Evolution in the symbolic dimension: The devil is in the details

AbstractEvolution in Four Dimensions argues convincingly that non-genetic inheritance systems have the potential to be agents of evolution and that, in some circumstances, acquired information can be heritable. However, we found the authors' four-dimensional approach to evolution problematic, and doubt that symbolic evolution can be adequately modeled as a distinct dimension of organismal evolution.

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Palliation or protection: How should the right to equality inform the government’s response to Covid-19?

International Journal of Discrimination and the Law ◽

10.1177/1358229120969611 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 20 (4) ◽

pp. 183-202

Author(s):

Meghan Campbell ◽

Sandra Fredman ◽

Aaron Reeves

Keyword(s):

Dimensional Approach ◽

Policy Makers ◽

Four Dimensions ◽

The Public ◽

Substantive Equality ◽

Legal Structures ◽

Human Rights Act ◽

Human Rights Act 1998 ◽

Nuanced Understanding ◽

The Right

This article examines what role equality law can play in addressing the inequalities created and exacerbated by the British government’s response to the Covid-19 pandemic. We argue that while there is great potential in existing legislation, there is a need for both policy-makers and courts to apply a more searching and nuanced understanding of the right to equality if this potential is to be realised. We begin by examining how the burdens of confronting this pandemic as a society fall more heavily on those already at the bottom end of the scale of inequality. We then ask whether and to what extent the current legal structures protecting the right to equality can be mobilised to redress such inequalities, paying particular attention to the Public Sector Equality Duty under the Equality Act 2010 and on the Human Rights Act 1998. Finally, we argue that, to fulfil the requirements of both these legal duties, the courts should subject policies and practices to close scrutiny under the four-dimensional approach. When making and operationalising policies around Covid-19, substantive equality requires account to be taken simultaneously of the four dimensions of inequality to the greatest extent possible.

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The devil and William Dabney. An epidemiological postscript

JAMA ◽

10.1001/jama.195.8.645 ◽

1966 ◽

Vol 195 (8) ◽

pp. 645-648

Author(s):

F. J. Spencer

Keyword(s):

The Devil

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Cognitive gadgets: A provocative but flawed manifesto

Behavioral and Brain Sciences ◽

10.1017/s0140525x19001134 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 42 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Marco Del Giudice

Keyword(s):

Theory Of Mind ◽

Cultural Differences ◽

Twin Studies ◽

Cross Cultural ◽

Evolutionary Approach ◽

Genetic Inheritance ◽

Double Standards ◽

Cross Cultural Differences ◽

Cherry Picking ◽

Dichotomous Thinking

Abstract The argument against innatism at the heart of Cognitive Gadgets is provocative but premature, and is vitiated by dichotomous thinking, interpretive double standards, and evidence cherry-picking. I illustrate my criticism by addressing the heritability of imitation and mindreading, the relevance of twin studies, and the meaning of cross-cultural differences in theory of mind development. Reaching an integrative understanding of genetic inheritance, plasticity, and learning is a formidable task that demands a more nuanced evolutionary approach.

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Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis and Contrast Medium-Induced Nephropathy: A Choice between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea for Patients with Reduced Renal Function?

Acta Radiologica ◽

10.1080/02841850903209218 ◽

2009 ◽

pp. 1-3 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

K. Lind Ramskov ◽

H. S. Thomsen

Keyword(s):

Renal Function ◽

Contrast Medium ◽

Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis ◽

Deep Blue ◽

The Devil ◽

Reduced Renal Function

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FACT-2 – The Frankfurt Adaptive Concentration Test

European Journal of Psychological Assessment ◽

10.1027/1015-5759.25.2.73 ◽

2009 ◽

Vol 25 (2) ◽

pp. 73-82 ◽

Cited By ~ 9

Author(s):

Frank Goldhammer ◽

Helfried Moosbrugger ◽

Sabine A. Krawietz

Keyword(s):

Convergent Validity ◽

Four Dimensions ◽

Measurement Models ◽

Cognitive Failures ◽

Concentration Test ◽

Cognitive Failures Questionnaire

The Frankfurt Adaptive Concentration Test (FACT-2) requires discrimination between geometric target and nontarget items as quickly and accurately as possible. Three forms of the FACT-2 were constructed, namely FACT-I, FACT-S, and FACT-SR. The aim of the present study was to investigate the convergent validity of the FACT-SR with self-reported cognitive failures. The FACT-SR and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (CFQ) were completed by 191 participants. The measurement models confirmed the concentration performance, concentration accuracy, and concentration homogeneity dimensions of FACT-SR. The four dimensions of the CFQ (i.e., memory, distractibility, blunders, and names) were not confirmed. The results showed moderate convergent validity of concentration performance, concentration accuracy, and concentration homogeneity with two CFQ dimensions, namely memory and distractibility/blunders.

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