Researchers seeking to engage in projects related to Tribal communities and their citizens, lands, and non-human relatives are responsible for understanding and abiding by each Tribal nation’s research laws and review processes. Few studies, however, have described the many diverse forms of Tribal research review systems across the United States (US). This study provides one of the most comprehensive examinations of research review processes administered by Tribal Research Review Boards (TRRBs) in the US. Through a systematic analysis, we consider TRRBs’ (...) online presence, online documentation, and themes across documents, for five entity types: Tribal nations and Tribal consortiums, Tribal colleges and universities, Tribal health organizations, Indian Health Services, and other Tribal organizations. Results include an assessment of online presence for 98 potential TRRBs, identification of 118 publicly available online documents, and analysis of 41 themes across four document types: Tribal research codes and TRRBs’ guidelines, applications, and post-approval documents. Altogether, this research provides a macro-level analysis of the most common types of TRRBs in the US in an effort to increase researchers’ understanding of these important processes as they prepare to ethically engage Tribal communities in research. These results aim to empower Tribal decision makers as they align their TRRBs’ online visibility and documentation with community priorities and strengthen their protections for the rights and wellbeing of their citizens and community. Ultimately, by expanding our knowledge of TRRBs across the US, this contribution seeks to uphold Tribal sovereignty in research and promote ethical approaches to research with Indigenous communities. (shrink)

Will man dem Lebenswerk Nietzsches gerecht werden, so ist es unerlässlich, vier Schwerpunkten in Nietzsches Leben besondere Beachtung zu schenken, da sie von außerordentlicher Bedeutung sind, nämlich seinem Elternhaus, d.h. seiner Kindheit und Jugend, seiner Beziehung zum griechischen Altertum im Rahmen seiner Bildung, seiner intensiven Beschäftigung mit dem Werk Schopenhauers und dem Einfluss der progressiven Paralyse als Spätstadium einer acquirierten syphilitischen Erkrankung auf sein Werk, was bisher leider zu wenig kompetente Berücksichtigung erfuhr. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche wurde in Röcken bei Lützen (...) als Sohn eines evangelischen Pfarrers geboren. Bereits 5 Jahre danach starb sein Vater. Der Rest der Familie, bestehend aus seiner noch sehr jungen Mutter, seiner um 2 Jahre jüngeren Schwester, zweier Tanten und der sehr dominanten Großmutter, zog nach Naumburg, wo Nietzsche zunächst die Bürgerschule besuchte. Dort wuchs er in fast ausschließlich weiblicher Umgebung ganz im Geiste tiefer evangelisch - christlicher Frömmigkeit auf Die Bibelkenntnisse des sensiblen, musikalisch und literarisch äußerst begabten Knaben waren mit der Zeit so umfangreich geworden, dass man i hn scherzhaft als den kleinen Pastor bezeichnete. In dieser Zeit sind sicherlich die Wurzeln für seinen späteren Antifeminismus zu suchen sowie seine Abneigung gegenüber dem Christentum, das er nahezu ausschließlich in der Form einer naiven, weiblich geprägten, weichlich-frömmelnden Religionsausübung kennen lernte, die ihm dekadent erscheinen musste. Er hatte so keine Gelegenheit, die eigentliche Stärke und Tiefe des Christentums zu erfahren. (shrink)

Will man dem Lebenswerk Nietzsches gerecht werden, so ist es unerlässlich, vier Schwerpunkten in Nietzsches Leben besondere Beachtung zu schenken, da sie von außerordentlicher Bedeutung sind, nämlich seinem Elternhaus, d.h. seiner Kindheit und Jugend, seiner Beziehung zum griechischen Altertum im Rahmen seiner Bildung, seiner intensiven Beschäftigung mit dem Werk Schopenhauers und dem Einfluss der progressiven Paralyse als Spätstadium einer acquirierten syphilitischen Erkrankung auf sein Werk, was bisher leider zu wenig kompetente Berücksichtigung erfuhr. Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche wurde in Röcken bei Lützen (...) als Sohn eines evangelischen Pfarrers geboren. Bereits 5 Jahre danach starb sein Vater. Der Rest der Familie, bestehend aus seiner noch sehr jungen Mutter, seiner um 2 Jahre jüngeren Schwester, zweier Tanten und der sehr dominanten Großmutter, zog nach Naumburg, wo Nietzsche zunächst die Bürgerschule besuchte. Dort wuchs er in fast ausschließlich weiblicher Umgebung ganz im Geiste tiefer evangelisch - christlicher Frömmigkeit auf Die Bibelkenntnisse des sensiblen, musikalisch und literarisch äußerst begabten Knaben waren mit der Zeit so umfangreich geworden, dass man i hn scherzhaft als den kleinen Pastor bezeichnete. In dieser Zeit sind sicherlich die Wurzeln für seinen späteren Antifeminismus zu suchen sowie seine Abneigung gegenüber dem Christentum, das er nahezu ausschließlich in der Form einer naiven, weiblich geprägten, weichlich-frömmelnden Religionsausübung kennen lernte, die ihm dekadent erscheinen musste. Er hatte so keine Gelegenheit, die eigentliche Stärke und Tiefe des Christentums zu erfahren. (shrink)

Religia jest dla człowieka życiowy i życiodajny sprawy, dlatego namysł nad jej powstaniem, funkcji i istoty jest zawsze na czasie, tym bardziej w okresie postmodernistycznego zagubienia. Jeśli religia jest dla człowieka tak ważną sprawą to jego namysł nad nią nie jest niczym innym, jak myśleniem samego siebie. Jest ona bowiem tą rzeczywistością, która trafia w serce człowieka, w nerw jego życia. Religia, tak jak życie człowieka, jest uwarunkowana historycznie, to znaczy: czasowo, lokalnie, kulturowe, ma okresy wzlotów i upadków. Wydaje się, (...) że dla człowieka nowożytnego, a zwłaszcza człowieka ostatnich dwóch wieków, religia straciła na życiowej i życiodajnej wartości, przestała być jego fundamentalną, wewnętrzną postawy wobec Boga, stała się raczej wyrazem jego kulturowo-społecznego, zewnętrznego funkcjonowania. Początki przemiany tej postawy można dzisiaj dokładnie zanalizować, jej konsekwencje dla współczesnego człowieka można opisać. (shrink)

The essence of number was regarded by the ancient Greeks as the root cause of the existence of the universe, but it was only towards the end of the 19th century that mathematicians initiated an in-depth study of the nature of numbers. The resulting unavoidable actuality of infinities in the number system led mathematicians to rigorously investigate the foundations of mathematics. The formalist approach to establish mathematical proof was found to be inconclusive: Gödel showed that there existed true propositions that (...) could not be proved to be true within the natural number universe. This result weighed heavily on proposals in the mid-20th century for digital models of the universe, inspired by the emergence of the programmable digital computer, giving rise to the branch of philosophy recognised as digital philosophy. In this article, the models of the universe presented by physicists, mathematicians and theoretical computer scientists are reviewed and their relation to the natural numbers is investigated. A quantum theory view that at the deepest level time and space may be discrete suggests a profound relation between natural numbers and reality of the cosmos. The conclusion is that our perception of reality may ultimately be traced to the ontology and epistemology of the natural numbers. (shrink)

In this essay we develop and argue for the adoption of a more comprehensive model of research ethics than is included within current conceptions of responsible conduct of research (RCR). We argue that our model, which we label the ethical dimensions of scientific research (EDSR), is a more comprehensive approach to encouraging ethically responsible scientific research compared to the currently typically adopted approach in RCR training. This essay focuses on developing a pedagogical approach that enables scientists to better understand and (...) appreciate one important component of this model, what we call intrinsic ethics . Intrinsic ethical issues arise when values and ethical assumptions are embedded within scientific findings and analytical methods. Through a close examination of a case study and its application in teaching, namely, evaluation of climate change integrated assessment models, this paper develops a method and case for including intrinsic ethics within research ethics training to provide scientists with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the critical role of values and ethical choices in the production of research outcomes. (shrink)

We highlight the various domains of the flavivirus virulence factor NS1 and speculate on potential implications of the NS1 3D structure in understanding its role in flavivirus pathogenesis. Flavivirus non‐structural protein 1 (NS1) is a virulence factor with dual functions in genome replication and immune evasion. Crystal structures of NS1, combined with reconstructions from electron microscopy (EM), provide insight into the architecture of dimeric NS1 on cell membranes and the assembly of a secreted hexameric NS1‐lipid complex found in patient sera. (...) Three structural domains of NS1 likely have distinct roles in membrane association, replication complex assembly, and immune system avoidance. A conserved hydrophobic inner face is sequestered either on the membrane or in the interior of the secreted hexamer and contains regions implicated in viral replication. The exposed variable outer face is presented to cellular and secreted components of the immune system in infected patients and contains candidate regions for immune system modulation. We anticipate that knowledge of the distinct NS1 domains and assembly will lead to advances in elucidating virus‐host interactions mediated through NS1 and in dissecting the role of NS1 in viral genome replication. (shrink)

Those who comment on modern scientific institutions are often quick to praise institutional structures that leave scientists to their own devices. These comments reveal an underlying presumption that scientists do best when left alone—when they operate in what we call the ‘scientific state of nature’. Through computer simulation, we challenge this presumption by illustrating an inefficiency that arises in the scientific state of nature. This inefficiency suggests that one cannot simply presume that science is most efficient when institutional control is (...) absent. In some situations, actively encouraging unpopular, risky science would improve scientific outcomes. 1 Introduction2 Scientists and Bandits3 Choosing an ϵ4 Structure of Communication5 Discussion. (shrink)

In this essay we develop and argue for the adoption of a more comprehensive model of research ethics than is included within current conceptions of responsible conduct of research (RCR). We argue that our model, which we label the ethical dimensions of scientific research (EDSR), is a more comprehensive approach to encouraging ethically responsible scientific research compared to the currently typically adopted approach in RCR training. This essay focuses on developing a pedagogical approach that enables scientists to better understand and (...) appreciate one important component of this model, what we call intrinsic ethics . Intrinsic ethical issues arise when values and ethical assumptions are embedded within scientific findings and analytical methods. Through a close examination of a case study and its application in teaching, namely, evaluation of climate change integrated assessment models, this paper develops a method and case for including intrinsic ethics within research ethics training to provide scientists with a comprehensive understanding and appreciation of the critical role of values and ethical choices in the production of research outcomes. (shrink)

Historically, scientific and engineering expertise has been key in shaping research and innovation policies, with benefits presumed to accrue to society more broadly over time. But there is persistent and growing concern about whether and how ethical and societal values are integrated into R&I policies and governance, as we confront public disbelief in science and political suspicion toward evidence-based policy-making. Erosion of such a social contract with science limits the ability of democratic societies to deal with challenges presented by new, (...) disruptive technologies, such as synthetic biology, nanotechnology, genetic engineering, automation and robotics, and artificial intelligence. Many policy efforts have emerged in response to such concerns, one prominent example being Europe's Eighth Framework Programme, Horizon 2020, whose focus on “Responsible Research and Innovation” provides a case study for the translation of such normative perspectives into concrete policy action and implementation. Our analysis of this H2020 RRI approach suggests a lack of consistent integration of elements such as ethics, open access, open innovation, and public engagement. On the basis of our evaluation, we suggest possible pathways for strengthening efforts to deliver R&I policies that deepen mutually beneficial science and society relationships. (shrink)

In this paper, we introduce the Societal Readiness Thinking Tool to aid researchers and innovators in developing research projects with greater responsiveness to societal values, needs, and expectations. The need for societally-focused approaches to research and innovation—complementary to Technology Readiness frameworks—is presented. Insights from responsible research and innovation concepts and practice, organized across critical stages of project-life cycles are discussed with reference to the development of the SR Thinking Tool. The tool is designed to complement not only shortfalls in TR (...) approaches, but also improve upon other efforts to integrate RRI, sustainability, and design thinking in research and innovation cycles. Operationalization and early-stage user tests of the Tool are reported, along with discussion of potential future iterations and applications. (shrink)

Upshot: Jehane Barton Burns (now Jehane Kuhn) worked with Ernst von Glasersfeld in the 1960’s on semantic analysis for machine translation at Silvio Ceccato’s Centro di Cibernetica at the University of Milan. Among subsequent formative experiences, she lists Italian travels with Howard Burns, historian of architecture (who first told her about Vico), and a decade in the Office of Charles and Ray Eames (where Constraints was a talismanic word). She and Thomas Kuhn married in 1982; she still considers the English (...) language her raison d’être. (shrink)

Book reviewed in this article: Suffering and the Beneficent Community: Beyond Libertarianism. By Erich H. Loewy. The Nature of Suffering and the Goals of Medicine. By Eric J. Cassell.

Can we still watch Woody Allen's movies? Can we still laugh at Bill Cosby's jokes? Woody Allen, Kevin Spacey, Dave Chappelle, Louis C. K., J.K. Rowling, Michael Jackson, Roseanne Barr. Recent years have proven rife with revelations about the misdeeds, objectional views, and, in some instances, crimes of popular artists.

“[A] groundbreaking study combining psychoanalytical and anthropological methods to analyse the impact of industrialization on ‘peasants.’” —Booknews The renowned psychoanalyst Erich Fromm analyzed more than just general society and societal processes. Together with Michael Maccoby, he completed a study of Mexican villagers to empirically illustrate how historical, economic, and social requirements determine behavior. Social Character in a Mexican Village does much more than introduce a new approach to the analysis of social phenomena. It throws new light on one of (...) the world’s most pressing problems, the impact of the industrialized world on the traditional character of the laboring class. Unanimously, the book is an outstanding introduction to Fromm’s concept of social character. “Fromm and Maccoby have written a study of crucial importance.” —Richard J. Barnet, Institute for Policy Studies. (shrink)

The National Science Foundation's Second Merit Criterion, or Broader Impacts Criterion , was introduced in 1997 as the result of an earlier Congressional movement to enhance the accountability and responsibility as well as the effectiveness of federally funded projects. We demonstrate that a robust understanding and appreciation of NSF BIC argues for a broader conception of research ethics in the sciences than is currently offered in Responsible Conduct of Research training. This essay advocates augmenting RCR education with training regarding broader (...) impacts. We demonstrate that enhancing research ethics training in this way provides a more comprehensive understanding of the ethics relevant to scientific research and prepares scientists to think not only in terms of responsibly conducted science, but also of the role of science in responding to identified social needs and in adhering to principles of social justice. As universities respond to the mandate from America COMPETES to “provide training and oversight in the responsible and ethical conduct of research”, we urge institutions to embrace a more adequate conception of research ethics, what we call the Ethical Dimensions of Scientific Research, that addresses the full range of ethical issues relevant to scientific inquiry, including ethical issues related to the broader impacts of scientific research and practice. (shrink)

We estimate that 208,000 deep brain stimulation (DBS) devices have been implanted to address neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders worldwide. DBS Think Tank presenters pooled data and determined that DBS expanded in its scope and has been applied to multiple brain disorders in an effort to modulate neural circuitry. The DBS Think Tank was founded in 2012 providing a space where clinicians, engineers, researchers from industry and academia discuss current and emerging DBS technologies and logistical and ethical issues facing the field. (...) The emphasis is on cutting edge research and collaboration aimed to advance the DBS field. The Eighth Annual DBS Think Tank was held virtually on September 1 and 2, 2020 (Zoom Video Communications) due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic. The meeting focused on advances in: (1) optogenetics as a tool for comprehending neurobiology of diseases and on optogenetically-inspired DBS, (2) cutting edge of emerging DBS technologies, (3) ethical issues affecting DBS research and access to care, (4) neuromodulatory approaches for depression, (5) advancing novel hardware, software and imaging methodologies, (6) use of neurophysiological signals in adaptive neurostimulation, and (7) use of more advanced technologies to improve DBS clinical outcomes. There were 178 attendees who participated in a DBS Think Tank survey, which revealed the expansion of DBS into several indications such as obesity, post-traumatic stress disorder, addiction and Alzheimer’s disease. This proceedings summarizes the advances discussed at the Eighth Annual DBS Think Tank. (shrink)