In 1966 the Brazilian physicist Klaus Tausk (b. 1927) circulated a preprint from the International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, Italy, criticizing Adriana Daneri, Angelo Loinger, and Giovanni Maria Prosperi`s theory of 1962 on the measurement problem in quantum mechanics. A heated controversy ensued between two opposing camps within the orthodox interpretation of quantum theory, represented by Leon Rosenfeld and Eugene P. Wigner. The controversy went well beyond the strictly scientific issues, however, reflecting philosophical and political commitments within the (...) context of the Cold War, the relationship between science in developed and Third World countries, the importance of social skills, and personal idiosyncrasies. (shrink)

According to the colored-brain thesis, sense data or qualia are real physical-chemical qualities, located inside the brain, possibly at a specific locus. Our hypothesis is that the seats of phenomenal consciousness have a structure and a materiality. According to the proposed view, a chromatic quale emerges when a certain pixel of the visual sensorium is fed with a certain pattern Σ of spikes; a change in this pattern quickly changes the color that is subjectively generated. How could one manage to (...) measure chromatic qualia? In principle, with nanoscopical techniques, one could capture all the patterns that fall on the sensorium, and transmit the information to other media. But this does not capture the qualia. However, if the patterns are made to fall on a tissue of the same kind, typically inside another person’s brain, this other person will have roughly the same subjective experience as the first person. The model is used to explore two different situations involving qualia inversion. The paper also explores Cartesian materialism, and the claim that phenomenal time and space are identical to a region of physical time and space. (shrink)

This paper presents a method for investigating counterfactual histories of science. A central notion to our theory of science are "advances" , which are units passed among scientists and which would be conserved in passing from one possible history to another. Advances are connected to each other by nets of causal influence, and we distinguish strong and weak influences. Around sixty types of advances are grouped into ten classes. As our case study, we examine the beginning of the Old Quantum (...) Theory, using a computer to store and process historical information. We describe four plausible possible histories, along with six other implausible ones. (shrink)

The aim of this paper is to investigate the ascription of probabilities in a causal model of an episode in the history of science. The aim of such a quantitative approach is to allow the implementation of the causal model in a computer, to run simulations. As an example, we look at the beginning of the science of magnetism, “explaining” — in a probabilistic way, in terms of a single causal model — why the field advanced in China but not (...) in Europe (the difference is due to different prior probabilities of certain cultural manifestations). Given the number of years between the occurrences of two causally connected advances X and Y, one proposes a criterion for stipulating the value pY/X of the conditional probability of an advance Y occurring, given X. Next, one must assume a specific form for the cumulative probability function pY/X(t), which we take to be the time integral of an exponential distribution function, as is done in physics of radioactive decay. Rules for calculating the cumulative functions for more than two events are mentioned, involving composition, disjunction and conjunction of causes. We also consider the problems involved in supposing that the appearance of events in time follows an exponential distribution, which are a consequence of the fact that a composition of causes does not follow an exponential distribution, but a “hypoexponential” one. We suggest that a gamma distribution function might more adequately represent the appearance of advances. (shrink)

This paper proposes a solution to the problem of non-locality associated with Bell’s theorem, within the counterfactual approach to the problem. Our proposal is that a counterfactual definition of locality can be maintained, if a subsidiary hypothesis be rejected, “locality involving two counterfactuals”. This amounts to the acceptance of locality in the actual world, and a denial that locality is always valid in counterfactual worlds. This also introduces a metaphysical asymmetry between the factual and counterfactual worlds. This distinction is analogous (...) to what occurs in the derivations of Bell’s theorem which assume hidden-variables, where macroscopic locality can be maintained at the price of rejecting outcome independence. This can be interpreted as non-locality at the level of potentialities, which might be identified with the non-locality of counterfactual worlds. Our solution, presented for the CHSH inequality, is falsifiable, and we test it with two other setups, Bell’s original inequality and the EPR thought-experiment. (shrink)

Das Buch behandelt die Theologie des brasilianischen Jesuiten und Fundamentaltheologen João Batista Libanio. Der Autor präsentiert dessen Bibliografie und Biografie, nimmt eine Einordnung der Theologie Libanios vor und arbeitet als Leitfaden dieser das Zweite Vatikanische Konzil heraus.

The investigation of a method for postulating counterfactual histories of science has led to the development of a theory of science based on general units of knowledge, which are called “advances”. Advances are passed on from scientist to scientist, and may be seen as “causing” the appearance of other advances. This results in networks which may be analyzed in terms of probabilistic causal models, which are readily encodable in computer language. The probability for a set of advances to give rise (...) to another advance is taken to be invariant through history, but depends on a typical time span which is an inverse function of the degree of development of science. Examples are given from the early science of magnetism and from the 19th century physics. (shrink)

The question of which is the logic that underlies quantum physics does not have an absolute answer, but only in relation to a conventional choice of interpretation . Most of the interpretations that have been offered work within the framework of classical logic. In contrast to these, we examine the corpuscular interpretation which is assumed in the application of non-distributive logic . The experiment in which single photons pass through a Mach-Zehnder interferometer is examined, indicating the difficulty of employing a (...) realist corpuscular interpretation in this context. One way to save this interpretation would be to use non-distributive logic to analyze the experiment, but this is not satisfactory . However, the use of an alethic modal logic solves the problem, blocking the argument that put the aforementioned corpuscular interpretation into difficulty. In the discussion of the conceptual problems involved, we suggest that a stochastic corpuscular interpretation is well adapted to this logical description. The project of extending this modal logical approach to other experiments in quantum physics, and of providing a rigorous logical treatment, is left open. (shrink)

As part of an ongoing study of causal models in the history of science, a counterfactual scenario in the history of modern astronomy is explored with the aid of computer simulations. After the definition of “linking advance”, a possible world involving technological antecedence is described, branching out in 1510, in which the telescope is invented 70 years before its actual construction, at the time in which Fracastoro actually built the first prototelescope. By using the principle of the closest possible world, (...) we estimate that in this scenario the discovery of the elliptical orbit of Mars would by anticipated by only 28 years. The second part of the paper involves an estimate of the probability of the previous scenario, guided by the principle that the actual world is the mean and using computer simulations to create possible worlds in which the time spans between advances is varied according to a gamma distribution function. Taking into account the importance of the use of the diaphragm for the invention of the telescope, the probability that the telescope were built by 1538 for a branching time at 1510 is found to be smaller than 1%. The work shows that one of the important features of computational simulations in philosophy of science is to serve as a consistency check for the intuitions and speculations of the philosopher. (shrink)

In the debate on the reducibility of mind over body, we argue that it is not plausible to assume that such a reduction can be made only over the basal physical conditions, but rather that one must also take into account the psychophysiological bridge laws. This position is usually considered in the Philosophy of Mind to be antireductionist, but we prefer to call it “inductive reductionism”, due to the analogy with two other forms of determination in the Physical Sciences: causal (...) determinism and spatial scalar reductionism. The discussion is made with the use of abstract “epistemological probes”, such as Laplace’s demon, the scalar demon, and the psychophysiological demon. We also criticize the notion of synchronical causality used by Searle. (shrink)

O experimento de Afshar foi proposto recentemente como sendo uma violação do princípio de complementaridade. Reconhecendo a novidade trazida pelo experimento, argumentamos que ele permite um refinamento de tal princípio, a partir do estabelecimento de dois pontos: (1) a possibilidade de modificar o "tipo" de fenômeno (onda ou partícula) sem alterar o estado quântico, e (2) a constatação de que o tipo de fenômeno, associado a um quantum detectado, refere-se a um trecho determinado percorrido pelo objeto quântico. O primeiro ponto (...) é explorado em interferômetros de Mach-Zehnder, com dispositivos de polarização e na montagem dupla de Unruh. O segundo ponto salienta que um fenômeno pode ser corpuscular com respeito a uma região e ondulatório com respeito a outra, estando a novidade de Afshar na proposta de uma maneira de constatar ambos simultaneamente. A restrição (1) acaba tendo um efeito desprezível no experimento de Afshar. Afshar's experiment was recently proposed as a violation of the principle of complementarity. Acknowledging the novelty brought by the experiment, we argue that it allows a refinement of this principle, with the establishment of two points: (1) the possibility of modifying the "type" of phenomenon (wave or particle) without changing the quantum-mechanical state, and (2) the recognition that the type of phenomenon, associated to a detected quantum, refers to a specific region traversed by the quantum object. The first point is explored in Mach-Zehnder interferometers, with polarization devices and in Unruh's double setup. The second point emphasizes that a phenomenon can be corpuscular with respect one region and undulatory with respect to another. Afshar's originality lies in his proposal of a way of ascertaining both simultaneously. Restriction (1) turns out having a negligible effect in Afshar's experiment. (shrink)

The “colored-brain thesis”, or strong qualitative physicalism, is discussed from historical and philosophical perspectives. This thesis was proposed by Thomas Case, in a non-materialistic context, and is close to views explored by H. H. Price and E. Boring. Using Mary’s room thought experiment, one can argue that physicalism implies qualitative physicalism. Qualitative physicalism involves three basic statements: perceptual internalism, and realism of qualia; ontic physicalism, charaterized as a description in space, time, and scale; and mind-brain identity thesis. In addition, structuralism (...) in physics, and distinguishing the present version from that suggested by H. Feigl and S. Pepper, realism of the physical description. The “neurosurgeon argument” is presented, as to why the greenness of a visually perceived avocado, which is present in the brain as a physical-chemical attribute, would not be seen as green by a neurosurgeon who opens the observer’s skull. This conception is compared with two close views, Russellian monisms and panprotopsychism. According to the strong qualitative physicalism presented here, the phenomenal experience of a quale q is identical to a physico-chemical quality q, which arises from a combination of the materiality wassociated with the brain, and the causal organization or structure of the relevant elements of the brain S, including in this organization the structure of the self: q. The “explanatory gap” between mental and physical states is shifted to a gap between the physico-chemical qualities q and the organized materiality of a specific brain region q, and is seen as being bridged only by a set of non-explanatory postulates. Keywords: Colored-brain thesis, qualitative physicalism, mind-brain identity thesis, qualia, panprotopsychism, sensorium. (shrink)

Apresentamos os conceitos de inércia, espaço e tempo na mecânica newtoniana. Analisamos o princípio de Mach, segundo o qual a inércia de qualquer corpo é devida a sua interação com os corpos distantes do universo. Em seguida explicamos porque, em geral, a teoria da gravitação de Einstein não implementa este princípio. Discutimos então o trabalho de Erwin Schrödinger que apresenta uma formulação alternativa para a mecânica baseada numa lei de Weber para a gravitação e que é compatível com as idéias (...) de Mach. (shrink)

Após apresentar, em linhas gerais, a abordagem dos modelos causais em história da ciência, define-se a noção de “avanço” como uma manifestação cultural de natureza cognitiva ou, na linguagem da biologia evolutiva, como um “meme” cognitivo. Discute-se até que ponto tais avanços podem ser considerados verdadeiras “unidades”, e discorre-se sobre a noção problemática de “unidades que se conservariam na passagem de uma história possível para outra”. Comentários são feitos sobre a distinção entre a definição de um avanço e seu grau (...) de aceitação e, por fim, sobre a plausibilidade de considerar que (em primeira aproximação) o significado de um avanço não se modifica com a evolução da ciência. No apêndice, descreve-se a classificação de avanços em sessenta tipos, distribuídos em dez classes. Palavras-chave: Mudança científica, história da ciência, modelos causais, unidade de conhecimento, avanço, meme. (shrink)

This book consists of an edited collection of original essays of the highest academic quality by seasoned experts in their fields of cognitive science. The essays are interdisciplinary, drawing from many of the fields known collectively as “the cognitive sciences.” Topics discussed represent a significant cross-section of the most current and interesting issues in cognitive science. Specific topics include matters regarding machine learning and cognitive architecture, the nature of cognitive content, the relationship of information to cognition, the role of language (...) and communication in cognition, the nature of embodied cognition, selective topics in visual cognition, brain connectivity, computation and simulation, social and technological issues within the cognitive sciences, and significant issues in the history of neuroscience. This book will be of interest to both professional researchers and newer students and graduate students in the fields of cognitive science—including computer science, linguistics, philosophy, psychology and neuroscience. The essays are in English and are designed to be as free as possible of technical jargon and therefore accessible to young scholars and to scholars who are new to the cognitive neurosciences. In addition to several entries by single authors, the book contains several interesting roundtables where researchers contribute answers to a central question presented to those in the focus group on one of the core areas listed above. This exciting approach provides a variety of perspectives from across disciplines on topics of current concern in the cognitive sciences. (shrink)

Este artigo visa analisar modos de axiologizar o bem-estar na escola em enunciados produzidos por alunos do 9º ano do ensino fundamental de uma escola municipal do interior baiano. Interessa-nos, especialmente, compreender como os sujeitos semiotizam, em seus enunciados, o que consideram o evento mais marcante de suas experiências ao longo dos anos finais do ensino fundamental e o que isso nos informa sobre os valores ali mobilizados relativos ao papel social e institucional da escola e(m) suas modalidades de convivência (...) intersubjetiva. As análises destacam que as memórias verbo-visualmente materializadas não se limitam a registros, abrigados na consciência, mas são repositórios de experiências afetivas de e em diversos cronotopos. O fato de as memórias apresentadas recobrirem diferentes eventos interacionais oferecem-nos uma visão crítica dos estudantes de como percebem e matizam complexidades das interações por eles rememoradas e enunciadas. Trabalhos, como o nosso, que se interessam pelos afetamentos de alunos, contribuem, localmente, para que o contexto escolar seja (re)(des)coberto, tensionando como percepções sociais são semiotizadas em horizontes apreciativos de experiências. (shrink)

A DIFICULDADE DA EFETIVA PROTEÇÃO JURÍDICA GLOBAL DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS: UNIVERSALISMO X RELATIVISMO CULTURAL.

DIREITO DO CONSUMIDOR E A RESPONSABILIZAÇÃO POR PUBLICIDADE ENGANOSA E ABUSIVA: ANÁLISE DO CASO DO CONTRATO DE FORNECIMENTO DE INTERNET MÓVEL ILIMITADO POR EMPRESAS DE TELEFONIA MÓVEL.

O presente artigo trata de um objeto da História da Filosofia. Sendo assim, objetiva analisar as correlações literárias dos textos de Timaeus 71E - 72B, Symposium 202E – 203A e Phaedrus 244B-244E em relação ao Corpus Hermeticum 12.19, com a finalidade de encontrar supostas fontes enquadradas no texto hermético, e saber como elas foram retrabalhadas nele. Assim, busca perguntar pela origem, história, significado e aplicação de motivos que incidem nos textos cotejados, incluindo o Corpus Hermeticum 12.19, perscrutando as correlações histórico-religiosas (...) a fim de encontrar nexos traditivos comparáveis do mundo filosófico-religioso contemporâneo do Corpus Hermeticum 12.19. Em particular, este artigo demonstra que o Corpus Hermeticum 12.19 descreve a arte divinatória ou das artes mânticas através da inspiração, aruspício e augúrio. Pode-se vislumbrar o tema da comunicação entre Deus e o homem através das artes mânticas. Por último, o presente artigo, tomando como base o enfoque helenista, aventa que o Corpus Hermeticum XII.19 tem influência médio-platonista. (shrink)

This paper discusses the original meaning of the Shema in the book of Deuteronomy. The central question for this study is whether the Shema constituted a confession of monotheistic faith from the beginning or if this role of the Shema is a consequence of a reinterpretation of the biblical text, due to its reception in later culture and literature. The study focuses initially on the linguistic analysis of Deut 6:4, and then proceeds to the reading of the co-text of the (...) Shema ; it also presents the relevant data of the research on the culture of the Ancient Near East, on the History of the Religion of Israel and on the dating of Deut 6:4-5. This paper shows that the formula of Deut 6:4-5 does not deny the existence of other deities. The conclusion is that it is very unlikely that the Shema was originally a proclamation of monotheistic faith; it was rather a call to monolatry, to the cult and devotion to only one deity, the God of Israel. (shrink)

This paper discusses the original meaning of the Shema in the book of Deuteronomy. The central question for this study is whether the Shema constituted a confession of monotheistic faith from the beginning or if this role of the Shema is a consequence of a reinterpretation of the biblical text, due to its reception in later culture and literature. The study focuses initially on the linguistic analysis of Deut 6:4, and then proceeds to the reading of the co-text of the (...) Shema ; it also presents the relevant data of the research on the culture of the Ancient Near East, on the History of the Religion of Israel and on the dating of Deut 6:4-5. This paper shows that the formula of Deut 6:4-5 does not deny the existence of other deities. The conclusion is that it is very unlikely that the Shema was originally a proclamation of monotheistic faith; it was rather a call to monolatry, to the cult and devotion to only one deity, the God of Israel. (shrink)

The philosophy and the magnitude of the Greek civilization perpetuated by History might mislead us by its strength and beauty. Conversely, when we carry on an in-depth analysis of the studies about this civilization we may grasp that alongside this alleged world of light and brightness a world of shadows and violence subsisted – predominantly in Athens, where the first democratic state emerged. The Athenian government failed to establish a reliable political administration of the City. The remedy for that situation (...) was to relegate trust only on those who detained awareness, which have the true knowledge: for Plato, wisdom is the crucial measure for recognizing whether one has the decision-making ability. (shrink)

Name der Zeitschrift: Semiotica Jahrgang: 2017 Heft: 214 Seiten: 373-391.

O tópico do presente artigo é a teoria da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ [_heimarmen__ē_]. Ele analisa focalmente a relação da teoria da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ do _Corp. Herm._ 12.5-9 e de fontes médio-platônicas. Os resultados da análise se limitam a responder as teorias da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ do hermetismo e do médio-platonismo. No entanto, existem diferentes pontos de vista sobre a teoria da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ no médio-platonismo. Assim, o escopo envolve principalmente o _Corp. Herm._ 12.5-9, _De Fato_ de Plutarco de Queroneia, _De Doctrina Platonis_ de Alcínoo e _De (...) Platone_ de Apuleio de Madaura. O presente artigo demonstra, por meio do método filosófico histórico-comparativo, que a teoria da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ do _Corp. Herm._ 12.5-9 é predominantemente médio-platônica apesar das incidências das proposições (neo)estoicas. Assim, em particular, este artigo assume que o _Corp. Herm._ 12.5-9 tem uma combinação da _heimarmenologia_ com a teoria platônica do _νο__ῦ__ς_ [nous]. Primeiramente, serão apontados os significados de _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ e seus correlatos no _Corp. Herm._ como um todo em comparação com o platonismo. Depois, discutir-se-á a escolha de ações prudentes e apaixonadas pela alma no _Corp. Herm._ 12.-5-9. Em seguida, procurar-se-á explicar quais são as implicações da _ε__ἱ__μαρμένη_ no _ἐ__λλόγιμοι_ (prudentes) no _Corp. Herm._ 12.-5-9. Por fim, será demonstrado que este texto é influenciado pela _teoria do destino condicional ou hipotético_ diferentemente de uma doutrina puramente estoica. (shrink)

This article deals with an object of Philosophy, strictly the Philosophy of Language, which concerns the study of the logic and of the dialectics. So, it proposes to analyze the dialectic-logical conceptual aspects in the Corpus Hermeticum 12.12-14a in comparison with the logical texts of the Stoicorum Veterum Fragmenta, in order to find supposed sources conformed with the hermetic text, and know how they were re-worked in it. For that, the references, descriptions and quotations of Sextus Empiricus and of Diocles (...) Magnes, apud Diogenes Laertius, they constitute important sources on the philosophical doctrines of Zenon, Cleanthes and Crysippus. One considers that the doctrine of the first part of the Corp. Herm. 12 is, often, Platonic. Nevertheless, there are realized signs of influences of stoicism. The conception about νοῦς [nous] in the man is from Platonic origin, but the expression προφοριϰὸς λόγος [prophorikos logos] is certainly Stoic. Then, the Corp. Herm. 12 is a product of a middle-stoicism or middle-Platonism, stoicizing Platonism or platonizing Stoicism, which cannot have appeared before the c. I B.C.E. Specifically, the article is interested in the dialectic-logical problem that involve some Stoic concepts, as λόγος, προφοριϰὸς λόγος, φωνή [phōnē], as well as the problem of the connective propositional logic in the platonizing process through the doctrine of νοῦς themed in the Corp. Herm. 12.12-14a, assuming a theological dimension and a divine character of λόγος, by being ἐνδιάϑετος λόγος, the thought that exists ἐν τῇ διαϑέσει, ἐν τῷ νῷ. (shrink)

Este artigo visa analisar indícios verbo-visuais de episódios de mal-estar enunciados por alunos que integram turmas da modalidade Educação de Jovens Adultos (EJA) em uma escola do interior baiano. Dedicamo-nos, especialmente, a compreender como os sujeitos semiotizam situações de embaraço social vivenciadas em salas de aula e(m) seus (d)efeitos. Como referencial teórico, partimos de pressupostos da Análise Dialógica do Discurso, da Clínica da Atividade e de outras categorias discursivas para lermos, a partir de uma dimensão axiológica, o corpus que é (...) composto por duas biograficzines. A análise dos dados registra que os (res)sentimentos dos discentes, que se deixam materializar em termos verbo-visuais, deflagram situações que ilustram a complexidade de dinâmicas que perfazem interações didáticas no ambiente escolar. Trabalhos como o nosso contribuem para tensionar a realidade escolar-profissional possibilitando a exploração de outros ângulos de nossas atividades como sujeitos sociais. (shrink)

A PORTABILIDADE DOS PLANOS DE ASSISTÊNCIA PRIVADA À SAÚDE: UMA ANÁLISE SOB A PERSPECTIVA CONSUMERISTA.

A partir de uma perspectiva decolonial do ensino, este artigo objetiva fazer uma reflexão sobre a dinâmica homogênea do ensino de ciências, a qual se comporta como veículo de reprodução de uma visão de mundo eurocentrada, visando universalizar o conhecimento ocidental em detrimento das demais culturas. Tal objetivo justifica-se na importância de analisarmos o espaço de prestígio que ainda é reservado para a racionalidade científica, a qual é propagada sem a devida contextualização histórico-filosófica. Tomaremos como base a poesia Eu-mulher de (...) Conceição Evaristo, partindo do pressuposto de que um ensino eurocentrado exclui de seu bojo os grupos minorizados, principalmente a mulher negra. (shrink)

O presente trabalho propõe analisar, a obra base “A História da Loucura na Idade Clássica” do filósofo Michel Foucault, observando a maneira em que a loucura foi conceituada e tratada ao longo do período Clássico para compreender - por meio de uma dimensão histórica e filosófica - as formas em que se constituíram as relações de poder e silen- ciamento da loucura além da atualidade de sua problematização na sociedade contemporânea.