title: Taste predicates and retraction data: An improved framework

authors: Wyatt, Jeremy

abstract: Over the past 20 years, predicates of personal taste (PPT) have been at the centre of a set of lively debates in the philosophy of language and linguistics.  These debates have yielded many subtle and inventive analyses of PPT.  There is, however, a crucial methodological question about PPT that remains underexplored: what sorts of evidence should be used in evaluating an account of PPT?

In line with a fairly large body of recent work, we point out that since hypotheses about PPT are empirical, they need to be evaluated empirically, using clearly articulated tests. The test on which we focus involves ordinary speakers’ judgments about retraction.  We identify what we take to be two significant problems with the leading account, due to John MacFarlane, of why retraction data matter in the PPT debates.  We then develop an improved framework for thinking about this issue.  To close, we use our improved framework to re-evaluate the findings on retraction reported by Markus Kneer, and we discuss a few loose ends that will need to be addressed by future experimental research on PPT.

text: Taste predicates and retraction data: An improved framework Over the past 20 years, predicates of personal taste (PPT) have been at the centre of a set of lively debates in the philosophy of language and linguistics.  These debates have yielded many subtle and inventive analyses of PPT.  There is, however, a crucial methodological question about PPT that remains underexplored: what sorts of evidence should be used in evaluating an account of PPT?

In line with a fairly large body of recent work, we point out that since hypotheses about PPT are empirical, they need to be evaluated empirically, using clearly articulated tests. The test on which we focus involves ordinary speakers’ judgments about retraction.  We identify what we take to be two significant problems with the leading account, due to John MacFarlane, of why retraction data matter in the PPT debates.  We then develop an improved framework for thinking about this issue.  To close, we use our improved framework to re-evaluate the findings on retraction reported by Markus Kneer, and we discuss a few loose ends that will need to be addressed by future experimental research on PPT.

year: 2024

title: Comparison of simulation and experimental results of a tractor seat with nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping

authors: Duke, Mike

abstract: A low friction tractor seat with nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping was investigated both by simulation and experimentation. The objective was to determine if a practical, soft suspension system could be developed that offered improved vibration performance compared to a typical mechanical commercial tractor seat suspension. A hard damper was used to prevent end stop impacts that were more likely with the soft suspension. In addition the damper had a dead-band centered at the seat's static equilibrium position. The dead-band damping was achieved with a switchable damper using relative seat displacement as the control signal. The objective of the dead-band was to allow a soft undamped operating region that gave good vibration attenuation. If the relative seat displacement passed the dead-band limits due to sudden harsh inputs, the hard damping would take over and prevent end stop impacts. An experimental rig with nonlinear seat and switchable damping was built and tested with the same parameters and inputs as those used in the simulations. The simulation and experimental results compared well. Both the simulation and experimental results showed that a combination of nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping used on a tractor seat gives reduced rms acceleration compared to a linear, conventionally damped seat.

text: Comparison of simulation and experimental results of a tractor seat with nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping A low friction tractor seat with nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping was investigated both by simulation and experimentation. The objective was to determine if a practical, soft suspension system could be developed that offered improved vibration performance compared to a typical mechanical commercial tractor seat suspension. A hard damper was used to prevent end stop impacts that were more likely with the soft suspension. In addition the damper had a dead-band centered at the seat's static equilibrium position. The dead-band damping was achieved with a switchable damper using relative seat displacement as the control signal. The objective of the dead-band was to allow a soft undamped operating region that gave good vibration attenuation. If the relative seat displacement passed the dead-band limits due to sudden harsh inputs, the hard damping would take over and prevent end stop impacts. An experimental rig with nonlinear seat and switchable damping was built and tested with the same parameters and inputs as those used in the simulations. The simulation and experimental results compared well. Both the simulation and experimental results showed that a combination of nonlinear stiffness and dead-band damping used on a tractor seat gives reduced rms acceleration compared to a linear, conventionally damped seat.

year: 2012

title: A local Aotearoa New Zealand investigation of the contribution of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity and counselling practices

authors: Te Wiata, Joy

subjects: Pakeha identity

abstract: This project investigates the experiences of a small group of social service  practitioners as they consider the question of what it means to be Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2004.  Specifically this study considers the contribution  of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity.  It also explores whether therapeutic practices that participants have available, are relevant to their current  claims of Pakeha identity.   This study highlights the complexity of experience and multiple stories that inform constructions of identity.   In approaching the topic I was aware that many  important stories of people's lived experience are not often told.  People are often silenced due to the difficulty of 'telling'.  In this exploration, space was created  for the telling of stories, which are often not easily told:  stories of struggle and pain; stories of compassionate witnessing; stories of rule-breaking; stories of  stepping into territory beyond binaries and stories of richness and delight.   Knowledges have been produced that indicate the need for carefully crafted space for often very difficult identity conversations to occur and for voices to be heard.   Further, the study has produced knowledges for scaffolding for respectful and honouring conversations .  The stories of this project indicate that the  conversations required, have their foundation through engagement with the value of fairness.  Findings also indicate that forums, where mutual contribution to  identity for both Māori and Pakeha can be acknowledged, are a critical to establishing ongoing honourable relationships between Pakeha and Māori New Zealanders.     Throughout this project participants acknowledge and honour the rich  contribution of Māori knowledges and language to their Pakeha identity.

text: A local Aotearoa New Zealand investigation of the contribution of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity and counselling practices This project investigates the experiences of a small group of social service  practitioners as they consider the question of what it means to be Pakeha in Aotearoa New Zealand in 2004.  Specifically this study considers the contribution  of Māori cultural knowledges to Pakeha identity.  It also explores whether therapeutic practices that participants have available, are relevant to their current  claims of Pakeha identity.   This study highlights the complexity of experience and multiple stories that inform constructions of identity.   In approaching the topic I was aware that many  important stories of people's lived experience are not often told.  People are often silenced due to the difficulty of 'telling'.  In this exploration, space was created  for the telling of stories, which are often not easily told:  stories of struggle and pain; stories of compassionate witnessing; stories of rule-breaking; stories of  stepping into territory beyond binaries and stories of richness and delight.   Knowledges have been produced that indicate the need for carefully crafted space for often very difficult identity conversations to occur and for voices to be heard.   Further, the study has produced knowledges for scaffolding for respectful and honouring conversations .  The stories of this project indicate that the  conversations required, have their foundation through engagement with the value of fairness.  Findings also indicate that forums, where mutual contribution to  identity for both Māori and Pakeha can be acknowledged, are a critical to establishing ongoing honourable relationships between Pakeha and Māori New Zealanders.     Throughout this project participants acknowledge and honour the rich  contribution of Māori knowledges and language to their Pakeha identity.

year: 2006