Current developments in fields such as quantum physics, fine arts, robotics, cognitive sciences or defense and security indicate the emergence of creative systems capable of producing new and innovative solutions through combinations of machine learning algorithms. These systems, called machine invention systems, challenge the established invention paradigm in promising the automation of – at least parts of – the innovation process. This paper’s main contribution is twofold. Based on the identified state-of-the-art examples in the above mentioned fields, key components for (...) machine invention systems and their relations are identified, creating a conceptual model as well as proposing a working definition for machine invention systems. The differences and delimitations to other concepts in the field of machine learning and artificial intelligence, such as machine discovery systems are discussed as well. Furthermore, the paper briefly addresses the social and societal implications and limitations that come with the adoption of the technology. Because of their revolutionizing potential, there are widespread implications to consider from ethical and moral implications to policymaking and societal changes, like changes in the job structure. The discussion part approaches some of these implications, as well as solutions to some of the proposed challenges. The paper concludes by discussing some of the systemic benefits that can be accessed through machine invention. (shrink)

The theory of rational choice is one of the most recent paradigms for the study of religion that strongly argues against previously dominant approaches such as the secularization thesis. The theory relies on more or less acceptable assumptions drawn from economic models of rational behavior, and offers interesting explanations or predictions supported by an impressive amount of data. The innovative approach introduced by the advocates or rational choice is a shift in focus from the demand side to the supply side (...) of religion, emphasizing religious entre- preneurs and competing churches that act rationally in a religious market. In spite of the criticism directed to their assumption, the ambiguousness of the utility concept, the male centered perspective, or the total disregard of the influence of emotions when making decisions, the theory of rational choice remains one of the most seri- ous challenges to alternative theories of religious behaviour. (shrink)

The article examines the nature of the dogmatics found in the poetry written by Gregory of Nazianzus through a particular case-study, the poem On the Son. It demonstrates that his lyric composition contains the same doctrine conveyed by the orations authored by him and exposes the manner in which he employs similar terminology in works belonging to both genres. In order to attain its objective my article compares the above-mentioned piece with Orations 29 and 30 that bear the same title.

L’évolution du processus de communication met en attention un concept qui permet une analyse plurivalente sur les espaces multiculturels – la culture communicationnelle. Ce concept rend possible le déchiffrage des relations entre ethos, logos et pathos, contient l’échange d’information obtenue par un message dans un contexte qui libère le processus communicationnel des barrières nationales. La culture communicationnelle est une résultante du processus de globalisation, entraînant les acteurs sociaux vers de nouvelles coordonnées axiologique par l’internationalisation des économies et des cultures. Au (...) neveu global, on observe l’apparition de nouveaux standards éthiques dont les actants de la communication ont besoin au moment du passage au-delà des espaces culturels nationaux. La communication joint d’un caractère bivalent étant un instrument d’émancipation de l’individu mais aussi le moyen de contrôle des autorités économiques et politiques par l’impôt de certains modelés de comportement et de certaines représentations sociales. (shrink)