362 products in Books

¿Qué es la renta básica? ¿Por qué la han defendido tanto liberales como socialdemócratas, comunistas, feministas o ecologistas? ¿Es eficiente desde el punto de vista del crecimiento económico y de la creación de empleo? Y sobre todo: ¿es justa? Éstas son algunas de las preguntas a las que da respuesta Juan Ramón Rallo en Contra la renta básica, un libro que aborda la que probablemente termine siendo la política redistributiva más importante del siglo XXI. En contra de lo que suele pensarse, la principal razón por la que el autor rechaza la renta básica no es económica, sino ética: la solidaridad es un fin muy loable, pero no puede ser impuesta por la fuerza. «No es el fin el que justifica los medios, sino que son los medios los que permiten justificar los fines»: también en el caso de la redistribución estatal de la renta. Según demuestra Rallo analizando críticamente las principales corrientes filosóficas contemporáneas como la socialdemocracia, el republicanismo, el comunismo, el utilitarismo, el feminismo o el ecologismo, la redistribución coactiva de la renta no puede justificarse desde un punto de vista ético: forzar a una persona a subordinar sus proyectos vitales a los proyectos vitales de los demás es injusto, intolerante y contrario a las bases sociales de la convivencia. De ahí que sólo el liberalismo proporcione un marco de justicia que permite el desarrollo moral de cada individuo sin interferir violentamente sobre el desarrollo moral del resto de individuos. Y de ahí que la renta básica, al vulnerar la mucho más básica libertad personal, sólo nos aleje de ese ideal de una sociedad genuinamente voluntaria y cooperativa. En el presente ensayo no sólo encontrará la crítica más completa y sistemática a la redistribución coactiva de la renta por parte del Estado, sino también todo un tratado de filosofía política dirigido a reivindicar y defender el liberalismo como una realista utopía integral e integradora frente a sus principales alternativas ideológicas.

La labor -crucial- de Menger en la historia del pensamiento económico se desarrolló en una doble vertiente. Por un lado, en el enfoque subjetivista e individualista -el individualismo metodológico- de la teoría del valor y de los precios y, en general, de las diversas categorías económicas. Fruto de este enfoque fueron sus Principios de Economía Política que, junto con la Theory of Political Economy de Jevons (Walras vino más tarde), constituyeron el arranque de lo que se ha dado en llamar la revolución marginalista en teoría económica. La otra gran aportación de Menger fue su defensa de la teoría frente a las dominantes corrientes positivistas e historicistas. Su lúcida participación en la gran polémica sobre el método -la Methodenstreit– se concretó en uno de los más sugestivos libros sobre metodología de las ciencias sociales, sus famosas Untersuchungen. En palabras de Hayek, para los historiadores resulta incuestionable que la posición poco menos que excepcional alcanzada por la Escuela Austriaca en el proceso del desarrollo de la Economía política se debe casi en su totalidad a los fundamentos sobre los que la asentó este gran economista, aunque la fama de la Escuela cara al exterior y el desarrollo de algunas partes esenciales del sistema se debieran a sus brillantes seguidores como Eugen von Böhm-Waberk, Friedrich von Wieser, Ludwig von Mises [y el propio Hayek]. En relación concretamente con la presente obra, Knut Wicksell no dudó en afirmar que «desde los Principios de Ricardo ninguna obra ha tenido tan gran influencia sobre el desarrollo de la ciencia económica como los Principios de Menger».

Fooled by Randomness is a standalone book in Nassim Nicholas Taleb’s landmark Incerto series, an investigation of opacity, luck, uncertainty, probability, human error, risk, and decision-making in a world we don’t understand. The other books in the series are The Black Swan, Antifragile, Skin in the Game, and The Bed of Procrustes. Now in a striking new hardcover edition, Fooled by Randomness is the word-of-mouth sensation that will change the way you think about business and the world. Nassim Nicholas Taleb–veteran trader, renowned risk expert, polymathic scholar, erudite raconteur, and New York Times bestselling author of The Black Swan–has written a modern classic that turns on its head what we believe about luck and skill. This book is about luck–or more precisely, about how we perceive and deal with luck in life and business. Set against the backdrop of the most conspicuous forum in which luck is mistaken for skill–the world of trading–Fooled by Randomness provides captivating insight into one of the least understood factors in all our lives. Writing in an entertaining narrative style, the author tackles major intellectual issues related to the underestimation of the influence of happenstance on our lives. The book is populated with an array of characters, some of whom have grasped, in their own way, the significance of chance: the baseball legend Yogi Berra; the philosopher of knowledge Karl Popper; the ancient world’s wisest man, Solon; the modern financier George Soros; and the Greek voyager Odysseus. We also meet the fictional Nero, who seems to understand the role of randomness in his professional life but falls victim to his own superstitious foolishness. However, the most recognizable character of all remains unnamed–the lucky fool who happens to be in the right place at the right time–he embodies the “survival of the least fit.” Such individuals attract devoted followers who believe in their guru’s insights and methods. But no one can replicate what is obtained by chance. Are we capable of distinguishing the fortunate charlatan from the genuine visionary? Must we always try to uncover nonexistent messages in random events? It may be impossible to guard ourselves against the vagaries of the goddess Fortuna, but after reading Fooled by Randomness we can be a little better prepared. PRAISE FOR FOOLED BY RANDOMNESS: Named by Fortune One of the Smartest Books of All Time A Financial Times Best Business Book of the Year “[Fooled by Randomness] is to conventional Wall Street wisdom approximately what Martin Luther’s ninety-five theses were to the Catholic Church.” –Malcolm Gladwell, author of Blink “The book that rolled down Wall Street like a hand grenade.” –Maggie Mahar, author of Bull! A History of the Boom, 1982—1999 “Fascinating . . . Taleb will grab you.” –Peter L. Bernstein, author of Capital Ideas Evolving “Recalls the best of scientist/essayists like Richard Dawkins . . . and Stephen Jay Gould.” –Michael Schrage, author of Serious Play: How the World’s Best Companies Simulate to Innovate “We need a book like this. . . . Fun to read, refreshingly independent-minded.” –Robert J. Shiller, author of Irrational Exuberance “Powerful . . . loaded with crackling little insights [and] extreme brilliance.” –National Review

Anarchism has been both a vision of a peaceful, cooperative society—and an ideology of revolutionary terror. Since the term itself—anarchism—is a negation, there is a great deal of disagreement on what the positive alternative would look like. The black flag comes in many colors.The Anarchist Handbook is an opportunity for all these many varied voices to speak for themselves, from across the decades. These were human beings who saw things differently from their fellow men. They fought and they loved. They lived and they died. They disagreed on much, but they all shared one vision: Freedom.

Economist Bryan Caplan makes a bold case for unrestricted immigration in this fact-filled graphic nonfiction. American policy-makers have long been locked in a heated battle over whether, how many, and what kind of immigrants to allow to live and work in the country. Those in favor of welcoming more immigrants often cite humanitarian reasons, while those in favor of more restrictive laws argue the need to protect native citizens. But economist Bryan Caplan adds a new, compelling perspective to the immigration debate: He argues that opening all borders could eliminate absolute poverty worldwide and usher in a booming worldwide economy―greatly benefiting humanity. With a clear and conversational tone, exhaustive research, and vibrant illustrations by Zach Weinersmith, Open Borders makes the case for unrestricted immigration easy to follow and hard to deny.

El periodista i professor Alfred Picó, després d'anys d'investigació i experiència en el món comunicatiu, explica per primera vegada 100 idees per millorar la nostra comunicació (personal i professional). Com s'escriu un correu electrònic eficaç? Per què el WhatsApp provoca tants malentesos? Com han de comunicar les empreses? I les institucions? Com es redacta un text a Facebook i Twitter? Com es transforma una notícia negativa en positiva? Podem millorar la nostra comunicació sentimental? Sabries presentar-te en 60 segons? Quines tècniques periodístiques podem aplicar a la nostra vida quotidiana? El llibre és un treball rigorós, innovador, sense precedents i de rabiosa actualitat. Perquè les persones i les empreses hem de comunicar. Sense comunicació som tan invisibles com vulnerables. Però hem de comunicar amb eficàcia i encert. Aquest llibre només té un objectiu: ajudar-te.   _"Editat amb la col·laboració del Departament de Cultura de la Generalitat"_

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A potent exploration of the power of blockchains to reshape the future of the internet—and how that affects us all—from influential technology entrepreneur and startup investor Chris Dixon “A must for anyone who wants to better understand the real potential of blockchains and web3.”—Robert Iger, CEO, Disney “A compelling vision of where the internet should go and how to get there.”—Sam Altman, co-founder, OpenAI The internet of today is a far cry from its early promise of a decentralized, democratic network of innovation, connection, and freedom. In the past decade, it has fallen almost entirely under the control of a very small group of companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook. In Read Write Own, tech visionary Chris Dixon argues that the dream of an open network for fostering creativity and entrepreneurship doesn’t have to die and can, in fact, be saved with blockchain networks. He separates this movement, which aims to provide a solid foundation for everything from social networks to artificial intelligence to virtual worlds, from cryptocurrency speculation—a distinction he calls “the computer vs. the casino.”   With lucid and compelling prose—drawing from a twenty-five-year career in the software industry—Dixon shows how the internet has undergone three distinct eras, bringing us to the critical moment we’re in today. The first was the “read” era, in which early networks democratized information. In the “read-write” era, corporate networks democratized publishing. We are now in the midst of the “read-write-own” era, sometimes called web3, in which blockchain networks are granting power and economic benefits to communities of users, not just corporations.   Read Write Own is a must-read for anyone—internet users, business leaders, creators, entrepreneurs—who wants to understand where we’ve been and where we’re going. It provides a vision for a better internet and a playbook to navigate and build the future.

Over 20 million copies sold! A perennial New York Times bestseller for over a decade! Falling in love is easy. Staying in love—that’s the challenge. How can you keep your relationship fresh and growing amid the demands, conflicts, and just plain boredom of everyday life? In the #1 New York Times international bestseller The 5 Love Languages®, you’ll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, Dr. Gary Chapman’s proven approach to showing and receiving love will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner—starting today. The 5 Love Languages® is as practical as it is insightful. Updated to reflect the complexities of relationships today, this new edition reveals intrinsic truths and applies relevant, actionable wisdom in ways that work. Includes the Love Language assessment so you can discover your love language and that of your loved one.

Andrew Dickson White's classic historical essay on hyperinflation is as powerful today as when it was written.

As technology surges forward, our world teeters on the precipice of a significant shift in global finance. The imminent threat? Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), which are government-controlled digital currencies that provide authorities with unparalleled power to surveil, control, and manipulate the financial existence of billions. In "The Final Countdown: Crypto, Gold, Silver, and the People's Last Stand Against Tyranny by Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)," author and 2024 Presidential Candidate, Aaron Day, embarks on an urgent exploration of a global tyrannical crisis in the making. This is not merely a book; it's a compelling call to action and a survival guide for the digital age." The Final Countdown" navigates this chilling landscape, paralleling dystopian visions of a world dominated by CBDCs with disturbing realities in today's societies. Through a series of riveting examples and eye-opening revelations, it unveils the ominous truth about fiat currency, mass surveillance, population control, and the erosion of personal freedom in our ever-digitizing world. Yet, this book is not all about doom and gloom. It also illuminates the path to resistance, highlighting the critical role of decentralized cryptocurrencies, gold, and silver as potential lifelines in the battle against CBDC tyranny. It champions the cause of financial freedom and individual autonomy, empowering readers with the knowledge and tools they need to reclaim control over their financial future. From tech enthusiasts to financial market players, to the average citizen concerned about their financial freedom and privacy, "The Final Countdown" is a critical read. It acts as a clarion call for awareness, resistance, and action in the face of a global shift that will fundamentally redefine our society and individual freedom. With practical guides on acquiring and safeguarding self-custody crypto, gold, and silver, this book offers a comprehensive strategy to withstand the potential onslaught of CBDC tyranny. Don't miss out on this essential guide to understanding and surviving the emerging era of digital control.

In the vast, boundless expanse of Plurality, each life is a unique and precious existence...Regardless of how perilous external circumstances may be...(l)et us take positive action to allow the seeds of shared goodness to break through the earth and blossom into flower of empathy, joy and harmony. — His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV of Tibet In a technologically advanced, politically challenging, and rapidly evolving 21st century, what does a free and open future look like? Glen, Audrey and their coauthors offer a compelling view of a way forward. — Vitalik Buterin, Founder of Ethereum Democracy has been a confrontation between opposing values. In Taiwan, however, it has become a conversation among a diversity of values. Audrey Tang has shown us how to create a "digital democracy" that transcends the constraints of ideology - that is the major contribution of this book. — Tsai Ing-wen, President of the ROC (Taiwan) They offer us a portal into a future where technology supports democracy, pluralism, and broad human flourishing. We know this future is possible because Tang has been building it in Taiwan. The conceptual foundations laid here usher in a much-needed paradigm change for modern life. — Danielle S. Allen, political philosopher, James Bryant Conant University Professor at Harvard, MacArthur Fellow, and author of Our Declaration and Cuz Plurality reads like optimistic sci-fi, already happening in real life! Can democracies around the world follow in Taiwan’s footsteps to upgrade free society for the digital age? Fingers crossed for a happy ending. — Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emmy-winning artist and founder of HITRECORD Digital technology threatens to tear free and open societies apart through polarization, inequality, and loneliness. But in the decade since the weekslong occupation of their parliament, a diverse island of resilience has shown another way is possible. Taiwan achieved inclusive, technology-fueled growth, overcame the pandemic without lockdowns and the infodemic without takedowns, entrusted its people to tackle shared challenges like environmental protection while capitalizing on a culture of innovation to “hack the government.” Here, the architects of Taiwan’s internationally acclaimed digital democracy share the secret of their success. Plurality (symbolized ⿻) harnesses digital tools not to replace humans or trust, but to channel the potential energy in social diversity that can erupt in conflict instead for progress, growth and beauty. From intimate digitally empowered telepathy to global trade running on social networks rather than money, ⿻ offers tools to radically enrich relationships while leaving no one behind. ⿻ thus promises to transform every sector from healthcare to media, as illustrated by the way it has been written: as a chorus of open, self-governing collaboration of voices from around the globe. Their work in public on this openly available text shows — as well as tells — how everyone from a devout African farmer to a Hollywood celebrity can help build a more dynamic, harmonious and inclusive world. E. Glen Weyl is Founder of RadicalxChange, Microsoft Research's Plural Technology Collaboratory, & Plurality Institute & co-author of Radical Markets. Audrey Tang is the inaugural Minister of Digital Affairs in Taiwan & the inaugural ⚧️ minister in the 🌐. A global ⿻ community of dozens collaborated to create this first-ever open-source self-governed book harnessing tools described within. You are invited to join us at https://www.plurality.net

In this instant New York Times bestseller, renowned economist Thomas Sowell demolishes the myths that underpin the social justice movement “Light on rhetoric, seriously heavy on data, and accessible in style, there is a reason why Sowell has been described as ‘among the most brilliant thinkers in the world today’ by Harvard University’s Steven Pinker and an ‘American sage’ by the Wall Street Journal.” – Washington Examiner The quest for social justice is a powerful crusade of our time, with an appeal to many different people, for many different reasons. But those who use the same words do not always present the same meanings. Clarifying those meanings is the first step toward finding out what we agree on and disagree on. From there, it is largely a question of what the facts are. Social Justice Fallacies reveals how many things that are thought to be true simply cannot stand up to documented facts, which are often the opposite of what is widely believed. However attractive the social justice vision, the crucial question is whether the social justice agenda will get us to the fulfillment of that vision. History shows that the social justice agenda has often led in the opposite direction, sometimes with catastrophic consequences.  More things are involved besides simply mistakes. All human beings are fallible, and social justice advocates may not necessarily make any more mistakes than others. But crusaders with an utter certainty about their mission are often undeterred by obstacles, evidence or even fatal dangers. That is where much of the Western world is today. The question is whether we will continue on heedlessly, past the point of no return.