Showing papers in "Open Journal of Philosophy in 2021"

Enhancing Artificial Intelligence with Indigenous Wisdom

Abstract: The current “narrow” or “weak” form of artificial intelligence is, by itself, fundamentally a data analysis tool that does nothing more or less than its programming instructs it to do. It has no values or goals of its own, it simply follows the values and pursues the goals provided to it by its programmers. Artificial wisdom has the potential to make artificial intelligence a better tool and eventually perhaps more than a tool, but at least for now artificial wisdom must also be programmed and therefore similarly reflects only the wisdom of its programmers. Artificial intelligence, with its reductionistic ontology of data and its contrived epistemology of algorithms, is the quintessential product of the Western scientific worldview, and the development and application of artificial intelligence and discussions of artificial wisdom still largely reflect that one, narrow worldview. Artificial wisdom would greatly benefit from incorporating elements of non-Western worldviews, particularly the metaphysically inclusive Indigenous worldview. For example, the Navajo concept of hozho involves the normative values and goals of harmony, balance, interrelatedness, and connectedness. Hozho and other Indigenous concepts are potentially paradigm-shifting additions to artificial wisdom and could greatly enhance the usefulness of and overall benefit from applications of artificial intelligence.

Cosmic Space in Zero-Dimension: A Discussion on Spatial Question According to the M-Theory

Abstract: This work will examine the hypothesis that the Essence of the Universe is a dimensionless zero-dimension using a combination of Eastern philosophical ideologies and theories in modern physics. The author proposes that all existence is energy-based, divided into yin and yang, and more specifically, he names them the Intelligent Energy and Fundamental Energy. These two types of energy are simultaneously the existence and existence’s dynamic, and when combined, these energies create the three-dimensional Universe. Under the action of information, they perform exchanges and circulation with all physical substances.

Eplerian Philosophy for a New Way of Life

Abstract: Eplerian philosophy is defined as: “Know who you are moment by moment.” The purpose of this article is to show that the philosophy is based on scientific research, the relevance and implications, and how to apply the fundamental principles. This means knowing where you’re thinking from and that’s who you are. There are four locations you can think from: the head brain, the heart, the belly brain, and the mind. These are independent locations with no interconnection among them, and you can only think from one location at a time. The function of the head brain is to improve our financial and social lives daily by implementing the actions from the heart, the belly brain, and the mind. The feelings from the head brain include anger, stress from self-thinking, and pleasure from the addiction center. Application of the Eplerian philosophy is to bypass the head brain amygdala anger center, cingulate stress center, and the accumbens addiction center by thinking from the heart and the mind. The function of the heart is to keep itself healthy, and the feelings include kindness, empathy, gratitude, and giving. The function of the belly brain is risk-benefit management, and the feeling is fear. The function of the mind is creativity, and the feelings include total calmness and unconditional love. Thinking from the head is unhealthy, unproductive, and causes stress. Thinking from the belly brain keeps us grounded. Thinking from the heart and the mind is healthy and feels good. This is a new way of life for extraordinary living.

A Possible Resolution of the Tractarian Paradox

Abstract: While Wittgenstein examines the relationship between language and the world in the Tractatus, he establishes a paradox which cancels out the possibility of the work being either true or nonsense The crucial question arises as to whether this paradox succeeds in undermining the whole work or whether the work continues to function in some way in spite of it In this article, I explain why previous interpretations aiming to resolve the tractarian paradox have failed, for instance the “traditional view” and the “resolute reading view” My purpose is to propose a third interpretation, which I believe constitutes a possible resolution of the tractarian paradox, since, through this, the role of the paradox is clarified, namely to create space for mysticism

Eliciting Value-Judgments in Health Technology Assessment: An Applied Ethics Decision Making Paradigm

Abstract: The worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has shed more light on the difficulty of making health care decisions integrating scientific knowledge and values associated to life and death issues, human suffering, quality of life, economic losses, liberty of movement, etc. But the difficulties related to health care decisions and the use of innovative drugs or technologies are not new, and many countries have created agencies that have the mandate to evaluate new technologies in health care. Health Technological Assessment (HTA) reports’ aim is to guide the decision makers in these difficult matters. There are two ethical components in HTA. The first is the report’s presentation of an ethical evaluation of the technology. The second is the value-ladenness of the HTA decision-making process itself. When implicit value judgments are not elicited, the justification of the final decision cannot be transparent. The present paper aims to identify and elicit the implicit value-judgments related to each step of the HTA process. This research is grounded on an applied ethics decision-making paradigm based on the role of value judgments in the decision-making process. The first part discusses two different approaches to values and value judgments in HTA. In the second part, citations mentioning value judgments extracted from a systematic review on the integration of ethics into HTA were categorized to elicit the value judgments and their criteria for each different HTA decision-making steps. The results show that there are 18 decision-making steps in the HTA process where 23 implicit value-judgments can be recognized. The range of these value judgments encompasses the whole HTA process: from the initial request, the presenting of the principal issues, to the final report’s dissemination. Since stakeholders need to understand which value judgments the conclusion of a report relies on, eliciting the implicit value judgments in the HTA decision-making process should yield more transparency.

Algebraic Structures of Quantum Physics

Abstract: We examine a series of developments in mathematics used in quantum physics. These include Hilbert space. We then examine how several developments in mathematics can be used in application to Quantum physics.

Applying Logic and Discrete Mathematics to Philosophy of Nature: Precise Defining “Time”, “Matter”, and “Order” in Metaphysics and Thermodinamics

Abstract: The overall frame of the study is determined by applying a not-well-known solution of the problem of logical bridging the notorious gap between statements of being and statements of value to philosophical grounds of thermodynamics. The main hitherto not published significantly new nontrivial result presented in this article is a formal logical inference of a proper physical law of thermodynamics in logically-formalized-theory-Sigma from conjunction of a formal-axiological analog of that physical law in algebra of formal axiology and the assumption of a-priori-ness of knowledge. All the necessary means for constructing the mentioned formal logical inference, namely, a two-valued algebraic system of metaphysics as formal axiology, and a logically formalized axiomatic epistemology system called Sigma are defined precisely.

Unveiling a Power Dynamic in a General Science Class through Positioning Theory

Abstract: Positioning theory was used to identify interactions between an instructor and student in a general science class. Using Anderson’s analysis categories and multiple forms of data provided space to look at typically unseen dynamics. One salient conversation between the instructor, Courtney and student, Matthew reveals power dynamics between them. Without this analysis, the instructor, Courtney, appears to hold all the authority. However, our analysis showed that Matthew held power to move the class forward. It is unclear if they shared this power at the epistemic level in addition to the logistical level.

When Loneliness Evolves into Solitude: The Answer to the Self from Within

Abstract: Loneliness and solitude have similar attributes to individuals, but there is a critical variance between the two regarding the impact on the individual. Loneliness is an unpleasant feeling in a broad sense, while according to some philosophers, solitude is regarded as a joyful necessity when one establishes a deep relationship with the outside world. This article aims to develop a sensible account of the difference between solitude and loneliness by looking at some insightful philosophical viewpoints. Importantly, this article aims to explain the dimensions in which solitude is a positive phenomenon. I will analyze the role of solitude in eliminating loneliness from two aspects: self-consciousness and self-knowledge construction.

Emerging Information Systems and the Design of “iVoz”: A Case Study of Enterprise Social Systems

Abstract: The development of emerging information systems is crucial in two directions. First, these systems increase the accessibility of information to be used by the enterprise social systems. The improvement in the accessibility of the information has a direct repercussion in the reduction of economic costs in the business firms. Second, emerging information systems are a touchstone in the organisation of the new enterprises, because the new models of organisation require the enhancement of information and communication technologies. In this way, emerging information systems influence the structure and dynamics of enterprise social systems, making it possible to achieve goals never before imagined. This paper analyzes a new enterprise social system developed by the Spanish newspaper La Voz de Galicia, called “iVoz”. It is analyzed here to what extent it has contributed to introduce a change in the organization, which has repercussion in three aspects: 1) the model of media company; 2) the structure and dynamics of the daily work of journalists; and 3) the ways in which citizens can access and use information.

Analysis of the Philosophical Category Reflection “Relationship/Communication” in the Kyrgyz Family

Abstract: The article describing family marriage relations and their peculiarities between the ancient Kyrgyz people, the main focus was directed on the philosophical relation categories. Formation of the relationship proves the development of an organic type of communication in the form of a traditional family. According to the general philosophical concept, the Kyrgyz family is not only closely connected with its members, but also has formed a way of life and social norms that belong to the people as a whole.

Rationality and Institutions

Abstract: It is now commonplace to renounce rational action in the social sciences. It is claimed that rationality as the maximization of self-interest is impossible as well as that it is unethical. Yet rational choice remains a most important paradigm for understanding human behaviour. D. Kahneman has contributed to the analysis of human action criticizing the two endpoints, namely perfect individual rationality on the one hand and group or collective decision making on the other hand. The first suffers from bias and the second from noise. Thus, there is somewhat of a contradiction here somewhere, as group rationality could not cancel out individual deficiencies.

What Should Parents Do for Their Children —A Philosophical View of Parental Obligation

Abstract: Parental obligations are the obligations acquired by parents to their young children. It is believed that parents have special obligations to their children. However, what are the contents of such obligations? Are parental obligations limited to meeting children’s basic needs for food, clothing, and shelter? Do parents have an obligation to best promote children’s welfare? What are the requirements of the children’s right to an open future? And is it possible for parents to meet such requirements? In this article, I try to address these issues by appealing to a philosophical view of parental obligation, according to which parental obligations require parents to ensure their children have a reasonable expectation of a decent life. Thus, parents are obligated to protect their children from abuse and neglect, help their children to become autonomous agents and provide their children with an adequate moral education. In addition, although the children’s right to an open future imposes given obligations on parents, it does not indicate that parents are obligated to expose children to as many activities and much experience as possible. Such an understanding of the children’s right to an open future is incorrect.