Some properties and an algorithm for solving systems of multivariate polynomial equations over finite fields are presented. It is then shown how formulas of propositional logics can be translated into polynomials over finite fields in such a way that several logic problems are expressed in terms of algebraic problems. Consequently, algebraic properties and algorithms can be used to solve the algebraically-represented logic problems. The methods described herein combine and generalise those of various previous works.

This paper analyzes the process of perceptual recalibration (PR) in light of two cases of technologically-mediated cognition: sensory substitution and perceptual modification. We hold that PR is a very useful concept - perhaps necessary - for explaining the adaptive capacity that natural perceptive systems display as they respond to functional demands from the environment. We also survey critically related issues, such as the role of learning, training, and nervous system plasticity in the recalibrating process. Attention is given to the interaction (...) between technology and cognition, and the case of epistemic prostheses is presented as an illustration. Finally, we address the following theoretical issues: (1) the dynamic character of spatial perception; (2) the role of functional demands in perception; (3) the nature and interaction of sensory modalities. We aim to show that these issues may be addressed empirically and conceptually - hence, the usefulness of sensory-substitution and perceptual-modification studies in the analysis of perception, technologically-mediated cognition, and cognition in general. (shrink)

Metallothioneins (MTs) are ubiquitous proteins with the capacity to bind heavy metal ions (mainly Cd, Zn or Cu), and they have been found in animals, plants, eukaryotic and prokaryotic micro‐organisms. We have carried out a comparative analysis of ciliate MTs (Tetrahymena species) to well‐known MTs from other organisms, discussing their exclusive features, such as the presence of aromatic amino acid residues and almost exclusive cysteine clusters (CCC) present in cadmium‐binding metallothioneins (CdMTs), higher heavy metal‐MT stoichiometry values, and a strictly conserved (...) modular–submodular structure. Based on this last feature and an extensive gene duplication, we propose a possible model for the evolutionary history of T. thermophila MTs. We also suggest possible functions for these MTs from consideration of their differential gene expressions and discuss the potential use of these proteins and/or their gene promoters for designing molecular or whole‐cell biosensors for a fast detection of heavy metals in diverse polluted ecosystems. (shrink)

Diferentes investigaciones han abordado el fenómeno de cómo el jugador de ajedrez alcanza un nivel alto de experticia; sin embargo, la gran mayoría se han llevado a cabo desde una perspectiva en tercera persona, es decir, sin tomar en cuenta la experiencia subjetiva del ajedrecista. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivos: 1) analizar la experticia de ajedrecistas de nivel proficiente desde una perspectiva fenomenológica, esto es, desde la experiencia subjetiva del jugador; 2) señalar los estados internos que parecen ser cognitivamente (...) relevantes en las acciones de los ajedrecistas; 3) teorizar sobre el eventual papel que juega la intuición en las acciones de los jugadores de ajedrez. Para ello se realizó un estudio exploratorio con cinco jugadores de ajedrez durante una competencia de corte nacional en México, utilizando como método la entrevista microfenomenológica propuesta por Claire Petitmengin. Los resultados indican que hay regularidades en los estados internos de los jugadores a nivel intra e interpersonal asociadas implícitamente a momentos críticos de las partidas. Lo anterior permite ofrecer una definición operacional de la intuición y afirmar que esta, en efecto, forma parte de los procesos cognitivamente relevantes de los ajedrecistas de nivel proficiente, aunque las acciones de estos aún dependen, en buena medida, de los cálculos explícitos que realizan durante los momentos críticos. (shrink)

The initial stage for the discussion is the distinction between bona fide and fiat objects drawn by Barry Smith and collaborators in the context of formal ontology. This paper aims at both producing a rationale for introducing a hitherto unrecognized kind of object—here called ‘Interactive Fiat Objects’ (IFOs)—into the ontology of objects, and casting light on the relationship between embodied cognition and interactive ontology with the aid of the concepts of affordance and ad hoc category. I conclude that IFOs are (...) similar to fiat objects, affordances and ad hoc categories in a number of ways, yet they differ from these in important respects. Interaction is key to understanding the existence and peculiarities of IFOs. By adopting an embodied perspective on cognition, we can enrich our ontological typologies and highlight relevant features of our physical and symbolic environment that are otherwise overlooked. This should improve our understanding of object ontology and persuade us to include IFOs in our metaphysical inventories. (shrink)

Many philosophers and scientists rightly take hallucinations to be phenomena that challenge in a most pressing way our theories of perception and cognition, and epistemology in general. However, very few challenge the received views on the hallucinatory experience and even fewer critically delve into the subject with both breadth and depth. There are all kinds of problems concerning hallucinations—including conceptual, methodological, and empirical issues—that call for a multilevel analysis and an interdisciplinary approach which in turn provide the detail and scope (...) that the subject demands. In this paper, I present and briefly discuss four interrelated problems: (1) definitions, (2) dependence on perception, (3) two views on hallucinations, and (4) methodology. Neglect or underestimation of these problems, among other things, continue to prevent a proper understanding of the concept and the corresponding experience, giving rise to misconceptions and even plain myths on the subject. Hallucinations do occur; but in order to productively investigate them (for whatever end), we first need to get clear on the concept and develop a suitable epistemological framework for their analysis. (shrink)

This paper analyzes the process of perceptual recalibration in light of two cases of technologically-mediated cognition: sensory substitution and perceptual modification. We hold that PR is a very useful concept — perhaps necessary — for explaining the adaptive capacity that natural perceptive systems display as they respond to functional demands from the environment. We also survey critically related issues, such as the role of learning, training, and nervous system plasticity in the recalibrating process. Attention is given to the interaction between (...) technology and cognition, and the case of epistemic prostheses is presented as an illustration. Finally, we address the following theoretical issues: the dynamic character of spatial perception; the role of functional demands in perception; the nature and interaction of sensory modalities. We aim to show that these issues may be addressed empirically and conceptually — hence, the usefulness of sensory-substitution and perceptual-modification studies in the analysis of perception, technologically-mediated cognition, and cognition in general. (shrink)

Adults (more than 18 years old) are likely to reproduce the habits that they acquired during childhood and adolescence (from 6 to 16 years old). For that reason, teachers and parents have the responsibility to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in children and adolescents. Even though every school subject should promote healthy activities, Physical Education (PE) is the most important subject to foster well-being habits associated to healthy lifestyle during sport practice and other kinds of active tasks. Indeed, there (...) are many factors that influence the acquisition of healthy habits that should be taken into account when programs and activities are implemented in both educational and extracurricular context. In this sense, psychological and social factors are of utmost importance to achieve optimal experiences for an active and healthy lifestyle. However, due to the myriad of studies analyzing different factors in different contexts, there could be confusion when programs and pedagogical strategies are applied in educational or extracurricular contexts. The objective of this investigation is to analyze the state of art of the psychosocial factors which influence the engagement in physical activities and sport practice. The keywords used in this review were mainly: ‘Self-Determination Theory’, ‘motivation’, ‘Psychological need satisfaction, ‘physical activity and sport engagement’, ‘Elementary Education’, ‘Secondary Education’, ‘Physical Education’. The articles were selected according to the following criteria: (a) peer-reviewed original research published in international journals indexed in JCR or SJR, (b) published in English or Spanish, (c) about psychosocial factors which influence the physical activity and sport engagement, (b) in educational or extracurricular context. Research articles selected were found through nine databases. It was observed that physical activities and sport practice engagement are closely related to psychological factors. In particularly, intrinsic motivation was able to determine the active participation in any activity, including physical activity and sport practice during the implementation of Small-Sided Games and other kinds of pedagogical strategies (e.g., Pedagogical Models). Motivation was also closely related to flow state. Finally, these variables should be considered in order to organize effective programs to promote an active and healthy lifestyle in Physical Education classes. (shrink)

According to Plutarch (Sert. 7.1–2) and Sallust (Hist. 1.83–4), a certain P. Calpurnius Lanarius killed L. Livius Salinator, a member of Sertorius’ staff in charge of military operations in the Pyrenees, in the early stages of the Sertorian War (82–72 b.c.). Through the analysis of the verb δολοφονέω in Plutarch's and St. Jerome's use of Sallust's Histories, this article seeks to demonstrate that Lanarius was an exile of the Sullan regime who treacherously assassinated his superior Salinator. The article puts forward (...) the suggestion—not hitherto considered—that Lanarius was one of those proscribed. (shrink)

La gran influencia en Platón del pensamiento de Sócrates, el hecho de que a través de aquél nos llegue la mayor parte de la doctrina de éste, así como la ejemplaridad moral de la vida y muerte de Sócrates , a veces nos ocultan la relevancia específica de su filosofía. Aquí queremos atender a ella, haciendo hincapié en especial en el intelectualismo socrático. Vamos a considerar en este trabajo ese intelectualismo y la deriva con que se desplegó a través de (...) Platón hasta Aristóteles. Después, plantearemos alguna cuestión a este devenir del intelectualismo griego con objeto de extraer alguna consecuencia aprovechable hoy en día. The great influence of Sócrates 'thinking on Plato, the f a c t, that through the latter most of the former's doctrine is received, and the moral exemplarity of Sócrates' life and death hide the specific relevance of his philosophy at times. This paper addresses this relevance, emphasizing in particular Socratic i n t e l l e c t u a l i s m, and considers this Íntellectualism and its derivation throughout Plato's works until Aristotle's works. Finally, some useful conclusions for today are drawn from the development of Greek Íntellectualism hereby exposed. (shrink)

La lectura de mapas es una competencia pendiente para los estudiantes universitarios. Es el caso de los del Grado en Turismo de las universidades de Las Palmas de G.C., en España, y Autónoma de Juárez, en México, que usan los mapas para la comprensión de la realidad turística sin que hayan adquirido una alfabetización cartográfica suficiente.Esta comunicación presenta un diagnóstico del pensamiento geográfico de este alumnado centrado en las capacidades de localización, interpretación y análisis relacional de variables territoriales. Se ha (...) corroborado que solo alcanzan un nivel descriptivo y que es necesario poner en macha estrategias didácticas específicas. (shrink)

Cooperative learning (CL) is one of the pedagogical models that has had more application in the area of Physical Education (PE) in recent years, being highly worked in the initial training of teachers. The aim of the study is to check to what extent future PE teachers are able to apply in the classroom the PE training they have received at university, deepening their fears, insecurities and problems when carrying it out. Thirteen future PE teachers (7 girls and 6 boys) (...) aged 20.87±1.43 participated and, after having been trained in CL in various subjects, applied it in the classroom during their internship. A qualitative methodology was used, being the interviews, the teaching diaries and the seminars with the tutor the instruments of data collection used. Three categories of analysis were used: a) initial expectations in the application of the CL; b) problems encountered in its implementation; c) reflection about its application in the future. The results showed how the future teachers did not see their expectations of success fulfilled, encountering resistance from both students and teachers in PE. Furthermore, they reflect the need to continue training in a model that has infinite nuances so that it can be implemented satisfactorily. It is necessary to continue researching a pedagogical model with so many possibilities in the area of PE and with so much transversality on a social level. (shrink)

Background:The first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic caused a shortage of qualified nurses in Spain. As a result, the government authorized the hiring of senior students.Objectives:To explore the ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts experienced by final-year nursing students who worked during the first outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Spain.Research design:A qualitative exploratory study was conducted using purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews were carried out using a question guide. Interviews took place via a private video chat room platform. A thematic, inductive (...) analysis was performed of the information gathered.Participants and research context:Eighteen nursing students were recruited from two universities of Madrid, aged between 18 and 65 years old, enrolled in the fourth year of nursing studies and who were hired under a relief contract for health professionals during the pandemic.Ethical considerations:The present study was carried out in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki, and the study was approved by the Local Ethics Committee of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.Results:Three specific themes emerged: (a) coping with patient triage, (b) difficulties in providing end-of-life care, and (c) coping with patient death. Nursing students participated in the process of patient selection for resource allocation and ICU bed occupancy. They were shown how to care for patients who were not admitted to the ICU, in their last moments and were faced with the difficulties of applying end-of-life care. Finally, the nursing students were confronted with the death of their patients, in overwhelming numbers and under adverse conditions.Conclusions:These findings can help shed light on the ethical dilemmas and ethical conflicts faced by novice nursing students, incorporated into the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, it was described that students may normalize the death due to the exhaustion and overwhelmed routine. (shrink)

The debate over judicial review of legislation is profuse. But differences are often due to the lack of a common methodology. This article discusses the proper way to evaluate judicial review and confronts central challenges raised against it. It develops the two main models that can be used for analyzing the intersection between democracy and constitutional decision-making and shows that judicial oversight may not be rejected, regardless of how we interpret that connection. The article discusses in detail the model developed (...) by Jeremy Waldron. A nice attempt to answer methodological questions, Waldron's model wrongly tips the balance against judicial review. Its excessive level of abstraction and idealization renders it inoperable. Few systems meet its standards, and those that do pay a high price: they contradict the concept of democratic legitimacy that underlies the model. Paradoxically, a system with judicial review may end up being more legitimate than one without it. (shrink)

This paper presents philosophical perspectives related to the concept of boredom from the point of view of its forms and structural modes as developed by Martin Heidegger in his lectures at the University of Freiburg during the winter semesters of 1929 and 1930. We highlight a philosophical stance often overlooked in comparison to more traditional positions in Western philosophical thought—through the proposed hermeneutic-phenomenological processes, this will allow us to interweave their philosophical images with cinematographic narratives that enrich the factual understanding (...) of modernity. For this reason, we assume boredom and its essence, “tediousness”, as the fundamental mood of our era, thus permitting other mobilities of thought that warrant a study of phenomena relating to cultural entertainment as a symptom of the modern disease that distances Dasein from meeting, questioning, and self-care. (shrink)

En este artículo se pretende problematizar la noción de injusticia testimonial, mediante una reconstrucción históricofilosófica de algunos usos contemporáneos del testimonio. La literatura sobre el testimonio en el siglo XX no siempre considera la discusión filosófica acerca del significado epistémico del testimonio, pese a que ambos asuntos podrían articularse mejor si el testimonio se comprende desde sus usos históricos recientes, y si la interpretación de los testimonios históricos se sostiene en una concepción adecuada del dispositivo discursivo de la testificación. Se (...) realizó un análisis filosófico del discurso testimonial y una revisión histórica de sus usos en dos contextos testimoniales: los testimonios del Holocausto y la literatura del testimonio latinoamericana. Como resultado de esta reconstrucción históricofilosófica sugerimos ampliar la noción de injusticia testimonial para que, además del desconocimiento o rechazo de la palabra ajena, incorpore el enrarecimiento de la testificación que cabe reconocer en cierto paradigma contemporáneo expresivista de la memoria testimonial.AbstractIn this article we try to problematize the notion of testimonial injustice, through a historical-philosophical reconstruction of some contemporary uses of testimony. The literature on testimony in the twentieth century does not always consider the philosophical discussion of the epistemic meaning of testimony, although both issues could be articulated better if testimony is understood from its recent historical uses, and the interpretation of historic testimony is held on an adequate conception of the discursive device of witnessing. We conducted a philosophical analysis of testimonial discourse and a historical review of its use in two testimonial contexts: Holocaust Testimonies and Latin American literature of testimony. As a result of this historical-philosophical reconstruction, we suggest to expand the notion of testimonial injustice so that, apart from disregard or rejection of the word of others, it incorporates the rarefaction of witnessing, which can be recognized in a certain expressivist contemporary paradigm of testimonial memory. (shrink)

Se presenta una aplicación de la paradoja de Newcomb a la disyuntiva evangélica de la elección entre Dios y el Dinero. Se concluye que la elección simultánea de Dios y el Dinero es debida, o bien a la creencia en la predestinación divina, o bien a una falta de fe en el Evangelio.

El desarrollo del discernimiento crítico moderno es inseparable de la introducción de signos de puntuación que permitieron distinguir niveles de discurso, distanciarse de lo enunciado y marcar las actitudes subjetivas implicadas en la enunciación. Este estudio pretende establecer los rendimientos retóricos y diferencias estilísticas de la puntuación en la obra de Nietzsche y compararlos con dos referentes del discurso crítico de la modernidad: Kant y Marx. Se realizó un análisis de las frecuencias de los signos de puntuación modales, y de (...) aquellos que secuencian y distinguen niveles de discurso en la obra de Nietzsche y en algunos escritos de Kant y Marx. Los resultados suscitan una discusión sobre el papel privilegiado de los paréntesis en Kant, de las comillas en Marx y de los guiones en Nietzsche. (shrink)

Este artículo busca el reconocimiento del trabajo de los educadores de adultos y sus luchas desde el fin de la dictadura hasta la actualidad para asentar las bases de la educación de adultos.Con una metodología cualitativa de corte exploratorio, basada en entrevistas en profundidad a los profesionales que estuvieron involucrados, este artículo describe los orígenes, las dificultades encontradas y los procesos llevados a cabo en la creación y reconocimiento oficial del centro de educación de adultos Joan Carles I, situado en (...) el barrio de La Mariola de Lleida, que tiene una idiosincrasia propia. (shrink)

La idealización del diálogo es un gesto característico no sólo del pensamiento filosófico contemporáneo, sino también de las ciencias humanas y de los procedimientos de intervención pedagógica, terapéutica y organizacional. En este artículo revisaremos críticamente ese mito fundacional del diálogo socrático, mediante un análisis conversacional de los movimientos y las funciones discursivas que en él se desarrollan. Además, exploraremos la evolución moderna del género del diálogo filosófico.

Aunque no siempre se incluye entre sus influencias intelectuales, hay un notorio platonismo en la reflexión filosófica de Oakeshott, atribuible al influjo del neohegelianismo británico. Sin embargo, a través de sus ensayos, Oakeshott no dejará de pronunciarse críticamente sobre los presupuestos racionalistas e intelectualistas de la concepción política platónica. En este artículo, se explora la ambivalente relación de Oakeshott con el platonismo, tal como se reconoce en la particular reinterpretación de la alegoría de la caverna contenida en On human conduct. (...) En el regreso a la caverna, nuestra interpretación de Oakeshott no solo reconoce un cuestionamiento de las pretensiones del racionalista en política, sino también una invitación a explorar la reunión de los distintos modos de la imaginación humana y una defensa de la relevancia de “la voz de la poesía en la conversación de la humanidad”. (shrink)

En este artículo se explora la respuesta filosófica de Michael Oakeshott a la fragmentación de los modos de experiencia en la modernidad y a la pluralidad idiomática que presupone la moderna moralidad de la individualidad. Más allá de la consagración postmoderna de la diferencia y de la nostalgia de las cosmovisiones jerárquicas pre-modernas, Oakeshott ofrece una reconstrucción filosófica específicamente moderna de una moralidad reflexiva y autónoma, sustentada en el reconocimiento de las consideraciones prácticas incorporadas en nuestros idiomas tradicionales de comportamiento. (...) Se trata de una moralidad adverbial que nos invita a ejercer un pensamiento adverbial sobre las condiciones contingentes de nuestra actividad y nuestra comprensión. (shrink)

El concepto de “pueblo” ha llegado a ser central en nuestro vocabulario político y para nuestro sentido de agencia colectiva; de hecho, “pueblo” es una palabra clave para concebir la constitución de los sujetos políticos modernos. Este artículo explora los medios de inscripción del significante “pueblo” a través del sistema hegeliano, e intenta articular esas formas de diferenciación y totalización que exponen la ambigüedad de este concepto en la concepción hegeliana: se refiere a formas de vida ética, pero también a (...) la comunidad política; se relaciona con la soberanía autorizada del Estado, pero también con la muchedumbre igualitaria. Para mostrar el sentido del “pueblo” en el pensamiento político hegeliano, este artículo interpreta los roles narrativos del significante, a través de la tragicomedia hegeliana que relata la alienación y reapropiación del Espíritu. (shrink)

El pathos de la democracia moderna ha sido descrito de diversos modos, aunque comúnmente en un sentido unívoco. A veces, se dice que la era de la igualdad exhibe una reflexividad y un autocontrol desapasionados; otras veces, la modernidad es retratada como un proceso de exacerbación de los deseos, o como una gran transformación de las pasiones en intereses razonables. Además, las pasiones democráticas son vistas frecuentemente como pequeños sentimientos domésticos, alienados de la esfera pública, gestionados en una intimidad clausurada, (...) y sujetos a una administración tutelar. Tocqueville —quien fue un testigo único y privilegiado de la transición del pathos aristocrático a las pasiones democráticas— nos suministra una sutil interpretación de los variados matices y los complejos vínculos que configuran los afectos modernos. En este artículo, analizamos la prognosis de Tocqueville acerca del curso del pathos democrático, pero también prestamos atención a sus temores relativos a una gestión emocional tutelar. (shrink)

Usually, the criticism of the modern foundational epistemo-logical project and the representational conception of knowledge is associated with the philosophies of Heidegger and Wittgenstein. However, in an epigone of British idealism such as Michael Oakeshott, one can also recognize a singular position against philosophical foundationalism, representational epistemology, the theory of truth as correspondence and universalist rationalism. This article aims to reconstruct Oakeshott’s philosophical inquiries into the conditions of human experience and understanding. Through the exegesis of his philosophical essays, we propose (...) an integral reading of his systematic reflection on the modalities of human knowledge, which coherently combines idealistic, skeptical, and hermeneutical motives beyond the temptations of traditional epistemology. (shrink)

El tópico de la Filosofía como aprendizaje de la muerte nos ha sido transmitido desde la Antigüedad, y ha experimentado algunos giros en el pensamiento moderno y contemporáneo. En la Filosofía contemporánea, este tópico parece interpretarse como la necesidad de enfrentar la propia muerte de la Filosofía, y actualmente ha generado un marcado giro necrológico hacia el obituario filosófico y la biografía intelectual. En este artículo nos proponemos revisar —desde una perspectiva metafilosófica estos desplazamientos de sentido de la actividad filosófica (...) y el pathos necrológico de la Filosofía actual. Desde ese punto de vista, el análisis del género de discurso del obituario filosófico nos permite interpretar las encrucijadas metafilosóficas del pensamiento contemporáneo. (shrink)

The role of rules in our normative practices constitutes a relevant philosophical problema, mainly associated with Wittgenstein’s philosophy, but to which Michael Oakeshott has also attempted to answer. Not surprisingly, some scholars have found parallels between their conceptions of human practices and rule-following. Through an exegesis of the notion and uses of the rule in Oakeshott's works, this article aims to clarify the link between rule-following and normative authorization. In this way, it will be possible to to decide the originality (...) and specificity of Oakeshott’s contribution and settle the question of the differences with the Wittgensteinian problematization of rule-following. (shrink)

El debate filosófico sobre la subjetividad moderna se ha centrado frecuentemente en la autorreflexión de los posicionamientos del sí mismo, y no se ha prestado suficiente atención a los modos discursivos de subjetivación, por ejemplo a marcadores de subjetividad como los adverbios. En este artículo se pretende establecer de qué manera los adverbios de modalidad expresan la gama de actitudes y los posicionamientos epistémicos del sujeto moderno hispanohablante. Se realizó un análisis de contenido de los usos idiomáticos entre 1500 y (...) 1950, tomando como muestra los contenidos del Corpus Diacrónico de la Real Academia Española, para establecer la frecuencia de empleo de los adverbios modales, evaluativos y evidenciales. Los resultados evidencian un incremento constante a partir del siglo XVIII en estos marcadores subjetivos de actitud, pero también permiten reconocer un tipo de subjetivación adverbial centrado en el aseguramiento epistémico, la naturalización de expectativas y ciertos desplazamientos en las evaluaciones personales. (shrink)

La idealización del diálogo es un gesto característico no sólo del pensamiento filosófico contemporáneo, sino también de las ciencias humanas y de los procedimientos de intervención pedagógica, terapéutica y organizacional. En este artículo revisaremos críticamente ese mito fundacional del diálogo socrático, mediante un análisis conversacional de los movimientos y las funciones discursivas que en él se desarrollan. Además, exploraremos la evolución moderna del género del diálogo filosófico.

“Our Tyrannies. Tocqueville on Democratic Despotism”. Although thelexicon of “tyranny” and “despotism” is subject to historical changes in meaning,we still keep on using those terms to refer to some types of illegitimate, unjust orindecent political regimes. So does Tocqueville, when he describes the new waysof despotism emerging from modern democratic revolution. In this article, weexplore the uses of “tyranny” and “despotism” in Tocqueville’s thought, and wealso try to discover the concrete models or social prototypes which could inspireTocqueville’s prognosis concerning a (...) tutelary democratic despotism. (shrink)

The ‘participatory turn’ in science and technology governance has resulted in the growth of initiatives designed to engage lay people in consultation and decision-making on controversial matters. Almost from the start there has been both enthusiasm and serious critique of these exercises, from scholars and activists. The gaps and challenges are well known. In this paper we indicate the limitations of deliberative mechanisms as regards how they cope with familiar forms of people’s engagement with a given matter. We examine how (...) this phenomenon unfolded at the Barcelona Citizen Conference on the Digitalization of Society; a participatory exercise inspired by the model of consensus conferences that took place in 2014 in Barcelona. Our perspective on the topic is inspired by Sociology of Engagements. Focusing on how participants and organizers deal with individual anecdotes, worries and testimonies reported during the conference, the analysis shows how these formats are ignored, externalized, banned and re-formed during deliberations. This phenomenon is seen as supporting a civic-liberal regime of engagement. (shrink)

In the present paper we study the framework of additive utility theory, obtaining new results derived from a concurrence of algebraic and topological techniques. Such techniques lean on the concept of a connected topological totally ordered semigroup. We achieve a general result concerning the existence of continuous and additive utility functions on completely preordered sets endowed with a binary operation ``+'', not necessarily being commutative or associative. In the final part of the paper we get some applications to expected utility (...) theory, and a representation theorem for a class of complete preorders on a quite general family of real mixture spaces. (shrink)

This paper explores the concept of a social evaluation functional in the case of an arbitrary set of alternatives. In the first part, a characterization of projective social evaluations functionals is shown whenever the common restricted domain is the set of all bounded utility functions equipped with the supremum norm topology. The result makes a crucial use, among others, of a continuity axiom. In the second part, a comparison meaningful property is introduced for a social evaluation functional which allows us (...) for obtaining a more general result with no continuity requirements. Finally, an impossibility theorem, which is reminiscent of that is obtained by Chichilnisky in (Q J Econ 97:337–352, 1982) but without using topological conditions, is offered. (shrink)

The aim of our experiment was to analyse the effect of the emotional valence (positive, negative, or neutral) on true and false recognition, matching the arousal, frequency, concreteness, and associative strength of the study and recognition words. Fifty younger adults and 46 healthy older adults performed three study tasks (with words of different valence: positive, negative, neutral) and their corresponding recognition tests. Two weeks later, they performed the three recognition tests again. The results show that words with a negative valence (...) produced less true recognition and less false recognition than words with a positive or neutral valence, in both younger and older adults, on the immediate recognition test. This pattern of results was also found in the younger adults on the delayed recognition test, whereas in the older participants, these differences disappeared. Thus, when arousal is controlled, both younger and older adults tend to recognise negative information worse than positive or neutral information, but they also commit fewer errors. Results would suggest that the greater arousal commonly associated with negative stimuli, rather than their own valence, could explain some of the contradictory results found in the literature. (shrink)

Scarcity acts as a mental burden that disrupts how people process information and make decisions (Mullainathan and Shafir in Scarcity: Why having too little means so much. Macmillan, Basingstoke, 2013; Mani et al. Science 342:976–980, 2013). In this study, we replicated Mani et al.’s (Science 342:976–980, 2013) experimental design to explore whether scarcity also taxes Colombian high school students’ mental bandwidth. In a lab-in-the-field experiment, we tested how 417 high school students from high and low socioeconomic status (SES) in Bogotá, (...) Colombia, responded to different scarcity situations. Students were first presented with hypothetical scenarios of harsh or soft scarcity. Next, participants had to solve a series of tasks that measured higher cognitive functions (i.e. Raven’s Progressive Matrices, Cognitive Reflection Task and questions to assess their Delay Discounting value) and had to explain how they would solve the scarcity situation. As opposed to Mani et al. (Science 342:976–980, 2013), we did not find that scarcity taxed individuals’ mental bandwidth, neither their cognitive nor executive functions. We found that low-SES individuals, under the harsh scarcity condition, displayed more empathic attributes than high-SES individuals. Taken together, the results of this study show the importance of replication in different cultures and environments. (shrink)