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.003.0008
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter presents a brief conclusion which summarizes the main argument: that fully legitimate, deliberative, and democratic decision making can only be of the macro kind, not the micro. It poses ...
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This chapter presents a brief conclusion which summarizes the main argument: that fully legitimate, deliberative, and democratic decision making can only be of the macro kind, not the micro. It poses questions for future research and answers a hypothetical question from the Leicester case, giving a group of protestors six reasons to think that the outcome of the citizens’ jury was legitimate, and one reason — its restricted, local scope — to think that it was not.Less
This chapter presents a brief conclusion which summarizes the main argument: that fully legitimate, deliberative, and democratic decision making can only be of the macro kind, not the micro. It poses questions for future research and answers a hypothetical question from the Leicester case, giving a group of protestors six reasons to think that the outcome of the citizens’ jury was legitimate, and one reason — its restricted, local scope — to think that it was not.
Steven French and Décio Krause
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- September 2006
- ISBN:
- 9780199278244
- eISBN:
- 9780191603952
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/0199278245.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as well as the histories of both classical and quantum physics, this book explores two alternative metaphysical approaches to quantum ...
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Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as well as the histories of both classical and quantum physics, this book explores two alternative metaphysical approaches to quantum particles. It asks if quantum particles can be regarded as individuals, just like books, tables, and people. Taking the first approach, the book argues that if quantum particles are regarded as individuals, then Leibniz’s famous Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles is in fact violated. Recent discussions of this conclusion are analysed in detail and the costs involved in saving the Principle are carefully considered. For the second approach, the book considers recent work in non-standard logic and set theory to indicate how we can make sense of the idea that objects can be non-individuals. The concluding chapter suggests how these results might then be extended to quantum field theory.Less
Drawing on philosophical accounts of identity and individuality, as well as the histories of both classical and quantum physics, this book explores two alternative metaphysical approaches to quantum particles. It asks if quantum particles can be regarded as individuals, just like books, tables, and people. Taking the first approach, the book argues that if quantum particles are regarded as individuals, then Leibniz’s famous Principle of the Identity of Indiscernibles is in fact violated. Recent discussions of this conclusion are analysed in detail and the costs involved in saving the Principle are carefully considered. For the second approach, the book considers recent work in non-standard logic and set theory to indicate how we can make sense of the idea that objects can be non-individuals. The concluding chapter suggests how these results might then be extended to quantum field theory.
Thomas McKay
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- January 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780199278145
- eISBN:
- 9780191707971
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199278145.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Language
Plural predication is a pervasive part of ordinary language. We can say that some people are fifty in number, are surrounding a building, come from many countries, and are classmates. These ...
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Plural predication is a pervasive part of ordinary language. We can say that some people are fifty in number, are surrounding a building, come from many countries, and are classmates. These predicates can be true of some people without being true of any one of them; they are non-distributive predications. Yet the apparatus of predication and quantification in standard modern logic does not allow a place for such non-distributive predicates. This book explores the enrichment of modern logic with plural predication and quantification. We can have genuinely non-distributive predication without relying on singularizing procedures from set theory and mereology. The fundamental ‘among’ relation can be understood in a way that does not generate any hierarchy of plurals analogous to a hierarchy of types or a hierarchy of higher-order logics. Singular quantification can be understood as a special case, with the general type being quantifiers that allow both singular and plural quantification. The ‘among’ relation is formally similar to a ‘part of’ relation, but the relations are distinct, so that mass quantification and plural quantification cannot be united in the same way that plural and singular are united. Analysis of singular and plural definite descriptions follows, with a defence of a fundamentally Russellian analysis, but coupled with some new ideas about how to be sensitive to the role of context. This facilitates an analysis of some central features of the use of pronouns, both singular and plural.Less
Plural predication is a pervasive part of ordinary language. We can say that some people are fifty in number, are surrounding a building, come from many countries, and are classmates. These predicates can be true of some people without being true of any one of them; they are non-distributive predications. Yet the apparatus of predication and quantification in standard modern logic does not allow a place for such non-distributive predicates. This book explores the enrichment of modern logic with plural predication and quantification. We can have genuinely non-distributive predication without relying on singularizing procedures from set theory and mereology. The fundamental ‘among’ relation can be understood in a way that does not generate any hierarchy of plurals analogous to a hierarchy of types or a hierarchy of higher-order logics. Singular quantification can be understood as a special case, with the general type being quantifiers that allow both singular and plural quantification. The ‘among’ relation is formally similar to a ‘part of’ relation, but the relations are distinct, so that mass quantification and plural quantification cannot be united in the same way that plural and singular are united. Analysis of singular and plural definite descriptions follows, with a defence of a fundamentally Russellian analysis, but coupled with some new ideas about how to be sensitive to the role of context. This facilitates an analysis of some central features of the use of pronouns, both singular and plural.
Silvia Fabiani, Claire Suzanne Loupias, Fernando Manuel Monteiro Martins, and Roberto Sabbatini (eds)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780195309287
- eISBN:
- 9780199783939
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195309287.001.0001
- Subject:
- Economics and Finance, Econometrics
Theoretical research undertaken over the last decades showed that the nature of nominal rigidities plays a key role in determining the effects of different shocks on the economy. This research has ...
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Theoretical research undertaken over the last decades showed that the nature of nominal rigidities plays a key role in determining the effects of different shocks on the economy. This research has made clear that a thorough understanding of the extent and causes of the sluggish adjustment of nominal prices is crucial to the design and conduct of monetary policy. This book presents the main results of a research program undertaken by the Eurosystem central banks on price setting decisions by firms in the euro area. Its objective is to deepen our understanding of the behavioral mechanisms driving agents' pricing decisions, adopting a methodological approach—asking firms directly about how they set the price of their output (their pricing strategies) and why (the rationale of these strategies)—that is particularly well suited for the purpose at hand. The book also compares results for the euro area to similar analyses for other countries and summarizes the main findings of studies based on individual quantitative micro data on consumer and producer prices carried out for most euro area countries. Finally, the book explores the monetary policy implications of the main findings.Less
Theoretical research undertaken over the last decades showed that the nature of nominal rigidities plays a key role in determining the effects of different shocks on the economy. This research has made clear that a thorough understanding of the extent and causes of the sluggish adjustment of nominal prices is crucial to the design and conduct of monetary policy. This book presents the main results of a research program undertaken by the Eurosystem central banks on price setting decisions by firms in the euro area. Its objective is to deepen our understanding of the behavioral mechanisms driving agents' pricing decisions, adopting a methodological approach—asking firms directly about how they set the price of their output (their pricing strategies) and why (the rationale of these strategies)—that is particularly well suited for the purpose at hand. The book also compares results for the euro area to similar analyses for other countries and summarizes the main findings of studies based on individual quantitative micro data on consumer and producer prices carried out for most euro area countries. Finally, the book explores the monetary policy implications of the main findings.
Andrew Ranicki
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198509240
- eISBN:
- 9780191708725
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198509240.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Geometry / Topology
This book is an introduction to surgery theory, the standard algebraic topology classification method for manifolds of dimension greater than 4. It is aimed at those who have already been on a basic ...
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This book is an introduction to surgery theory, the standard algebraic topology classification method for manifolds of dimension greater than 4. It is aimed at those who have already been on a basic topology course, and would now like to understand the topology of high-dimensional manifolds. This text contains entry-level accounts of the various prerequisites of both algebra and topology. Surgery theory expresses the manifold structure set in terms of the topological K-theory of vector bundles and the algebraic L-theory of quadratic forms. While concentrating on the basic mechanics of surgery, this book includes many worked examples, useful drawings for illustration of the algebra and references for further reading.Less
This book is an introduction to surgery theory, the standard algebraic topology classification method for manifolds of dimension greater than 4. It is aimed at those who have already been on a basic topology course, and would now like to understand the topology of high-dimensional manifolds. This text contains entry-level accounts of the various prerequisites of both algebra and topology. Surgery theory expresses the manifold structure set in terms of the topological K-theory of vector bundles and the algebraic L-theory of quadratic forms. While concentrating on the basic mechanics of surgery, this book includes many worked examples, useful drawings for illustration of the algebra and references for further reading.
Michael O. Emerson and George Yancey
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- May 2012
- ISBN:
- 9780199742684
- eISBN:
- 9780199943388
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199742684.001.0001
- Subject:
- Sociology, Race and Ethnicity
Despite recent progress against racial inequalities, American society continues to produce attitudes and outcomes that reinforce the racial divide. This book offers a fresh perspective on how to ...
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Despite recent progress against racial inequalities, American society continues to produce attitudes and outcomes that reinforce the racial divide. This book offers a fresh perspective on how to combat racial division. The chapters document the historical move from white supremacy to institutional racism, and then look at modern efforts to overcome the racialized nature of our society. They argue that both conservative and progressive approaches have failed, as they continually fall victim to forces of ethnocentrism and group interest. They then explore group interest and possible ways to account for the perspectives of both majority and minority group members. They also look to multiracial congregations, multiracial families, the military, and sports teams—all situations in which group interests have been overcome before. In each context they find the development of a core set of values that binds together different racial groups, along with the flexibility to express racially-based cultural uniqueness that does not conflict with this critical core. The book offers what is at once a balanced approach towards dealing with racial alienation and a bold step forward in the debate about the steps necessary to overcome present-day racism.Less
Despite recent progress against racial inequalities, American society continues to produce attitudes and outcomes that reinforce the racial divide. This book offers a fresh perspective on how to combat racial division. The chapters document the historical move from white supremacy to institutional racism, and then look at modern efforts to overcome the racialized nature of our society. They argue that both conservative and progressive approaches have failed, as they continually fall victim to forces of ethnocentrism and group interest. They then explore group interest and possible ways to account for the perspectives of both majority and minority group members. They also look to multiracial congregations, multiracial families, the military, and sports teams—all situations in which group interests have been overcome before. In each context they find the development of a core set of values that binds together different racial groups, along with the flexibility to express racially-based cultural uniqueness that does not conflict with this critical core. The book offers what is at once a balanced approach towards dealing with racial alienation and a bold step forward in the debate about the steps necessary to overcome present-day racism.
Koko Kalambay Kayibi
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198571278
- eISBN:
- 9780191718885
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198571278.003.0011
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Probability / Statistics
This chapter provides direct combinatorial proof of an expansion of the Tutte polynomial by independent sets of the matroid. Another expansion of the Tutte polynomial is presented in terms of ...
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This chapter provides direct combinatorial proof of an expansion of the Tutte polynomial by independent sets of the matroid. Another expansion of the Tutte polynomial is presented in terms of spanning sets. In the process, it is shown that there is a partition of the set of independent sets of a matroid, such that if the independent set I and the basis B are contained in the same part of the partition, the external activity of I is equal to the external activity of B.Less
This chapter provides direct combinatorial proof of an expansion of the Tutte polynomial by independent sets of the matroid. Another expansion of the Tutte polynomial is presented in terms of spanning sets. In the process, it is shown that there is a partition of the set of independent sets of a matroid, such that if the independent set I and the basis B are contained in the same part of the partition, the external activity of I is equal to the external activity of B.
Andrea Braides
- Published in print:
- 2002
- Published Online:
- September 2007
- ISBN:
- 9780198507840
- eISBN:
- 9780191709890
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198507840.003.0017
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Applied Mathematics
This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of ...
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This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of general compactness theorems when direct characterizations are not available: energies are localized on open sets, where Gamma-limits indexed by the set are proved to exist defining a set function; subadditivity and regularity properties of this set function ensure that it is a measure by the De Giorgi-Letta measure criterion; integral representation theorems allow to give a description of the Gamma-limit.Less
This chapter provides an introduction to the localization method of Gamma-convergence. It presents a brief account of the localization methods of Gamma-convergence that allows for the proof of general compactness theorems when direct characterizations are not available: energies are localized on open sets, where Gamma-limits indexed by the set are proved to exist defining a set function; subadditivity and regularity properties of this set function ensure that it is a measure by the De Giorgi-Letta measure criterion; integral representation theorems allow to give a description of the Gamma-limit.
Bradley Monton (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2007
- Published Online:
- January 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199218844
- eISBN:
- 9780191711732
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199218844.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Philosophy of Science
This book contains thirteen specially written chapters which discuss topics from the work of Bas C. van Fraassen, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of science. The central and ...
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This book contains thirteen specially written chapters which discuss topics from the work of Bas C. van Fraassen, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of science. The central and unifying theme of the book is empiricism, an approach which van Fraassen developed most fully in The Scientific Image and The Empirical Stance. Thirteen experts examine van Fraassen's defence of scientific anti-realism (which he sees as a core tenet of empiricism), as well as his claim that adopting a philosophical position like empiricism does not consist of holding a particular set of beliefs, but is rather a matter of taking a stance. The book concludes with an extensive and intriguing reply by van Fraassen, in which he develops and corrects his old views, and offers new insights into the nature of science, empiricism, and philosophy itself.Less
This book contains thirteen specially written chapters which discuss topics from the work of Bas C. van Fraassen, one of the most important contemporary philosophers of science. The central and unifying theme of the book is empiricism, an approach which van Fraassen developed most fully in The Scientific Image and The Empirical Stance. Thirteen experts examine van Fraassen's defence of scientific anti-realism (which he sees as a core tenet of empiricism), as well as his claim that adopting a philosophical position like empiricism does not consist of holding a particular set of beliefs, but is rather a matter of taking a stance. The book concludes with an extensive and intriguing reply by van Fraassen, in which he develops and corrects his old views, and offers new insights into the nature of science, empiricism, and philosophy itself.
Bijan Mohammadi and Olivier Pironneau
- Published in print:
- 2009
- Published Online:
- February 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780199546909
- eISBN:
- 9780191720482
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199546909.001.0001
- Subject:
- Mathematics, Mathematical Physics
The fields of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimal shape design (OSD) have received considerable attention in the recent past, and are of practical importance for many engineering ...
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The fields of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimal shape design (OSD) have received considerable attention in the recent past, and are of practical importance for many engineering applications. This book deals with shape optimization problems for fluids, with the equations needed for their understanding (Euler and Navier Strokes, but also those for microfluids) and with the numerical simulation of these problems. It presents the state of the art in shape optimization for an extended range of applications involving fluid flows. Automatic differentiation, approximate gradients, unstructured mesh adaptation, multi-model configurations, and time-dependent problems are introduced, and their implementation into the industrial environments of aerospace and automobile equipment industry explained and illustrated. With the increases in the power of computers in industry since the first edition of this book, methods which were previously unfeasible have begun giving results, namely evolutionary algorithms, topological optimization methods, and level set algorithms. In this edition, these methods have been treated in separate chapters, but the book remains primarily one on differential shape optimization.Less
The fields of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and optimal shape design (OSD) have received considerable attention in the recent past, and are of practical importance for many engineering applications. This book deals with shape optimization problems for fluids, with the equations needed for their understanding (Euler and Navier Strokes, but also those for microfluids) and with the numerical simulation of these problems. It presents the state of the art in shape optimization for an extended range of applications involving fluid flows. Automatic differentiation, approximate gradients, unstructured mesh adaptation, multi-model configurations, and time-dependent problems are introduced, and their implementation into the industrial environments of aerospace and automobile equipment industry explained and illustrated. With the increases in the power of computers in industry since the first edition of this book, methods which were previously unfeasible have begun giving results, namely evolutionary algorithms, topological optimization methods, and level set algorithms. In this edition, these methods have been treated in separate chapters, but the book remains primarily one on differential shape optimization.
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.003.0003
- Subject:
- Political Science, Political Theory
This chapter explores the context of the cases, setting out the history of patient involvement initiatives and deliberative experiments in the UK. It highlights the antipathy to interest groups and ...
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This chapter explores the context of the cases, setting out the history of patient involvement initiatives and deliberative experiments in the UK. It highlights the antipathy to interest groups and the ‘research orientation’ of those experiments, and the effects that orientation has had on limiting the scope and agenda of deliberation. It argues that whether deliberation occurs at the local level or at the centre matters a great deal, but that deliberative experiments tend to be at least as much about resource battles between the centre and the periphery as responding to citizens’ needs.Less
This chapter explores the context of the cases, setting out the history of patient involvement initiatives and deliberative experiments in the UK. It highlights the antipathy to interest groups and the ‘research orientation’ of those experiments, and the effects that orientation has had on limiting the scope and agenda of deliberation. It argues that whether deliberation occurs at the local level or at the centre matters a great deal, but that deliberative experiments tend to be at least as much about resource battles between the centre and the periphery as responding to citizens’ needs.
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.
Michael Potter
- Published in print:
- 2004
- Published Online:
- September 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780199269730
- eISBN:
- 9780191699443
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199269730.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
This book presents a philosophical introduction to set theory. Anyone wishing to work on the logical foundations of mathematics must understand set theory, which lies at its heart. The book offers an ...
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This book presents a philosophical introduction to set theory. Anyone wishing to work on the logical foundations of mathematics must understand set theory, which lies at its heart. The book offers an account of cardinal and ordinal arithmetic, and the various axiom candidates. It discusses in detail the project of set-theoretic reduction, which aims to interpret the rest of mathematics in terms of set theory. The key question here is how to deal with the paradoxes that bedevil set theory. The book offers a simple version of the most widely accepted response to the paradoxes, which classifies sets by means of a hierarchy of levels. The book interweaves a presentation of the technical material with a philosophical critique. The book does not merely expound the theory dogmatically but at every stage discusses in detail the reasons that can be offered for believing it to be true.Less
This book presents a philosophical introduction to set theory. Anyone wishing to work on the logical foundations of mathematics must understand set theory, which lies at its heart. The book offers an account of cardinal and ordinal arithmetic, and the various axiom candidates. It discusses in detail the project of set-theoretic reduction, which aims to interpret the rest of mathematics in terms of set theory. The key question here is how to deal with the paradoxes that bedevil set theory. The book offers a simple version of the most widely accepted response to the paradoxes, which classifies sets by means of a hierarchy of levels. The book interweaves a presentation of the technical material with a philosophical critique. The book does not merely expound the theory dogmatically but at every stage discusses in detail the reasons that can be offered for believing it to be true.
Thomas P. Vartanian
- Published in print:
- 2010
- Published Online:
- January 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780195388817
- eISBN:
- 9780199863396
- Item type:
- chapter
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780195388817.003.0002
- Subject:
- Social Work, Research and Evaluation
This chapter explains the differences between primary and secondary data sets. It explains how secondary data sets are typically collected, the ability of large institutions to collect both sizable ...
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This chapter explains the differences between primary and secondary data sets. It explains how secondary data sets are typically collected, the ability of large institutions to collect both sizable and representative data sets and their ability to use sophisticated sampling designs in their data collection, how these large data sets can utilize statistical techniques that may not be available to smaller data sets, and differences between cross-sectional and longitudinal data sets.Less
This chapter explains the differences between primary and secondary data sets. It explains how secondary data sets are typically collected, the ability of large institutions to collect both sizable and representative data sets and their ability to use sophisticated sampling designs in their data collection, how these large data sets can utilize statistical techniques that may not be available to smaller data sets, and differences between cross-sectional and longitudinal data sets.
Penelope Maddy
- Published in print:
- 1992
- Published Online:
- November 2003
- ISBN:
- 9780198240358
- eISBN:
- 9780191597978
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/019824035X.001.0001
- Subject:
- Philosophy, Logic/Philosophy of Mathematics
Many mathematicians understand their work as an effort to describe the denizens and features of an abstract mathematical world or worlds. Most philosophers of mathematics consider views of this sort ...
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Many mathematicians understand their work as an effort to describe the denizens and features of an abstract mathematical world or worlds. Most philosophers of mathematics consider views of this sort highly problematic, largely due to two stark difficulties laid out by Benacerraf: first, if mathematical things are abstract, and thus not to be found in space and time, how can we come to know anything about them? Second, how can mathematics be the study of certain particular things, when all that seems to matter mathematically are various structural features and relations? The goal of this book is to develop a philosophically defensible version of the mathematician's pre‐theoretic realism (sometimes called ‘Platonism’) about mathematical things. Beginning from an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Quine's and Gödel's versions of mathematical realism, I propose an alternative called ‘set theoretic realism’ and argue that it avoids both of Benacerraf's problems. In their place, I raise a new problem: given that some open questions of mathematics (like Cantor's Continuum Hypothesis) cannot be settled on the basis of the standard axioms, how are we rationally to evaluate new candidates for axiomatic status (such as Gödel's Axiom of Constructibility or various large cardinal axioms)? Set theoretic realism and its realistic cousins are not the only positions that face this important new challenge—various popular versions of nominalism and structuralism do as well—which suggests that it taps into a fundamental issue.Less
Many mathematicians understand their work as an effort to describe the denizens and features of an abstract mathematical world or worlds. Most philosophers of mathematics consider views of this sort highly problematic, largely due to two stark difficulties laid out by Benacerraf: first, if mathematical things are abstract, and thus not to be found in space and time, how can we come to know anything about them? Second, how can mathematics be the study of certain particular things, when all that seems to matter mathematically are various structural features and relations? The goal of this book is to develop a philosophically defensible version of the mathematician's pre‐theoretic realism (sometimes called ‘Platonism’) about mathematical things. Beginning from an analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of Quine's and Gödel's versions of mathematical realism, I propose an alternative called ‘set theoretic realism’ and argue that it avoids both of Benacerraf's problems. In their place, I raise a new problem: given that some open questions of mathematics (like Cantor's Continuum Hypothesis) cannot be settled on the basis of the standard axioms, how are we rationally to evaluate new candidates for axiomatic status (such as Gödel's Axiom of Constructibility or various large cardinal axioms)? Set theoretic realism and its realistic cousins are not the only positions that face this important new challenge—various popular versions of nominalism and structuralism do as well—which suggests that it taps into a fundamental issue.
Simon Reich and Richard Ned Lebow
- Published in print:
- 2014
- Published Online:
- October 2017
- ISBN:
- 9780691160429
- eISBN:
- 9781400850426
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Princeton University Press
- DOI:
- 10.23943/princeton/9780691160429.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, International Relations and Politics
Many policymakers, journalists, and scholars insist that U.S. hegemony is essential for warding off global chaos. This book argues that hegemony is a fiction propagated to support a large defense ...
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Many policymakers, journalists, and scholars insist that U.S. hegemony is essential for warding off global chaos. This book argues that hegemony is a fiction propagated to support a large defense establishment, justifying American claims to world leadership, and buttressing the self-esteem of voters. It is also contrary to American interests and the global order. This book argues that hegemony should instead find expression in agenda setting, economic custodianship, and the sponsorship of global initiatives. Today, these functions are diffused through the system, with European countries, China, and lesser powers making important contributions. In contrast, the United States has often been a source of political and economic instability. Rejecting the focus on power common to American realists and liberals, the book offers a novel analysis of influence. In the process, they differentiate influence from power and power from material resources. Their analysis shows why the United States, the greatest power the world has ever seen, is increasingly incapable of translating its power into influence. The book's analysis formulates a more realistic place for America in world affairs.Less
Many policymakers, journalists, and scholars insist that U.S. hegemony is essential for warding off global chaos. This book argues that hegemony is a fiction propagated to support a large defense establishment, justifying American claims to world leadership, and buttressing the self-esteem of voters. It is also contrary to American interests and the global order. This book argues that hegemony should instead find expression in agenda setting, economic custodianship, and the sponsorship of global initiatives. Today, these functions are diffused through the system, with European countries, China, and lesser powers making important contributions. In contrast, the United States has often been a source of political and economic instability. Rejecting the focus on power common to American realists and liberals, the book offers a novel analysis of influence. In the process, they differentiate influence from power and power from material resources. Their analysis shows why the United States, the greatest power the world has ever seen, is increasingly incapable of translating its power into influence. The book's analysis formulates a more realistic place for America in world affairs.
John Reumann
- Published in print:
- 1991
- Published Online:
- October 2011
- ISBN:
- 9780198262015
- eISBN:
- 9780191682285
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198262015.001.0001
- Subject:
- Religion, Biblical Studies
The blend of variety and unity apparent in the thought of the New Testament has been a subject for theological debate through the ages. Certain themes, teachings, and characterizations are clearly ...
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The blend of variety and unity apparent in the thought of the New Testament has been a subject for theological debate through the ages. Certain themes, teachings, and characterizations are clearly consistent, but others are perplexing in their diversity. This distinction was acknowledged by the New Testament writers themselves. For example, the author of 2 Peter looking back at the letters of ‘our beloved brother Paul’ confesses that they contain ‘some things hard to understand’. This book explores in detail the different aspects of variety and unity in the entire New Testament. The book gives special attention to the sixteen books which fall outside the central Gospels and Pauline epistles and which offer the greatest challenge to the defence of unity. These include such important writings as Revelation, 1 Peter, Hebrews, and James. The discussion shows that, despite contemporary emphasis on the pluralism of the writings, there remains a central unifying focus: faith in Jesus as the Christ. Emphases on social setting, rhetoric, and narrative are shown to enrich traditional historical criticism and to open up the New Testament for readers today.Less
The blend of variety and unity apparent in the thought of the New Testament has been a subject for theological debate through the ages. Certain themes, teachings, and characterizations are clearly consistent, but others are perplexing in their diversity. This distinction was acknowledged by the New Testament writers themselves. For example, the author of 2 Peter looking back at the letters of ‘our beloved brother Paul’ confesses that they contain ‘some things hard to understand’. This book explores in detail the different aspects of variety and unity in the entire New Testament. The book gives special attention to the sixteen books which fall outside the central Gospels and Pauline epistles and which offer the greatest challenge to the defence of unity. These include such important writings as Revelation, 1 Peter, Hebrews, and James. The discussion shows that, despite contemporary emphasis on the pluralism of the writings, there remains a central unifying focus: faith in Jesus as the Christ. Emphases on social setting, rhetoric, and narrative are shown to enrich traditional historical criticism and to open up the New Testament for readers today.
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/9780195371055.003.0012
- Subject:
- Business and Management, Marketing
This chapter shows how the firm should coordinate its advertising message, branding, and product positioning strategies. It distinguishs between the short and long runs, single-product and ...
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This chapter shows how the firm should coordinate its advertising message, branding, and product positioning strategies. It distinguishs between the short and long runs, single-product and multiproduct firms, established and new products, durable and nondurable products, and whether the firm is a market leader or not.Less
This chapter shows how the firm should coordinate its advertising message, branding, and product positioning strategies. It distinguishs between the short and long runs, single-product and multiproduct firms, established and new products, durable and nondurable products, and whether the firm is a market leader or not.
Jack Hayward (ed.)
- Published in print:
- 2008
- Published Online:
- September 2008
- ISBN:
- 9780199535026
- eISBN:
- 9780191715860
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199535026.001.0001
- Subject:
- Political Science, Comparative Politics, European Union
From the 1950s, successive incarnations of European integration were intended to be leaderless. They have shown that much can be achieved without sustained leadership. Attachment to national ...
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From the 1950s, successive incarnations of European integration were intended to be leaderless. They have shown that much can be achieved without sustained leadership. Attachment to national sovereignty of elites and mass populations has meant that in practice confederalism has been implicitly accepted for the foreseeable future. Three issue clusters are clarified in this book. First, who provided the impetus to integration? Particular insiders episodically exerted decisive innovative influence, while conciliating the jealous champions of national sovereignty, illustrated in this book by case studies of economic and monetary, environmental, and technology policies. Second, the book asks why is the European Union currently leaderless? The weakened Commission and increasingly assertive European Council and Council of Ministers contend to control agenda-setting. Foreign and Security policy shows EU leaderlessness most conspicuously. The reduced capacity of the Franco-German tandem to offer acceptable leadership and British incapacity to join or replace them in overall control are discussed. Third, European integration has nevertheless advanced thanks to the European Court of Justice enforcing agreed policies on laggard national governments, while the European Parliament acts as both ally and constraint on the Commission, Council of Ministers, and rotating presidency in improving incremental changes. So, the European Union muddles forward.Less
From the 1950s, successive incarnations of European integration were intended to be leaderless. They have shown that much can be achieved without sustained leadership. Attachment to national sovereignty of elites and mass populations has meant that in practice confederalism has been implicitly accepted for the foreseeable future. Three issue clusters are clarified in this book. First, who provided the impetus to integration? Particular insiders episodically exerted decisive innovative influence, while conciliating the jealous champions of national sovereignty, illustrated in this book by case studies of economic and monetary, environmental, and technology policies. Second, the book asks why is the European Union currently leaderless? The weakened Commission and increasingly assertive European Council and Council of Ministers contend to control agenda-setting. Foreign and Security policy shows EU leaderlessness most conspicuously. The reduced capacity of the Franco-German tandem to offer acceptable leadership and British incapacity to join or replace them in overall control are discussed. Third, European integration has nevertheless advanced thanks to the European Court of Justice enforcing agreed policies on laggard national governments, while the European Parliament acts as both ally and constraint on the Commission, Council of Ministers, and rotating presidency in improving incremental changes. So, the European Union muddles forward.
Ziheng Yang
- Published in print:
- 2006
- Published Online:
- April 2010
- ISBN:
- 9780198567028
- eISBN:
- 9780191728280
- Item type:
- book
- Publisher:
- Oxford University Press
- DOI:
- 10.1093/acprof:oso/9780198567028.001.0001
- Subject:
- Biology, Evolutionary Biology / Genetics
The field of molecular evolution has experienced explosive growth in recent years due to the rapid accumulation of genetic sequence data, continuous improvements to computer hardware and software, ...
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The field of molecular evolution has experienced explosive growth in recent years due to the rapid accumulation of genetic sequence data, continuous improvements to computer hardware and software, and the development of sophisticated analytical methods. The increasing availability of large genomic data sets requires powerful statistical methods to analyse and interpret them, generating both computational and conceptual challenges for the field. This book provides a comprehensive coverage of modern statistical and computational methods used in molecular evolutionary analysis, such as maximum likelihood and Bayesian statistics. It describes the models, methods and algorithms that are most useful for analysing the ever-increasing supply of molecular sequence data, with a view to furthering our understanding of the evolution of genes and genomes. The book emphasizes essential concepts rather than mathematical proofs. It includes detailed derivations and implementation details, as well as numerous illustrations, worked examples, and exercises.Less
The field of molecular evolution has experienced explosive growth in recent years due to the rapid accumulation of genetic sequence data, continuous improvements to computer hardware and software, and the development of sophisticated analytical methods. The increasing availability of large genomic data sets requires powerful statistical methods to analyse and interpret them, generating both computational and conceptual challenges for the field. This book provides a comprehensive coverage of modern statistical and computational methods used in molecular evolutionary analysis, such as maximum likelihood and Bayesian statistics. It describes the models, methods and algorithms that are most useful for analysing the ever-increasing supply of molecular sequence data, with a view to furthering our understanding of the evolution of genes and genomes. The book emphasizes essential concepts rather than mathematical proofs. It includes detailed derivations and implementation details, as well as numerous illustrations, worked examples, and exercises.
