I argue that from a very weak recombination principle and plausible assumptions about the nature of parthood and location it follows that it's possible that the mereological structure of the material world and that of spacetime fail to correspond to one another in very radical ways. I defend, moreover, that rejecting the possibility of such failures of correspondence leaves us with a choice of equally radical alternatives. I also discuss a few ways in which their possibility is relevant to various (...) debates in metaphysics. (shrink)

This investigation is a conversation-analytic study of Mexican Spanish news interviews. It focuses on the question-answer adjacency pair in which interviewees are questioned, directly or indirectly, by the interviewers about the legality of their wealth in light of corruption allegations. The questions examined display strategies to generate news: content questions elicit a contrast; statement formulated questions followed by a request for confirmation give the opportunity to accept or deny the allegations, in contrast to statements which create a confrontational context. Non-type-conforming (...) answers evade answering and type-conforming answers contain resistance elements. The IE minimize the allegations by repairing and providing a downgraded version, or use other resources to suggest that their activities are of common order, hence not newsworthy. The IE display evasion by addressing only certain elements of the question and counter the allegations by casting doubt on the professionalism of the IR. (shrink)

Endorsing the idea of group knowledge seems to entail the possibility of group belief as well, because it is usually held that knowledge entails belief. It is here studied whether it would be possible to grant that groups can have knowledge without being committed to the controversial view that groups can have beliefs. The answer is positive on the assumption that knowledge can be based on acceptance as well as belief. The distinction between belief and acceptance can be seen as (...) a refinement of the ordinary language concept of belief, and it may be useful in understanding the nature of epistemic justification and classifying various types of epistemic subjects. (shrink)

Page 1. Economics and Philosophy, 26 291--320 Copyright C Cambridge University Press doi: 10.1017 / S0266267110000386 TWO KINDS OF WE-REASONING RAUL HAKLI, KAARLO MILLER AND RAIMO TUOMELA University of Helsinki.

We study whether robots can satisfy the conditions of an agent fit to be held morally responsible, with a focus on autonomy and self-control. An analogy between robots and human groups enables us to modify arguments concerning collective responsibility for studying questions of robot responsibility. We employ Mele’s history-sensitive account of autonomy and responsibility to argue that even if robots were to have all the capacities required of moral agency, their history would deprive them from autonomy in a responsibility-undermining way. (...) We will also study whether humans and technological artifacts like robots can form hybrid collective agents that could be morally responsible for their actions and give an argument against such a possibility. (shrink)

This paper critically examines the philosophical underpinnings of current experimental investigation into animal affect-related decision-making. Animals’ affective states are standardly operationalised by linking positively valenced states with “approach” behaviours and negatively valenced states with “avoidance” behaviours. While this operationalisation has provided a helpful starting point to investigate the ecological role of animals’ internal states, there is extensive evidence that valenced and motivational states do not always neatly align, namely, instances where “liking” does not entail “wanting” (and vice versa). To address (...) this limitation, this paper proposes the (re-)integration of dominance as a dimension of affect. In particular, I argue that dominance, construed as a measure of organisms’ self-assessed behavioural control, can provide the necessary nuance to understand animal affect-related decision-making. Thus, after addressing the theoretical and methodological challenges related to incorporating dominance into a definition of “core affect”, this paper introduces the “Valence-Arousal-Dominance” model of animal affect. This model is explored for its potential applications in two domains. Firstly, in the study of animal affect-related decision-making under predation risk, and secondly, in the study of animal wellbeing. Through these applications, this model aims to bring experimental paradigms of animal affect-related behaviour closer to ecologically relevant scenarios. (shrink)

This chapter argues that from a particularly weak recombination principle and plausible assumptions about the nature of parthood and location, it follows that it is possible that the mereological structure of the material world and that of space-time fail to correspond to one another in very radical ways. The chapter suggests, moreover, that rejecting the possibility of such failures of correspondence leaves us with a choice of no less unappealing alternatives. It also discusses a few ways in which their possibility (...) is relevant to various important debates in metaphysics. (shrink)

La participación masiva de los jóvenes respecto a los sucesos políticos estuvo aquietada por muchos años; sin embargo, con el posicionamiento de las comunicaciones a nivel global, la generación millennial se va involucrando cada vez más. Es así que en el marco de la democracia representativa de develar una participación cada vez más activa, ahora los jóvenes comunican su sentir y su postura, mostrando su conformidad o disconformidad con las decisiones y acontecimientos políticos. Partiendo de esta premisa, y con un (...) enfoque mixto, se aplicó un cuestionario de 16 preguntas a 3474 millennials, estudiantes de institutos superiores y tecnológicos ubicados en Lima; además, se realizó un análisis de las declaraciones de académicos y jefes de Estado, así como de casos internacionales donde se destaca la participación de esta generación, como aconteció en la Primavera Árabe y en otros sucesos ocurridos en Sudamérica, para vislumbrar las brechas que se abren en la estructura política del Perú. (shrink)

Resumen El presente artículo describe una tipología de saludos y despedidas del español de México basada en datos observacionales de hablantes jóvenes del municipio de Metepec. El artículo también hace un contraste de datos observacionales y datos intuitivos referentes a los formatos de saludos y despedidas. En cuanto a la tipología, los saludos y las despedidas reportados se categorizan en tres y cuatro tipos respectivamente (saludos: hola, vocativos, la construcción interrogativa ¿Qué …?; despedidas: adiós, bye, imperativo del verbo cuidar y (...) despedidas temporales), y cada categoría cuenta con características y subcategorías particulares. La comparación entre los datos observacionales y los intuitivos en general indica que los datos observacionales no coinciden con los datos intuitivos; sin embargo, al ahondar en su contraste se identifican algunas similitudes particulares. (shrink)

Various sources in the literature claim that the deduction theorem does not hold for normal modal or epistemic logic, whereas others present versions of the deduction theorem for several normal modal systems. It is shown here that the apparent problem arises from an objectionable notion of derivability from assumptions in an axiomatic system. When a traditional Hilbert-type system of axiomatic logic is generalized into a system for derivations from assumptions, the necessitation rule has to be modified in a way that (...) restricts its use to cases in which the premiss does not depend on assumptions. This restriction is entirely analogous to the restriction of the rule of universal generalization of first-order logic. A necessitation rule with this restriction permits a proof of the deduction theorem in its usual formulation. Other suggestions presented in the literature to deal with the problem are reviewed, and the present solution is argued to be preferable to the other alternatives. A contraction-and cut-free sequent calculus equivalent to the Hubert system for basic modal logic shows the standard failure argument untenable by proving the underivability of DA from A. (shrink)

Slurs’ meaning is highly unstable. A slurring utterance like ‘Hey, F, where have you been?’ (where F is a slur) may receive a wide array of interpretations depending on various contextual factors such as the speaker’s social identity, their relationship to the target group, tone of voice, and more. Standard semantic, pragmatic, and non-content theories of slurs have proposed different mechanisms to account for some or all types of variability observed, but without providing a unified framework that allows us to (...) understand how different contextual factors simultaneously influence slurs’ interpretation. To address this issue, I argue that slurs convey dimensional qualities such as, e.g., ‘negative valence, neutral arousal, high dominance’ instead of discrete emotional categories such as ‘contempt’. Then, I translate this hypothesis into a game-theoretic model of slurs’ interpretation inspired by Heather Burnett’s pioneering work on identity construction. This new model, called ‘Affective Meaning Games’ (AMG), captures the variability of slurs and integrates pragmatic reasoning within an independently motivated psychological understanding of emotional states. (shrink)

I make some remarks about whether evidence of valenced responses constitutes evidence of valenced states, and therefore of sentience, in organisms.

This paper explores the derogatory uses of nicknames within closely-knit social settings such as villages, households, and schools. By examining ethnographic and psychological data on nicknaming practices, this paper contends that pejorative nicknames and slurs share structural and functional attributes. On the one hand, pejorative nicknames and slurs can elicit deep offence regardless of the speaker’s intentions or whether they occur within speech reports. On the other, pejorative nicknames can contribute to creating and reinforcing unjust intra-group hierarchies, hence mirroring the (...) role of slurs within a smaller social scale. To explain these shared attributes, this paper argues (i) that both forms of verbal aggression index multiple dimensional qualities such as ‘negative valence’, ‘neutral arousal’, and ‘high dominance’ rather than discrete emotional categories such as ‘contempt’ or ‘anger’, and (ii) that the expression of high dominance in social interactions underlies their capacity to offend. Then, it translates this hypothesis into a Bayesian model of sociolinguistic variation inspired by Heather Burnett’s work on identity construction, thus integrating pragmatic reasoning into a psychologically informed framework for interpreting emotional cues. By studying both phenomena in tandem, this paper shows how understanding nicknaming dynamics within smaller speech-act communities can contribute to our comprehension of the derogatory impact of slurs in more intricate social contexts. (shrink)

Epistemic justification of non-summative group beliefs is studied in this paper. Such group beliefs are understood to be voluntary acceptances, the justification of which differs from that of involuntary beliefs. It is argued that whereas epistemic evaluation of involuntary beliefs can be seen not to require reasons, justification of voluntary acceptance of a proposition as true requires that the agent, a group or an individual, can provide reasons for the accepted view. This basic idea is studied in relation to theories (...) of dialectical justification in which justification is taken to require ability to justify. Since the reasons offered can in principle always be challenged, there is no ultimate end to the dialectical chain of justification. This makes justification of acceptance, and thus group belief, social and, in a way, contextual, but this does not seem to entail strong forms of epistemic relativism. (shrink)

I give shape to a neglected debate in metaphysics, the debate over the ontological priority between individuality and collectivity. I distinguish the debate from more familiar ones in the recent literature and articulate what I call ontological collectivism, the view that collectivity is prior to individuality. I defend the in-principle intelligibility of the view from forceful general objections and argue that not only is it coherent but also of significant interest to the literature: it allows for overlooked alternatives on a (...) variety of central discussions. (shrink)

This paper argues that all-purpose pejoratives such as ‘jerk’ or ‘bastard’ are just plain vanilla descriptions of personality traits that are generally seen as impairing for the self and for interpersonal relationships across different contexts. Thus, all-purpose pejoratives derogate their referents through generalized conversational implicatures: it is common knowledge that those who use these terms accept certain kind of (negative) evaluations and that uses of those terms express such evaluations. One of the main advantages of this approach is that it (...) can be extended to more ‘thick’ pejoratives such as ‘wimp’ or ‘chicken’, which, as Kaplan (1998) himself suggested, are ‘purely descriptive’ of personality traits that are generally seen as ‘personal failings’. Before defending this theory, I criticize i) the standard assumption that allpurpose pejoratives are expressive and ii) the alternative semantic view that allpurpose pejoratives are conventionally associated with a judge parameter. (shrink)

The development of information and communication technologies offers innovative opportunities to establish business strategies focused on customer value co-creation. This situation is especially notable in the banking industry. e-Banking activities can support competitive advantages. However, the adoption of e-banking is not yet well-established among consumers. In this sense, the technology acceptance model is considered essential in studying consumer behavior applied to adopt a particular technology. According to the TAM model, this study analyses the factors which influence bank customers to adopt (...) e-banking to facilitate their banking services and support the process of value co-creation. Consequently, the authors examine five main aspects of the technology adoption model to provide a broad understanding of bank customers’ consumption of e-banking. A partial least squares structural equation modeling analysis is conducted to evaluate proposed relationships between factors and customers’ e-banking adoption. (shrink)

Purpose: To determine the relative value that patients place on consent for procedures in the emergency department (ED) and to define a set of procedures that fall in the realm of implied consent. Methods: A questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample 134 of 174 patients who were seen in the ED of a Midwestern teaching hospital. The questionnaire asked how much time they believed was necessary to give consent for various procedures. Procedures ranged from simple (venipuncture) to complex (procedural (...) sedation). Results: Participants valued a simple blood draw at a low mean of 1.02 minutes of extra time and a lumbar puncture at a high mean of 7.78 minutes. Of all participants 52% and 48% noted a time-value of ?0? time on blood draw and intravenous line starts, respectively, indicating that they desire no additional consent for these procedures. Conclusion: Defining a set of ED procedures covered under implied consent will be difficult because many patients value formal consent for even the simplest procedure. (shrink)

We present a Hilbert-style axiomatization of a recently introduced logic, called G'3 G'3 is based on a 3-valued semantics. We prove a soundness and completeness theorem. The replacement theorem holds in G'3. As it has already been shown in previous work, G'3 can express some non-monotonic semantics. We prove that G'3can define the same class of functions as Lukasiewicz 3 valued logic. Moreover, we identify some normal forms for this logic.

We present a Hilbert-style axiomatization of a recently introduced logic, called G'3 G'3 is based on a 3-valued semantics. We prove a soundness and completeness theorem. The replacement theorem holds in G'3. As it has already been shown in previous work, G'3 can express some non-monotonic semantics. We prove that G'3can define the same class of functions as Lukasiewicz 3 valued logic. Moreover, we identify some normal forms for this logic.

Understanding Transhumanism as a particular turn of contemporary reflection that maintains the current state of humanity is not the final but just a transitional one, which can and should be scientific and technologically enhanced, the bioethical and biopolitical implications of such situation will be examined in this paper. Here it will be explored the transhumanist ideas related to the indissoluble link that in modern times have been established between the development of technologies and politics and strategies of neoliberal governmentality. This (...) is expected to pose a set of questions about the risks associated to the unsuspected modes of production, management and biopolitical control of subjectivity that may be allegedly linked to the transhumanist idea. (shrink)

A proof-theoretical treatment of collectively accepted group beliefs is presented through a multi-agent sequent system for an axiomatization of the logic of acceptance. The system is based on a labelled sequent calculus for propositional multi-agent epistemic logic with labels that correspond to possible worlds and a notation for internalized accessibility relations between worlds. The system is contraction- and cut-free. Extensions of the basic system are considered, in particular with rules that allow the possibility of operative members or legislators. Completeness with (...) respect to the underlying Kripke semantics follows from a general direct and uniform argument for labelled sequent calculi extended with mathematical rules for frame properties. As an example of the use of the calculus we present an analysis of the discursive dilemma. (shrink)

Na sua Fenomenologia da vida religiosa de 1920/21 Heidegger explicita a compreensão originária da temporalidade que encontra na experiência fáctica da vida do cristianismo primitivo tal como aparece nas Cartas de S. Paulo aos Tessalonicenses e Gálatas. Essa explicitação permite a Heidegger reinterpretar a ontologia a partir do horizonte da compreensão temporal da existência humana. Esta reinterpretação apoia-se implicitametne numa nova compreensão do ser de Deus que Heidegger não tematiza, mas que é exigida pela interpretação fenomenológica da existência humana realizada (...) a partir do texto bíblico. O presente artigo pretende ainda mostrar até que ponto a postura heideggeriana da fenomenologia da religião deixa como desafio a reinterpretação do ser de Deus a partir do horizonte de compreensão determinado pela concepção analógica da temporalidade pressuposta pelo texto bíblico como discurso que fala da ordem fenoménica em que Deus se manifesta. /// In his Phenomenology of Religious Life from 1920/21 Heidegger explains the original understanding of temporality he finds in the factical life of primal Christianity as it is referred to in some letters of Saint Paul. This explanation allows Heidegger to put forward a new interpretation of ontology from the horizon of temporal understanding of human being. However, this new ontological interpretation implicitly rests on a new understanding of God's being, which Heidegger does not explicitly address as it is required by his own phenomenological interpretation of human being'obtained from the biblical text. Purpose of the present paper is also to show that Heidegger's phenomenological approach to religion challenges us to develop a new understanding of God's being from the horizon provided by an analogical comprehension of temporality presupposed in the biblical text when it is read as a discourse on the phenomenological realm where God appears. (shrink)

Na sua Fenomenologia da vida religiosa de 1920/21 Heidegger explicita a compreensão originária da temporalidade que encontra na experiência fáctica da vida do cristianismo primitivo tal como aparece nas Cartas de S. Paulo aos Tessalonicenses e Gálatas. Essa explicitação permite a Heidegger reinterpretar a ontologia a partir do horizonte da compreensão temporal da existência humana. Esta reinterpretação apoia-se implicitametne numa nova compreensão do ser de Deus que Heidegger não tematiza, mas que é exigida pela interpretação fenomenológica da existência humana realizada (...) a partir do texto bíblico. O presente artigo pretende ainda mostrar até que ponto a postura heideggeriana da fenomenologia da religião deixa como desafio a reinterpretação do ser de Deus a partir do horizonte de compreensão determinado pela concepção analógica da temporalidade pressuposta pelo texto bíblico como discurso que fala da ordem fenoménica em que Deus se manifesta.In his Phenomenology of Religious Life from 1920/21 Heidegger explains the original understanding of temporality he finds in the factical life of primal Christianity as it is referred to in some letters of Saint Paul. This explanation allows Heidegger to put forward a new interpretation of ontology from the horizon of temporal understanding of human being. However, this new ontological interpretation implicitly rests on a new understanding of God’s being, which Heidegger does not explicitly address as it is required by his own phenomenological interpretation of human being obtained from the biblical text. Purpose of the present paper is also to show that Heidegger’s phenomenological approach to religion challenges us to develop a new understanding of God’s being from the horizon provided by an analogical comprehension of temporality presupposed in the biblical text when it is read as a discourse on the phenomenological realm where God appears. (shrink)

This paper attempts to present the intellectual structure within which Paul Ricoeur has conceived the possibility of a philosophical interpretation of myth. I propose that Ricoeur's hermeneutics has been able to integrate and harmonize structural analysis, phenomenological description, and ontological-existential analysis of the myth through a group of epistemological and ontological coordinates from the two first Critiques and from Kant's philosophy of religion.