Ernst Mayr argued that the emergence of biology as a special science in the early nineteenth century was possible due to the demise of the mathematical model of science and its insistence on demonstrative knowledge. More recently, John Zammito has claimed that the rise of biology as a special science was due to a distinctive experimental, anti-metaphysical, anti-mathematical, and anti-rationalist strand of thought coming from outside of Germany. In this paper we argue that this narrative neglects the important role played (...) by the mathematical and axiomatic model of science in the emergence of biology as a special science. We show that several major actors involved in the emergence of biology as a science in Germany were working with an axiomatic conception of science that goes back at least to Aristotle and was popular in mid-eighteenth-century German academic circles due to its endorsement by Christian Wolff. More specifically, we show that at least two major contributors to the emergence of biology in Germany—Caspar Friedrich Wolff and Gottfried Reinhold Treviranus—sought to provide a conception of the new science of life that satisfies the criteria of a traditional axiomatic ideal of science. Both C.F. Wolff and Treviranus took over strong commitments to the axiomatic model of science from major philosophers of their time, Christian Wolff and Friedrich Wilhelm Joseph Schelling, respectively. The ideal of biology as an axiomatic science with specific biological fundamental concepts and principles thus played a role in the emergence of biology as a special science. (shrink)

We identify two aspects of the problem of maintaining perceptual stability despite an observer's eye movements. The first, visual direction constancy, is the (egocentric) stability of apparent positions of objects in the visual world relative to the perceiver. The second, visual position constancy, is the (exocentric) stability of positions of objects relative to each other. We analyze the constancy of visual direction despite saccadic eye movements.Three information sources have been proposed to enable the visual system to achieve stability: the structure (...) of the visual field, proprioceptive inflow, and a copy of neural efference or outflow to the extraocular muscles. None of these sources by itself provides adequate information to achieve visual direction constancy; present evidence indicates that all three are used.Our final question concerns how information processing operations result in a stable world. The three traditionally suggested means have been elimination, translation, or evaluation. All are rejected. From a review of the physiological and psychological evidence we conclude that no subtraction, compensation, or evaluation need take place. The problem for which these solutions were developed turns out to be a false one. We propose a “calibration” solution: correct spatiotopic positions are calculated anew for each fixation. Inflow, outflow, and retinal sources are used in this calculation: saccadic suppression of displacement bridges the errors between these sources and the actual extent of movement. (shrink)

In this paper, we analyse conceptions of induction and certainty in Wolff and Crusius, highlighting their competing conceptions of physics. We discuss (i) the perspective of Wolff, who assigned induction an important role in physics, but argued that physics should be an axiomatic science containing certain statements, and (ii) the perspective of Crusius, who adopted parts of the ideal of axiomatic physics but criticized the scope of Wolff’s ideal of certain science. Against interpretations that take Wolff’s proofs in physics to (...) be based on empirical statements that are probable, we show how inductively established statements, coupled with assumptions concerning the uniformity of nature, can be certain according to Wolff. We examine Crusius’ little known work on physics and show that he attacked Wolff, arguing that many statements of physics are probable. We provide a discussion of the reception of methodological rules similar to Newton’s Regulae Philosophandi, discussing different interpretations of such rules. We conclude by briefly hinting at how the debate between Wolff and Crusius provides historical context for understanding Kant’s philosophy of natural science. (shrink)

Sleep spindles are frequently studied for their relationship with state and trait cognitive variables, and they are thought to play an important role in sleep-related memory consolidation. Due to their frequent occurrence in NREM sleep, the detection of sleep spindles is only feasible using automatic algorithms, of which a large number is available. We compared subject averages of the spindle parameters computed by a fixed frequency (11-13 Hz for slow spindles, 13-15 Hz for fast spindles) automatic detection algorithm and the (...) individual adjustment method (IAM), which uses individual frequency bands for sleep spindle detection. Fast spindle duration and amplitude are strongly correlated in the two algorithms, but there is little overlap in fast spindle density and slow spindle parameters in general. The agreement between fixed and manually determined sleep spindle frequencies is limited, especially in case of slow spindles. This is the most likely reason for the poor agreement between the two detection methods in case of slow spindle parameters. Our results suggest that while various algorithms may reliably detect fast spindles, a more sophisticated algorithm primed to individual spindle frequencies is necessary for the detection of slow spindles as well as individual variations in the number of spindles in general. (shrink)

This volume is the second instalment in the new critical edition of Lev Shestov's complete works which has been entrusted to the Director of the Lev Shestov Society, Dr Ramona Fotiade, by the French publisher, Le Bruit du Temps.

Summary The purpose of this work is to translate some of Robert Boyle's chemical experiments into the terms of modern chemistry. Most of the reactions involve sensible qualities, since there are on it considerable helpful tracking descriptions like heating, hissing, colour changing, etc. For a long time in the history of science, this procedure was seen as an exercise in anachronism which should be avoided at all costs. Recently many scholars have demonstrated that chemical translation can assist with historical work (...) instead of causing confusion, and it may be very useful as a tool for the history of chemistry and for reproducing past chemical experiments. (shrink)

We describe approximation algorithms for MAX SAT with performance ratios arbitrarily close to 1, in particular, when performance ratios exceed the limits of polynomial-time approximation. Namely, given a polynomial-time α-approximation algorithm , we construct an -approximation algorithm . The algorithm runs in time of the order ck, where k is the number of clauses in the input formula and c is a constant depending on α. Thus we estimate the cost of improving a performance ratio. Similar constructions for MAX 2SAT (...) and MAX 3SAT are also described. Taking known algorithms as , we obtain particular upper bounds on the running time of. (shrink)

One of the great problems of caregivers and health professionals in recent times has been the so-called compassion fatigue and its association with burnout syndrome. Another pole of compassion has been described in terms of compassion satisfaction. Both propositions could be problematic in the caregiving setting. This is an analytical reflective article that through an apparent aporia tries to problematize and propose a theoretical synthesis that allows to denote compassion as a virtue in Aristotelian terms. To this end, it resorts (...) to etymologies, translations and mainly to the classical theoretical references regarding compassion fatigue, compassion satisfaction and, of course, Aristotelian ethics. This is a theoretical bet that leaves open the discussion regarding the dichotomies compassion fatigue and compassion satisfaction; apathy and hyperpathy; and proposes to rethink compassion as a virtue, a reasoned middle ground, contextualized in the framework of care between two possible excesses. (shrink)

The volume collects classics of Marxist historiography of science, including a new translation of Boris Hessen's “The Social and Economic Roots of Newton's ...

This volume sets out to address the question as to whether and how the critical conception of objectivity could still be relevant in contemporary philosophy. This means reflecting on the validity of the ascription of certaindefects to the Kantian system, as well as on their very description as defects. In order to do so, the volume brings together presentations that treat Kantian objectivity from many different angles. Some are more traditionally exegetical in nature, and discuss the interpretation of concepts within (...) or traits of Kant’s philosophy. Others trace the fate of the Kantian legacy in later philosophical and scientific thought. Still others reflect on the potential of transcendental perspectives for con-temporary philosophy and science. It is this variety in focus that makes the engagement with critical objectivity in this volume of interest not only to professional historians of philosophy and science, but to researchers engaged with the philosophical aspects of objectivity in their fields in general. (shrink)

Boris Kment takes a new approach to the study of modality that emphasises the origin of modal notions in everyday thought. He argues that the concepts of necessity and possibility originate in counterfactual reasoning, which allows us to investigate explanatory connections. Contrary to accepted views, explanation is more fundamental than modality.

We realize the Jiang-Su algebra, all UHF algebras, and the hyperfinite II1factor as Fraïssé limits of suitable classes of structures. Moreover by means of Fraïssé theory we provide new examples of AF algebras with strong homogeneity properties. As a consequence of our analysis we deduce Ramsey-theoretic results about the class of full-matrix algebras.

Mindfulness-based interventions have proved effective in reducing various clinical symptoms and in improving general mental health and well-being. The investigation of the mechanisms of therapeutic change needs methods for assessment of mindfulness. Existing self-report measures have, however, been strongly criticized on various grounds, including distortion of the original concept, response bias, and other. We propose a psychophysiological method for the assessment of the mindfulness learned through time-limited mindfulness-based therapy by people who undergo meditation training for the first time. We use (...) the individual pre-post-therapy changes (dERPi) in the event-related brain potentials (ERPs) recorded in a passive meditation task as a measure of increased mindfulness. dERPi is computed through multivariate assessment of individual participant's ERPs. We tested the proposed method in a group of about 70 recurrently depressed participants, randomly assigned in 1.7:1 ratio to mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) or cognitive therapy (CT). The therapy outcome was measured by the long-term change (dDS) relative to baseline in the depression symptoms (DS) assessed weekly, for 60 weeks, by an online self-report questionnaire. We found a strong, highly significant, negative correlation (r = -0.55) between dERPi (mean = 0.4) and dDS (mean = -0.7) in the MBCT group. Compared to this result, the relationship between dDS and the other (self-report) measures of mindfulness we used was substantially weaker and not significant. So was also the relationship between dERPi and dDS in the CT group. The interpretation of dERPi as a measure of increased mindfulness was further supported by positive correlations between dERPi and the other measures of mindfulness. In this study, we also replicated a previous result, namely, the increase (dLCNV) of the late contingent negative variation (LCNV) of the ERP in the MBCT group, but not in the control group (in this case, CT). We interpreted dLCNV as a measure of increased meditative concentration. The relationship between dLCNV and dDS was, however, very week, which suggests that concentration might be relatively unimportant for the therapeutic effect of mindfulness. The proposed psychophysiological method could become an important component of a "mindfulness test battery" together with self-report questionnaires and other newly developed instruments. (shrink)

Nach wie vor findet Kants Interesse an der,,Physiko-Theologie“ zu wenig Beachtung. Sowohl in der _Kritik der reinen Vernunft_ als in der _Kritik der Urteilskraft_ finden sich gehaltvolle naturphilosophische Argumente, deren komplexe Ausarbeitung nicht zuletzt die Frage nach der Möglichkeit eines physiko-theologischen Gottesbeweises beantworten soll. Der Aufsatz sichtet diese Argumente, wobei er sich auf Kants Ausführungen zu den,,objektiven Naturzwecken“ bzw. Organismen in der _Kritik der Urteilskraft_ konzentriert. Ferner wird dargelegt, wie der junge Schelling von der transzendentalphilosophischen,,Physiko-Theologie“ gelernt hat, indem er Kants (...) theistischem Standpunkt seinen eigenen pantheistischen entgegensetzte. Auch für Schellings Bestimmung des Absoluten spielt die Theorie des Organismus eine herausragende Rolle. (shrink)

Este trabalho visa refletir sobre a minoridade e contextualiza-la dentro do seguimento de Cristo. A minoridade é um valor evangélico muito caro a Francisco de Assis, e apresentada como indispensável para aqueles que desejam ingressar nos grupos franciscanos. Algumas das consequências da minoridade são a pobreza e a dependência, que não são vistas como virtudes ou metas para grande parte das pessoas. Diante disso, é necessário questionar se o discurso sobre minoridade não se tornou anacrônico ou inadequado para a atualidade. (...) O método utilizado para verificar essa possibilidade foi retomar os fundamentos da minoridade e identificar quais são as conexões que esse comportamento implica dentro da forma de vida franciscana. De forma transversal é possível estabelecer comportamentos alternativos à minoridade e criar hipóteses sobre suas consequências. As relações fraternas, são baseadas no Evangelho, mas organizam-se de forma prática com estruturas hierárquicas de poder. A conciliação entre a minoridade e a função da autoridade é muito delicada. Além disso, a função do superior interage com comportamento de vanglória, inveja e julgamentos, como entender isso como elementos no caminho de seguimento a Cristo é um questionamento profundo. A ideia de minoridade permeia diversos aspectos da vida espiritual, social e pessoal. Dessa constatação nasce também a necessidade de identificar quando a minoridade se torna uma forma de abrir mão da responsabilidade de fazer escolhas, e uma oportunidade de delegar a responsabilidade a outros. Talvez o ponto central da discussão seja entender se o discurso sobre a minoridade é prático ou se permanece apenas como uma elaboração teórica, mas sem aplicabilidade. (shrink)

Apresentaçáo. O lugar da "Introduçáo a um projeto de um sistema da filosofia da natureza" na filosofia da natureza de Schelling.

: Este artigo tem por objetivo sustentar a hipercognição, resultado da interação da cognição humanacom os artefatos interativos provenientes da Convergência Tecnológica NBIC,como perspectiva factível perante as teses pós-humanistas que esboçam uma transformação ontológica doser humano a partir da fusão com máquinas. A factibilidade da hipercognição está alicerçada na concepçãode cognição sustentada pelo externalismo ativo, em especial o de Andy Clark, para o qual o ambiente possuicaracterísticas relevantes o suficiente para desempenhar um papel protagonista no processo de cognição,uma vez que (...) os humanos já seriam, por natureza, peritos na tarefa de incorporar material não biológico emsuas rotinas físicas e cognitivas. A simbiose entre humanos e máquinasseria algo que decorreria naturalmente, sobretudo na acepção de que os processos cognitivos seriamdependentes de ajuda externas. No contexto da Convergência Tecnológica NBIC, essa simbiose é o quepossibilita a hipercognição. (shrink)

Commonly, a switch between networks mediating memory encoding and those mediating retrieval is observed. This may not only be due to differential involvement of neural resources due to distinct cognitive processes but could also reflect the formation of new memory traces and their dynamic change during consolidation. We used resting state fMRI to measure functional connectivity (FC) changes during post-encoding rest, hypothesizing that during this phase, new functional connections between encoding- and retrieval-related regions are created. Interfering and reminding tasks served (...) as experimental modulators to corroborate that the observed FC differences indeed reflect changes specific to post-encoding rest. The right inferior occipital and fusiform gyri (active during encoding) showed increased FC with the left inferior frontal gyrus and the left middle temporal gyrus (MTG) during post-encoding rest. Importantly, the left MTG subsequently also mediated successful retrieval. This finding might reflect the formation of functional connections between encoding- and retrieval-related regions during undisturbed post-encoding rest. These connections were vulnerable to experimental modulation: Cognitive interference disrupted FC changes during post-encoding rest resulting in poorer memory performance. The presentation of reminders also inhibited FC increases but without affecting memory performance. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms by which post-encoding rest bridges the gap between encoding- and retrieval-related networks. (shrink)

Starting from the idea that functions are formally similar to actions in that they are described and explained in a similar way, so that both admit of an accordion effect, I turn to Anscombe’s insight that the point of practical reasoning is to render explicit the relation between the different descriptions of an action generated by the accordion effect. The upshot is, roughly, that an item has a function if what it does can be accounted for by functional reasoning. Put (...) differently, a part of a system has a function if what it does is a functional part of what the system does. (shrink)

Using agent‐based modelling, Harrington, Kleber, Reubold, Schiel & Stevens (2018) develop a unified model of sound change based on cognitive processing of human speech and theories of how social factors constrain the spread of change throughout a community. They conclude that many types of change result from how biases in the phonetic distribution of phonological categories are transmitted via accommodation processes between individuals in interaction.

Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabela normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:11.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-font-family:Calibri; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} Neste trabalho procuramos mostrar como Schelling, baseado na dialética especulativa, antecipou, tal como o fizera em relação a inúmeros outros fenômenos físicos, uma importante teoria sobre a natureza da luz, a qual o físico Louis de Broglie demonstrou (...) ser verdadeira apenas 150 anos mais tarde. Normal 0 21 false false false PT-BR X-NONE X-NONE MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Tabela normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-qformat:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Arial","sans-serif";}. (shrink)

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar excertos de entrevistas com professores do curso de Licenciatura em Ciências Biológicas da Universidade Federal do Pará, com a finalidade de estabelecer um panorama analítico balizado por reflexões de caráter introdutório, sobre as concepções de ciência explícitas e tácitas presentes nas respostas desses docentes. Trata-se de um estudo de natureza qualitativa realizado no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da UFPA. A título de Conclusão, está investigação nos remete ao entendimento de que, existe no Curso (...) estudado uma predominância de uma racionalidade técnica na interpretação e manutenção de um sentido de ciência aproximada de um tipo de positivismo alargado e um culto a noção de evolução-progresso de cunho neodarwinista. (shrink)

En el siguiente artículo se formulan algunas indagaciones en torno a la noción de vida contemplativa como filosofía de la inactividad dentro del pensamiento de Byung-Chul Han, tomando como referencia a Tomás de Aquino, con el objetivo de destacar la vigencia del pensamiento tomista y valorar su innegable influencia en la historia de la filosofía. Asimismo, se busca proponer cómo la vida contemplativa es el fin de la vida humana, logrando integrar, además, un vínculo con el reposo festivo, que es (...) propio de la religión. En virtud de lo mencionado, este artículo se divide en dos apartados: primero, se describe una consideración general acerca de la noción de vida contemplativa desde la visión tomista. Segundo, se muestra la interpretación que realiza Byung-Chul Han de la noción de vida contemplativa de Tomás de Aquino como parte de su fundamento filosófico de la inactividad. (shrink)