The aim of the present paper is to provide a logical reconstruction of the Marxian Theory of Value. This reconstruction is based upon the concept of abstract as opposed to that of homogeneous labor. Abstract labour is a social relation that holds in a market economy, (at least) whenever the profit rate is uniform; it consists in a comparison of the different labors through the exchange relationship. The author proved in a different place (see García de la Sienra, 1987) that (...) there exists a mathematical representation of abstract labor which is unique up to similarity transformations. The existence of this function — which is none other than the value function — is the basis of the present axiomatization, which includes detailed reconstructions of two of the most important models of the theory. (shrink)

The aim of the present paper is to attack some of the conceptual problems that arise when the framework of mathematical learning theory is applied to the description of the behavior of the firm, in setting prices and production quotas, in a competitive market. The goal is to depict the process by which the firm fixes prices and production quotas as a stochastic learning process. A solution to such problems is proposed which is based on statistical-decision concepts. The conceptualization of (...) the behavior of the firm by means of concepts pertaining to mathematical learning theory gives rise to certain mathematical problems, which are formulated here in rather precise terms. (shrink)

Economists have long grappled with the problem of how economic theories relate to empirical evidence: how can abstract mathematized theories be used to produce empirical claims? How are such theories applied to economic phenomena? What does it mean to "test" economic theories? This book introduces, explains, and develops a structural philosophy of economics which addresses these questions and provides a unifying philosophical/logical basis for a general methodology of economics. The book begins by introducing a rigorous view of the logical foundations (...) and structure of scientific theories based upon the work of Alfred Tarski, Patrick Suppes, Karl Marx, and others. Using and combining their methods, the book then goes on to reconstruct important economic theories - including utility theory, game theory, Marxian economics, Sraffian economic theory, and econometrics - proving all the main theorems and discussing the key claims and the empirical applicability of each theory. Through these discussions, this book presents, in a systematic fashion, a general philosophy of economics grounded in the structural view. Offering rigorous formulations of important economic theories, A Structuralist Theory of Economics will be invaluable to all readers interested in the logic, philosophy, and methodology of economics. It will also appeal particularly to those interested in economic theory. (shrink)

Aunque las contribuciones de Patrick Suppes en el ámbito de la lógica, la metodología y la losofía de la economía (por no mencionar a la propia economía) hayan sido importantes, los metodólogos de la economía apenas las conocen. El propósito de este artículo es cubrir este vacío. Presentaremos su concepción general de la losofía de la ciencia y analizaremos después con detalle su noción de modelos de datos, surgida de sus famosos experimentos sobre aprendizaje. Discutiremos también su concepción de la (...) medición fundamental en relación con tales experimentos. El artículo incluye además una amplia bibliografía de los trabajos de Suppes sobre el tema. (shrink)

The aim of the dissertation is to show that the logical foundations of the Marxian Theory of Value are reasonably sound. The first chapter presents a concise history of MTV and formulates in a detailed way the problem of foundations in MTV. This is the problem of proving the existence of labor-values in a general economy in which joint products, alternative techniques, and heterogeneous labor are allowed. ;In the second chapter the problem is tackled through the demonstration that there is (...) a measurement of abstract labor in such general systems, where abstract labor is understood as a binary relation over the set of labor expenditures induced by a system of prices, in a commodity economy, that satisfies certain properties. It is also shown that whenever the rate of profit is uniform the price system satisfies such properties. ;Using the results of the second chapter, in the last chapter an axiomatization of MTV is provided and two of the most typical models of MTV are reconstructed in terms of abstract labor in a very detailed way. The first of these is the classical Leontief model and the second one is a more general model due to John K. Roemer. The conclusion of the dissertation is that the foundations of MTV are as sound as those of Neo-classical Economics. (shrink)

The aim of the present paper is to provide a logical reconstruction of the Marxian Theory of Value. This reconstruction is based upon the concept of abstract as opposed to that of homogeneous labor.labour is a social relation that holds in a market economy, whenever the profit rate is uniform; it consists in a comparison of the different labors through the exchange relationship. The author proved in a different place that there exists a mathematical representation of abstract labor which is (...) unique up to similarity transformations. The existence of this function -- which is none other than the value function -- is the basis of the present axiomatization, which includes detailed reconstructions of two of the most important models of the theory. (shrink)

Even though Patrick Suppes made important contributions to utility theory, his final views on economic choice are quite critical of the expected-utility theories of rational choice. The aim of the present paper is to expose in a unified way his final views on economic choice and freedom. These views are part of his conception of causality and rationality.

Secular Humanism has been unable to provide an adequate foundation for public ethics and has been destructive of those faith communities on which it depends for its very existence. Thus, what is required is a new political system, based on religious freedom and a dialogue which includes all these communities, that prevents such destruction and is able to provide a convincing public ethics.

The transformations that take place in the realm of high-energy physics, as well as the fact that reality appears to the distinct sciences as a stockpile of layers of laws and properties, seem to support an Aristotelian view of matter. This makes both interesting and relevant a fresh reconsideration of one of the most systematic formulations of such a view: that of Francis Suarez in his Metaphysical Disputations. This formulation is introduced here in a more contemporary language and from the (...) vantage point of three centuries of modern physics. (shrink)

The aim of the present paper is to attack some of the conceptual problems that arise when the framework of mathematical learning theory is applied to the description of the behavior of the firm, in setting prices and production quotas, in a competitive market. The goal is to depict the process by which the firm fixes prices and production quotas as a stochastic learning process. A solution to such problems is proposed which is based on statistical-decision concepts. The conceptualization of (...) the behavior of the firm by means of concepts pertaining to mathematical learning theory gives rise to certain mathematical problems, which are formulated here in rather precise terms. (shrink)

Herman Dooyeweerd ( 1985 ) argued that among the modalities making up the fabric of reality a specifically economic one is to be found. The aim of the present paper is to discuss the texture of such a modality and how it both differentiates and intertwines with others. For an updated brief, albeit cogent and analytically lucid presentation of the Law Framework ontology, see Clouser ( 2009 ). Dooyeweerd’s view entails that the proper object of economics is irreducible to that (...) of other disciplines, but a non-reductionist view of the object of economics presupposes that the nuclear meaning of that discipline has been clearly delimited: this is required in order to determine its nature and separate identity as a scientific discipline. By ‘the nuclear meaning of a discipline’ I understand a pre-theoretical delimitation of its field of research, such as that of the field of physics, characterized by the laws governing force and energy. Within one and the same field there may be many theories, theories competing to explain the same phenomena, or dealing with phenomena so different that it is nearly impossible to trace conceptual connections among them. This last situation calls for a unified-field theory. In the second section of this paper I will attempt to defend a rather commonly accepted definition of the field of economics that sees this discipline as a science of choice. In the third I will show how the analytical conception it involves can be naturally complemented with a classificatory one. According to a classificatory conception, the aggregated social-level phenomena, patterns and regularities economic theories usually deal with, are economic in that sense, even though they are not prima facie cases of individual behavior, or are unintended consequences of aggregated individual choices. In the fourth I will discuss the meaning of the most general, supra-arbitrary economic laws—the modal laws of economics. In the final section I will offer a non-reductionist view of economics that nevertheless takes into account its intertwining with other spheres. (shrink)

Herman Dooyeweerd’s classical characterization of the meaning-kernel of the economic modality runs as follows:the sparing or frugal mode of administering scarce goods, implying an alternative choice of their destination with regard to thesatisfaction of different human needs.My first aim in this paper is to show that Dooyeweerd’s characterization of the meaning-kernel of the economic modality naturallyleads to neoclassical economic theory. In order to do this, I will provide an argument that, departing from Dooyeweerd’s definitionof the meaning-kernel of the economic modality, (...) concludes in a logical reconstruction of neoclassical economictheory . The fundamental law of this theory will turn out to be thus, naturally, a formulation of thefundamental modal law of economics. The second aim of the paper is epistemological since it discusses the methodological problem of the empirical claim of the theory. It is my hope that this discussion will clarify the limits of NET and provide a reply to the objections raised against it by Reformed scholars like Goudzwaard. (shrink)

A mediados del siglo xvii, Girolamo Graziani publica en Módena Il Conquisto di Granata, un poema épico de 26 cantos en los que se narran los acontecimientos que rodearon el asedio del Reino de Granada en sus últimos diez años. Este poema, por tanto, describe el ambiente caballeresco y el tema de la lucha entre cristianos y musulmanes a través de múltiples episodios en los que no faltan los fieros y gigantescos moros, las doncellas guerreras y toda suerte de fábulas (...) y encantamientos. En este estudio determinaremos la arquitectura espacial de este poema épico, definiendo la ciudad de Granada como centro de todo movimiento, en el que todas las acciones se valorarán y medirán a partir de la distancia y de la relación que tengan con ese lugar. Au milieu du xviie siècle, Girolamo Graziani publie à Modène Il Conquisto di Granata, un poème épique de 26 chansons qui raconte les événements des dix dernières années du siège du royaume de Grenade. Ce poème décrit donc l’atmosphère chevaleresque et la lutte entre chrétiens et musulmans en plusieurs épisodes où abondent Maures féroces et gigantesques, jeunes filles guerrières, fables diverses et enchantements. Cette étude porte sur l’architecture spatiale de cette épopée, la définition de la ville de Grenade en tant que centre de tout mouvement, l’évaluation et la mesure de toutes les actions en fonction de la distance et de la relation qu’elles ont avec ce lieu. (shrink)

Preface to the thematic volume Metatheoretical Structuralism: Some Recent Developments and Applications.

La literatura sobre teoría de juegos usualmente se ocupa de dar formulaciones de la misma que son suficientes para considerar aplicaciones específicas o para demostrar la existencia de equilibrios. Este artículo está dedicado a proveer una reconstrucción lógica sistemática de la TJ que busca determinar su elemento teórico básico a través de la formulación de su ley fundamental. Después de definir los conceptos de estrategia, procede a mostrar de qué manera cualquier estrategia conductual determina un espacio de probabilidad sobre las (...) historias del juego, como prolegómeno para definir el concepto de juego y considerar el problema de su aplicabilidad empírica. /// The literature on game theory is usually concerned with providing formulations of the same that are enough to consider specific applications, or to prove the existence of equilibria. This paper is devoted to provide a systematic logical reconstruction of TJ whose aim is to determine its basic theory-element through the formulation of its fundamental law. After defining the concepts of strategy, it proceeds to show how any behavioral strategy determines a probability space over the histories of the game, as a prolegomenon to the definition of the concept of game and the treatment of the problem of its empirical applicability. (shrink)

After presenting a brief history of philosophy in Hispanic-America since the XVI century, we discuss whether the idea of province and empire is applicable to contemporary Hispanic-American philosophy, investigate the form these ideas adopt in this region, and inquire into the ways in which provincialism i s present in philosophical work. We conclude that there are three main groups that understand their peripheral position in different ways, with different views on the way in which they should insert into the mainstream (...) of Western philosophy. (shrink)

La finalidad de este artículo es proveer una reconstrucción lógica del elemento teórico básico de la teoría del valor trabajo desde la perspectiva de la metateoría estructuralista. Las metas son esbozar con alguna precisión la ley fundamental de la teoría �la ley del valor� así como la aserción empírica.

Written before the impressive collapse of the socialist system in Eastern Europe, this book offers a quite objective and serious systematic analysis of the Marxian labor theory of value, Marx's main scientific legacy. After reconstructing the 'prototype' of this theory - which is the theory as it was left by Marx himself in Capital - the author proceeds to a careful and detailed analysis of its foundational problems, taking into account Bohm-Bawerk's important criticisms. After introducing advanced contemporary formal tools, the (...) author proceeds to a thorough discussion of the dialectical method, just in order to tackle the foundational problems of the theory. He provides a formally precise and well motivated definition of abstract labor, and then proceeds to prove the existence of a measurement of abstract labor - i.e. the existence of numerical labor-values. Using this result, the author provides rigorous axiomatic foundations for the theory of value and then proves the existence of a Marxian competitive equilibrium, which is tantamount to the proof of the possibility of reproduction for a capitalist economy. The author finishes the book by showing in detail how the problems of the prototype are solved, by reconstructing the Leontief model of the labor theory of value on the new logical bases. Written in a very clear style, in the language of contemporary philosophy of science, the book is of interest to philosophers of science and economists, applied logicians and all those interested in the scientific legacy of Karl Marx. (shrink)

"Center for the Study of Language and Information, Leland Stanford Junior University.".

Presentamos una serie de reflexiones sobre los compromisos del o de la terapeuta en las situaciones sociales generadas en el encuadre específico de los Grupos de Intervención sobre los Estados de Conciencia (GIEC). En el desarrollo de los GIEC se crea una cultura que actuará como herramienta terapéutica, y a la que la persona que ejerce como terapeuta debe estar atenta para que no se convierta en cultura enraizada que lleve a sus miembros a convertirse en lo que deben ser. (...) Lo importante es que dicha cultura mantenga una apertura a la posibilidad de explorar lugares disociados, tanto a nivel personal como social. En consecuencia, tal terapeuta se compromete con una manera concreta de entender las relaciones sociales desde la diversidad, apoyada por su conducta colaborativa y de apertura hacia la libertad propia y de quienes le rodean. Ese compromiso es posible interpretarlo como una posición ideológica básica que permitirá el desarrollo adecuado de los grupos. Sin embargo, nos preguntamos si sería posible interpretarla también como una postura ética. Para ello, nos basamos en el planteamiento de Emmanuel Levinas sobre la otredad, y desarrollamos sus implicaciones, beneficios y riesgos dentro del proceso de la terapia grupal. (shrink)

This article attempts to show the importance of the concept of superstition in understanding a range of psychological problems. With this aim, we critically analyze several constructs that, without actually using the term “superstition,” concern this phenomenon and its role in the development of mental disorders. First we discuss “Thought–Action Fusion” and “magical thinking,” two concepts from the cognitive tradition that view superstition as basically an ideational phenomenon. Second, we look at “Experiential Avoidance,” a post-Skinnerian concept that understands superstition as (...) a type of avoidance behavior for certain private events. Third, we discuss superstition as an emotional phenomenon, in particular, Jean-Paul Sartre’s phenomenological analysis of emotions as magical operations. Finally, we review a cultural approach to superstition and its influence on psychopathology. In this perspective, superstition is seen as a cultural form linked to the historical–social context, which is fostered by certain social practices or institutions, including (perhaps surprisingly) certain features of modernity. (shrink)

The purpose of the article was to determine the relationship between the organizational culture and the institutional management of the "Enrique López Albújar" Educational Institution, Piura. Work is worked under a quantitative approach, descriptive and correlational scope, 40 teachers participated as a sample. Among the results, it was found that there is no significant relationship between organizational culture and institutional management, which did not allow validating the research hypothesis; However, a significant relationship between norms and customs with institutional management was (...) found; which concludes in compliance with the norms and good customs based on values. (shrink)

El presente texto ofrece un examen sobre la correspondencia que existe entre el deterioro moral y el comportamiento hostil. Con este propósito, la reflexión transita por la querella de carácter ético que tiene lugar en La peste de Albert Camus y por el desvelamiento de una violencia contemporánea que se viste bajo el aspecto de una apremiante autoafirmación de sí, un destape que Byung-Chul Han lleva a cabo en su Topología de la violencia. La llamada que ambos autores lanzan sobre (...) la disposición del espíritu humano que resulta capaz de confirmar este sombrío vínculo o de emanciparnos de él, se convierte en un cometido ante el que el juicio crítico necesita responder. (shrink)

La realización del sí mismo representa un cometido que interpela a nuestra propia identidad humana. La heterogeneidad y riqueza de las voces que hablan sobre el cómo responder a ello demandan una deliberación atenta y mesurada. Para algunos, esta tarea supone un alto costo intersubjetivo que eventualmente nos vemos orillados a pagar. Para otros, es apremiante establecer un límite a tal importe para, precisamente, salvaguardar al sí mismo. En esta escena, la propuesta reflexiva de Albert Camus nos ofrece un sensato (...) balance que nos permite situar las coordenadas en las que la conducción de la particular existencia se traduce en una realización compartida. (shrink)

El pensamiento filosófico de Camus coloca al tema de la vida y su sentido en el centro de toda reflexión pertinente para el existir humano. Efectivamente, la vida y lo que hace de ella un suceso valioso ocupa al entendimiento para responder ante los hechos que parecen reducir la existencia humana a un evento inquietantemente insignificante. Esto es precisamente lo que produce la experiencia de lo absurdo, cuyo proceder comporta un aspecto deshumanizador que logra ponerse de manifiesto a través de (...) acontecimientos muy puntuales que alertan y miden el alcance de nuestra comprensión. En Camus, la referencia a vivencias como la del totalitarismo moderno advierten un modo peculiar, y hasta entonces desconocido, de violentar la vida humana hasta un punto en el que, frente a lo descabellado de los hechos, el pensamiento queda como acallado. No obstante, el juicio crítico se vuelve más urgente, sobre todo, cuando notamos que la psicología que subyace a estas prácticas se reproduce en nuestra época bajo otras formas igual de brutales y preocupantemente alarmantes, como lo es el caso de la tortura institucionalizada. En este sentido, es posible que la crítica de Camus sea tan efectiva ahora como en su tiempo, particularmente, cuando la práctica de la vida comporta un aspecto hostil que a la vez pone a prueba a nuestro discernimiento y a nuestra capacidad de coexistir. (shrink)

La tarea que supone elaborarse a sí mismo conlleva un desafío que constantemente nos pone a prueba, pero cuando el costo de este cometido se deposita en la espalda de alguien más, hasta desvalorizarlo, menoscabarlo y anularlo, tiene lugar la inquietante experiencia de la humillación. El presente texto se propone indagar sobre esta manera de proceder, en la que un deformado anhelo de la consecución de sí reclama la humillación del otro. De la mano de Albert Camus, Cornelius Castoriadis y (...) Richard Rorty, el trabajo ofrece una mirada que insiste en el mérito de una constitución de sí sin disminuir al otro, pues, ante una escena de esta naturaleza, el juicio crítico se ve comprometido a dar una respuesta que sea capaz de reivindicar el valor de nuestra condición humana, frente a las iniciativas que pretenden desestimarla. (shrink)

La riqueza de una dimensión humana como la libertad merece el compromiso de cuidar de ella, y nuestra manera de atender a esta tarea pone a prueba el valor que le conferimos a nuestro propio ser. El pasar por alto este cometido se traduce en una experiencia de atropello, que termina por enrolarnos a todos en un interminable ciclo de hostilidad. Albert Camus nos ofrece una mirada que nos permite reconocer el mérito de ocuparnos de nuestro ser libre, sin atribuirle (...) a nuestra libertad un carácter absoluto bajo el que se esconde la intención de obtener un provecho sobre los demás. De manera que nuestra libertad se realiza en la medida en que nos proporciona un bien que no es monopolio de ninguno, al contrario, beneficia a cada quién en tanto que lo hemos alcanzado en conjunto. (shrink)

Background: Adolescence is a period with physical, psychological, biological, intellectual, and social changes in which there is usually little perception of risk. COVID-19 has generated constant situations of change and uncertainty worldwide. During the pandemic, the acquisition of preventive behaviors has been relevant. Various studies carried out with adults associate risk perception and the implementation of preventive behaviors with knowledge about the COVID-19 and with age, but there are not many studies with adolescents. Therefore, the objective is to validate, in (...) Spanish, the questionnaire of the knowledge, attitudes, risk perceptions, and practices of adolescents toward the pandemic, and analyze it according to sociodemographic characteristics.Method: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study, which included adolescents between the ages of 12–18. First, a translation and a back-translation of the questionnaire were performed. The questionnaire was presented in several high schools chosen by convenience sampling and following a non-probabilistic snowball sampling. Reliability and validity analyses were then carried out and the relationships between the different sociodemographic variables were analyzed.Results: The reliability of the questionnaire is acceptable. Knowledge was higher in women, and in those with a higher level of education; and were lower in those who lived in smaller towns, as well as in those who had a member of their family receiving financial aid. In terms of attitudes and risk perceptions, younger adolescents had higher scores, and those who had a member of their family receiving financial aid, lower.Conclusion: The questionnaire is a reliable tool in the Spanish adolescent population. Knowledge was influenced by gender, place of residence, level of education, and financial aid. Attitudes and risk perceptions were influenced by age and financial aid. For practices, no predictors were found. In general, adolescents scored lower on knowledge about COVID-19, but they scored higher on COVID-19 safety practices. (shrink)