Fiona Ellis Knihy

Many philosophers believe that God has been put to rest. Naturalism is the default position, and the naturalist can explain what needs to be explained without recourse to God. This book agrees that we should be naturalists, but it rejects the more prevalent scientific naturalism in favor of an "expansive" naturalism inspired by David Wiggins and John McDowell. It is argued that expansive naturalism can accommodate the idea of God, and that the expansive naturalist has unwittingly paved the way towards a form of naturalism which poses a genuine challenge to the atheist. It follows that the traditional naturalism versus theism debate must be reconfigured: naturalism and theism are no longer logically incompatible; rather, they can both be true. Fiona Ellis draws on a wide range of thinkers from theology and philosophy, and spans the gulf between analytic and continental philosophy. She tackles various philosophical problems including the limits of nature and the status of value; some theological problems surrounding the natural/supernatural relation, the Incarnation, and the concept of myth; and offers a model - inspired by the secular expansive naturalist's conception of philosophy - to comprehend the relation between philosophy and theology.

In her latest collection of innovative knit designs, Fiona Ellis draws inspiration from nature, presenting 20 evocative projects that blend Fair Isle with other techniques. This companion to her first book features traditional methods reimagined into a stunning array of wearable garments. Utilizing Fair Isle knitting—characterized by small geometric motifs in two colors—Ellis crafts a modern and timeless collection organized into chapters themed around Water, Air, Fire, and Earth. By employing unconventional placements of Fair Isle patterns, such as at cuffs or shoulders, and incorporating asymmetrical or striped color arrangements, she achieves a diverse range of moods and graphic effects. The collection goes beyond Fair Isle, merging it with techniques like cables, lace, felting, and pleats, resulting in intricate pieces that only require intermediate skills. Inspired Fair Isle Knits also offers challenges for experienced knitters through unique interpretations of the Fair Isle sweater, including halter tops, tanks, and wraps. This collection is perfect for those who appreciate traditional patterns with a modern twist, intermediate knitters eager to enhance their skills, and anyone in search of vibrant, new designs to add to their repertoire.