Neil Shenvi: The Abolition of Man by C. S. Lewis

In this book, Timothy Keller tackles various doubts and objections to Christian faith, such as the existence of suffering, the exclusivity of Christianity, and the role of science. He uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief. The book is divided into two sections: 'The Leap of Doubt,' which addresses common objections, and 'The Reasons for Faith,' which presents arguments for Christian belief.

In 'Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow', Yuval Noah Harari examines the future of humanity, predicting that in the 21st century, humans will strive for happiness, immortality, and god-like powers. The book discusses how technological developments, such as artificial intelligence and genetic engineering, will shape human society. Harari speculates on the possibilities of overcoming death, creating artificial life, and the potential risks and philosophical implications of these advancements. He also explores the impact of humanism, individualism, and transhumanism on our future and questions the continued dominance of humans in a world increasingly driven by data and algorithms.

Michael Oakeshott's "Rationalism in Politics" is a seminal work of conservative political philosophy that critiques the Enlightenment's emphasis on rational planning and utopianism. Oakeshott argues that politics is not a technical problem to be solved by rational design but rather a conversation among individuals with diverse values and beliefs. He emphasizes the importance of tradition and the dangers of abstract ideologies. Oakeshott's work has had a significant influence on conservative thought and continues to be relevant in contemporary political debates. He advocates for a more modest and pragmatic approach to politics, one that respects the complexity of human life and the limitations of human reason. The book is a classic statement of conservative political philosophy.

In 'The Abolition of Man', C.S. Lewis delivers a defense of objective value and natural law, originating from his Riddell Memorial Lectures at the University of Durham in 1943. Lewis argues that education should be conducted within the context of moral law and objective values, which he terms the 'Tao'. He criticizes modern attempts to debunk these values, warning that such actions could lead to a dehumanization of society, resulting in what he calls 'Men without Chests' – individuals whose emotions have not been trained to conform to reason. The book emphasizes the universal nature of traditional moralities across different cultures and warns against the dangers of moral relativism and the reduction of human beings to mere objects of scientific analysis.

In 'Mere Christianity', C.S. Lewis argues for the existence of God and defends Christian theology. The book is divided into four parts: the first argues for the existence of God based on the 'law of human nature'; the second defends Christian theology, including the 'Liar, lunatic, or Lord' trilemma regarding Jesus Christ; the third explores Christian ethics, including the cardinal and theological virtues; and the fourth discusses the Christian conception of God, particularly the Holy Trinity. Lewis also addresses topics such as free will, morality, sexual ethics, and the institution of marriage. The book is known for its clear and logical presentation of Christian apologetics and has been praised for its straightforward and humorous writing style.