' The final essay on this recording is 'The Question of Being' (1955). Its original title, (in a literal translation from German), was 'Concerning the Line', and was included in a publication honouring the 60th birthday of the philosopher Ernst Jünger. Heidegger wrote it in the form of a letter in response to an earlier treatise Jünger dedicated to Heidegger called 'Across the Line'. Heidegger questions Jünger's notion of ‘zero line', of nihilism: the essence of nihilism stems from a discussion of Being as being/entity. Translations by Jean T. Wilde and William Kluback ('What Is Philosophy' and 'The Question of Being') and R. F. C. Hull ('What Is Metaphysics' and 'On the Essence of Truth').

Martin Heidegger (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Summa Theologica: Volume 5, Supplement to Part 3

Thomas Aquinas (c1225-1274) died before he could complete his ambitious plan for Summa Theologica, described as ‘a systematic compendium' of Roman Catholic theology. Drawing on a wide range of Christian sources - and, controversially, on Greek and Latin philosophers as well as Arabian commentators - he sought to explicate matters of doctrine through a specific scheme of Question, Article, Objection, Answer and Reply. Before his death, Aquinas completed the first 90 Questions of the Third Part. This left a series of issues unexamined. However, the overall scheme was brought to a conclusion by Fra Rainaldo da Piperno (c1230-c1290), a life-long friend and associate of Aquinas. Fra Rainaldo drew on an earlier work by Aquinas, the Commentary on the Fourth Book of the Sentences of Peter Lombard, to produce the Supplement to the Third Part, in which a further 99 Questions are dealt with. It opens with a continuation of the section on Penance, left unfinished on the death of Aquinas. Other general topics covered are Extreme Unction, Holy Orders, Matrimony and the Resurrection. The Supplement closes with two Appendices largely addressing the subject of Purgatory. The translation is by Father Laurence Shapcote of the Dominican Order. Martyn Swain brings clarity and experience to this final segment of Aquinas' magnum opus.

Thomas Aquinas (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

On War

On War was first published in 1832, at a time when muskets and cavalry were a dominating presence on the battlefield. Yet in the 21st century, it remains a much-valued and studied treatise on the subject - perhaps the most important European classic of its kind - and this despite the author's demise before he could finish what was an extended review of the whole subject of military strategy. Why is that? As Louise Willmot, lecturer in history, Open University, explains in her lucid introduction, because ‘it was the first to propose a comprehensive theory applicable to every stage of military history and practice'. Vom Kriege, to give it its original German title, is in effect ‘a study of war in its entirety'. Carl Maria von Clausewitz (1780-1831) served in the Prussian army during the wars against Napoleonic France. He also served with the Russian army and then again in the Prussian army under Blücher during the final push against Napoleon. He was, in part, prompted to write On War following the initial successes of Napoleon. Clausewitz presents a simple definition of war as ‘an act of violence intended to compel our opponent to fulfil our will'. But he goes further to suggest two types of war: first, ‘absolute' war, which only ends in the complete victory of one side over another; there is no place for moderation. Second, ‘limited' war, which takes into account political realities: war is ‘simply the continuation of policy by other means'. Though not considering the moral issues of war, Clausewitz does advocate taking a rational objective in protecting the state and its interests. As a result, in war, military men should never be allowed to preside over the political purpose. The decision to publish Clausewitz's text despite it being unfinished (he died unexpectedly of cholera at the age of 51) was taken by his widow, Marie von Clausewitz. On War contains the six complete books along with the substantial ‘sketches' for book VII and book VIII. The overall plan is as follows: book I, On the Nature of War; book II, On the Theory of War; book III, Of Strategy in General; book IV, The Combat; book V, Military Forces; book VI, Defence; Sketches for book VII, The Attack; Sketches for book VIII, Plan of War. This Ukemi recording opens with the introduction by Louise Wilmot, lecturer in history, Open University, and continues with the preface by Marie von Clausewitz (read by Sarah Sherborne). The translation is by Colonel J. J. Graham, revised and with footnotes by Colonel F. N. Maude.

Carl Von Clausewitz (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Essence of Christianity

Ludwig Feuerbach (1804-1872) pursued studies in anthropology and philosophy - particularly following Hegel - and from these came his proclaimed stance on secular humanism and atheism. ‘Religion is the dream of the human mind,' he writes unequivocally. The Essence of Christianity opens with a preface to the second edition in which he responds boldly to critics. ‘I have only found the key to the cipher of the Christian religion, only extricated its true meaning from the web of contradictions and delusions called theology; but in doing so I have certainly committed a sacrilege...let it be remembered that atheism...is the secret of religion itself.' The work itself is divided into two parts. Part one is titled ‘The True or Anthropological Essence of Religion' and part two, ‘The False or Theological Essence of Religion'. In 27 chapters, replete with references supporting his position, he presents his thesis. He considers in some detail ‘God as a Being of the Understanding', ‘The Mystery of the Trinity and the Mother of God', ‘The Significance of the Creation in Judaism' as well as many other issues including mysticism, celibacy, personal immortality and contradictions in the revelation and existence of God. This leads to his assertion, ‘We have shown that the substance and object of religion is altogether human; we have shown that divine wisdom is human wisdom; that the secret of theology is anthropology; that the absolute mind is the so-called finite subjective mind.' The Essence of Christianity remains a striking text in the 21st century, and George Eliot's rendering conveys the strong feelings of both author and translator. Feuerbach's work concludes with a substantial appendix consisting of 22 sections, further illustrating his arguments. This work is read with clarity and commitment by Martyn Swain.

Ludwig Feuerbach (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Summa Theologica: Volume 4, Part 3 (Tertia Pars)

Summa Theologica Part III (Tertia Pars) is volume four in Ukemi Audiobooks' complete recording of Thomas Aquinas's momentous work on Christian theology and philosophy. Born in Sicily in 1225, he was a friar in the Dominican Order, but during his lifetime he was recognised as a leading figure through his writings as a philosopher, theologian and jurist. He was the first major Christian theologian to absorb the ideas of Aristotle, Averroes and other non-Christian figures, a stance that made him a target for criticism. But Dante (1265-1321) was among many who admired him and placed him in 'Paradiso' in The Divine Comedy. In 1273, it is reported, Aquinas had a mystical experience while celebrating mass that rendered him unable to continue with his writing work. He died three months later, on 7th March 1274, leaving Part III unfinished. However, it remains a substantial conclusion. If, broadly speaking, Part I (Prima Pars) was concerned with theology, and Part II (both Prima and Secunda) with ethics, Summa Theologica Part III (Tertia Pars) focuses on Christ, and in the course of 90 questions, considers the Incarnation and the Sacraments. As a teacher and example to humanity, Christ was the suitable path to God, Aquinas writes, the incarnation enabling the bringing together of divine and human nature. Meanwhile, the Sacraments enabled grace to be imparted to men, having a direct spiritual effect. The presentation of the discussions in Part III follow the pattern we have become so familiar with from earlier parts with the statement of the question, then a series of objections, further considerations and finally Aquinas's replies to each of the objections. Part III is divided into two sections: 'Treatise on the Incarnation' (Questions 1-59), and 'Treatise on the Sacraments' (60-90). Opening with ‘Of the Fitness of the Incarnation' in six articles, with Article I asking ‘Whether it was fitting that God should become Incarnate', Aquinas considers the meaning, the role and the purpose of Christ. Other specific topics raised are: ‘Of the Grace of Christ as an individual man', ‘Of Christ's Unity of Being', ‘Of the Priesthood of Christ', ‘Of Christ as called the Mediator of God and man'. Aquinas moves on to other aspects of Christ's birth and life with ‘Of the Virginity of the Mother of God', ‘Of the Annunciation', ‘Of the matter from which the Saviour's Body was conceived', ‘Of Christ's manner of life' and ‘Of the Death of Christ'. In opening the 'Treatise on the Sacraments', Aquinas asks ‘What is a Sacrament (in eight articles)', and goes on to question the ‘Necessity of the Sacraments', their principal effects (grace), their causes, and the number of the sacraments. In logical order he considers baptism, circumcision, confirmation, the sacrament of the Eucharist and transubstantiation. The final six questions focus on the sacrament of penance - and it is here that the Summa Theologica as written by Thomas Aquinas comes to a close. He left the work incomplete on his death. This final Part, as with the others, was translated by Father Laurence Shapcote of the Dominican Order, in an extraordinary, sustained effort over decades during the first half of the 20th century. Living, for the most part, a quiet life in South Africa, he dedicated his life to this task which required not only the heighted and sensitive skills of the master translator, but also a remarkable knowledge of theological and philosophical literature from the classical world

Thomas Aquinas (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

The Myth of the Framework: In Defence of Science and Rationality

In a career spanning 60 years, Sir Karl Popper has made some of the most important contributions to the 20th century discussion of science and rationality. The Myth of the Framework is a collection of some of Popper's most important material on this subject. Sir Karl discusses such issues as the aims of science, the role that it plays in our civilization, the moral responsibility of the scientist, the structure of history and the perennial choice between reason and revolution. In doing so, he attacks intellectual fashions (like positivism) that exaggerate what science and rationality have done, as well as intellectual fashions (like relativism) that denigrate what science and rationality can do. Scientific knowledge, according to Popper, is one of the most rational and creative of human achievements, but it is also inherently fallible and subject to revision. In place of intellectual fashions, Popper offers his own critical rationalism - a view that he regards both as a theory of knowledge and as an attitude towards human life, human morals and democracy. There are nine essays in this collection: 'The Rationality of Scientific Revolutions'; 'The Myth of the Framework'; 'Reason or Revolution'; 'Science: Problems, Aims and Responsibilities'; 'Philosophy and Physics'; 'The Moral Responsibility of the Scientist'; 'A Pluralist Approach to the Philosophy of History'; 'Models, Instruments, and Truth'; 'Epistemology and Industrialization'. In his Introduction, he writes: ‘All, or almost all, the papers collected in this volume are written to defend rationality and rational criticism. It is a way of thinking, and even a way of living: a readiness to listen to critical arguments, to search for one's own mistakes, and to learn from them. It is, fundamentally, an attitude that I have tried to formulate (perhaps first in 1932) in the following two lines: ‘I may be wrong and you may be right, and by an effort, we may get nearer to the truth.' This is vintage Karl Popper.

Karl Popper (Author), Martyn Swain (Narrator)

Audiobook

Audiobooks Narrated by Martyn Swain