[This Week's Books] "The Discourse of Inequality" and More

The Discourse of Inequality

This book analyzes income distribution and income inequality based on the works of renowned economists. It traces how economic thought on inequality evolved over two centuries, from the period around the French Revolution in the late 18th century to the end of the Cold War in the late 20th century. The book highlights the changing perspectives on inequality by examining the views of Quesnay, who believed social class was determined by law; Smith, who argued that economic categories defined by the means of production determine class; and Ricardo, who theoretically linked class conflict, income distribution, and economic growth. (Written by Branko Milanovic | Sejong Institute)

AGI: Angel or Demon?

Artificial intelligence (AI) experts around the world claim that Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) will become a reality within five years. The author discusses the impact of AGI, which is expected to reach human-level capabilities, and the ethical, political, and philosophical questions that humanity will face. The book covers the popularization and technological development of AI, cases where the emergence of AI has solved existing problems, and explores both the positive changes and extreme dystopian scenarios that AGI could bring about. AGI is analyzed from multiple perspectives-as an entity with limitless productivity and problem-solving abilities, but also as a force that could destroy human dignity and autonomy. (Written by Kim Daesik | Dongasia)

Desirable Contemporary Art

From the perspective of an art journalist, this book introduces 24 artists who are currently attracting attention in the global art market. The book is filled with behind-the-scenes stories from the art world: how Nicolas Party was captivated by the fragile charm of pastels, which changed the course of his art; Flora Yukhnovich's techniques that skillfully blend tradition and modernity between abstraction and figuration; and Adrian Ghenie's rare output, having already presented works worth 10 million dollars in his thirties. These stories are presented in a way that is accessible to the general public. The explanations of currently noteworthy works and the reasons for their acclaim are also compelling. (Written by Kim Seulgi | RH Korea)

Changing the Way We Think Reveals Safety: Lessons Edition

The author, an expert in accident prevention, concludes from investigating various social disasters, fire tragedies, and major industrial accidents that 'the recurrence of similar accidents' is a persistent issue. The author emphasizes that preventing recurrence is the key to accident prevention. The book provides a clear overview of the history of domestic disasters from the 1970s to the 2020s, identifying problems and proposing solutions. It also organizes classical idioms related to disaster safety, explaining their meanings and origins. In addition, the book introduces practical methods that can be applied immediately to solve structural issues such as costs and conflicting interests. (Written by Yoo Injong | Saebit Publishing)

Guaranteeing Teachers' Basic Political Rights

The author, a former teacher and current National Assembly aide, emphasizes that guaranteeing teachers' political rights is essential for improving the educational environment in South Korea. The author notes that South Korea is the only OECD member country that does not recognize teachers' basic political rights, and provides detailed examples from the United States, Germany, France, and Japan. Through thirty questions, the book presents solid arguments for why guaranteeing teachers' political rights is necessary. The author stresses that recognizing teachers' basic political rights is not an issue of conservatism or progressivism, but a crucial task for advancing toward a welfare state. (Written by Seo Yongseon | Education and Practice)

Operation Fox Hunt

This year marks the 130th anniversary of the Eulmi Incident. This novel vividly reconstructs the week from October 1 to the day of the assassination in that year. In 1894, after Japanese troops occupied Gyeongbokgung Palace, Joseon became a vassal state of Japan. Queen Min sought to escape the crisis by seeking Russian support, but was discovered and assassinated. The key figure in the assassination was none other than Adachi Kenzo, president of the Japanese newspaper Hansung Shinbo. The story unfolds with the premise that most of the assassins were Japanese special correspondents for Hansung Shinbo. (Written by Kwon Youngseok | Param Book)