Et si le symbole façonnait notre réalité bien plus que nous ne l’imaginons ? SYMBOLISM : Its Meaning and Effect explore les mécanismes profonds par lesquels les symboles, du langage à l’architecture, structurent notre pensée et nos sociétés.

This book aims to give a concise analysis of the various factors in human nature which go to form a religion, to exhibit the inevitable transformation of religion with the transformation of knowledge, and more especially to direct attention to the foundation of religion on our apprehension of those permanent elements by reason of which there is a stable order in the world, permanent elements apart from which there could be no changing world. "A religion, on its doctrinal side, can thus be defined as a system of general truths which have the effect of transforming character when they are sincerely held and vividly apprehended. In the long run your character and your conduct of life depend upon your intimate convictions. Life is an internal fact for its own sake, before it is an external fact relating itself to others. The conduct of external life is conditioned by environment, but it receives its final quality, on which its worth depends, from the internal life which is the self-realization of existence. Religion is the art and the theory of the internal life of man, so far as it depends on the man himself and on what is permanent in the nature of things... Religion is what the individual does with his own solitariness. It runs through three stages, if it evolves to its final satisfaction. It is the transition from God the void to God the enemy, and from God the enemy to God the companion."...

Whitehead presented these three lectures at Princeton University in 1929. Although 85 years have passed, his central thesis and his analysis remain remarkably current. The scientific materialism that Whitehead opposed with such vigor continues to dominate in academic circles, and even now those who question that worldview are often accused of being anti-scientific. This is especially true in discussions of the nature of the human mind and its relation to the body (particularly the brain). It is hard to find a contemporary thinker with a better perspective on the nature and role of natural science than Whitehead who, with Bertrand Russell, published the "Principia Mathematica" in 1910; who taught logic and mathematics at Trinity College of Cambridge University; who taught philosophy of science at University College London; and who was professor of philosophy at Harvard University beginning in 1924. Whitehead's cosmology is far from anti-scientific, but he does explain why scientific method and technological practice alone are not able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the full range of human thought and experience. This work explains what we must do to achieve such a comprehensive understanding.

An Introduction to Mathematics by Alfred North Whitehead is a classic exploration of the beauty, logic, and universality of mathematics. First published in 1911, this insightful work provides a comprehensive introduction to the principles of mathematics, emphasizing its significance as both a practical tool and a profound expression of human thought. Whitehead presents mathematics not merely as a collection of numbers and equations but as a creative and dynamic endeavor that underpins science, philosophy, and daily life. He explains fundamental concepts such as number systems, algebra, geometry, and calculus, making them accessible to readers with varying levels of expertise. Through clear examples and thought-provoking discussions, Whitehead highlights the elegance and interconnectedness of mathematical ideas, inspiring readers to appreciate their relevance and application in understanding the world. An Introduction to Mathematics is a timeless resource for students, educators, and anyone seeking to explore the intellectual and aesthetic dimensions of mathematics.

Process and Reality by Alfred North Whitehead is a groundbreaking philosophical work that introduces his process philosophy, a dynamic framework for understanding reality as a continuous flow of interconnected events. Published in 1929, this seminal text challenges traditional static views of existence, offering a vision of the universe as an evolving process shaped by relationships, creativity, and change. Whitehead's philosophy, often referred to as "process thought," explores key concepts such as the nature of being, the role of God in the cosmos, and the interconnectedness of all things. Drawing from mathematics, science, and metaphysics, he presents a comprehensive metaphysical system that emphasizes the importance of creativity and the interplay between permanence and flux. Though intellectually rigorous, Process and Reality has had a profound influence on fields ranging from theology and ecology to physics and social theory. This work is an essential read for those seeking a deeper understanding of existence, offering a bold and visionary perspective on the nature of reality.

Science and Philosophy by Alfred North Whitehead is a thought-provoking work that bridges the gap between two of humanity's most profound endeavors: scientific inquiry and philosophical reflection. In this collection of essays, Whitehead examines the interplay between science and philosophy, highlighting how they shape our understanding of reality and influence the progress of human thought. Whitehead explores topics such as the evolution of scientific theories, the limitations of empirical observation, the role of abstract reasoning, and the ethical dimensions of scientific advancements. His work challenges readers to consider the broader implications of scientific discoveries and to embrace a more integrated approach to knowledge. Rich in insight and intellectual depth, Science and Philosophy is a timeless contribution to the study of metaphysics and epistemology, offering valuable perspectives for scientists, philosophers, and anyone interested in the pursuit of truth and understanding.

The Concept of Nature by Alfred North Whitehead is a foundational work in the philosophy of science, offering a profound examination of how nature is understood and experienced. Published in 1920, this influential text challenges traditional notions of time, space, and perception, presenting a fresh and dynamic framework for understanding the natural world. Whitehead critiques the mechanistic view of nature, proposing instead that nature is a complex interplay of processes and events. He explores the relationship between scientific observation and philosophical interpretation, emphasizing the importance of integrating scientific knowledge with a broader metaphysical perspective. Through his innovative ideas on time, relativity, and the interconnectedness of phenomena, Whitehead's The Concept of Nature invites readers to reconsider their assumptions about the physical universe and its underlying principles. This work remains essential reading for those interested in the philosophy of science, metaphysics, and the nature of reality.

Philosophy is the product of wonder. The effort after the general characterization of the world around us is the romance of human thought. The correct statement seems so easy, so obvious, and yet it is always eluding us. We inherit the traditional doctrine; we can detect the oversights, the superstitions, the rash generalizations of the past ages. We know so well what we mean and yet we remain so curiously uncertain about the formulation of any detail of our knowledge. This word "detail" lies at the heart of the whole difficulty. You cannot talk vaguely about Nature in general. We must fix upon details within Nature and discuss their essences and their types of interconnection. The world around is complex, composed of details. We have to settle upon the primary types of detail in terms of which we endeavour to express our understanding of Nature. We have to analyse and to abstract, and to understand the natural status of out abstractions. At first sight there are sharp-cut classes within which we can sort the various types of things and characters of things which we find in Nature...

"Science and the Modern World" by Alfred North Whitehead, originally published in 1925 redefines the concept of modern science. This book takes readers through the history of modern science and shows how cultural history has affected science over time in Romanticism, Quantum Theory, religion, and movements for social progress. Whitehead invites his audience to understand and read with celebration about the contemporary, historical, and cultural context of scientific discovery. "The most significant restatement of the present relations of science, philosophy, and life..."--John Dewey

The Function of Reason by Alfred North Whitehead is a concise yet profound exploration of the role of reason in human life and the broader universe. Published in 1929, this philosophical treatise examines how reason operates as a guiding force in creativity, progress, and the survival of individuals and societies. Whitehead argues that reason is not merely a tool for logical deduction but a vital mechanism for adapting to change and fostering the growth of civilization. He identifies three primary functions of reason: enabling the survival of life, facilitating the achievement of aesthetic values, and driving the pursuit of higher purposes and ideals. Blending philosophy, science, and metaphysics, Whitehead's insights challenge readers to rethink the nature of rationality and its significance in shaping human experience. The Function of Reason is a timeless and thought-provoking work, offering profound reflections on the relationship between thought, action, and the progress of humanity.

Whitehead presented these three lectures at Princeton University in 1929. Although 85 years have passed, his central thesis and his analysis remain remarkably current. The scientific materialism that Whitehead opposed with such vigor continues to dominate in academic circles, and even now those who question that worldview are often accused of being anti-scientific. This is especially true in discussions of the nature of the human mind and its relation to the body (particularly the brain). It is hard to find a contemporary thinker with a better perspective on the nature and role of natural science than Whitehead who, with Bertrand Russell, published the "Principia Mathematica" in 1910; who taught logic and mathematics at Trinity College of Cambridge University; who taught philosophy of science at University College London; and who was professor of philosophy at Harvard University beginning in 1924. Whitehead's cosmology is far from anti-scientific, but he does explain why scientific method and technological practice alone are not able to provide a comprehensive understanding of the full range of human thought and experience. This work explains what we must do to achieve such a comprehensive understanding.