Superior Beings: If They Exist, How Would We Know? : Game-Theoretic Implications on Omniscience, Omnipotence, Immortality and Comprehensibility

Customer Reviews:

Is there a God? as a Goedel sentence........1999-08-29

A fascinating book. I got a copy when it first came out (I was looking for a replacement today) and have re-read it several times. I hope it's not too much of a spoiler to say that it shows, among other things, that there is no experiment that could distringuish whether or not there is a God without that God's intention to be experimentally verifiable. This has implications to both epistomology and theology that I think have never been properly explored: it means that the question is not just one that has never been settled scientifically, it is one which _cannot_ under any circumstances be settled scientifically.

I can only fault it in assuming a bit too much background for the most likely reader -- but certainly not anything that a serious reader cannot overcome.

Book Description

The central question posed in this book is: If there existed a superior being who possessed the supernatural qualities of omniscience, omnipotence, immortality, and incomprehensibility, how would he/she act differently from us? The mathematical theory of games is used to define each of these qualities, and different assumptions about the rules of play in several theological games that might be played between ordinary human beings and superior beings like God are posited. Implications of these definitions and assumptions are developed and used to explore such questions as: are God's superior powers compatible with human free will? Can they be reconciled with the problem of evil in the world? In what situation is God's existence "decidable" in gamelike relationships He migh have with us?

By endowing omniscience/omnipotence/immortality/incomprehensibility with unambiguous meanings, the author shows how game theory can help breathe life into questions that have been dismissed too quickly simply because they are metaphysical--outside the world of experience. Thereby he clarifies the structure of our thought about an ultimate reality, whether or not it is viewed as religious.

History of Brule's discoveries and explorations, 1610-1626;: Being a narrative of the discovery, by Stephen Brule of lakes Huron, Ontario and Superior; ... who was killed and eaten by savages

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History of Brule's discoveries and explorations, 1610-1626;: Being a narrative of the discovery, by Stephen Brule of lakes Huron, Ontario and Superior; ... who was killed and eaten by savages
Consul Willshire Butterfield
Manufacturer: Reprinted by B. L. B. Black Letter Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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A interesting book if you can get into it! OK Plot
A flawed third attempt
Good concepts poorly assembled
Wonderful new villains added to the Dr. Who stable!

Superior Beings (Doctor Who)
Nick Walters
Manufacturer: BBC Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Quantum Archangel (Doctor Who)

ASIN: 0563538309

Customer Reviews:

A interesting book if you can get into it! OK Plot.......2001-11-14

In this adeventure which takes place after "Planet of Fire", Peri and the Doctor land at a party. Both fall in love with different people. The party is attacked by human eating aliesn. They capture everyone but the Doctor and his love interest. The Doctor and his new girl friend travel in the Tardis to rescue Per and the others. The Doctor saves everyone, but they have time traveled several centuries into the future. The Doctor loses the Tardis on the alien ship. But the Doctor and his friends find a planet to land on they think is safe. The aliens find the remaing humans. But the aliens have bigger problems of their own(something which I wanted to see more addressed by the writer). Events get out of control from here and all hell breaks lose on the planet. The Doctor along with Peri's help and their remaining friends put everything back to where it should be.

I wish this book would of been a little longer as I wanted to more of the plant's world "gardeners" to be more than just a army . It would of been nice if these creatures could of spoken. I doubt the Doctor will ever visit this planet again, but again who knows with him and his TARDIS?

For me it is one of my favorite 5th Doctor books. The Doctor and Peri are just they were in the TV series. I thought I saw Peter Davison as the Doctor and Nicola Bryant as Peri as I read this adventure. It's worth a least checking out if you like the 5th Doctor, Peri or the series in general. There are some boring parts in the book,do'nt most books and movies have some boring parts anyway? But once you get into it, it goes by fast! If I was not behind in my readings of the 8th Doctor,I'd read it again !

A flawed third attempt.......2001-09-01

Superior Beings could have been so good. It has an interesting "monster," nice interplay between the Doctor and Peri (a pairing that I'd like to see more of), and an interesting concept.

Unfortunately, there doesn't appear to be much point to the whole thing. It's a very violent novel, but there doesn't seem to be much of a reason for that, other than to show bloody violence. The Velethske are an interesting race, but they deserved a better book. The "Superior Beings" of the title originally seems to be referring to the Eknuri, but then they turn out to be nothing much of interest. Then it turns out that it might be referring to something else (no spoilers), but that turns out to be anti-climactic.

The main story doesn't even seem to begin for at least 150 pages, if not longer. The prelude to this main story does nothing except establish how vicious the Velthske are. Humans and humanoids are nothing but prey to them. Fine, Nick, we got the point after the first 10 iterations of it. Could we move on now? Thank you.

I do have to say that the Doctor and Peri are characterized very well, though. I saw a review somewhere that said that anybody who has watched Caves of Androzani would not recognize these characters. I don't quite agree. Yes, Peri is a bit whiney, but she was in Planet of Fire, too. Even in Caves she was. Here, she does whine a little bit, but she's also strong, carrying on when a lot of weaker people would have just given up.

Peri's jealousy of Aline is well-portrayed. Here is a girl who has just joined up with the Doctor (you get the idea that this book takes place shortly after Planet of Fire), who's still new to this adventuring thing and has only the Doctor as a lifeline to any kind of normalcy. It's only natural that she would be jealous of Aline moving in on this. I found it completely understandable.

One other bad thing about this book, though, is the Doctor's almost complete ineffectiveness. He really doesn't have anything to do with the resolution. The only thing he does do is make sure that Peri stays alive (and he doesn't even do that, in the end...it's someone else). Why do the BBC books continually have a Doctor who doesn't do anything? Isn't he supposed to be the hero of the book?

I don't think you'll regret reading it, but only if you're a Fifth Doctor fan. Dominion, Walters' first novel, was decent. His second, Fall of Yquitane, was wonderful. And then there's this. Is there such a thing as Junior Jinx?

Good concepts poorly assembled.......2001-07-15

The Fifth Doctor and recently acquired companion Peri attend a party thrown by some Eknuri, members of an alien race who look human but are genetically enhanced beyond humanity. This party, though, is about to gatecrashed by the Valethske, a race of vulpine hunters. But even they are no threat compared to the past of xenologist Aline Vehlmann...

With his third Doctor Who novel, Nick Walters assembles a promising cast and some excellent concepts, but sadly fails to deliver what should have been a good book.

One of the principle problems is that he builds and builds and builds the story but, like many readers, I expect pay-offs along the way. While things happen that appear to be meant to be pay-offs, they don't feel that way to me.

I also found myself asking "so when does the main part of the story begin?", and when your doing that 100 pages into a 280 page novel you have to wonder.

Mr. Walters two previous novels, 'The Fall of Yquatine' and 'Coldheart', seemed better plotted and constructed than this, which is a bit sad as I think the ideas behind this novel were excellent.

In particular, I'd be happy to see the Valethske come back for a second appearance.

Wonderful new villains added to the Dr. Who stable!.......2001-07-13

I really enjoyed this addition to the Doctor Who line. The fifth incarnation and Peri didn't have much time together in the tv series and I'm glad Nick Walters chose this pairing for his adventure. It reads very easily and I thought it was a lot of fun!

The baddies: The Valethske would have been a worthy addition to the television series. Imagine them attaining recurrent villain status in the show! Ruthless, without conscience, and not to mention constantly hungry! They're right up there with some of the classic Who villains.

I admit I got a little tired of them referring to humans as "prey" throughout the novel. But to be fair, is this any different than a Dalek screaming, "You will be ex-ter-mi-nated!" every five seconds? I don't think so. It's part of their character. It works.

The supporting cast: The treatment of the Eknuri, as characters, seemed a bit muddy. But then again, the story really wasn't about them, was it? We're also told of an "Encounter" Dr. Aline Vehlmann went through in her past, but that isn't really delved into with a lot of detail. Suffice it to say, she's now a xenophobe and feels that her destiny is elsewhere in the cosmos. Thawed out soldiers Capt. Melrose and Lt. Meharg are there to provide the bang-bang element needed to counteract the savagry of the Valethske.

I found this to be a fun outing for the Doctor and company. Fans of Peter Davison will enjoy this novel.

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Mention my name in Atlantis being, at last, the true account of the calamitous destruction of the great island kingdom together with a narrative of its wondrous intercourses with a superior race of other-worldlings, as transcribed from the manuscript of a survivor, Hoptor the Vintner, for the enlightenment of a dubious posterity
John Jakes
Manufacturer: Daw Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000LBZASK

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A Practical View of Homoeopathy: Being an Address to British Practitioners on the General Applicability and Superior Efficacy of the Homoeopathic Method in the Treatment of Disease
Stephen Simpson
Manufacturer: Adamant Media Corporation
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Homeopathy | Alternative Medicine | Health, Mind & Body | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1402172559
Release Date: 2001-04-27

Book Description

This Elibron Classics book is a facsimile reprint of a 1836 edition by J.B. Baillière, London.

Being there: thoughts on a material culture approach to teaching eighteenth-century Spanish literature.: An article from: Dieciocho: Hispanic Enlightenment

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Being there: thoughts on a material culture approach to teaching eighteenth-century Spanish literature.: An article from: Dieciocho: Hispanic Enlightenment
Rebecca Haidt
Manufacturer: Thomson Gale
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Digital

Book Description

This digital document is an article from Dieciocho: Hispanic Enlightenment, published by Thomson Gale on March 22, 2007. The length of the article is 3222 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: Being there: thoughts on a material culture approach to teaching eighteenth-century Spanish literature.
Author: Rebecca Haidt
Publication: Dieciocho: Hispanic Enlightenment (Magazine/Journal)
Date: March 22, 2007
Publisher: Thomson Gale
Volume: 30 Issue: 1 Page: 97(8)

Distributed by Thomson Gale

An action at law: Being an outline of the jurisdiction of the superior courts of common law, with an elementary view of the proceedings in personal actions and in ejectment (The Law Library)

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An action at law: Being an outline of the jurisdiction of the superior courts of common law, with an elementary view of the proceedings in personal actions and in ejectment (The Law Library)
Robert Malcolm Kerr
Manufacturer: T. & J.W. Johnson
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

Civil Procedure | Procedures & Litigation | Law | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: B00086JZVQ

The annual digest of all the reported decisions of the superior courts: Including a selection from the Irish (being a continuation of Fisher's digest) ... to the statutes passed during the year 1899

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The annual digest of all the reported decisions of the superior courts: Including a selection from the Irish (being a continuation of Fisher's digest) ... to the statutes passed during the year 1899
John Mews
Manufacturer: Sweet and Maxwell
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding

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ASIN: B00089XTM4

The criminal law of South Africa,: Being a compendium of the Roman-Dutch law of crimes as interpreted by leading decisions of South African superior courts and modified by legislative enactments

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The criminal law of South Africa,: Being a compendium of the Roman-Dutch law of crimes as interpreted by leading decisions of South African superior courts and modified by legislative enactments
Paul Clement Anders
Manufacturer: W.E. Hortor & Co., Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Unknown Binding
ASIN: B0008BV3KC

Book Description

David Wilkerson, a man on a mission, stepped onto some of the world's most dangerous streets armed only with the simple message of God's love and the promise of the Holy Spirit's power. Then the miracles began to happen.

Customer Reviews:

Truly amazing.......2007-09-24

I purchased this book after Teen Challenge came to our town and I heard about how this amazing group began. The Cross and The Switchblade is the true story of David Wilkerson's vision to create a safe place for teens who are endangered due to home situations and substance abuse.

This book was a good read that lead me as the reader through the ssituations that brought Teen Challenge to life.

Highly Recommend!.......2007-09-04

This is an amazing story of transformation and renewal. See what God has done in a person's life.

The Holy Spirit is in charge.......2007-07-24

The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson, Jove Edition October 1977, 23 printing, copyright © 1962 by Dave Wilkerson

The Epilogue states the truth about this book, p 173 "The Holy Spirit is in charge. As long as He remains in charge, the program will thrive. The minute we try to do things by our own power we will fail."

I first read this book 20 or more years ago, as a teenager. Now on rereading it I found where some of my thoughts on how God works in this world originated. This review is far drier than the book and is a result of thinking and looking for why I like the book. I have been told I think too much, but the book is fun, it is thrilling to read and see how God worked in the life of David Wilkerson. The ideas found in fad driven books like The Purpose Driven Life, The Prayer of Jabez, even Made to Count are seeds presented in this book. David Wilkerson lived those ideas, guided by the Holy Spirit, and he shares them with us in this book.

Wilkerson lives a life led by the Spirit of God and this book shows us how he did it, each story bigger and better than the next. Wilkerson shares many principles given to him by his Circuit Rider Grandfather. Thoughts on how and why God works in the events surrounding David Wilkerson's life are prevalent throughout the book. On p 39, "The day you learn to be publically specific in your prayers, that is the day you will discover power" is shared relating how his father at death's door, was cured of a stomach ulcer. He talks of prayer: when and how he does it, when he prays, how long he spends doing it, what he asks for, and how they are answered are found throughout the book. On p 11 he shares the place of TV in his life. On p 138-141 he relates a lesson on prayer that for all who read it will learn something for he writes "Lord . . . teach us a lesson in faith that will live with us forever."

On p 42 Wilkerson tells us that his grandfather, a Circuit Rider Preacher, said over and over again in his sermons "The heart of the Gospel is change. It is transformation. It is being born again to a new life. . . But that's the theory. The heart of Christ's message is extremely simple: an encounter with God--a real one--means change." Many people are changed in this book and Wilkerson tells us about who was changed, what was changed and how they were changed.

I have experienced it, but until I read it in print I never thought much of it. I recognize God has been at work or even is working when as Wilkerson relates it on p 26 "I felt the little shiver I always experience in the presence of God's perfect planning." Wow, other people react to God's working out his plan in this same way!

Wilkerson's take on tears: "Bit by bit I came to the horror these young people have of tears. What is it about tears that should be so terrifying? I asked them again and again, and each time got the impression that tears to them were a sign of softness, of realize weakness and childishness in a harsh world where only the tough survive. Yet I knew from my work in the church how important a role tears play in making a man whole. I think I could almost put it down as a rule that the touch of God is marked by tears. When finally we let the Holy Spirit into our innermost sanctuary, the reaction is to cry. I have seen it happen again and again. Deep soul-shaking tears, weeping rather than crying. It comes when that last barrier is down and you surrender yourself to health and to wholeness." p 66-67

On p 133 Wilkerson writes `"I've finally got it figured out, Reverend Wilkerson," said the girl, "Christ's love is a love with no strings attached." Elaine is right. Chris's love is a love without angles: a love that asks nothing in return. It is a love that only wants the best for these boys and girls. And this is the quality that redeems.' And later he writes of the Holy Spirit on p 161: "The Holy Spirit is what you need. And when you receive him, you will also receive ten special gifts which you can depend on. . ." (read the book for these)

An idea that Wilkerson came to fall upon time and time again is this: "It was becoming increasingly clear to us that the hand of the Lord was in our work. As long as we really let him lead, miracles all along the path were going to be ours to enjoy." p 103

That is why the book is exciting to read: Because he really let God lead, miracles all along the path became ours to enjoy. Praises to God Almighty!

The Epilogue states the truth about this book and Teen Challenge Centers worldwide (yes, they have gone to Europe and elsewhere, check out http://www.teenchallengeusa.com/about.php) p 173 "The Holy Spirit is in charge. As long as He remains in charge, the program will thrive. The minute we try to do things by our own power we will fail."

Best buy, best read!.......2007-07-08

It's a must read...over, and over, and over again! This book is as relevant today as it was a few decades ago. A must have for any literary collection especially literature geared toward christianity and spirituality.

worth reading again and again.......2007-06-25

This is the inspiring and amazing-but-true story of a man who obeyed God to sell his television and substitue prayer for his former viewing time.This is not an erudite theological treatise, but an account of the miracles that can follow simple love-inspired action. I have read it straight through for the fourth time and it does not get tiresome. Each time I read it, I am struck to think how many people God has asked to do something equally as bold, and how few have obeyed.Life-changing.

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Cross & Switchblade (true crime )
David, with John Sherrill Wilkerson
Manufacturer: Bernard Geis assoc
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000JD29U2

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The Cross and the Switchblade (1971)

Manufacturer: pyramid books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000EGZ41A

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The Cross and the Switchblade

Manufacturer: Pyramid Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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ASIN: B000F5MJWM

Product Description

Her world was the street gang, the sex party, the fix. Her destiny, a life of crime and an early grave. But Maria was rescued, along with thousands like her, by one dedicated crusader who carried the cross into the world of the switchblade.

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Beyond the Cross & the Switchblade
David Wilkersons
Manufacturer: Chosen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000IOCP3I

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The Cross and the Switchblade

Manufacturer: Hearthstone
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000GD8PPS

The Cross Is Still Mightier Than the Switchblade

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The Cross Is Still Mightier Than the Switchblade
Don Wilkerson
Manufacturer: Treasure House
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 1560432640

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Cross And Switchblade
David Wilkerson
Manufacturer: Jove
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0515085863

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The Cross and the Switchblade
David Wilkerson , John Sherrill , and Elizabeth Sherrill
Manufacturer: Spire Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000BSSR4W

Product Description

PAPERBACK TRUE STORY ABOUT A COUNTRY PREACHER IN THE ASPHALT JUNGLE

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Good continuation

Beyond the Cross and the Switchblade
David R. Wilkerson
Manufacturer: Jove Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

ASIN: 0891291512

Customer Reviews:

Good continuation.......2007-04-11

If you read the Cross & the Switchblade, you'll want to continue with this book. It ties up some loose ends. I recommend it.

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