title: Predication and the problem of universals

authors: Legg, Catherine

subjects: David Armstrong

abstract: This paper contrasts the scholastic realists of David Armstrong and Charles Peirce. It is argued that the so-called 'problem of universals' is not a problem in pure ontology (concerning whether universals exist) as Armstrong construes it to be. Rather, it extends to issues concerning which predicates should be applied where, issues which Armstrong sets aside under the label of 'semantics', and which from a Peircean perspective encompass even the fundamentals of scientific methodology. It is argued that Peirce's scholastic realism not only presents a more nuanced ontology (distinguishing the existent front the real) but also provides more of a sense of why realism should be a position worth fighting for.

text: Predication and the problem of universals This paper contrasts the scholastic realists of David Armstrong and Charles Peirce. It is argued that the so-called 'problem of universals' is not a problem in pure ontology (concerning whether universals exist) as Armstrong construes it to be. Rather, it extends to issues concerning which predicates should be applied where, issues which Armstrong sets aside under the label of 'semantics', and which from a Peircean perspective encompass even the fundamentals of scientific methodology. It is argued that Peirce's scholastic realism not only presents a more nuanced ontology (distinguishing the existent front the real) but also provides more of a sense of why realism should be a position worth fighting for.

year: 2001-07

title: Review: Learning vocabulary in another language

authors: Barnard, Roger

subjects: learning vocabulary

abstract: Review of the book: Learning vocabulary in another language.

text: Review: Learning vocabulary in another language Review of the book: Learning vocabulary in another language.

year: 2003

title: Bizarre thoughts, magical ideations, and voices from the unconscious: Exploring issues of anomalous experience

authors: Tamatea, Armon J.

subjects: Maori

abstract: This project was initially concerned with the clinical interpretations of ‘bizarre’ or
‘magical’ ideations (i.e., statements considered to have little or no validity in our
predominant western culture). The first study explored clinical assessment issues
of who determines the validity of expressed beliefs and what kinds of criteria such
decisions are based on in the mental health field. The present study examined a
particular type of magical ideation, an auditory phenomenon involving claims that
forward spoken conversation contains hidden backwards speech embedded in the
vocal sounds. Thirty-two participants were invited to listen to various audio
samples of the alleged phenomenon and provide interpretations of what was heard.
Participants were assigned to four groups, each differing in the level of pre-emptive
information. A comparative measure revealed that priming and suggestion could
not be dismissed as alternative explanations of the reported effects. Clinical and
social implications will be discussed.

text: Bizarre thoughts, magical ideations, and voices from the unconscious: Exploring issues of anomalous experience This project was initially concerned with the clinical interpretations of ‘bizarre’ or
‘magical’ ideations (i.e., statements considered to have little or no validity in our
predominant western culture). The first study explored clinical assessment issues
of who determines the validity of expressed beliefs and what kinds of criteria such
decisions are based on in the mental health field. The present study examined a
particular type of magical ideation, an auditory phenomenon involving claims that
forward spoken conversation contains hidden backwards speech embedded in the
vocal sounds. Thirty-two participants were invited to listen to various audio
samples of the alleged phenomenon and provide interpretations of what was heard.
Participants were assigned to four groups, each differing in the level of pre-emptive
information. A comparative measure revealed that priming and suggestion could
not be dismissed as alternative explanations of the reported effects. Clinical and
social implications will be discussed.

year: 2003