I survey four categories of factors that might give a digital mind, such as an upload or an artificial general intelligence, an advantage over humans. Hardware advantages include greater serial speeds and greater parallel speeds. Self-improvement advantages include improvement of algorithms, design of new mental modules, and modification of motivational system. Co-operative advantages include copyability, perfect co-operation, improved communication, and transfer of skills. Human handicaps include computational limitations and faulty heuristics, human-centric biases, and socially motivated cognition. The shape of hardware (...) growth curves, as well as the ease of modifying minds, are found to have a major impact on how quickly a digital mind may take advantage of these factors. (shrink)

We present a hypothetical process of mind coalescence, where arti cial connections are created between two or more brains. This might simply allow for an improved form of communication. At the other extreme, it might merge the minds into one in a process that can be thought of as a reverse split-brain operation. We propose that one way mind coalescence might happen is via an exocortex, a prosthetic extension of the biological brain which integrates with the brain as seamlessly as (...) parts of the biological brain integrate with each other. An exocortex may also prove to be the easiest route for mind uploading, as a person's personality gradually moves away from the aging biological brain and onto the exocortex. Memories might also be copied and shared even without minds being permanently merged. Over time, the borders of personal identity may become loose or even unnecessary. (shrink)

This article addresses the ‘Indirection Problem’ in Sartrean ethics of authenticity and compares it to the problem of the same name in virtue ethics. Both ethical frameworks encounter a disharmony between core concepts and proper motivation. The article reviews the indirection problem in virtue ethics, highlighting Swanton's solution of defining virtues as promoting specific values. It then explores how Sartrean ethics faces a more profound indirection problem due to the elusive nature of its core concept—authenticity. The motivation for authenticity cannot (...) be its rationale (salvation). Freedom seems to be a more direct value, but the desire for freedom itself risks falling into being yet another pursuit of being. The article advocates a radically negative motivation for authenticity—a resignation from futile, inauthentic projects. (shrink)

A class of probability functions is studied. This class contains the probability functions of half-spin particles and spinning classical objects. A notion of realisability for these functions is defined. In terms of this notion two versions of Bell's theorem and their inverses are stated and proved.

I formulate the Zermelo-Russell paradox for naive set theory. A sketch is given of Zermelo’s solution to the paradox: the cumulative type structure. A careful analysis of the set formation process shows a missing component in this solution: the necessity of an assumed imaginary jump out of an infinite universe. Thus a set is formed by a suitable combination of concrete and imaginary operations all of which can be made or assumed by a Turing machine. Some consequences are drawn from (...) this improved analysis of the concept of set, for the theory of sets and for the philosophy and foundations of mathematics. (shrink)

This essay is a critical analysis of some themes in Wittgenstein’s later philosophy. It is not primarily Wittgenstein-exegesis. Much more modestly, my purpose is to express my own thoughts about some questions which Wittgenstein has treated in his writings. It is the second in a series of two articles. The first article, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Private Language and Meaning", was published in Volume 42, 2007, of the present YEARBOOK. Section 1, “Philosophical Method”. Wittgenstein’s conception of philosophy as language therapy (...) is criticised. Instead philosophy is construed as foundational research. Wittgenstein’s statement that mathematical logic cannot contribute to progress in philosophy is repudiated. Several examples of ideas and results in mathematical logic which have led to the solution of philosophical problems are given. Section 2, “Contradictions: The Wittgenstein- Turing Debate”. In lectures on the foundations of mathematics given in 1939, Wittgenstein claimed that contradictions in mathematical theories are harmless. A debate ensued on this question between him and Alan Turing. In support of Turing's standpoint, I use the theorem on Taylor series, Church's Theorem, and Gentzen’s Cut-Elimination Theorem to show that Wittgenstein’s standpoint is untenable. For orientation, I also include here the abstract for the first article in the series, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Private Language and Meaning”. Section 1, “The Private Language Argument”. An independent argument is given for Wittgenstein’s thesis that there is no private language. I show that psychological terms in ordinary language, in contrast to an implication of Wittgenstein’s own private language argument, in their meanings do contain references to inner states, processes, and events. Section 2, “Meaning”. Wittgenstein’s definition of meaning as use in the language is criticised. Meaning is instead identified with something in the content of a conscious mind. Applications are given to some suggestions in the philosophy of language by Chomsky, Harman and Fodor, Grice, and Kripke. (shrink)

This essay is a critical analysis of some themes in Wittgenstein’s later philosophy. It is not primarily Wittgenstein-exegesis. Much more modestly, my purpose is to express my own thoughts about some questions which Wittgenstein has treated in his writings. It is the first in a series of two articles. The second article, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Philosophical Method and Contradictions”, will occur in next year’s issue of the present YEARBOOK. Section 1, “The Private Language Argument”. An independent argument is given (...) for Wittgenstein’s thesis that there is no private language. I show that psychological terms in ordinary language, in contrast to an implication of Wittgenstein’s own private language argument, in their meanings do contain references to inner states, processes, or events. Section 2, “Meaning”. Wittgenstein’s definition of meaning as use in the language is criticised. Meaning is instead identified with something in the content of a conscious mind. Applications are given to some suggestions in philosophy of language by Chomsky, Grice, Harman and Fodor, and Kripke. For orientation, I also include here the abstract for the second article, “Remarks on Wittgenstein’s Philosophy: Philosophical Method and Contradictions”. Section 1, “Philosophical Method”. Wittgenstein’s conception of philosophy as language therapy is criticised. Instead philosophy is construed as foundational research. Wittgenstein’s statement that mathematical logic cannot contribute to progress in philosophy is repudiated. Several examples of ideas and results in mathematical logic which have led to the solution of philosophical problems are given. Section 2, “Contradictions: The Wittgenstein-Turing Debate”. In lectures on the foundations of mathematics given in 1939, Wittgenstein claimed that contradictions in mathematical theories are harmless. A debate ensued on this question between him and Alan Turing. In support of Turing’s standpoint, I use the theorem on Taylor series, Church’s Theorem, and Gentzen’s Cut-Elimination Theorem to show that Wittgenstein’s standpoint is untenable. (shrink)

Eight derivations of Bell’s inequality are given. First a simple and concrete derivation is given drawing on the full strength of the two hypotheses of locality and hidden variables. Two attempts at deriving Bell’s inequality without locality are made. They fail, but give valuable insight into the form which nonlocality must take in quantum physics. Arguments are given against this form of nonlocality. Ontological ideas which allow separation, realism, and locality in quantum mechanics are indicated. In the following five derivations, (...) a number of variants of the assumption of hidden variables are tried. Among the insights which these derivations give rise to are: Particles cannot be assumed to have spin or polarisation values for as much as one fixed direction. The classical picture of electromagnetic radiation is incompatible with QM. Heisenberg’s idea of potentiality in elementary particles is incompatible with QM. There is a weakest form of hidden variables, called realisability, which is sufficient to yield Bell’s inequality. Quantum states cannot be identified with physical states. The mathematical problem of the integration of quantum states into physical states is nontrivial. (shrink)

Purpose This paper aims to formalize long-term trajectories of human civilization as a scientific and ethical field of study. The long-term trajectory of human civilization can be defined as the path that human civilization takes during the entire future time period in which human civilization could continue to exist. -/- Design/methodology/approach This paper focuses on four types of trajectories: status quo trajectories, in which human civilization persists in a state broadly similar to its current state into the distant future; catastrophe (...) trajectories, in which one or more events cause significant harm to human civilization; technological transformation trajectories, in which radical technological breakthroughs put human civilization on a fundamentally different course; and astronomical trajectories, in which human civilization expands beyond its home planet and into the accessible portions of the cosmos. -/- Findings Status quo trajectories appear unlikely to persist into the distant future, especially in light of long-term astronomical processes. Several catastrophe, technological transformation and astronomical trajectories appear possible. -/- Originality/value Some current actions may be able to affect the long-term trajectory. Whether these actions should be pursued depends on a mix of empirical and ethical factors. For some ethical frameworks, these actions may be especially important to pursue. (shrink)

This research aims to study and evaluate the mutual impact between digital transformation and risk management in organizations. While digital transformation offers significant benefits in terms of increased efficiency and innovation, it also presents new challenges related to risk management. The main findings of the research indicate the following: Complexity of the risk landscape: Digital transformation leads to a more complex digital environment, increasing the types and number of risks faced by organizations, such as cyberattacks and data breaches. New opportunities (...) for risk management: Conversely, digital technologies provide advanced tools such as artificial intelligence and big data analytics, enabling organizations to detect threats earlier and respond more effectively. Importance of digital culture: Building a strong digital culture within the organization, where all employees are aware of digital risks and how to address them, is crucial. Integration of technology and management: Organizations must integrate technology into their risk management strategies, considering human and organizational factors. The research recommends the following Developing a comprehensive strategy: Organizations should develop a comprehensive strategy for digital risk management that covers all aspects, from technology to organizational culture. (shrink)

This research focuses on the contributions of a non-Arab scholar who has significantly impacted the study of the language of the Qur'an, the most revered and miraculous of texts. Despite its eternal wonders and the mysteries of its miraculous nature remaining untapped, the language of the Qur'an continues to be a subject of intense study. After reviewing the works of al-Farahi, I was impressed by the boldness of this non-Arab scholar in critiquing many established theories of Arabic lexicographers, morphologists, and (...) grammarians from both earlier and later periods. His responses in linguistic matters, particularly in grammatical issues, will be the main focus of this research. The research will examine his responses in grammatical issues, which we have categorized into two sections: responses related to nouns and responses related to prepositions. The section on nouns is further divided into two main categories: responses concerning inflected nouns and responses concerning constructed nouns. This classification follows the approach of al-Zamakhshari in his book Al-Mufassal, and is organized as follows. (shrink)

Museums are essential for improving cultural understanding and instruction. Exhibitions showcasing ethnic cultures provide insightful perspectives on many cultures and civilizations. These educational opportunities can be made as effective as possible by assessing their influence on visitor satisfaction.Investigation into the impact of ethnic culture exhibitions on audience pleasure, participation, and comprehension is lacking, despite their significance. By investigating how these displays affect visitors' knowledge acquisition and participation, the study seeks to close this disparity.Utilizing a combined methods technique that integrated quantitative (...) surveys with qualitative comments, the study polled 62 museum visitors who had attended ethnic cultural exhibitions. The questionnaire evaluated knowledge of culture, instructional impact, involvement, and tourist pleasure. Data analysis using the SPSS software was utilized to analyze how different factors affect results and find significant indicators by doing logistic and multinomial logistic regression. This study discovered a substantial correlation between improved knowledge of culture and exhibition participation, as well as a significant improvement in visitor satisfaction and educational results when interactive components and cultural content are included. Through the use of interactive material, ethnic culture exhibitions improve the educational experience and increase visitor happiness. Museums ought to take demographic factors into account while planning different exhibitions for the future. (shrink)

Organizational operations have been modified by using the rise of digital innovation, which has increased consumer interaction, accelerated efficiency, and stimulated overall growth. But obstacles like converting organizational adoption charges and a quickly evolving era would possibly make it more difficult to generalize effects across of different sectors and ancient intervals. To overcome these constraints, a thorough examination of the impact of digital innovation on organizational growth is carried out in this study. This study investigates the connection among Digital infrastructure (...) (DI), Digital Innovation practices (DIP), Adoption of advanced digital technologies (ADT), Leadership support (LS), Organizational growth (OG), and Employee digital capabilities (EDS) utilizing Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) and CFA test. SEM is used to evaluate the causal pathways between constructs and the connections between latent variables and their indicators. CFA is a method used to validate the dimension model by examining the relationships between observed indicators and their underlying constructs. A systematic questionnaire with a Likert scale rating was used to collect data from 600 populations. The measurement model assessed the validity and reliability of latent constructs, while the structural model analyzed the relationship between constructs based on the proposed hypotheses. The structural model revealed that DI, LS, and ADT are positively connected to the DTP, and OG, between digital innovations on organizational growth. (β = 0.58,0.54,0.60 and 0.62,p < 0.05), providing well support for hypotheses 1, 2, 4, and 5. The SEM and CFA confirm the robustness of these relationships. The findings underscore the critical role of digital infrastructure and leadership in driving effective digital practices and fostering growth. (shrink)

IT integration plays an important role in boosting supply chain performance (SCP) in today’s dynamic organizational environment. It becomes easier for real-time data sharing, collaboration, and communication among supply chain participants. However, the prevailing organizational culture has a considerable impact on how effective IT integration exists, as it can either help or hinder the adoption and exploitation of IT integration. The relationship between SCP, organizational culture, and IT integration is examined in this study. Measurement model assurance and research hypothesis examination (...) are accomplished through the use of structural equation modeling (SEM). 90 manufacturing firms are surveyed for this research online. This analysis employs regression analysis and an ANOVA test that confirms the significant correlation between IT integration, organizational culture, and SCP. The results and findings show that supply chain performance and IT integration are positively correlated, highlighting the fact that the impact of IT integration is increased by an encouraging organizational culture that values adaptability, teamwork, and continuous learning. (β=0.50,0.45,0.35,and 0.30,p<0.001) provide strong evidence in favor of hypotheses 1–4. The study finds that SCP is greatly improved by successful IT integration, but the effectiveness of the integration is heavily dependent on an organizational culture that encourages flexibility and teamwork. (shrink)

The field of artistic works is witnessing continuous changes and developments in new sciences and modern technologies. This is due to the community’s need for these works of art, and as a result of the colored papers remaining from paper manufacturing factories that are not used. The idea of the research was to use these remains to enrich the artwork and give it a contemporary appearance by using colored paper draping techniques to enrich the aesthetic aspect of the artwork.The research (...) aims to achieve three basic axes: an axis to demonstrate the plastic possibilities of the art of colored paper quilling in its various forms, an axis to show the aesthetics of contemporary artwork from the remains of colored paper, and an axis concerned with the implementation of innovative artistic works that achieve sustainable development by linking them to create contemporary designs for use in the artistic work.. Collage style to enrich the field of artistic works among home economics students.Through these entries, the concept of collage art, its types, and its various plastic possibilities were clarified, and the different plastic possibilities of this art were identified. The research also relied on the experimental descriptive approach, through the experiment on fifth-level female students in home economics at King Khalid University. One of the most important results we reached. The hypotheses have been verified and it has been proven that experimenting with the remains of colored paper used in paper mills can achieve various plastic and tangible artistic values that enrich the artistic work of home economics students and achieve sustainable development. The current research recommends experimenting with the aesthetics of collage art using other materials. (shrink)

Entrepreneurial perspectives are distinct approaches individuals use to identify opportunities and navigate challenges in the business world, shaping their risk evaluation, innovation, and strategic decision-making for growth and success. This study aims to evaluate how entrepreneurial perspectives shape and influence organizational culture. By examining the interplay between entrepreneurial attitudes and organizational standards, it seeks to understand their impact on organizational dynamics and effectiveness. This study explores entrepreneurial perspectives and organizational culture through the analysis of 500 applications using structured questionnaires. The (...) study used statistical methods like descriptive statistics, confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis, hypothesis testing, and chi-square tests to analyze the impact of proactiveness, self-efficacy, and employee engagement on organizational culture. The statistical analysis conducted using SPSS software reveals that proactiveness (CR = 0.911, R² = 0.789) and self-efficacy (CR = 0.864, R²= 0.876) significantly enhance organizational culture. Employee engagement also shows a significant impact (CR = 0.879, R² = 0.859). In contrast, collaboration (CR = 0.906, R² = 0.892) and visionary thinking (CR = 0.945, R²=0.555) do not significantly influence or mediate relationships with organizational culture, as indicated by non-significant p-values. Entrepreneurial perspectives significantly shape organizational culture by introducing innovative ideas and risk behaviors, enhancing competitiveness and responsiveness in a rapidly changing market. (shrink)

Background: Visual arts education has been suggested to influence cognitive and behavioral outcomes, yet its specific effects on critical thinking and behavior regulation remain underexplored. The effect of visual arts education on these domains forms the topic of the present study, which employs a mixed approach research design. Aim: To assess the impact of visual arts education on the improvement of critical thinking and self-regulation in students. Methodology: A quasi-experimental approach was employed with 80 individuals, with 40 in the experimental (...) group Report Phrase receiving education in visual arts and 40 in the control group receiving non-visual arts education. CTST and BRI assessment tools were used to acquire quantitative data about the participants, utilizing the independent and paired sample T-tests. Data collected from participants include interviews, focus group discussions, self-administered, and thematic analysis. A repeated measures ANOVA was used to analyse the data. Result: Statistical findings depicted improvements in the quantitative aspect; critical thinking skills improved from 70.0 to 75.3 with p<0.001 and behavior regulation improved from 65.0 to 69.2 with p<0.001 in the experimental-group in contrast to the control-group. The thematic analysis found striking increases in attention, impulse control, task completion, creativity, collaboration, affect expression, and self-esteem of experimental-group participants. Based on the findings of the Repeated Measures ANOVA, significant enhancements were observed in both domains for critical thinking and behavior regulation with effect size estimates of 0.40 and 0.30, respectively. Conclusion: The development of critical thinking and behavior control in students is greatly impacted by art instruction. Quantitative and qualitative data both support the utility of using visual arts interventions for cognitive and behavioral development and inform practice in art education. (shrink)

Bullying behaviour among adolescents is a prevalent concern all over the world as it holds significant implications for their mental health and social life. Similarly, bullying has emerged as a grave concern in high schools in Pakistan. However, very limited literature has covered the dynamics of religious education and bullying behaviour among high school students in Pakistan. Therefore, this study seeks to investigate the impact of religious beliefs and practices on the prevalence of abuse and bullying among high school students (...) in Pakistan. The study has adopted a qualitative research design to fulfil this objective. The primary qualitative data for the study was collected by interviewing high school students from three prominent high schools in Pakistan. The data was analysed with the help of thematic analysis. The findings of this study indicate that religious education can help promote compassion, empathy, and respect among students. Thus, the study holds significant implications regarding the role of the community and teachers in taking a stand against bullying. (shrink)

To determine the effectiveness of current ethical teaching and to suggest ways to reform the current ethical curriculum in light of students’ perspectives and experiences. Students of Dow Medical College were selected for this cross-sectional study conducted between the year 2020 till 2023. The sample size was 387, calculated by OpenEpi. A questionnaire consisting of 17 close-ended questions was used to collect data from participants selected via stratified random sampling. The questionnaire consisted of two parts. The first part included the (...) demographics. While the second contained 15 questions designed to assess the participants’ current teaching of ethics and effective ways to further improve it. The data obtained were analyzed using IBM SPSS statistics 26. Out of the 376 students who gave consent, the majority of the respondents (64.6%) encountered situations where they felt that their current teaching of ethics was insufficient and (54%) believed that the current teaching of ethics could be improved and made further effective. Practical sessions, PBLs (problem-based learning), case analysis, and ward visits were some of the ways the participants believed could help improve the teaching of medical ethics. Most students (92.8%) agreed that external factors like burnout and excessive workload have an impact on medical professionals’ ethical practices. In light of our study, a refined curriculum with a focus on ethical teaching must be established, with input from students to ensure that the medical students have the necessary expertise to manage an ethical dilemma. (shrink)

Art is an aesthetic message and a means of human communication with its surroundings, as it influences and is influenced by everything that surrounds it, as scientific and intellectual development has a great role in developing the means used in it with the multiplicity of options offered in terms of raw materials and techniques. Undoubtedly, the art of ceramics is one of the arts developed in terms of technology, indicating the development and sophistication of societies throughout history. It offers an (...) aesthetic and utilitarian taste to the community. The color is one of the main elements in the process of adding an aesthetic touch to the surface of the ceramic piece, and this was evident in ceramics of all ages and times, and the implemented idea plays a role in showing an expressive and aesthetic vision in the ceramic surface and in order to keep pace with the rest of the plastic arts. Therefore, the potter always tries to innovate by experimenting with materials and techniques. Accordingly, the potter, especially the Arab potter, relied on coexistence with the modern intellectual dimensions of the era's culture, directing him to research, experimentation, modernization and acculturation from Western arts. This prompted research into Arab ceramics and the study of its ceramic products, especially the art of ceramics and the aesthetics of the raku technique, which is considered the Technique of most potters. The research is part of the methodological framework of the research, as it contains the research question, which concludes with the following question: What is the aesthetic of the raku technique in the works of potters Shunyar Abdullah and Yaqoub Al-Atoum, then the importance of the research, which lies in highlighting the aesthetic effects of the raku technique by identifying the features and characteristics of this Technique reflected in the formal structure of Arab ceramic work and identifying the different reduction processes in this Technique and its impact on the artistic works of potters Shunyar Abdullah and Yaqoub Al-Atoum, to benefit researchers and specialists and enrich scientific libraries and students in the field of ceramics. After that, the aim of the research was discussed: The objective of the research was to identify the raku technique in the works of potters Shinyar Abdullah and Yaqoub Al-Atoum, and then the limits of the research were reached in terms of the objective limits, which were determined by the aesthetic of the raku technique in the works of potters Shinyar Abdullah and Yaqoub Al-Atoum and the temporal limits, which were represented by the period between (2012-2021), the spatial limits (Iraq and Jordan) and the human limits of the potters Shinyar Abdullah and Yaqoub Atoum, and the chapter ends with the definition of the most important terms. (shrink)

This book brings together scholars from a variety of epistemological perspectives to explore the multiple ways in which sexuality does indeed matter in the arena of public education.

Several facets of learning, include imaginative writing transformed from digital technologies. Writing creatively fosters students' creativity and critical thinking abilities, an essential part of literacy education. The long-term effects of digital technologies on imaginative writing skills (IWS), despite the increasing usage. The potential of digital tools diversions might constitute the intended benefits and the application of these technologies utilized in educational institutions. The study aims to investigate how digital tool improve writing skills and develop innovative writing abilities by fostering creativity. (...) The research intends to identify which digital tools offer the most significant benefits and how integrated into educational practices to support imaginative writing development. This study included a total of 60 participants, including males (28) and females (32) for imaginative writing skills. Utilizing SPSS software, a statistical analysis of the data was carried out. The data was analyzed using a t-test, ANOVA, and regression analyses. These analyses demonstrated imaginative writing skills. The research findings demonstrated that digital tools greatly enhanced participant’s creative writing skills, vocabulary growth and story structure. The use of digital tools could significantly improve participant’s capacity for imaginative writing skill development. (shrink)

The research shows the relationship between digital teaching competence and foreign language learning in students at a national university from Lima. It is a non-experimental descriptive study with a cross-sectional correlational design, applied to a sample of 151 students from Enrique Guzmán y Valle National University of Education. To collect data for the first variable, it was built a questionnaire with the response parameters of the Likert scale. Based on the Cronbach's Alpha test, this instrument reached a reliability index of (...) 0,780. For the second variable, a test was applied and the reliability level was measured through the Kuder-Richardson coefficient, showing an index of 0,865, so it is inferred that these instruments had a high level of reliability. About the general hypothesis, Spearman's correlation coefficient was 0,705, a high positive correlation. The investigation result allows to confirm that there is a direct and significant association between teaching digital competence and foreign language learning, that is, the higher the level of teaching digital competence, the better the learning achievements of the students. (shrink)

Cultural characteristics in relation to educational technology acceptance (ETA) aims at analyzing the effect of cultural factors that include norms of the society, values, and practices which shape the perception and usage of technology by the individual as incorporated in his/her education. This concept illustrates that cultural factor increases that perception of helpfulness, ease of implementation, and total satisfaction with technology by a significant notch. Understanding these cultural factors is critical to the development and implementation of pedagogical technologies that are (...) aligned with specific target audiences. A number of people in the study was 2100, out of which 1115 were from Mumbai, India and 985 others were from other areas. The sample included people with various education levels, occupations and ages, which gives a comprehensive idea of the variety of users’ perceptions of educational technology. Employing the data based on the collected set of factors, descriptive analysis, factor analysis, and correlation matrixes were used in a process of distinguishing key patterns and relations between particular variables. This cross-sectional research has relied on multiple regression analysis to assess the significant predictor factors that include perceived ease of integration and expected performance of the technology by the users on the two outcomes: user engagement and technology satisfaction. As earlier stated, SPSS was used in this research study to conduct statistical tests. The comparative analysis revealed that there were significant regional differences concerning the social impact expectations, EE and PC but there was no impact of regions as per PEI and TS. The research thus brings out the importance of cultural differences in the explanation of ETA. This just underline the need for a strategic and specific approach that takes into account regional and cultural factors to improve the reception of technologies as well as to improve the user satisfaction even if it is a diverse population. The paper provides important view on rather engaging culturally competent educational technology systems. (shrink)

The idea of the Inner is central to our concept of a person and yet is far from being philosophically understood. This book offers a comprehensive account of Wittgenstein's work on the subject and presents a forceful challenge to contemporary views. Written in a non-technical and accessible style, it throws new light both on Wittgenstein's work and on the problem of the Inner self.

_The Contradictions of Modern Moral Philosophy_ is a highly original and radical critique of contemporary moral theory. Paul Johnston demonstrates that much recent moral philosophy is confused about the fundamental issue of whether there are correct moral judgements. He shows that the standard modern approaches to ethics cannot justify - or even make much sense of - traditional moral beliefs. Applied rigorously, these approaches suggest that we should reject ethics as a set of outdated and misguided claims. Rather than facing (...) up to this conclusion, most recent moral philosophy consists of attempts to find some ways of preserving moral beliefs. This places a contradiction at the heart of moral philosophy. As a resilt it is often impossible to tell whether a contemporary philosopher ultimately rejects or endorses the idea of objective right and wrong. On the basis of a Wittgenstein approach Paul Johnston puts forward an alternative account of ethics that avoids this contradiction and recognises that the central issues of ethics cannot be resolved by conceptual analysis. He then uses this account to highlight the contradictions of important contemporary moral theorists such as Bernard Williams, Alasdair MacIntyre, Thomas Nagel and Charles Taylor. (shrink)

According to the thesis of the extended mind (EM), at least some token cognitive processes extend into the cognizing subject's environment in the sense that they are (partly) composed of manipulative, exploitative, and transformative operations performed by that subject on suitable environmental structures. EM has attracted four ostensibly distinct types of objection. This paper has two goals. First, it argues that these objections all reduce to one basic sort: all the objections can be resolved by the provision of an adequate (...) and properly motivated criterion—or mark—of the cognitive. Second, it provides such a criterion—one made up of four conditions that are sufficient for a process to count as cognitive. (shrink)

Die demografische Entwicklung und der medizinische Fortschritt werden die Problematik der Ressourcenknappheit im deutschen Gesundheitswesen in Zukunft weiter verschärfen. Soll nicht nur kurzfristig akuten Sparzwängen ausgewichen werden, steht – wie in verschiedenen Ländern bereits geschehen – auch Deutschland auf Dauer eine Prioritätensetzung im Gesundheitswesen bevor. Diese sollte in möglichst transparenter Weise nach klaren Kriterien erfolgen. Eines der seit einiger Zeit häufig öffentlich zitierten Kriterien der Verteilung von Mitteln in der Gesundheitsversorgung ist die Eigenverantwortung von Patienten. Deren Berücksichtigung in der Allokation (...) von Ressourcen birgt allerdings zahlreiche Probleme. Der vorliegende Beitrag untersucht die gerechtigkeitstheoretischen Grundlagen und die praktischen Probleme bzw. die möglichen Konsequenzen von Eigenverantwortung als Verteilungskriterium im Gesundheitswesen. Auf der Grundlage eines alternativen gerechtigkeitstheoretischen Vorschlags werden drei Möglichkeiten skizziert, Eigenverantwortung von Patienten im deutschen Gesundheitswesen in gerechter Weise stärker zu betonen. (shrink)

Historically, scientists in training have learned the rules of ethical conduct by the example of their advisors and other senior scientists and by practice. This paper is intended to serve as a guide for the beginning scientist to some fundamental principles of scientific research ethics. The paper focuses less on issues of outright dishonesty or fraud, and more on the positive aspects of ethical scientific behavior; in other words, what a scientist should do to maintain a high level of ethical (...) conduct in research.There are a number of fairly specific rules, guidelines, or commonly accepted operating principles that have evolved for the ethical conduct of science. In order to discuss this code of ethics, this paper is divided into sections dealing with specific areas of scientific ethics. These areas are: data collection and storage, ownership of data, confidentiality, communication, authorship, collaboration, the peer review system, and rules of dealing with ethical complaints. Illustrative case histories are presented to provide examples of the type of ethical dispute or problem being discussed. If scientific trainees learn the accepted rules of behavior that govern the conduct of science, ethical problems that arise out of ignorance, misunderstanding, or poor communication can be avoided. (shrink)