title: Putting the burden of proof in its place: When are differential allocations legitimate?

authors: Dare, Tim

subjects: allocations legitimate

abstract: It is widely assumed that legitimate differential allocations of the burden of proof are ubiquitous: that in all cases in which opposing views are being debated, one side has the responsibility of proving their claim and if they fail, the opposing view wins by default. We argue that the cases in which one party has the burden of proof are exceptions. In general, participants in reasoned discourse are all required to provide reasons for the claims they make. We distinguish between truth-directed and non-truth-directed discourse, argue that the paradigm contexts in which there are legitimate differential allocations of the burden of proof (law and formal debate) are non-truth-directed, and suggest that in truth-directed contexts, except in certain special cases, differential allocation of the burden of proof is not warranted.

text: Putting the burden of proof in its place: When are differential allocations legitimate? It is widely assumed that legitimate differential allocations of the burden of proof are ubiquitous: that in all cases in which opposing views are being debated, one side has the responsibility of proving their claim and if they fail, the opposing view wins by default. We argue that the cases in which one party has the burden of proof are exceptions. In general, participants in reasoned discourse are all required to provide reasons for the claims they make. We distinguish between truth-directed and non-truth-directed discourse, argue that the paradigm contexts in which there are legitimate differential allocations of the burden of proof (law and formal debate) are non-truth-directed, and suggest that in truth-directed contexts, except in certain special cases, differential allocation of the burden of proof is not warranted.

year: 2008

title: Describing the stochastic dynamics of neurons using Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics

authors: Wilson, Marcus T.

subjects: neurons

abstract: We consider the most likely behaviour of neuron models by formulating them in terms of Hamilton’s equations. Starting from a Lagrangian for a stochastic system, we describe how Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics can be used to derive an equivalent description in terms of canonical co-ordinates and momenta. We give physical meaning to these generalized momenta; speciﬁcally they are linear combinations of the noise terms in the stochastic model. Pseudo-kinetic energy and potential energy terms are also derived. The conjugate momenta can be considered as growing modes, and by implication the most likely noise input to a system will grow exponentially at large times; this surprising prediction agrees with existing experimental work on a single neuron. For many-neuron models, multiple growing modes will exist, and the numerical analysis of these is more complicated; however, the approach may still provide insight on the more detailed dynamics of these systems.

text: Describing the stochastic dynamics of neurons using Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics We consider the most likely behaviour of neuron models by formulating them in terms of Hamilton’s equations. Starting from a Lagrangian for a stochastic system, we describe how Hamilton’s equations of classical mechanics can be used to derive an equivalent description in terms of canonical co-ordinates and momenta. We give physical meaning to these generalized momenta; speciﬁcally they are linear combinations of the noise terms in the stochastic model. Pseudo-kinetic energy and potential energy terms are also derived. The conjugate momenta can be considered as growing modes, and by implication the most likely noise input to a system will grow exponentially at large times; this surprising prediction agrees with existing experimental work on a single neuron. For many-neuron models, multiple growing modes will exist, and the numerical analysis of these is more complicated; however, the approach may still provide insight on the more detailed dynamics of these systems.

year: 2008

title: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Maori and Psychology Research Unit

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2006 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2006. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2006