Academic New Books on February 13
This article discusses new academic publications in Korea, highlighting key themes in labor studies, philosophy of science, secularism, sociology, and classical Greek language.
The article introduces a selection of new academic publications released in Korea on February 13, focusing on various thematic areas. One highlighted work is by Dr. Jang Mi-hyun, which examines the social history of Korean technical labor, particularly analyzing the gendered dimensions of labor movements and the role of women in the labor force from the 1950s to 60s. Drawing upon oral histories, the book reveals how workers represent themselves and their agency, thereby contributing to evolving perceptions of laborers in Korea.
Another significant publication is 'New Pragmatism' by Professor Jang Ha-seok from Cambridge University, which critiques the prevailing belief that scientific knowledge reveals ultimate truths about reality. Professor Jang promotes a realistic realism that prioritizes practical contributions of science over the pursuit of absolute truths, shedding light on philosophical issues surrounding scientific inquiry and its implications. Additionally, the article touches upon 'The Secular Age' by Charles Taylor, which delves into the dimensions of modern secularization, analyzing concepts like rationality, individualism, and Enlightenment.
Other noteworthy discussions include 'The Birth of the Salaryman,' where sociologist Tsukasa Danihara reconstructs the identity of salarymen in Japan, depicting them as products of a system that emphasizes conformity rather than political agency. Lastly, the article presents 'Easy Learning of Classical Greek,' an educational resource for those interested in ancient Greek literature, grammar, and historical significance. These publications collectively represent significant academic contributions to understanding labor, philosophy, and culture in both Korean and broader contexts.