Alex Córdoba-Aguilar (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199230693
- eISBN:
- 9780191710889
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199230693.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Animal Biology
This book is a collection of nineteen chapters where summaries of major ecological and evolutionary questions have been asked and responded using dragonflies and damselflies as study subjects. Each ...
More
This book is a collection of nineteen chapters where summaries of major ecological and evolutionary questions have been asked and responded using dragonflies and damselflies as study subjects. Each chapter is written by a well-respected scientist. The topics covered are: demography, population and community ecology, life-history, distribution, abundance, migration, conservation, applied use, predator-prey interactions, mating isolation, lifetime reproductive success estimates, reproduction vs. survival, parasite-host relationships, cryptic female choice, sexual conflict, territoriality, sex-limited colour polymorphisms, sexual size dimorphism, flight performance, and wing evolution. Each chapter puts forward new data and hypothesis in relation to further ecological and evolutionary questions.Less
This book is a collection of nineteen chapters where summaries of major ecological and evolutionary questions have been asked and responded using dragonflies and damselflies as study subjects. Each chapter is written by a well-respected scientist. The topics covered are: demography, population and community ecology, life-history, distribution, abundance, migration, conservation, applied use, predator-prey interactions, mating isolation, lifetime reproductive success estimates, reproduction vs. survival, parasite-host relationships, cryptic female choice, sexual conflict, territoriality, sex-limited colour polymorphisms, sexual size dimorphism, flight performance, and wing evolution. Each chapter puts forward new data and hypothesis in relation to further ecological and evolutionary questions.
Geoffrey Lloyd
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199214617
- eISBN:
- 9780191706493
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199214617.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This book presents a study of the problems posed by the unity and diversity of the human mind. On the one hand, as humans we all share broadly the same anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and certain ...
More
This book presents a study of the problems posed by the unity and diversity of the human mind. On the one hand, as humans we all share broadly the same anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and certain psychological capabilities — the capacity to learn a language, for instance. On the other, different individuals and groups have very different talents, tastes, and beliefs, for instance about how they see themselves, other humans and the world around them. These issues are highly charged, for any denial of psychic unity savours of racism, while many assertions of psychic diversity raise the spectres of arbitrary relativism, the incommensurability of beliefs systems, and their mutual unintelligibility. The book examines where different types of arguments, scientific, philosophical, anthropological and historical, can take us. It discusses colour perception, spatial cognition, animal and plant taxonomy, the emotions, ideas of health and well-being, concepts of the self, agency and causation, varying perceptions of the distinction between nature and culture, and reasoning itself. It pays attention to the multidimensionality of the phenomena to be apprehended and to the diversity of manners, or styles, of apprehending them. The weight to be given to different factors, physical, biological, psychological, cultural, ideological, varies as between different subject areas and sometimes even within a single area. The book uses recent work in social anthropology, linguistics, cognitive science, neurophysiology, and the history of ideas to redefine the problems and clarify how our evident psychic diversity can be reconciled with our shared humanity.Less
This book presents a study of the problems posed by the unity and diversity of the human mind. On the one hand, as humans we all share broadly the same anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and certain psychological capabilities — the capacity to learn a language, for instance. On the other, different individuals and groups have very different talents, tastes, and beliefs, for instance about how they see themselves, other humans and the world around them. These issues are highly charged, for any denial of psychic unity savours of racism, while many assertions of psychic diversity raise the spectres of arbitrary relativism, the incommensurability of beliefs systems, and their mutual unintelligibility. The book examines where different types of arguments, scientific, philosophical, anthropological and historical, can take us. It discusses colour perception, spatial cognition, animal and plant taxonomy, the emotions, ideas of health and well-being, concepts of the self, agency and causation, varying perceptions of the distinction between nature and culture, and reasoning itself. It pays attention to the multidimensionality of the phenomena to be apprehended and to the diversity of manners, or styles, of apprehending them. The weight to be given to different factors, physical, biological, psychological, cultural, ideological, varies as between different subject areas and sometimes even within a single area. The book uses recent work in social anthropology, linguistics, cognitive science, neurophysiology, and the history of ideas to redefine the problems and clarify how our evident psychic diversity can be reconciled with our shared humanity.
Rolf Niedermeier
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198566076
- eISBN:
- 9780191713910
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198566076.003.0012
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Combinatorics / Graph Theory / Discrete Mathematics
This chapter gives a summary of what happens in Part II and Part III.
This chapter gives a summary of what happens in Part II and Part III.
L. Weiskrantz
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521921
- eISBN:
- 9780191706226
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521921.001.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
Damage to a particular area of the brain — the neocortex — is generally understood to result in blindness. Studies of some patients who have suffered from this form of blindness have nevertheless ...
More
Damage to a particular area of the brain — the neocortex — is generally understood to result in blindness. Studies of some patients who have suffered from this form of blindness have nevertheless revealed that they can, in fact, discriminate certain types of visual events within their ‘blind’ fields without being aware that they can do so: they think they are only ‘guessing’. This phenomenon has been termed ‘blindsight’ by the author of this book and his collaborators who were among the first to describe it. It continues to attract considerable interest among neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers who see possible implications for theories of perception and consciousness. This book gives an account of the research into a particular case of blindsight, together with a discussion of the historical and neurological background. The empirical findings are followed by a review of other cases reported by other investigators, in which there is a dysjunction between clinical assessment of blindness and unexpected findings of residual function. Finally, a number of theoretical and practical issues and implications are discussed. This reissued version of the text includes a new Introduction summarizing some of the advances that have taken place in the field since the book was first published in 1986.Less
Damage to a particular area of the brain — the neocortex — is generally understood to result in blindness. Studies of some patients who have suffered from this form of blindness have nevertheless revealed that they can, in fact, discriminate certain types of visual events within their ‘blind’ fields without being aware that they can do so: they think they are only ‘guessing’. This phenomenon has been termed ‘blindsight’ by the author of this book and his collaborators who were among the first to describe it. It continues to attract considerable interest among neuroscientists, psychologists, and philosophers who see possible implications for theories of perception and consciousness. This book gives an account of the research into a particular case of blindsight, together with a discussion of the historical and neurological background. The empirical findings are followed by a review of other cases reported by other investigators, in which there is a dysjunction between clinical assessment of blindness and unexpected findings of residual function. Finally, a number of theoretical and practical issues and implications are discussed. This reissued version of the text includes a new Introduction summarizing some of the advances that have taken place in the field since the book was first published in 1986.
Yancey George Allan
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199735433
- eISBN:
- 9780199866267
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199735433.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Religion and Society
This book explores the racial climate on Protestant colleges and universities. It examines why these institutions succeed or fail to attract students of color and why students of color who attend ...
More
This book explores the racial climate on Protestant colleges and universities. It examines why these institutions succeed or fail to attract students of color and why students of color who attend these institutions succeed or fail to graduate from them. Using a national online Internet survey of Protestant campuses, an online survey of students from selected campuses, and two national data sets (National Center for Education Statistics and Princeton Review’s Complete Book of Colleges), research showed what works and what does not work in promoting racial diversity on Protestant campuses. There is quantitative evidence for the efficacy of diversity courses, minority professors, and student-led multicultural organizations but less support for multicultural programs, antiracism programs, and financial aid support in the promotion of racial diversity. The qualitative findings in the book explore why some programs are more successful in promoting racial diversity. These findings can provide guidance for leaders of Protestant institutions of higher education who want to increase racial diversity on their campuses. Since Protestant campuses are less likely to be racially diverse than other campuses, understanding factors that help Protestant campuses overcome their tendency toward racial homogeneity can also help other educational institutions become more racially diverse. The book explores the generalizabilty of its findings to non-Protestant campuses.Less
This book explores the racial climate on Protestant colleges and universities. It examines why these institutions succeed or fail to attract students of color and why students of color who attend these institutions succeed or fail to graduate from them. Using a national online Internet survey of Protestant campuses, an online survey of students from selected campuses, and two national data sets (National Center for Education Statistics and Princeton Review’s Complete Book of Colleges), research showed what works and what does not work in promoting racial diversity on Protestant campuses. There is quantitative evidence for the efficacy of diversity courses, minority professors, and student-led multicultural organizations but less support for multicultural programs, antiracism programs, and financial aid support in the promotion of racial diversity. The qualitative findings in the book explore why some programs are more successful in promoting racial diversity. These findings can provide guidance for leaders of Protestant institutions of higher education who want to increase racial diversity on their campuses. Since Protestant campuses are less likely to be racially diverse than other campuses, understanding factors that help Protestant campuses overcome their tendency toward racial homogeneity can also help other educational institutions become more racially diverse. The book explores the generalizabilty of its findings to non-Protestant campuses.
James Ptacek (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195335484
- eISBN:
- 9780199864331
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195335484.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Children and Families, Crime and Justice
Despite significant accomplishments over the past 35 years, antiviolence activists know that justice for most abused women remains elusive. Most victims of violence against women do not call the ...
More
Despite significant accomplishments over the past 35 years, antiviolence activists know that justice for most abused women remains elusive. Most victims of violence against women do not call the police or seek help from the courts. Are there new ways that survivors might find justice? This book examines new alternative justice practices for victims. These informal, dialogue-based practices, referred to as “restorative justice,” seek to decrease the role of the state in responding to crime, and increase the involvement of communities in meeting the needs of victims and offenders. Restorative Justice and Violence Against Women considers both the dangers and potential benefits of using restorative justice in response to these crimes. The contributors include antiviolence activists and scholars from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A range of perspectives on these alternative justice practices is presented. This book also contains rich descriptions of new programs that combine restorative justice with feminist antiviolence approaches. The hope is that this will inspire survivors, advocates, community activists, and scholars to create new ways for abused women to find justice.Less
Despite significant accomplishments over the past 35 years, antiviolence activists know that justice for most abused women remains elusive. Most victims of violence against women do not call the police or seek help from the courts. Are there new ways that survivors might find justice? This book examines new alternative justice practices for victims. These informal, dialogue-based practices, referred to as “restorative justice,” seek to decrease the role of the state in responding to crime, and increase the involvement of communities in meeting the needs of victims and offenders. Restorative Justice and Violence Against Women considers both the dangers and potential benefits of using restorative justice in response to these crimes. The contributors include antiviolence activists and scholars from the U.S., Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. A range of perspectives on these alternative justice practices is presented. This book also contains rich descriptions of new programs that combine restorative justice with feminist antiviolence approaches. The hope is that this will inspire survivors, advocates, community activists, and scholars to create new ways for abused women to find justice.
Arnold J. Wilkins
- Published in print:
- 1995
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780198521747
- eISBN:
- 9780191706691
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198521747.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience
This introductory chapter discusses eye-strain as a physical consequence of visual stimulation, and then provides an overview of the remainder of the book. A general and unified theory of visual ...
More
This introductory chapter discusses eye-strain as a physical consequence of visual stimulation, and then provides an overview of the remainder of the book. A general and unified theory of visual discomfort is provided in Chapters 2–4, and then applied to a variety of everyday problems, such as eye-strain from reading (Chapter 5), from lighting (Chapter 6), from television and visual display terminals (Chapter 7), and more generally from design (Chapter 8). The role of colour in therapy is reviewed in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 provides some theoretical speculations, and the Appendix gives a summary of techniques for preventing discomfort.Less
This introductory chapter discusses eye-strain as a physical consequence of visual stimulation, and then provides an overview of the remainder of the book. A general and unified theory of visual discomfort is provided in Chapters 2–4, and then applied to a variety of everyday problems, such as eye-strain from reading (Chapter 5), from lighting (Chapter 6), from television and visual display terminals (Chapter 7), and more generally from design (Chapter 8). The role of colour in therapy is reviewed in Chapter 9. Chapter 10 provides some theoretical speculations, and the Appendix gives a summary of techniques for preventing discomfort.
Ian Ravenscroft (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199267989
- eISBN:
- 9780191708268
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199267989.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
A line-up of seventeen philosophers from the USA, the UK, and Australia present new essays on themes from the work of Frank Jackson, which bridges mind, language, logic, metaphysics, and ethics. ...
More
A line-up of seventeen philosophers from the USA, the UK, and Australia present new essays on themes from the work of Frank Jackson, which bridges mind, language, logic, metaphysics, and ethics. Central to Jackson's work is an approach to metaphysical issues built on the twin foundations of supervenience and conceptual analysis. In the first part of the book, six essays examine this approach and its application to philosophy of mind and philosophy of colour. The second part focuses on Jackson's highly influential work on phenomenal consciousness. The third part is devoted to Jackson's work in ethics, both normative ethics and metaethics. The last three papers discuss Jackson's ground-breaking work on conditionals. The final section of the book comprises a substantial essay by Jackson in reply to his critics: this offers some of the clearest expressions of the ideas which Jackson has brought to the fore in philosophy.Less
A line-up of seventeen philosophers from the USA, the UK, and Australia present new essays on themes from the work of Frank Jackson, which bridges mind, language, logic, metaphysics, and ethics. Central to Jackson's work is an approach to metaphysical issues built on the twin foundations of supervenience and conceptual analysis. In the first part of the book, six essays examine this approach and its application to philosophy of mind and philosophy of colour. The second part focuses on Jackson's highly influential work on phenomenal consciousness. The third part is devoted to Jackson's work in ethics, both normative ethics and metaethics. The last three papers discuss Jackson's ground-breaking work on conditionals. The final section of the book comprises a substantial essay by Jackson in reply to his critics: this offers some of the clearest expressions of the ideas which Jackson has brought to the fore in philosophy.
Hud Hudson
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- January 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199282579
- eISBN:
- 9780191712463
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199282579.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This collection of chapters on metaphysics and philosophy of religion is organized around the theme of hyperspace. The book contains critical discussions and evaluations of some non-theistic reasons ...
More
This collection of chapters on metaphysics and philosophy of religion is organized around the theme of hyperspace. The book contains critical discussions and evaluations of some non-theistic reasons to believe in hyperspace in Chapter 1 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on incongruent counterparts and fine-tuning arguments), of some theistic reasons in Chapter 7 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on puzzles known as the problem of the best and the problem of evil), and of some distinctively Christian reasons in Chapter 8 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on traditional Christian themes such as heaven and hell, the Garden of Eden, angels and demons, and new testament miracles). In the intervening chapters, the book provides critical discussions of a variety of puzzles in the metaphysics of material objects that are either generated by the hypothesis of hyperspace (e.g., the topics of mirror determinism and mirror incompatibilism) or else informed by the hypothesis of hyperspace (e.g., theories of receptacles, boundaries, contact, the four-color theorem, location and occupation relations, extended mereological simples, and superluminal motion).Less
This collection of chapters on metaphysics and philosophy of religion is organized around the theme of hyperspace. The book contains critical discussions and evaluations of some non-theistic reasons to believe in hyperspace in Chapter 1 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on incongruent counterparts and fine-tuning arguments), of some theistic reasons in Chapter 7 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on puzzles known as the problem of the best and the problem of evil), and of some distinctively Christian reasons in Chapter 8 (e.g., reasons arising from reflection on traditional Christian themes such as heaven and hell, the Garden of Eden, angels and demons, and new testament miracles). In the intervening chapters, the book provides critical discussions of a variety of puzzles in the metaphysics of material objects that are either generated by the hypothesis of hyperspace (e.g., the topics of mirror determinism and mirror incompatibilism) or else informed by the hypothesis of hyperspace (e.g., theories of receptacles, boundaries, contact, the four-color theorem, location and occupation relations, extended mereological simples, and superluminal motion).
JONATHAN COHEN
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199556168
- eISBN:
- 9780191701672
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199556168.003.0009
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind
In summary, the start of this essay provided two accounts of the nature of color in terms of a distinction between relationalist accounts and non-relationalist accounts. A novel taxonomy of the ...
More
In summary, the start of this essay provided two accounts of the nature of color in terms of a distinction between relationalist accounts and non-relationalist accounts. A novel taxonomy of the theoretical landscape is then offered that puts forward color relationalism. A series of challenges concerning relationalism is then examined and considered to be unsuccessful by the author. Having argued for the claim that one should embrace a relationalist ontology of color, several objections about relationalism are investigated. The accusation that color relationalism is inconsistent with the ordinary color phenomenology, or that it cannot be coherently combined with plausible theories of the nature of color phenomenology is also explored. Further, the role functionalist form of relationalism is defended and compared with other forms of color relationalism that have attracted philosophical adherents.Less
In summary, the start of this essay provided two accounts of the nature of color in terms of a distinction between relationalist accounts and non-relationalist accounts. A novel taxonomy of the theoretical landscape is then offered that puts forward color relationalism. A series of challenges concerning relationalism is then examined and considered to be unsuccessful by the author. Having argued for the claim that one should embrace a relationalist ontology of color, several objections about relationalism are investigated. The accusation that color relationalism is inconsistent with the ordinary color phenomenology, or that it cannot be coherently combined with plausible theories of the nature of color phenomenology is also explored. Further, the role functionalist form of relationalism is defended and compared with other forms of color relationalism that have attracted philosophical adherents.
Jonathan Cohen
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199556168
- eISBN:
- 9780191701672
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199556168.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology, Philosophy of Mind
This book offers a new approach to longstanding philosophical puzzles about what colors are and how they fit into the natural world. The author argues for a role-functionalist treatment of color — a ...
More
This book offers a new approach to longstanding philosophical puzzles about what colors are and how they fit into the natural world. The author argues for a role-functionalist treatment of color — a view according to which colors are identical to certain functional roles involving perceptual effects on subjects. The author first argues (on broadly empirical grounds) for the more general relationalist view that colors are constituted in terms of relations between objects, perceivers, and viewing conditions. He responds to semantic, ontological, and phenomenological objections against this thesis, and argues that relationalism offers the best hope of respecting both empirical results and ordinary belief about color. He then defends the more specific role-functionalist account by contending that the latter is the most plausible form of color relationalism.Less
This book offers a new approach to longstanding philosophical puzzles about what colors are and how they fit into the natural world. The author argues for a role-functionalist treatment of color — a view according to which colors are identical to certain functional roles involving perceptual effects on subjects. The author first argues (on broadly empirical grounds) for the more general relationalist view that colors are constituted in terms of relations between objects, perceivers, and viewing conditions. He responds to semantic, ontological, and phenomenological objections against this thesis, and argues that relationalism offers the best hope of respecting both empirical results and ordinary belief about color. He then defends the more specific role-functionalist account by contending that the latter is the most plausible form of color relationalism.
Pavol Hell and Jaroslav Nešetřil
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198528173
- eISBN:
- 9780191713644
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198528173.003.0006
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Combinatorics / Graph Theory / Discrete Mathematics
This chapter sets out certain particular classes of homomorphism problems that have been investigated as variants of graph colourings. The homomorphism perspective unifies these concepts and offers ...
More
This chapter sets out certain particular classes of homomorphism problems that have been investigated as variants of graph colourings. The homomorphism perspective unifies these concepts and offers new questions. The chapter includes a discussion of the circular chromatic number, the fractional chromatic number, the $T$-span, and the oriented chromatic number. Highlights include a number of equivalent definitions of the circular chromatic number in terms of $H$-colourability; in terms of a geometric representation, in terms of orientations implying, for instance, Minty’s result on chromatic numbers; and in terms of schedule concurrency. For fractional chromatic numbers, equivalent formulations are given in terms of Kneser graphs, integer linear programs, and zero-sum games, and they are related in several ways to the circular chromatic numbers. Homomorphisms amongst Kneser graphs are investigated, and a proof of Kneser’s conjecture is given. It is shown that the span for any set $T$ of the cliques $K_n$ has a limit, which is closely related to the fractional chromatic number of an associated graph. Bounds on the oriented chromatic numbers of planar and outerplanar graphs are given, and oriented chromatic numbers are related to acyclic chromatic numbers.Less
This chapter sets out certain particular classes of homomorphism problems that have been investigated as variants of graph colourings. The homomorphism perspective unifies these concepts and offers new questions. The chapter includes a discussion of the circular chromatic number, the fractional chromatic number, the $T$-span, and the oriented chromatic number. Highlights include a number of equivalent definitions of the circular chromatic number in terms of $H$-colourability; in terms of a geometric representation, in terms of orientations implying, for instance, Minty’s result on chromatic numbers; and in terms of schedule concurrency. For fractional chromatic numbers, equivalent formulations are given in terms of Kneser graphs, integer linear programs, and zero-sum games, and they are related in several ways to the circular chromatic numbers. Homomorphisms amongst Kneser graphs are investigated, and a proof of Kneser’s conjecture is given. It is shown that the span for any set $T$ of the cliques $K_n$ has a limit, which is closely related to the fractional chromatic number of an associated graph. Bounds on the oriented chromatic numbers of planar and outerplanar graphs are given, and oriented chromatic numbers are related to acyclic chromatic numbers.
Gilbert Harman
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198238027
- eISBN:
- 9780191597633
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198238029.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Many themes in the papers collected here are negative: there is no a priori knowledge or analytic truth; logic is not a theory of reasoning; a theory of truth conditions is not a theory of meaning; a ...
More
Many themes in the papers collected here are negative: there is no a priori knowledge or analytic truth; logic is not a theory of reasoning; a theory of truth conditions is not a theory of meaning; a purely objective account of meaning or mind cannot say what words mean or what it is like to see things in colour. Other themes are positive: theoretical reasoning has important practical aspects; meaning depends on how words are used to think with i.e. on how concepts function in reasoning, perception and action; the relevant uses or functions relate concepts to aspects of the environment and other things in the world; translation plays a central role in any adequate account of mind or meaning.Less
Many themes in the papers collected here are negative: there is no a priori knowledge or analytic truth; logic is not a theory of reasoning; a theory of truth conditions is not a theory of meaning; a purely objective account of meaning or mind cannot say what words mean or what it is like to see things in colour. Other themes are positive: theoretical reasoning has important practical aspects; meaning depends on how words are used to think with i.e. on how concepts function in reasoning, perception and action; the relevant uses or functions relate concepts to aspects of the environment and other things in the world; translation plays a central role in any adequate account of mind or meaning.
Margaret D. Kamitsuka
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195311624
- eISBN:
- 9780199785643
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195311624.003.0002
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
Although retrieving women's experience textually and ethnographically is pivotal for feminist theology, problematic assumptions are at work in the way feminist theologians undertake this task. Using ...
More
Although retrieving women's experience textually and ethnographically is pivotal for feminist theology, problematic assumptions are at work in the way feminist theologians undertake this task. Using feminist theological readings of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and the biblical story of Sarah and Hagar, this chapter illustrates how some attempts to retrieve women's experience textually actually result in eliding racial difference, silencing sexuality, and obscuring the nuances of women's agency and resistance practices. This chapter also discusses how some feminist scholars (e.g., mujerista theologian Ada María Isasi-Díaz) are using ethnographic methods in order to find source material for theological reflection and to give voice to women in marginalized communities. The chapter addresses conflicts that have emerged regarding whether one can retrieve the standpoint of an oppressed community of women, unmediated by the feminist theologian's own agendas.Less
Although retrieving women's experience textually and ethnographically is pivotal for feminist theology, problematic assumptions are at work in the way feminist theologians undertake this task. Using feminist theological readings of Alice Walker's The Color Purple and the biblical story of Sarah and Hagar, this chapter illustrates how some attempts to retrieve women's experience textually actually result in eliding racial difference, silencing sexuality, and obscuring the nuances of women's agency and resistance practices. This chapter also discusses how some feminist scholars (e.g., mujerista theologian Ada María Isasi-Díaz) are using ethnographic methods in order to find source material for theological reflection and to give voice to women in marginalized communities. The chapter addresses conflicts that have emerged regarding whether one can retrieve the standpoint of an oppressed community of women, unmediated by the feminist theologian's own agendas.
Cathy J. Cohen
- Published in print:
- 2003
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198293484
- eISBN:
- 9780191598944
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198293488.003.0009
- Subject:
- Political Science, American Politics
This chapter reviews existing research about the political behaviour of women of colour while arguing that women of colour are still largely invisible and thus experience continuing marginality in ...
More
This chapter reviews existing research about the political behaviour of women of colour while arguing that women of colour are still largely invisible and thus experience continuing marginality in studies of American politics. Cohen suggests that future researchers should disaggregate the category of women of colour, broaden of the definition of the “political,” utilize research findings to help improve the lives of women of colour, and continue to develop basic knowledge on the political participation of women of colour.Less
This chapter reviews existing research about the political behaviour of women of colour while arguing that women of colour are still largely invisible and thus experience continuing marginality in studies of American politics. Cohen suggests that future researchers should disaggregate the category of women of colour, broaden of the definition of the “political,” utilize research findings to help improve the lives of women of colour, and continue to develop basic knowledge on the political participation of women of colour.
Laurence Nemirow
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195171655
- eISBN:
- 9780199871339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171655.003.0002
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
This chapter focuses on the objective grounds for and against the ability hypothesis (AH), which was developed as a response to the Knowledge Argument (KA) — a purported proof of the existence of ...
More
This chapter focuses on the objective grounds for and against the ability hypothesis (AH), which was developed as a response to the Knowledge Argument (KA) — a purported proof of the existence of “phenomenal information”. It argues that while KA capitalizes on the mysticism inspired by “So this is what it's like” and embraces the existence of propositional knowledge that cannot be put into words, AH provides a more worldly account that explains both the cognitive role of knowing what it's like and its essential connection with firsthand experience. This approach engenders almost religious objection. But the test of a philosophical theory is not the fervor of the criticism it engenders, but the strength of the available rejoinders; and AH proves to be reasonably resilient to assault.Less
This chapter focuses on the objective grounds for and against the ability hypothesis (AH), which was developed as a response to the Knowledge Argument (KA) — a purported proof of the existence of “phenomenal information”. It argues that while KA capitalizes on the mysticism inspired by “So this is what it's like” and embraces the existence of propositional knowledge that cannot be put into words, AH provides a more worldly account that explains both the cognitive role of knowing what it's like and its essential connection with firsthand experience. This approach engenders almost religious objection. But the test of a philosophical theory is not the fervor of the criticism it engenders, but the strength of the available rejoinders; and AH proves to be reasonably resilient to assault.
Knut Nordby
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195171655
- eISBN:
- 9780199871339
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195171655.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
The late Knut Nordby was a real-life counterpart of Mary: a color-blind expert in the science of color vision. This chapter describes the results of empirical research on color vision and other sense ...
More
The late Knut Nordby was a real-life counterpart of Mary: a color-blind expert in the science of color vision. This chapter describes the results of empirical research on color vision and other sense modalities. Based on these results and his own experience, he argues that Mary will be able to sense and discriminate color hues, but will not be able to name them on the basis of her knowledge. He does not take a definite stand on the epistemic and metaphysical gaps. But his reflections should help inform views on these matters.Less
The late Knut Nordby was a real-life counterpart of Mary: a color-blind expert in the science of color vision. This chapter describes the results of empirical research on color vision and other sense modalities. Based on these results and his own experience, he argues that Mary will be able to sense and discriminate color hues, but will not be able to name them on the basis of her knowledge. He does not take a definite stand on the epistemic and metaphysical gaps. But his reflections should help inform views on these matters.
David Pears
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199247707
- eISBN:
- 9780191714481
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199247707.003.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, History of Philosophy
This chapter describes the emergence of the Picture Theory in the early phase of Wittgenstein's philosophy. The general idea developed in the theory is that a verbal description of a scene is like ...
More
This chapter describes the emergence of the Picture Theory in the early phase of Wittgenstein's philosophy. The general idea developed in the theory is that a verbal description of a scene is like the surface of a pointillist painting: each dot stands for a particular point in space and the colour of the dot conveys a message about that point, and thus the whole painting is a complicated report of the actual scene. It is plausible that the Picture Theory was outflanked by other developments in Wittgenstein's philosophy and left to capitulate without any direct assault. If this is what happened, it is not too difficult to identify the new developments that produced this result. One is his realization that isolated ostensive definitions are never enough to fix the meanings of words; and the other is his rejection of the Realist explanation of the regular use of words.Less
This chapter describes the emergence of the Picture Theory in the early phase of Wittgenstein's philosophy. The general idea developed in the theory is that a verbal description of a scene is like the surface of a pointillist painting: each dot stands for a particular point in space and the colour of the dot conveys a message about that point, and thus the whole painting is a complicated report of the actual scene. It is plausible that the Picture Theory was outflanked by other developments in Wittgenstein's philosophy and left to capitulate without any direct assault. If this is what happened, it is not too difficult to identify the new developments that produced this result. One is his realization that isolated ostensive definitions are never enough to fix the meanings of words; and the other is his rejection of the Realist explanation of the regular use of words.
Colin McGinn
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199251582
- eISBN:
- 9780191598012
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199251584.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Metaphysics/Epistemology
Knowledge and Reality brings together a selection of Colin McGinn's philosophical essays from the mid 1970s to the late 1990s, whose unifying theme is the relation between mind and ...
More
Knowledge and Reality brings together a selection of Colin McGinn's philosophical essays from the mid 1970s to the late 1990s, whose unifying theme is the relation between mind and reality. The essays are divided into three groups (‘Knowledge and Necessity’, ‘Thought and World’, and ‘Reality and Appearance’) and range over several topics of recent interest, including the analysis of knowledge, the a priori, necessity, possible worlds, externalism, essentialism, realism, mental representation, intentionality, and colour. While all but one essay has been previously published elsewhere, McGinn has provided a new postscript to each essay, placing it in its philosophical context by sketching the background against which it was written, explaining its relations to other notable work, and offering his current reflections on the topic. The volume thus traces the development of McGinn's ideas and their role in some central philosophical debates. Seen together McGinn's essays bear out his commitment to ‘not making the world depend upon our means of knowing about it’, offering a many‐sided defence of realism, while emphasizing the epistemological price that realism exacts.Less
Knowledge and Reality brings together a selection of Colin McGinn's philosophical essays from the mid 1970s to the late 1990s, whose unifying theme is the relation between mind and reality. The essays are divided into three groups (‘Knowledge and Necessity’, ‘Thought and World’, and ‘Reality and Appearance’) and range over several topics of recent interest, including the analysis of knowledge, the a priori, necessity, possible worlds, externalism, essentialism, realism, mental representation, intentionality, and colour. While all but one essay has been previously published elsewhere, McGinn has provided a new postscript to each essay, placing it in its philosophical context by sketching the background against which it was written, explaining its relations to other notable work, and offering his current reflections on the topic. The volume thus traces the development of McGinn's ideas and their role in some central philosophical debates. Seen together McGinn's essays bear out his commitment to ‘not making the world depend upon our means of knowing about it’, offering a many‐sided defence of realism, while emphasizing the epistemological price that realism exacts.
Galen Strawson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199267422
- eISBN:
- 9780191708343
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199267422.003.0005
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind, Metaphysics/Epistemology
This chapter argues for the claim that although colour words like ‘red’ are essentially ‘phenomenal-quality’ words — i.e., words for properties whose whole and essential nature can be and is fully ...
More
This chapter argues for the claim that although colour words like ‘red’ are essentially ‘phenomenal-quality’ words — i.e., words for properties whose whole and essential nature can be and is fully revealed in sensory experience, given only the qualitative character that that experience has — still ‘red’ cannot be supposed to be a word that picks out or denotes any particular phenomenal quality. The argument rests essentially on the supposition, often discussed under the heading of the ‘colour-spectrum inversion argument’, that two people could possibly agree in all their colour-judgements while differing in their colour experience.Less
This chapter argues for the claim that although colour words like ‘red’ are essentially ‘phenomenal-quality’ words — i.e., words for properties whose whole and essential nature can be and is fully revealed in sensory experience, given only the qualitative character that that experience has — still ‘red’ cannot be supposed to be a word that picks out or denotes any particular phenomenal quality. The argument rests essentially on the supposition, often discussed under the heading of the ‘colour-spectrum inversion argument’, that two people could possibly agree in all their colour-judgements while differing in their colour experience.
