Ramsey's device [2], for eliminating theoretical terms from a theory assumes that the theory has only finitely many axioms. Paul Berent [1], has recently suggested a modification of Ramsey's method that is designed to cover the infinite case. But, his modified method is quite unlike Ramsey's in that it involves an ascent from the original theory to a suitable metatheory. Thus, it is perhaps of some interest to note that there is an extension of Ramsey's method that covers the infinite (...) case and at the same time is much closer in spirit to his original suggestion. (shrink)

In his essay "on likeness of meaning" nelson goodman proposed that two terms have the same meaning if and only if they have the same primary and secondary extensions. In a later essay "on some differences about meaning" he reformulates his proposal: two terms have the same meaning if and only if they have the same extension and certain of their parallel compounds have the same extension. First, I argue that because the first but not the second formulation allows for (...) interlinguistic meaning comparisons, Goodman proposed two theories on synonymy rather than one. Second, I argue that the first theory suffers from the fatal defect of entailing that any two coextensive terms are synonymous. (shrink)

Certain sections ofJosiah Willard Gibbs's thermodynamics papers might be applicable to biological equilibrium and growth, normal or abnormal.Gibbs added terms⌆ Μ i dm i to the differential of the internal energy dε=tdη−pdΝ, where μi=δεδmi is the potential of substancem i , to provide for chemical as well as thermal and mechanical equilibrium. In this article a further generalization is suggested, to include biological equilibrium by adding to de terms of the form GdN, the variableN being the number of cells, where (...) G=δεδN is a “growth potential” that measures exactly the resistance toward spontaneous growth. The functionG, likeΜ i is intensive in nature except for a conversion factor dMdN ,M=⌆m i , affording possible insight into why incipient abnormal growth is often independent of the number of cells. Useful applications might follow from identities between δGδη,δGδv , or δGδmi and δtδN,−δpδN or δμiδN respectively. The following new function is studied, ζ¯=ζ−GN , a natural generalization of theGibbs free energy function ζ, the possibility of measuring it electrically, and comparison of its role with that of ζ for the possible experimental determination ofG. Gibbs's necessary and sufficient conditions for heterogeneous equilibrium ofn components inm phases are generalized and also modified to include broader restraining conditions like ∑mi=1δNj⩾o ,j=1,f,n, the > being characteristic of only living cellular phases. Careful appraisal of the term “biological stability” is followed by new criteria for stability, instability, and limits of stability, in terms of derivatives ofG, with possible medical applications. Three different sections of Gibbs's works tend to indicate that, for a biological phase, lower pressure usually increases its stability. The equation p′′−p′=σ , where σ=surface tension,p′, p′ = pressures,r, r′=radii of curvature, is applied to possible control of tissue growth at interfaces. Methods of altering the equilibrum between three phasesA, B, C by varying the interfacial tensionsσ AB ,σ BC ,σ AC , using relations like AB <σ AC + BC for stability of theA, B interface, suggest different means for shifting biological equilibrium between normal and abnormal cells through the introduction of new third phases at the interface. Various devices are mentioned for possible control of growth through proper channeling of surface or other equivalent forms of energy. (shrink)

This book presents a collection of articles on applied general equilibrium analysis by major contributors to this field. This rapidly expanding method of analysis involves the use of computers to study entire economies and the interrelationships among firms, households and governments in these economies. There are also articles on the particular computational techniques involved in the numerical estimation of these equilibrium models and on several particular applications. Papers deal with the United States, Mexican and Australian economies. Other chapters provide an (...) analysis of long-run energy problems, fiscal federalism and economic planning. (shrink)

Background: Legislation on physician-assisted suicide is being considered in a number of states since the passage of the Oregon Death With Dignity Act in 1994. Opinion assessment surveys have historically assessed particular subsets of physicians.Objective: To determine variables predictive of physicians’ opinions on PAS in a rural state, Vermont, USA.Design: Cross-sectional mailing survey.Participants: 1052 physicians licensed by the state of Vermont.Results: Of the respondents, 38.2% believed PAS should be legalised, 16.0% believed it should be prohibited and 26.0% believed it should (...) not be legislated. 15.7% were undecided. Males were more likely than females to favour legalisation . Physicians who did not care for patients through the end of life were significantly more likely to favour legalisation of PAS than physicians who do care for patients with terminal illness . 30% of the respondents had experienced a request for assistance with suicide.Conclusions: Vermont physicians’ opinions on the legalisation of PAS is sharply polarised. Patient autonomy was a factor strongly associated with opinions in favour of legalisation, whereas the sanctity of the doctor–patient relationship was strongly associated with opinions in favour of not legislating PAS. Those in favour of making PAS illegal overwhelmingly cited moral and ethical beliefs as factors in their opinion. Although opinions on legalisation appear to be based on firmly held beliefs, approximately half of Vermont physicians who responded to the survey agree that there is a need for more education in palliative care and pain management. (shrink)