In this paper we show how the dynamics of the Schrödinger, Pauli and Dirac particles can be described in a hierarchy of Clifford algebras, \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}${\mathcal{C}}_{1,3}, {\mathcal{C}}_{3,0}$\end{document}, and \documentclass[12pt]{minimal} \usepackage{amsmath} \usepackage{wasysym} \usepackage{amsfonts} \usepackage{amssymb} \usepackage{amsbsy} \usepackage{mathrsfs} \usepackage{upgreek} \setlength{\oddsidemargin}{-69pt} \begin{document}${\mathcal{C}}_{0,1}$\end{document}. Information normally carried by the wave function is encoded in elements of a minimal left ideal, so that all the physical information appears within the algebra itself. The state of the quantum process can be (...) completely characterised by algebraic invariants of the first and second kind. The latter enables us to show that the Bohm energy and momentum emerge from the energy-momentum tensor of standard quantum field theory. Our approach provides a new mathematical setting for quantum mechanics that enables us to obtain a complete relativistic version of the Bohm model for the Dirac particle, deriving expressions for the Bohm energy-momentum, the quantum potential and the relativistic time evolution of its spin for the first time. (shrink)

In this paper, we re-examine a series of gedanken welcher Weg (WW) experiments introduced by Scully, Englert and Walther that contain the essential ideas underlying the quantum eraser. For this purpose we use the Bohm model which gives a sharp picture of the behaviour of the atoms involved in these experiments. This model supports the thesis that interference disappears in such WW experiments, even though the centre of mass wave function remains coherent throughout the experiment. It also shows exactly what (...) it means to say ‘that the interference can be restored by manipulating the WW detectors long after the atoms have passed’. It does not support Wheeler’s notion that ‘the past is undefined and undefinable without the observation (in the present)’. (shrink)

Upshot: Albeit mostly supportive of our work, the commentaries we received highlighted a few points that deserve additional explanation, with regard to the notion of learning in our model, the relationship between our model and the brain, as well as the notion of anticipation. This open discussion emphasizes the need for toy computer models, to fuel theoretical discussion and prevent business-as-usual from getting in the way of new ideas.

Writing in the tradition of Deweyan pragmatism, the author is critical of the transcendent in ethics, and explicitly accuses Niebuhr of making his political ethic a no-man's-land between an antiquarian view of human nature, and man's dependence upon an intrusion of grace at the end. Odegard raises important questions, but his treatment is superficial in many instances, and is directed from a position which is assumed, not defended.--J. E. B.

The intent of this work is to examine the relationship between the divine "Yes" and "No" as they appear in Barth's thought. Berkouwer maintains that Barth sees in God's "No" to the nature of sinful man only a powerful re-affirmation of what is most important to Barth--the inexorable triumph of divine grace. The implications of this thesis are thoughtfully and critically set forth. --J. E. B.

The author brings a musical competence to bear upon an original treatment of music as a natural phenomenon. This attempt to treat music, not primarily as a product of artistic genius, but as a part of experience in general, involves a study of motion, time and space. The analysis of musical time and motions develops those concepts after the manner of the philosophers of process. Most interesting is the consideration of musical space in which Zuckerkandl elaborates what he alleges is (...) Heidegger's suggestion of space as "force" from "out there."--J. E. B. (shrink)

Emphasizing Hume's claim of a gulf between the rational bases of religion and its empirical, historical origins, the Introduction holds that the History marks the beginning of the philosophy of religion. --J. E. B.

A paperback reprint. The introduction is excellent. --J. E. B.

This translation of Botero's sixteenth century work, supposedly an attack on Machiavelli, is based on the Italian edition of 1948. The work is written as 'advice to the Prince' and covers a variety of subjects from the construction of fortresses to the morality of the ruler. The principal theme is the necessity for the restoration of morality to politics. Because of the importance of the Counter-reformation in Botero's time, special attention is also given to the role of the church and (...) religion in the securing of an ideal state.--J. E. B. (shrink)

Articles by Castelli, Dempf, de Corte, del Noce, Garin, Gigon, Gouhier, Guéroult, Husserl, Lombardi, Valori, and Wagner on a variety of topics pertinent to the philosophy of history, such as myth and history, legitimacy of the philosophy of history, and historic intention. Of special interest is a commentary and French translation by M. Valori of two unpublished manuscripts of Husserl. In these manuscripts one can see how Husserl views the place of phenomenological study in the history of philosophy since Descartes.--J. (...) E. B. (shrink)

The right not to know is underappreciated in policy-making. Despite its articulation in medical law and ethics, policy-makers too easily let other concerns override the right not to know. This observation is triggered by a recent decision of the Dutch government on embryo selection for Huntington’s disease. This is a monogenetic debilitating disease without cure, leading to death in early middle age, and thus is a likely candidate for preimplantation genetic diagnosis. People possibly affected with the Huntington gene do not (...) always want to know their genetic status themselves, which is very burdensome knowledge. For prospective parents, this creates a difficulty in having unaffected children through embryo selection without knowing their own genetic status. A solution is provided by the exclusion test: it allows embryo selection while honouring the parents’ right not to know. The Dutch government however disallowed the exclusion test and chose to allow PGD on Huntington only for parents who test themselves first. To avoid “unnecessary” in-vitro fertilisation procedures for unaffected parents, prospective parents are “forced to know” before they can conceive through embryo selection. This article analyses the scope of the right not to know in the context of embryo selection against Huntington’s disease. It concludes that the right not to know implies that PGD against Huntington should be allowed by means of the exclusion test. (shrink)

A collection of essays by Oakeshott, Weldon, Macdonald, Rees, Quinton, Mayo, Bambrough, Gaillie, Williams and Laslett. The preface describes this work as representative of the effort to recover the area of politics and society for philosophy. With the exception of essays by Oakeshott, Gaillie and Laslett, the writings are fairly routine applications of the analytic philosophical position to questions related to politics; these applications might just as easily have been made by anyone familiar with the literature of analytic philosophy. Gaillie, (...) in the most stimulating piece of the group, attempts to show that contemporary society is possessed of a double moral personality in which eighteenth century liberalism and modern socialism are found coexistent in the same individual.--J. E. B. (shrink)

A monograph written as a result of research and study in Japan during the summer of 1956. Concerned primarily with contemporary developments, it includes special emphases upon Shintoism, Buddhism and Christianity. Perhaps the most interesting part is the section termed "The New Religions." If the author is correct, these new religions are marked by an essentially practical and simple, nonformal faith; their primary concern is said to be direct profit from faith, "rewards of health and success."--J. E. B.

An edition based upon the Elwes translation, consisting of selections from Parts III, IV, and V of the original. The text has been prepared in such a way that the mathematical method of Spinoza has been obscured by a more literary arrangement.--J. E. B.

A paperback reprint of Berkeley's classic work published first in 1710.--J. E. B.

A poorly written book which is anti-Catholic, antitrinitarian, pro-American and pro-democracy.--J. E. B.