scholarly journals D. Dennett and Scientific Realism: Empirical Equivalence and Evidential Support of Theoretical Statements

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 77-98
Author(s):  
N. V. Golovko
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Realism ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Alternative Strategy ◽  
Information Channel ◽  
Story Telling ◽  
Deductive Argument ◽  
Natural Classification ◽  
Evidential Support ◽  
Empirical Equivalence ◽  
Definition Of

The paper aims to interpret the reasoning of L Laudan and J. Leplin on the inconsistency of the theses of empirical equivalence and underdetermination of the theory by data within D. Ross’s rainforest realism and D. Dennett’s real patterns concepts. Following L. Laudan and J. Leplin, the main problem is with the absolutization of the idea that the only significant form of evidential support of a theory is the empirical confirmation of its consequences (consequentialism). We believe that the conception “to save the phenomena” (P. Duhem), as a possible alternative strategy of evidential support, could be connected with the narrative type of explanation. The definition of “perspective” that defines a pattern in terms of the “information channel” concept ensures that the explanation within D. Ross’s conception is not a deductive argument, it is precisely a “story telling” that makes it possible to single out what is significant in the intended explanation. At the same time, the non-consequentialist nature of the evidential support of the pattern (that is defined with respect to the relations between data) is justified by the fact that the pattern is real only if it contains information about another pattern, reproduces only the structural characteristics of reality, and represents the probable causes of the phenomena explained via the idea of “natural classification” within “to save the phenomena” conception.

CAD Software for Cable Design: A Three-Dimensional Visualization Tool

2010 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rodrigo Provasi ◽  
Christiano Odir Cardoso Meirelles ◽  
Clo´vis de Arruda Martins
Keyword(s):  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Axial Stiffness ◽  
General Description ◽  
Post Processing ◽  
Cad System ◽  
Processing Resources ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Electrical Cables

The concept and project of umbilical cables and flexible pipes are not simple tasks, due to the great variety of components and possible arrangements. The design of those elements is based on the functions they are intended to perform. Also, some structural characteristics determine which component will be selected, including electrical cables and hydraulic hoses, to control underwater equipment, protective sheaths, helically wounded tensile armors, anti-wear layers, interlocked carcasses; pressure armors and so on. The modeling process consists on defining the cable features and selecting the elements that will compose it. The process should take into account the desired structural characteristics, such as axial stiffness, and must respect some constraints, such as weight. To have an operational cable, one must follow a number of steps from definition to validation of the cable and any tool that provides a easier way to deal with this process is highly desired. In this scenario, Computer Aided Design software was conceived. It enables the definition of cable elements and set its relative arrangements in a cross-section view. Post-processing features are also part of the program, enabling users to visualize the geometry, determining possible interferences only visible in a three-dimensional visualization module. Although a solver is also available to determine stress and displacements and, as a sub-product, the cable weight and equivalent stiffness, the CAD software can be easily integrated to other solvers, to provide pre and post processing resources. This paper gives a general description of the whole CAD system but focus on the three-dimensional module. Through the paper, an overview of the software is shown, pointing out the system requirements. Next, the user interface is described, showing its features and, to conclude, modeled cables geometries and some results are shown.

scholarly journals Major characteristics of mixed fir and beech virgin forests in the National park Biogradska Gora in Montenegro

2011 ◽  
pp. 157-172 ◽  
Author(s):  
Milic Curovic ◽  
Milan Medarevic ◽  
Rade Cvjeticanin ◽  
Mirko Knezevic
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Forest Ecosystems ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Forest Types ◽  
Beech Forests ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
First Time ◽  
Production Characteristics

In order to manage forest ecosystems at a sufficiently high biodiversity level it is necessary to study the ecological, structural and production characteristics of virgin forests. The research was directed towards identifying the characteristics of mixed fir and beech forests (Abieti-Fagetum s. lat.) in the area of the strict reserve of the National Park Biogradska Gora in Montenegro. Basic characteristics of these forests were researched in the process of definition of forest types. In this manner, it is for the first time that a realistic base for typological management of forests and forest ecosystems with similar ecological and structural characteristics was provided for the specific sites.

scholarly journals D. Dennett’s Real Patterns as a Modal Ontology: Essentialist Interpretation of Truth-Making

2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-74
Author(s):  
Nikita V. Golovko
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Realism ◽  
Structural Realism ◽  
Realistic Interpretation ◽  
Starting Point ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Modal Ontology

The paper aims to make a satisfactory realistic interpretation of the solution of the truth-making problem within the framework of D. Dennett’s real patterns conception in order to show that D. Dennett’s ontology can be interpreted in a realistic sense not only within the framework of J. Ladyman’s structural realism. As a starting point, the solution of the truth-making problem within the concept of “serious essentialism” by E. J. Lowe is considered. Our thesis is that the expansion of the D. Dennett’s conception with E. J. Lowe’s “serious essentialism” leads us to the conclusion that D. Dennett’s ontology not only receives a satisfactory realistic interpretation of the solution of the truth-making problem, but also provides an opportunity to answer properly to the definition of scientific realism given by M. Devitt.

scholarly journals SEEKING ANSWERS: LEARNING, KNOWLEDGE AND PHILOSOPHY

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Simón Busch Moreno
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Realism ◽  
Dynamic Process ◽  
Scientific Models ◽  
Present Essay ◽  
Traditional Definition ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Mind ◽  
The Relationship

<p>The present essay intends to explore the relationship between science and philosophy from an epistemological viewpoint, discussing the relevance of scientific realism for developing a fruitful feedback between philosophy and science. First, I argue that changing the traditional definition of knowledge should not imply skepticism. Instead, scientific models of the mind can serve as an epistemological guide for defining the acquisition of knowledge as a dynamic process, where the learner interacts with reality. Second, I argue that these models can portray reality, though not in a direct and complete way. In this sense, science is regarded as providing a diversely-grained group of models that can be compared by philosophy in order to improve philosophical discussions.<br /><br /></p>

Figure 7.13: the constituent parts of argument Whilst the diagram above looks simple it is necessary to bear in mind that the propositions may have alternative explanations and the evidence supporting these alternative explanations will need to be analysed. So at the level of factual analysis it has been demonstrated that, in relation to law, deductive argument requires extension by tracking through the process of inductive reasoning, starting with the minor premise of the deductive argument. 7.9.1 Abductive reasoning Lawyers inevitably look at possible inductive reasoning that counters their own argument, otherwise they could be caught by surprise. This involves constructing opposing hypothetical theses. The evidence a lawyer has may suggest alternatives, and perhaps even more plausible alternatives. This creative process which tends to argue around the data based on hypothetical matters, rather than on matters known, is called abductive reasoning. However, legal argument does not just involve factual analysis. It also involves legal analysis. Over the next pages of this chapter using the fictitious case of R v Anna both factual and legal data will be considered. Recall the definition of theft.

2012 ◽  
pp. 235-235
Keyword(s):  
Creative Process ◽  
Inductive Reasoning ◽  
Abductive Reasoning ◽  
Legal Analysis ◽  
Legal Argument ◽  
Deductive Argument ◽  
Minor Premise ◽  
Definition Of

Scientific Realism

2015 ◽  
Author(s):  
Timothy D. Lyons
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Realism ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Modus Tollens ◽  
Scientific Theories ◽  
No Miracles Argument ◽  
Historical Argument ◽  
Empirical Equivalence ◽  
Socratic Scientific Realism ◽  
Epistemic Realism ◽  
Axiological Scientific Realism

This article endeavors to identify the strongest versions of the two primary arguments against epistemic scientific realism: the historical argument—generally dubbed “the pessimistic meta-induction”—and the argument from underdetermination. It is shown that, contrary to the literature, both can be understood as historically informed but logically valid modus tollens arguments. After specifying the question relevant to underdetermination and showing why empirical equivalence is unnecessary, two types of competitors to contemporary scientific theories are identified, both of which are informed by science itself. With the content and structure of the two nonrealist arguments clarified, novel relations between them are uncovered, revealing the severity of their collective threat against epistemic realism and its “no-miracles” argument. The final section proposes, however, that the realist’s axiological tenet “science seeks truth” is not blocked. An attempt is made to indicate the promise for a nonepistemic, purely axiological scientific realism—here dubbed “Socratic scientific realism.”

The structure of a premixed turbulent flame

1979 ◽  
Vol 367 (1730) ◽  
pp. 353-380 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Turbulence Intensity ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Turbulent Flame ◽  
Pressure Gradients ◽  
Turbulence Scale ◽  
Air Stream ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Total Magnitude ◽  
Premixed Turbulent Flame ◽  
Definition Of

An experimental study of the structure of a premixed turbulent flame propagating in a duct-confined, stoichiometric propane-air mixture has been carried out. Care was taken to reduce any effects of axial pressure gradients. By suitable changes in grid geometry, the turbulence intensity and scale of the approach flow were varied independently over a wide range. The results of these experiments show a strong link between the mechanisms of turbulent flame propagation and the flame-generated turbulence. Thus, three distinct regions, each having different structural characteristics in regards to the effects of turbulence scale on flame-generated turbulence, may he identified. The physical processes for each region, namely a ‘wrinkled-pulsating’ behaviour of region 1, the ‘jet-like’ characteristics of region 2 and the ‘eddy entrainment - combustion in depth’ mechanism of region 3 are described. A comparison between the mean and the turbulence properties of a flame and of a coaxial jet of lighter fluid (hydrogen) spreading into a turbulent, co-flowing air stream has been made. Based upon this, the contribution of shear-generated turbulence to total flame turbulence is calculated. A definition of flame-generated turbulence is then proposed. It is shown that in some cases the flame damps the turbulence whereas in most other instances it generates additional turbulence. The total magnitude of the relative flame-generated turbulence intensity does not exceed about 12 %. Finally, it is shown that the flame damps the unburnt stream fluctuating vorticity in region 1, has no effect in region 2 and augments the vorticity in region 3.

scholarly journals A Synergetic Theory of Information

Information ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 142 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viktor Vyatkin
Keyword(s):  
Average Length ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Discrete Systems ◽  
Information Law ◽  
Finite Set ◽  
The Law ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Synergetic Theory ◽  
First Time

A new approach is presented to defining the amount of information, in which information is understood as the data about a finite set as a whole, whereas the average length of an integrative code of elements serves as a measure of information. In the framework of this approach, the formula for the syntropy of a reflection was obtained for the first time, that is, the information which two intersecting finite sets reflect (reproduce) about each other. Features of a reflection of discrete systems through a set of their parts are considered and it is shown that reproducible information about the system (the additive syntropy of reflection) and non-reproducible information (the entropy of reflection) are, respectively, measures of the structural order and the chaos. At that, the general classification of discrete systems is given by the ratio of the order and the chaos. Three information laws have been established: The law of conservation of the sum of chaos and order; the information law of reflection; and the law of conservation and transformation of information. An assessment of the structural organization and the level of development of discrete systems is presented. It is shown that various measures of information are structural characteristics of integrative codes of elements of discrete systems. A conclusion is made that, from the information-genetic positions, the synergetic approach to the definition of the quantity of information is primary in relation to the approaches of Hartley and Shannon.

scholarly journals The Prokaryote-Eukaryote Dichotomy: Meanings and Mythology

2005 ◽  
Vol 69 (2) ◽  
pp. 292-305 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Sapp
Keyword(s):  
16S Rrna ◽  
Evolutionary Biology ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Natural Classification ◽  
Physiological Properties ◽  
The 1960S

SUMMARY Drawing on documents both published and archival, this paper explains how the prokaryote-eukaryote dichotomy of the 1960s was constructed, the purposes it served, and what it implied in terms of classification and phylogeny. In doing so, I first show how the concept was attributed to Edouard Chatton and the context in which he introduced the terms. Following, I examine the context in which the terms were reintroduced into biology in 1962 by Roger Stanier and C. B. van Niel. I study the discourse over the subsequent decade to understand how the organizational dichotomy took on the form of a natural classification as the kingdom Monera or superkingdom Procaryotae. Stanier and van Niel admitted that, in regard to constructing a natural classification of bacteria, structural characteristics were no more useful than physiological properties. They repeatedly denied that bacterial phylogenetics was possible. I thus examine the great historical irony that the “prokaryote,” in both its organizational and phylogenetic senses, was defined (negatively) on the basis of structure. Finally, we see how phylogenetic research based on 16S rRNA led by Carl Woese and his collaborators confronted the prokaryote concept while moving microbiology to the center of evolutionary biology.

Improving Virtual Teams through Swift Structure

2010 ◽  
pp. 1027-1035
Author(s):  
Daphna Shwarts-Asher ◽  
Niv Ahituv ◽  
Dalia Etzion
Keyword(s):  
Virtual Teams ◽  
Structural Characteristics ◽  
Preliminary Finding ◽  
Virtual Team ◽  
Team Work ◽  
Team Structure ◽  
Global Companies ◽  
Team Design ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Structural Levels

There has been a transformation from individual work to team work in the last few decades (Ilgen, 1999), and many organizations use teams for many activities done by individuals in the past (Boyett & Conn, 1992; Katzenbach & Smith, 1993). The use of virtual teams has also become common particularly in international organizations and global companies. In light of this growing phenomenon, the traditional definition of “team structure” should be redefined, as part of the model that predicts the influence of the virtuallity and structural levels on processes, social, and tasks, that effect team output. A methodology will later be illustrated to examine the research model and a discussion of preliminary finding. The research contributes to better understanding of virtual teams in hope of improving the teams work in the virtual world. Virtual team design has so far been treated as an afterthought by virtual team researchers. Investigation of team structure in the virtual environment holds significant promise for research and practice (Powell, Piccoli, & Ives, 2004). Integration between virtual teams and structural characteristics raises the question: “Has the virtual era put an end to team structure?” Leavitt (1996) claims that the rapid changes impose organizations to relax structures. Hackman (2002), on the other hand, predicts that team structure will always exist and managers will continue to be bothered by team design.

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