The objective of this paper is analyzing to which extent the multiverse hypothesis provides a real explanation of the peculiarities of the laws and constants in our universe. First we argue in favor of the thesis that all multiverses except Tegmark’s “mathematical multiverse” are too small to explain the fine tuning, so that they merely shift the problem up one level. But the “mathematical multiverse" is surely too large. To prove this assessment, we have performed a number of experiments with (...) cellular automata of complex behavior, which can be considered as universes in the mathematical multiverse. The analogy between what happens in some automata (in particular Conway’s “Game of Life") and the real world is very strong. But if the results of our experiments can be extrapolated to our universe, we should expect to inhabit—in the context of the multiverse—a world in which at least some of the laws and constants of nature should show a certain time dependence. Actually, the probability of our existence in a world such as ours would be mathematically equal to zero. In consequence, the results presented in this paper can be considered as an inkling that the hypothesis of the multiverse, whatever its type, does not offer an adequate explanation for the peculiarities of the physical laws in our world. (shrink)

A world without individual entities? An advice to not to extract immediate ontological consequences from quantum theory. Should we assume a world without individual entities? I pledge not to extract immediate ontological consequences from quantum theory. My intention is to focus on the complexity of ontological concepts commonly associated with quantum theory. Using as an example the compatibility of EPR correlations with the existence of individual entities, it is shown that an absolute rejection of an ontological category, based on some (...) aspects of the formalism of quantum theory, does not seem reasonable. A consequence of this argument is that the common sense view – the world is composed of individual entities – can be maintained, despite of the particularities of quantum mechanics. (shrink)

This paper analyzes two different proposals, one by Ellis and Brundrit, based on classical relativistic cosmology, the other by Garriga and Vilenkin, based on the DH interpretation of quantum mechanics, both concluding that, in an infinite universe, planets and beings must be repeated an infinite number of times. We point to possible shortcomings in these arguments. We conclude that the idea of an infinite repetition of histories in space cannot be considered strictly speaking a consequence of current physics and cosmology. (...) Such ideas should be seen rather as examples of «ironic science» in the terminology of John Horgan. (shrink)

A world without individual entities? An advice to not to extract immediate ontological consequences from quantum theory. Should we assume a world without individual entities? I pledge not to extract immediate ontological consequences from quantum theory. My intention is to focus on the complexity of ontological concepts commonly associated with quantum theory. Using as an example the compatibility of EPR correlations with the existence of individual entities, it is shown that an absolute rejection of an ontological category, based on some (...) aspects of the formalism of quantum theory, does not seem reasonable. A consequence of this argument is that the common sense view - the world is composed of individual entities-can be maintained, despite of the particularities of quantum mechanics. (shrink)

This paper analyzes two different proposals, one by Ellis and Brundrit, based on classical relativistic cosmology, the other by Garriga and Vilenkin, based on the DH interpretation of quantum mechanics, both concluding that, in an infinite universe, planets and beings must be repeated an infinite number of times. We point to possible shortcomings in these arguments. We conclude that the idea of an infinite repetition of histories in space cannot be considered strictly speaking a consequence of current physics and cosmology. (...) Such ideas should be seen rather as examples of «ironic science» in the terminology of John Horgan. (shrink)

This volume has 41 chapters written to honor the 100th birthday of Mario Bunge. It celebrates the work of this influential Argentine/Canadian physicist and philosopher. Contributions show the value of Bunge’s science-informed philosophy and his systematic approach to philosophical problems. The chapters explore the exceptionally wide spectrum of Bunge’s contributions to: metaphysics, methodology and philosophy of science, philosophy of mathematics, philosophy of physics, philosophy of psychology, philosophy of social science, philosophy of biology, philosophy of technology, moral philosophy, social and political (...) philosophy, medical philosophy, and education. The contributors include scholars from 16 countries. Bunge combines ontological realism with epistemological fallibilism. He believes that science provides the best and most warranted knowledge of the natural and social world, and that such knowledge is the only sound basis for moral decision making and social and political reform. Bunge argues for the unity of knowledge. In his eyes, science and philosophy constitute a fruitful and necessary partnership. Readers will discover the wisdom of this approach and will gain insight into the utility of cross-disciplinary scholarship. This anthology will appeal to researchers, students, and teachers in philosophy of science, social science, and liberal education programmes. 1. Introduction Section I. An Academic Vocation Section II. Philosophy Section III. Physics and Philosophy of Physics Section IV. Cognitive Science and Philosophy of Mind Section V. Sociology and Social Theory Section VI. Ethics and Political Philosophy Section VII. Biology and Philosophy of Biology Section VIII. Mathematics Section IX. Education Section X. Varia Section XI. Bibliography. (shrink)

BackgroundComorbidity between diabetes mellitus and depression is highly prevalent. The risk of depression in a person with diabetes is approximately twice that of a person without this disease. Depression has a major impact on patient well-being and control of diabetes. However, despite the availability of effective and specific therapeutic interventions for the treatment of depression in people with diabetes, 50% of patients do not receive psychological treatment due to insufficient and difficult accessibility to psychological therapies in health systems. The use (...) of information and communication technologies has therefore been proposed as a useful tool for the delivery of psychological interventions, but it continues to be a field in which scientific evidence is recent and controversial. This systematic review aims to update the available information on the efficacy of psychological interventions delivered through ICTs to improve depressive symptomatology in patients with diabetes.MethodsA systematic review of the literature was performed following the PRISMA guidelines and using MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases to search for randomized clinical trials of eHealth treatments for patients with diabetes and comorbid depression from 1995 through 2020. In addition, studies related to follow-up appointments were identified. Inclusion criteria were as follows: randomized clinical trials ; patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes; adult population over 18 years of age; presence of depressive symptomatology assessed with standardized instruments; treatments for depression based on established psychotherapeutic techniques and principles; delivered through eHealth technologies. We did not limit severity of depressive symptomatology, delivery setting or comparison group. Two coauthors independently reviewed the publications identified for inclusion and extracted data from the included studies. A third reviewer was involved to discuss discrepancies found. The PEDro scale was used to assess the quality of the RCTs. No meta-analysis of the results was performed. The protocol used for this review is available in PROSPERO.ResultsThe initial search identified 427 relevant scientific publications. After removing duplicates and ineligible citations, a total of 201 articles were analyzed in full text. Ten articles met the criteria of this review and were included, obtaining very good scientific quality after evaluation with the PEDro scale. The main results show that the eHealth psychological intervention for depression in patients with diabetes showed beneficial effects both at the end of treatment and in the short and long term for the improvement of depressive symptomatology. The methodology used was very heterogeneous. However, all studies were based on cognitive-behavioral tools and used standardized assessment instruments to evaluate depressive symptomatology or diagnosis of MDD. Glycemic control was assessed by glycosylated hemoglobin, but no benefits were found in improving glycemic control. Only four studies included psychoeducational content on diabetes and depression, but none used tools to improve or enhance adherence to medical prescriptions or diabetes self-care.ConclusionsICT-based psychological interventions for the treatment of depression in people with diabetes appear to be effective in reducing depressive symptomatology but do not appear to provide significant results with regard to glycemic control. Nonetheless, the scientific evidence reported to date is still very limited and the methodology very diverse. In addition, no studies have implemented these systems in routine clinical practice, and no studies are available on the economic analysis of these interventions. Future research should focus on studying and including new tools to ensure improvements in diabetes outcomes and not only on psychological well-being in order to advance knowledge about these treatments. Economic evaluations should also be undertaken to analyze whether these treatment programs implemented using eHealth technologies are cost-effective. (shrink)

Se proponen tres ejemplos históricos para mostrar cómo la religión, en la forma del cristianismo católico, ha promovido el avance de la filosofía moral o la filosofía social. Frente a posiciones que entienden que la religión tiene como función principal la conservación del status quo de una sociedad en particular (Marx o Durkheim) estos casos notables muestran que más bien es al contrario: las motivaciones religiosas han provocado cambios en la forma de pensar que inevitablemente implican cambios en el modo (...) de vida (Weber). Elegimos tres autores ligados por la época y el espacio (Siglo de oro español) y la religión (cristianismo católico). Juan Luis Vives propuso desde la filosofía cristiana que inspira todo su trabajo una asistencia regular y organizada a los pobres, que andando el tiempo se convertiría en la asistencia social contemporánea. Francisco de Vitoria, reflexionando sobre las causas de la guerra justa, los títulos de conquista o esclavitud, sentó las bases del derecho internacional al margen de la imposición violenta. Juan de Mariana hizo una reflexión política limitando tanto el poder del emperador que incluso sugirió la posibilidad del tiranicidio en caso de necesidad. Estos tres autores nos muestran que, aunque la religión continúa jugando un papel importante en la transmisión del estado de cosas, también ejerce una influencia que permite la evolución en las costumbres y, en consecuencia, en la reflexión ética. (shrink)

This article discusses some of the claims of the earlier and later versions of the Contemporary Theory of Metaphor (CTM) and addresses some of the criticism that has been leveled against it. It is argued that much of this criticism arises from common misconceptions as to the real claims made by the theory. However, CTM is still in need of further exploration and empirical support. In this connection, we identify some areas where research is still needed and supply our own (...) developments. We argue for a more complex classification of metaphor types, which takes into account various complementary taxonomic perspectives, including the nature of source and target and the genericity and complexity of the metaphoric operation. We also explore metaphor in relation to cognitive prominence and conceptual interaction issues. Finally, we deal with the problem of constraints on metaphor and make a proposal for three complementary kinds of constraint. (shrink)

El presente trabajo reconstruye la influencia de Aristóteles en Tocqueville para revitalizar el valor empírico e histórico de su psicología de la democracia, y “polemizar” con interpretaciones racionalistas. De este modo, introduce correctivos en interpretaciones exclusivamente racionalistas y cognoscitivas que yuxtaponen los diferentes modelos de despotismo concebidos por Tocqueville para reconstruir resultados equivalentes de sus efectos. En función de estas premisas, subraya la originalidad del autor francés en el tema del despotismo, argumentando una versión hegemónica de sus efectos destinada a (...) reproducirse en el comportamiento individual bajo formas “asentidas” de dominación. (shrink)

Should the philosophy of biology deal with organismic, or with molecular aspects , or with both ? We are, of course, not the first to appreciate the ...

Se analiza la situación paradójica que presenta la secularización en América reconstruida por Tocqueville. Teniendo presente este postulado, mostraremos la ruptura que se establece con respecto a la Ilustración en el tema de la secularización, en aras de descubrir una nueva variante de la crisis de la filosofía que permaneces vinculada con la nueva estructura organizacional de las sociedades democráticas modernas. Asimismo, mostraremos cómo el perfil liberal de Tocqueville se muestra superador de las versiones eurocéntricas en el tema de la (...) crisis de la filosofía, en la medida de que su devaluación no procede únicamente de anomalías metodológicas, sino del cambio de autoridad intelectual operado por la secularización para empoderar a la opinión pública. Por esta razón, procederemos finalmente a mostrar en qué medida la novedad de la paradoja de la secularización en América reconstruida por Tocqueville, define la crisis de la filosofía como asunto del futuro en virtud de la serie de problemas inéditos que demanda satisfacer. (shrink)

Rescate y edición de cuatro artículos olvidados de María Zambrano publicados en el diario _Crítica_ de Buenos Aires en marzo de 1937. Los artículos se corresponden con los capítulos de la segunda parte de _Los intelectuales en el drama de__ España_, el libro que Zambrano escribió y publicó en Chile en la editorial Panorama en 1937. En este trabajo se da cuenta del estado de la cuestión relativo al periodo chileno de Zambrano, se procede al estudio de los artículos encontrados, (...) sobre todo en lo que tiene que ver con su correspondencia con los capítulos de la segunda parte del libro chileno y se dan las coordenadas de su circunstancia editorial. (shrink)

This collection of specially commissioned essays puts top scholars head to head to debate the central issues in the lively and fast growing field of philosophy ...

ABSTRACTThis article discusses the complexity in ironic echoic mention from the perspective of Cognitive Linguistics. It builds on the scenario-based approach to irony where ironic meaning is treat...

This article intends to explore the philosophical potency in the work of the black writer Carolina Maria de Jesus (1914-1977). Carolina de Jesus is best known for her work Quarto de Despejo, diary of a favelada (1960), our approach, however, focuses specifically on her short story “Socrates Africano”, in which she deals with her experience with her grandfather Benedito and the relationship between her wisdom and that of the Greek philosopher Sócrates (5th century BC). Her reflection starts from the attempt (...) to understand the reason why her grandfather was compared to Socrates and called “African Socrates”. In this sense, we intend to expand the idea of an African Socrates and the origins of one of the African philosophical matrices, the Yoruba tradition, dialoguing with the thought of the Nigerian philosopher Sophie Oluwole (1935-2018) and her approximation between Socrates and Orunmilá, as a motto to think about the philosophical potentialities of Carolina's work and the traits of an Afro-Brazilian philosophy. (shrink)

Resumen En este trabajo se aborda el estudio de un corpus de textos narrativos constituido por dos obras de ficción y una de no ficción, correspondientes a tres autores nacidos en el decenio comprendido entre los años 1959 y 1968: un argentino, un español y un estadounidense traducido al español. Se considera a estos autores como informantes cualificados, como antropólogos que describen la cultura de una comunidad y como narradores privilegiados que reproducen expertamente las voces de sus personajes. Para estudiar (...) las actividades de imagen nos basamos principalmente en las teorías de Goffman, Brown y Levinson, Haverkate y Bravo, así como de otros autores que han utilizado textos literarios para el estudio de este tipo de fenómenos. También tenemos en cuenta las propuestas de Mey para analizar las voces de los personajes creados en las obras literarias de ficción. (shrink)

. Introductory Remarks THEODOSIUS DOBZHANSKY The problems of reduction in biology are currently of considerable theoretical interest and practical ...

O presente trabalho vem apresentar o relato de experiência docente da atividade de aula de campo no Parque Botânico do Ceará e sua relação com a disciplina de filosofia e suas possibilidades. Por entender que a educação não se limita ao espaço físico da escola, a aula de campo se manifesta como uma prática de ensino e uma construção de novas vivências e processos de ensino e aprendizagem. A atividade desenvolvida foi fruto do processo de formação e supervisão de estágio (...) a partir da seguinte proposta (tarefa para os estagiários) “Elabore uma aula de campo de filosofia”. Para cumprir essa proposta foram sistematizadas 3 etapas: 1 Planejamento, 2 Execução e 3 Avaliação. E como tema norteador da aula foi a educação ambiental tendo como justificativa que a natureza sempre foi objeto de interesse da filosofia e ser um tema transversal e recorrente nos exames de avaliação do ensino médio (ENEM). Tendo como resultados desta experiência a efetivação de aspectos referentes às competências e diretrizes do currículo formal dos estudantes do ensino médio, assim como dos estagiários (docentes em formação) em seu currículo não formal. (shrink)

En el presente estudio analizaremos la expresión del conflicto en el lenguaje, donde la lucha palabra-letra impregna la teoría agónica del lenguaje y marca la trascendencia sobre la relación historia-intrahistoria. Asimismo, presentaremos la dimensión creadora del lenguaje, relevante desde el Unamuno contemplativo, y el papel desempeñado por el diálo go a la hora de expresar los dos poíos del conflicto, agónico y contem plativo.

The theory of chemical symbiosis suggests that biological systems started with the collaboration of two polymeric molecules existing in early Earth: nucleic acids and peptides. Chemical symbiosis emerged when RNA-like nucleic acid polymers happened to fold into 3D structures capable to bind amino acids together, forming a proto peptidyl-transferase center. This folding catalyzed the formation of quasi-random small peptides, some of them capable to bind this ribozyme structure back and starting to form an initial layer that would produce the larger (...) subunit of the ribosome by accretion. TCS suggests that there is no chicken-and-egg problem into the emergence of biological systems as RNAs and peptides were of equal importance to the origin of life. Life has initially emerged when these two macromolecules started to interact in molecular symbiosis. Further, we suggest that life evolved into progenotes and cells due to the emergence of new layers of symbiosis. Mutualism is the strongest force in biology, capable to create novelties by emergent principles; on which the whole is bigger than the sum of the parts. TCS aims to apply the Margulian view of biology into the origins of life field. (shrink)

O presente artigo parte da discussão sobre a questão da Modernidade, tendo como referência a crítica do filósofo Raimundo Farias Brito (1862-1917) que aponta a crise moderna e a incapacidade das correntes filosóficas europeias do Positivismo (Comte), do Evolucionismo (Spencer) e do Socialismo (Marx) em dar uma resposta satisfatória a tal situação de relativismo, ceticismo e ausência de um princípio unificador. A proposta britiana passa pela retomada da Metafísica, numa abordagem naturalista, em vista de uma nova concepção de Religião que (...) pudesse garantir a unidade e coesão social. (shrink)

Estudio de la relación entre María Zambrano y Gregorio Marañón en ocasión del viaje sudamericano de 1937 del segundo. El contexto es el de la Guerra civil española y el del posicionamiento de los intelectuales frente a ella. Se analiza la “salida” de Marañón y la acción intelectual de ambos en el eje del conflicto entre las categorías de “dos Españas” y “tercera España”. Estudio hermenéutico de la “Carta al Dr. Marañón”, de Zambrano, y de los artículos y conferencias de (...) Marañón durante el viaje en el contexto de la propaganda de la Guerra de España. (shrink)

The wide and complex range of technologies produced and used in the contemporary societies has challenged the analysis from the different fields of social sciences. In this sense, in order to elaborate a study that aim at understanding the relationship between technological progress and the ongoing institutional changes that mark the capitalist societies, we believe it is necessary to adopt an interdisciplinary approach combining methodologies from Economics and Sociology fields. Therefore, this study proposes the development of an interdisciplinary dialogue between (...) the economic sociology of Pierre Bourdieu and the evolutionary economics developed by authors such as Giovanni Dosi, Sidney Winter, Richard Nelson and Bhaven Sampat. In doing so, we intend to demonstrate that a theory guided by Marx’s historical materialism, as it is the case of evolutionary economics, can be enriched by a materialist theory of symbolic, such as that of Pierre Bourdieu. In searching the comprehension of the complementarity between material and symbolic forces, this study addresses the conflictual process surrounding the formulation of the regulatory institutions to the biotechnology sector in Brazil over the last two decades. More precisely, through a case study, we seek to demonstrate that the convergence of discourses and interests between prestigious scientific organizations and the multinational companies that control the agrobiotechnology industry has been relevant to allow this new technological paradigm to make progress. Finally, we raise some questions concerning this alliance between business and science and the conflicts that revolve around the rapid expansion of the genetically modified crops worldwide. (shrink)

En 1501, Mario Equicola concluye el _Perigynaecon_, la única obra filógina que el humanista de Alvito compondría en toda su vida. Este tratado se idea con una clara finalidad instrumental, pues el autor deseaba entrar al servicio de Isabella d’Este, marquesa consorte de Mantua. Precisamente por ello, tras cada uno de los argumentos que Equicola presenta y detrás de cada una de las mujeres ejemplares que menciona para ensalzar el valor femenino a lo largo de la historia se pueden establecer (...) paralelismos más o menos claros con los problemas que Isabella tuvo que afrontar en su primera década en la corte mantuana. En este artículo analizamos la función que Veturia desempeña en el seno del elenco de mujeres ejemplares del _Perigynaecon_ y profundizamos en algunos de los motivos que podrían haber empujado a Equicola a decantarse por incluir a la madre de Coriolano entre las mujeres a las que alude en su tratado. (shrink)

Between Faith and Reason is a description of the interaction between our need to believe and our ability to reason. Faced with a reality that threatens him emotionally, man develops and adheres to articles of faith that help him cope with that reality. The author cuts through conflicting interpretations of the human condition to a simple but powerful internal dynamic which points to the fact that reason is always disequilibrating. he book attempts no ultimate explanation of the conflict between rational (...) knowledge and emotional uncertainty, but calls attention to its presence and emphasizes the need to cast a comprehensive and honest view over this conflict if we are ever to make sense of our actions. (shrink)

Sobre el libro: El presente libro recoge las ponencias presentadas en la reunión anual del Seminario Spinoza que tuvo lugar en la Facultad de Filosofía de la UNED los días 13 y 14 de marzo de 2009, así como la presentación del cuadro de Espinosa pintado por Sorolla procedente de la Donación Simarro y perteneciente al fondo artístico de la Universidad Complutense, que tuvo lugar en El Escorial en el verano de 2008. Los trabajos se articulan en cuatro apartados: la (...) política, la ciencia, la proyección de Espinosa en la Ilustración y la iconografía de Espinosa, y sitúan a Espinosa en su siglo, destacando su carácter anómalo en relación con el resto de autores de su entorno. Espinosa no se adaptó a la crisis, sino que se esforzó por comprenderla sin ceder en sus ideales, lo que permitió que las ilusiones renacentistas se desarrollaran en la ilustración, superando el hiato de la crisis barroca. (shrink)

Analizo en este trabajo el alcance real de la idea de "espíritu del pueblo" en el pensamiento jurídico de F. C. v. Savigny. Sugiero la posibilidad de que las apelaciones al espíritu del pueblo no sean más que una pantalla retórica que encubre una opción de fondo por una visión lógico-sistemática (y ahistórica) del Derecho, en la que jugaría un papel importante la idealización del Derecho romano en cuanto ratio scripta.