title: John Dewey’s Epistemological Naturalism and the Prospects for a Normative Scientific Epistemology

authors: Odebunmi, Jerome Agboola

subjects: John Dewey

abstract: In this thesis, I inquire into the prospects for a normative and scientific epistemology arising from the version of naturalism that dominates Dewey’s later work. I focus on questions such as: Are there peculiar features of Dewey’s naturalism that address important concerns of traditional epistemology, such as setting up normative criteria for justifying our claims to knowledge? Does his naturalism engender merging epistemology with science? How relevant are Dewey’s original views to contemporary debates in epistemology?
In setting up Dewey’s position, which I call epistemological naturalism, I explore how the conceptions of reality and human experience in his naturalist metaphysics serve as a road-map for his epistemology. I explore how his arguments that the world is a mixture of interchanging stable and precarious events and his description of human experience as transaction within nature set the stage for defining all forms of inquiry as problem-driven. I also explore how this conception of inquiry leads to the conception of knowledge as ultimately practical and instrumental. I argue that Dewey’s instrumentalist and practical conception of knowledge is ideal for the traditional goal of epistemology identified as attainment of truth and avoidance of error. However, I also explore how his position challenges traditional epistemology by replacing the traditional theoretical or conceptual approach to knowledge with a practical and experimental approach, encouraging practical or empirical methodologies. I discuss how this approach to knowledge makes paradigms of knowledge in technological science more relevant to epistemology than those of the natural sciences. 
 I then focus on the continuity of Dewey’s original ideas in two ways: how they are preserved in Richard Rorty’s neo-pragmatism and how they are relevant to debates about knowledge in contemporary philosophy. On the connection between Dewey’s philosophy and Rorty’s neo-pragmatism, I explore how the similarities in Dewey and Rorty’s critique of traditional epistemology qualify the latter as a Deweyan. However, I argue that Rorty’s popular position, that Philosophy must transcend itself to cultural criticism has no basis in Dewey’s philosophy.

I turn to consider how Dewey’s analysis of human experience, human-nature symbiotic relations and the social nature of knowledge can resolve some of the disagreements among contemporary social epistemologists on the nature and subject-matter of their inquiry. I also consider how Dewey’s instrumentalist conception of knowledge can contribute to contemporary debates on whether knowledge is a natural kind. 
The thesis is in two parts. The first part is a critical exposition of Dewey’s metaphysics and epistemology. Part Two relates Dewey’s views to contemporary philosophy. In Chapter One I articulate how most versions of naturalism are concerned with rendering philosophical views on knowledge and existence more tenable by appealing to science. Two main approaches are identified: radical naturalists suggest the adoption of the ontology or methodologies of science, and moderate naturalists admit the usefulness of some of the methods and paradigms of science in some specific areas in philosophy. I argue that both positions involve controversial conceptions of how philosophy and science relate to each another. For instance, I explore how some radical naturalists ambiguously use the word “science”. I also discuss the objection that the radical position reduces philosophy to science. In Chapter Two I discuss Dewey’s naturalist conception of experience and reality, and in Chapter Three his theory of knowledge. These are the metaphysical and epistemological components of his naturalism. I explore how the empirical nature of Dewey’s metaphysics and the practical-experimental emphasis of his epistemology challenge traditional metaphysics and epistemology.

The second part has three chapters. In Chapter Four I discuss similarities in Dewey and Rorty’s rejection of traditional theories such as foundationalism, representationalism and essentialism, and other related views which the duo described as absolutist conceptions of knowledge and truth, such as the Spectator Theory of Knowledge and the conception of the human mind as a mirror of nature.  I disagree with Rorty’s conclusion that Dewey totally dismissed the preoccupations of traditional epistemology and metaphysics, a position Rorty described as therapeutic. I argue that Dewey replaces all theories he rejected with alternative naturalistic views. I conclude that this suggests continuity with traditional philosophy rather than envisaging a post-Philosophy culture as suggested by Rorty. 

In Chapter Five I consider how Dewey’s conceptions of the cause, nature, and goal of inquiry as ultimately a social affair resolve some disagreements between radical social epistemologists (such as Fuller) and moderate social epistemologists (such as Goldman and Kornblith) on the nature and subject-matter of social epistemology. From Dewey’s identification of problematic human transactions with nature as the common factor in all forms of inquiry, I consider the possibility of establishing what could be regarded as the basis for all human knowledge. The importance of this position is explored in terms of preventing relativism. In Chapter Six I compare Kornblith’s contention that knowledge is a natural kind with Dewey’s contention that knowledge is a natural transaction, and argue that the latter offers more tenable prospects for a normative scientific epistemology. 
My overall conclusion is that taking a Deweyan approach to knowledge engenders an inter-disciplinary approach which makes resources in sociology, anthropology, biology, and technological science relevant to epistemology. By defining normativity in terms of how knowledge is managed to facilitate successful human transaction within nature, epistemic claims are opened to empirical evaluation.

text: John Dewey’s Epistemological Naturalism and the Prospects for a Normative Scientific Epistemology In this thesis, I inquire into the prospects for a normative and scientific epistemology arising from the version of naturalism that dominates Dewey’s later work. I focus on questions such as: Are there peculiar features of Dewey’s naturalism that address important concerns of traditional epistemology, such as setting up normative criteria for justifying our claims to knowledge? Does his naturalism engender merging epistemology with science? How relevant are Dewey’s original views to contemporary debates in epistemology?
In setting up Dewey’s position, which I call epistemological naturalism, I explore how the conceptions of reality and human experience in his naturalist metaphysics serve as a road-map for his epistemology. I explore how his arguments that the world is a mixture of interchanging stable and precarious events and his description of human experience as transaction within nature set the stage for defining all forms of inquiry as problem-driven. I also explore how this conception of inquiry leads to the conception of knowledge as ultimately practical and instrumental. I argue that Dewey’s instrumentalist and practical conception of knowledge is ideal for the traditional goal of epistemology identified as attainment of truth and avoidance of error. However, I also explore how his position challenges traditional epistemology by replacing the traditional theoretical or conceptual approach to knowledge with a practical and experimental approach, encouraging practical or empirical methodologies. I discuss how this approach to knowledge makes paradigms of knowledge in technological science more relevant to epistemology than those of the natural sciences. 
 I then focus on the continuity of Dewey’s original ideas in two ways: how they are preserved in Richard Rorty’s neo-pragmatism and how they are relevant to debates about knowledge in contemporary philosophy. On the connection between Dewey’s philosophy and Rorty’s neo-pragmatism, I explore how the similarities in Dewey and Rorty’s critique of traditional epistemology qualify the latter as a Deweyan. However, I argue that Rorty’s popular position, that Philosophy must transcend itself to cultural criticism has no basis in Dewey’s philosophy.

I turn to consider how Dewey’s analysis of human experience, human-nature symbiotic relations and the social nature of knowledge can resolve some of the disagreements among contemporary social epistemologists on the nature and subject-matter of their inquiry. I also consider how Dewey’s instrumentalist conception of knowledge can contribute to contemporary debates on whether knowledge is a natural kind. 
The thesis is in two parts. The first part is a critical exposition of Dewey’s metaphysics and epistemology. Part Two relates Dewey’s views to contemporary philosophy. In Chapter One I articulate how most versions of naturalism are concerned with rendering philosophical views on knowledge and existence more tenable by appealing to science. Two main approaches are identified: radical naturalists suggest the adoption of the ontology or methodologies of science, and moderate naturalists admit the usefulness of some of the methods and paradigms of science in some specific areas in philosophy. I argue that both positions involve controversial conceptions of how philosophy and science relate to each another. For instance, I explore how some radical naturalists ambiguously use the word “science”. I also discuss the objection that the radical position reduces philosophy to science. In Chapter Two I discuss Dewey’s naturalist conception of experience and reality, and in Chapter Three his theory of knowledge. These are the metaphysical and epistemological components of his naturalism. I explore how the empirical nature of Dewey’s metaphysics and the practical-experimental emphasis of his epistemology challenge traditional metaphysics and epistemology.

The second part has three chapters. In Chapter Four I discuss similarities in Dewey and Rorty’s rejection of traditional theories such as foundationalism, representationalism and essentialism, and other related views which the duo described as absolutist conceptions of knowledge and truth, such as the Spectator Theory of Knowledge and the conception of the human mind as a mirror of nature.  I disagree with Rorty’s conclusion that Dewey totally dismissed the preoccupations of traditional epistemology and metaphysics, a position Rorty described as therapeutic. I argue that Dewey replaces all theories he rejected with alternative naturalistic views. I conclude that this suggests continuity with traditional philosophy rather than envisaging a post-Philosophy culture as suggested by Rorty. 

In Chapter Five I consider how Dewey’s conceptions of the cause, nature, and goal of inquiry as ultimately a social affair resolve some disagreements between radical social epistemologists (such as Fuller) and moderate social epistemologists (such as Goldman and Kornblith) on the nature and subject-matter of social epistemology. From Dewey’s identification of problematic human transactions with nature as the common factor in all forms of inquiry, I consider the possibility of establishing what could be regarded as the basis for all human knowledge. The importance of this position is explored in terms of preventing relativism. In Chapter Six I compare Kornblith’s contention that knowledge is a natural kind with Dewey’s contention that knowledge is a natural transaction, and argue that the latter offers more tenable prospects for a normative scientific epistemology. 
My overall conclusion is that taking a Deweyan approach to knowledge engenders an inter-disciplinary approach which makes resources in sociology, anthropology, biology, and technological science relevant to epistemology. By defining normativity in terms of how knowledge is managed to facilitate successful human transaction within nature, epistemic claims are opened to empirical evaluation.

year: 2017

title: Construction and demolition waste as low-cost materials for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater

authors: Ranaweera, Kavitha H.

abstract: Water pollution due to heavy metal ion contaminations and management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) are two major environmental issues faced by the world today. Exposure to heavy metal ions can cause serious health problems, and therefore, treatment of heavy metal contaminated water/wastewater to protect the environment and people is essential. The management of CDW has become a serious problem due to the large amounts generated each year. Only a small percentage of this waste is recycled, while the majority is disposed of in landfills with space running out to accommodate these materials. Repurposing CDW as low-cost materials for heavy metal ion treatment is thus a promising strategy as this not only contributes to CDW management but also to heavy metal ion remediation.
The research described in this thesis investigated the applicability of five CDW materials (particle board wood dust (PBW), medium density fiberboard (MDF) fines, biochar derived from particle board offcuts (PBB), Gibraltar board fines (GBF), and demolished concrete (DC)) for the treatment of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions. The selected CDW materials were characterized by performing FTIR, SEM-EDX, TGA, XRD, and surface area analysis to identify the composition and nature of these materials. The effect of different parameters (metal ion type, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH, and material dosage) on the heavy metal ion removal process was investigated in single metal ion solution systems utilizing a batch method. All studied materials exhibited high removal efficiency for Pb(II) ions compared to the other metal ions except DC, which showed high removal efficiency towards Cu(II) ions. Therefore, Pb(II) was selected to evaluate the effect of other parameters for PBW, MDF fines, PBB, and GBF, whilst Cu(II) was used for DC. The results indicated that the main heavy metal ion removal mechanism of PBW, MDF fines, and PBB was adsorption, while DC and GBF utilized precipitation. The effect of competitive metal ions on the heavy metal ion removal
process was investigated using a Cd(II)-Cu(II) multi-metal ion system for DC and a Cd(II)-Pb(II) multi-metal ion system for other materials using a batch method. The results indicated that the presence of Cd(II) ions reduced Pb(II) ion removal efficiency for PBW, MDF fines, and PBB and Cu(II) ion removal efficiency of DC. However, Pb(II) ion removal by GBF was not affected. Experiments were carried out to investigate whether the selected CDW materials leached out any toxic substances. The results indicated that PBW and MDF fines increased TOC concentrations, while GBF increased calcium and sulfate concentrations in treated water.
Adsorption isothermal, kinetic, and adsorbent regeneration studies were carried out for CDW materials which utilized adsorption for the heavy metal ion removal. Adsorption isothermal studies were performed for single metal ion systems, and the Freundlich isotherm model fitted better with the experimental data of all studied materials. Adsorption kinetics of both single and multi-metal ion systems were evaluated, and the experimental data fitted better with either pseudo-second-order or Elovich kinetic models for all studied systems. The adsorbent regeneration studies were performed using 0.1 M HCl as a regeneration agent for three adsorption-desorption cycles for both metal ion systems. High % desorption values were obtained during the first cycle, however, the adsorption capacity was reduced in the subsequent cycles for all studied adsorption systems.
Column analyses were conducted for GBF and PBB for both single (Pb(II)) and multi-metal ion systems (Cd(II)-Pb(II)). High % removal values were obtained for Pb(II) ions in both metal ion systems for both materials. The experimental data of the PBB was fitted to column adsorption models as PBB utilized adsorption for heavy metal ion removal, and the Yan model fitted well with the experimental data of both metal ion systems. The results indicate that CDW materials have potential for heavy metal ion treatment. Further research is required to investigate the applicability of these materials in real-world applications.

text: Construction and demolition waste as low-cost materials for the removal of heavy metal ions from wastewater Water pollution due to heavy metal ion contaminations and management of construction and demolition waste (CDW) are two major environmental issues faced by the world today. Exposure to heavy metal ions can cause serious health problems, and therefore, treatment of heavy metal contaminated water/wastewater to protect the environment and people is essential. The management of CDW has become a serious problem due to the large amounts generated each year. Only a small percentage of this waste is recycled, while the majority is disposed of in landfills with space running out to accommodate these materials. Repurposing CDW as low-cost materials for heavy metal ion treatment is thus a promising strategy as this not only contributes to CDW management but also to heavy metal ion remediation.
The research described in this thesis investigated the applicability of five CDW materials (particle board wood dust (PBW), medium density fiberboard (MDF) fines, biochar derived from particle board offcuts (PBB), Gibraltar board fines (GBF), and demolished concrete (DC)) for the treatment of Cd(II), Cu(II), Pb(II), and Zn(II) ions. The selected CDW materials were characterized by performing FTIR, SEM-EDX, TGA, XRD, and surface area analysis to identify the composition and nature of these materials. The effect of different parameters (metal ion type, contact time, initial metal ion concentration, pH, and material dosage) on the heavy metal ion removal process was investigated in single metal ion solution systems utilizing a batch method. All studied materials exhibited high removal efficiency for Pb(II) ions compared to the other metal ions except DC, which showed high removal efficiency towards Cu(II) ions. Therefore, Pb(II) was selected to evaluate the effect of other parameters for PBW, MDF fines, PBB, and GBF, whilst Cu(II) was used for DC. The results indicated that the main heavy metal ion removal mechanism of PBW, MDF fines, and PBB was adsorption, while DC and GBF utilized precipitation. The effect of competitive metal ions on the heavy metal ion removal
process was investigated using a Cd(II)-Cu(II) multi-metal ion system for DC and a Cd(II)-Pb(II) multi-metal ion system for other materials using a batch method. The results indicated that the presence of Cd(II) ions reduced Pb(II) ion removal efficiency for PBW, MDF fines, and PBB and Cu(II) ion removal efficiency of DC. However, Pb(II) ion removal by GBF was not affected. Experiments were carried out to investigate whether the selected CDW materials leached out any toxic substances. The results indicated that PBW and MDF fines increased TOC concentrations, while GBF increased calcium and sulfate concentrations in treated water.
Adsorption isothermal, kinetic, and adsorbent regeneration studies were carried out for CDW materials which utilized adsorption for the heavy metal ion removal. Adsorption isothermal studies were performed for single metal ion systems, and the Freundlich isotherm model fitted better with the experimental data of all studied materials. Adsorption kinetics of both single and multi-metal ion systems were evaluated, and the experimental data fitted better with either pseudo-second-order or Elovich kinetic models for all studied systems. The adsorbent regeneration studies were performed using 0.1 M HCl as a regeneration agent for three adsorption-desorption cycles for both metal ion systems. High % desorption values were obtained during the first cycle, however, the adsorption capacity was reduced in the subsequent cycles for all studied adsorption systems.
Column analyses were conducted for GBF and PBB for both single (Pb(II)) and multi-metal ion systems (Cd(II)-Pb(II)). High % removal values were obtained for Pb(II) ions in both metal ion systems for both materials. The experimental data of the PBB was fitted to column adsorption models as PBB utilized adsorption for heavy metal ion removal, and the Yan model fitted well with the experimental data of both metal ion systems. The results indicate that CDW materials have potential for heavy metal ion treatment. Further research is required to investigate the applicability of these materials in real-world applications.

year: 2024

title: Pilot study investigating pathway for practitioner engagement with whānau during a self-control activity: Implications for uptake in the home and for empowered engagement.

authors: Watson, Kaitlyn

subjects: Community psychology

abstract: There is a gap in youth mentoring services using the home environment of at-risk youth to encourage development of the skills worked on within mentoring. This thesis explores whether a game-based intervention situated in the home environment of youth may initiate changes in behaviour that coincide with their learning during mentoring. Participants were recruited through a private youth mentoring service within Whāngarei. Participants included whānau of youth who are enrolled in the Awhi Ako youth mentoring service and their respective mentors. The Awhi Ako mentoring service aims to support youth through their selected needs by a wider wraparound service.
A game was picked to introduce to whānau to play together at home. This game contained a mechanism that may reward self-control behaviours. Whānau were interviewed and asked to discuss their child’s self-control behaviours before the introduction of the game and any changes after playing the game. 
A principal focus of this thesis is on practitioner engagement with the whānau of mentored youth. Practitioner engagement with communities and people is an integral value underpinning Community psychology. Whānau within the youth mentoring service include Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā and mixed ethnic backgrounds. A core focus of this thesis is understanding the relationship between practitioner and participants and how this impacts upon uptake of the introduction of the activity. In accordance with community psychology underpinnings and values of cultural awareness, cultural respect and understanding this thesis aspires to provide evidence towards the importance of this relationship. Another key focus of this thesis is comprehending the multifaceted effects of an intervention within the home environment and how this impacts mentors, the home environment and the development of youth. Emphasizing a fundamental principle of community psychology of interconnectedness between all facets of a persons life. 
The conclusions drawn from this thesis illustrate the importance of developing a relationship with whānau a key focus to their willingness to participate and actively engage in this pilot study. The findings from this pilot study indicate that whānau experienced hardship and that whānau within at-risk environments had competing priorities that impeded the introduction of home-based activities.

text: Pilot study investigating pathway for practitioner engagement with whānau during a self-control activity: Implications for uptake in the home and for empowered engagement. There is a gap in youth mentoring services using the home environment of at-risk youth to encourage development of the skills worked on within mentoring. This thesis explores whether a game-based intervention situated in the home environment of youth may initiate changes in behaviour that coincide with their learning during mentoring. Participants were recruited through a private youth mentoring service within Whāngarei. Participants included whānau of youth who are enrolled in the Awhi Ako youth mentoring service and their respective mentors. The Awhi Ako mentoring service aims to support youth through their selected needs by a wider wraparound service.
A game was picked to introduce to whānau to play together at home. This game contained a mechanism that may reward self-control behaviours. Whānau were interviewed and asked to discuss their child’s self-control behaviours before the introduction of the game and any changes after playing the game. 
A principal focus of this thesis is on practitioner engagement with the whānau of mentored youth. Practitioner engagement with communities and people is an integral value underpinning Community psychology. Whānau within the youth mentoring service include Māori, Pasifika, Pākehā and mixed ethnic backgrounds. A core focus of this thesis is understanding the relationship between practitioner and participants and how this impacts upon uptake of the introduction of the activity. In accordance with community psychology underpinnings and values of cultural awareness, cultural respect and understanding this thesis aspires to provide evidence towards the importance of this relationship. Another key focus of this thesis is comprehending the multifaceted effects of an intervention within the home environment and how this impacts mentors, the home environment and the development of youth. Emphasizing a fundamental principle of community psychology of interconnectedness between all facets of a persons life. 
The conclusions drawn from this thesis illustrate the importance of developing a relationship with whānau a key focus to their willingness to participate and actively engage in this pilot study. The findings from this pilot study indicate that whānau experienced hardship and that whānau within at-risk environments had competing priorities that impeded the introduction of home-based activities.

year: 2024