An analogy is drawn between the processes of human language evolution and the ongoing discoveries concerning how the human genome is constructed. Mutational evolution may be thought of in linguistic terms as an alternation in the genetic code following morphemic substitutions, deletions or additions. This may be termed an endosemiotic analysis where semiotic processes may be found at the biochemical level of the genome. Hence, owing to these genetic changes, phenotypic alterations in the morphology of the organism create those evolutionary (...) changes seen in the development of the phyla in the paleontological record. We are now witnessing the inclusion of the genome of all species both plant and animal within our material culture as we begin to modify these genotypes with recombinant DNA/rna technology. The coevolution of language and the genetic code may then occur as we begin to more thoroughly understand these interrelated evolutionary processes. (shrink)

This paper seeks to clarify the proximate end. A distinction is made between the definition of an act and the identification of an act. The principle of objectified circumstances is postulated which, without expanding beyond the proximate end, gives due weight to both the perspective of the acting person and the context within which an act occurs. POC is used to help discern the object contained within the proximate end. It is applied to the issues of euthanasia, lying, mutilation, and (...) the controversy between Martin Rhonheimer and Janet Smith concerning the use of condoms for HIV protection. The challenge of angelism is addressed. The paper argues that the object, located exclusively in the proximate end, can be understood in a way that is sensitive to both traditionalist and proportionalist schools of thought. POC opens up an avenue of thought for fresh dialogue concerning the identification of the moral object. (shrink)