James Halteman and Edd Noell
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199763702
- eISBN:
- 9780199932252
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199763702.003.0009
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This final chapter sketches a framework that includes interdisciplinary considerations in decisionmaking. First, five different contextsfor behavior, from the family to the global environment, are ...
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This final chapter sketches a framework that includes interdisciplinary considerations in decisionmaking. First, five different contextsfor behavior, from the family to the global environment, are analyzed with the observation that motivations vary in each. Then an interdisciplinary grid is constructed beginning with Smith’s passions and Veblen’s instincts to form a decision process that allows for a more holistic approach to understanding, explaining, and predicting behavior. The various passions and the instincts are linked with the social institutions that best socialize them. By considering the market, political sphere, civil society, and religion as important in behavior, it is still possible to do discipline-specific work while accounting for interdisciplinary impacts. The chapter concludes with a vignette describing the concerns of Thomas Malthus as a case study with interdisciplinary impacts and questions about long-term energy availability.Less
This final chapter sketches a framework that includes interdisciplinary considerations in decisionmaking. First, five different contextsfor behavior, from the family to the global environment, are analyzed with the observation that motivations vary in each. Then an interdisciplinary grid is constructed beginning with Smith’s passions and Veblen’s instincts to form a decision process that allows for a more holistic approach to understanding, explaining, and predicting behavior. The various passions and the instincts are linked with the social institutions that best socialize them. By considering the market, political sphere, civil society, and religion as important in behavior, it is still possible to do discipline-specific work while accounting for interdisciplinary impacts. The chapter concludes with a vignette describing the concerns of Thomas Malthus as a case study with interdisciplinary impacts and questions about long-term energy availability.
James Halteman and Edd S. Noell
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199763702
- eISBN:
- 9780199932252
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199763702.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Financial Economics
This book follows the flow of economic thinking from ancient times by observing how moral issues impacted economic ideas and social organization. Over the centuries, thinkers such as Aristotle and ...
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This book follows the flow of economic thinking from ancient times by observing how moral issues impacted economic ideas and social organization. Over the centuries, thinkers such as Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas emphasized what was right and good more than the pursuit of social efficiency. That changed when scientific methods no longer required moral considerations and economics adopted a values-free scientific methodology. A positive-normative dichotomy has served the profession well in many ways, but there have been voices arguing for a more values-oriented approach to the discipline. Now microeconomics is facing many new challenges as the complications of interdependence increase and behavioral, neurobiological, and other interdisciplinary perspectives need to be addressed. The search to understand and explain behavior is pushing the discipline to enlarge its methodology beyond the standard instrumental prediction goals. This complicates analysis as multiple motivations for behavior are considered and interest in the formation of utility functions begins to creep into economic consciousness again. Moral reflection is relevant as game theory, cooperation models, and theories of trust enter into the discussion. Psychological tendencies and institutional changes involve reference to the moral life as essential for social coordination. The final chapter offers an interdisciplinary framework to incorporate values more directly into economic methods by building on the human passions as discussed by Adam Smith and the behavioral instincts described by Thorstein Veblen. This enlarges the scope of economic actors beyond the homo economicus model without abandoning some of the valuable features of that model.Less
This book follows the flow of economic thinking from ancient times by observing how moral issues impacted economic ideas and social organization. Over the centuries, thinkers such as Aristotle and Thomas Aquinas emphasized what was right and good more than the pursuit of social efficiency. That changed when scientific methods no longer required moral considerations and economics adopted a values-free scientific methodology. A positive-normative dichotomy has served the profession well in many ways, but there have been voices arguing for a more values-oriented approach to the discipline. Now microeconomics is facing many new challenges as the complications of interdependence increase and behavioral, neurobiological, and other interdisciplinary perspectives need to be addressed. The search to understand and explain behavior is pushing the discipline to enlarge its methodology beyond the standard instrumental prediction goals. This complicates analysis as multiple motivations for behavior are considered and interest in the formation of utility functions begins to creep into economic consciousness again. Moral reflection is relevant as game theory, cooperation models, and theories of trust enter into the discussion. Psychological tendencies and institutional changes involve reference to the moral life as essential for social coordination. The final chapter offers an interdisciplinary framework to incorporate values more directly into economic methods by building on the human passions as discussed by Adam Smith and the behavioral instincts described by Thorstein Veblen. This enlarges the scope of economic actors beyond the homo economicus model without abandoning some of the valuable features of that model.
Dik Roth and Linden Vincent (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780198082927
- eISBN:
- 9780199082247
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198082927.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Science, Technology and Environment
Irrigation management for agriculture and rural development has a long history in South Asia, yet today it asserts a critical paradox: new scarcities are emerging, but irrigated agriculture still ...
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Irrigation management for agriculture and rural development has a long history in South Asia, yet today it asserts a critical paradox: new scarcities are emerging, but irrigated agriculture still contributes vitally to food security and agro-industries. This collection of case studies from India and Nepal shows how irrigation management operates across complex dynamics of ecology, technology, and society, documenting interdisciplinary research approaches to study these. It takes the reader through irrigation technologies developed in different agro-ecological zones: large-scale public canal systems in semi-arid zones; small-scale farmer-managed canal systems in hill environments, ponds, and tank irrigation systems; and groundwater-based systems developed from borewells and in conjunctive use settings. It also includes a study of micro-hydel systems developed alongside irrigation. The case studies analyse these technologies in relation to processes of change through public policy and local action. They examine the design choices of irrigation agencies and farmers in irrigation provision, and show the forces of agrarian change acting on water access, property rights, and water institutions. Some review recent state policies for reforming irrigation management that introduce new organizational forms, but also promote markets and cost recovery. In this way, the volume documents the wider development policies acting onto irrigation management. The volume offers new scientific understanding of the complex interrelationships between water as a crucial resource in irrigation-based livelihoods, and the technologies and institutions that regulate its use. For emerging questions of equitable access to water and water productivity in South Asia, such interrelated understanding of technology and institutional choices is fundamental.Less
Irrigation management for agriculture and rural development has a long history in South Asia, yet today it asserts a critical paradox: new scarcities are emerging, but irrigated agriculture still contributes vitally to food security and agro-industries. This collection of case studies from India and Nepal shows how irrigation management operates across complex dynamics of ecology, technology, and society, documenting interdisciplinary research approaches to study these. It takes the reader through irrigation technologies developed in different agro-ecological zones: large-scale public canal systems in semi-arid zones; small-scale farmer-managed canal systems in hill environments, ponds, and tank irrigation systems; and groundwater-based systems developed from borewells and in conjunctive use settings. It also includes a study of micro-hydel systems developed alongside irrigation. The case studies analyse these technologies in relation to processes of change through public policy and local action. They examine the design choices of irrigation agencies and farmers in irrigation provision, and show the forces of agrarian change acting on water access, property rights, and water institutions. Some review recent state policies for reforming irrigation management that introduce new organizational forms, but also promote markets and cost recovery. In this way, the volume documents the wider development policies acting onto irrigation management. The volume offers new scientific understanding of the complex interrelationships between water as a crucial resource in irrigation-based livelihoods, and the technologies and institutions that regulate its use. For emerging questions of equitable access to water and water productivity in South Asia, such interrelated understanding of technology and institutional choices is fundamental.
Thomas A. Heberlein
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199773329
- eISBN:
- 9780199979639
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199773329.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Social Psychology and Interaction
The environment, and how humans affect it, is more of a concern now than ever. We are constantly told that halting climate change requires raising awareness, changing attitudes, and finally altering ...
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The environment, and how humans affect it, is more of a concern now than ever. We are constantly told that halting climate change requires raising awareness, changing attitudes, and finally altering behaviors among the general public—and doing it fast. New information, attitudes, and actions, it is conventionally assumed, will necessarily follow one from the other. However, this approach ignores much of what is known about attitudes in general and environmental attitudes in particular—a huge gap lies between what we say and what we do. Solving environmental problems requires a scientific understanding of public attitudes. Like rocks in a swollen river, attitudes often lie beneath the surface—hard to see, and even harder to move or change. This book helps us read the water and negotiate its hidden obstacles, explaining what attitudes are, how they change and influence behavior. Rather than trying to change attitudes, we need to design solutions and policies with attitudes in mind. Heberlein illustrates these points by tracing the attitudes of the well-known environmentalist Aldo Leopold, while tying social psychology to real-world behaviors throughout the book. Bringing together theory and practice, this book provides a realistic understanding of why and how attitudes matter when it comes to environmental problems; and how, by balancing natural with social science, we can step back from false assumptions and unproductive, frustrating programs to work toward fostering successful, effective environmental action.Less
The environment, and how humans affect it, is more of a concern now than ever. We are constantly told that halting climate change requires raising awareness, changing attitudes, and finally altering behaviors among the general public—and doing it fast. New information, attitudes, and actions, it is conventionally assumed, will necessarily follow one from the other. However, this approach ignores much of what is known about attitudes in general and environmental attitudes in particular—a huge gap lies between what we say and what we do. Solving environmental problems requires a scientific understanding of public attitudes. Like rocks in a swollen river, attitudes often lie beneath the surface—hard to see, and even harder to move or change. This book helps us read the water and negotiate its hidden obstacles, explaining what attitudes are, how they change and influence behavior. Rather than trying to change attitudes, we need to design solutions and policies with attitudes in mind. Heberlein illustrates these points by tracing the attitudes of the well-known environmentalist Aldo Leopold, while tying social psychology to real-world behaviors throughout the book. Bringing together theory and practice, this book provides a realistic understanding of why and how attitudes matter when it comes to environmental problems; and how, by balancing natural with social science, we can step back from false assumptions and unproductive, frustrating programs to work toward fostering successful, effective environmental action.
Heinrich Parthey
- Published in print:
- 1990
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195062526
- eISBN:
- 9780199854905
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195062526.003.0015
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Public Management
In order to establish the correlation between interdisciplinary approach and cooperation, the authors devised a questionnaire and sent a copy to three educational organizations. Collaborative and ...
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In order to establish the correlation between interdisciplinary approach and cooperation, the authors devised a questionnaire and sent a copy to three educational organizations. Collaborative and cross-departmental behaviors are captured through the proportion of scientists whose methods came from scientific inquiries as opposed to those whose approaches came from the problem statement. Findings indicate that association is present with interdisciplinary study and co-authorship and cooperative manifestations. Although there are dilemmas in the identification of problems and the appropriate strategies to employ, these attempts result in the evaluation of research programs and in the resolution of field concerns. Also, the significance of an investigator's competence and knowledge, as well as that person's working relationship with others (not only participants, but also other researchers), is recognized.Less
In order to establish the correlation between interdisciplinary approach and cooperation, the authors devised a questionnaire and sent a copy to three educational organizations. Collaborative and cross-departmental behaviors are captured through the proportion of scientists whose methods came from scientific inquiries as opposed to those whose approaches came from the problem statement. Findings indicate that association is present with interdisciplinary study and co-authorship and cooperative manifestations. Although there are dilemmas in the identification of problems and the appropriate strategies to employ, these attempts result in the evaluation of research programs and in the resolution of field concerns. Also, the significance of an investigator's competence and knowledge, as well as that person's working relationship with others (not only participants, but also other researchers), is recognized.
Arlene Rubin Stiffman
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780195325522
- eISBN:
- 9780199893850
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195325522.001.0001
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This collection of field research narratives from veteran social and behavioral science researchers acknowledges the unpredictability of managing a project, and candidly illustrates real-world ...
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This collection of field research narratives from veteran social and behavioral science researchers acknowledges the unpredictability of managing a project, and candidly illustrates real-world problems and solutions. Unlike standard research tests, each chapter has practical import for the researcher, ties together extant literature, and illustrates the issues with concrete examples from the authors' own experience. The chapters each address one or more of the research stress points that many researchers have found concerning during their careers, and are loosely organized by the naturally unfolding series of choice points and problems confronted during research projects and careers. The text is designed to supplement traditional textbooks on research methods for doctoral students, junior faculty, and research assistants in the fields of psychology, social work, psychiatry, and public health. The text covers scenarios such as: implementing a research project; creating an interdisciplinary research team; using consultants; hiring, training, and monitoring research staff and interviewers; developing the instrument; preparing data for analysis; budgeting; maintaining data standards; data archiving; navigating human subjects, IRB and ethical dilemmas; maintaining cultural sensitivity; efficacy and effectiveness trials for evaluating an intervention; influencing policy and practice; as well as disseminating results, sharing data, maximizing publications, and co-authoring publications.Less
This collection of field research narratives from veteran social and behavioral science researchers acknowledges the unpredictability of managing a project, and candidly illustrates real-world problems and solutions. Unlike standard research tests, each chapter has practical import for the researcher, ties together extant literature, and illustrates the issues with concrete examples from the authors' own experience. The chapters each address one or more of the research stress points that many researchers have found concerning during their careers, and are loosely organized by the naturally unfolding series of choice points and problems confronted during research projects and careers. The text is designed to supplement traditional textbooks on research methods for doctoral students, junior faculty, and research assistants in the fields of psychology, social work, psychiatry, and public health. The text covers scenarios such as: implementing a research project; creating an interdisciplinary research team; using consultants; hiring, training, and monitoring research staff and interviewers; developing the instrument; preparing data for analysis; budgeting; maintaining data standards; data archiving; navigating human subjects, IRB and ethical dilemmas; maintaining cultural sensitivity; efficacy and effectiveness trials for evaluating an intervention; influencing policy and practice; as well as disseminating results, sharing data, maximizing publications, and co-authoring publications.
Carolyn M. Jones and Theodore Louis Trost
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780195167979
- eISBN:
- 9780199784981
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019516797X.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This introductory chapter discusses the subject of teaching African American religions. It argues that teaching in the 21st century classroom requires, a larger “toolkit”, which must involve ...
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This introductory chapter discusses the subject of teaching African American religions. It argues that teaching in the 21st century classroom requires, a larger “toolkit”, which must involve interdisciplinary and perhaps multidisciplinary approaches. It must also emphasize material: the body, artifacts, and movement. An overview of the chapters included in this volume is presented.Less
This introductory chapter discusses the subject of teaching African American religions. It argues that teaching in the 21st century classroom requires, a larger “toolkit”, which must involve interdisciplinary and perhaps multidisciplinary approaches. It must also emphasize material: the body, artifacts, and movement. An overview of the chapters included in this volume is presented.
John W. Rowe
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0001
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion of the importance of interdisciplinary research. It identifies the three types of factors that determine the success of interdisciplinary ...
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This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion of the importance of interdisciplinary research. It identifies the three types of factors that determine the success of interdisciplinary research: investigator-specific, project-specific, and external factors. It then discusses the importance of time in productive interdisciplinary research and approaches to interdisciplinary training.Less
This introductory chapter begins with a brief discussion of the importance of interdisciplinary research. It identifies the three types of factors that determine the success of interdisciplinary research: investigator-specific, project-specific, and external factors. It then discusses the importance of time in productive interdisciplinary research and approaches to interdisciplinary training.
J. Morgan Grove, Mary L. Cadenasso, Steward T. A. Pickett, Gary E. Machlis, and William R. Burch
- Published in print:
- 2015
- Published Online:
- May 2016
- ISBN:
- 9780300101133
- eISBN:
- 9780300217865
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Yale University Press
- DOI:
- 10.12987/yale/9780300101133.003.0004
- Subject:
- Environmental Science, Nature
This chapter examines the interdisciplinary issues and strategies relevant to a patch dynamics approach as it is applied to urban ecological systems. Many of the issues are common to a wide range of ...
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This chapter examines the interdisciplinary issues and strategies relevant to a patch dynamics approach as it is applied to urban ecological systems. Many of the issues are common to a wide range of interdisciplinary research topics and fields. Some are specific to patch dynamics, and a few are specific to patch dynamics applied to urban ecological systems. Based upon this assessment, this chapter reviews the benefits and burdens of interdisciplinary research as practiced using patch dynamics. It suggests some practical mechanics or effective practices to encourage successful programs of research, in order to reveal how an interdisciplinary patch dynamics approach can invigorate studies of urban ecological systems and confront the essential issues of twenty-first century cities.Less
This chapter examines the interdisciplinary issues and strategies relevant to a patch dynamics approach as it is applied to urban ecological systems. Many of the issues are common to a wide range of interdisciplinary research topics and fields. Some are specific to patch dynamics, and a few are specific to patch dynamics applied to urban ecological systems. Based upon this assessment, this chapter reviews the benefits and burdens of interdisciplinary research as practiced using patch dynamics. It suggests some practical mechanics or effective practices to encourage successful programs of research, in order to reveal how an interdisciplinary patch dynamics approach can invigorate studies of urban ecological systems and confront the essential issues of twenty-first century cities.
Diana J. Bell, Scott Roberton, and Paul R. Hunter
- Published in print:
- 2005
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198568193
- eISBN:
- 9780191718175
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198568193.003.0009
- Subject:
- Biology, Disease Ecology / Epidemiology
This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and ...
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This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and the range of species investigated. It highlights regional ecological shifts associated with an illegal international wildlife trade and the growing ‘bush-meat’ trade, which simultaneously favours the emergence of new zoonotic infection risks to humans and poses the primary threat to biodiversity across the Indochina Hotspot. The chapter concludes with the presentation of possible solutions to this problem, including interdisciplinary collaboration with vertebrate and conservation biologists with specialist knowledge of potential host species and the wildlife trade.Less
This chapter discusses the search for the wildlife reservoir of SARS-CoV. It starts by presenting the case for extending the search for the zoonotic reservoir in terms of both geographical area and the range of species investigated. It highlights regional ecological shifts associated with an illegal international wildlife trade and the growing ‘bush-meat’ trade, which simultaneously favours the emergence of new zoonotic infection risks to humans and poses the primary threat to biodiversity across the Indochina Hotspot. The chapter concludes with the presentation of possible solutions to this problem, including interdisciplinary collaboration with vertebrate and conservation biologists with specialist knowledge of potential host species and the wildlife trade.
Jacqueline Mowbray
- Published in print:
- 2012
- Published Online:
- January 2013
- ISBN:
- 9780199646616
- eISBN:
- 9780191745485
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199646616.001.0001
- Subject:
- Law, Public International Law, Philosophy of Law
As globalisation and migration produce societies of increasing linguistic diversity, the issue of how to ensure justice between speakers of different languages becomes a pressing social concern. ...
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As globalisation and migration produce societies of increasing linguistic diversity, the issue of how to ensure justice between speakers of different languages becomes a pressing social concern. Matters of ‘linguistic justice’ are therefore drawing increasing scholarly attention across a range of disciplines. How does international law contribute to linguistic justice? This book explores that question by conducting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of international law on language, analysing the many disparate fields of international law which affect language use both directly (human rights, minority rights, and cultural heritage laws, for example) and indirectly (international trade law and international labour standards, among others). Moving beyond the technical analysis of legal provisions, the book explores the conceptual framework which underpins international law on language, unearthing underlying assumptions and ideas about what constitutes a ‘just’ language policy from a legal perspective. In doing so, the book draws on the methodology of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, whose ideas of ‘habitus’ and ‘field’ offer a way of understanding the changing significance of language to human identity, and the way in which language becomes a focal point for the exercise of social power. This analysis reveals the limitations of contemporary international law on language, and charts a course towards the achievement of greater ‘linguistic justice’.Less
As globalisation and migration produce societies of increasing linguistic diversity, the issue of how to ensure justice between speakers of different languages becomes a pressing social concern. Matters of ‘linguistic justice’ are therefore drawing increasing scholarly attention across a range of disciplines. How does international law contribute to linguistic justice? This book explores that question by conducting a comprehensive, interdisciplinary examination of international law on language, analysing the many disparate fields of international law which affect language use both directly (human rights, minority rights, and cultural heritage laws, for example) and indirectly (international trade law and international labour standards, among others). Moving beyond the technical analysis of legal provisions, the book explores the conceptual framework which underpins international law on language, unearthing underlying assumptions and ideas about what constitutes a ‘just’ language policy from a legal perspective. In doing so, the book draws on the methodology of sociologist Pierre Bourdieu, whose ideas of ‘habitus’ and ‘field’ offer a way of understanding the changing significance of language to human identity, and the way in which language becomes a focal point for the exercise of social power. This analysis reveals the limitations of contemporary international law on language, and charts a course towards the achievement of greater ‘linguistic justice’.
Adam B. Seligman, Robert P. Weller, Michael Puett, and Bennett Simon
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- May 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195336009
- eISBN:
- 9780199868933
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195336009.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, World Religions
This book shows how rituals allow us to live in a perennially imperfect world. The book, building on anthropological theories, draws examples of ritual attitudes from a variety of cultural settings, ...
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This book shows how rituals allow us to live in a perennially imperfect world. The book, building on anthropological theories, draws examples of ritual attitudes from a variety of cultural settings, including original comparisons of Chinese and Jewish discussions of ritual and its importance. The book utilizes psychoanalytic and anthropological perspectives on how ritual, like play, creates “as if” worlds, drawing upon the imaginative capacity of the human mind to create a subjunctive universe. This ability to cross between imagined worlds is central to the human capacity for empathy. The limits of this capacity mark the boundaries of empathy. The chapters juxtapose this ritual orientation to a “sincere” search for unity and wholeness. The sincere world sees fragmentation and incoherence as signs of inauthenticity that must be overcome. Our modern world has accepted the sincere viewpoint, at the expense of ritual, to a degree rarely seen in other times. It has often dismissed ritual as mere convention. The chapters point to the modern disavowal of ritual in the creation of fundamentalist movements as well as other extremist positions. Portions of the book take up questions of music, architecture, and literature, which also show the tensions between ritual and sincerity. The book shows that ritual, at least in its relationship to the rest of experience, is never totally coherent and never complete. Ritual is work, endless work. But it is among the most important things that we humans do.Less
This book shows how rituals allow us to live in a perennially imperfect world. The book, building on anthropological theories, draws examples of ritual attitudes from a variety of cultural settings, including original comparisons of Chinese and Jewish discussions of ritual and its importance. The book utilizes psychoanalytic and anthropological perspectives on how ritual, like play, creates “as if” worlds, drawing upon the imaginative capacity of the human mind to create a subjunctive universe. This ability to cross between imagined worlds is central to the human capacity for empathy. The limits of this capacity mark the boundaries of empathy. The chapters juxtapose this ritual orientation to a “sincere” search for unity and wholeness. The sincere world sees fragmentation and incoherence as signs of inauthenticity that must be overcome. Our modern world has accepted the sincere viewpoint, at the expense of ritual, to a degree rarely seen in other times. It has often dismissed ritual as mere convention. The chapters point to the modern disavowal of ritual in the creation of fundamentalist movements as well as other extremist positions. Portions of the book take up questions of music, architecture, and literature, which also show the tensions between ritual and sincerity. The book shows that ritual, at least in its relationship to the rest of experience, is never totally coherent and never complete. Ritual is work, endless work. But it is among the most important things that we humans do.
Dale S. Wright
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195304671
- eISBN:
- 9780199866861
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195304671.003.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Buddhism
The ritual dimension of the Zen tradition in East Asia took the particular shape that it did primarily by means of thorough absorption of two different cultural legacies in China, one—the Confucian ...
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The ritual dimension of the Zen tradition in East Asia took the particular shape that it did primarily by means of thorough absorption of two different cultural legacies in China, one—the Confucian —indigenous to China and one entering East Asia from India and Central Asia in the form of the Buddhist tradition, and influence Zen even today. The introduction places the Zen ritual tradition in relation to the growing interdisciplinary field of critical ritual studies. Relevant contemporary ritual theories include those that focus on the non‐intellectual dimensions of life, where the emotive and bodily dimension of learning and culture are given greater appreciation, and theories of ritual change that attempt to see how rituals tend to evolve over time without practitioners necessarily being aware of that transformation.Less
The ritual dimension of the Zen tradition in East Asia took the particular shape that it did primarily by means of thorough absorption of two different cultural legacies in China, one—the Confucian —indigenous to China and one entering East Asia from India and Central Asia in the form of the Buddhist tradition, and influence Zen even today. The introduction places the Zen ritual tradition in relation to the growing interdisciplinary field of critical ritual studies. Relevant contemporary ritual theories include those that focus on the non‐intellectual dimensions of life, where the emotive and bodily dimension of learning and culture are given greater appreciation, and theories of ritual change that attempt to see how rituals tend to evolve over time without practitioners necessarily being aware of that transformation.
Patrizia d'Ettorre and David P. Hughes (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199216840
- eISBN:
- 9780191712043
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199216840.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Animal Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
Communication is the cornerstone of socially interacting groups. This is self-evident for human societies but not for bacterial biofilms, and super-colonies that span whole continents and ...
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Communication is the cornerstone of socially interacting groups. This is self-evident for human societies but not for bacterial biofilms, and super-colonies that span whole continents and transoceanic communication among whales. Since the early beginnings of communication studies, it has always been a stated goal to identify common features of diverse forms of communication (recently also including the internet), but syntheses have been few and historical barriers between sub-disciplines of molecular, evolutionary, chemical, and behavioural biology have been prohibitive stumbling blocks. This book brings together a highly-respected group of authors from a diverse range of fields in biology and beyond, in an attempt to synthesize current understanding of the evolutionary principles of communication, and to identify and explore key directions that will likely be pursued in the coming years. Contributions range from molecular microbiologists untangling the genetic basis of bacterial communication, to behavioural ecologists determining the scope of communication networks among colonial vertebrates. In addition, there are important contributions from theoretical biology (genomic conflict and self organisation), the humanities (linguistics and philosophy), and evolutionary psychology (human mate choice and the evolution of human societies). The book asks — and tentatively answers with some degree of confidence — what the general principles of social communication are.Less
Communication is the cornerstone of socially interacting groups. This is self-evident for human societies but not for bacterial biofilms, and super-colonies that span whole continents and transoceanic communication among whales. Since the early beginnings of communication studies, it has always been a stated goal to identify common features of diverse forms of communication (recently also including the internet), but syntheses have been few and historical barriers between sub-disciplines of molecular, evolutionary, chemical, and behavioural biology have been prohibitive stumbling blocks. This book brings together a highly-respected group of authors from a diverse range of fields in biology and beyond, in an attempt to synthesize current understanding of the evolutionary principles of communication, and to identify and explore key directions that will likely be pursued in the coming years. Contributions range from molecular microbiologists untangling the genetic basis of bacterial communication, to behavioural ecologists determining the scope of communication networks among colonial vertebrates. In addition, there are important contributions from theoretical biology (genomic conflict and self organisation), the humanities (linguistics and philosophy), and evolutionary psychology (human mate choice and the evolution of human societies). The book asks — and tentatively answers with some degree of confidence — what the general principles of social communication are.
Leif E. Christoffersen
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195309454
- eISBN:
- 9780199871261
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195309454.003.0016
- Subject:
- Biology, Ecology, Biodiversity / Conservation Biology
This chapter discusses the importance of integrating the environmental sciences with the social sciences, as well as the fact that this rarely happens. By definition, sustainable development implies ...
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This chapter discusses the importance of integrating the environmental sciences with the social sciences, as well as the fact that this rarely happens. By definition, sustainable development implies an interdisciplinary approach. However, very little progress has been made in developing the framework for actual interdisciplinary work. The parallels between the lack of integration of social and conservation sciences and between economic and social development are described.Less
This chapter discusses the importance of integrating the environmental sciences with the social sciences, as well as the fact that this rarely happens. By definition, sustainable development implies an interdisciplinary approach. However, very little progress has been made in developing the framework for actual interdisciplinary work. The parallels between the lack of integration of social and conservation sciences and between economic and social development are described.
John T. Cacioppo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0003
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 2-4) in Part I of the book. The chapters illustrate the important contributions of multilevel integrative analyses to the ...
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This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 2-4) in Part I of the book. The chapters illustrate the important contributions of multilevel integrative analyses to the understanding of these basic mechanisms and to the delineation of the etiology of cardiovascular disease. Each represents a program of research that exemplifies scientific synergism, extending beyond the technical or scientific capacity of a single investigator. Each also uses new and emerging methods and technologies that require multidisciplinary collaborations (e.g., biomedical engineers, cardiologists, biopsychologists, health psychologists).Less
This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 2-4) in Part I of the book. The chapters illustrate the important contributions of multilevel integrative analyses to the understanding of these basic mechanisms and to the delineation of the etiology of cardiovascular disease. Each represents a program of research that exemplifies scientific synergism, extending beyond the technical or scientific capacity of a single investigator. Each also uses new and emerging methods and technologies that require multidisciplinary collaborations (e.g., biomedical engineers, cardiologists, biopsychologists, health psychologists).
Gary G. Berntson and John T. Cacioppo
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0004
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter describes a collaborative interdisciplinary program to elucidate the links and underlying mechanisms of psychophysiological relations and their implications for health. This ranges from ...
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This chapter describes a collaborative interdisciplinary program to elucidate the links and underlying mechanisms of psychophysiological relations and their implications for health. This ranges from psychophysiological studies in humans to neural and physiological investigations in animals. Work on basic patterns of autonomic control has helped clarify psychophysiological relationships, their links to multiple levels of functional organization, and their implications for health. Additional studies of brain mechanisms have revealed important neural systems and processes that may underlie cognitive contributions to anxiety and autonomic control.Less
This chapter describes a collaborative interdisciplinary program to elucidate the links and underlying mechanisms of psychophysiological relations and their implications for health. This ranges from psychophysiological studies in humans to neural and physiological investigations in animals. Work on basic patterns of autonomic control has helped clarify psychophysiological relationships, their links to multiple levels of functional organization, and their implications for health. Additional studies of brain mechanisms have revealed important neural systems and processes that may underlie cognitive contributions to anxiety and autonomic control.
Kathleen C. Light, Susan S. Girdler, and Alan L. Hinderliter
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0005
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter describes an interdisciplinary research program that studied individual and group differences in the risk for hypertension and heart disease. The differences studied include ones ...
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This chapter describes an interdisciplinary research program that studied individual and group differences in the risk for hypertension and heart disease. The differences studied include ones relating to: gender and racial group; family history of hypertension; personality and psychosocial traits like hostility, pessimism, and low social resources; and high versus low cardiovascular and renal responders to lab stressors. Among the findings is that potential behavioral risk factors should be studied in combination with markers of genetic risk for hypertension. The chapter also discusses the factors that encouraged this interdisciplinary research (including access to medical school colleagues and resources and NIH support) and the factors that impeded this work.Less
This chapter describes an interdisciplinary research program that studied individual and group differences in the risk for hypertension and heart disease. The differences studied include ones relating to: gender and racial group; family history of hypertension; personality and psychosocial traits like hostility, pessimism, and low social resources; and high versus low cardiovascular and renal responders to lab stressors. Among the findings is that potential behavioral risk factors should be studied in combination with markers of genetic risk for hypertension. The chapter also discusses the factors that encouraged this interdisciplinary research (including access to medical school colleagues and resources and NIH support) and the factors that impeded this work.
Jay R. Kaplan and Stephen B. Manuck
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0006
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter describes the history of the scientific collaboration between the authors, Jay Kaplan and Steve Manuck, which represents the pairing of two disciplines — physical anthropology ...
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This chapter describes the history of the scientific collaboration between the authors, Jay Kaplan and Steve Manuck, which represents the pairing of two disciplines — physical anthropology (primatology) (Kaplan) and psychology (Manuck). In a series of studies in cynomolgus monkeys, the researchers demonstrate that stressful circumstances and an individual's social position (status) within a group influence coronary artery atherosclerosis, the pathologic process that produces vulnerability to heart disease.Less
This chapter describes the history of the scientific collaboration between the authors, Jay Kaplan and Steve Manuck, which represents the pairing of two disciplines — physical anthropology (primatology) (Kaplan) and psychology (Manuck). In a series of studies in cynomolgus monkeys, the researchers demonstrate that stressful circumstances and an individual's social position (status) within a group influence coronary artery atherosclerosis, the pathologic process that produces vulnerability to heart disease.
Richard J. Davidson
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780195324273
- eISBN:
- 9780199893966
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195324273.003.0008
- Subject:
- Psychology, Cognitive Neuroscience, Cognitive Psychology
This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 6-8) in Part II of the book. Each of the chapters tells a story about a successful interdisciplinary outcome focused on certain ...
More
This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 6-8) in Part II of the book. Each of the chapters tells a story about a successful interdisciplinary outcome focused on certain aspects of the mechanisms of mind-body interaction. The chapters review research extending from molecular approaches in animals to brain imaging in humans. In addition to the presentation of basic, normative phenomena, they also feature the study of individual differences.Less
This chapter presents an overview of the three chapters (Chapters 6-8) in Part II of the book. Each of the chapters tells a story about a successful interdisciplinary outcome focused on certain aspects of the mechanisms of mind-body interaction. The chapters review research extending from molecular approaches in animals to brain imaging in humans. In addition to the presentation of basic, normative phenomena, they also feature the study of individual differences.
