scholarly journals Engaging complexity

2014 ◽  
Vol 35 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gys M. Loubser
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Church Polity ◽  
Theological Argument ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Reductionist Approach

In this article, I discuss studies in complexity and its epistemological implications for systematic and practical theology. I argue that engagement with complexity does not necessarily assurea non-reductionist approach. However, if complexity is engaged transversally, it becomes possible to transcend reductionist approaches. Moreover, systematic and practical the ologians can draw on complexity in developing new ways of understanding and, therefore, new ways of describing the focus, epistemic scope and heuristic structures of systematic and practical theology. Firstly, Edgar Morin draws a distinction between restricted and general complexity based on the epistemology drawn upon in studies in complexity. Moving away from foundationalist approaches to epistemology, Morin argues for a paradigm of systems. Secondly,I discuss Kees van Kooten Niekerk�s distinction between epistemology, methodology andontology in studies in complexity and offer an example of a theological argument that drawson complexity. Thirdly, I argue for the importance of transversality in engaging complexity by drawing on the work of Wentzel van Huyssteen and Paul Cilliers. In conclusion, I argue that theologians have to be conscious of the epistemic foundations of each study in complexity, and these studies illuminate the heart of Reformed theology.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: Therefore, this article has both intradisciplinary and interdisciplinary implications. When theologians engage studies incomplexity, the epistemological roots of these studies need to be considered seeing thatresearchers in complexity draw on different epistemologies. Drawing on transversality wouldenhance such considerations. Furthermore, Edgar Morin�s and Paul Cilliers� approach tocomplexity will inform practical and theoretical considerations in church polity and unity.

scholarly journals The semper reformanda principle under scrutiny in an African context in relation to inculturation

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Graham A. Duncan
Keyword(s):  
Practical Theology ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approach ◽  
Church History ◽  
Significant Problem ◽  
16Th Century ◽  
African Theology ◽  
Broad Field ◽  
Missionary Movement ◽  
Church Polity ◽  
African Context

The semper reformanda [always reforming] principle has been poorly promoted by all traditions since it was conceptualised following the 16th-century Reformation. A significant problem caused by the missionary movement was the imposition of a Western-style approach to theology, liturgy and polity with little regard for the cultures that were being invaded and diminished. This article examines the hermeneutical problem in the African context, as well as the concept of and practice of inculturation, and proposes a way forward on the basis of faithfulness to the semper reformanda principle.Intradisciplinary and/or interdisciplinary implications: This article is interdisciplinary in the sense that it transcends the theological disciplines of Church History, Church Polity, Dogmatics, Practical Theology, African Theology and Missiology. The topic indicates the relevance of an interdisciplinary approach in order to produce an inclusive, integrated and well-rounded approach within the broad field of hermeneutics.

The Biological Clock and Sleep in the Elderly

2006 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-51 ◽  
Author(s):  
Myriam Juda ◽  
Mirjam Münch ◽  
Anna Wirz-Justice ◽  
Martha Merrow ◽  
Till Roenneberg
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Rhythms ◽  
Biological Clock ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Early Morning ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Older Age ◽  
Age Related ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Sleep Difficulties ◽  
Circadian Biology

Abstract: Among many other changes, older age is characterized by advanced sleep-wake cycles, changes in the amplitude of various circadian rhythms, as well as reduced entrainment to zeitgebers. These features reveal themselves through early morning awakenings, sleep difficulties at night, and a re-emergence of daytime napping. This review summarizes the observations concerning the biological clock and sleep in the elderly and discusses the documented and theoretical considerations behind these age-related behavioral changes, especially with respect to circadian biology.

Imprecision of Laboratory Determinations and Diagnostic Accuracy: Theoretical Considerations

1974 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 151-158 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. A. B. Lindbebo ◽  
Fr. R. Watson
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Diagnostic Accuracy ◽  
Diagnostic Process ◽  
Clinical Laboratories ◽  
Non Linear ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Made In

Recent studies suggest the determinations of clinical laboratories must be made more precise than at present. This paper presents a means of examining benefits of improvement in precision. To do this we use a mathematical model of the effect upon the diagnostic process of imprecision in measurements and the influence upon these two of Importance of Diagnosis and Prevalence of Disease. The interaction of these effects is grossly non-linear. There is therefore no proper intuitive answer to questions involving these matters. The effects can always, however, be calculated.Including a great many assumptions the modeling suggests that improvements in precision of any determination ought probably to be made in hospital rather than screening laboratories, unless Importance of Diagnosis is extremely high.

The Estimation of the Number of Binding Sites for Antibody on Antigen Molecules with Reference to Factor VIII and its Antibody

1976 ◽  
Vol 35 (02) ◽  
pp. 274-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Judith Pool ◽  
Rosemary Biggs ◽  
R. G Miller
Keyword(s):  
Factor Viii ◽  
Binding Sites ◽  
Theoretical Basis ◽  
Human Antibody ◽  
Rabbit Antibody ◽  
Number Of Binding Sites ◽  
Theoretical Considerations

SummaryThe theoretical basis for determining the number of antibody sites on antigen molecules is examined. The theoretical considerations are applied to factor VIII molecules. Examples based on data available at the Oxford Haemophilia Centre are calculated to illustrate the approach. It is concluded that there are few sites on each factor VIII molecule for human antibody. The three antibodies for which reasonable data were available suggest 1–3 sites for human antibody. The data for rabbit antibody suggest 5–6 sites per factor VIII molecule.

The age of symbolic economic policies?

2015 ◽  
Vol 37 (2) ◽  
pp. 245-265
Author(s):  
Peter Galbács
Keyword(s):  
Economic Policy ◽  
Theoretical Framework ◽  
Policy Tools ◽  
Economic Policies ◽  
Mainstream Economics ◽  
History Of ◽  
Theoretical Considerations ◽  
Macroeconomic Environment

This paper offers a few remarks on the so-called heterodoxy commentaries of recent times (e.g. Bod 2013, Csaba 2011). In accordance with the growing popularity of unusual economic policy actions, a set of “tools” is emerging that aims to exert its effects breaking with instrumental actions. Outlining a special framework of the history of mainstream economics, it will be argued that economic policy only gradually has become capable of applying this system. In our view, both the emergence of symbolic economic policies mentioned above and the rise of heterodoxy are on the same level, since certain governments can only operate through giving signals. Although it is not the time to formulate ultimate and eternal generalised statements, it may perhaps be stated that symbolic economic policies can make some room for manoeuvring available as a last resort. In other words, the possibility of a certain kind of economic policy “tools” can be derived from theoretical considerations, and this set has become highlighted recently by some constraining changes in the macroeconomic environment. Our theoretical framework will be filled sporadically with some episodes from the last few years of the economic policy of Hungary.

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