Showing papers in "Studia Humana in 2016"
TL;DR: In this paper, a stipulative definition of "emotions" is proposed to determine their functions, including informative, calibrating, identifying, existential, and motivating functions, and they capture the world as either positive or negative, important or unimportant.
Abstract: Abstract This paper attempts to coin a stipulative definition of “emotions” to determine their functions. In this sense, “emotion” is a complex phenomenon consisting of an accurate (reliable) determination of the state of affairs in relation to the state of the subject and specific “points of adaptation”. Apart from the cognitive aspect, this phenomenon also includes behavior, physiological changes and expressions (facial expression, voice, posture), feelings, and “execution” of emotions in the nervous system. Emotions fulfill informative, calibrating, identifying, existential, and motivating functions. Emotions capture the world as either positive or negative, important or unimportant, and are used to determine and assign weightings (to set up a kind of hierarchy). They emerge automatically (involuntarily), are difficult (or hardly possible) to control and are (to some extent) influenced by culture.
13 citations
TL;DR: Evidence will be presented that a (mostly) non-reproducing exemplar caste of celibate clergy was a eusocial-facilitating aspect of religion in western social evolution.
Abstract: Abstract Eusociality is the most successful animal social system on earth. It is found in many social insects, a few crustacean species, and only three vertebrates: two African naked mole rats and human beings. Eusociality, so unusual for a vertebrate, is one of main factors leading to human beings becoming the most successful land vertebrate on earth by almost any measure. We are also unique in being the only land vertebrate with religions. Could the two be related? This article will present evidence, illustrated primarily with Judaism and Christianity, that these two seemingly unrelated social systems – eusociality and religion – that correlate temporally in our evolution, are possibly related. Evidence will also be presented that a (mostly) non-reproducing exemplar caste of celibate clergy was a eusocial-facilitating aspect of religion in western social evolution.
13 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors deal with the most controversial episode within the Byzantine polemics on the Filioque, Nicephorus Blemmydes' acknowledgement of proceeding of the Spirit through the Son providing that the Son be considered as generated through the Spirit.
Abstract: Abstract The paper deals with the most controversial - in the modern scholarly discussion - episode within the Byzantine polemics on the Filioque, Nicephorus Blemmydes‘ acknowledgement of proceeding of the Spirit through the Son providing that the Son be considered as generated through the Spirit. The logical intuition behind this theological idea is explicated in the terms of paraconsistent logic and especially of a kind of paraconsistent numbers called by the author “pseudo-natural numbers”. Such numbers could not be interpreted via the notion of ordered pair. Instead, they imply a known (first described by Emil Post in 1941) but still little studied logical connective ternary exclusive OR.
11 citations
10 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors reconstruct the views on emotions of particular thinkers in history of philosophy and present a reconstruction of the views of particular philosophers on emotions in the context of philosophy.
Abstract: Abstract In recent decades, there has been a renewed attention to the emotions amongst scientists of different disciplines: psychology, psychiatry, neurobiology, cognitive science, computer science, sociology, economics, and many others. There are many research centers and scientific journals devoted to affective states already existing. However, studies of emotion have a very long history - especially in philosophy (anthropology, ethics, aesthetics, epistemology, and rhetoric). Philosophers first raised many important questions about emotions and their contribution to the discovery of the nature of emotions is very important. The aim of the article is the reconstruction of the views on emotions of particular thinkers in history of philosophy.
10 citations
TL;DR: Analysis of the key theories of modern physics with regard to historical and scientific, historical and philosophical perspectives is carried out to detect the succession of the associated with time perception ideas, their development, as well as the origination of fundamentally new ones.
Abstract: The article deals with the problem of time in the context of several theories of modern physics. This fundamental concept inevitably arises in physical theories, but so far there is no adequate description of it in the philosophy of science. In the theory of relativity, quantum field theory, Standard Model of particle physics, theory of loop quantum gravity, superstring theory and other most recent theories the idea of time is shown explicitly or not. Sometimes, such as in the special theory of relativity, it plays a significant role and sometimes it does not. But anyway it exists and is implied by the content of the theory, which in some cases directly includes its mathematical tools. Fundamental difference of space-time processes in microcosm and macrocosm is of particular importance for solving the problem. In this regard, a need to understand the time in the way it appears in modern physics, to describe it in the language of philosophy arises (satisfactory for time description mathematical tools also do not exist).
8 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors focus on the picture of procrastination and its underlying mechanisms in order to locate it in a broader domain of affect regulation as a specific form of self-regulatory lapse.
Abstract: Abstract This article aims in situating procrastination, as a specific form of affect regulation failure in context of general affect and self-regulation literature. This will be brought starting with definition of the phenomenon and its’ various forms and perspectives. Next, giving an insight into affect regulation literature. In the third step we will focus on elaborating the picture of procrastination and its’ underlying mechanisms in order to locate it in a broader domain of affect regulation as a specific form of self-regulatory lapse. A commentary regarding dealing with procrastination and effective affect regulation will be provided.
5 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the core idea of this paper assumes that religious beliefs do not affect aggression and wars directly, but they can sometimes strengthen or weaken some biological mechanisms that then can be used to compete by conflicts or by not-violent inter-group competition.
Abstract: Abstract Many scholars that study of religion and religious beliefs find that they affect behavioral patterns. Some of them suggest that this impact is morally wrong because religion and religious beliefs can cause aggression, conflicts, and wars. However, it seems that this topic is more complicated and complex. Here I show that religion and religious beliefs can affect mentioned above morally wrong patterns only in some particular cases. Usually they do not do it. Here I show an outline of philosophical historical approach that was critically oriented against religion and that accused it about conflicts and wars. Then I briefly discuss two current scientific research approaches to the study of religion, cognitive and evolutionary. They falsify these critically oriented philosophers because they treat connection between religious beliefs and conflicts as random and necessary. The core idea of this paper assumes that religious beliefs do not affect aggression and wars directly. They can sometimes strengthen or weaken some biological mechanisms that then can be used to compete by conflicts or by not-violent inter-group competition.
4 citations
TL;DR: The most important points of nature vs nurture debate from the perspective of biological research are addressed, especially in the light of the recent findings in the field of epigenetics.
Abstract: Abstract The concept of “nature and nurture” is used to distinguish between genetic and environmental influences on the formation of individual, mainly behavioral, traits. Different approaches that interpret nature and nurture as completely opposite or complementary aspects of human development have been discussed for decades. The paper addresses the most important points of nature vs nurture debate from the perspective of biological research, especially in the light of the recent findings in the field of epigenetics. The most important biological concepts, such as the trait, phenotype and genotype, as well as the evolution of other crucial notions are presented. Various attempts to find the main source of human variation are discussed - mainly the search for structural variants and the genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A new approach resulting from the discovery of “missing heritability”, as well as the current knowledge about the possible influence of epigenetic mechanisms on human traits are analyzed. Finally, the impact of epigenetic revolution on the society (public attitude, health policy, human rights etc.) is discussed.
4 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the fundamental relation between Islamic political movements and the establishment of the Islamic law (Shari'a) is assessed and the structural violation of Human Rights is rooted in the traditional concept of Islamic law or Sharia, which obtains its immunity by an illegitimate power.
Abstract: Abstract This paper assesses the fundamental relation between the Islamic-political movements and establishment of the Islamic law (Shari’a). I argue against the critiques of western foreign policy and show that the Islamic State (Caliphate) is both a result of the historical process of the people of a region and the extreme interpretation of the text and Sunna which emphasizes on the traditional Sharia law and the concept of Jihad by fortifying political Islam qua militant Islam. I argue that the Islamic revival aims to a certain political order which threatens the world security and peace. Moreover, I argue that the structural violation of Human Rights is rooted in the traditional concept of Islamic law or Sharia, which obtains its immunity by an illegitimate power. This traditional Islamic law is the inalienable character of authoritarian/totalitarian regimes. This paper is based on the assumption that the extreme ideological/theoretical interpretation implies the empirical objectives of Militant Islamic community with or without any external influential elements. In this sense, we can address the question: how different interpretations and traditions in executing the Islamic Sharia give the social and political grounds a seed for the emergence of violence and terrorism. At the end, this paper ends with a propose which emphasizes on the role of international cooperation to find a resolution and also on the education as a long-term plan to defeat extremism and terrorism.
4 citations
TL;DR: The question of whether finding neural correlates of religious experience is not just a matter of time is also raised as mentioned in this paper, considering that the brain is involved in human thinking, feeling and behaviour.
Abstract: Abstract Considering that the brain is involved in human thinking, feeling and behaviour, we must also ask the question of whether finding neural correlates of religious experience is not just a matter of time. The questions ‘if’ and ‘how’ human brain responds to or generates religious experience capture the interest of researchers from various fields of science. Their joint efforts and scientific discourse lead to implementation of bold interdisciplinary research projects, with a far-reaching goal of explaining the mystery of faith and religion. Studies conducted at the meeting point of empirical and theological sciences raise controversies and criticism. Examples include the discussions on natural and theological experiments, collectively called neurotheology.
TL;DR: Main features of two groups of logics for biological devices, called Physarum Chips, based on the plasmodium, are considered, which formalizes the plAsmodium behaviour under conditions of nutrient-poor substrate and deals with non-well-founded data such as infinite streams.
Abstract: Abstract The paper considers main features of two groups of logics for biological devices, called Physarum Chips, based on the plasmodium. Let us recall that the plasmodium is a single cell with many diploid nuclei. It propagates networks by growing pseudopodia to connect scattered nutrients (pieces of food). As a result, we deal with a kind of computing. The first group of logics for Physarum Chips formalizes the plasmodium behaviour under conditions of nutrient-poor substrate. This group can be defined as standard storage modification machines. The second group of logics for Physarum Chips covers the plasmodium computing under conditions of nutrient-rich substrate. In this case the plasmodium behaves in a massively parallel manner and propagates in all possible directions. The logics of the second group are unconventional and deal with non-well-founded data such as infinite streams.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors argue that the Gricean view of communication fails in as much as it pretends to offer an account of all such human interactions, and that a more promising starting point is to consider the variety of contextually determined presumptions that we make about speakers and that we rely upon in interpreting utterances.
Abstract: Abstract In the first part of this paper I consider the Gricean account of communication, as structured by the Cooperative Principle and the four maxims. Several authors, including Jean Goodwin [10], Fred Kauffeld [17], Michael Gilbert [7], Ernie Lepore and Mathew Stone [22], among others, argue that the Gricean view of communication fails in as much as it pretends to offer an account of all such human interactions. As Goodwin and Kauffeld suggest, a more promising starting point is to consider the variety of contextually determined presumptions that we make about speakers and that we rely upon in interpreting utterances. These presumptions are established in various ways, and are dropped, or defeated, in certain conditions. In order to clarify these aspects we need to inquiry into the nature of presumptions. I argue that Kauffeld’s [18], [19], [20] account of presumptions is useful in this context. In the second part of the paper I look at what this account tells us about how, and in what conditions, presumptions in communication are rebutted.
TL;DR: In this article, a discussion of the doctrines of emotions of Plato and Aristotle is presented, with reference to Plato's doctrine of the soul and his concept of a perfect life, and Aristotle's ethics, poetics and rhetoric.
Abstract: Abstract The subject of this essay is a discussion of the doctrines of emotions of Plato and Aristotle. According to both them it is impossible to oust the passions from the good, i.e. happy life. On the contrary, emotions are an important component of human excellence. We investigate this question with reference to Plato’s doctrine of the soul and his concept of a perfect life, and Aristotle’s ethics, poetics and rhetoric.
TL;DR: A wide range of research and stress that study on emotions had its origins in philosophy is presented in this article, where the authors try to point out that many academic disciplines have offered important explanations of various aspects of emotion.
Abstract: Abstract Many academic disciplines have offered important explanations of various aspects of emotion. In the Preface I try to present a wide range of research and stress that study on emotions had its origins in philosophy.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors used some basic concepts of CSR as a starting point for further, not cognitive explanation of religious beliefs, but evolutionary approach towards the study of religion is a good and promising way.
Abstract: Abstract Cognitive approach towards the study of religion is a good and promising way. However, I think that this approach is too narrow and it would be better to use some basic concepts of CSR as a starting point for further, not cognitive explanation of religious. I suppose that religious beliefs should be explained also by their pragmatic functions because they were probably always associated with some pragmatic purposes at the group or at the individual levels. To develop further this last approach, the good explanatory way is the evolutionary study of religion.
TL;DR: Parallel, sequential, parallel-sequential and sequential systems are calculated using continuous logic methods usingContinuous logic methods for the mathematical description of economical systems is given.
Abstract: Abstract An application of continuous logic for the mathematical description of economical systems is given. Parallel, sequential, parallel-sequential and sequentialparallel systems are calculated using continuous logic (CL) methods.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors reconstruct Collingwood's position on this point as it is presented in his Religion and Philosophy, The Principles of Art, and New Leviathan, and then compare it shortly with Bergson's view.
Abstract: Abstract Current research in affectivity is often dominated by perspectives on the feeling/thinking dichotomy. In the paper first I reconstruct Collingwood’s position on this point as it is presented in his Religion and Philosophy, The Principles of Art, and New Leviathan, and then compare it shortly with Bergson’s view. In total five of Collingwood’s different readings of the feeling/thought relation are brought to light. Finally, I opt for a view that takes feeling and thought to be complementary and inseparable, and I try to explain why and how they are better treated in this way.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyze Tolstoy's Resurrection focusing on the feelings expressed in the novel and the ways in which the content of the novel is expressed through artistic means.
Abstract: Abstract The text analyzes Leo Tolstoy’s Resurrection focusing on the feelings expressed in the novel. It focuses on: (I) the ways in which the content of the novel is expressed through artistic means; (II) Tolstoy’s anthropology; (III) the notion of love presented by Ronald de Sousa in his last book Love. A Very Short Introduction: the difference between love and mood or emotion; the classification of love (philia, storge, agape, eros); the distinction between love and lust; love as a reason-free desire; and the notion of the historicity of love.
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of "Responsible Interim" is introduced for Ethics as well as for Hermeneutics, reflecting the fact that human beings do have universals only under the "eschatological reserve" (in Christian terminology), as 'Suchness in Emptiness' (in Buddhist terminology).
Abstract: Abstract Coming from a more comparative point of view as far as Theology of Religions and Interreligious Studies are concerned – though to a certain extent as well as a pluralist in the sense of hope for universal understanding and well-being – I want to ask how Interreligious and Intercultural Hermeneutics are a necessary tool when we try to set up minimal standards for a Global Ethics in the reality of nowadays multicultural societies. I introduce for Ethics as well as for Hermeneutics the concept of ‘Responsible Interim’ – the latter reflecting the fact that human beings do have universals only under the ‘eschatological reserve’ (in Christian terminology), as ‘Suchness in Emptiness’ (in Buddhist terminology). I will proceed from universal truth questions and more general questions of philosophy of religion towards questions of cultural i.e. religious contexts shaping ethical and religious view(s) and convictions. Can smallest common denominators be found? How does legal rule help to establish and keep them? How does society, how do individuals change by starting from a spiritual, creative and holistic and maybe even transpersonal point of view – a view of co-creation and incarnatio continua in religious, i.e. in Christian terminology again?
TL;DR: In this paper, the concept of emotions as adaptive mechanisms was suggested by Aaron Ben-Ze'ev, and Robert Solomon's criticism of the distinction between positive and negative emotions which functions in social sciences.
Abstract: Abstract This paper was inspired by two ideas: (1) the concept of emotions as adaptive mechanisms, which was suggested by Aaron Ben-Ze’ev, and (2) Robert Solomon’s criticism of the distinction between “positive” and “negative” emotions which functions in social sciences. In the context of the above mentioned theoretical perspectives I consider the infamous emotion of pleasure-in-others’-misfortune in terms of possible benefits for the experiencing subject. I focus especially on supposed adaptive quality of pleasure-in-others’-aging.
TL;DR: This article argued that a translator should stick to the original text with taking the semantic fields differences into account while s/he should keep the atmosphere of the source language, making as little changes in the target language as possible.
Abstract: Abstract The article is an unyielding argument supporting the thesis that not only a writer, but also a translator is expected to use their creativity so that nothing is lost in translation. Amongst various factors that influence the process of translating a novel the article focuses on two of them: a translator should stick to the original text with taking the semantic fields differences into account while s/he should keep the atmosphere of the source language, making as little changes in the target language as possible. Marking a translator’s existence in a text is strongly connected with a perlocutionary act. A great example of the translation that covers both principles is The Godfather, written by Mario Puzo and translated from English into Polish by Bronisław Zieliński. He translated only English words into Polish, leaving the target Italian words with no metamorphosis. The article presents the effect obtained by such an action.