SKU: 83194045034

Through a Glass Brightly: Using Science to See Our Species as We Really Are

Sale price$26.00 Regular price$28.89
Save 10%

Pay in installments of $7.22 with ShopPay, AfterPay and Klarna

Shipping Estimate
USA
  • USA
  • CAN

Ships within 48 hours · Estimated delivery Aug 19 - Aug 24

Promo Codes Available:

For Your Every Summer RSVP, with Code: SUMMER15

Description

Through a Glass Brightly: Using Science to See Our Species as We Really AreHuman beings have long seen themselves as the center of the universe, the apple of God's eye, specially created creatures who are somehow above and beyond the natural world. This viewpoint a persistent paradigm of our own unique self importance is as dangerous as it is false. In Through a Glass Brightly, noted scientist David P. Barash explores the process by which science has, throughout time, cut humanity "down to size," and how humanity has

Human beings have long seen themselves as the center of the universe, the apple of God's eye, specially-created creatures who are somehow above and beyond the natural world. This viewpoint--a persistent paradigm of our own unique self-importance--is as dangerous as it is false.

In Through a Glass Brightly, noted scientist David P. Barash explores the process by which science has, throughout time, cut humanity "down to size," and how humanity has responded. A good paradigm is a tough thing to lose, especially when its replacement leaves us feeling more vulnerable and less special. And yet, as science has progressed, we find ourselves--like it or not--bereft of many of our most cherished beliefs, confronting an array of paradigms lost.

Barash models his argument around a set of "old" and "new" paradigms that define humanity's place in the universe. This new set of paradigms range from provocative revelations as to whether human beings are well designed, whether the universe has somehow been established with our species in mind (the so-called anthropic principle), whether life itself is inherently fragile, and whether Homo sapiens might someday be genetically combined with other species (and what that would mean for our self-image). Rather than seeing ourselves through a glass darkly, science enables us to perceive our strengths and weaknesses brightly and accurately at last, so that paradigms lost becomes wisdom gained. The result is a bracing, remarkably hopeful view of who we really are.


Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 08/01/2018
ISBN: 9780190673710
Pages: 216
Weight: 0.90lbs
Size: 9.40h x 6.40w x 0.90d

Review Citations: Choice 02/01/2019
Shipping Notes
  • Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
  • Except Preorder products are shipped in 48 hours.
  • Delivery to the USA:
  1. Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
  • If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
  • We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
  • Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
  • To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
  • Please click here for more details>>> Return & Exchange Policy
SKU: 83194045034

Discover Niche Categories That Outsell

Top-Converting Item to Boost Your Average Order

4.0 ★★★★★
Based on 25 reviews
Sort
Highest Rating
Newest First
Oldest First
Product Reviews
M
Verified Purchase
Maryland1
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 4
Nice base in general
Base seemed nice coming out of the box. Good size, though double check it will work for your needs as my mistake it was just a bit too big. Filled with water, it is a decent base to utilize with an umbrella I feel. Not sure if others' bases had this, too, but mine has some kind of object rolling around the side. No way to get it out. Not sure if when the hole is drilled into the top, it's from that? Also, when filling with water, there were unpleasant fumes coming out. Water mixing with the rubber material on the inside? All that said, for the price, this is a good option to consider for an umbrella base.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2025
S
Verified Purchase
S. Ramsey
New York, US
★★★★★ 5
Great Stand!
Color: Black - Fluted
Awesome stand for the umbrella. Works well. Has kept the umbrella in place.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on April 22, 2026
A
Verified Purchase
Andy Rodriguez
Whiting, US
★★★★★ 5
Sturdy, Reliable, and Visually Pleasing - A Must-Have Patio Accessory!
I recently purchased the Best Choice Products 55lb Capacity Fillable Umbrella Base Stand for my backyard patio, and I have to say, I'm absolutely thrilled with this purchase. This umbrella stand has quickly become a reliable and crucial part of our outdoor setup. To start off, the assembly was straightforward and didn't take up much time. The instructions were clear, easy to understand, and within minutes we were able to get it set up. No additional tools or complex steps were necessary, which was a great relief as I'm not exactly a DIY person. I filled it with sand, which brought it to its maximum capacity of 55lbs, and the stability it provides is exceptional. We've had several windy days since I've purchased the stand, and not once has my patio umbrella tilted or tipped. The 2 adjustment knobs on the sides help to secure the umbrella pole firmly, which provides an additional layer of stability. The stand's faux wicker design is another aspect I absolutely love. It beautifully complements my other patio furniture and adds a touch of sophistication to my outdoor decor. The plastic used for the stand is of high quality and convincingly mimics the look of real wicker without the associated maintenance or weathering concerns. Being a round base, it conveniently fits in our patio corner without taking up too much space. Moreover, it's been outside in various weather conditions - from intense sun to rain showers - and it hasn't shown any signs of wear or color fading. The material seems durable and capable of withstanding different weather patterns, which is exactly what I needed. Also, despite being sturdy and heavy when filled, the base is easy to move around when empty. This makes it convenient to store away during the winter or rearrange when we want to change up our patio layout.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2023
B
Verified Purchase
Brandi L Gannon
Fort Morgan, US
★★★★★ 5
Umbrella base
Color: Black - Sunburst
Great product!
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2026
T
Verified Purchase
The Andersons
San Leandro, US
★★★★★ 3
Good stand but has issues.
Color: Black - Sunburst
Very sturdy and looks good. But, the part that holds the umbrella is loose and requires a wedge to stop it spinning (I used a plastic knife). Also the screw on the bottom RUSTS and in a BIG way. To solve the rust issue I put an old plastic cutting board under it. We use it with the modifications mentioned.
WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL?YesReportShare
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2026

recommand products