Richard Robinson
- Published in print:
- 1963
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198241607
- eISBN:
- 9780191680397
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198241607.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics, Philosophy of Language
Definition has been practised and discussed for nearly two and a half millenniums. It has been more widely adopted, and less often reviled, than any other part of the original theory of logic drawn ...
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Definition has been practised and discussed for nearly two and a half millenniums. It has been more widely adopted, and less often reviled, than any other part of the original theory of logic drawn up by Aristotle. Today it is probably the best known idea in the field of logic, except for the idea of inference. The word ‘definition’ is more often used by the general public than any other peculiarly logical term except the word ‘logic’ itself. The purpose of this book, as a whole, is to clarify our conception of definition and to improve our defining activities. Topics covered include disagreements about definition, word-thing definition, lexical definition, stipulative definition, methods of word-thing definition, real definition, and definition in mathematics.Less
Definition has been practised and discussed for nearly two and a half millenniums. It has been more widely adopted, and less often reviled, than any other part of the original theory of logic drawn up by Aristotle. Today it is probably the best known idea in the field of logic, except for the idea of inference. The word ‘definition’ is more often used by the general public than any other peculiarly logical term except the word ‘logic’ itself. The purpose of this book, as a whole, is to clarify our conception of definition and to improve our defining activities. Topics covered include disagreements about definition, word-thing definition, lexical definition, stipulative definition, methods of word-thing definition, real definition, and definition in mathematics.
Andreas Herberg‐Rothe
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199202690
- eISBN:
- 9780191707834
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199202690.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
This chapter introduces the trinity as Clausewitz's attempt to summarize his different war experiences. The internal development of the first chapter with the trinity at its end follows an immanent ...
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This chapter introduces the trinity as Clausewitz's attempt to summarize his different war experiences. The internal development of the first chapter with the trinity at its end follows an immanent logic of action and (symmetrical as well as asymmetrical) counter-action, which is explained in a detailed interpretation of all consequent paragraphs. Clausewitz's various preliminary efforts to conceptualize warfare (like his definition, his concept of war, and even his world-renowned formula) finally result in the wondrous trinity, which he himself called his result for theory. Clausewitz therefore introduces the trinity at the end of the first chapter, because it integrates methodologically all previous concepts. By making the trinity a basis for the whole interpretation, it is possible to combine all of Clausewitz's various conceptualizations into one comprehensive theory.Less
This chapter introduces the trinity as Clausewitz's attempt to summarize his different war experiences. The internal development of the first chapter with the trinity at its end follows an immanent logic of action and (symmetrical as well as asymmetrical) counter-action, which is explained in a detailed interpretation of all consequent paragraphs. Clausewitz's various preliminary efforts to conceptualize warfare (like his definition, his concept of war, and even his world-renowned formula) finally result in the wondrous trinity, which he himself called his result for theory. Clausewitz therefore introduces the trinity at the end of the first chapter, because it integrates methodologically all previous concepts. By making the trinity a basis for the whole interpretation, it is possible to combine all of Clausewitz's various conceptualizations into one comprehensive theory.
Stephen Davies
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199202423
- eISBN:
- 9780191708541
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199202423.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics
This book presents a series of chapters devoted to two of the most fundamental topics in the philosophy of art: the distinctive character of artworks and what is involved in understanding them as ...
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This book presents a series of chapters devoted to two of the most fundamental topics in the philosophy of art: the distinctive character of artworks and what is involved in understanding them as art. In Part I, a wide range of questions about the nature and definition of art are considered. Can art be defined, and if so, which definitions are the most plausible? Do we make and consume art because there are evolutionary advantages to doing so? Has art completed the mission that guided its earlier historical development, and if so, what is to become of it now? Should architecture be classified as an art form? Part II turns to the interpretation and appreciation of art. What is the target and purpose of the critic's interpretation? Is interpretation primarily directed at uncovering artists' intended meanings? Can apparently contradictory interpretations of a given piece both be true? Are interpretative evaluations entailed by descriptions of a work's aesthetic and artistic characteristics? In addition to providing answers to these and other questions in aesthetics, there is consideration of the nature and content of metaphor, and the relation between the expressive qualities of a work of art and the emotions of its creator.Less
This book presents a series of chapters devoted to two of the most fundamental topics in the philosophy of art: the distinctive character of artworks and what is involved in understanding them as art. In Part I, a wide range of questions about the nature and definition of art are considered. Can art be defined, and if so, which definitions are the most plausible? Do we make and consume art because there are evolutionary advantages to doing so? Has art completed the mission that guided its earlier historical development, and if so, what is to become of it now? Should architecture be classified as an art form? Part II turns to the interpretation and appreciation of art. What is the target and purpose of the critic's interpretation? Is interpretation primarily directed at uncovering artists' intended meanings? Can apparently contradictory interpretations of a given piece both be true? Are interpretative evaluations entailed by descriptions of a work's aesthetic and artistic characteristics? In addition to providing answers to these and other questions in aesthetics, there is consideration of the nature and content of metaphor, and the relation between the expressive qualities of a work of art and the emotions of its creator.
John Parkinson
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199291113
- eISBN:
- 9780191604133
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019929111X.003.0006
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter argues that the definition of rationality is a major source of disagreement over the legitimacy of decision making processes. It draws attention to battles over competing problem ...
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This chapter argues that the definition of rationality is a major source of disagreement over the legitimacy of decision making processes. It draws attention to battles over competing problem definitions and agendas as a means of controlling debate, and the failure of micro-deliberative processes to handle such battles. It identifies the rhetorical devices used by deliberators to persuade their external audiences, and the impact these have on the rationality of the process. It argues that the more decisive a process is, the more it will attract publicity and the more inclusive it will be, but also the greater the incentives are to act strategically.Less
This chapter argues that the definition of rationality is a major source of disagreement over the legitimacy of decision making processes. It draws attention to battles over competing problem definitions and agendas as a means of controlling debate, and the failure of micro-deliberative processes to handle such battles. It identifies the rhetorical devices used by deliberators to persuade their external audiences, and the impact these have on the rationality of the process. It argues that the more decisive a process is, the more it will attract publicity and the more inclusive it will be, but also the greater the incentives are to act strategically.
Saurabh Mishra
- Published in print:
- 2011
- Published Online:
- September 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780198070603
- eISBN:
- 9780199080007
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198070603.001.0001
- Subject:
- History, History of Science, Technology, and Medicine
This book studies the organization and meanings of the Haj from India during colonial times and analyses it from political, commercial, and medical perspectives — between 1860, the year of the first ...
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This book studies the organization and meanings of the Haj from India during colonial times and analyses it from political, commercial, and medical perspectives — between 1860, the year of the first outbreak of cholera epidemic in Mecca, and 1920, when the subject of holy places of Islam became a powerful political symbol in the Indian subcontinent. Contrary to the general belief about colonial policy of non-intervention into religious subjects, it is argued that the state, in fact, kept a close watch on the pilgrimage. The book examines the ‘medicalization’ of Mecca through cholera outbreaks and the intrusion of European medical regulations. It underscores how the Haj played an important role in shaping medical policies and practices, debates and disease definitions. It explores how the Indian Hajis perceived, negotiated, and resisted colonial pilgrimage and medical policies in their quest of an intense spiritual experience. The author recovers the hitherto unexplored perspective of pilgrims' voices — in travelogues, memoirs, newspaper reports, and journals — to present a nuanced analysis of the interaction between religious faith and colonial public health policies during the age of steamships and empire.Less
This book studies the organization and meanings of the Haj from India during colonial times and analyses it from political, commercial, and medical perspectives — between 1860, the year of the first outbreak of cholera epidemic in Mecca, and 1920, when the subject of holy places of Islam became a powerful political symbol in the Indian subcontinent. Contrary to the general belief about colonial policy of non-intervention into religious subjects, it is argued that the state, in fact, kept a close watch on the pilgrimage. The book examines the ‘medicalization’ of Mecca through cholera outbreaks and the intrusion of European medical regulations. It underscores how the Haj played an important role in shaping medical policies and practices, debates and disease definitions. It explores how the Indian Hajis perceived, negotiated, and resisted colonial pilgrimage and medical policies in their quest of an intense spiritual experience. The author recovers the hitherto unexplored perspective of pilgrims' voices — in travelogues, memoirs, newspaper reports, and journals — to present a nuanced analysis of the interaction between religious faith and colonial public health policies during the age of steamships and empire.
Gary Ebbs
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- May 2009
- ISBN:
- 9780199557936
- eISBN:
- 9780191721403
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199557936.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, General
This book explains how to define a disquotational truth predicate that we are directly licensed to apply not only to our own sentences as we use them now, but also to other speakers' sentences and ...
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This book explains how to define a disquotational truth predicate that we are directly licensed to apply not only to our own sentences as we use them now, but also to other speakers' sentences and our own sentences as we used them in the past. The conventional wisdom is that there can be no such truth predicate. For it appears that the only instances of the disquotational pattern that we are directly licensed to accept are those that define ‘is true’ for our own sentences as we use them now. This book argues that this appearance is illusory. It constructs an account of words that licenses us to rely not only on formal (spelling-based) identifications of our own words, but also on our non-deliberative practical identifications of other speakers' words and of our own words as we used them in the past. To overturn the conventional wisdom about disquotational truth, this book argues, we need only combine this account of words with our disquotational definitions of truth for sentences as we use them now. The result radically transforms our understanding of truth and related topics, including anti-individualism, self-knowledge, and the intersubjectivity of logic.Less
This book explains how to define a disquotational truth predicate that we are directly licensed to apply not only to our own sentences as we use them now, but also to other speakers' sentences and our own sentences as we used them in the past. The conventional wisdom is that there can be no such truth predicate. For it appears that the only instances of the disquotational pattern that we are directly licensed to accept are those that define ‘is true’ for our own sentences as we use them now. This book argues that this appearance is illusory. It constructs an account of words that licenses us to rely not only on formal (spelling-based) identifications of our own words, but also on our non-deliberative practical identifications of other speakers' words and of our own words as we used them in the past. To overturn the conventional wisdom about disquotational truth, this book argues, we need only combine this account of words with our disquotational definitions of truth for sentences as we use them now. The result radically transforms our understanding of truth and related topics, including anti-individualism, self-knowledge, and the intersubjectivity of logic.
Ann Jefferson
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199270842
- eISBN:
- 9780191710292
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199270842.003.0021
- Subject:
- Literature, European Literature
The closing section of the book considers the temporality of biographical writing and suggests that far from being bound exclusively to retrospect, it constantly reveals a prospective impulse. This ...
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The closing section of the book considers the temporality of biographical writing and suggests that far from being bound exclusively to retrospect, it constantly reveals a prospective impulse. This factor offers another explanation as to the performative capacity of biography to contest and transform definitions of the literary.Less
The closing section of the book considers the temporality of biographical writing and suggests that far from being bound exclusively to retrospect, it constantly reveals a prospective impulse. This factor offers another explanation as to the performative capacity of biography to contest and transform definitions of the literary.
Sharan Jagpal
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195371055
- eISBN:
- 9780199870745
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195371055.003.0003
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Marketing
This chapter provides an analytical approach for defining the market. It shows the importance of explicitly evaluating consumer perceptions and perceived product benefits when defining the boundaries ...
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This chapter provides an analytical approach for defining the market. It shows the importance of explicitly evaluating consumer perceptions and perceived product benefits when defining the boundaries of an industry. In particular, it discusses the implications of market definition for measuring managerial performance, designing managerial incentive plans, choosing organizational structure, and optimizing resource allocation.Less
This chapter provides an analytical approach for defining the market. It shows the importance of explicitly evaluating consumer perceptions and perceived product benefits when defining the boundaries of an industry. In particular, it discusses the implications of market definition for measuring managerial performance, designing managerial incentive plans, choosing organizational structure, and optimizing resource allocation.
Jonathan Glover
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199290925
- eISBN:
- 9780191710452
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199290925.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Moral Philosophy
Progress in genetic and reproductive technology now offers us the possibility of choosing what kinds of children we do and don't have. Should we welcome this power, or should we fear its ...
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Progress in genetic and reproductive technology now offers us the possibility of choosing what kinds of children we do and don't have. Should we welcome this power, or should we fear its implications? There is no ethical question more urgent than this: we may be at a turning-point in the history of humanity. This book shows us how we might try to answer this question, and examines other provoking and disturbing questions. Surely parents owe it to their children to give them the best life they can? Increasingly we are able to reduce the number of babies born with disabilities and disorders. But there is a powerful new challenge to conventional thinking about the desirability of doing so: this comes from the voices of those who have these conditions. They call into question the very definition of disability. How do we justify trying to avoid bringing people like them into being? In 2002 a deaf couple used sperm donated by a friend with hereditary deafness to have a deaf baby: they took the view that deafness is not a disability, but a difference. Starting with the issues raised by this case, this book examines the emotive idea of ‘eugenics’, and the ethics of attempting to enhance people, for non-medical reasons, by means of genetic choices. Should parents be free, not only to have children free from disabilities, but to choose, for instance, the colour of their eyes or hair? This is no longer a distant prospect, but an existing power which we cannot wish away. What impact will such interventions have, both on the individuals concerned and on society as a whole? Should we try to make general improvements to the genetic make-up of human beings? Is there a central core of human nature with which we must not interfere?Less
Progress in genetic and reproductive technology now offers us the possibility of choosing what kinds of children we do and don't have. Should we welcome this power, or should we fear its implications? There is no ethical question more urgent than this: we may be at a turning-point in the history of humanity. This book shows us how we might try to answer this question, and examines other provoking and disturbing questions. Surely parents owe it to their children to give them the best life they can? Increasingly we are able to reduce the number of babies born with disabilities and disorders. But there is a powerful new challenge to conventional thinking about the desirability of doing so: this comes from the voices of those who have these conditions. They call into question the very definition of disability. How do we justify trying to avoid bringing people like them into being? In 2002 a deaf couple used sperm donated by a friend with hereditary deafness to have a deaf baby: they took the view that deafness is not a disability, but a difference. Starting with the issues raised by this case, this book examines the emotive idea of ‘eugenics’, and the ethics of attempting to enhance people, for non-medical reasons, by means of genetic choices. Should parents be free, not only to have children free from disabilities, but to choose, for instance, the colour of their eyes or hair? This is no longer a distant prospect, but an existing power which we cannot wish away. What impact will such interventions have, both on the individuals concerned and on society as a whole? Should we try to make general improvements to the genetic make-up of human beings? Is there a central core of human nature with which we must not interfere?
Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199261185
- eISBN:
- 9780191601507
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199261180.003.0005
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
Two related historical facts welcomed liberal democracy or the liberal-democratic state. On one hand, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, social contract theory imposed a major setback to ...
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Two related historical facts welcomed liberal democracy or the liberal-democratic state. On one hand, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, social contract theory imposed a major setback to the divine legitimacy of political rulers. On the other hand, the capitalist revolution–embracing the mercantile, the industrial, and the liberal revolutions–changed the basic way of appropriating the economic surplus. This no longer depended on the state’s control but increasingly depended on the realization of profits in the market. For the first time in history, authoritarian regimes ceased to be a necessary condition for the ruling classes’ survival. Democracy turned gradually into synonym of the good state. Eventually, with the acknowledgement of political rights–specifically of universal suffrage––liberal democracy emerged. This process took one century–the time for the bourgeois ruling class to stop fearing expropriation by the poor who democracy entitled to vote.Less
Two related historical facts welcomed liberal democracy or the liberal-democratic state. On one hand, in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, social contract theory imposed a major setback to the divine legitimacy of political rulers. On the other hand, the capitalist revolution–embracing the mercantile, the industrial, and the liberal revolutions–changed the basic way of appropriating the economic surplus. This no longer depended on the state’s control but increasingly depended on the realization of profits in the market. For the first time in history, authoritarian regimes ceased to be a necessary condition for the ruling classes’ survival. Democracy turned gradually into synonym of the good state. Eventually, with the acknowledgement of political rights–specifically of universal suffrage––liberal democracy emerged. This process took one century–the time for the bourgeois ruling class to stop fearing expropriation by the poor who democracy entitled to vote.
Luiz Carlos Bresser-Pereira
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- November 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199261185
- eISBN:
- 9780191601507
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199261180.003.0015
- Subject:
- Political Science, Democratization
The basic idea is that activities that use state power should be within the state organization; the state should mainly finance social, cultural, and scientific activities involving externalities and ...
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The basic idea is that activities that use state power should be within the state organization; the state should mainly finance social, cultural, and scientific activities involving externalities and dealing with basic human rights, and public non-state service organization should execute them. Additionally, public management reform is concerned with the democratic character of government officials’ decisions. Thus, while it emphasizes more autonomy for government officials in their decisions, given the complexity of the problems that government faces today and the speed required for some decisions, it demands, as a trade-off, greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. Finally, public management reform’s objective is not just to make the state organization more efficient but to build state capacity.Less
The basic idea is that activities that use state power should be within the state organization; the state should mainly finance social, cultural, and scientific activities involving externalities and dealing with basic human rights, and public non-state service organization should execute them. Additionally, public management reform is concerned with the democratic character of government officials’ decisions. Thus, while it emphasizes more autonomy for government officials in their decisions, given the complexity of the problems that government faces today and the speed required for some decisions, it demands, as a trade-off, greater transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. Finally, public management reform’s objective is not just to make the state organization more efficient but to build state capacity.
Paul Horwich
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198752233
- eISBN:
- 9780191597732
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198752237.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
This book presents a deflationary perspective called ‘minimalism’—a reaction against the traditional and widespread idea that the property of truth has some sort of underlying nature and that our ...
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This book presents a deflationary perspective called ‘minimalism’—a reaction against the traditional and widespread idea that the property of truth has some sort of underlying nature and that our problem as philosophers is to say what that nature is, to analyse truth either conceptually or substantively, to specify, at least roughly, the conditions necessary and sufficient for something to be true. In contrast, minimalism makes three correlated claims. First, the function of our concept of truth is merely to permit the formulation of certain generalizations (e.g. we are able to say ‘Every instance of “p→p” is true’, but without such a concept it is unclear how one might articulate the logical law whose instances are ‘dogs bark → dogs bark’, ‘Killing is wrong → killing is wrong’, etc.). Second, the meaning of the word ‘true’ derives, not from any explicit definition of the familiar kind, but rather from the fact that we are disposed to infer ‘It is true that ‘p’ from ‘p’, and vice versa. Third, such a mundane logical notion cannot play the fundamental role in philosophical theorizing to which it is often assigned within debates surrounding the nature of meaning, vagueness, normativity, reality, etc. Thus minimalism has ramifications throughout the subject. The book begins by articulating these claims and proceeds to refine and defend them in the course of responding to 39 potential objections (which are set out in the Contents).Less
This book presents a deflationary perspective called ‘minimalism’—a reaction against the traditional and widespread idea that the property of truth has some sort of underlying nature and that our problem as philosophers is to say what that nature is, to analyse truth either conceptually or substantively, to specify, at least roughly, the conditions necessary and sufficient for something to be true. In contrast, minimalism makes three correlated claims. First, the function of our concept of truth is merely to permit the formulation of certain generalizations (e.g. we are able to say ‘Every instance of “p→p” is true’, but without such a concept it is unclear how one might articulate the logical law whose instances are ‘dogs bark → dogs bark’, ‘Killing is wrong → killing is wrong’, etc.). Second, the meaning of the word ‘true’ derives, not from any explicit definition of the familiar kind, but rather from the fact that we are disposed to infer ‘It is true that ‘p’ from ‘p’, and vice versa. Third, such a mundane logical notion cannot play the fundamental role in philosophical theorizing to which it is often assigned within debates surrounding the nature of meaning, vagueness, normativity, reality, etc. Thus minimalism has ramifications throughout the subject. The book begins by articulating these claims and proceeds to refine and defend them in the course of responding to 39 potential objections (which are set out in the Contents).
Paul Crowther
- Published in print:
- 2001
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199244973
- eISBN:
- 9780191697425
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199244973.003.0012
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Aesthetics
This concluding chapter summarizes the discussions in the preceding chapters. It argues the ecological definition of art squares with some common-sense notions about art, namely that it involves ...
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This concluding chapter summarizes the discussions in the preceding chapters. It argues the ecological definition of art squares with some common-sense notions about art, namely that it involves making things which involve an address to the senses, and which are expressive in a special way. Attempts to define art in terms of mimesis, or formal qualities, or as expression, are all one-sided attempts to articulate this notion. The ecological definition is able to encompass and focus what is of worth in these strategies, without being burdened by their shortcomings. Oddly enough, it also finds a place for the one insight of any worth in the Institutional-type definitions, namely that historical mediation plays a necessary role in defining art.Less
This concluding chapter summarizes the discussions in the preceding chapters. It argues the ecological definition of art squares with some common-sense notions about art, namely that it involves making things which involve an address to the senses, and which are expressive in a special way. Attempts to define art in terms of mimesis, or formal qualities, or as expression, are all one-sided attempts to articulate this notion. The ecological definition is able to encompass and focus what is of worth in these strategies, without being burdened by their shortcomings. Oddly enough, it also finds a place for the one insight of any worth in the Institutional-type definitions, namely that historical mediation plays a necessary role in defining art.
Joseph Pilsner
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- May 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199286058
- eISBN:
- 9780191603808
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199286051.003.0003
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
In order to understand the specification of human action, it is helpful to explore the specification of two other kinds of realities: natural corporeal beings and natural motions. For Aquinas, a ...
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In order to understand the specification of human action, it is helpful to explore the specification of two other kinds of realities: natural corporeal beings and natural motions. For Aquinas, a natural corporeal being is any creature having matter as a constituent, such as a plant or animal; a being of this kind receives its species from its form. A natural motion is any naturally occurring change, such as growing, becoming healthier, or going from one place to another. Aquinas says that any such motion receives its species from both its ‘terminus to which’ and its active principle. These two types of specification are significant for this present study not only because they reveal important information about specification, but also because Aquinas will use them as starting points from which to explain the specification of human action.Less
In order to understand the specification of human action, it is helpful to explore the specification of two other kinds of realities: natural corporeal beings and natural motions. For Aquinas, a natural corporeal being is any creature having matter as a constituent, such as a plant or animal; a being of this kind receives its species from its form. A natural motion is any naturally occurring change, such as growing, becoming healthier, or going from one place to another. Aquinas says that any such motion receives its species from both its ‘terminus to which’ and its active principle. These two types of specification are significant for this present study not only because they reveal important information about specification, but also because Aquinas will use them as starting points from which to explain the specification of human action.
Jerry A. Fodor
- Published in print:
- 1998
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198236368
- eISBN:
- 9780191597404
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198236360.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Mind
Jerry Fodor presents a strikingly original theory of the basic constituents of thought. He suggests that the heart of a cognitive science is its theory of concepts, and that cognitive scientists have ...
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Jerry Fodor presents a strikingly original theory of the basic constituents of thought. He suggests that the heart of a cognitive science is its theory of concepts, and that cognitive scientists have gone badly wrong in many areas because their assumptions about concepts have been seriously mistaken. Fodor argues compellingly for an atomistic theory of concepts, and maintains that future work on human cognition should build upon new foundations. He starts by demolishing the rival theories that have prevailed in recent years—that concepts are definitions, that they are prototypes or stereotypes, that they are abstractions from belief systems, etc. He argues that all such theories are radically unsatisfactory for two closely related reasons: they hold that the content of a concept is determined, at least in part, by its inferential role; and they hold that typical concepts are structurally complex. Empirical and philosophical arguments against each of these claims are elaborated. Fodor then develops his alternative account, arguing that conceptual content is determined entirely by informational (mind—world) relations, and that typical concepts are atomic. The implications of this ‘informational atomism’ are considered in respect of issues in psychology, lexical semantics, and metaphysics, with particular attention to the relation between informational atomism and innateness.Less
Jerry Fodor presents a strikingly original theory of the basic constituents of thought. He suggests that the heart of a cognitive science is its theory of concepts, and that cognitive scientists have gone badly wrong in many areas because their assumptions about concepts have been seriously mistaken. Fodor argues compellingly for an atomistic theory of concepts, and maintains that future work on human cognition should build upon new foundations. He starts by demolishing the rival theories that have prevailed in recent years—that concepts are definitions, that they are prototypes or stereotypes, that they are abstractions from belief systems, etc. He argues that all such theories are radically unsatisfactory for two closely related reasons: they hold that the content of a concept is determined, at least in part, by its inferential role; and they hold that typical concepts are structurally complex. Empirical and philosophical arguments against each of these claims are elaborated. Fodor then develops his alternative account, arguing that conceptual content is determined entirely by informational (mind—world) relations, and that typical concepts are atomic. The implications of this ‘informational atomism’ are considered in respect of issues in psychology, lexical semantics, and metaphysics, with particular attention to the relation between informational atomism and innateness.
Christopher Shields
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780199253074
- eISBN:
- 9780191598401
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199253072.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Ancient Philosophy
Aristotle regularly identifies philosophical and scientific concepts as homonymous; indeed, his preoccupation with homonymy influences his approach to many subjects and clearly structures his ...
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Aristotle regularly identifies philosophical and scientific concepts as homonymous; indeed, his preoccupation with homonymy influences his approach to many subjects and clearly structures his philosophical methodology. In this book, Christopher Shields offers the first full‐length investigation of homonymy in Aristotle's work, in which he explicates and assesses Aristotle's commitment to homonymy in both critical and constructive contexts. Shields identifies homonymy as both a critical tool, with Plato as the target, by means of which Aristotle can emphasize the complexity of core philosophical concepts; and as a constructive method for the discovery of order in multiplicity, which is crucial for genuine scientific inquiry and philosophical progress. In Part I, Shields establishes and examines the general theoretical framework of Aristotle's approach to homonymy. In Ch. 1, Shields discusses the first characterization of homonymy in the Categories, with a view to assessing the role of homonymy in Aristotle's later works; in Chs. 2 to 4 Shields examines some objections to Aristotle's reliance to homonymy, the connection between homonymy and signification, and the notion of core‐dependent homonymy. Part II is an examination of five cases in which we see homonymy at work: Ch. 5 discusses Aristotle's appeal to the homonymy of the body, Ch. 6 to the concept of life, Ch 7, to the concepts of oneness and sameness, and Ch. 8 to goodness. Shields argues that Aristotle is successful in each of these endeavours, particularly so in the case of the homonymy of life, but only partially so in the case of goodness. In Ch. 9, Shield argues that Aristotle fails to establish that being is homonymous. Shields argues that, aside from the attempt to apply homonymy to being, Aristotle's commitment to homonym is well motivated, and it introduces a method of definition that is of genuine and lasting importance. Shields argues that Aristotle is right to advocate homonymy as a form of constructive philosophical analysis, and that it is a framework of enduring value and with prospects for genuine philosophical progress.Less
Aristotle regularly identifies philosophical and scientific concepts as homonymous; indeed, his preoccupation with homonymy influences his approach to many subjects and clearly structures his philosophical methodology. In this book, Christopher Shields offers the first full‐length investigation of homonymy in Aristotle's work, in which he explicates and assesses Aristotle's commitment to homonymy in both critical and constructive contexts. Shields identifies homonymy as both a critical tool, with Plato as the target, by means of which Aristotle can emphasize the complexity of core philosophical concepts; and as a constructive method for the discovery of order in multiplicity, which is crucial for genuine scientific inquiry and philosophical progress. In Part I, Shields establishes and examines the general theoretical framework of Aristotle's approach to homonymy. In Ch. 1, Shields discusses the first characterization of homonymy in the Categories, with a view to assessing the role of homonymy in Aristotle's later works; in Chs. 2 to 4 Shields examines some objections to Aristotle's reliance to homonymy, the connection between homonymy and signification, and the notion of core‐dependent homonymy. Part II is an examination of five cases in which we see homonymy at work: Ch. 5 discusses Aristotle's appeal to the homonymy of the body, Ch. 6 to the concept of life, Ch 7, to the concepts of oneness and sameness, and Ch. 8 to goodness. Shields argues that Aristotle is successful in each of these endeavours, particularly so in the case of the homonymy of life, but only partially so in the case of goodness. In Ch. 9, Shield argues that Aristotle fails to establish that being is homonymous. Shields argues that, aside from the attempt to apply homonymy to being, Aristotle's commitment to homonym is well motivated, and it introduces a method of definition that is of genuine and lasting importance. Shields argues that Aristotle is right to advocate homonymy as a form of constructive philosophical analysis, and that it is a framework of enduring value and with prospects for genuine philosophical progress.
Stephen Mulhall
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199208548
- eISBN:
- 9780191709067
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199208548.003.0010
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
This chapter argues that Wittgenstein is determining a use of the phrase ‘private language’ that aims to underline rather than subvert the point that same phrase has no apparent meaning in the mouths ...
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This chapter argues that Wittgenstein is determining a use of the phrase ‘private language’ that aims to underline rather than subvert the point that same phrase has no apparent meaning in the mouths of those who claim to believe in such things. In other words, he is saying that, in such people's discourse, the phrase ‘private language’ is simply part of what he (Wittgenstein) means by a private language — that is, a sound that those philosophers who employ it merely seem to understand even though in reality neither they nor anyone else does. The rhetorical structure here is thus ironic or humorous, rather than straightforwardly selfsubverting.Less
This chapter argues that Wittgenstein is determining a use of the phrase ‘private language’ that aims to underline rather than subvert the point that same phrase has no apparent meaning in the mouths of those who claim to believe in such things. In other words, he is saying that, in such people's discourse, the phrase ‘private language’ is simply part of what he (Wittgenstein) means by a private language — that is, a sound that those philosophers who employ it merely seem to understand even though in reality neither they nor anyone else does. The rhetorical structure here is thus ironic or humorous, rather than straightforwardly selfsubverting.
IAN BACHE and MATTHEW FLINDERS
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- April 2004
- ISBN:
- 9780199259250
- eISBN:
- 9780191600968
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199259259.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Ian Bache and Matthew Flinders provide an overview of the development and main issues in the study of multi‐level governance, before identifying the main themes of the book. These are concerned with ...
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Ian Bache and Matthew Flinders provide an overview of the development and main issues in the study of multi‐level governance, before identifying the main themes of the book. These are concerned with how multi‐level governance should be defined and how the concept is understood and utilized in different academic fields; how structures and processes of multi‐level governance differ across policy sectors and how these differences might be explained; the implications of multi‐level governance for the power, position, and role of the nation state; the implications of multi‐level governance for democratic accountability; and the limitations of the multi‐level governance model.Less
Ian Bache and Matthew Flinders provide an overview of the development and main issues in the study of multi‐level governance, before identifying the main themes of the book. These are concerned with how multi‐level governance should be defined and how the concept is understood and utilized in different academic fields; how structures and processes of multi‐level governance differ across policy sectors and how these differences might be explained; the implications of multi‐level governance for the power, position, and role of the nation state; the implications of multi‐level governance for democratic accountability; and the limitations of the multi‐level governance model.
Niels Christian Hvidt
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- May 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195314472
- eISBN:
- 9780199785346
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195314472.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Theology
Many believe that prophecy ended either with the Old Testament canonical prophets, with John the Baptist, Jesus or the prophets in the early Church. Contrary to this thesis, this book posits from ...
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Many believe that prophecy ended either with the Old Testament canonical prophets, with John the Baptist, Jesus or the prophets in the early Church. Contrary to this thesis, this book posits from historical evidence and theological argument that Christian prophecy did not cease but has continued throughout Christianity as an inherent and important feature and function in the church. Prophetic charisms, often subsumed in the ambiguous term “private revelations” constitute a great challenge of discernment, but have, when healthy, played a vital historical role, especially in the Catholic tradition. Interest in prophecy continues to grow today, in particular in charismatic circles of the Christian world and especially in developing countries. This interest raises the need for theological elaboration of Christian prophecy.Less
Many believe that prophecy ended either with the Old Testament canonical prophets, with John the Baptist, Jesus or the prophets in the early Church. Contrary to this thesis, this book posits from historical evidence and theological argument that Christian prophecy did not cease but has continued throughout Christianity as an inherent and important feature and function in the church. Prophetic charisms, often subsumed in the ambiguous term “private revelations” constitute a great challenge of discernment, but have, when healthy, played a vital historical role, especially in the Catholic tradition. Interest in prophecy continues to grow today, in particular in charismatic circles of the Christian world and especially in developing countries. This interest raises the need for theological elaboration of Christian prophecy.
Robert Elgie
- Published in print:
- 1999
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198293866
- eISBN:
- 9780191599156
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0198293860.003.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics
Provides an introduction to the concept of semi‐presidentialism and establishes a framework for the study of the politics of semi‐presidential regimes. The first part sketches the evolution of the ...
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Provides an introduction to the concept of semi‐presidentialism and establishes a framework for the study of the politics of semi‐presidential regimes. The first part sketches the evolution of the concept of semi‐presidentialism, considers some of the main criticisms of the concept, proposes a slight reformulation of the standard definition of the term, and identifies a list of semi‐presidential regimes. The second part of the chapter outlines a framework for the comparative study of semi‐presidential regimes, which provides for particular attention to be paid to the constitutional powers of political actors, the circumstances surrounding the creation of the regime, the nature of the parliamentary majority, and the relationship between the president and that majority. In this way, this chapter then provides the basis both for the in‐depth country studies of semi‐presidentialism that follow and for the conclusion, which examines the comparative experience of semi‐presidentialism and addresses the issue of whether countries should adopt a semi‐presidential form of government in preference to either presidential or parliamentary forms of government.Less
Provides an introduction to the concept of semi‐presidentialism and establishes a framework for the study of the politics of semi‐presidential regimes. The first part sketches the evolution of the concept of semi‐presidentialism, considers some of the main criticisms of the concept, proposes a slight reformulation of the standard definition of the term, and identifies a list of semi‐presidential regimes. The second part of the chapter outlines a framework for the comparative study of semi‐presidential regimes, which provides for particular attention to be paid to the constitutional powers of political actors, the circumstances surrounding the creation of the regime, the nature of the parliamentary majority, and the relationship between the president and that majority. In this way, this chapter then provides the basis both for the in‐depth country studies of semi‐presidentialism that follow and for the conclusion, which examines the comparative experience of semi‐presidentialism and addresses the issue of whether countries should adopt a semi‐presidential form of government in preference to either presidential or parliamentary forms of government.
