Cultural Software: A Theory of Ideology

Cultural Software is the first book that seriously applies theories of cultural evolution and the theory of memes to the problems of ideology and justice. Instead of resting the concept of ideology on outmoded notions of "false consciousness," Cultural Software shows how ideological effects get produced through the spread and reproduction of forms of cultural know-how, or cultural software. 
Human beings are the bearers of this cultural software, it helps constitute them and shapes them as persons with distinctive values and purposes. Yet cultural software reproduces whether or not it serves the interests of human beings. Rather, cultural conventions and institutions spread as if they had their own interests in survival and reproduction. And some kinds of cultural software can act like virtual parasites, breeding unhappiness and injustice as they reproduce in human minds and institutions. 
Drawing on anthropology, evolutionary theory, cognitive science, linguistics, sociology, political theory, social psychology, and law, Cultural Software offers a strikingly original theory of cultural evolution, a theory that explains both shared understandings and diversity within cultures. 
"Balkin argues ingeniously that meme theory replaces more familiar critical theories of ideology, because it alone explains how people come to believe the things they believe, without reference to dubious assumptions about "false consciousness" or "hegemony." [Balkin] writes with lucid balance. . . . Balkin's account is the most nuanced and convincing on the question of what we actually gain from meme theory." 
--Mark Kingwell, Harpers 
"After 250 years of writing about ideology, it is difficult to have something new to say that advances our understanding of this elusive concept, and yet Cultural Software: A Theory of Ideology by J.M. Balkin manages to do just that... a remarkable work that will be usefully read by a broad audience." 
--Susan Silbey, American Journal of Sociology 
"[A] path-breaking effort to rethink legal critique using ... biological and cybernetic models; the scope of its ambition and the subtlety of its execution are likely to make it a definitive work." 
--David Charny, University of Michigan Law Review 
"[I]ntelligent and extremely well crafted... [A] wonderfully clear presentation of the major strands of postmodern thought." 
--Emily Sherwin, Philosophy in Review

Politics & Social Sciences

Balkin, J. M.

Philosophy

Yale University Press

In this supplement to a casebook (ISBN 0-7355-1250-7) and revision of the 1992 edition, the authors plunge into recent cases with minimal political/historical context. Perhaps an introductory chapter, an index, and identification of the authors are in the casebook. Annotation (c) Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Processes of Constitutional Decisionmaking, Supplement 2003

Amar, Akhil Reed

Brest, Paul

Levinson, Sanford

Constitutional Law

Aspen Law & Business

This popular casebook is highly regarded for its ability to provide a solid introduction to the practical realities of constitutional decision-making by taking a distinctive historical approach. In its revised and updated Fifth Edition, PROCESSES OF CONSTITUTIONAL DECISIONMAKING is an invaluable tool for teaching students the origins and development of constitutional doctrine.
 Proven effective through years of successful classroom use, the casebook: 
<li>traces the historical, political, and social development of constitutional law, then considers constitutional questions in a broad historical context </li>
<li>presents cutting-edge contributions from important contemporary legal scholars </li>
<li>discusses seminal cases from the annals of history that show the relevance of historical materials to modern constitutional analysis </li>
<li>provides full treatment of the important issues of civil rights, federalism, and separation of powers </li>
<li>draws on the combined expertise of an outstanding author team </li>
<li>contains particularly strong chapters on the constitutional treatment of sex equality and race Longtime users will find much new information in the Fifth Edition, including: 
</li>
<li>timely coverage of civil liberties during wartime </li>
<li>revised and expanded treatment of constitutional rights of sexual orientation minorities </li>
<li>more material on rights of the poor and constitutional rights in the welfare state </li>
<li>full analysis of new doctrines on federalism and civil rights powers</li>

Processes of Constitutional Decisionmaking: Cases and Materials : 2002 Supplement

Law Practice

Book by Brest, Paul, Levinson, Sanford, Balkin, J. M., Amar, Akhil Reed

Processes of Constitutional Decisionmaking: Cases and Materials 2005 Supplement

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Books by Balkin, J. M.