Richard Swinburne (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780197264898
- eISBN:
- 9780191754074
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- British Academy
- DOI:
- 10.5871/bacad/9780197264898.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Do humans have a free choice of which actions to perform? Three recent developments of modern science can help us to answer this question. First, new investigative tools have enabled us to study the ...
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Do humans have a free choice of which actions to perform? Three recent developments of modern science can help us to answer this question. First, new investigative tools have enabled us to study the processes in our brains which accompanying our decisions. The pioneer work of Benjamin Libet has led many neuroscientists to hold the view that our conscious intentions do not cause our bodily movements but merely accompany them. Then, Quantum Theory suggests that not all physical events are fully determined by their causes, and so opens the possibility that not all brain events may be fully determined by their causes, and so maybe — if neuroscience does not rule this out — there is a role for intentions after all. Finally, a theorem of mathematics, Gödel's theory, has been interpreted to suggest that the initial conditions and laws of development of a mathematician's brain could not fully determine which mathematical conjectures he sees to be true. The extent to which human behaviour is determined by brain events may well depend on whether conscious events, such as intentions, are themselves merely brain events, or whether they are separate events which interact with brain events (perhaps in the radical form that intentions are events in our soul, and not in our body). This book considers what kind of free will we need in order to be morally responsible for our actions or be held guilty in a court of law. Is it sufficient merely that our actions are uncaused by brain events?Less
Do humans have a free choice of which actions to perform? Three recent developments of modern science can help us to answer this question. First, new investigative tools have enabled us to study the processes in our brains which accompanying our decisions. The pioneer work of Benjamin Libet has led many neuroscientists to hold the view that our conscious intentions do not cause our bodily movements but merely accompany them. Then, Quantum Theory suggests that not all physical events are fully determined by their causes, and so opens the possibility that not all brain events may be fully determined by their causes, and so maybe — if neuroscience does not rule this out — there is a role for intentions after all. Finally, a theorem of mathematics, Gödel's theory, has been interpreted to suggest that the initial conditions and laws of development of a mathematician's brain could not fully determine which mathematical conjectures he sees to be true. The extent to which human behaviour is determined by brain events may well depend on whether conscious events, such as intentions, are themselves merely brain events, or whether they are separate events which interact with brain events (perhaps in the radical form that intentions are events in our soul, and not in our body). This book considers what kind of free will we need in order to be morally responsible for our actions or be held guilty in a court of law. Is it sufficient merely that our actions are uncaused by brain events?
Fred Luthans, Carolyn M. Youssef, and Bruce J. Avolio
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195187526
- eISBN:
- 9780199789863
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195187526.001.0001
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Organization Studies
This book draws from a foundation of positive psychology and recently emerging positive organizational behavior (POB). Its purpose is to introduce the untapped human resource capacity of ...
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This book draws from a foundation of positive psychology and recently emerging positive organizational behavior (POB). Its purpose is to introduce the untapped human resource capacity of psychological capital, or simply PsyCap. This PsyCap goes beyond traditionally recognized human and social capital and must meet the scientific criteria of theory, research, and valid measurement. To distinguish from other constructs in positive psychology and organizational behavior, to be included in PsyCap the resource capacity must also be “state-like” and thus open to development (as opposed to momentary states or fixed traits) and have performance impact. The positive psychological resource capacities that meet these PsyCap criteria — efficacy (confidence), hope, optimism, and resilience — are covered in separate chapters. These four resource capacities are conceptually and empirically distinct, but also have underlying common processes for striving to succeed and when in combination contribute to a higher-order, core construct of psychological capital. Besides these four, other potential positive constructs such as creativity, wisdom, well being, flow, humor, gratitude, forgiveness, emotional intelligence, spirituality, authenticity, and courage are covered in Chapters 6 and 7. The concluding Chapter 8 summarizes and presents the research demonstrating the performance impact of PsyCap, the PsyCap questionnaire (PCQ) for measurement and the PsyCap Intervention (PCI) for development. Utility analysis indicates that investing in the development of PsyCap can result in a very substantial return. In total, this book provides the theory, research, measure, and method of application for the new resource of Psychological Capital that can be developed and sustained for competitive advantage.Less
This book draws from a foundation of positive psychology and recently emerging positive organizational behavior (POB). Its purpose is to introduce the untapped human resource capacity of psychological capital, or simply PsyCap. This PsyCap goes beyond traditionally recognized human and social capital and must meet the scientific criteria of theory, research, and valid measurement. To distinguish from other constructs in positive psychology and organizational behavior, to be included in PsyCap the resource capacity must also be “state-like” and thus open to development (as opposed to momentary states or fixed traits) and have performance impact. The positive psychological resource capacities that meet these PsyCap criteria — efficacy (confidence), hope, optimism, and resilience — are covered in separate chapters. These four resource capacities are conceptually and empirically distinct, but also have underlying common processes for striving to succeed and when in combination contribute to a higher-order, core construct of psychological capital. Besides these four, other potential positive constructs such as creativity, wisdom, well being, flow, humor, gratitude, forgiveness, emotional intelligence, spirituality, authenticity, and courage are covered in Chapters 6 and 7. The concluding Chapter 8 summarizes and presents the research demonstrating the performance impact of PsyCap, the PsyCap questionnaire (PCQ) for measurement and the PsyCap Intervention (PCI) for development. Utility analysis indicates that investing in the development of PsyCap can result in a very substantial return. In total, this book provides the theory, research, measure, and method of application for the new resource of Psychological Capital that can be developed and sustained for competitive advantage.
Doreen Kimura
- Published in print:
- 1993
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195054927
- eISBN:
- 9780199872268
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195054927.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Neuropsychology
Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with ...
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Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with related motor functions from a broadly biological point of view. The book discusses the possible evolutionary origins of human communication, the relation of brain mechanisms in communicative behavior to analogous nonhuman behaviors, and the neural systems involved in various levels and kinds of communication. Noncommunicative mechanisms which parallel those used in communication are outlined in detail. Individual differences in brain organization for some functions are also explored. New data is presented along with the theoretical treatment of human communication, which emphasizes a behavioral rather than a linguistic approach.Less
Using two decades worth of research with patients who have experienced pathology in one hemisphere of the brain, this book deals with brain mechanisms in human communicative behavior, and with related motor functions from a broadly biological point of view. The book discusses the possible evolutionary origins of human communication, the relation of brain mechanisms in communicative behavior to analogous nonhuman behaviors, and the neural systems involved in various levels and kinds of communication. Noncommunicative mechanisms which parallel those used in communication are outlined in detail. Individual differences in brain organization for some functions are also explored. New data is presented along with the theoretical treatment of human communication, which emphasizes a behavioral rather than a linguistic approach.
Jaap Goudsmit
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195130348
- eISBN:
- 9780199790166
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195130348.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Microbiology
Rarely have humans been as threatened by viruses as they are today. It almost seems as if a virus invasion is taking place. Viruses have lately been coming out of nowhere and appearing in the ...
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Rarely have humans been as threatened by viruses as they are today. It almost seems as if a virus invasion is taking place. Viruses have lately been coming out of nowhere and appearing in the strangest places — exotic viruses about which no one had ever heard before. Many human viruses have started out in the animal world. Are these viruses maybe escaping from their natural hosts? Are human beings simply available as easy prey? Why is all this happening now, and what does it mean for our future? What can we do to defend ourselves? This book addresses viral adaptation as a general phenomenon and examines the implications for public health of human behavior altering viral ecosystems. This book discusses the phenomenon of viral emergence.Less
Rarely have humans been as threatened by viruses as they are today. It almost seems as if a virus invasion is taking place. Viruses have lately been coming out of nowhere and appearing in the strangest places — exotic viruses about which no one had ever heard before. Many human viruses have started out in the animal world. Are these viruses maybe escaping from their natural hosts? Are human beings simply available as easy prey? Why is all this happening now, and what does it mean for our future? What can we do to defend ourselves? This book addresses viral adaptation as a general phenomenon and examines the implications for public health of human behavior altering viral ecosystems. This book discusses the phenomenon of viral emergence.
Moody Chu and Gene Golub
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198566649
- eISBN:
- 9780191718021
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198566649.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
The basic goal of an inverse eigenvalue problem is to reconstruct the physical parameters of a certain system from the knowledge or desire of its dynamical behavior. Depending on the application, ...
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The basic goal of an inverse eigenvalue problem is to reconstruct the physical parameters of a certain system from the knowledge or desire of its dynamical behavior. Depending on the application, inverse eigenvalue problems appear in many different forms. This book discusses the fundamental questions, some known results, many applications, mathematical properties, a variety of numerical techniques, as well as several open problems.Less
The basic goal of an inverse eigenvalue problem is to reconstruct the physical parameters of a certain system from the knowledge or desire of its dynamical behavior. Depending on the application, inverse eigenvalue problems appear in many different forms. This book discusses the fundamental questions, some known results, many applications, mathematical properties, a variety of numerical techniques, as well as several open problems.
John Alcock
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182743
- eISBN:
- 9780199790005
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182743.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of ...
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This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of biologists who use the theory of natural selection when examining possible adaptations (such as the ability of orchid flowers to attract special pollinators) and those who reject this approach, including creationists as well as the late Stephen Jay Gould. Darwin’s own ideas on the topic are reviewed as his work on adaptive plant behavior, given that orchids provide examples of flowers with moving parts. In addition, the book outlines the ability of evolutionary biologists to trace the origin and subsequent modification of complex traits like the extraordinarily unusual flowers of certain orchids. The book also employs Australian orchids to demonstrate the challenges of determining what a species is and how to preserve the biodiversity that still exists in the world.Less
This book reviews a variety of evolutionary themes and uses the small terrestrial orchids of Australia to introduce and illustrate these themes. Among the topics explored are the competing ideas of biologists who use the theory of natural selection when examining possible adaptations (such as the ability of orchid flowers to attract special pollinators) and those who reject this approach, including creationists as well as the late Stephen Jay Gould. Darwin’s own ideas on the topic are reviewed as his work on adaptive plant behavior, given that orchids provide examples of flowers with moving parts. In addition, the book outlines the ability of evolutionary biologists to trace the origin and subsequent modification of complex traits like the extraordinarily unusual flowers of certain orchids. The book also employs Australian orchids to demonstrate the challenges of determining what a species is and how to preserve the biodiversity that still exists in the world.
Stephen G. Post
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195182910
- eISBN:
- 9780199786794
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195182910.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Health Psychology
This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in ...
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This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in contrast to one that is primarily self-regarding. Altruistic (benevolent, kind, compassionate, charitable) individuals, motivated with little or no interest in reciprocity or reputation gain, may enjoy enhanced health, broadly defined. An overview of the four parts of the book is also presented.Less
This introductory chapter begins by defining the term altruism. Altruism, for the purposes of this volume, refers to a fundamental orientation of the agent that is primarily ‘other-regarding’, in contrast to one that is primarily self-regarding. Altruistic (benevolent, kind, compassionate, charitable) individuals, motivated with little or no interest in reciprocity or reputation gain, may enjoy enhanced health, broadly defined. An overview of the four parts of the book is also presented.
E. W. Heaton
- Published in print:
- 1994
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780198263623
- eISBN:
- 9780191601156
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198263627.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Judaism
The books of the Old Testament are often thought of as being remote and ‘primitive’. In fact, they were written by thoroughly learned men, educated in the traditional schools of ancient Israel. This ...
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The books of the Old Testament are often thought of as being remote and ‘primitive’. In fact, they were written by thoroughly learned men, educated in the traditional schools of ancient Israel. This book presents a fresh and enlivening case for the strong influence that this schooling must have had on the writers of the stories, poetry and proverbs of the Bible. The eight Bampton Lectures that form the first eight chapters of this book were delivered in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford, UK. The topics covered are: the evidence for schools in ancient Israel; comparisons between Egyptian and Israeli school-books and literature; ‘wisdom’ and school traditions in the Old Testament books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; the school tradition in the literary style of the teachings of the prophets and teachers; the narrative skills of the Jerusalem school tradition in the stories of the Old Testament; doubt and pessimism as expressed in Job and Ecclesiastes; and various aspects of belief and behaviour in the Old Testament, as reflected in the school tradition. The last chapter is a summing-up. The book is of interest to students and scholars of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) or religious studies, both in Judaism and Christianity.Less
The books of the Old Testament are often thought of as being remote and ‘primitive’. In fact, they were written by thoroughly learned men, educated in the traditional schools of ancient Israel. This book presents a fresh and enlivening case for the strong influence that this schooling must have had on the writers of the stories, poetry and proverbs of the Bible. The eight Bampton Lectures that form the first eight chapters of this book were delivered in the University Church of St Mary the Virgin in Oxford, UK. The topics covered are: the evidence for schools in ancient Israel; comparisons between Egyptian and Israeli school-books and literature; ‘wisdom’ and school traditions in the Old Testament books of Proverbs and Ecclesiastes; the school tradition in the literary style of the teachings of the prophets and teachers; the narrative skills of the Jerusalem school tradition in the stories of the Old Testament; doubt and pessimism as expressed in Job and Ecclesiastes; and various aspects of belief and behaviour in the Old Testament, as reflected in the school tradition. The last chapter is a summing-up. The book is of interest to students and scholars of the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) or religious studies, both in Judaism and Christianity.
D. Jason Slone
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195169263
- eISBN:
- 9780199835256
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195169263.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
This book analyzes the concept of theological incorrectness, namely, why people believe what they shouldn’t? It takes off from Justin Barrett’s notion of “theological correctness”, which contends ...
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This book analyzes the concept of theological incorrectness, namely, why people believe what they shouldn’t? It takes off from Justin Barrett’s notion of “theological correctness”, which contends that while religious believers produce theologically correct ideas in situations that allow them the time and space to reflect symmetrically on their beliefs, the same people can stray from those ideological beliefs in situations that require them to solve problems rapidly. It also puts forward a cognitive approach to studying religion.Less
This book analyzes the concept of theological incorrectness, namely, why people believe what they shouldn’t? It takes off from Justin Barrett’s notion of “theological correctness”, which contends that while religious believers produce theologically correct ideas in situations that allow them the time and space to reflect symmetrically on their beliefs, the same people can stray from those ideological beliefs in situations that require them to solve problems rapidly. It also puts forward a cognitive approach to studying religion.
David E. Klein and Gregory Mitchell (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195367584
- eISBN:
- 9780199776917
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195367584.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Forensic Psychology
This volume of essays examines the psychological processes that underlie judicial decision making. Chapters in the first section of the book take as their starting point the fact that judges make ...
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This volume of essays examines the psychological processes that underlie judicial decision making. Chapters in the first section of the book take as their starting point the fact that judges make many of the same judgments and decisions that ordinary people make and consider how our knowledge about judgment and decision-making in general applies to the case of legal judges. Chapters in the second section focus on the specific tasks that judges perform within a unique social setting and examine the expertise and particular modes of reasoning that judges develop to deal with their tasks in this unique setting. Chapters in the third section raise questions about whether and how we can evaluate judicial performance, with implications for the possibility of improving judging through the selection and training of judges and structuring of judicial institutions. Together the essays apply a wide range of psychological insights to help us better understand how judges make decisions and to open new avenues of inquiry into the influences on judicial behavior.Less
This volume of essays examines the psychological processes that underlie judicial decision making. Chapters in the first section of the book take as their starting point the fact that judges make many of the same judgments and decisions that ordinary people make and consider how our knowledge about judgment and decision-making in general applies to the case of legal judges. Chapters in the second section focus on the specific tasks that judges perform within a unique social setting and examine the expertise and particular modes of reasoning that judges develop to deal with their tasks in this unique setting. Chapters in the third section raise questions about whether and how we can evaluate judicial performance, with implications for the possibility of improving judging through the selection and training of judges and structuring of judicial institutions. Together the essays apply a wide range of psychological insights to help us better understand how judges make decisions and to open new avenues of inquiry into the influences on judicial behavior.
Martina Morris (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- August 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199269013
- eISBN:
- 9780191601330
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199269017.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Development, Growth, and Environmental
For epidemiologists and public health professionals, the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has provoked a fundamental re-examination of infectious disease prevention and the research needed to support it. ...
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For epidemiologists and public health professionals, the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has provoked a fundamental re-examination of infectious disease prevention and the research needed to support it. This book documents and explains a breakthrough in behavioural research design that has emerged to confront this new challenge: the network survey. It represents a paradigm shift in epidemiology, broadening the focus from the traditional “knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)” of individuals to mapping the relational networks that spread infection, and constrain behavioural change. Eight pioneering network studies from around the world are reviewed, with extensive detail on the sampling strategy, questionnaire development, fieldwork experiences, and key findings. In addition, there is an introduction that lays out the basics of network survey design, and a glossary of network terminology. This is a unique resource for all who wish to understand or undertake a network study.Less
For epidemiologists and public health professionals, the global epidemic of HIV/AIDS has provoked a fundamental re-examination of infectious disease prevention and the research needed to support it. This book documents and explains a breakthrough in behavioural research design that has emerged to confront this new challenge: the network survey. It represents a paradigm shift in epidemiology, broadening the focus from the traditional “knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP)” of individuals to mapping the relational networks that spread infection, and constrain behavioural change. Eight pioneering network studies from around the world are reviewed, with extensive detail on the sampling strategy, questionnaire development, fieldwork experiences, and key findings. In addition, there is an introduction that lays out the basics of network survey design, and a glossary of network terminology. This is a unique resource for all who wish to understand or undertake a network study.
D. Jason Slone
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- January 2005
- ISBN:
- 9780195169263
- eISBN:
- 9780199835256
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0195169263.003.0008
- Subject:
- Religion, Philosophy of Religion
People believe what they shouldn’t because they have active minds that are continuously engaged in the construction of novel thoughts, and in the transformation of culturally transmitted ideas. The ...
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People believe what they shouldn’t because they have active minds that are continuously engaged in the construction of novel thoughts, and in the transformation of culturally transmitted ideas. The key to understanding religion is to identify the aspects of cognition that constrain religious behavior. Given the fact that religion is a natural by-product of cognition, studies of religion should include cognitive psychology in addition to theology and ethnography.Less
People believe what they shouldn’t because they have active minds that are continuously engaged in the construction of novel thoughts, and in the transformation of culturally transmitted ideas. The key to understanding religion is to identify the aspects of cognition that constrain religious behavior. Given the fact that religion is a natural by-product of cognition, studies of religion should include cognitive psychology in addition to theology and ethnography.
Andrew Mason
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199264414
- eISBN:
- 9780191718489
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199264414.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
This chapter explores this form of egalitarianism further by asking when justice requires us to hold people responsible for their behaviour by requiring them to bear its costs. Some maintain that ...
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This chapter explores this form of egalitarianism further by asking when justice requires us to hold people responsible for their behaviour by requiring them to bear its costs. Some maintain that people can legitimately be required to bear the costs of their behaviour if and only if they could have acted otherwise and no excusing conditions apply. Against this formulation, some would argue that what matters is whether an agent's behaviour is responsive to his reasons in the right way, and whether there are any excusing conditions, but not whether he could have acted otherwise. It is argued that both of these accounts are inadequate because they do not recognize the full range of reasons we might have for not requiring a person to bear the full costs of his behaviour.Less
This chapter explores this form of egalitarianism further by asking when justice requires us to hold people responsible for their behaviour by requiring them to bear its costs. Some maintain that people can legitimately be required to bear the costs of their behaviour if and only if they could have acted otherwise and no excusing conditions apply. Against this formulation, some would argue that what matters is whether an agent's behaviour is responsive to his reasons in the right way, and whether there are any excusing conditions, but not whether he could have acted otherwise. It is argued that both of these accounts are inadequate because they do not recognize the full range of reasons we might have for not requiring a person to bear the full costs of his behaviour.
Eugene Subbotsky
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195393873
- eISBN:
- 9780199776979
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195393873.003.0002
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology
In Chapter 2 (“Children and Magic”), various issues of magical beliefs in children are discussed. It starts with a brief analysis of Piaget's famous description of magical reasoning in children. It ...
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In Chapter 2 (“Children and Magic”), various issues of magical beliefs in children are discussed. It starts with a brief analysis of Piaget's famous description of magical reasoning in children. It then presents the data of recent experiments with preschool children that demonstrate children's beliefs in magic. Essentially, these experiments show that by the age of 4 years, in their verbal judgments, most preschoolers are skeptical toward the possibility of “mind-over-matter” magic, yet in their actions, they behave as if they really believe in magic. Various alternative interpretations of children's “magical” behaviors are analyzed, and follow-up experiments are presented that allow one to overrule the argument that preschool children do not yet have the idea of “true magic” and confuse magical effects with magic tricks.Less
In Chapter 2 (“Children and Magic”), various issues of magical beliefs in children are discussed. It starts with a brief analysis of Piaget's famous description of magical reasoning in children. It then presents the data of recent experiments with preschool children that demonstrate children's beliefs in magic. Essentially, these experiments show that by the age of 4 years, in their verbal judgments, most preschoolers are skeptical toward the possibility of “mind-over-matter” magic, yet in their actions, they behave as if they really believe in magic. Various alternative interpretations of children's “magical” behaviors are analyzed, and follow-up experiments are presented that allow one to overrule the argument that preschool children do not yet have the idea of “true magic” and confuse magical effects with magic tricks.
C. B. Martin
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199234103
- eISBN:
- 9780191715570
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199234103.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This chapter begins with a discussion of the private world problem, and argues that with or without sensations, the spectre of the ‘private world’ arises equally, so sensations are not the problem if ...
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This chapter begins with a discussion of the private world problem, and argues that with or without sensations, the spectre of the ‘private world’ arises equally, so sensations are not the problem if there is a ‘private world problem’. It is also argued that the role of knowledge of behaviour (or what a sensation is ‘apt to cause’) and/or physical circumstances (or that by which the sensation is ‘apt to be caused’) needs better understanding. The rejection of analogical ways of thinking about the experiences of others and the complementary fixation on public, observable, shared behaviour and circumstances leads — when carried to its fair conclusion — to a second joke, which is explained in the chapter.Less
This chapter begins with a discussion of the private world problem, and argues that with or without sensations, the spectre of the ‘private world’ arises equally, so sensations are not the problem if there is a ‘private world problem’. It is also argued that the role of knowledge of behaviour (or what a sensation is ‘apt to cause’) and/or physical circumstances (or that by which the sensation is ‘apt to be caused’) needs better understanding. The rejection of analogical ways of thinking about the experiences of others and the complementary fixation on public, observable, shared behaviour and circumstances leads — when carried to its fair conclusion — to a second joke, which is explained in the chapter.
Edmund T. Rolls
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780198570035
- eISBN:
- 9780191693793
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198570035.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Behavioral Neuroscience
The book links the analysis of the brain mechanisms of emotion and motivation to the wider context of what emotions are, what their functions are, how emotions evolved, and the larger issue of why ...
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The book links the analysis of the brain mechanisms of emotion and motivation to the wider context of what emotions are, what their functions are, how emotions evolved, and the larger issue of why emotional and motivational feelings and consciousness might arise in a system organized like the brain. The topics in motivation covered are hunger, thirst, sexual behaviour, brain-stimulation reward, and addiction. The book proposes a theory of what emotions are, and an evolutionary, Darwinian, theory of the adaptive value of emotion, and then describes the brain mechanisms of emotion. The book examines how cognitive states can influence emotions, and in turn, how emotions can influence cognitive states. The book also examines emotion and decision-making, with links to the burgeoning field of neuroeconomics. The book describes the brain mechanisms that underlie both emotion and motivation in a scientific form that can be used by both students and scientists in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, biology, physiology, psychiatry, and medicine.Less
The book links the analysis of the brain mechanisms of emotion and motivation to the wider context of what emotions are, what their functions are, how emotions evolved, and the larger issue of why emotional and motivational feelings and consciousness might arise in a system organized like the brain. The topics in motivation covered are hunger, thirst, sexual behaviour, brain-stimulation reward, and addiction. The book proposes a theory of what emotions are, and an evolutionary, Darwinian, theory of the adaptive value of emotion, and then describes the brain mechanisms of emotion. The book examines how cognitive states can influence emotions, and in turn, how emotions can influence cognitive states. The book also examines emotion and decision-making, with links to the burgeoning field of neuroeconomics. The book describes the brain mechanisms that underlie both emotion and motivation in a scientific form that can be used by both students and scientists in the fields of neuroscience, psychology, cognitive neuroscience, biology, physiology, psychiatry, and medicine.
Kevin J. Filter and Michelle E. Alvarez
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- January 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199764938
- eISBN:
- 9780199918935
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199764938.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families
Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is an important element in developing effective behavior interventions in schools. By understanding how the environment predicts and maintains problem behavior, ...
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Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is an important element in developing effective behavior interventions in schools. By understanding how the environment predicts and maintains problem behavior, school social workers can change those environmental conditions and facilitate positive behavior. Although FBA has traditionally been applied within the context of special education, it is relevant to supporting behavior of all students in a school. In this book, the authors explore how FBA can be applied in a three-tiered model of prevention and provide tools and case examples to facilitate application. This process is described as occurring within a team context wherein the school social worker serves as a facilitator and contributor with behavioral expertise. In Tier 1, FBA is applied to the behavior of all students in a school and leads to the development of school-wide behavior interventions that are intended to prevent students from developing more serious patterns of problem behavior. In Tier 2 FBAs, the behaviour of at-risk students is assessed in an efficient manner to determine which available evidence-based interventions will be effective in improving their behavior. In Tier 3, FBAs involve extensive individual assessments of the conditions that maintain the problem behaviour students with significant behavior problems. This book provides detailed information about conducting FBAs at each tier of prevention and reviews the process of developing interventions from the FBA information at each tier. As initiatives encouraging positive behavior support in schools proliferate, this book will help school social workers develop the skill-set necessary to maintain their role as important contributors to student outcomes.Less
Functional behavioral assessment (FBA) is an important element in developing effective behavior interventions in schools. By understanding how the environment predicts and maintains problem behavior, school social workers can change those environmental conditions and facilitate positive behavior. Although FBA has traditionally been applied within the context of special education, it is relevant to supporting behavior of all students in a school. In this book, the authors explore how FBA can be applied in a three-tiered model of prevention and provide tools and case examples to facilitate application. This process is described as occurring within a team context wherein the school social worker serves as a facilitator and contributor with behavioral expertise. In Tier 1, FBA is applied to the behavior of all students in a school and leads to the development of school-wide behavior interventions that are intended to prevent students from developing more serious patterns of problem behavior. In Tier 2 FBAs, the behaviour of at-risk students is assessed in an efficient manner to determine which available evidence-based interventions will be effective in improving their behavior. In Tier 3, FBAs involve extensive individual assessments of the conditions that maintain the problem behaviour students with significant behavior problems. This book provides detailed information about conducting FBAs at each tier of prevention and reviews the process of developing interventions from the FBA information at each tier. As initiatives encouraging positive behavior support in schools proliferate, this book will help school social workers develop the skill-set necessary to maintain their role as important contributors to student outcomes.
Douglas L. Dorset
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198529088
- eISBN:
- 9780191712838
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198529088.001.0001
- Subject:
- Physics, Crystallography
This book describes the solid state behaviour of organic materials based the polymethylene chain, i.e., the functional molecular component of polyethylenes, soaps, detergents, edible fats, lipids, ...
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This book describes the solid state behaviour of organic materials based the polymethylene chain, i.e., the functional molecular component of polyethylenes, soaps, detergents, edible fats, lipids, oils, greases, and waxes. Along with chain unsaturation and branching, polydispersity, i.e., the aggregation of several polymethylene chain lengths, is shown to control various physical properties, including the preservation of metastable phases (polymorphic as well as ‘rotator’ forms). Using linear chain waxes as model materials, this book explores how solid solutions are stabilized and what structures are possible. Strictly linear molecules are compared to those functionalized with ‘head-groups’. The onset of fractionation, followed by formation of eutectic phases, is discussed, again describing the structures of favoured molecular assemblies. The rationale for polydisperse aggregation derives from the early work of A. I. Kitaigorodskii, demonstrating how certain homeomorphic parameters such as relative molecular shape and volume, as well as favoured crystalline polymorphs, lead to stable solid solutions. Relevant to high-molecular weight polymers, the influence of chain-folding is also discussed. A comprehensive review of known linear chain single crystal structures, including the alkanes, cycloalkanes, perfluoroalkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and cholesteryl esters, is presented to show how molecular shape, including chain branching, influences layer packing and co-solubility. Finally, a critique of previously suggested models for petroleum and natural wax assemblies is given, based on current crystallographic and spectroscopic information. This includes single crystal structures based on electron diffraction data. Although constrained to single chain molecules in the examples discussed, cited behaviour can be generalized to multiple chain-containing fats and lipids.Less
This book describes the solid state behaviour of organic materials based the polymethylene chain, i.e., the functional molecular component of polyethylenes, soaps, detergents, edible fats, lipids, oils, greases, and waxes. Along with chain unsaturation and branching, polydispersity, i.e., the aggregation of several polymethylene chain lengths, is shown to control various physical properties, including the preservation of metastable phases (polymorphic as well as ‘rotator’ forms). Using linear chain waxes as model materials, this book explores how solid solutions are stabilized and what structures are possible. Strictly linear molecules are compared to those functionalized with ‘head-groups’. The onset of fractionation, followed by formation of eutectic phases, is discussed, again describing the structures of favoured molecular assemblies. The rationale for polydisperse aggregation derives from the early work of A. I. Kitaigorodskii, demonstrating how certain homeomorphic parameters such as relative molecular shape and volume, as well as favoured crystalline polymorphs, lead to stable solid solutions. Relevant to high-molecular weight polymers, the influence of chain-folding is also discussed. A comprehensive review of known linear chain single crystal structures, including the alkanes, cycloalkanes, perfluoroalkanes, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, fatty acid esters, and cholesteryl esters, is presented to show how molecular shape, including chain branching, influences layer packing and co-solubility. Finally, a critique of previously suggested models for petroleum and natural wax assemblies is given, based on current crystallographic and spectroscopic information. This includes single crystal structures based on electron diffraction data. Although constrained to single chain molecules in the examples discussed, cited behaviour can be generalized to multiple chain-containing fats and lipids.
Michael Graziano
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780195326703
- eISBN:
- 9780199864867
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195326703.001.0001
- Subject:
- Neuroscience, Sensory and Motor Systems, Behavioral Neuroscience
This book offers a fundamental new theory of motor cortex organization: the rendering of the movement repertoire onto the cortex. The action repertoire of an animal is highly dimensional, whereas the ...
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This book offers a fundamental new theory of motor cortex organization: the rendering of the movement repertoire onto the cortex. The action repertoire of an animal is highly dimensional, whereas the cortical sheet is two-dimensional. Rendering the action space onto the cortex therefore results in a complex pattern, explaining the otherwise inexplicable details of motor cortex organization. This book includes a complete history of motor cortex research from its discovery to the present, a discussion of the major issues in motor cortex research, and an account of recent experiments that led to the book's “action map” view. Though focused on motor cortex, the book includes a range of topics from an explanation of how primates put food in their mouths, to the origins of social behavior such as smiling and laughing, to the mysterious link between movement disorders and autism.Less
This book offers a fundamental new theory of motor cortex organization: the rendering of the movement repertoire onto the cortex. The action repertoire of an animal is highly dimensional, whereas the cortical sheet is two-dimensional. Rendering the action space onto the cortex therefore results in a complex pattern, explaining the otherwise inexplicable details of motor cortex organization. This book includes a complete history of motor cortex research from its discovery to the present, a discussion of the major issues in motor cortex research, and an account of recent experiments that led to the book's “action map” view. Though focused on motor cortex, the book includes a range of topics from an explanation of how primates put food in their mouths, to the origins of social behavior such as smiling and laughing, to the mysterious link between movement disorders and autism.
Jerome L. Stein and Polly Reynolds Allen
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198293064
- eISBN:
- 9780191596940
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198293062.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Macro- and Monetary Economics, International
The NATREX approach offers an alternative paradigm to the Purchasing Power Parity for equilibrium real exchange rates. NATREX is the acronym for NATural Real EXchange, referring to a medium‐run, ...
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The NATREX approach offers an alternative paradigm to the Purchasing Power Parity for equilibrium real exchange rates. NATREX is the acronym for NATural Real EXchange, referring to a medium‐run, inter‐cyclical equilibrium real exchange rate, determined by real, fundamental factors. Importantly, the NATREX is a moving equilibrium real exchange rate, responding to continual changes in exogenous and endogenous real fundamentals. In a world of high capital mobility, the fundamentals of thrift, productivity, capital intensity, and net debt to foreigners become particularly important, influencing desired long‐term capital flows and altering the equilibrium real exchange rate. The NATREX approach identifies and models the fundamental determinants of equilibrium real exchange rates, consistent with their recent empirical movements in various countries.The NATREX model is a dynamic stock‐flow growth model. The goal of the NATREX approach is primarily empirical – to explain movements of medium‐ to long‐run real exchange rates in terms of the fundamental real variables of thrift and productivity, assuming that real exchange rates do adjust toward their equilibrium level, although with a lag. A family of consistent general equilibrium models – of rational, optimizing behavior, determining medium‐run equilibrium real exchange rates – forms the core of the NATREX approach. These models provide logical economic justifications for the empirical results.Less
The NATREX approach offers an alternative paradigm to the Purchasing Power Parity for equilibrium real exchange rates. NATREX is the acronym for NATural Real EXchange, referring to a medium‐run, inter‐cyclical equilibrium real exchange rate, determined by real, fundamental factors. Importantly, the NATREX is a moving equilibrium real exchange rate, responding to continual changes in exogenous and endogenous real fundamentals. In a world of high capital mobility, the fundamentals of thrift, productivity, capital intensity, and net debt to foreigners become particularly important, influencing desired long‐term capital flows and altering the equilibrium real exchange rate. The NATREX approach identifies and models the fundamental determinants of equilibrium real exchange rates, consistent with their recent empirical movements in various countries.
The NATREX model is a dynamic stock‐flow growth model. The goal of the NATREX approach is primarily empirical – to explain movements of medium‐ to long‐run real exchange rates in terms of the fundamental real variables of thrift and productivity, assuming that real exchange rates do adjust toward their equilibrium level, although with a lag. A family of consistent general equilibrium models – of rational, optimizing behavior, determining medium‐run equilibrium real exchange rates – forms the core of the NATREX approach. These models provide logical economic justifications for the empirical results.
