Facing Epistemic Authorities

Author(s):  
Thomas Grundmann

Disrespect for the truth, the rise of conspiracy thinking, and a pervasive distrust in experts are widespread features of the post-truth condition in current politics and public opinion. Among the many good explanations of these phenomena there is one that is only rarely discussed: that something is wrong with our deeply entrenched intellectual standards of (i) using our own critical thinking without any restriction and (ii) respecting the judgment of every rational agent as epistemically relevant. This chapter argues that these two Enlightenment principles—the Principle of Unrestricted Critical Thinking and the Principle of Democratic Reason—not only conflict with what is rationally required from a purely epistemic point of view, but also further the spread of conspiracy theories and undermine trust in experts. As a result, we should typically defer to experts without using any of our own reasons regarding the subject matter

PEDIATRICS ◽  
1958 ◽  
Vol 21 (3) ◽  
pp. 519-520
Author(s):  
MICHAEL BONFIGLIO

The need for a text encompassing the field of orthopedic surgery in infancy and childhood has been met by the author and his colleagues. The subject matter has, for the most part, been arranged according to regions so that one may make easy reference to the many conditions affecting an area. Unfortunately this regional approach detracts from the complete exposition of a single disease process, such as osteomyelitis. The interpretation of each syndrome and its management primarily reflects the writer's experience and point of view with minimal reference to other possible methods of treatment.


Author(s):  
Yu.V. Kupriyanova ◽  
I.M. Vasilyanova

The article summarizes the key points in the development of the metadialogue phenomenon from a linguistic point of view. Some stages of the development of this concept and the difficulties associated with its structuring are covered. The main research findings of modern foreign and domestic experts on its study are considered. Some characteristics of the subject of the research from the standpoint of various pragmatic installations are given. On the basis of the dynamic structure of the metadialogue development, certain principles of semantic relations connected with the dialectical nature of human cognition are presented. Excursion into the history and evolution of the concept is presented. Several types of formulation of the subject matter are given. In accordance with the goal of speech exposure, internal problems of the development of metadialogue are highlighted and the critical points related to solving these problems are described. The rules of metadialogue flow are explained at the level of steps, the success/failure of which directly affects the final result of communication. The prospects of development of the concept research in accordance with various types of discourse are indicated.


2015 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
pp. 148-171
Author(s):  
Denisa Gunišová ◽  
Jana Duchovičová

Authors in this contribution focus on issue of subject matter structure creation by the teacher as an important psycho-didactic domain of education process and how does a student perceive this structure. The aim of the teacher is not only to impart the knowledge to students but also to show them and teach them possible ways of how to understand the subject matter better and how to get to the fundamentals of it. Based on the structure of subject matter created by the teacher a student creates cognitive frames which become basis for his further learning. We pay attention to definition of epistemology of subject matter structure, questions of psycho-didactic approach to teaching, creating structure of subject matter and how does the teacher work with the text. Empirical part of the contribution investigates teachers' preferences of subject matter structure and statistically describes subjective perception of level of understanding of the subject matter by a student influenced by the particular subject matter structure realized by the teacher.


PEDIATRICS ◽  
1959 ◽  
Vol 23 (1) ◽  
pp. 150-150
Author(s):  
JOSEF WARKANY

This book was written, according to the foreword, primarily for students and general practitioners. It is designed as a quick reference to aid in discussions with parents and to facilitate an understanding of the anatomic anomalies discussed, of the resulting functional disturbances and their treatment. The authors are plastic surgeons and the subject matter is chosen essentially from their point of view. They deal with a variety of congenital anomalies but also with disorders resulting from postnatal injuries. Such etiologically heterogeneous subjects as deformities of the skull and brain, facial clefts, hemangiomas, fractures and dislocations of the facial bones and dental caries are discussed.


2018 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 94
Author(s):  
Tri Siwi Septiana ◽  
M. Ragil Kurniawan

This study aims to improve students' critical thinking skills in Civics in 5th grade students of SD Muhammadiyah Kauman, Yogyakarta using Problem Based Learning model. This research is a Classroom Action Research (PTK). The subjects of the study were 5th grade students of B1 SD Muhammadiyah Kauman. The object of research is the whole process and the results of learning Civics with the application of Problem Based Learning model. This research was conducted at SD Muhammadiyah Pakel Yogyakarta in April until May 2017. Data collection techniques used were observation, diary, interview and test. Data analysis technique is done descriptively qualitative. This research was conducted in 2 cycles by applying problem based learning model. The learning steps that were implemented were changes in the delivery of the subject matter, the students analyzed the problem, the formation of the discussion group with the grouping of students based on their achievement, the students in group for discussion, the group members delivered the discussion result in front of the class.The results showed that the critical thinking ability of the 5th grade students of B1 SD Muhammadiyah Kauman, Yogyakarta increased after the use of Problem Based Learning model in Civics learning with the subject matter of the example of central and regional legislation. This improvement is evident in the improvement of students' critical thinking skill test result from 12.90% pretreatment score to 51.61% (enough) in cycle I and increased to 70.96% (good) in cycle II. The results of activity observations related to students' critical thinking skills are increased among others: active students in learning, students more freely in finding and collecting desired information, and students also have more opportunities to learn with friends.


2020 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 15-31
Author(s):  
Juliet Brandt

Action research was conducted to improve the teaching of the analysis of the population pyramid to Grade 7 female Geography students. Instrumental Enrichment was selected as a tool to teach the analysis of the population pyramid. Firstly, the concept of a population pyramid was introduced and taught using an existing teaching method and a baseline assessment was conducted. Instrumental Enrichment was then introduced, and students used the tool to analyse four population pyramids. A concluding assessment measured the improvement in students’ ability to analyse the population pyramid. The use of Instrumental Enrichment did enhance the students’ understanding of the population pyramid. However, they were not able to use it consistently and independently. This agrees with Willingham (2009) that students remember what they think about and the findings of Bellaera (2017) and Adams (1991) that students are not able to develop critical thinking purely by interacting with the subject matter. A refinement of Instrumental Enrichment was proposed considering these principles.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 432-437
Author(s):  
Sarah Gambo ◽  
Woyopwa Shem

Background: Amidst the recent outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, there seems to be an avalanche of conspiracy theories that abound on social media platforms, and this subject attracted a lot of research interest. This study aimed to examine the "social media and the spread Covid-19 conspiracy theories in Nigeria" in light of the above.  Methods: The study adopted a qualitative design in order to explore the subject matter thoroughly. Thirty-five participants were conveniently sampled, and interviews were conducted to retrieved data from the participants. Results: Findings of this study revealed that there is a prevalence of conspiracy theories that have saturated social media ever since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. It was also found that ignorance, religious fanaticism, lack of censorship, and insufficient counter information on social media platforms are some of the possible factors that aided the spread of Covid-19 conspiracy theories among Nigerian social media users. Conclusion: This study recommends, among other things, that there is a swift need to curtail the spread of conspiracy theories through consistent dissemination of counter-information by both individuals and agencies like the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the Nigerian Centre for Disease and Control (NCDC).


Author(s):  
Martin M. Tweedale

Among the many scholars who promoted the revival of learning in western Europe in the early twelfth century, Abelard stands out as a consummate logician, a formidable polemicist and a champion of the value of ancient pagan wisdom for Christian thought. Although he worked within the Aristotelian tradition, his logic deviates significantly from that of Aristotle, particularly in its emphasis on propositions and what propositions say. According to Abelard, the subject matter of logic, including universals such as genera and species, consists of linguistic expressions, not of the things these expressions talk about. However, the objective grounds for logical relationships lie in what these expressions signify, even though they cannot be said to signify any things. Abelard is, then, one of a number of medieval thinkers, often referred to in later times as ‘nominalists’, who argued against turning logic and semantics into some sort of science of the ‘real’, a kind of metaphysics. It was Abelard’s view that logic was, along with grammar and rhetoric, one of the sciences of language. In ethics, Abelard defended a view in which moral merit and moral sin depend entirely on whether one’s intentions express respect for the good or contempt for it, and not at all on one’s desires, whether the deed is actually carried out, or even whether the deed is in fact something that ought or ought not be done. Abelard did not believe that the doctrines of Christian faith could be proved by logically compelling arguments, but rational argumentation, he thought, could be used both to refute attacks on Christian doctrine and to provide arguments that would appeal to those who were attracted to high moral ideals. With arguments of this latter sort, he defended the rationalist positions that nothing occurs without a reason and that God cannot do anything other than what he does do.


MANUSYA ◽  
2001 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 80-96
Author(s):  
Stephen Evans

A review of recent literature advocating critical thinking as a necessary response to ‘globalizationʼ, gives no clear picture of what critical thinking is. Drawing on Kant and Hermeneutics, this paper proposes a critical definition of critical thinking as an understanding of its subject-matter which questions itself, and a characterization of critical thinking as the tension of standing within the subject-matter while holding it at a distance. Considered against a backdrop of concerns about ‘globalizationʼ, critical thinking is seen, not only as an intellectual method, but also as an existential engagement of the world.


2017 ◽  
Vol 25 (1) ◽  
pp. 26-46 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rossouw von Solms ◽  
Melanie Willett

Purpose This paper aims to provide guidance on cloud computing assurance from an IT governance point of view. The board and executive management are tasked with ensuring proper governance of organizations, which should in the end contribute to a sense of assurance. Assurance is understood to be a part of corporate governance which provides stakeholders with confidence in a subject matter by evaluating evidence about that subject matter. Evidence will include proof that proper controls and structures are in place, that risks are managed and that compliance with internal and external requirements is demonstrated with regard to the subject matter. Decisions regarding the use of cloud computing in organizations bring these responsibilities to the fore. Design/methodology/approach The design of this paper is based on an extensive review of literature, predominantly best practices and standards, from the fields covering IT governance, cloud computing and assurance. Findings The results from this paper can be used to formulate cloud computing assurance evidence statements, as part of IT governance mandates. Originality/value This paper aims to add value by highlighting the responsibility of managers to ensure assurance when exploiting opportunities presented through IT advances, such as cloud computing; serving to inform management about the advances that have and are being made in the field of cloud computing guidelines; and motivating that these guidelines be used for assurance on behalf of organizations adopting and using cloud computing.


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