The Web may critically transform the way we understand the activity of proving. The Web as a collaborative medium allows the active participation of people with different backgrounds, interests, viewpoints, and styles. Mathematical formal proofs are inadequate for capturing Web-based proofs. This article claims that Web provings can be studied as a particular type of Goguen's proof-events. Web-based proof-events have a social component, communication medium, prover-interpreter interaction, interpretation process, understanding and validation, historical component, and styles. To demonstrate its claim, the (...) article discusses the Kumo and Polymath projects, both of which employ Web-based communication as part of proving. Web proving is a novel type of proving activity that may have a serious impact on the change in mathematical practices, despite the fact that it is not currently a universally acceptable methodology. (shrink)

I have three types of interrelated comments. First, on the choice of the proposed criteria, I argue against any list and for a system of criteria. Second, on grading, I suggest modifications with respect to consciousness and development. Finally, on the choice of “theories” for evaluation, I argue for Edelman's theory of neuronal group selection instead of connectionism (classical or not).

Based on the philosophical and scientific analysis of the conflict between the Catholic ecclesiastic doctrine and wisdom of «living faith» the article discovers the algorithm of counteractions of philosophy of conformity and non-conformism in response to the pressure of modern civilization changes. It is proved that the cost of these two paths for the Catholic Church is about the same, because none of them is effective in establishing an overall upgrade strategy and outlining general perspectives. Truly constructive for the Catholic (...) Church, in this situation, may be the «Middle Way», renewal without a «surrender» in the eye of the world. (shrink)

Modern theologians give the Sermon on the Mount such definitions: "the pearl of the gospel teachings," "the lecture of Christ's morality, ethics, asceticism," "a brief summary of the whole New Testament," "one of the most prominent places in the Bible." In the end, "The sermon on the other hand uplifts, by its content, ideas, character and spirit, all the teachings of the most outstanding philosophers, humanists, prophets, and moralists to this day." Of course, these definitions are perceived primarily as being (...) related to the apologetic theology to which we are treated with respect. (shrink)

The patient’s autonomy and well-being are sometimes seen as central to the ethical justification of voluntary euthanasia (VE) and physician-assisted suicide (PAS). While respecting the patient’s wish to die plausibly promotes the patient’s autonomy, it is less obvious how alleviating the patient’s suffering through death benefits the patient. Death eliminates the subject, so how can we intelligibly maintain that the patient’s well-being is promoted when she/he no longer exists? This article interrogates two typical answers given by philosophers: (a) that death (...) confers a well-being benefit in the sense that it actualises a comparatively better life course for the patient (ie, a shorter life with less net suffering), and (b) that death is beneficial because non-existence which entails no suffering is superior to an existence filled with suffering. A close examination of the two senses in which the patient might incur a well-being benefit reveals problems that preclude physicians delivering VE/PAS in the name of beneficence. (shrink)

Following the argument of Pusey et al. (in Nature Phys. 8:476, 2012), new interest has been raised on whether one can interpret state-vectors (pure states) in a statistical way (ψ-epistemic theories), or if each one of them corresponds to a different ontological entity. Each interpretation of quantum theory assumes different ontology and one could ask if the PBR argument carries over. Here we examine this question for histories formulations in general with particular attention to the co-event formulation. State-vectors appear as (...) the initial state that enters into the quantum measure. While the PBR argument goes through up to a point, the failure to meet some of the assumptions they made does not allow one to reach their conclusion. However, the author believes that the “statistical interpretation” is still impossible for co-events even if this is not proven by the PBR argument. (shrink)

In this article, I try to present some effects of the acceptance of nonconceptual content of perception in the realism problem. After having enhancement as main the problem of discrimination observable - unobservable into the conflict of realism with the constructive empiricism, I criticize a particular aspect, that nonconceptual content of perception strengthens the realistic position. Arguing that, while the starting point of the realist position is the existence of entities of common sense, there is nothing that assures us that (...) the world of our daily life consists of objective, specific, unambiguous entities, that is made up the deep structure of the world - as realists believes - and entities are not just "relevant" objects, which are meant only for our own biological species. These “subjective for species” entities we are obliged, as a particular species, to percept with particular perceptual organs in order to satisfy specific needs, and manage to survive ourselves in a particular environment. (shrink)

This is the first of a two-volume monograph on the Unification of Artificial Intelligence and Psychology. It unifies the topics of representation, meaning, thinking, communication, and understanding. Such a unification requires the establishment of a novel, fully explicated, theoretical construct —noémon system— that replaces all the inadequately developed concepts that historically have been used as constitutive notions of cognitive science. The space of noémon systems encompasses an awe-inspiring variety of noémon species and an increasing variety of artificially noémon entities and (...) hybrid noémon systems. As such, it is a superspace of the space of phenomena addressed by cognitive science. The theory of noémon systems (TNS) described in this two-volume monograph is envisaged as the first step towards an emerging science of noémon systems. (shrink)

The article contains general definition of the phenomenon of hypertext and the Internet in a virtual consciousness philosophy of post-modernism. Describes the phenomenon of hypertext as nonlinear forms of computer and literary texts, its structural units and the main aspects of the organization of hypertext. The article contains the detailed analysis of publications on the issue of hypertext and the history of investigation of this problem. The specific features which allow defining of hypertext as the brand new phenomenon are analyzed (...) in the article. Among them we can mention the following points: - Hypertext is constantly updateable, amendable, editable; - Hypertext has neither any set beginning or the end nor any hierarchical structure; - Hypertext has decentralized nature; - The specific features of hypertext are manifested in text transformations. If an "ordinary" text has linear character, and one can move in its "area" only in the directions limited by one and the same space, then rhizomorphic hypertext opens new "transverse" changes in the text Universe. The way of organizing of text in Internet corresponds to the major ideas of "nomadology" and "Rhizome" developed by Gilles Deleuze and F?lix Guattari in their Capitalism and Schizophrenia project. Postmodernist electronic hypertext is a phenomenon by its nature opposite to modernist printed text. This allows us to consider hypertext as one of the features of coming of "post- Gutenberg era". Hypertext fundamentally changes the way of construction of text environment - to replace the one-dimensional text comes multi-dimensional. In the phenomenon of the global information network, created on the basis of hypertext technology, - intertextual fiber, series of texts, which intercross with other texts, produce new texts. In conclusions of the article - the characterization of hypertext as postmodernist phenomenon is given and the major views of postmodernism which are represented in hypertext - plurality, decentration, fragmentariness, intertextuality - are provided. (shrink)

This paper considers the impact of the AI R&D programme on human society and the individual human being on the assumption that a full realisation of the engineering objective of AI, namely, construction of human-level, domain-independent intelligent entities, is possible. Our assumption is essentially identical tothe maximum progress scenario of the Office of Technology Assessment, US Congress.Specifically, the first section introduces some of the significant issues on the relational nexus among work, education and the human-machine boundary. In particular, based on (...) a Russellian conception of rationality I briefly argue that we need to change our related conceptions of work, employment and free time, through a new human-centred education. On the human-machine boundary problem, I make a couple of tentative suggestions and put forward some crucial open questions.Section two discusses the impact of the emerging machine intelligence on human nature both as modification of its self-image, keeping human nature itself unchanged, and its potential for altering human nature itself. I briefly argue that: (i) in a certain context, the question of the supremacy or uniqueness of human intelligence loses much, if not all, of its ‘weight’; and (ii) appearance of Robot-X species would immortalise the human spirit. (shrink)

This book explores the overlooked but vital theoretical relationships between R. M. Hare, Alan Gewirth, and Jürgen Habermas. The author claims their accounts of value, while failing to address classic virtue-theoretical critiques, bear the seeds of a resolution to the ultimate question "What is most valuable?" These dialectical approaches, as claimed, justify a reinterpretation of value and value judgment according to the Carnapian conception of an empirical-linguistic framework or grammar. Through a further synthesis with the work of Philippa Foot and (...) Thomas Magnell, the author shows that "value" would be literally meaningless without four fundamental phenomena which constitute such a framework: Logical Judgment, Conceptual Synthesis, Conceptual Abstraction, and Freedom. As part of the 'grammar of goodness,' the excellence of these phenomena, in a highly concrete way, constitute the essence of the greatest good, as this book explains.. (shrink)

Ukraine's ties with Rome have a long history. Along with such ways of Christianity penetrating into Kievan Rus as Byzantine, Bulgarian, in particular Cyril and Methodius, there was also Western European - Roman. The Apostolic Capital has made considerable efforts to convert Christianity to the people of Russia. Relations with Rome and Western Latin Christianity were maintained long before the baptism of Kievan Rus and continued unhindered until the Mongolian invasion. It is enough to remind briefly of contacts and exchange (...) of embassies with Rome by Princess Olga, during the reign of Vladimir Svyatoslavovich, Yaropolk, son of Svyatoslav, Yaroslav the Wise. (shrink)

The concept of proof can be studied from many different perspectives. Many types of proofs have been developed throughout history such as apodictic, dialectical, formal, constructive and non-constructive proofs, proofs by visualisation, assumption-based proofs, computer-generated proofs, etc. In this paper, we develop Goguen’s general concept of proof-events and the methodology of algebraic semiotics, in order to define the concept of mathematical style, which characterizes the proofs produced by different cultures, schools or scholars. In our view, style can be defined as (...) a semiotic meta-code that depends on the underlying mode of signification (semiosis), the selected code and the underlying semiotic space and determines the individual mode of integration (selection, combination, blending) into a narrative structure (proof). Finally, we examine certain historical types of styles of mathematical proofs, to elucidate our viewpoint. (shrink)

This article is concerned with the concept of ambiguity in argumentation. Ambiguity in linguistics lies on the coexistence of two possibly interpretations of an utterance, while the role of contextual factors and background/encyclopedic knowledge within a specific society seems to be crucial. From a systemic point of view, Halliday has proposed three main language functions (meta-functions): a) ideational function, b) interpersonal function, c) textual function. Language could reflect speaker’s experience of his external and internal world, interpersonal relationships and organization of (...) text, respectively. Lexico-grammatical choices under a micro-level perspective and context (the environment of language) may lead to inconsistent interpretations through semantic or syntactic ambiguities. In philosophy and argumentation logic, strategies of ambiguity have been investigated by Aristotle, since the first sophistic movement. In his Topics, Metaphysics and Rhetoric, has pointed out the notion of “τὸ διττῶς / διχῶς λεγόμενον”, meaning that a term can have different senses and double interpretation. In this paper we discuss how we reconstruct the meaning of an utterance in dialogue through the mechanism of interpretation and how we analyze and construe ambiguities, combining the insights of argumentation theory and text linguistics. Research results show that in case of misunderstanding, the “best interpretation” is the less defeasible one according to contextual presumptions. (shrink)

Tomos II. Koinōnikes epistēmes kai epistēmes tou anthrōpou: ho gallikos dromos tēs ennoias.

Recent developments in economics and the science of law emphasize their cooperation for a better understanding of social structures and interactions, an effective application of social scientific knowledge and a rational evaluation and implementation of social norms. There are, however, difficult methodological problems in this endeavor: Whereas economics is mainly (with the exception of welfare economics) an empirical science which collects information about economic activities and the functioning of the economic system, the science of law is a normative discipline aiming (...) at solving social conflicts and establishing rational principles for judicial decisions. In this paper, we suggest a three-level scheme for the interdisciplinary cooperation of law and economics, addressing the different problems that positive and normative economics face as they apply economic knowledge to legal matters. Economic analysis of law is proposed as a model for a general transformation of the traditionally hermeneutical jurisprudence into an analytic-normative science of law based on theoretical expectation (explanation) and the rational evaluation of the consequences of legal rules and principles. (shrink)

In November of 1997, a letter from my professor AM came to my name. Hoodies from Ternopil Medical Academy named after. V.Ya. Gorbachevsky The letter mentioned that Arsen Richinsky was born in Kremenets'kyi, therefore the Department of Religious Studies at the Institute of Philosophy named after GS Pots of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine want to hold a scientific conference, whose participants should be taken immediately. [Mazur P., The immortalism of Arsen Rychinsky's memory on his native land // (...) Arsen Rychinsky - prominent Ukrainian public figure and scholar and religious scholar. Science collection. - Kyiv-Kremenets, 2007. - P. 27-32]. Motivating that the conference should be carefully prepared, we agreed with scientists of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine to hold the first Rychinsky readings on the basis of the school in the spring of 1998. (shrink)

Events that preceded the Brest Union in 1596 followed by her has long been the subject of numerical research. Little is a historical event like The Berne Union has found such a wide coverage in history.

The authors analysed the essence of the institutional approach in scientific researches and the peculiarities of its types using in the analysis of political phenomena and processes. Characterised types of the institutional approach are used to analyse democracy with the distinction of institutional and organisational, institutional and legal and institutional and cultural dimensions.

In the last 15 years, in the conditions of independent Ukraine, the study of Protestantism has taken on new qualitative dimensions. The scientific and objectivity of the study was ensured through the use of a source base, review and critical literature of the 19th - 20th centuries., access to archival documentation. Over the same years, a new cohort of Ukrainian Protestantism scholars has been formed, which has had ample opportunity to use these benefits to unconventionally and truthfully treat Protestantism as (...) a religious subject of study. (shrink)

In a number of the author's scientific religious studies, A. Richinsky appears as a deep researcher of the history of Christianity and, in particular, of the history of Ukrainian Christianity. In controversy with his opponents, he attests to a thorough knowledge of the process of forming Christian dogmas of church canons, biblical texts, which he convincingly and skillfully operates as a professional exegete. At the same time, A. Richinsky appears to us as a tolerant, ecumenical personality, not inclined to religious (...) confession, bias towards "non-believers", free from religious fanaticism and clerical extremism. If such a figure were today among our Ukrainian intelligentsia or, better yet, among the Orthodox hierarchy, the cause of unification of all Ukrainian Orthodox churches would inevitably have come to a standstill. (shrink)

Late Protestantism - Baptists, Pentecostals, Adventists, and Jehovah's Witnesses have existed in Ukraine for over a hundred years. Under Soviet rule, these denominations were under constant administrative pressure, subject to party-ideological criticism, atheistic propaganda. The Pentecostals were virtually banned and non-registrable, since they were forcibly annexed by evangelical Baptist Christians after the August 1945 state agreement initiated by the Moscow authorities. From the very beginning of the establishment of Soviet power in Western Ukraine, Jehovah's Witnesses were declared an "anti-Soviet sect" (...) and were therefore banned. In March 1951, an act of genocide was committed against Jehovah's Witnesses: according to the "Memorandum Note of the USSR Ministry of State Security", approved by J. Stalin's personal signature, all Jehovah's Witnesses, together with their families, were sent from Ukraine to eternal settlement in Siberia. without the right of return to Ukraine, and their homes and property were confiscated by the state. (shrink)

On November 28-29, 1997, the first international scientific conference in the cycle of 4 international scientific conferences "Christianity: History and Present" was held in Kyiv, which was planned for 1997-2000. The conference was co-organized by the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the State Committee of Ukraine for Religious Affairs, the Ukrainian Association of Religious Studies, the Lviv Museum of the History of Religion. The coordinator of the conference was the Department of Religious Studies at the Institute of Philosophy named (...) after G. Skovoroda of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. Participation in the conference was attended by Ukrainian scholars - philosophers, historians, religious scholars from many Ukrainian cities who work in various fields - academic education, education, culture, government institutions, as well as foreign scholars from Canada, Poland, and the USA. (shrink)

An important event of the Orthodox world of the last year was the Cathedral, which took place on June 19-28 on. Mole. The extraordinary nature of this council is that it was convened 1229 years after the last Ecumenical Council in 787, which was not yet split into Orthodoxy and Catholicism of a single Christian Church. The Catholic Church then independently held its 22 councils, the last of which - the Second Vatican Council was held in 1962-1965. In Orthodoxy, extraterrestrial (...) silence prevailed, since its hierarchs believed that for the "fullness and maturity" of the Christian Church there was enough canonical work of the seven Ecumenical Councils that took place during 325-787 years. (shrink)

Until recently, the church and culture in the confessional sense could not be equal and equal in size. The partnership of dichotomy church-culture was denied both first and second. The historic church tried to stand over culture, and culture tried to distance itself from the church. The idea of ​​culture was associated with church only with religious culture, which was defined as social reproductive or creative activity of people in the sphere of being and consciousness, which was associated with belief (...) in supernatural. Religious culture has always been denominationally differentiated and expressed the historically reached level of development of religious movements. Religious culture was distinguished by its features as material, and the spiritual one. (shrink)

On behalf of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine Department of History of Religion and Practical Religious Studies, the Department of Religious Studies of the G.S. Skovoroda Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine reviewed a letter sent by the Religious Center of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ukraine requesting an analysis of the religious literature of Jehovah's Witnesses in Ukraine, which is sent free of charge to this religious center from abroad, in particular from Germany, and (...) to provide an expert opinion: whether in its content and application, this literature is liturgical. (shrink)

Under this name, on November 19-20, 1998, an international scientific and practical conference devoted to the 50th anniversary of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights took place in Kyiv. The organizers of the conference are the International Academy of Religious Freedom, the International Commission on the Freedom of Conscience, the Ukrainian Association of Religious Studies, the State Committee of Ukraine for Religious Affairs, the Department of Religious Studies at the Institute of Philosophy named after. G.S. Skovoroda, National Academy of (...) Sciences of Ukraine. (shrink)

Such an international scientific conference took place on May 16-18, 1995 in Kyiv. Its organizers were: the Ministry of Ukraine for Matters of Nationalities, Migration and Cults, the Ukrainian Association of Religious Studies, the Institute of Philosophy of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, the International Christian University and the National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy.

(1997). A rudimentary theory of information: Consequences for information science and information systems. World Futures: Vol. 49, The Quest for a Unified Theory of Information, pp. 275-286.