Formal Models of Assertion

Author(s):  
Erik J. Olsson

This article provides an overview of different formal models that could be of interest to epistemologists interested in assertion. It also says something about where they fit into the general picture of assertion as a phenomenon involving both an asserter and an assertee. The author’s perspective is that of the philosopher rather than that of the logician. A semiformal level of description is employed, partly because some models are highly complex and merely introducing the basic formal machinery, let alone some elementary results or proofs, would consume too much space. The term “formal” is used in a broad sense to include theories that have mathematical or logical elements, even if they are not completely formal. The discussions cover Bayesian models of assertion and logical models.

2016 ◽  
Vol 32 (1) ◽  
pp. 17-38 ◽  
Author(s):  
Florian Schmitz ◽  
Karsten Manske ◽  
Franzis Preckel ◽  
Oliver Wilhelm

Abstract. The Balloon-Analogue Risk Task (BART; Lejuez et al., 2002 ) is one of the most popular behavioral tasks suggested to assess risk-taking in the laboratory. Previous research has shown that the conventionally computed score is predictive, but neglects available information in the data. We suggest a number of alternative scores that are motivated by theories of risk-taking and that exploit more of the available data. These scores can be grouped around (1) risk-taking, (2) task performance, (3) impulsive decision making, and (4) reinforcement sequence modulation. Their theoretical rationale is detailed and their validity is tested within the nomological network of risk-taking, deviance, and scholastic achievement. Two multivariate studies were conducted with youths (n = 435) and with adolescents/young adults (n = 316). Additionally, we tested formal models suggested for the BART that decompose observed behavior into a set of meaningful parameters. A simulation study with parameter recovery was conducted, and the data from the two studies were reanalyzed using the models. Most scores were reliable and differentially predictive of criterion variables and may be used in basic research. However, task specificity and the generally moderate validity do not warrant use of the experimental paradigm for diagnostic purposes.


Author(s):  
Charles A. Doan ◽  
Ronaldo Vigo

Abstract. Several empirical investigations have explored whether observers prefer to sort sets of multidimensional stimuli into groups by employing one-dimensional or family-resemblance strategies. Although one-dimensional sorting strategies have been the prevalent finding for these unsupervised classification paradigms, several researchers have provided evidence that the choice of strategy may depend on the particular demands of the task. To account for this disparity, we propose that observers extract relational patterns from stimulus sets that facilitate the development of optimal classification strategies for relegating category membership. We conducted a novel constrained categorization experiment to empirically test this hypothesis by instructing participants to either add or remove objects from presented categorical stimuli. We employed generalized representational information theory (GRIT; Vigo, 2011b , 2013a , 2014 ) and its associated formal models to predict and explain how human beings chose to modify these categorical stimuli. Additionally, we compared model performance to predictions made by a leading prototypicality measure in the literature.


2018 ◽  
pp. 114-131
Author(s):  
O. Yu. Bondarenko

his article explores theoretical and experimental approach to modeling social interactions. Communication and exchange of information with other people affect individual’s behavior in numerous areas. Generally, such influence is exerted by leaders, outstanding individuals who have a higher social status or expert knowledge. Social interactions are analyzed in the models of social learning, game theoretic models, conformity models, etc. However, there is a lack of formal models of asymmetric interactions. Such models could help elicit certain qualities characterizing higher social status and perception of status by other individuals, find the presence of leader influence and analyze its mechanism.


2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 10-24 ◽  
Author(s):  
K. Ocheretna

The Cryptophagidae collection (Coleoptera: Cucujoidea) deposited at the Zoological Museum of the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv (ZMKU) is described. The main authors of the collection are well-known researchers from the 1910–1930s, Orest Marcu and Karl Penecke. This is the largest collection of cryptophagids among the natural museums of Ukraine containing 304 specimens belonging to 85 species of 13 genera. In addition, 15 specimens of 5 species belonging to the families Erotylidae, Biphyllidae and Languriidae were among Cryptophagidae specimens. The collection, according to information available in the ZMKU, came to the museum not earlier than 1947 as the indemnity for the results of the II World War, most likely from Chernivtsi, where Marcu and Penecke worked. The vast majority of specimens is collected in the territory of modern Romania and Ukraine, and many specimens came from Chernivtsi. A table with an overview of all key details of the specimens is given, in which there are 6 fields: the name of the species on the label, details on the species identification, number of specimens, collection locality with the name of collector and remarks on the specimen, in particular, the instructions for decoding collection sites from the original labels. Annotations are made on the amount of the collection and the most important specimens and re-identification for each of the 13 genera. Some specimens are lost, probably during numerous collection migrations. In particular, some species (Cryptophagus simplex, C. lapidicola, C. nitidulus, Caenoscelis subdeplanata, Atomaria grandicollis, A. peltata, etc.) are represented in the collection only by the labels. The collection is important for the analysis of the composition of the fauna of the Carpathian region in the broad sense, since some species are encountered in the collection rarely; therefore it is important to clarify their locations to form the most comprehensive list of species of the Cryptophagids in the region. Several species of the family were included on the actual list of the fauna of the region on the basis of the study of this collection, in particular: Atomaria linearis, A. analis, A. apicalis, A. gravidula, Cryptophagus fasciatus, C. setulosus, etc.


2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Abdul Kallang
Keyword(s):  

AbstractWorship to God in the broad sense, also has a wide scope. Some are directly or indirectly. Directly is by way of worship hablun minallah. Indirectly is by fostering hablun minannas according to the command of God. The doctrine of worship should not be superficially understood, in which some interpret the worship to be merely a mahdhah worship, or only concerning ritual aspects such as prayer, fasting, and hajj. In fact, worship in the broad sense must also be understood, namely everything that is pleasing and favored by God in the form of deeds and speech is included worship. Keywords: Worship, Al-Quran, hablun minallah, hablun minannas


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