bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downregulation of leptin inhibits growth and induces apoptosis of lung cancer cells via the Notch and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways
Authors: Zheng Xian-Jie , Yang Zhong-Xin , Dong Yan-Jun , Zhang Guo-Yu , Sun Ming-Fei , An Xiao-Kang , Pan Li-Hong , Zhang Shuang-Lin
Published: May 2016

Previous studies have documented that leptin is involved in the pathogenesis of many human cancer types by regulation of numerous signal transduction pathways. The aim of this study was to investigate the biological roles of leptin and the mechanisms attributed to its action in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines. The expression of leptin was measured by quantitative real-time PCR and western blot in seven NSCLC cell lines. Proliferation and apoptosis of NSCLC cells in response to leptin knockdown were determined by MTT assay and flow cytometry, respectively. The effect of leptin knockdown on the Notch and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways was further examined by western blot. Leptin expression was significantly increased in NSCLC cell lines compared with normal human bronchial epithelial cell HBE. Leptin knockdown inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in NSCLC cell lines through inactivation of the Notch and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways. Furthermore, gene silencing of Notch signaling with Notch-1 siRNA or inhibition of JAK/STAT3 signaling by JSI-124, an inhibitor of STAT3, resulted in proliferation inhibition and apoptosis induction in NSCLC A549 cells. Our findings suggested that leptin knockdown could become a new approach for the prevention of lung cancer progression, which is likely to be mediated at least partially by inactivation of the Notch and JAK/STAT3 signaling pathways.
Role of carriers in the transmission of pneumonia in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis)
Authors: Raghavan Bindu , Erickson Kayla , Kugadas Abirami , Batra Sai A. , Call Douglas R. , Davis Margaret A. , Foreyt William J. , Srikumaran Subramaniam
Published: May 2016

In the absence of livestock contact, recurring lamb mortality in bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) populations previously exposed to pneumonia indicates the likely presence of carriers of pneumonia-causing pathogens, and possibly inadequate maternally derived immunity. To investigate this problem we commingled naïve, pregnant ewes (n=3) with previously exposed rams (n=2). Post-commingling, all ewes and lambs born to them acquired pneumonia-causing pathogens (leukotoxin-producing Pasteurellaceae and Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae), with subsequent lamb mortality between 4-9 weeks of age. Infected ewes became carriers for two subsequent years and lambs born to them succumbed to pneumonia. In another experiment, we attempted to suppress the carriage of leukotoxin-producing Pasteurellaceae by administering an antibiotic to carrier ewes, and evaluated lamb survival. Lambs born to both treatment and control ewes (n=4 each) acquired pneumonia and died. Antibody titers against leukotoxin-producing Pasteurellaceae in all eight ewes were ‘protective’ (>1:800 and no apparent respiratory disease); however their lambs were either born with comparatively low titers, or with high (but non-protective) titers that declined rapidly within 2-8 weeks of age, rendering them susceptible to fatal disease. Thus, exposure to pneumonia-causing pathogens from carrier ewes, and inadequate titers of maternally derived protective antibodies, are likely to render bighorn lambs susceptible to fatal pneumonia.
Thermophysical, diffusion, and segregation processes in the frictional contact zone
Authors: Kolesnikov Igor V
Published: May 2016

The calculation of the temperature field for the tribosystem of wheel - composition brake shoe of the rolling stock has shown that the maximum temperature in the wheel is not on the surface, but at 200-1000 micron distance from the friction surface. Under friction, as a result of the thermomechanical destruction of the polymer shoe there evolves hydrogen that is absorbed by the contact surface of the wheel. At that, the maximum hydrogen concentration coincides with the maximum temperature. The research results of the segregation phenomena of alloying and impurity elements in the iron grain boundaries are presented. It is shown that the consistency of the rates of the transfer film formation and its destruction is the kinetic condition of self-organization on the antifriction tribo-contact. The atomic-binding energy of different elements to the grain surface is a periodic function of the atomic numbers of the elements. This may serve as a theoretical basis for predicting the strength properties of steel with a different composition of alloying and impurity elements. The obtained results indicate the promising application of XPS and AES of quantum chemistry in solving tribological tasks.
Secure document management model based on distributed data transmission with authentication
Authors: Deundyak Vladimir M. , Popova Svetlana B.
Published: May 2016

The present research subject is the secure document management. Its purpose is increasing the reliability of the data transmission. The research problem is the construction of a reliable model of the secure document management with authentication. The distributed data transmission technique which allows - using multiple channels - reduce significantly the risk of the unauthorized access to the information, and the possibilities of its modification, is used to solve this problem. The research result is a secure document management model based on the dual-link MV2 cryptoalgorithm, and AES and RC4 underlying ciphers. The replacement of the basic ciphers is provided, and the need of the additional associated data which must remain open, but be authenticated with the basic encrypted information is considered. The model constructed solves the original problem, and the software implementation developed in C ++ using NTL library can be applied in practice. The application field of the results obtained is the commercial document management protection.
Study on positioning accuracy of automated pneumatic drive with an outer brake
Authors: Dao The Anh , Sidorenko Valentin S. , Dymochkin Denis D.
Published: May 2016

The work objective is to introduce a design of the automated pneumatic drive (APD) with an external braking gear. It is a controlled pneumo-mechanic brake providing the process time reduction, the positioning accuracy increase, and the reliable positioning of the stop mechanism in the setpoints. The application of the prototype drive with the automated measurement complex creates conditions for the oscillographic testing of the positioning process in real time and space, and it also provides reliable experiment results. The authors have created a special stand - a model of the proposed drive that allows investigating the effect of its positional accuracy under different parameters of its operation. Kinematic and power characteristics of the drive in the automatic operation by the compressed air flow are identified. The effect of the positioning speed and the brake control pressure on the drive accuracy is resulted. Recommendations for the development of real positional drives with increased performance and positioning accuracy are formulated. It is found that the introduction of an outer braking device - the controlled pneumo-mechanic brake - improves the positioning accuracy of these drives by 1,25-2,25 times.
Numerical simulation of the experiment on pulsed excitation of stack type piezoelectric generator
Authors: Solovyev Arkady N. , Le Van Duong , Akopyan Vladimir A. , Rozhkov Evgeny V. , Chebanenko Valery A.
Published: May 2016

The numerical modeling results of the full-scale experiment with low-frequency pulse excitation of the stack-type piezoelectric generator (PEG) for the energy storage device are described. PEG is a multilayer axisymmetric piezoceramic package. The dependence of the output voltage on the active load rate under the harmonic and non-stationary mechanical action of the PEG is studied. A finite element device model is developed in ANSYS , and a simplified one-dimensional analytical model is analyzed. The experimental results-to-numerical calculation correlation has shown their good convergence which allows using the analyzed numerical models to optimize the PEG design at the given external action frequency and active resistance value of the external electric circuit. In addition, it is found that the frequency dependence of the output voltage of the axial-type PEG is of a complex nature depending both on the compressive pulse loading level and the piezoelectric modulus value of the PEG sensitive element, and on the electrical load resistance.
Monitoring of multioperational machines based on the concept of e-Mind Machine
Authors: Tugengold Andrey K. , Voloshin Roman N. , Yushchenko Sergey V.
Published: May 2016

The concept of e-Mind Machine, a system that monitors the status of multioperational machines, is considered. The existing international and domestic monitoring systems, as well as the essential aspects of monitoring specifying e-Mind Machine features are analyzed. The structure of the e-Mind Machine module organization is presented. The need for converting test data into a knowledge system when the perspective monitoring systems operate at the multioperational machines is justified. Benefits of the forecasting methods application are determined. New concepts such as fuzzy boundary of operability/reliability and fuzzy boundary of parametric uptime are introduced. It is shown that the use of the intelligent control opens up fresh opportunities for the monitoring automation. The application of the e-Mind Machine module as an onboard intelligent system maximizes the part-processing efficiency and reliability in combination with the machine self-service.
Study on magnetic field parameters in the inductor working chamber
Authors: Limarenko Nikolay V. , Zharov Victor P. , Panov Yury V. , Shapoval Boris G.
Published: May 2016

The inductor which allows the usage of the magnetic field in the agriculture technological processes is considered. The measuring technique of the electromagnetic field vector characterization - magnetic induction that evaluates the quality of the technological process in the inductor chamber - is offered. Intensity, directivity, and uniformity of the magnetic field in the inductor working chamber are investigated. The techniques of the instrumental, direct and indirect measurements, and statistical data processing, as well as methods of analog-to-digital data conversion are used. A cybernetic model of the experimental research to assess the inductor performance quality is developed. The distribution of the radial and axial components of the magnetic induction in the working chamber is determined; the area with the most uniform magnitude and the magnetic-field direction which forms the inductor working area is identified. The most significant component of the magnetic induction vector for this process and the type of inductor is revealed. The results obtained are important for the development of new inductor constructions.
Loop flow section conditions of the mixable feed in tilted single-screw batch mixer
Authors: Khlystunov Victor F. , Braginets Sergey V. , Chernutskiy Mikhail V. , Tokareva Anna N.
Published: May 2016

A mathematical model of the feed mixing in a tilted single-screw circulating batch mixer is presented. The model includes a system of equations of control component concentration change in the representative zones of the mixer. The feed material state at the mixer loading start-up and hulling onset is considered for solving a system of equations. A flow pattern and mathematical expressions of the forces affecting the feed during the charging process are given. As a consequence of the equations solution, the dependence for determining the height of the feed layer on the mixer hopper geometrics and the physical and mechanical-and physical properties of the feed material is obtained. A flow pattern of the forces affecting the feed material at the hulling onset is shown. The layer height value of the hulled material is determined with account of the dependence obtained for the first state of feed. It is determined that two zones are formed from the area of the original conditional displacement. The first one is a plug-flow zone of the bottom-up feed transportation, and the second one is a plug-flow zone in the direction of the downward feed hulling. The cross-sectional area of these zones can be determined on the basis of the derived equations.
PARAMETERS OF PRODUCTIVITY AND ECOLOGIC RESISTANCE OF CUCUMBER VARIETIES AND HYBRIDS IN THE OPEN GROUND
Authors: Сапега  , Sapega Valeriy
Published: May 2016

The article presents the results of evaluation of cucumber varieties and hybrids according to the productivity and adaptability parameters, when it was tested in the open ground in the Tyumen State Variety Testing Station (northern forest-steppe). The best varieties and hybrids was highlighted on the basis of comprehensive evaluation of productivity and adaptability parameters.
IMPACT OF PRE-SOWING TREATMENT OF SEEDS BY SUPERWEAK ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS OF EXTREMELY-HIGH FREQUENCY ON PRODUCTIVITY AND QUALITY OF WINTER WHEAT GRAIN
Authors: Морозов  , Morozov Gennadiy , Таланов  , Talanov Pavel , Таланов  , Talanov Ivan , Степура  , Stepura Askold
Published: May 2016

The article presents the results of studies on the effect of pre-sowing seed treatment by electromagnetic impact to reduce phytopathogens on seeds, involvement of plants by root rot and leafy mycosis and improving the productivity and quality of winter rye grain.
DEVELOPMENT AND RESEARCH OF UNIVERSAL TILLAGE MACHINE TO CREATE MINERALIZED STRIPS
Authors: Муртазин  , Murtazin Rustam , Валиев  , Valiev Ayrat , Галеев  , Galeev Sultan
Published: May 2016

The article presents a technology of creating fire prevention mineralized strips and a new universal tillage machine for its implementation.
TECHNICAL SOLUTIONS FOR INCREASING OF MACHINE MILKING COWS EFFICIENCY
Authors: Лукманов  , Lukmanov Ruslan , Мустафин  , Mustafin Anas , Зиганшин  , Ziganshin Bulat , Шогенов  , Shogenov Yuriy
Published: May 2016

A device of disconnection a milking machine at the end of milking was created to improve the efficiency of machine milking cows. On the basis of theoretical and experimental studies we proved constructive and technological parameters and operation modes of the air engine.
INFLUENCE OF TECHNOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF CANTILEVER-TYPE SCRAPER FOR MANURE DISPOSAL ON ITS PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Authors: Филипчик  , Filipchik Vitaliy , Савиных  , Savinykh Petr , Алешкин  , Aleshkin Aleksey
Published: May 2016

The article presents the results of experimental and theoretical studies of dependence of performance indicators of cantilever-type scraper to manure disposal from the process parameters, namely, the manure friction coefficient and its velocity, when cleaning manure from livestock farms with captive raising of animals. We obtained a dependence of consumed power, expended on the drive of cantilever-type scraper, from manure friction coefficient and its velocity.
ANALYSIS OF GRAIN MARKET CAPACITY AND ITS SEGMENTS IN THE REPUBLIC OF TATARSTAN
Authors: Валеева  , Valeeva Gulnara , Хаммадеева  , Khammadeeva Leysan
Published: May 2016

The article provides an analysis of grain market capacity and its segments of the Republic of Tatarstan on the basis of different approaches to the methods of its determination. The determination of agricultural production market capacity is considered and justified as a first step in evaluating the attractiveness and selecting strategic areas of agrarian formations management.
Totally Positive Density Matrices and Linear Preservers
Authors: Kribs David , Levick Jeremy , Pereira Rajesh
Published: May 2016

The intersection between the set of totally nonnegative matrices, which are of interest in many areas of matrix theory and its applications, and the set of density matrices, which provide the mathematical description of quantum states, are investigated. The single qubit case is characterized, and several equivalent conditions for a quantum channel to preserve the set in that case are given. Higher dimensional cases are also discussed.
Burnout levels of the physical education teachers in terms of professional variables
Beden eğitimi öğretmenlerinin mesleki değişkenlere göre tükenmişlik düzeyleri
Authors: Yılmaz Timur , Çolakoğlu F. Filiz , Çolakoglu Tekin
Published: May 2016

The study was undertaken in order to assess burnout levels of the physical education teachers in terms of professional variables.The population of the study was consisted of 275 physical education teachers who were employed at secondary schools and high schools of Ministry of National Education in the city center of Ordu Province during the academic year of 2012-2013. The sample of the study was composed of 163 physical education teachers who were employed at secondary schools and high schools in the city center of Ordu Province and were recruited with random sampling. As the data collection tools; Personal Information Forms and Maslach Burnout Inventory-Educators Survey Form (MBI-ES) were employed. For the data analyses; as a result of the normality tests, independent group t test was used for pairwise group comparisons whereas ANOVA and non-parametric Kruskal Wallis-H test were employed for the comparisons of the three and more groups. In light of the study results; it was determined that physical education teachers underwent “emotional burnout” for the variable of “sufficient income”.   ÖzetBu çalışma, beden eğitimi öğretmenlerinin mesleki değişkenlere göre tükenmişlik düzeylerini incelemek amacı ile yapılmıştır.Araştırmanın evrenini 2012–2013 eğitim-öğretim yılında Ordu ili (merkez) ve ilçelerinde Milli Eğitim Bakanlığına bağlı orta ve lise okullarında görev yapan 275 beden eğitimi öğretmenleri oluşturmaktadır. Örneklemini ise, Ordu ili (merkez) ve ilçelerinde görev yapan rastgele yöntemle seçilen toplam 163 beden eğitimi öğretmeni oluşturmaktadır.Araştırmada veri toplama aracı olarak, Kişisel Bilgi Formu ve Maslach Tükenmişlik Envanteri-Eğitimci Formu kullanılmıştır. Verilerin analizinde, yapılan normallik sınamasına göre ikili küme karşılaştırmaları için bağımsız grup t testi, üç veya daha fazla küme karşılaştırmaları için ANOVA non parametrik Kruskal Wallis-H testi; sonucu anlamlı bulunan farklılıkların kaynağını belirlemek üzere, varyansların homojen olmasından dolayı post hoc testlerinden Scheffe ve LSD çoklu karşılaştırma testleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırmadaki istatistiki analizler için anlamlılık düzeyi 0.05 ve 0.01 olarak ele alınmıştır. Araştırma sonucuna göre meslek gelirlerinin yeterliliği değişkeninde “duygusal tükenme” yaşadıkları belirlenmiştir.
Logischer Positivismus und radikale Gesellschaftsreform
Authors: Beckermann Ansgar
Published: May 2016

For many years some critically engaged German sociologists have challenged Logical Positivism with the criticism that Positivism’s allegedly neutral conception of science in fact supports conservative or even reactionary political movements. This line of criticism is due, at last in part, to the fact that German scientists became acquainted with the positivistic branch of analytical philosophy after World War II almost exclusively through the works of the liberal-conservative K. R. Popper. Popper, however, is by no means representative of all Positivists. There were influential members of the Vienna Circle who saw a direct connection between the aims of the „scientific world view“ and the endeavour to renew the society on the basis of rational, i.e. socialistic, principles. This connection becomes especially clear in the manifesto Wissenschaftliche Weltauffassung − Der Wiener Kreis which was published in 1929 by Carnap, Hahn and Neurath.
Historical Momentums and Historical Epochs
Authors: Nowak Leszek
Published: May 2016

The paper begins with a proposal for a reconstruction of three major statements of the traditional Marxian version of historical materialism. The general concept of an adaptive mechanism is introduced to explain how, in the Marxian sense, several parts of the superstructure are to be thought of as determined by the economic base. The paper proceeds by asking whether the classical type of economic determination is valid not only for precapitalist and capitalist societies, but for socialist societies as well. An answer in the negative is given. The author tries to outline a type of historical materialism which takes into account the autonomous role of political institutions and social relations as determinants in socialist societies.
Modellkonstruktion und empirische Uberpriifbarkeit in Marx’ ‚Kapital‘
Authors: Steinvorth Ulrich
Published: May 2016

One of the first objections raised against Marx’ Kapital was that it was an idealistic construction a priori of capitalist economy. Since Marx agreed that his book could seem to be so, we may assume that the analyses of Kapital are not only empirical. I try to show that (1) the analyses of the first chapters of Kapital give a conceptual construction of a model of commodity exchange made up both of generally recognized and of new definitions of commodity exchange, (2) that the model cannot be used for predicting the end of capitalist economy but that (3) it can be applied to reality because (a) the generally recognized definitions correspond to the ordinary usage of the words, (b) the new definitions are in accordance with true empirical statements about capitalist exchange, (c) the model has allowed true predictions about capitalist economy to be deduced, and (4) that therefore it can be used as a reason for putting an end to capitalist economy.
Intentionality and Physicalism: a Resolvable Dispute
Authors: Marras Ausonio
Published: May 2016

This paper discusses the traditional antagonism between the Intentionalist and the Physicalist paradigms of the nature of mind and human behaviour. After tracing the development of the concept of intentionality in contemporary analytic philosophy and delineating some of the problems it presented for the so-called Thesis of Physicalism in several of its formulations, the paper proceeds to show how a liberalized methodology of theory construction and an understanding of functional systems and artificial intelligence models may enable us to reconstruct the intentional states of persons in a way compatible with the demands of physicalism. In particular, it is suggested that the intentional states which, on the intentionalist paradigm, mediate human behaviour might be understood as (theoretically postulated) functional states of a physical organism modelled on the functional states of a (probabilistic) automaton.
Rawls and the Left: Some Left Critiques of Rawls’ Principles of Justice
Authors: Nielsen Kai
Published: May 2016

This is an examination of some Left critiques of Rawls. Stress is put, not on his underlying moral methodology, including his contractarianism, though surely there is need for such a critique as well, but on an examination of his principles of justice, particularly his equal liberty principle and his difference principle. This is often thought to be the heart of his theory. It is argued that Rawls’ asociological and ahistorical approach and his ignoring of questions of power and of ideology and his lack of an adequate conceptualization of liberty lead to major distortions in his account. Both principles are shown to be problematic and the equal liberty principle is shown to be in conflict with the difference principle.
Ist der Kritische Rationalismus am Ende?
Authors: Spinner Helmut F.
Published: May 2016

Motivated by Drerup’s and Terhart’s stimulating contribution (Analyse & Kritik 1/80) to the notorious “Critical Rationalism and Contemporary Politics” -affair with its fatal repercussions on Popper’s original position. Part One of this paper discusses the development of Popperian philosophy of science and society from the hopeful beginnings to the rather unsatisfactory present state, with the main emphasis on the separate fate of his Social Philosophy in German speaking countries. A reconstruction and evaluation of this development is made in comparison to Popper’s basic idea of an open-minded Social Philosophy and critical Social Science. The German mainstream development adds to Popper’s own radically liberal interpretation a positivistic, a normativistic and a conformistic phase, thus leading this degenerating research programme to the present philosophical stagnation and badly compensating political reideologization. The intellectual as well as the institutional causes and consequences of the deviant German case are analysed. − This exposition of the present state of reception is to be completed, in Part Two, by an analysis of the resulting state of problems with regard to the remaining chances for the realization of the original Popperian programme just-mentioned in contemporary rebuilding.
The Pareto Principle
Authors: Backhaus Jürgen
Published: May 2016

The purpose of the paper is a discussion of the meaning and relevance of the Pareto principle in economics. To begin with, the principle is briefly retraced in Pareto’s own writings. Its contemporary meaning was, however, developed in the context of the “New Welfare Economics”. While Pareto technically employed the principle in order to describe an equilibrium situation, Kaldor and Hicks developed it somewhat differently as a yardstick for economic policy formulation. Sometimes, the principle is also discussed as a decision rule, and in this context some critics - though not the present author - believe it to have a conservative bias. Finally, recent discussions center around the incompatibility of the Pareto principle and “liberal” values. This conflict might be of limited relevance, only, due to a misconstrued formalism.
Inhaltsanalyse als Instrument der Sozialforschung
Authors: Merten Klaus
Published: May 2016

It is assumed that content analysis is as important an instrument for the investigation of social reality as other instruments· for this purpose (observation, interview). First a number of assumptions of Berelson’s classic definition of content analysis is examined from this perspective and their problematical nature shown by referring to findings of the theory of communication and semiotics. The result of this analysis demands the understanding of content analysis as a method of investigation of social reality rather than as a model; the aim not being the description of a social object (of a text) but the inference from internal characteristics of a text. to external characteristics of social reality. At the same time it is revealed that content analysis just as the customary instruments for the investigation of social reality is to be understood as a reciprocally interfering selective social process the achievement of which, namely the investigation of social reality, is only possible in actual fact at the cost of the reactivity of the instrument.
Bedeutung gleich Struktur?
Authors: Lüger Heinz-Helmut
Published: May 2016

With his “Structural Text Analysis” M. Titzmann tries to give the basic notions of a semiotic theory of interpretation. In spite of this extensive and systematic representation, some problems arise: the additive conception of pragmatics, the static-referential notion of sign, the rigid definition of meaning, the rejection of any alternative interpretation. The possibility of application of the proposed method would depend to a large extent on these points.
Zur Kritik der libertären Eigentumskonzeption
Authors: Koller Peter
Published: May 2016

Nozick’s entitlement theory of justice is, besides Rawls’s theory, one of the most widely discussed and intellectually most attractive conceptions within the field of contemporary political philosophy. Nozick’s theory uses Locke's conception of the state of nature and of natural rights, and tries, starting from this point of view, to deliver a comprehensive systematisation of libertarian political ideals. This essay deals mainly with Nozick’s conception of property rights. The argument is put forward that the concept of exclusive and unrestrictable ownership of which Nozick makes use, doesn’t find any acceptable justification on the basis of his theory.
Recht, Strafrecht und Sozialmoral
Authors: Lüderssen Klaus
Published: May 2016

It is shown by means of four examples that the demarcation between law and morals has become problematical. The study of more recent developments in ethics and in law indicates that in both fields the relevance of discourse and consent has grown. Though both law and morals aim at agreement their degree of dependance on it differs. The definition of law and morals suggested in this article is based on this view. Legitimate law consists of norms, which besides fulfilling other conditions have attained a certain degree of consent. On the other hand one can only talk of social morals when a very high degree of consent has been reached. The consequences of this definition are explained by means of the examples presented at the beginning.
Economic Theory, Ideal Types, and Rationality
Authors: Keita Lansana
Published: May 2016

Contemporary economic theory is generally regarded as a scientific or at least potentially so. The replacing of the cardinal theory of utility measurement by the ordinal theory was supposed to prepare the groundwork for economics as a genuine science. But in adopting the ordinal approach, theorists saw fit to anchor ordinal theory to axioms of choice founded on principles of rational behavior. Behavior according to these axioms was embodied in the ideal type model of rational economic man. This model served the basis for scientific explanation of the choices made by actual economic agents. I argue though that the postulate of rationality is a normative principle and that this compromises the scientific pretensions of economic theory. Yet the theorist must rely on this principle to formulate predictive and explanatory theories. This raises questions as to whether it is possible that economic theory satisfy the same kind of scientific criteria set down for research in the natural sciences.
Produktion, Markt und technischer Fortschritt
Authors: Cogoy Mario
Published: May 2016

The following article proposes a change of perspective in the capital-theory debate of political economy. Instead of insisting upon the differences between a Marxian labour theory of value and a Ricardo-Sraffaian theory of prices of production (Marx versus Sraffa) the common basis of the two approaches is stressed. The common basis consists in the paradigm of duality between physical quantities and evaluation standards. The last part of the paper collects sceptical arguments concerning the question of whether the duality paradigm can provide an adequate approach to an analysis of modern technical change.
Diskussion/Discussion. Kommentare zu R. Rorty: Zur Lage der Gegenwartsphilosophie in den USA (Analyse & Kritik 1/81)
Authors: Bennet Jonathan
Published: May 2016

Rorty’s profound and challenging critique of contemporary philosophy is in several ways somewhat unfair. Analytic philosophy can contribute towards ‘wisdom’ in a reasonable sense of the term, though not in Rorty’s narrow sense; and his contrast between ‘sophist’ and ‘sage’, with the latter understood in Plato’s way, is also too constricting. Also, some contemporary ‘analytic’ work in the ‘history of philosophy’, so called, is not invalidated by Rorty’s strictures - especially his implied accusation that we shan’t be interested in the intellectual past if we can’t look down on it.
Diskussion/Discussion. Kommentare zu R. Rorty: Zur Lage der Gegenwartsphilosophie in den USA (Analyse & Kritik 1/81)
Authors: Rosenberg Jay F.
Published: May 2016

: Rorty rejects the idea of a “permanent and neutral matrix of heuristic concepts”. The claim of privilege, however, is separable from the aim of universality, and this idea can be transposed into a regulative ideal, while still preserving the unique intellectual mission of a discipline of philosophy. Rorty’s own positive picture of “edifying philosophy” in contrast is arguably irresponsible and grounded in misreadings both of the epistemology of science and of episodes in the history of philosophy, especially the contributions of Kant.
The Concept of Primacy in Historical Explanation
Authors: Fisk Milton
Published: May 2016

G.A. Cohen interprets Marx as a technological materialist: the productive forces are “primary” in history. There are several mistakes here. First, for Marx technology is neither always nor predominantly the direct stimulus - either causal or functional - of the social relations of production. Second, it is not even the case that for Marx primacy in explanation is a matter of being a direct stimulus. It has to do rather with being a framework that underlies interconnections between direct stimuli and their results. It turns out that this framework cannot be technology but only the relations of production. Third, technological development is not an autonomous process but is for Marx one that is dependent on the cooperation of producers. This introduces the political element of the class struggle into technological development and refutes a technological reading of why a given class rules.
Das grundlegende Puzzle des historischen Materialismus
Authors: Parijs Philippe Van
Published: May 2016

How is it possible, at the same time, to claim that there is a causal primacy of the productive forces over the relations of production and to recognize that the development of the productive forces causally depends on the nature of the relations of production? This irritating puzzle, which threatens the very core of historical materialism, had never received a satisfactory solution until G.A. Cohen’s Karl Marx’s Theory of History. The latter asserts that only a functional interpretation of historical materialism can effect the required reconciliation. On one reading of the “primacy puzzle”, however, this claim turns out to be trivial, while on the only other plausible reading it turns out to be false. Having delineated this dilemma, the article sketches an alternative solution.
The Claims of After Virtue
Authors: MacIntyre Alasdair
Published: May 2016

After Virtue claims that it is characteristic of contemporary society that its debates are peculiarly unsettlable; that this state of affairs is the result of the failure by the thinkers of the Enlightenment to construct a rational, secular defence of shared moral principles; and that the Aristotelian tradition of the virtues provides the only rationally defensible alternative to post-Enlightenment morality.
Culture, Morality and Rights: Or, Should Alasdair Maclntyre’s Philosophical Driving License Be Suspended?
Authors: Flathman Richard E.
Published: May 2016

Taken at face value, Professor Maclntyre’s charge that modern culture is “emotivist” is conceptually incoherent and betrays epistemological confusion. Examination of the modern concept and practice of rights indicates hat his comparisons between modern and pre-modern cultures exaggerate the irrationality, individualism, and fragmentation of the former, the rationalism, unity, and communalism of the latter. There are important differences among the several cultural forms that Maclntyre distinguishes. It is less clear that, lacking (as he admittedly does) a satisfactory account of moral reasoning, Maclntyre has made persuasive his case for abandoning modern liberalism in favor of communalisms inspired by pre-modern cultures.
We-Intentions and Social Action
Authors: Tuomela Raimo , Miller Kaarlo
Published: May 2016

In the paper “We-intentions and Social Action” conceptual issues related to intentional social action are studied. By social actions we here mean actions that are performed together by two or more agents. The central concept of we-intention is introduced and applied to the analysis of simple social practical reasoning. An individualistic analysis of the notion of we-intention is proposed on the basis of the agents’ I-intentions and beliefs. The need and indispensability of we-intentions and we-attitudes in general in a theory of intentional social action is emphasized along with the fact that we-intending leads to action in suitable circumstances.
Cultural Pessimism and the Setting aside of Marxism
Authors: Nielsen Kai
Published: May 2016

I examine Alasdair MacIntyre’s grounds for setting aside Marxism. I find them wanting. I argue that his criticisms are either unsound or fail to consider plausible alternative readings of Marxism which would elude what, on the reading MacIntyre gives, are sound criticisms. I consider MacIntyre’s remarks about Marx’s predictions, his remarks about the moral failures of Marxism and its alleged theoretical impoverishment in considering questions of value.
The Deceptive Self: Liars and Layers
Authors: Oksenberg-Rorty Amelie
Published: May 2016

This paper gives an account of the picture of the self that saves the phenomena of self-deception. On one theory of the self, the phenomena of selfdeception are incoherent: the self as a unified critically reflective rational inquirer cannot deceive itself. On another theory of the self, the phenomena evaporate: the self as a loosely organized system composed of relatively independent subsystems can be conflicted, mistaken, ignorant, compartmentalized. But it does not deceive itself. Our practices as moral agents and rational inquirers are explained by the first theory; our capacities as adaptive survivors are explained by the second. Neither picture can be reduced to the other; neither can be abandoned. The phenomena of selfdeception appear - and are saved by the superimposition of the two theories.
Modernity and Conflict
Authors: Doppelt Gerald
Published: May 2016

In this essay, seek to provide a plausible alternative to Maclntyre’s bold and provocative conception of modernity. I contest his claim that modern social life is marked by (1) the absence of any shared paradigm of the good, tradition, and social morality; (2) rationally interminable normative conflict; (3) characteristically instrumental poweroriented social relations; and (4) the impossibility of genuine human achievement and virtue. I argue that modern conflict is rooted not in the absence of a shored paradigm of the good or the moral; but rather in a structure of social irrationality built into the modern conception of the good or the achievement of individual recognition in and through socioeconomic activity. I argue that while this conception has affirmative dimensions and does permit genuine virtue, the way it is culturally interpreted and institutionally embodied in modern capitalist society reproduces destructive scarcities in human recognition and the degradation of ordinary persons’ capacity for virtue. Where Moclntyre argues for a restoration of the pre-modern (Aristotelian) conception of the moral to be realized in spheres of activity external to socio-economic life, I argue for on immanent critique of modern liberal individualism which would humanize the meaning, conditions, and results of lobar and livelihood.
A Brief Rejoinder
Authors: Gewirth Alan
Published: May 2016

Two main points in Maclntyre’s reply to my Rights and Virtues are shown to be incorrect. First, the right-claims I attribute to every agent are based on the needs of action, and the correlative “must” hence falls within the recognized language of practical advocacy. Second, the ‘conative normality’ I attribute to all agents is not confined to ‘the individualistic social order of modernity’ but instead characterizes every agent who wants to act for the fulfillment of his or her purposes.
Zur Entstehung der Moral aus natürlichen Neigungen
Authors: Hegselmann Rainer , Raub Werner , Voss Thomas
Published: May 2016

Do individuals accept a moral point of view - if they are completely oriented towards their natural preferences and interests? The present article outlines the context of discussion concerning this question within moral philosophy and the social science. In addition it suggests a game-theoretical model with the help of which the question can be answered positively.
Diskussion/Discussion. Replies to the Critics of A Theory of Social Action
Authors: Tuomela Raimo
Published: May 2016

The paper is a reply to the critical reviews of the author’s A Theory of social Action by Anton Leist, Marvin Belzer, and Julian Nida-Rümelin in this journal. As to Leist’s main criticisms, which concern the notions of social action, social practical reasoning, individualism, and social norms, they are argued to be incorrect and unjustified. Belzer’s criticisms are on the whole well taken, and in fact all of them have been noted by the author in his later work.Belzer does not, however, consider these newest analyses and improvements. Nida-Rümelin presents some comments on the relationships between collective preferences and we- intentions. These points are correct.
Group Action and Social Ontology
Authors: Ware Robert
Published: May 2016

In recent years there has been an interesting turn in the philosophical literature to groups and collective action. At the same time there has been a renewed interest in various forms of methodological individualism. This paper attempts to show the diversity of group action that is overlooked by much of the literature, to clarify some of the ambiguities that plague our language about groups and collectives, and to support the view that social entities are genuine. Some important arguments against social entities being genuine are rebutted. The existence of social entities gives some substance to the debate about methodological individualism, but the resolution of the debate has depended too much on empirical results in the distant future. The article ends with some suggestions on how the debate matters in looking for biases in the directions of current social theorizing.
Rational Choice and Moral Order
Authors: Vanberg Victor , Buchanan James M.
Published: May 2016

The article discusses some of the fundamental conceptual and theoretical aspects of rational choice and moral order. A distinction is drawn between constitutional interests and compliance interests, and it is argued that a viable moral order requires that the two interests somehow be brought into congruence. It is shown that with regard to the prospects for a spontaneous emergence of such congruence, a distinction between two kinds of moral rules which we call trust-rules and solidarity-rules is of crucial importance.
Reason and Morality in the Age of Nuclear Deterrence
Authors: Narveson Jan
Published: May 2016

The argument in this paper is that although rationality and morality are distinguishable concepts, there is nevertheless a rational morality, a set of principles, namely, which it is rational of all to require of all. The argument of this paper is that such a morality would certainly issue in a general condemnation of aggressive war. (Whether this also makes it irrational for States to engage in such activities is another, and not entirely settled, matter). Correlatively, it would issue in a strong right of defense. Would this right be sufficient to include resort to nuclear deterrence, if need be? It is argued that the answer must be in the affirmative - although the question of ‘need’ is by no means settled in current circumstances.
Kollektive Güter und individuelle Verantwortung
Authors: Leist Anton
Published: May 2016

In acting within large groups the single actor typically suffers from the symptom of irrelevance of his contribution. A single contributory effect may be extremely small or, due to ‘threshold effects’, even non-existent. Given such conditions not only self-interested action, also purely altruistically motivated contribution seems to be rendered irrational. The article reasons that the famous ‘principles of generalization’ are of no help on this problem. However, a ‘principle of division’ could be used in showing, that in many situations of collective action altruistically motivated contribution is rationally sound.
What Does Doing One’s Part of a Joint Action Involve?
Authors: Tuomela Raimo
Published: May 2016

The paper gives a conceptual clarification of what the notion of a part of a joint action (project, etc;) involves. The - mutually recognized - division of a joint action into parts can be based on social norms (viz. formal or informal rules, or proper social norms such as conventions or group specific social norms) or it can be based on agreement, coercion, or some analogous social mechanism. The paper also discusses the notions of a we-intention, of the intention to perform an action as one’s part of a joint action, and of an agent’s intentionally performing an action as his part of a joint action.
Krankheit als Funktionsgestörtheit
Authors: Pawelzik Markus
Published: May 2016

Contrary to the bio-medical sciences most philosophers of medicine regard disease as an evaluative concept. C. Boorse’s well- known naturalist attempt to conceptualize disease exclusively on the basis of physiological fact seems highly plausible at first sight, since on this Supposition it is possible to make use of the impressive explanatory knowledge of modern medicine. But critical examination of his meta- physiological notion of “disease” as subnormal functioning shows that it does not conform to licensed medical disease-judgements. Furthermore his doctrine seems unjustified since it’s empirical implementability is highly questionable. This suggests that medicine is a naturalist enterprise that is guided by evaluation. An alternative conception of disease is advanced that tries to make the ‘nexus’ of physiological fact and evaluation intelligible: Disease is (extensionally) the class of physiological processes that (actually or prospectively) undermine the physiological conditions of human well-being.
Irrationality and the DSM-III-R Definition of Mental Disorder
Authors: Gert Bernard
Published: May 2016

I provide an account of irrationality that takes the concept of an irrational action as more basic than that of an irrational belief. While explaining the various elements of the OSM-III-R definition of mental disorders, I show that even though ( 1) not all mental disorders involve irrational beliefs or delusions, (2) not all irrational actions are due to mental disorders, and (3) not all mental disorders lead to irrational actions, there is a close conceptual connection between irrationality and mental disorders because both involve suffering or an increased risk of suffering an evil or harm, independent of the circumstances one is in.
Zwischen Leben entscheiden: Eine Verteidigung
Authors: Singer Peter , Kuhse Helga
Published: May 2016

We examine the view that all human life is of equal worth or sanctity. We find that this view is a legacy of the Judeo- Christian tradition, and cannot be justified in non - religious terms. We therefore argue that it should be rejected, and that we should openly acknowledge that some Jives are of less worth than others. We then consider a common objection: that this will lead us down a slippery slope to Nazi- style atrocities. We give our reasons for finding this objection unpersuasive. We explain why no-one has any grounds for feeling threatened by our proposal. Finally we discuss who should make the decision involved in selecting whether a person should come into existence, and how that decision should be carried out.
Facetten der Macht
Authors: Koller Peter
Published: May 2016

Social power has many facets. This paper aims to illuminate some of these. First of all, it considers the general conceptual framework in which the concept of power is embedded. The author then elaborates on an analysis of the elementary concept of social power resulting in a proposal how to define power. Furthermore, the article deals with complex networks of power relations, namely constellations and structures of power. Another section focuses on some special aspects of the dynamics of power structures. Finally, the author discusses the problem of legitimation of power.
Drei Theorien der Macht
Authors: Kersting Wolfgang
Published: May 2016

In distinguishing and describing three types of theories of power, i.e. the concept of subjectivity-based power, the concept of system-based or structuralist power and the concept of intersubjectivity-based power, this paper analyses and discusses in detail the communitarian concept of power invented and developed by Hannah Arendt and criticizes her thesis of politics and community being independent of any considerations concerning normative truth.