BackgroundInnovations in technology have contributed to rapid changes in the way that modern biomedical research is carried out. Researchers are increasingly required to endorse adaptive and flexible approaches to accommodate these innovations and comply with ethical, legal and regulatory requirements. This paper explores how Dynamic Consent may provide solutions to address challenges encountered when researchers invite individuals to participate in research and follow them up over time in a continuously changing environment.MethodsAn interdisciplinary workshop jointly organised by the University of Oxford (...) and the COST Action CHIP ME gathered clinicians, researchers, ethicists, lawyers, research participants and patient representatives to discuss experiences of using Dynamic Consent, and how such use may facilitate the conduct of specific research tasks. The data collected during the workshop were analysed using a content analysis approach.ResultsDynamic Consent can provide practical, sustainable and future-proof solutions to challenges related to participant recruitment, the attainment of informed consent, participant retention and consent management, and may bring economic efficiencies.ConclusionsDynamic Consent offers opportunities for ongoing communication between researchers and research participants that can positively impact research. Dynamic Consent supports inter-sector, cross-border approaches and large scale data-sharing. Whilst it is relatively easy to set up and maintain, its implementation will require that researchers re-consider their relationship with research participants and adopt new procedures. (shrink)

In seinem Beitrag versucht der Verfasser, im Rahmen der philosophischen Systematik Bonifac Badrovs, des langjährigen Philosophie-Professors an der Franziskanische Theologischen Fakultät in Sarajevo, sein scholastisch-neuscholastisches Wahrheitsverständnis als adaequatio intellectus et rei, das ihm als der Leitfaden für seine Konzeption „Wissenschaftsphilosophie“, mit besonderer Berücksichtigung seiner Auffassung der „Begriffsbildung“. Dabei wird den Vorgang der Begriffsbildung durch die Definitionen als Bedeutungsbeschreibungen geschildert. Dadurch verliert der Begriff seine Verankerung in der unimittelbaren menschlichen Existenz, d.h. er wird weder als das Ergebnis des complicatio und explicatio (...) Verhältnisses (N. Cusanus) noch als der Vollzug der Selbstgewinnung des Menschen in eigener Existenz verstanden (H.-G. Gadamer), weshalb die Frage nach dem „Sinn“ letztes Ende jede Bedeutung nicht nur für die Existenz des Menschen, sondern für den „Sinn“ des Erkenntnis- und Wissenschaftsverfahrens verliert. (shrink)

Alors que les membres du Bassidj ont pour mission de persuader les pauvres de rester fidèles à la révolution et au régime, ils se joignent à eux pour critiquer sévèrement l’État qui ne tient pas ses promesses révolutionnaires de justice et d’égalité. L’exploration de ces dilemmes et de ces contradictions nous permet de comprendre la nature « contestée » de la loyauté envers le régime dans la République islamique, ainsi que la vie litigieuse de la politique révolutionnaire du Bassidj dans (...) les quartiers pauvres, dans un contexte d’inégalités flagrantes, d’économie en chute libre et de rébellion des pauvres. (shrink)

Depuis le début des années 2000, de nouveaux groupes miliciens ont émergé à la frontière mexicanoaméricaine, s’opposant à l’immigration illégale. Antifédérales, ils construisent un discours de l’immigrant amoral et a-éthique. Prônant un repli identitaire, ils s’inscrivent dans le mouvement anti-immigration californien et, plus largement, dans le backlash des années 1980. Il s’agit ici de s’intéresser au concept de frontière sociale et morale dans le cadre d’une anthropologie des groupes de vigilantism et de se demander de quoi la frontière est-elle le (...) lieu. Comment le mur est-il réactivé dans ces groupes comme support à une définition identitaire raciale?Since 2000, new vigilante groups have emerged at the US/Mexico border to oppose illegal immigration. The discourse constructed by these anti-federalist groups revolves around immigrants as amoral and devoid of ethics. Advocating a return to identity-based boundaries, they are an expression of the Californian anti-immigration movement and, more broadly, the backlash of the 1980s. This article delves into the concept of social and moral boundaries through an anthropological study of vigilante groups, and asks what resides within the space represented by borders. How have these groups reactivated the idea of walls to support a definition of identity based on race? (shrink)

Dispositif non pas d’exposition mais de communication, la « Konkomba Memory Box » est présentée simultanément dans une localité konkomba, à Nawaré au Togo, et au Rautenstrauch-Joest Museum à Cologne, dans le cadre de l’exposition « Resist – Die Kunst des Widerstands (L’art de la résistance) », du 6 novembre 2020 au 14 avril 2021. Ce cadre muséal hors-les-murs n’est pas simplement le réceptacle des informations collectées au cours d’une enquête sur l’actualité du passé colonial, et notamment de sa violence, (...) mais il est aussi l’outil d’une exploration, dont la forme est élaborée, appropriée, discutée et recomposée par l’ensemble des participants, et surtout, par ceux qui aujourd’hui, font leur ce récit. L’affaire des « pouces coupés » illustre bien cette démarche. Il s’agit du débat sur la restitution d’un membre fantôme, celui du pouce de la main droite des archers konkomba dont les descendants actuels affirment qu’il a été amputé par les milices coloniales allemandes (Von Massow) puis françaises (Massu). (shrink)

In this paper, I examine some of the most important theories of modern physics that support the notion that events are the basic ontological units of reality. The two main themes of this paper include: (1) physical evidence in support of an ontology of events, and (2) the increasing unification of physical theory until we arrive at the current state of two highly successful theories that are presently disunified within the search for a comprehensive, unified theory. With the revolutionary developments (...) in physics at the end of the nineteenth century, the mechanistic materialism of Newtonian physics began to break down and the ancient trinity of space, time and matter has been gradually replaced by the notion of the energy field. Physicists and philosophers who have held an event ontology specifically for its compatibility with electromagnetism, relativity theory and quantum mechanics include: Albert Einstein, Alfred North Whitehead, Bertrand Russell, C. D. Broad, W. V. Quine, John Bell, Henry Stapp, and Milič Čapek among many others. For these theorists, events are the most fundamental entities of physical reality in contrast to the Aristotelian tradition which contends that events are secondary or dependent on physical substance. (shrink)

The Toulmin model has been proved useful in law and argumentation theory. This model describes the basic process in justifying a claim, which comprises six elements, i.e., claim (C), data (D), warrant (W), backing (B), qualifier (Q), and rebuttal (R). Specifically, in justifying a claim, one must put forward ‘data’ and a ‘warrant’, whereas the latter is authorized by ‘backing’. The force of the ‘claim’ being justified is represented by the ‘qualifier’, and the condition under which the claim cannot be (...) justified is represented as the ‘rebuttal’. To further improve the model, (Goodnight, Informal Logic 15:41–52, 1993) points out that the selection of a backing needs justification, which he calls legitimation justification. However, how such justification is constituted has not yet been clarified. To identify legitimation justification, we separate it into two parts. One justifies a backing’s eligibility (legitimation justification 1 ; LJ 1 ); the other justifies its superiority over other eligible backings (legitimation justification 2 ; LJ 2 ). In this paper, we focus on LJ 1 and apply it to the legal justification (of judgements) in hard cases for illustration purposes. We submit that LJ 1 refers to the justification of the legal interpretation of a norm by its backing, which can be further separated into several orderable subjustifications. Taking the subjustification of a norm’s existence as an example, we show how it would be influenced by different positions in the philosophy of law. Taking the position of the theory of natural law, such subjustification is presented and evaluated. This paper aims not only to inform ongoing theoretical efforts to apply the Toulmin model in the legal field, but it also seeks to clarify the process in the justification of legal judgments in hard cases. It also offers background information for the possible construction of related AI systems. In our future work, LJ 2 and other subjustifications of LJ 1 will be discussed. (shrink)

Liber de orbe, attributed to Māshā'allāh (d.c.815), a court astrologer of the Abbasid dynasty, was one of the earliest Latin sources of Aristotelian physics. Until recently, its Arabic original could not be identified among Arabic works. Through extensive examination of Arabic manuscripts on exact sciences, I found two manuscripts containing the Arabic text of this Latin work, although neither of them is ascribed to Māshā'allāh: Berlin, Staatsbibliothek zu Berlin, Ms. or. oct. 273, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania University Library, MS LJS 439. (...) In this paper, I describe these two manuscripts in great detail, so that I confirm their originality of theLiber de orbe, and then by analysing the contents of the Arabic text, I deny the attribution to Māshā'allāh, and identify the title and author asBook on the Configuration of the Orbby Dūnash ibn Tamīm, a disciple of Isaac Israeli (c.855–c.955). (shrink)

In this paper, I examine some of the most important theories of modern physics that support the notion that events are the basic ontological units of reality. The two main themes of this paper include: (1) physical evidence in support of an ontology of events, and (2) the increasing unification of physical theory until we arrive at the current state of two highly successful theories that are presently disunified within the search for a comprehensive, unified theory. With the revolutionary developments (...) in physics at the end of the nineteenth century, the mechanistic materialism of Newtonian physics began to break down and the ancient trinity of space, time and matter has been gradually replaced by the notion of the energy field. Physicists and philosophers who have held an event ontology specifically for its compatibility with electromagnetism, relativity theory and quantum mechanics include: Albert Einstein, Alfred North Whitehead, Bertrand Russell, C. D. Broad, W. V. Quine, John Bell, Henry Stapp, and Milič Čapek among many others. For these theorists, events are the most fundamental entities of physical reality in contrast to the Aristotelian tradition which contends that events are secondary or dependent on physical substance. (shrink)

Español¿Es la abstracción de la ley, del contexto, de las necesidades, las capacidades, las virtudes o los vicios de personas concretas, algo de valor moral? Lucy responde en sentido positivo y muestra cómo el juicio abstracto de la ley (LAJ) está conectado con tres concepciones particulares de dignidad, igualdad y comunidad. En esta pieza, me enfoco en la igualdad por encima de los otros valores. Primero voy a dar una breve visión general del libro. Luego, señalaré lo que considero las (...) contribuciones más significativas. Más tarde, haré tres preguntas para que podamos ilustrar más puntos del libro y entablar una discusión crítica.InglésIs the law’s abstraction from context, needs, abilities, virtues or vices of particular persons something morally valuable? Lucy answers in the positive and shows how Law’s abstract judgement (LAJ) is connected with three particular conceptions of dignity, equality, and community. In this piece, I focus on equality over the other values. In the rest of this paper, first I am going to provide a brief overview of the book. Then, I will point out what I consider to be the most significant contributions of the book regarding the connection between Law’s abstract judgment and equality. Later, I will ask three questions so we can illustrate further points of the book and engage in a critical discussion of LJ.FrancésL'abstraction de la loi, du contexte, des besoins, des capacités, des vertus ou des vices de personnes spécifiques est-elle quelque chose de valeur morale? Lucy répond dans le sens positif et montre comment le jugement abstrait de la loi (LAJ, par son acronyme en anglais) est lié à trois conceptions particulières de la dignité, de l'égalité et de la communauté. Dans cet article, je me concentre sur l'égalité au-dessus de toutes les autres valeurs. D'abord, je vais donner un bref aperçu du livre. Ensuite, je soulignerai ce que je considère comme les contributions les plus importantes. Plus tard, je poserai trois questions afin que nous puissions illustrer plus de points du livre et engager une discussion critique.PortuguésA abstração da lei, do contexto, das necessidades, capacidades, virtudes ou vícios de pessoas específicas, é uma questão de valor moral? O Lucy responde no sentido positivo e mostra como o processo abstrato da lei (LAJ, pelo acrônimo em inglês) está conectado com três concepções particulares de dignidade, igualdade e comunidade. Nesta peça, meu foco está na igualdade acima de todos os outros valores. Primeiramente, vou dar uma breve visão geral do livro. Em seguida, destacarei as que considero as contribuições mais significativas. Posteriormente, farei três perguntas para que possamos ilustrar mais pontos do livro e iniciar uma discussão crítica.Chino将特定人群的法律，背景，需求，能力，美德或弊端进行抽象化是否具有道德价值？露西以积极的态度回应，并展示了法律的抽象判断（LAJ）如何与尊严，平等和社交这三个特定概念联系在一起 。在本文中，我将重点放在平等上。首先，我将简要介绍这本书。然后，我将指出我认为本书最重要的贡献。稍后，我会问三个问题以便我们了解书中的更多要点并进行重要讨论。. (shrink)

Le 13 juin 1944, Marguerite Buffard-Flavien, arrêtée quelques jours auparavant après d’autres camarades des groupes FTP de Lyon, se jette par la fenêtre de la salle d’interrogatoire de la Milice et meurt peu après à l’hôpital. Le livre que Christian Langeois consacre à cette figure héroïque, dont il reconstitue le parcours à partir des archives départementales, de quelques entretiens, des hommages qui lui ont été rendus après-guerre, de l’autobiographie rédigée comme cadre du parti communiste...

Alors que dans la majorité des démocraties libérales le mandat d’élu·e au législatif national est rempli à plein temps depuis la fin du XIX e siècle, les membres de l’Assemblée fédérale en Suisse exercent leur fonction comme une charge à temps partiel faiblement indemnisée, dite de « milice ». Notre article illustre comment le principe de milice, véritable norme culturelle dominante de l’engagement public, a influencé les temporalités du travail parlementaire. Pour ce faire, l’analyse se penche, d’une part, sur l’impact (...) que ce principe exerce sur les carrières politiques individuelles, en participant à accroître la sélectivité des trajectoires biographiques des parlementaires helvétiques sur le plan socioprofessionnel. D’autre part, l’article montre dans quelle mesure le principe de milice affecte aussi les temporalités de l’institution parlementaire elle-même. Depuis les années 1960, plusieurs débats émergent autour de la pertinence de cette « règle du jeu politique » dans le cadre... (shrink)

We show that if κ is a weakly compact cardinal, then $\left( \matrix \kappa ^{+} \\ \kappa\endmatrix \right)\rightarrow \left(\left( \matrix \alpha \\ \kappa \endmatrix \right)_{m}\left( \matrix \kappa ^{n} \\ \kappa \endmatrix \right)_{\mu}\right)^{1,1}$ for any ordinals α < κ⁺ and µ < κ, and any finite ordinals m and n. This polarized partition relation represents the statement that for any partition $\kappa \times \kappa ^{+}=\underset i<m\to{\bigcup }K_{i}\cup \underset j<\mu \to{\bigcup }L_{j}$ of κ × κ⁺ into m + µ pieces either there (...) are A ∈ [κ]κ, B ∈ [κ⁺]α, and i < m with A × B ⊆ Ki or there are C ∈ [κ]κ, D ∈ [κ⁺]α, and j < μ with C × D ⊆ Lj. Related results for measurable and almost measurable κ are also investigated. Our proofs of these relations involve the use of elementary substructures of set models of large fragments of ZFC. (shrink)

It is widely held that quantum mechanics is the first scientific theory to present scientifically internal, fundamental difficulties for a realistic interpretation (in the philosophical sense). The standard (Copenhagen) interpretation of the quantum theory is often described as the inevitable instrumentalistic response. It is the purpose of the present article to argue that quantum theory doesnot present fundamental new problems to a realistic interpretation. The formalism of quantum theory has the same states—it will be argued—as the formalisms of older physical (...) theories and is capable of the same kinds of philosophical interpretation. This result is reached via an analysis of what it means to give a realistic interpretation to a theory. The main point of difference between quantum mechanics and other theories—as far as the possibilities of interpretation are concerned—is the special treatment given tomeasurement by the “projection postulate.” But it is possible to do without this postulate. Moreover, rejection of the projection postulate does not, in spite of what is often maintained in the literature, automatically lead to the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics. A realistic interpretation is possible in which only the reality ofone (our) world is recognized. It is argued that the Copenhagen interpretation as expounded by Bohr is not in conflict with the here proposed realistic interpretation of quantum theory. (shrink)

From the first months of life, human infants produce “protophones,” speech-like, non-cry sounds, presumed absent, or only minimally present in other apes. But there have been no direct quantitative comparisons to support this presumption. In addition, by 2 months, human infants show sustained face-to-face interaction using protophones, a pattern thought also absent or very limited in other apes, but again, without quantitative comparison. Such comparison should provide evidence relevant to determining foundations of language, since substantially flexible vocalization, the inclination to (...) explore vocalization, and the ability to interact socially by means of vocalization are foundations for language. Here we quantitatively compare data on vocalization rates in three captive bonobo (Pan paniscus) mother–infant pairs with various sources of data from our laboratories on human infant vocalization. Both humans and bonobos produced distress sounds (cries/screams) and laughter. The bonobo infants also produced sounds that were neither screams nor laughs and that showed acoustic similarities to the human protophones. These protophone-like sounds confirm that bonobo infants share with humans the capacity to produce vocalizations that appear foundational for language. Still, there were dramatic differences between the species in both quantity and function of the protophone and protophone-like sounds. The bonobo protophone-like sounds were far less frequent than the human protophones, and the human protophones were far less likely to be interpreted as complaints and more likely as vocal play. Moreover, we found extensive vocal interaction between human infants and mothers, but no vocal interaction in the bonobo mother–infant pairs—while bonobo mothers were physically responsive to their infants, we observed no case of a bonobo mother vocalization directed to her infant. Our cross-species comparison focuses on low- and moderate-arousal circumstances because we reason the roots of language entail vocalization not triggered by excitement, for example, during fighting or intense play. Language appears to be founded in flexible vocalization, used to regulate comfortable social interaction, to share variable affective states at various levels of arousal, and to explore vocalization itself. (shrink)

In philosophical interpretations of the Laozi the function of the ‘sage’ is a relatively under concentrated on topic. Although nearly every scholar does have something to say about the sage, comments are usually brief and often revolve around the sage as some particular character-type; for example highlighting the sage as a ‘sage-ruler’. In this article we will argue that the sage serves as a tool for understanding the major concepts, thinking, and logic of the Laozi. While the sage does often (...) refer to the sage-ruler this does not mean all references are politically orientated, and even those that are can easily be applied to a host of social situations. This paper thus seeks to appreciate the context for what the Laozi says by looking at how the text itself envisions the embodiment of its ideas through reference to the sage. (shrink)

The paper studies many-dimensional modal logics corresponding to products of Kripke frames. It proves results on axiomatisability, the finite model property and decidability for product logics, by applying a rather elaborated modal logic technique: p-morphisms, the finite depth method, normal forms, filtrations. Applications to first order predicate logics are considered too. The introduction and the conclusion contain a discussion of many related results and open problems in the area.

D. H. Mellor; VI*—I and Now, Proceedings of the Aristotelian Society, Volume 89, Issue 1, 1 June 1989, Pages 79–94, https://doi.org/10.1093/aristotelian/89.1.79.

The editor has assembled these essays to support the thesis that Bergson considered "conceptual revolutions in physics inevitable [and that he foresaw] certain of their most important theoretical consequences." He introduces the collection with an intellectual biography indicating that, far from being antiscientific, Bergson was a respectful and diligent student of science. Several themes illustrative of the thesis run through the selections. One: Bergson's dualisms should be thought of as complementary, for example, intellect and intuition should be regarded as two (...) forms of empiricism rather than as antithetical approaches to knowledge. Another: Bergson anticipated concepts of quantum physics, such as, the dynamic concept of matter and the complementarity of velocity and position. A third theme: Bergson's ideas are suggestive for future scientific investigation, for example, the speed of light may be thought of as a coefficient of equivalence between space and time, a first law of time analogous to the first law of thermodynamics; then Bergson's concepts are perhaps a challenge to develop a second law. Most of the essays, originally published at various times between 1922 and 1959, appear in English for the first time. They are presented in four groups: "Quantum Physics" in which L. de Broglie, S. Watanabe, O. Costa de Beauregard, and R. Blanché are concerned with concepts of motion, entropy, and time; "Relativity" in which appears material by Bergson, Einstein, and Metz on Bergson's criticism of relativity, and essays by G. Pflug, J. F. Busch, W. Berteval, and O. Costa de Beauregard on aspects of Bergson's attack on relativity; "Bergson's and Zeno's Paradoxes" in which D. A. Sipfle uses an analysis of The Arrow by V. C. Chappell to interpret Bergson's theory of time. Milic Capek sums up the volume in an essay arguing that Bergson's concept of psychologic existence, on which his theory of matter is based, suggests a transformation of the basic concepts of the physical sciences. This is a stimulating group of essays, imaginatively edited.--L. G. (shrink)

This article proposes a semio-rhetorical epistemology for visual documents, one capable of accounting for both their internal configuration, which we shall call the compositional dimension, and their persuasive force within public space, or their rhetorical dimension. The field of reference will be that of identity-related images on social networks, because compared to other kinds of images, such as artistic or professional ones, they adopt new compositional solutions and new dynamics of circulation. To test this theoretical framework, we will conduct an (...) analysis which has never been carried out in semiotics and which, as far as we know, remains very rare even in the overall field of visual studies, that is, the analysis of the profile of an Instagram influencer’s visual production, that of Canadian artist Rupi Kaur. Taking into account the flow of images shared over time, we will focus primarily on the compositional dimension that articulates the specificity of the language of images. The most appropriate model for investigating social network photos seems to be that of the portrait, thanks to which we will identify a first series of regularities and deviations. Secondly, we will turn towards the rhetorical dimension – the persuasive strategies found within, through, and towards images – focusing on the analysis of a single photo: on the one hand, it is a shot which presents greater compositional richness than others; on the other hand, it has greatly impacted the notoriety of the influencer, due to the censorship incurred on Instagram, its abundant coverage by traditional media, and the heated debate it triggered on social media. We will thus propose a reinterpretation of Paul Ricœur’s theory of identity in order to balance the rhetorical and the compositional dimensions through a unitary theoretical hypothesis. Visual identity on social networks is always the result of a negotiation between two opposite tendencies: on the one hand, the experiential pressure expressed through images related to the body and everyday practices; on the other, the algorithmic pressure due to the delegation of the management of identity to software. The case of Rupi Kaur is a rare example of a critical mediation between these two pressures and helps us build a methodology for the examination of images belonging to other social domains. (shrink)

There is a common view in medical ethics that the patient's right to be informed entails, as well, a correlative right not to be informed, i.e., to waive one's right to information. This paper argues, from a consideration of the concept of autonomy as the foundation for rights, that there can be no such ‘right’ to refuse relevant information, and that the claims for such a right are inconsistent with both deontological and utilitarian ethics. Further, the right to be informed (...) is shown to be a mandatory right (though not a welfare right); persons are thus seen to have both a right and a duty to be informed. Finally, the consequences of this view are addressed: since the way in which we conceptualize our problems tends to determine the actions we take to resolve them, it is important properly to conceptualize patients' requests not to be informed. There may be many reasons for acting in accord with such a request, but it is a mistake to conceptualize one's act as ‘respecting a right possessed by persons’. Keywords: medical ethics, informed consent, autonomy, information-waivers, rights, obligations CiteULike Connotea Del.icio.us What's this? (shrink)

In Bester’s article (2018) challenging the use of the harm principle and advocating sole reliance on the use of a best interest standard (BIS) in pediatric decision-making, we believe that the auth...

A laboratory-testable, solid-state Maxwell demon is proposed that utilizes the electric field energy of an open-gap p-n junction. Numerical results from a commercial semiconductor device simulator (Silvaco International–Atlas) verify primary results from a 1-D analytic model. Present day fabrication techniques appear adequate for laboratory tests of principle.

Objectives: To describe the concerns and priorities of key stakeholders in a developing country regarding ethical obligations held by researchers and perceptions of equity or “what is fair” for study participants in an HIV/AIDS clinical drug trial. Design: Qualitative study with focus groups. Setting: Teaching and referral hospital and rural health centre in western Kenya. Participants: Potential HIV/AIDS clinical trial participants, clinician researchers, and administrators. Results: Eighty nine individuals participated in a total of 11 focus groups over a four month (...) period. The desire for continued drug therapy, most often life long, following an HIV/AIDS clinical trial was the most common priority expressed in all focus groups. Patients with and without HIV/AIDS also thought subsidisation of drug therapies and education were critical forms of compensation for clinical trial participation. Financial incentives were considered important primarily for purchasing drug therapy as well as obtaining food. Patients noted a concern for the potential mismanagement of any money offered. Clinician researchers and administrators felt strongly that researchers have a moral obligation to participants following a trial to provide continued drug therapy, adverse event monitoring, and primary care. Finally, clinician researchers and administrators stressed the need for thorough informed consent to avoid coercion of study participants. Conclusions: Kenyan patients, clinician researchers, and administrators believe that it would be unfair to stop antiretroviral therapy following an HIV/AIDS clinical trial and that researchers have a long term obligation to participants. (shrink)

Idealism is often associated with the kind of metaphysical system building which was successfully disposed of by logical positivism. As Hume's fork was intended to deliver a serious blow to Leibnizian metaphysics so logical positivism invoked the verificationist principle against the reawakening of metaphysics, in the tradition of German and British idealism. In the light of this one might reasonably wonder what Carnap's pragmatism could possibly have in common with Collingwood's idealism. After all, Carnap is often seen as a champion (...) of the logical positivist's critique of metaphysics, whilst Collingwood is renowned for his defence of the possibility of metaphysics against the attack to which Ayer subjected it. The answer is that they have more in common than one might suspect and that, once the relevant qualifications are made, there is as much convergence as there is contestation between Carnapian pragmatism and Collingwoodian idealism. (shrink)

The point of education is to support students to be able to live meaningful, autonomous lives, filled with rich experiences. The arts and aesthetic education are vital to such flourishing lives in that they afford bold, beautiful, moving experiences of awe, wonder and the sublime that are connected to the central human functional capability Nussbaum labels senses, imagination and thought. Everyone ought to have the opportunity to learn about art, to appreciate and create art, to critique art and to understand (...) how we are connected to the culture of our society. A life without art is unimaginable, and to the extent that people lack aesthetic experiences, their lives are impoverished, not ‘fully human’. Given that the distinctive value of art objects is that they afford aesthetic experience, it is upon this foundation that an argument ought to be mounted as to why schooling needs the arts, specialised teachers, and all students deserve aesthetic education. Therefore, in this paper, I offer a defence of compulsory aesthetic education across the curriculum on the basis of the aesthetic experiences the arts afford, and the central role such experiences play in eudaimonia—the flourishing life. (shrink)

It is almost universally believed that in quantum theory the two following statements hold: all transformations are achieved by a unitary interaction followed by a von-Neumann measurement; all mixed states are marginals of pure entangled states. I name this doctrine the dogma of purification ontology. The source of the dogma is the original von Neumann axiomatisation of the theory, which largely relies on the Schrődinger equation as a postulate, which holds in a nonrelativistic context, and whose operator version holds only (...) in free quantum field theory, but no longer in the interacting theory. In the present paper I prove that both ontologies of unitarity and state-purity are unfalsifiable, even in principle, and therefore axiomatically spurious. I propose instead a minimal four-postulate axiomatisation: associate a Hilbert space \ to each system \; compose two systems by the tensor product rule \; associate a transformation from system \ to \ to a quantum operation, i.e. to a completely positive trace-non-increasing map between the trace-class operators of \ and \; evaluate all joint probabilities through that of a special type of quantum operation: the state preparation. I then conclude that quantum paradoxes—such as the Schroedinger-cat’s, and, most relevantly, the information paradox—are originated only by the dogma of purification ontology, and they are no longer paradoxes of the theory in the minimal formulation. For the same reason, most interpretations of the theory interpret the same dogma, not the strict theory stripped of the spurious postulates. (shrink)