title: Naturalism and wonder: Peirce on the logic of Hume’s argument against miracles

authors: Legg, Catherine

subjects: abduction

abstract: How should we proceed when confronted with a phenomenon (or evidence which points towards a phenomenon) which baffles us? The term "miracle" is a convenient term on which to hang this question. It has a religious meaning, and the arguments I will be discussing are applicable to the case of deciding, for example, whether to believe in the Judaeo-Christian God, based on the reports of miracles offered by the Bible. However, one can generalise from this case to deeper issues about our attitude to the apparently inexplicable. By the apparently inexplicable I mean that which contradicts our most well-confirmed beliefs. This general question is the theme of this paper.

text: Naturalism and wonder: Peirce on the logic of Hume’s argument against miracles How should we proceed when confronted with a phenomenon (or evidence which points towards a phenomenon) which baffles us? The term "miracle" is a convenient term on which to hang this question. It has a religious meaning, and the arguments I will be discussing are applicable to the case of deciding, for example, whether to believe in the Judaeo-Christian God, based on the reports of miracles offered by the Bible. However, one can generalise from this case to deeper issues about our attitude to the apparently inexplicable. By the apparently inexplicable I mean that which contradicts our most well-confirmed beliefs. This general question is the theme of this paper.

year: 2001-06

title: What can a mean-field model tell us about the dynamics of the cortex?

authors: Wilson, Marcus T.

subjects: cortical model

abstract: In this chapter we examine the dynamical behavior of a spatially homogeneous two-dimensional model of the cortex that incorporates membrane potential, synaptic flux rates and long- and short-range synaptic input, in two spatial dimensions, using parameter sets broadly realistic of humans and rats. When synaptic dynamics are included, the steady states may not be stable. The bifurcation structure for the spatially symmetric case is explored, identifying the positions of saddle–node and sub- and supercritical Hopf instabilities. We go beyond consideration of small-amplitude perturbations to look at nonlinear dynamics. Spatially-symmetric (breathing mode) limit cycles are described, as well as the response to spatially-localized impulses. When close to Hopf and saddle–node bifurcations, such impulses can cause traveling waves with similarities to the slow oscillation of slow-wave sleep. Spiral waves can also be induced. We compare model dynamics with the known behavior of the cortex during natural and anesthetic-induced sleep, commenting on the physiological significance of the limit cycles and impulse responses.

text: What can a mean-field model tell us about the dynamics of the cortex? In this chapter we examine the dynamical behavior of a spatially homogeneous two-dimensional model of the cortex that incorporates membrane potential, synaptic flux rates and long- and short-range synaptic input, in two spatial dimensions, using parameter sets broadly realistic of humans and rats. When synaptic dynamics are included, the steady states may not be stable. The bifurcation structure for the spatially symmetric case is explored, identifying the positions of saddle–node and sub- and supercritical Hopf instabilities. We go beyond consideration of small-amplitude perturbations to look at nonlinear dynamics. Spatially-symmetric (breathing mode) limit cycles are described, as well as the response to spatially-localized impulses. When close to Hopf and saddle–node bifurcations, such impulses can cause traveling waves with similarities to the slow oscillation of slow-wave sleep. Spiral waves can also be induced. We compare model dynamics with the known behavior of the cortex during natural and anesthetic-induced sleep, commenting on the physiological significance of the limit cycles and impulse responses.

year: 2010

title: Decolonisation through reconciliation: The role of Pākehā identity

authors: Amundsen, Diana Leigh

subjects: Pākehā

abstract: Research indicates that claiming a contemporary identity as Pākehā is being redefined by those individuals who engage closely with Te Ao Māori. This reopens the discussion of the implications for Pākehā researchers who engage across Māori research spaces. This article reports a reflective study I conducted using the transtheoretical model and its six stages of change (J. O. Prochaska & DiClemente, 1982) to understand my Pākehā cultural identity. I discuss my rationale for engaging in research with Māori, and then outline the approaches that I, as a non Indigenous researcher, adopted to appropriately engage in Indigenous research. I discuss responsibilities for Pākehā to take deliberate and conscious steps to decolonise through reconciliation and dismantle disturbing and prevailing prejudiced attitudes. Decolonisation through reconciliation takes various forms, but necessarily involves a process of actions and changes. Our challenge as Pākehā educators is to participate in this change process towards decolonisation through reconciliation.

text: Decolonisation through reconciliation: The role of Pākehā identity Research indicates that claiming a contemporary identity as Pākehā is being redefined by those individuals who engage closely with Te Ao Māori. This reopens the discussion of the implications for Pākehā researchers who engage across Māori research spaces. This article reports a reflective study I conducted using the transtheoretical model and its six stages of change (J. O. Prochaska & DiClemente, 1982) to understand my Pākehā cultural identity. I discuss my rationale for engaging in research with Māori, and then outline the approaches that I, as a non Indigenous researcher, adopted to appropriately engage in Indigenous research. I discuss responsibilities for Pākehā to take deliberate and conscious steps to decolonise through reconciliation and dismantle disturbing and prevailing prejudiced attitudes. Decolonisation through reconciliation takes various forms, but necessarily involves a process of actions and changes. Our challenge as Pākehā educators is to participate in this change process towards decolonisation through reconciliation.

year: 2018