Technikos autonomijos problema Gilbert’o Simondono filosofijoje

In this article, an important part of Simondon’s philosophy of technology (mainly as it is elaborated in On the Mode of Existence of Technical Objects) is presented and situated within a broader context of philosophy of technology and contemporary trends of technological development. The hypothesis suggests that one of the main motives behind such Simondon’s ideas as a reconciliation between culture and technics, the need for mechanology, etc. is to dispel the metaphysical view of autonomous position of technology as uncontrollable destiny in contemporary societies. However, Simondon’s position remains inherently ambivalent here: even though it is culture that should incorporate and govern technology, culture still must accomodate itself to the actual state of technology developed by technicians. A mystifying element in Simondon’s philosophy of technology remains, as the philosopher privileges a technician as being grounded in and having access to the pre-individual state of nature. It is argued that the development of technology should be more democratized and put under rational control of society.

Tuning Reconstruction Level of Precatalysts to Design Advanced Oxygen Evolution Electrocatalysts

Surface reconstruction engineering is an effective strategy to promote the catalytic activities of electrocatalysts, especially for water oxidation. Taking advantage of the physicochemical properties of precatalysts by manipulating their structural self-reconstruction levels provide a promising methodology for achieving suitable catalysts. In this review, we focus on recent advances in research related to the rational control of the process and level of surface transformation ultimately to design advanced oxygen evolution electrocatalysts. We start by discussing the original contributions to surface changes during electrochemical reactions and related factors that can influence the electrocatalytic properties of materials. We then present an overview of current developments and a summary of recently proposed strategies to boost electrochemical performance outcomes by the controlling structural self-reconstruction process. By conveying these insights, processes, general trends, and challenges, this review will further our understanding of surface reconstruction processes and facilitate the development of high-performance electrocatalysts beyond water oxidation.

SAFETY MONITORING BY MEANS OF SENSOR NETWORKS DISTRIBUTED WITHIN THE FOSSA SITE PLAN

The seismic event of 6 April 2009 has inevitably left its mark on the history of the entire territory of L'Aquila (Italy), completely devastating the town and much of the province. Within such frantic and extensive reconstruction activity, the resulting construction works could not but draw attention to some issues of fundamental importance such as coordinated planning, safety, respect for the rules and above all the rebirth of the territory. This research is aimed at drawing up the site plan for Fossa, a municipality in the Province of L'Aquila and not far from the region capital of Abruzzo, Italy. The main objective is to create a monitoring standard by means of a dedicated sensors network and detailed strategies in order to coordinate, guide and support the single actions of intervention through design behaviours and highly technological tools. The Plan is configured as a tool for participatory planning, with the active involvement of planners, companies and citizens, whose common goal is the preservation of the identity of locations, the mitigation of seismic risk and the enhancement of the cultural heritage of the Municipality of Fossa. Implementation of this work is the application of technological systems for construction site monitoring: a concrete response to the growing demand for organized management of the construction process on site and safety in the workplace can be achieved through the use of systems and rational control and management procedures that include the use of innovative technologies.

Popular Religion and Modernity

This chapter begins with an account of the famous maskil Moses Leib Lilienblum’s mother-in-law, who sought all sorts of experts to help her bear a son. It discusses how Lilienblum’s mother-in-law epitomizes the complex cultural reality of many Jews in nineteenth-century eastern Europe of being open to modern trends, but at the same time still believing in superstition, popular religion, and magical medicine. It also analyzes the view on the Age of Enlightenment as a period in which European nations adopted new philosophical approaches that directed men and women to take rational control of their own fate. The chapter explores how the age of reason and rationality led to a weakening and eradication of certain religious faiths, including belief in witchcraft, magic, and superstition. It points out that the weakening of religious piety and popular religion amongst Jewish society in Europe over the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries was a clear sign of cultural change.