bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Artificial intelligence and philosophy: The knowledge of representation
Authors: Dascal Marcelo 
Published: February 2011

AbstractPhilosophy has recently witnessed a radical critique of the epistemological tradition centered on the notion of representation. It is here argued that such a critique is relevant to the current endeavors of Artificial Intelligence, both in its broad (i.e. as an attempt to elucidate human cognitive capacities) and narrow (i.e. as a practical concern to develop ‘intelligent’ systems, e.g. expert systems) definitions. It is shown that many of the recurrent problems faced by AI researchers stem from their espousal of the old paradigm conceptions of ‘knowledge’, ‘understanding’, ‘justification’, and the like. Some suggestions concerning a possible alternative for such conceptions are made.
Complementary opposition as a systems concept
Authors: Xu Li D. , Li Ling X. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe polar opposites and their complementary behaviors are observed in many existing systems, which results in the emergence of the complementary opposition model. The model gives a challenge to the traditional dichotomy model in Western philosophy, and is provided with supportive evidence from both physics and systems research. This paper proposes complementary opposition as an essential concept in general systems theory, and discusses its theoretical and applied aspects in systems perspectives.
Can the information contents of biological systems be quantified?
Authors: Wicken Jeffrey S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe information content of any organized system is difficult to quantify. Reductionist reasoning would suggest that the elements of information are ‘coded’ and ontologically self‐standing within the system itself. This is not so. The generation and interpretation of information always requires larger contexts in which it can be understood, because they involve more information than the system itself can possibly contain. Strictly construed, these contexts contribute to that information content. The ways in which they so contribute are not quantifiable in the present understanding of information theory. This non‐quantifiability applies from biological organizations to machines to linguistic structures. In this paper, I will discuss some of those inherent limitations to informational quantification.
Evolution and thermodynamics: The new paradigm
Authors: Wicken Jeffrey S. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper introduces the new evolutionary paradigm born of the synthesis of Darwinism and thermodynamics. It also introduces this volume, whose theme is the integration of life and social process with physical law. The sense of this expansion is as follows: Darwinism has come under intense scrutiny in recent years, from several fields. These range from statistical mechanics to developmental biology. In this paper, I will discuss the direction the revision of the Darwinian program is taking through thermodynamics, which is the science of irreversible process and self‐organization. My objective is to show the coherence of life with the rest of nature.
Genetic information and the determination of functional organization in biological systems
Authors: Wills Peter R. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe Central Dogma of molecular biology describes the one‐way flow of information from DNA to RNA to protein, but it excludes the possibility of proteinaceous infectious agents (prions) such as those implicated in certain neurological diseases like scrapie and Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease. Rather than carrying genetic information like viruses, prions appear to carry functional information which they use to alter the meaníng of host genes during their cycle of replication. Prions represent an important counter‐example to the accepted theories of molecular genetics, in which biological specificity is determined completely by macromolecular sequence information. Criticism of the proposition that organisms can be constructed from their genes leads to the conclusion that the neo‐Darwinian interpretation of the theory of evolution is seriously deficient, especially in relation to the prebiotic phase. It is suggested that the evolutionary emergence and development of biological function, or teleopoiesis, is as important a determinant of biological evolution as the mutation and selection of genetic information.
Economic evolution and specialization
Authors: Kurre James A. , Louie Kenneth K. T. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAs an economic system grows and develops, several key processes occur. Growth means greater population and larger markets, allowing the economy to diversify. Economic development leads to improvements in infrastructure, including transportation networks, which facilitate trade and encourage specialization.In this paper we examine the effects of economic evolution on the structure of 22 national economies, with particular emphasis on their levels of industrial diversification, and how this process affects the international economic system.Our results show a clear tendency for a nation's specialization to decrease over time as development occurs, but only up to a point. The degree of specialization falls more slowly over time in virtually every case, with specialization tending to increase again in several of the most developed economies. Greater specialization means greater interdependence; increasingly, a change in a distant economy has effects in seemingly unrelated places due to these interconnections. A key consequence of this is an increasing need to take a systems approach in economic analysis.
The evolution of the darwinian research tradition
Authors: Depew David J. , Weber Bruce H. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe conceptual development of evolutionary theory is examined from the perspective of scientific research traditions whose core (natural selection for the Darwinian tradition) is preserved by changing auxiliary assumptions. For the Darwinian tradition, there have been three phases to this process. The original Darwinism defined natural selection in terms of a dynamic equilibrium between population growth and scarcity. Selection acts on individual organisms and returns to equilibrium. The conceptual challenge of Mendelian genetics was accommodated in neo‐Darwinism by shifting to a statistical formulation via population genetics, in which natural selection and equilibrium were redefined statistically and thereby preserved. Current ferment in evolutionary theory has come from attempts to integrate self‐organizing systems dynamics, such as the origin of life, development, and ecology, into an adequate theoretical framework. This can be accomplished by changing to non‐equilibrium background assumptions guided by the principles of irreversible thermodynamics. Natural selection is reconceived in terms of process and pattern of energy flow guided by internalized information. What is selected are differential patterns of energy flow that contribute to the stability and coherence of the whole systems of which they are a part.
Micro‐macro interrelations and the order parameter concept in the field theory of societal systems
Authors: De Greene Kenyon B. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractA historical review and interpretation of the concepts of field theory, field, field of forces, and order parameter is provided. The historical meaning of these concepts in physics and in psychology is discussed, but emphasis is placed on applications to complex societal systems. Evidence for longitudinal attitude and expectancy change and for social learning is reviewed and interpreted. The mathematical formalization of the key concepts is discussed and representative equations presented. The evolution of the world system‐field over the next two decades is discussed and some likely sources of crises and reconfiguration pointed out. Policy implications of this evolution are noted.
A critique of the current state of homelessness in post‐industrial societies
Authors: Nodoushani Omid 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIn the following essay, the author argues that homelessness presents a challenge not only to society in general, but to social theory in particular, insofar as that theory remains bound to a 19th‐century conception of industrial society. Until social theorists are willing to problematize their own assumptions about social processes and associations, they will simply (and unwittingly) continue to reproduce ‘popular’ models of homelessness based upon unexamined notions of subjectivity and individualism. Finally, in this essay I am concerned with uncovering the interrelated set of problems associated with the homelessness ‘mess’ rather than an idealized design for dealing with it.
Introducing philosophical theories to urban transportation planning or why all planners should practice bursting bubbles
Authors: Richmond Jonathan E. D. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractTeaching in substantive areas of planning has become increasingly calculative. Students have been taught to use techniques, but not to ask whether they are asking the right questions.A new course which attempted to instead emphasize a meditative approach to transportation planning is described. A theme of exposing and criticizing assumptions—bubble bursting—lies at the heart of the course. Philosophical theories were taught to help accomplish this, and problem setting was shown to be essentially a question of ethics. The shortcomings of current systems analysis approaches in transportation were discussed, and the alternative of a wider form of systems research suggested by Churchman was explored. The interrelationships between transportation and related systems were stressed throughout the course.Students expressed some concern that the course did not emphasize the practical side of transportation planning, but responded positively to the new perspectives for criticism that were introduced. Teaching the course demonstrated that there is a useful role for courses which expose and criticize assumptions rather than merely teach techniques and which reveal the essentially ethical nature of planning and all social inquiry; and that if we want future generations of thinking planners, we need to teach them how to think.
Paradoxes of science as a system: (Fragments from the philosophy of science)
Authors: Cowan Thomas A. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractI. The general paradox of systems science: Systems scientists think that science is a system and that system science is a science. No one feels called on to explicate these relationships. Systems theorists do not believe it is incumbent on them to tell what way their discipline is a science. Nor do scientists feel obliged to say how the generic notion of system is binding on them.II. The paradox of theory versus practice: If theory is taken to be basic, practice is taken to be lower level applied theory. If practice is taken to be basic, theory is felt not to be able to pay its way.III. The paradox of basic research versus R & D: To the extent that Science embraces R & D, the scientist becomes a manager; a manager is not a Scientist.IV. When science as management becomes an integral part of the political economy, the scientific manager becomes a politician.V. Philosophy tries to unscramble this mess. For scientific practice it suggests a division of the work of science into experimentation governed by something like lab control and for the emotional romantic side of science a newly furbished discipline, essentially preaching, which it calls hermenuetics.VI. It has been said the ‘philosophy is the misuse of a vocabulary expressly designed for that purpose.’ Is this true? It almost looks like it. Since the early part of the century, and increasingly before WWII philosophy has been burying more of its messes under the catch‐all word ‘vocabulary.’ If you took the term away from logical positivists, logicians and Richard Rorty, they would not have much left. Leibniz said that mathematics is a well‐made language. Is the mathematician also a vocabulary? Nothing but a vocabulary? What about the philosopher or systematist who is one of Freud's anals, that is, ‘orderly, parsimonious and abstinate’? When will philosophers recognize that orality is a personality trait characteristic of only certain people?
Longevity projections for human females using excess entropy production (EEP)
Authors: Hershey Daniel , Lee William E. , Fisher Christian P. , Lin Da‐Sheng 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe life's course for a human system can be tracked by tracing Excess Entropy Production with age. For the average female, this relationship is linear and diminishes to zero at about age 100, which is the longevity potential for the average female who ages without catastrophic, life‐altering events.
Matter and consciousness: A contemporary introduction to the philosophy of mind by Paul M. Churchland. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A. 1988, 184 pages
Authors: Stryker Nancy 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe Mind's New Science: A History of the Cognitive Revolution by Howard Gardner. Basic Books, New York, U.S.A., 1985, Epilogue, 1987, 430 pages, andMind Design: Philosophy, Psychology, Artificial Intelligence by John Haugeland, ed. The MIT Press, Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.A., 1981, 368 pages, Fifth Printing 1987.
Linkages of key elements in fuzzy program planning
Authors: Saxena J. P. , Vrat Prem , Sushil  
Published: February 2011

AbstractAny system small, medium or large can function effectively if all aspects relating to the system are considered in detail and proper planning is done to organize the various activities involved. It is always difficult to define in quantitative terms the attention needed to various aspects of the program planning for optimum utilization of input resources. Program Planning based on detailed analysis of the system is, therefore, a necessity. The utility of program planning can be increased further by application of fuzzy set theory to incorporate the qualitative aspects associated with the system.The paper deals with the application of Fuzzy Program Planning to ‘Energy Conservation in Indian Cement Industry’, identifying and analysing various elements and sub‐elements of the program, the key elements and the key sub‐elements based on Possibility of Interactions (POI) between them. Ranking of each sub‐element based on the POI has also been worked out and compared with rankings worked out using binary (0–1) analysis.Identification of key sub‐elements, their interaction with other sub‐elements and the ranking based on the fuzzy interaction is an extension of the work already done in the field of program planning. The superiority of Fuzzy Program Planning over the Program Planning based on binary (0–1) analysis has also been demonstrated successfully.
Correspondence humans in cosmos
Authors: Franklin J. Stuart 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper presents a synopsis, in picture form of the essence of the tetrahedral, conceptual model proposed in the original paper ‘A Philosophical Inquiry into the Geometry of Knowledge.’ This proposed model is only for humans of planet Earth and clearly illustrates that each individual sees the world differently. The concepts expressed were developed from an analysis of the 48 basic measure formulas of physics. They determine the repetitious tetrahedral pattern inherent throughout the model. Suggested redefinitions of several terms and concepts in the areas of chemistry and physics are necessary to satisfy this model of cosmic reality.
On integrative study
Authors: Engelberg Joseph 
Published: February 2011

AbstractIntegrative Study Contemplates principles of integration revealed by life at its many hierarchic levels. Since living systems can be understood only by reference to their transformations over time, the objects of integrative study are narratives (histories, case histories, works of literature, etc.). The discourse does not stop at any disciplinary boundary, yet integrative study is not anarchic but is guided by frameworks of thought which it constructs. In this form of study the asymmetry between teacher and student, speaker and audience is greatly reduced; participants derive from a diversity of backgrounds; the common language, the language of everyday life is used; communication is primarily oral, face‐to‐face, rather than via the written word. Integrative study takes place where we are, with the people among whom we live, and exerts a benign integrative influence on the community in which it takes place.
Economic development, cognitive dissonance and the theory of change
Authors: Krowitz Edward J. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper examines causal models used to explain conflict interactions between aid donors and aid recipients in the Third World and proposals to resolve the conflicts. These adversarial relationships are accentuated by efforts to change economic systems and policies without addressing the underlying belief systems of policy makers and governing elites in Third World nations. Several theories are examined, including cognitive dissonance, information theory, spiral loops and dissipative structures which attempt to explain decision making processes. It is proposed that, new information to change the decision making process is not so much lacking as it is ignored, being at odds with accepted paradigms and the self‐interest and beliefs of elite groups, whose goals may not be consistent.It is concluded that strategies, which seek acceptance of policy adjustments without concern for a prerequisite paradigm shift in elite belief systems, are not likely to succeed. The success in resolving the domestic internal conflict among these coalitions may be a prerequisite to the resolution of adversarial relationships of national systems with international institutions. Some strategies are suggested at arriving at this resolution.
15 Years of the dialectical system notion
Authors: Mulej Matjaž , Kajzer Štefan , Rebernik Miroslav , Majerič Avgust 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAshby[1] said that the fight against (too much) diversity is possible only by developing diversity. This is expressed also in the title of this conference and paper. Both need a methodological support. A phenomenological systems theory does not provide it. We have been developing an alternative paradigm on the basis of the “Dialectical System “ notion. Fifteen years of development on this basis are briefed in the paper.
Parts and wholes in management and organization
Authors: Broekstra Gerrit 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThis paper argues that its propensity to specialization, and its preoccupation with analytical/parts‐thinking, has locked Western society through a socialization process, based on a mechanistic/materialistic world view, in a situation of harmful imbalance. Counterforces are arising, however, that pertain to a systemic/holistic model, emphasizing a more balanced view which includes such concepts as intuition, synthesis and wholes‐thinking. A few salient examples will be pointed out from the field of organization and management. It is suggested that a new socialization process may be rooted in a synthesis of Eastern and Western norms and values.
The limits of management
Authors: Henke John W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractAs the 21st century approaches, firms will move toward becoming information‐based organizations. This change will be accompanied by a decrease in the number of organizational levels needed to run the firm. The compression of the organizational structure will approach four basic management levels, each of which will be bounded by specific limits of management activities. The role of each level will be more definitive, the relationship between the levels will become more purposeful, and the primary role of the individuals at each level will be associated with very specific activities. An understanding of the levels, the associated management activities and limits, and the changes that will accompany the structure transition is necessary if management is to successfully take full advantage of being an information‐based organization and the opportunities provided by the smaller number of management levels.
An emerging organizational structure: A study of levels and information needs
Authors: Henke John W. 
Published: February 2011

AbstractThe increasingly competitive nature of business is causing firms to rethink the manner in which they are organized, while the availability of more advanced information technologies are enabling significant organizational change tot take place. One change is the compression of organizational structures towards four basic hierarchical levels. Each level requires information specific to its unique orientation and related activities. To meet this requirement three types of support will be needed: Intelligence support, which provides information on the internal and external environments of the organization; decision support, which organizes the information and facilitates the decision‐making process; and technical support, which enables a sharing of the organization's information. A study of the procurement areas in several firms in a single manufacturing industry found that the areas appear to be moving towards the four‐level organizational structure. However, they are doing so without recognition of the orientation and activities associated with the various levels. Also, none of the firms have gone beyond developing minimal intelligence support capability. This study indicates that systems thinking is not driving the organizational structure in the procurement areas, which may be indicative of other functional areas in the firm. Such systems thinking must come about if each functional activity is to contribute to the competitive capabilities of the firm.
A synthesis of systems inquiry and the eastern mode of inquiry
Authors: Evan Pressman Todd 
Published: February 2011

Abstract— The goal of science is presented as the achievement of a completely unified and consistent account of all possible phenomena. The process of advancement in methodological approaches to this goal is discussed, with emphasis given to the exposing and refining of limiting assumptions. Two methodologies are examined, that of systems inquiry and the Eastern mode of inquiry, and are viewed as refinements to the limiting assumptions of traditional scientific methodology. Each is then taken in the context of the assumptions of the other, and a synthesis is achieved. This synthesis maximizes the refinement potential of each, coordinating them into an ever‐deepening process of refinement that approaches a theoretically “complete” account of all possible phenomena.
On the dynamics of the estrangement between body and mind
Authors: Jansen Fred 
Published: February 2011

Abstract— This paper puts forth the thesis that self‐alienation is not a modern phenomenon. It is an outcome of self‐inhibition, believed to be the price we have to pay for civilization.Submitting this belief to a test, we notice on the contrary that just saying no is an obstacle to bringing out the best in us. It requires the will to go counter to survival mechanisms that have been refined over eons. It involves inevitably an unwitting and systematic suspension of adaptive functioning. What we glimpse ourselves to be capable of remains largely unrealized.The structure and function of such an environment, the context in which such disabling occurs, is compared with situations in which adaptive functioning is not impaired. Thus we see that problems attributed to inhibition gone awry are instead inextricably bound up with our reliance on it as a strategy for self‐management.