We propose a nonmonotonic Description Logic of typicality able to account for the phenomenon of the combination of prototypical concepts. The proposed logic relies on the logic of typicality ALC + TR, whose semantics is based on the notion of rational closure, as well as on the distributed semantics of probabilistic Description Logics, and is equipped with a cognitive heuristic used by humans for concept composition. We first extend the logic of typicality ALC + TR by typicality inclusions of the (...) form p :: T(C) v D, whose intuitive meaning is that “we believe with degree p about the fact that typical Cs are Ds”. As in the distributed semantics, we define different scenarios containing only some typicality inclusions, each one having a suitable probability. We then exploit such scenarios in order to ascribe typical properties to a concept C obtained as the combination of two prototypical concepts. We also show that reasoning in the proposed Description Logic is EXPTIME-complete as for the underlying standard Description Logic ALC. (shrink)

We propose a nonmonotonic Description Logic of typicality able to account for the phenomenon of combining prototypical concepts, an open problem in the fields of AI and cognitive modelling. Our logic extends the logic of typicality ALC + TR, based on the notion of rational closure, by inclusions p :: T(C) v D (“we have probability p that typical Cs are Ds”), coming from the distributed semantics of probabilistic Description Logics. Additionally, it embeds a set of cognitive heuristics for concept (...) combination. We show that the complexity of reasoning in our logic is EXPTIME-complete as in ALC. (shrink)

In this paper we focus on theorem proving for conditional logics. First, we give a detailed description of CondLean, a theorem prover for some standard conditional logics. CondLean is a SICStus Prolog implementation of some labeled sequent calculi for conditional logics recently introduced. It is inspired to the so called “lean” methodology, even if it does not fit this style in a rigorous manner. CondLean also comprises a graphical interface written in Java. Furthermore, we introduce a goal-directed proof search mechanism, (...) derived from the above mentioned sequent calculi based on the notion of uniform proofs. Finally, we describe GOALDUCK, a simple SICStus Prolog implementation of the goal-directed calculus mentioned here above. Both the programs CondLean and GOALDUCK, together with their source code, are available for free download at. (shrink)

Combining typical knowledge to generate novel concepts is an important creative trait of human cognition. Dealing with such ability requires, from an AI perspective, the harmonization of two conflicting requirements that are hardly accommodated in symbolic systems: the need of a syntactic compositionality (typical of logical systems) and that one concerning the exhibition of typicality effects (see Frixione and Lieto, 2012). In this work we provide a logical framework able to account for this type of human-like concept combination. We propose (...) a nonmonotonic Description Logic of typicality called TCL (Typicality-based Compositional Logic). (shrink)

In this paper we present a framework for the dynamic and automatic generation of novel knowledge obtained through a process of commonsense reasoning based on typicality-based concept combination. We exploit a recently introduced extension of a Description Logic of typicality able to combine prototypical descriptions of concepts in order to generate new prototypical concepts and deal with problem like the PET FISH (Osherson and Smith, 1981; Lieto & Pozzato, 2019). Intuitively, in the context of our application of this logic, (...) the overall pipeline of our system works as follows: given a goal expressed as a set of properties, if the knowledge base does not contain a concept able to fulfill all these properties, then our system looks for two concepts to recombine in order to extend the original knowledge based satisfy the goal. (shrink)

This article reports on the development of the managerial ethical profile (MEP) scale. The MEP scale is a multilevel, self-reporting scale measuring the perceived influence that different dimensions of common ethical frameworks have on managerial decision making. The MEP scale measures on eight subscales: economic egoism, reputational egoism, act utilitarianism, rule utilitarianism, self-virtue of self, virtue of others, act deontology, and rule deontology. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was used to provide evidence of scale validity. Future research needs and the value (...) of this measure for business ethics are discussed. (shrink)

- L'articolo assume come sfondo specifico le dinamiche della relazione uomo-natura in John Dewey, cercando di ricostruire in chiave drammatica il problema della personalitÀ individuale. Attraverso l'utilizzo di un metodo di tipo fenomenologico, vengono messe in luce le tappe che conducono l'individuo a un processo di realizzazione etica di sé. Particolare risalto viene dato al dramma che il soggetto vive nella scelta razionale dei valori. Dramma che induce il filosofo americano a trovare nell'etica lo sviluppo finale della logica. Questa svolta (...) muove l'intero processo della soggettivitÀ sul piano della responsabilitÀ. Una responsabilitÀ drammatica e rischiosa, che costituisce l'unica via che il soggetto puň percorrere se aspira a qualificare la realtÀ in cui si trova inscindibilmente incarnato in modo intelligente, personale e creativo. (shrink)

Obiettivo del saggio č di esplorare se esista la possibilitÀ di una organizzazione logico-razionale della realtÀ, a partire dalle riflessioni che su questo tema Alfred Schütz ha proposto in. Si mostra come per Schütz non risulti affatto agevole un'applicazione dei principi della logica tradizionale alle dinamiche che caratterizzano la realtÀ quotidiana. Soltanto attraverso le categorie tipizzanti proprie della scienza l'osservatore potrÀ «far tornare i conti» di una realtÀ che altrimenti non potrebbe apparire perfettamente logica, non mettendo cosě in discussione la (...) validitÀ del metodo razionale, ma d'altro canto pagando il prezzo di ridurre il mondo sociale a un teatro di. Una sorta di «burattini semi-animati» che eseguono in modo coerente e razionale tutto ciň che le categorie tipologiche della scienza, dall'alto della loro dimensione puramente concettuale, impongono loro. (shrink)

A partire da testi profondamente diversi come il Canzoniere petrarchesco e una raccolta di scritti autobiografici di pazienti oncologiche, l'autore compie un'indagine sul concetto di speranza, in particolare sulla sua dimensione temporale e sulla sua connessione con l'attivazione del pensiero. Con riferimenti teorici eterogenei che vanno da Bloch a Borgna, da Minkowski a Marcel, da Demetrio a Bénasayag e Schmit, dalla psicoanalisi alla teologia biblica e alla sociologia, si indagano gli aspetti regressivi e quelli evolutivi della speranza considerata come proiezione (...) del futuro nel presente che influisce sull'elaborzione del proprio passato personale. Infine si osserva come il tempo della contemporaneitÀ sia impermeabile alla speranza, che sopravvive solo in ambiti quali la scrittura, la creativitÀ, la lentezza, il silenzio nei quali ci si puň ancora prendere cura di sé. (shrink)

Riassunto : Gli autori di autoritratti fotografici possono esprimere diversi aspetti della loro personalità. In particolare, i selfie enfatizzano difficoltà nella connessione cervello-corpo, una fantasia di auto creazione e il bisogno di rimuovere qualsiasi mediazione nella creazione di un’immagine personale. Il fine della pubblicazione di un selfie non nasce dal bisogno di una relazione reale, ma deriva dalla necessità di un’auto-conferma narcisistica. Il pensiero che si produce quando una persona scatta e condivide un selfie esclude la mentalizzazione e non è (...) orientato verso il mondo interno individuale, ma si concentra su un pensiero di auto-rispecchiamento della persona che lo posta. I selfie non rivelano solo livelli variabili di narcisismo dell’autore, a seconda delle tipologie di selfie, ma possono essere segni di alcuni tratti di personalità schizoide, dipendente, istrionica, evitante e anche in alcuni casi borderline. Parole chiave : Selfie; Narcisismo; Autorappresentazione; Rapporto corpo/mente; Social network; Comunicazione Selfie: Hidden Thoughts, Self-creation Fantasy, Personality Traits: Self-portrait photographs can express different aspects of the author’s personality. In particular, selfies magnify difficulties with the brain-body connection, self-creation fantasies and a felt need to remove any mediation involved in the creation of a personal image. The impulse to publish selfies does not stem from a need for real relationships, but rather serves narcissistic self-confirmation. When a person takes and shares a selfie, she avoids mentalisation and does not orient towards her internal world, but instead focuses on self-mirroring the posing person. Selfies not only reveal the variable shades of the author’s narcissism, depending on the typology of the selfie, but can also reveal signs of certain schizoid, dependent, histrionic, avoidant, and sometimes even borderline personality traits. Keywords: Selfies; Narcissism; Self-representation; Mind/Body Relationship; Social Network; Communication. (shrink)

Il saggio analizza il modo in cui l'uso dell'sms favorisce una modalitÀ di pseudo-attivazione del pensiero che ha ricadute sulle rappresentazioni di sé, dell'altro e delle relazioni tra sé e l'altro. In quanto «tecnologia del sé», il telefonino orienta e modifica il pensiero in una direzione narcisistica e autocentrata per cui gran parte delle comunicazioni ha una ricaduta autoreferenziale e la persona con cui ci si relaziona č ridotta a oggetto-Sé con funzione speculare di conferma dell'immagine che il soggetto ha (...) di se stesso. Il risultato č la creazione di pseudo-pensieri e una mentalizzazione di superficie che porta spesso a un'identificazione fusionale con l'altro, non riconosciuto come effettivamente altro da sé. Si realizzano quelle «identificazioni solide» di cui parla Recalcati che si connettono all'abolizione dell'inconscio da lui riscontrata nella nostra epoca. (shrink)

Résumé Depuis plusieurs années, habitants et militants de la vallée de Suse s’opposent à la construction d’une ligne à grande vitesse entre la France et l’Italie. La réaction des autorités est quasi-militaire mais le faible avancement des travaux ne justifie pas un tel emportement. La lutte expérimente pas à pas les nouveaux concepts de la construction du commun.

Background:Ambulance professionals often address conflicts between ethical values. As individuals’ values represent basic convictions of what is right or good and motivate behaviour, research is needed to understand their value profiles.Objectives:To translate and adapt the Managerial Values Profile to Spanish and Swedish, and measure the presence of utilitarianism, moral rights and/or social justice in ambulance professionals’ value profiles in Spain and Sweden.Methods:The instrument was translated and culturally adapted. A content validity index was calculated. Pilot tests were carried out with 46 (...) participants.Ethical considerations:This study conforms to the ethical principles for research involving human subjects and adheres to national laws and regulations concerning informed consent and confidentiality.Findings:Spanish professionals favoured justice and Swedish professionals’ rights in their ambulance organizations. Both countries favoured utilitarianism least. Gender differences across countries showed that males favoured rights. Spanish female professionals favoured justice most strongly of all.Discussion:Swedes favour rights while Spaniards favour justice. Both contexts scored low on utilitarianism focusing on total population effect, preferring the opposite, individualized approach of the rights and justice perspectives. Organizational investment in a utilitarian perspective might jeopardize ambulance professionals’ moral right to make individual assessments based on the needs of the patient at hand. Utilitarianism and a caring ethos appear as stark opposites. However, a caring ethos in its turn might well involve unreasonable demands on the individual carer’s professional role. Since both the justice and rights perspectives portrayed in the survey mainly concern relationship to the organization and peers within the organization, this relationship might at worst be given priority over the equal treatment and moral rights of the patient.Conclusion:A balanced view on ethical perspectives is needed to make professionals observant and ready to act optimally – especially if these perspectives are used in patient care. Research is needed to clarify how justice and rights are prioritized by ambulance services and whether or not these organization-related values are also implemented in patient care. (shrink)

The relationship between traumatic life events and increased suicide risk has been well reported in literature. However, the complex nature of suicidality phenomena still hinders our ability to comprehend the mediation mechanism underlying this association. In this study, we examined the mediating role of adult attachment and reflective functioning in the relationship between traumatic life events and suicidal ideation. Nine hundred and fifty Italian adults completed an online survey evaluating traumatic life events, adult attachment, reflective functioning and suicidal ideation. The (...) path analysis showed that the positive relationship between traumatic life events and suicidal ideation was partially mediated by attachment anxiety and reflective functioning. From a clinical point of view, these results support the relevance of evaluating and improving patients’ ability to mentalize as a part of psychotherapeutic intervention aimed at reducing suicidality in people with a history of traumatic experiences and attachment anxiety. (shrink)

Translation of Aristotle's Parts of Animals Book I into Portuguese, with full commentaries.

The goal of this paper is to review and critically discuss the philosophical aspects of probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA). Given that estimates of seismic hazard are typically riddled with uncertainty, diferent epistemic values (related to the pursuit of scientifc knowledge) compete in the selection of seismic hazard models, in a context infuenced by non-epistemic values (related to practical goals and aims) as well. We frst distinguish between the diferent types of uncertainty in PSHA. We claim that epistemic and nonepistemic (...) considerations are closely related in the selection of the appropriate estimate of seismic hazard by the experts. Finally, we argue that the division of scientifc responsibility among the experts can lead to responsibility gaps. This raises a problem for the ownership of the results (“no one’s model” problem) similar to the “problem of many hands” in the ethics of technology. We conclude with a plea for a close collaboration between philosophy and engineering. (shrink)

This book discusses Aristotle’s notions of essence and substance as they are developed in Metaphysics ZH. I examine Aristotle's argument at length and defends an unorthodox interpretation according to which his motivation is to provide an answer against a conflation between criteria for existential priority (delivering substances as primary beings) and criteria for explanatory priority (delivering essences as primary principles).

I discuss some of Aristotle’s scattered remarks from which one can construct his conception of matter. Aristotle seems to oscillate between two conceptions: one in which matter is the principle of becoming, another in which matter is a constituent element with no contribution for processes of becoming. Sometimes Aristotle takes matter as a thing independent in itself, and the correlated form is a feature that does not contribute to the matter’s essence, nor is a necessary condition for its existence. But (...) sometimes Aristotle takes matter as a constituent element the existence of which depends on the whole thing it is the matter of. These different approaches to matter seem to suggest an inconsistent theory of matter. However, I argue that, quite to the contrary, Aristotle has a consistent theory about matter. One of my main points is to distinguish contexts in which Aristotle is indeed talking about matter in general from contexts in which he uses the term “matter” to refer to a given thing that was previously taken as matter and to talk about that thing not qua matter, but qua the thing it is. (shrink)

The aim of this paper is to clarify under what conditions a philosophical problem arises. I will describe two ways in which we might perceive a question as a problem. First, when we fnd ourselves inclined to believe in propositions that appear incompatible with each other. Second, when we fnd ourselves inclined to believe in propositions that seem incompatible with our desires. I will discuss both of these cases and articulate a didactic strategy – the Clash Strategy – which can (...) be used in order to plan and facilitate dialogic inquiry in the classroom. This strategy suggests introducing stimuli that will help students appreciate the clash that drives the philosophical question to be explored during the dialogue. In summary, this paper aims to ofer insights to all teachers interested in promoting dialogic inquiry, whether philosophical or otherwise, in education. (shrink)

Quine’s “New Foundations” (NF) was first presented in Quine [1937] and later on in Quine [1963]. Ernst Specker [1958, 1962], building upon a previous result of Ehrenfeucht and Mostowski [1956], showed that NF is consistent if and only if there is a model of the Theory of Negative (and positive) Types (TNT) with full extensionality that admits of a “shifting automorphism,” but the existence of a such a model remains an open problem.