{"title":"Melvin Chen","description":"\u003cp\u003eWelcome to the collection of works by \u003cem\u003eMelvin Chen\u003c\/em\u003e, a distinguished author known for his profound insights into philosophy, art, and culinary traditions. As a prolific thinker and writer, Chen effortlessly bridges the gap between intellectual exploration and practical wisdom through his diverse array of works.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eDive into \u003cstrong\u003e\"Philosophy and Art in Southeast Asia\"\u003c\/strong\u003e, where Chen unravels the rich tapestry of Southeast Asian culture. This book delves into the intricate relationship between philosophy and art, offering readers a captivating exploration of the region's unique artistic expressions and their philosophical underpinnings.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eFor those passionate about culinary arts, \u003cstrong\u003e\"The Thinker's Game\"\u003c\/strong\u003e is a must-read. Chen crafts a narrative where philosophy and the culinary world intertwine, challenging readers to contemplate the philosophical dimensions of cooking and food. It's an inviting exploration that inspires both the mind and taste buds.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMelvin Chen's works masterfully blend intellectual thought with everyday experiences, making his books a delightful addition to any reader's collection. Whether you're an avid philosopher, art enthusiast, or culinary aficionado, there's something in Chen's repertoire that will spark your curiosity and enrich your understanding of the world.\u003c\/p\u003e","products":[{"product_id":"the-thinkers-game-by-melvin-chen-9789083488226","title":"The Thinker's Game","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThis book is written for beginners who are interested in the game and would like to learn more about its various aspects.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt covers the technical aspects of chess: the use of algebraic notation (Chapter 3), chess evaluation (Chapter 4), the opening phase (Chapter 5), the middle game (Chapter 6), the endgame (Chapter 7), and the chess rating system (Chapter 8). It introduces a number of chess problems, formulated with a chess board and chess pieces and presupposing a working knowledge of chess (Chapter 9).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eIt offers an account of variants of chess such as Fischer random chess (Chapter 10). It also covers the cultural aspects of chess: its history (Chapter 2) and status as an immortal game that might enable it to play a role in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (Chapter 11). Wherever possible, chess diagrams are provided to help chess beginners make sense of certain points about chess. Algebraic notation will also guide them in understanding certain chess-based lines of reasoning.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWhenever you are ready, let us begin this odyssey of chess!\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette Aotearoa New Zealand","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46998761177324,"sku":"9789083488226","price":87.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/4528883485422.jpg?v=1763230888"},{"product_id":"philosophy-and-art-in-southeast-asia-by-melvin-chen-9781350414174","title":"Philosophy and Art in Southeast Asia","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGuiding you through the topics that shape aesthetics and the philosophy of art, this introduction explores truth, meaning, taste, aesthetic merit and judgement, creativity and the possibility of machine art, and morality and the possibility of immoral art.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eEach chapter offers a wealth of examples from Southeast Asia, including the Nanyang style of painting, the mooi indie genre and its postcolonial legacy, groundbreaking works of poetry and literature, dragon kiln pottery, the art of making ang ku kueh, contemporary conceptual art, the dikir barat and the balitaw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eSelected for their merit, boldness and connection to the Southeast Asian region, these artworks traverse art and craft, visual art and music, perceptual and conceptual art, real-life and hypothetical examples, and folk and fine art. As case studies, these artworks allow us to deal with controversies and address central questions including:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhen are artworks considered dangerous?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhy does Socrates recommend the banishment of the poets?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhat are the problems and challenges posed by forgery?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHow do we resolve ambiguity when interpreting and making sense of works of art?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCan there be such a thing as immoral art?\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eA sense of awareness of context and situatedness runs throughout \u003ci\u003ePhilosophy and Art in Southeast Asia\u003c\/i\u003e. The texture, fabric and flavour of each example is woven into a rigorous philosophical analysis of aesthetic and artistic matters.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eMaking art and aesthetics more relatable, here is a creative and accessible introduction that inspires a love for art and aesthetics. For anyone interested in understanding the cultural underpinnings of aesthetics outside of the traditional canon, it is essential reading.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Allen \u0026 Unwin","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47000704581868,"sku":"9781350414174","price":43.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/22054023482668.jpg?v=1763298876"}],"url":"https:\/\/bookhero.co.nz\/collections\/melvin-chen.oembed","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}