In GS, Nietzsche utters for the first time the paradoxical formula that sums up a good deal of his ethical thought: "What does your conscience say?—'You should become who you are'".1 The paradox, of course, lies in the odd juxtaposition of becoming and being: how can one become what one already is? Nietzsche repeats the formula toward the end of the original edition of GS, connecting it explicitly to the idea of self-creation: "We, however, want to become who we are—human (...) beings who are new, unique, incomparable, who give themselves laws, who create themselves!". What exactly such self-creation involves for Nietzsche, how it relates to "who we are," and whether it ultimately coheres as a... (shrink)

The issue of the ordering of the ten trichotomies is one among the many questions still open regarding Peirce’s extended theory of signs. A proper decision regarding the order of the ten trichotomies demands a discussion of the entire semiotic process. The aim of this paper is to discuss the order of the trichotomies related to the mode of being of the immediate and dynamical objects. Therefore, it addresses only one part of this process, which concerns the relationship between the (...) sign and its objects. When subdividing the object, Peirce begins to consider the immediate and the dynamic objects as trichotomies, that is, aspects to be considered in the definition of the classes of signs. The introduction of these two trichotomies brings in a problem: how to order them in the system of ten trichotomies. Diverging opinions regarding this ordering are found in Peirce’s texts, and in his commentators. We will investigate this problem by seeking a sort of pragmatic clarification of the matter, presenting a reflection about the philosophical and semiotic consequences of the different proposals for the ordering of these trichotomies. Placing the dynamic object after the sign may even help to explain the functioning of fictional signs, but is this coherent with Peirce’s philosophy? On the other hand, would it be possible to talk about lying signs if every object was determined by its own sign? (shrink)

By a result of L.D. Beklemishev, the hierarchy of nested applications of the $$\Sigma _1$$ -collection rule over any $$\Pi _2$$ -axiomatizable base theory extending Elementary Arithmetic collapses to its first level. We prove that this result cannot in general be extended to base theories of arbitrary quantifier complexity. In fact, given any recursively enumerable set of true $$\Pi _2$$ -sentences, S, we construct a sound $$(\Sigma _2 \! \vee \! \Pi _2)$$ -axiomatized theory T extending S such that the (...) hierarchy of nested applications of the $$\Sigma _1$$ -collection rule over T is proper. Our construction uses some results on subrecursive degree theory obtained by L. Kristiansen. (shrink)

Any living organism interacts with and responds specifically to environmental molecules by expressing specific olfactory receptors. In this paper, this specificity will be first examined in causal terms with particular emphasis on the mechanisms controlling olfactory gene expression, cell-to-cell interactions and odor-decoding processes. However, this type of explanation does not entirely justify the role olfactory receptors have played during evolution, since they are also expressed ectopically in different organs and/or tissues. Homologous olfactory genes have in fact been found in such (...) diverse cells and/or organs as spermatozoa, testis and kidney where they are assumed to act as chemotactic sensors or renin modulators. To justify their functional diversity, homologous olfactory receptors are assumed to share the same basic role: that of conferring a self-identity to cells or tissues under varying environmental conditions. By adopting this standpoint, the functional attribution as olfactory or chemotactic sensors to these receptors should not be seen either as a cause conditioning receptor gene expression, or as a final effect resulting from genetically predetermined programs, but as a direct consequence of the environmental conditions olfactory receptor genes have explored during evolution. The association of odorant patterns with specific environmental or contextual situations makes their relationship semiotically triadic, due to the emergence of an interpretant capable of perceiving odorants as meaningful signs out of a noisy background. This perspective highlights the importance of odorant-receptor relationships as respect to the properties of the interacting partners. It is our contention that only when taken together can these different explanatory strategies provide a realistic account of how olfactory receptor genes have been structurally and functionally modified during evolution. (shrink)

Con objetivo de comparar la autoeficacia y el desempeño en estadística de universitarios, previo y posterior a un curso de estadística tradicional y uno bajo la metodología de solución de problemas, se llevó a cabo un estudio cuasiexperimental de dos grupos intactos de 84 y 115 estudiantes de psicología, respectivamente, aplicando un test de fuentes de autoeficacia en estadística como pre y postest, un examen de matemáticas previo al curso y un examen de estadística luego del curso. Los resultados mostraron (...) diferencia significativa en el desempeño en estadística posterior al curso, siendo el grupo experimental el que tuvo mejores resultados. (shrink)

O artigo discute o método de esquiva de John Rawls em A ideia de um consenso por justaposição, de 1987. O centro da leitura que oferecemos sobre o argumento do consenso informa a recusa injustificada do ceticismo, a segunda objeção. Sugere-se que ele pode integrar o consenso por sobreposição. Deseja-se apontar para um fato conhecido entre os céticos: o método de oposições para a discussão configura uma ética do público para o público. Descreve-se como a linguagem fenomênica pode atravessar toda (...) tese e produção de consenso público para regimes democráticos. Conclui-se pela convergência dos métodos estudados. (shrink)

Covering a broad range of topics, this text provides a comprehensive survey of the modelling of chaotic dynamics and complexity in the natural and social sciences. Its attention to models in both the physical and social sciences and the detailed philosophical approach make this an unique text in the midst of many current books on chaos and complexity. Including an extensive index and bibliography along with numerous examples and simplified models, this is an ideal course text.

In this paper, I fill out the received view of logical positivism within professional philosophy against which Thomas Kuhn’s Structure appeared. To do this, I look at the methodological dimensions of ordinary language criticisms of logical positivist analysis from P.F. Strawson and J.L. Austin. While no one would confuse Strawson and Austin for philosophers of science, I look to their criticisms given the general porousness of sub-disciplinary boundaries in mid-20th century philosophy, the prominence of ordinary language philosophy in the 1950s, (...) and also because Kuhn was likely aware of their criticisms via Stanley Cavell. Their main charge is that the positivists base their ideal language analysis on an impoverished, yet overreaching account of meaning because they ignore ordinary linguistic practices. I then show how these methodological criticisms run parallel to points Kuhn makes against logical positivist approaches to the study of scientific knowledge. The parallels I draw emphasize methodological, rather than doctrinal dissatisfaction in mid-20th century philosophy with logical positivism’s perceived neglect of linguistic and scientific practices. An insight shared by these parallel criticisms is that logical positivists cannot declare linguistic and scientific practices irrelevant to their philosophical aims without an antecedent investigation of the practices under question. (shrink)

A recent trend in bioethics has highlighted the decisive role that solidarity plays in global health. However, given the impact and extent of the effects of climate change, which reach beyond present generations, it is important to consider whether this concept can be applied intergenerationally. Does it make sense to talk about solidarity with future generations? The objective of this article is to explore ‘amplified solidarity’, a new concept of solidarity that explains our obligations towards the health and quality of (...) life of future generations. The analysis of this concept is structured as follows: I first establish the moral relevance of future people and then investigate the traits of amplified solidarity, its challenges, and its relationship with other key principles. I propose that amplified solidarity needs both a critical imagination to be projected towards the future and an institutional framework to correct health injustices across an intergenerational timescale. Solidarity forms a potent triangular constellation with responsibility and justice to fight against global and intergenerational injustices. (shrink)

Questo saggio esplora la critica a Marx e al “marxismo” sviluppata da Simone Weil nel corso della sua opera. Vengono identificati tre nuclei principali della critica weiliana al marxismo: la validità del metodo materialistico per lo studio delle scienze sociali; il presunto “messianesimo” di Marx, inteso come la concezione della storia come un progresso intelligente verso il meglio; e l’identificazione del marxismo tout court con una filosofia determinista e meccanicista. Si cerca di definire a quale “Marx” effettivamente sia rivolta la (...) critica di Weil: si sostiene infatti che alcune delle sue argomentazioni siano riferibili alla “vulgata” marxiana, ossia a una lettura semplificata e schematica del marxismo, o alla “tendenza deteriore” del marxismo caratterizzata dall’economicismo e dal meccanicismo, dibattuta anche all’interno della Seconda Internazionale, o a posizioni di Engels e Lenin, o ancora all’operato del PCF o delle organizzazioni operaie, piuttosto che all’effettiva opera di Marx. (shrink)

Zusammenfassung Die Gebundenheit einer Gottheit an einen Ort oder an eine Stadt stellt eines der wichtigsten und am wenigsten erforschten Elemente der klassischen Religion dar. Im Rahmen des Nachdenkens über das Wesen Gottes im philosophischen und literarischen Diskurs der Spätantike werden die traditionellen Gottheiten häufig gemäß dem plotinianischen Modell als Emanationen und Manifestationen eines höchsten göttlichen Wesens betrachtet. Auch Symmachos teilte diese Ansicht und fasste die Gebundenheit der göttlichen Wesen an einen Ort als von der divina mens gewollt auf. Diese (...) Vorstellung wird im Rahmen seiner bekannten dritten relatio geäußert, als der Rhetor die Dea Roma in Gestalt einer alten und schutzflehenden Frau vor dem Kaiser auftreten lässt, die ihn bittet die Ausübung der traditionellen Riten zu erlauben, welche Rom die Gunst der Götter sicherte. Diese unkonventionelle Darstellung der Dea Roma, die einen Bruch mit der herkömmlichen Ikonographie der Göttin darstellt, ist nicht zufällig: Hiermit konnte der Rhetor metaphorisch den Status der Stadt, die vom Kaiser verlassen und vernachlässigt wurde, zur Sprache bringen. (shrink)

Esta investigación propone una revisión de la idea de lo apocalíptico presente en Fire Punch de Tatsuki Fujimoto a partir de la representación que se hace en ella de lo escatológico y los alcances que tiene la idea de lo apocalíptico dentro del relato. Así se analizarán las acciones y motivaciones de los personajes de esta obra según el sentido que tiene la destrucción retratada en la obra. Para esto hay dos momentos centrales de la investigación: primero, la problematización de (...) lo apocalíptico y los alcances que tiene este fenómeno en este manga (Deleuze, Kant y Parkinson Zamora) y segundo, la aparición de la presencia y la ausencia en Fire Punch (Heidegger, Derrida, Fisher) y su función iluminadora o reveladora. (shrink)

O trabalho analisa as relações entre discurso_ _e ser estabelecidas de forma dialética por Platão em seu diálogo tardio _Sofista_. Os sofistas defendiam a impossibilidade de provar a falsidade ou veracidade dos discursos. Tais pensadores baseavam-se no interdito ontológico de Parmênides de Eleia, que preconizava, em linhas gerais, a existência de uma estrita correspondência entre tudo que pode ser dito e o ser, de forma que seria, assim, impossível, dizer algo que não é, ou seja, um não-ser. Contrariando tal perspectiva (...) e fazendo uso do método da _diaíresis _– em que os seres são caracterizados por suas diferenças mais fundamentais –, o _Sofista _se desenrola revisitando e revisando as teorias ontológicas de seu tempo, a fim de explorar uma nova forma de pensar a relação entre os seres. Platão assegura, com isso, a possibilidade de análise qualitativa do discurso predicativo e define, consequentemente, o erro como desarmonia entre o dizer e o ser. Para tamanha empreitada, o filósofo explica como se dá o entrelaçamento na relação de ser e não-ser, relação mediada pelas seguintes categorias fundamentais: ser, mesmo, outro, movimento e repouso. A partir disso, a dialética é finalmente constituída como a técnica correta de diferenciação entre os predicados possíveis de comunicação com cada sujeito. Graças aos resultados filosóficos dessa empreitada, iniciaram-se as reflexões que levaram Aristóteles a instrumentalizar as análises da linguagem. (shrink)

A partire dal riepilogo per fasi temporali distinte delle vicende dell’architettura italiana del Novecento si propone in queste note un’interpretazione del suo ultimo trentennio. Si tratta di un periodo particolarmente importante, situato tra la fine del “secolo breve” e l’inizio del nuovo, nel quale l’eredità moderna si confronta in Italia, come in altri paesi, con tematiche contemporanee. Tale eredità dà vita a una molteplicità talmente accentuata di orientamenti da risultare a volte difficilmente decifrabile nelle intenzioni che esprime e nei risultati (...) conseguiti. Qualche paragrafo del testo è stato dedicato a illustrare la singolarità teorica e operativa dell’architettura italiana, soprattutto per ciò che concerne il suo rapporto con la modernità. Un rapporto contrattato più volte, sulla base di alcune condizioni ritenute essenziali, che appare ancora oggi incompleto e controverso. Tornando al trentennio in esame lo si è diviso in tre stagioni, identificate sia da logiche interne all’architettura italiana sia da fenomeni e da avvenimenti esterni. Esso vede il dibattito disciplinare confrontarsi con alcune nuove situazioni che lo stanno modificando in profondità. La rivoluzione digitale, la globalizzazione, il primato della tecnica, la presenza degli specialismi, la pressione mediatica, la prevalenza del presente, la sostenibilità definiscono nel loro insieme un campo problematico quanto mai complesso e contradditorio. La cultura architettonica italiana reagisce a questa condizione dividendosi tra il rifletterla e il contrastarla. Nell’analisi di questo periodo si è cercato non tanto di esporre opinioni e giudizi su ciò che è stato sintetizzato, quanto di costruire un elenco di temi e di motivi il più possibile completo che mettesse il lettore in grado di formulare liberamente alcune possibili ipotesi interpretative riguardanti un arco temporale denso di elementi di notevole interesse storico e critico. (shrink)