The World Health Organization, in its last review of its International Classification of Diseases, established a new classification for chronic pain. Among the principal categories, of particular interest is chronic primary pain as a new type of diagnosis in those cases in which the etiology of the disease is not clear, being termed as chronic primary visceral pain when it is situated in the thorax, abdomen, or pelvis. Due to the novelty of the term, the objective of the systematic review (...) was to examine the psychopathological and neuropsychological disorders associated with chronic primary visceral pain. We carried out a search of the scientific literature following the PRISMA directives using the Pubmed, Medline, PsycInfo and Scopus databases. A total of 33 articles were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The analysis of the studies showed that most persons with chronic primary visceral pain suffer from at least one psychological disorder; the most prevalent being anxiety, depressive or somatoform disorders. The most frequent psychopathological symptoms are anxiety, depression and somatization. Similarly, the findings are insufficient to determine the existence of deficits in the domains of executive functioning, memory and intelligence. However, the existence of attention biases does seem to be clear. This review supposes a starting point for conceptualizing chronic primary visceral pain. It is necessary to continue further research so as to obtain a better understanding of this pathology and the disorders associated. (shrink)

Quality of Life Reach in Medical Care Alcance da qualidade de vida no atendimento médico The term quality of life has increasingly widespread use in biomedical practice, especially in end-of-life situations. Experience shows that the expression is often used with very different —and sometimes conflicting— scopes. The present article presents the results of a literature review that show diverse positions, while delimitating the subject. The analysis compares the terms “quality of life,” “human dignity,” and “value of human life.” Para citar (...) este artículo / To reference this article / Para citar este artigo Páez G, López-Gabeiras MP, Moreno-D’Anna M. Alcance de la “calidad de vida” en atención médica. Pers Bioet. 2020;24:14-27. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5294/pebi.2020.24.1.2 Recibido: 06/11/2019 Aceptado: 04/03/2020 Publicado: 07/05/2020. (shrink)

This article is an extended promenade strolling along the winding roads of identity, equality, nameability and completeness, looking for places where they converge. We have distinguished between identity and equality; the first is a binary relation between objects while the second is a symbolic relation between terms. Owing to the central role the notion of identity plays in logic, you can be interested either in how to define it using other logical concepts or in the opposite scheme. In the first (...) case, one investigates what kind of logic is required. In the second case, one is interested in the definition of the other logical concepts in terms of the identity relation, using also abstraction. The present paper investigates whether identity can be introduced by definition arriving to the conclusion that only in full higher-order logic a reliable definition of identity is possible. However, the definition needs the standard semantics and we know that with this semantics completeness is lost. We have also studied the relationship of equality with comprehension and extensionality and pointed out the relevant role played by these two axioms in Henkin’s completeness method. We finish our paper with a section devoted to general semantics, where the role played by the nameable hierarchy of types is the key in Henkin’s completeness method. (shrink)

This article is a continuation of our promenade along the winding roads of identity, equality, nameability and completeness. We continue looking for a place where all these concepts converge. We assume that identity is a binary relation between objects while equality is a symbolic relation between terms. Identity plays a central role in logic and we have looked at it from two different points of view. In one case, identity is a notion which has to be defined and, in the (...) other case, identity is a notion used to define other logical concepts. In our previous paper, [16], we investigated whether identity can be introduced by definition arriving to the conclusion that only in full higher-order logic with standard semantics a reliable definition of identity is possible. In the present study we have moved to modal logic and realized that here we can distinguish in the formal language between two different equality symbols, the first one shall be interpreted as extensional genuine identity and only applies for objects, the second one applies for non rigid terms and has the characteristic of synonymy. We have also analyzed the hybrid modal logic where we can introduce rigid terms by definition and can express that two worlds are identical by using the nominals and the @ operator. We finish our paper in the kingdom of identity where the only primitives are lambda and equality. Here we show how other logical concepts can be defined in terms of the identity relation. We have found at the end of our walk a possible point of convergence in the logic Equational Hybrid Propositional Type Theory, [14] and [15]. (shrink)

This chapter examines Bunge’s distinction between the logical concept of existence and the ontological one. We introduce a new conceptual existence predicate in an intensional environment that depends on the evaluation world. So that we can investigate restricted areas where the different kinds of concepts might exist. We hope this new predicate would encompass Bunge’s philosophical position which he designates as conceptualist and fictional materialism. The basic hybridization acts as a bridge between intensions and extensions because @ works as a (...) useful rigidifier. In hybrid logic, the accessibility relation and many properties this relation might have can be easily expressed in the formal language. The initial hypothesis is that hybridization and intensionality can serve as unifying tools in the areas involved in this research; namely, Logic, Philosophy of Science and Linguistics. (shrink)

Perfectionism is a multidimensional construct with both positive and negative aspects. Recently, the concept of appearance-oriented perfectionism has been introduced, which is associated with body image dissatisfaction and weight and shape control behaviors. The Physical Appearance Perfectionism Scale is a 12-item two-factor instrument developed to assess this new dimension of perfectionism. The aim of the study is to validate the Spanish version of PAPS among a representative sample of 850 male university students in Spain. Exploratory and confirmatory factorial structure, internal (...) consistency, convergent and concurrent validity, and associated predictor variables analyses have been carried out. Results showed that the Spanish version of the PAPS maintains the original factor structure with all items and proves to be a reliable instrument. Physical appearance-oriented perfectionism is associated with general perfectionism, higher body dissatisfaction, Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia symptomatology, and compulsive exercise, particularly in the Worry about Imperfection subscale. These variables also act as predictors of physical appearance perfectionism. The use of the PAPS-S and the analysis of its subscales is recommended in the context of body image-related pathologies such as Eating Disorders and Muscle Dysmorphia. (shrink)

Este es artículo es una reflexión en torno a la sociedad VUCA y BANI en la que nos hallamos inmersos. Tras caracterizar a una y otra, se describe las dos crisis que han marcado a esta sociedad: la primera, es la crisis económico-financiera del 2008 y, la segunda, es la crisis que generó la COVID-19 (2019). A estas dos, se le unía otra subyacente, en la sociedad, que es la llamada “crisis de valores” que alcanzó a distintas partes de la (...) sociedad. También, se describe cómo en las últimas dos décadas se ha agravado una crisis medio ambiental que se está produciendo a escala mundial. Además, a estas dos crisis, se añade una crisis geopolítica de alcance imprevisibles, para el conjunto, de la población mundial que se refleja en la invasión por parte de Rusia de Ucrania y el agravado conflicto palestino-israelí con las consecuencias que tienen tanto una como la otra en la población mundial. El impacto de esta situación que se refleja en la sociedad lleva al autor a plantearse su impacto en las personas, en las distintas partes implicadas en la tarea de educar y el reflejo/la necesidad de unas voces éticas en la Educación. (shrink)

This volume has 41 chapters written to honor the 100th birthday of Mario Bunge. It celebrates the work of this influential Argentine/Canadian physicist and philosopher. Contributions show the value of Bunge’s science-informed philosophy and his systematic approach to philosophical problems. The chapters explore the exceptionally wide spectrum of Bunge’s contributions to: metaphysics, methodology and philosophy of science, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of physics, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of social science, philosophy of biology, philosophy of technology, moral philosophy, social and political (...) philosophy, medical philosophy, and education. The contributors include scholars from 16 countries. Bunge combines ontological realism with epistemological fallibilism. He believes that science provides the best and most warranted knowledge of the natural and social world, and that such knowledge is the only sound basis for moral decision making and social and political reform. Bunge argues for the unity of knowledge. In his eyes, science and philosophy constitute a fruitful and necessary partnership. Readers will discover the wisdom of this approach and will gain insight into the utility of cross-disciplinary scholarship. This anthology will appeal to researchers, students, and teachers in philosophy of science, social science, and liberal education programmes. 1. Introduction Section I. An Academic Vocation Section II. Philosophy Section III. Physics and Philosophy of Physics Section IV. Cognitive Science and Philosophy of Mind Section V. Sociology and Social Theory Section VI. Ethics and Political Philosophy Section VII. Biology and Philosophy of Biology Section VIII. Mathematics Section IX. Education Section X. Varia Section XI. Bibliography. (shrink)

El presente artículo determina cómo una empresa ética, convertida en escuela de virtudes morales, puede contribuir a mejorar la sociedad. La empresa sólo puede mejorar la sociedad y generar un impacto positivo en la misma desde la ejemplaridad de todas y cada una de sus personas. Se entiende la empresa como una comunidad de personas en la que ha de existir un equilibrio esencial entre lo individual y lo colectivo. Se parte de la premisa de que la empresa es, también, (...) un espacio ético que puede llegar a convertirse en una escuela de valores y virtudes en la que los profesionales desarrollen sus capacidades humanas en interrelación con los demás. Se argumenta la relevancia de la virtud empresarial, desde la perspectiva de la transformación del ethos individual, de los hábitos de las personas que forman la organización. Se considera que la empresa puede llegar a convertirse en una “escuela de valores y virtudes”. La forja del ethos ético y virtuoso de los profesionales es, a su vez, la esencia de la construcción del ethos ético de la empresa que tendrá su correspondiente impacto en el ethos de una buena sociedad. A partir de estas aseveraciones nos hacemos las siguientes preguntas en nuestra investigación: ¿De qué manera puede influir el ethos de la empresa en la configuración de los ethos particulares de los profesionales que forman parte de ella? y ¿cómo puede la empresa contribuir al desarrollo de las virtudes morales de sus personas? Asumiendo estas dos cuestiones como base de la investigación, se argumenta que la empresa puede llegar a ser, a través del trabajo, una ‘escuela’ para el desarrollo de las virtudes morales y, desde ahí, contribuir a la construcción de una sociedad más humana. (shrink)

Este artículo propone considerar el perdón como un acto social y muestra las ventajas explicativas de dicha perspectiva. En la primera parte del trabajo se revisa la definición de acto social planteada por Adolf Reinach, se presentan algunas objeciones a la consideración del perdón como acto social y se responde a ellas. En la segunda parte se exploran tres ventajas explicativas de esta propuesta: la primera, frente a la crítica de Nussbaum al perdón perverso, la segunda, frente a la crítica (...) de Serrano y Cázares al perdón moralista, y, la tercera, en atención a la polisemia del perdón. (shrink)

Our goal in this paper is to articulate a precise concept of at least a certain kind of disease-mongering, showing how pharmaceutical marketing can commercially exploit certain diseases when their best definition is given through the success of a treatment in a clinical trial. We distinguish two types of disease-mongering according to the way they exploit the definition of the trial population for marketing purposes. We argue that behind these two forms of disease-mongering there are two well-known problems in the (...) statistical methodology of clinical trials (the reference class problem and the distinction between statistical and clinical significance). Overcoming them is far from simple. (shrink)

El artículo propone demostrar que la sintaxis espacial de la escena entre Etéocles y el coro (vv. 78-368), atravesada por el género de lamento, constituye un mecanismo potente, dinámico y programático para involucrar y orientar a la audiencia en relación con la acción que se desarrolla, en un proceso que depende de la potencia del teatro en tanto espectáculo. Se sostiene que, en _Siete contra Tebas_, aquel personaje –individual o colectivo– que dispone sobre el espacio es quien tiene poder. En (...) la escena estudiada, la toma del espacio y la licencia para desplazarse en él se instalan como asunto fundamental. (shrink)

In this work, the fundamental lines of the foucaultian analysis of the relation between subjects and truth are exposed in terms of ethical problematization. Regarding the moments investigated by Foucault, the contrast is made to stand out between the epistemic regime of the dispositifs that have hegemonized this problematization starting from the 19th century and the way in which they articulate knowledge and care in the practiques de soi of the ancient Greco-Latin culture. Thus, two relational figures seem to shape (...) themselves up: knowledge and action oriented to the souci de soi, and the hermeneutics of the subject as key mechanism of the volonté de savoir. Considering the limits of a binary reading, we raise the issue of making some room for the current questionings concerning the relation between games of truth and the constitution of subjectivity, in the tension between both figures.En este trabajo se exponen las líneas fundamentales del análisis foucaultiano de la relación entre los sujetos y la verdad en términos de problematización ética. Atendiendo a los momentos indagados por Foucault, se marca el contraste entre el régimen epistémico de los dispositivos que han hegemonizado esta problematización a partir del siglo XIX y el modo en que se articulan conocimiento y cuidado en las prácticas de sí de la antigua cultura grecorromana. Parecen dibujarse así dos figuras relacionales: el saber y la acción orientados al 'cuidado de sí'; y la hermenéutica del sujeto como mecanismo clave de la 'voluntad de saber'. Considerando los límites de una lectura binaria, planteamos la necesidad de habilitar en la tensión entre ambas figuras un espacio para los interrogantes actuales acerca de la relación entre los juegos de verdad y la constitución subjetiva. (shrink)

The study of ethical behavior in the field of leadership began in the 1990s when Murphy et al. (1992) responded to a call by Randall and Gibson (1990) to develop more rigorous methodologies in empi...

En este trabajo proponemos reconsiderar algunas problemáticas que se hacen presentes en la reflexión, en tomo a las ciencias humanas a partir de la categoría foucaultiana de "practicas discursivas".La arqueología del saber analiza el archivo de las formaciones discursivas que están presentes en la genealogía del sujeto moderno, señalando sus mecanismos de apropiación y exclusión, recorriendo el diagrama de relaciones discursivas y no-discursivas que regula el régimen de verdad de una sociedad. Mas acá de la discusión acerca de la validez (...) de las teorías científicas, los "discursos serios" se descubren como acontecimientos que producen "efectos de verdad" a nivel de la interacción social y de la vida de los individuos.Se plantea así desde una nueva perspectiva el problema del saber-poder en la sociedad moderna y se resignifican los términos de la relación teoríapráctica en el ámbito de las ciencias humanas. (shrink)

Background: Serious games have shown positive results in increasing motivation, adherence to treatment and strengthening the therapeutic alliance in multiple psychiatric disorders. In particular, patients with impulse control disorders and other disorders in which the patient suffers from inhibitory control deficits have been shown to benefit from serious games.Aim: The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics and to evaluate the usability of a new serious videogame, e-Estesia. This serious videogame was designed to improve emotion regulation in patients (...) with gambling disorder. Preliminary results from a pilot sample are also reported.Method: A pilot sample of 26 patients undergoing treatment for GD was recruited. Participants used e-Estesia on a tablet, which was connected to a thoracic band that sent heart rate and heart rate variability data to the videogame platform in order to provide biofeedback. The System Usability Scale was completed by patients to determine the usability of e-Estesia.Results and Discussion: e-Estesia performed comparatively well for all the explored groups. Around 84.6% of the patients endorsed that it was easy to use. Female patients with GD presented higher HRV during the use of the serious videogame compared to men. (shrink)

Resumen: En este trabajo se presenta un modelo de análisis crítico del discurso indicado, sobre todo, en aquellas investigaciones educativas que utilizan la entrevista clínica en profundidad como instrumento de recogida de datos. El modelo que proponemos combina varios elementos que permiten realizar un estudio más exhaustivo de los discursos de los sujetos participantes en estudios de casos, aunque el modelo puede adaptarse y utilizarse en investigaciones de diversa índole. Los factores considerados en nuestra propuesta son: relación entre texto y (...) contexto, marcadores discursivos, metacategorías y categorías derivadas del análisis de contenido y recursos gramaticales, a lo que se añaden las perspectivas etic y emic que otorgan la confrontación de las visiones del investigador y del sujeto o sujetos investigados.: In this paper, we present a model critical analysis of discourse in educational research that uses a clinical interview as an instrument of data recollection. Our model combines several elements that allow a more exhaustive study of the discourses of the participants in case studies, although the model can be used in other types of research. The factors considered in our model are: relationship between text and context, discourse markers, meta-categories and categories from the analysis of content and grammatical resources. We also added etic and emic perspectives to compare the researcher's visions with the subject or subjects investigated. (shrink)

Here, we report on a quasi-experimental study to explore the applicability and perceived benefits of the CRAFT program, which is based on mindfulness, yoga, positive psychology, and emotional intelligence, to improve higher education student musicians’ health and well-being during the lockdown. A subset of student musicians at a Higher Conservatory of Music in Spain followed the CRAFT program during the academic year 2019/2020, 1 h per week as part of their curriculum. Students enrolled in CRAFT-based elective subjects formed the CRAFT (...) program group, while other students represented the control group. The onset of the national lockdown elicited by the COVID-19 pandemic occurred halfway through the program, which was subsequently delivered in an online format. We administered an online survey to explore the effect that the exposure to the CRAFT program had in terms of how participants dealt with various health and well-being concerns arising from the COVID-19 lockdown. There was a significantly higher proportion of proactive participants in the CRAFT program group, 92%, than in the control group, 58%, in terms of implementing practices to improve their health and well-being during the lockdown. Additionally, significantly more participants acknowledged perceived benefits from their practices in the CRAFT program group, 78%, than in the control group, 52%. Among proactive participants, yoga/meditation was the most implemented in the CRAFT program group, followed by exercise, and other yoga/meditation practices, whereas in the control group, exercise and Alexander technique-based practices were the most applied. In the CRAFT program group, the highest rate of perceived benefits was from yoga/meditation CRAFT-based practices, 51%, followed by exercise, 32%, and other yoga/meditation practices, 27%, whereas in the control group, benefits were reported by 29% of exercising participants and 16% for those having practiced the Alexander technique. A similar pattern was observed when excluding participants with previous yoga/meditation experience. This study revealed how participants can independently apply learned skills from the CRAFT program in response to a naturally occurring life event of unprecedented global impact, suggesting that previous exposure to mindfulness and yoga is likely to have a beneficial effect on how young adults react towards exceptionally stressful conditions. (shrink)

As Social Economy financial institutions, credit unions have traditionally been considered less efficient than traditional banking entities. However, like banks and savings banks, they have to be as efficient and competitive as possible to survive in today’s business environment, especially at times of crisis. To date, there have been very few studies on their efficiency and practically none for the crisis period. Moreover, almost all the existing studies assess only financial efficiency, without considering their social function. This study examines the (...) levels of both financial and social efficiency in Spanish credit unions as well as their main determinants during the recent crisis. We apply the two-stage double bootstrap data envelopment analysis methodology based on panel data corresponding to all the credit unions active in Spain between 2008 and 2013. The empirical results indicate that financial and social efficiency achieved an acceptable level, although on average the former was slightly greater than the latter. We also find that both age and merger and acquisition activity were positively influential on the financial efficiency of credit unions but had a significant negative effect on their social efficiency. Moreover, the regional location of such entities and the financial crisis were also crucial determinants of both types of efficiency. Our findings are therefore useful for all the stakeholders of credit unions to know if these entities have been efficient according to a double bottom line accounting in the crisis period and hence to maintain successful social management that is compatible with satisfactory financial efficiency. (shrink)

El aprendizaje de la Historia en Educación Secundaria se relaciona con un proceso memorístico y conceptual que dificulta la formación del pensamiento crítico y reflexivo en el alumnado de esta etapa educativa. Por este motivo, con esta experiencia y desde un enfoque investigativo, hemos fomentado la curiosidad y el interés de los alumnos de 1º de Secundaria por las prácticas religiosas y funerarias que profesaron los romanos. El método de enseñanza-aprendizaje fue activo y participativo, lo que facilitó la indagación y (...) la experimentación del taller “Funus romanorum”. Los resultados mostraron las ventajas de trabajar la arqueología experimental para comprender mejor los hechos acaecidos en la Antigüedad y adquirir contenidos históricos a través de talleres experienciales. (shrink)

Parmi les activités indispensables à la survie et à l’équilibre de Callipolis, la cité décrite dans la _République_, les fonctions politiques et militaires occupent une place prépondérante. Dans cette mesure, leur exercice est conditionné à la possession d’un certain nombre de qualités physiques, morales et intellectuelles parmi lesquelles un mélange proportionné de deux traits de caractère opposées : la douceur et l’agressivité. Pour confirmer la coexistence de ce curieux mélange chez un individu, Socrate évoque l'image d'un chien de race, chez (...) qui la coexistence de ces deux qualités s’exprime dans sa docilité envers ses maîtres et son hostilité envers les étrangers. L’image du chien joue un roll décisif dans la _République _en ce qu’elle permet à Socrate de démontrer le caractère naturel de son projet et de justifier la radicalité des méthodes destinées au perfectionnement du _génos_ affecté aux fonctions politiques et militaires. L’objectif de cet article est d’analyser les incidences théoriques de l’emploi de cette image comme modèle de l’ordre politique et du genre de vie des gardiens de la _République_ et la manière dont cette image intervient dans la construction d’une conception de la _phusis _qui, loin d’être univoque, varie selon les besoins de l’argumentation socratique. (shrink)

Objetivo: Analizar la importancia de la comunicación en la relación médico-paciente y recopilar información sobre la percepción durante su práctica. Método: Se realiza una revisión bibliográfica y una encuesta (participaron 105 médicos en Argentina). Resultados: Los resultados muestran que la mayoría de los profesionales refiere dificultades en la comunicación y que estas dificultan la atención. Los médicos manifestaron dificultades para comunicar malas noticias, mayormente en las áreas clínicas, y que la habilidad de ponerse en el lugar del paciente es fundamental (...) para la comunicación de dichas noticias. Los jóvenes consideran de manera significativa que la comunicación de malas noticias depende de la práctica. Conclusiones: Las habilidades comunicativas son indispensables. Existe evidencia para sugerir que es necesario profundizar en la adquisición de competencias comunicativas y valores éticos. (shrink)

El objetivo del artículo es analizar la percepción que tienen los estudiantes de contaduría pública sobre pruebas estandarizadas del Estado, antes de su titulación, permitirá a su vez establecer si dicha percepción influye en el desempeño.Se utiliza la metodología mixta con una perspectiva de tipo descriptiva, que se basó en una revisión documental sobre modelos de evaluación, diseñando un instrumento con una muestra de 99 participantes de último grado.Se concluye una reducción en puntajes frente a competencias genéricas; comprensión lectora, matemáticas (...) e inglés, lo cual busca una mejora continua desde el punto de vista investigativo y formativo. (shrink)

Partiendo de que las empresas obtienen mejores resultados si su equipo profesional está integrado y se considera valorado por sus superiores y por el cliente final, este trabajo analiza el valor que puede tener la Gestión de las Emociones en la Gestión del Conflicto Empresarial. Para ello se realiza una profunda revisión bibliográfica sobre el concepto y su aplicación y se muestran los resultados obtenidos de una investigación cuantitativa realizada en el Sector Hotelero. Los resultados demuestran la relevancia de las (...) Emociones en cualquiera de las relaciones de la empresa, con el cliente interno y con el externo. (shrink)

This paper surveys future managers’ cognitive framings of interconnected concerns for economic growth, social prosperity, and the natural environment across six countries in Latin America, and elaborates on implications for sustainability management education. Our cluster analysis unveils three cognitive types. Our findings show that whereas some future managers exhibit a ‘business case’ cognitive frame, prioritizing economic growth over the environment, the other two clusters of participants show signs of cognitive dissonance with some of the tenets of the current growth paradigm (...) while still not neatly fitting the definition of a paradoxical cognitive frame. In particular, individuals within the latter two groups do not visualize links among economic, social, and environmental dimensions that make up sustainable development. Following calls to enhance our understanding of sustainability micro-foundations, our study offers a more nuanced picture of the cognitive plurality beyond dichotomous characterizations of managerial cognitive frames as either business case or paradoxical. Moreover, results elucidate the cultural mediation that operates in the reproduction of business stances vis-à-vis nature, opening up possibilities for management education programs to engage with cognitive plurality to effect paradigmatic change. (shrink)

La epistemología social es un área de estudio que fue propuesta por dos bibliotecarios.

El Tribunal Europeo de Derechos Humanos ha rechazado que el artículo 2 del Convenio Europeo de Derechos Humanos (derecho a la vida) incluya un derecho a morir; en cambio, ha reconocido que el artículo 8 del mismo Convenio (derecho a la vida privada) comprende la autodeterminación de la persona sobre cómo y cuándo poner fin a su vida. Sin embargo, como explicamos en este trabajo, los presupuestos conceptuales en que apoya su interpretación del derecho a la vida privada son discutibles (...) y, en consecuencia, es dudoso que este derecho sirva de fundamento, de “caballo de Troya”, para legitimar/legalizar la eutanasia (activa, particularmente). (shrink)

En este trabajo sostenemos que la maternidad subrogada, en la que hoy están focalizados buena parte de los debates en torno a las biotecnologías y la reproducción humana asistida, constituye un (otro) terreno (más) en que se despliegan los afanes biopolíticos de las sociedades (occidentales) contemporáneas. Tomando como referente los análisis de Michel Foucault en torno al biopoder ilustramos cómo de los distintos discursos (sociales, políticos y jurídicos) en torno a la maternidad subrogada se desprenden determinadas pautas dominantes que serían (...) evidencias de un poder que se ejerce sobre la vida humana natural, no mediante la coerción sino mediante su exaltación y su incitación. (shrink)

The symbols of the Feminine throughout the dystopian novel The Handmaid’s Tale are the object of study of the article. It is argued that feminine symbology is a unifying thread that makes possible an analysis of the main features of dystopian societies and the possibility of a critical dystopia. The category of analysis is the symbol understood from the perspective of Ricoeur’s hermeneutics of symbols, which proposes that the understanding of a text should be based on what they pretend to (...) say. Therefore, the symbols of the Feminine make possible the resistance within dystopian regimes, and without resistance there is no dystopia. As a result, it is possible through the symbols of the Feminine to interpret the main features of dystopias and, particularly, to develop the possibility of a feminist critical dystopia. (shrink)