Akerlof's substantial introduction to this volume tells the story of these papers, connecting them and showing how his later work has built upon his early contributions, in many cases improving their arguments, their subtlety, and their usefulness today.

In her recent article in this journal, Joy Gordon provides an astute history and critique of the evolution and application of smart sanctions within the United Nations system since the mid-1990s. Her analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of the discrete types of smart sanctions is part of a growing discussion among both academics and practitioners about the future and the utility of these measures. As always, her continued skepticism about the effectiveness and ethical dimensions of economic sanctions deserves serious (...) consideration and evaluation. In particular, Gordon raises three central concerns: (1) smart sanctions are no more successful than traditional trade sanctions; (2) each type of targeted mechanism has serious flaws; and (3) targeted sanctions did not end the humanitarian damage or the related ethical dilemmas that are embedded into sanctions design and implementation. (shrink)

The author examines the 1945 and 1948 versions of the Davis-Moore functionalist theory of stratification. The analysis explores the basic postulates, assumptions, and logical articulation of the theory and isolates its distinctively functionalist components. This is followed by a historical account of the major criticisms leveled at the theory. The critics have succeeded in showing the fallacious and tautologous character of the functionalist components, thus, in effect, destroying the theory as a theory. Despite this destruction, various portions of the Davis-Moore (...) theory are shown to be usable, to contain valuable insights, and to be capable of further development. (shrink)

(2001). Against a third dogma of logical empiricism: Otto Neurath and 'unpredictability in principle' International Studies in the Philosophy of Science: Vol. 15, No. 2, pp. 199-209. doi: 10.1080/02698590120059068.

This intriguing and ground-breaking book is the first in-depth study of the development of philosophy of science in the United States during the Cold War. It documents the political vitality of logical empiricism and Otto Neurath's Unity of Science Movement when these projects emigrated to the US in the 1930s and follows their de-politicization by a convergence of intellectual, cultural and political forces in the 1950s. Students of logical empiricism and the Vienna Circle treat these as strictly intellectual non-political projects. (...) In fact, the refugee philosophers of science were highly active politically and debated questions about values inside and outside science, as a result of which their philosophy of science was scrutinized politically both from within and without the profession, by such institutions as J. Edgar Hoover's FBI. It will prove absorbing reading to philosophers and historians of science, intellectual historians, and scholars of Cold War studies. (shrink)

To be successful, children cannot adopt a victim mentality. When confronted with challenges, character matters -- responding effectively to address life’s challenges. Schools must teach character development in an environment that holds children responsible and accountable.

The Will to Orthodoxy: A Critical Genealogy of Northern Chan Buddhism. Bernard Faure. Translated by Phyllis Brooks. Stanford University Press, Stanford 1997. xii, 289 pp. Cloth $49.50, pbk $19.95. ISBN 08047 2865 8/2866 6.

Cognitive science is a child of the 1950s, the product of a time when psychology, anthropology and linguistics were redefining themselves and computer science and neuroscience as disciplines were coming into existence. Psychology could not participate in the cognitive revolution until it had freed itself from behaviorism, thus restoring cognition to scientific respectability. By then, it was becoming clear in several disciplines that the solution to some of their problems depended crucially on solving problems traditionally allocated to other disciplines. Collaboration (...) was called for: this is a personal account of how it came about. (shrink)

James Cameron’s critically acclaimed movie Avatar was nominated for nine Academy Awards and received countless accolades for its breath-taking visuals and use of 3D technology. But beyond its cinematic splendour, can Avatar also offer us insights into business ethics, empathy, disability, and the relationship between mind and body? Can getting to know the Na’vi, an alien species, enlarge our vision and help us to “see” both our world and ourselves in new ways? Avatar and Philosophy is a revealing journey through (...) the world of Pandora and the huge range of philosophical themes raised by James Cameron’s groundbreaking film Explores philosophical issues such as religion, morality, aesthetics, empathy, identity, the relationship of mind and body, environmental and business ethics, technology, and just war theory Examines a wide range of topics from the blockbuster movie, including attitudes toward nature, our responsibilities to nonhuman species, colonialism, disability, and communitarian ethics Written by an esteemed group of philosophers who are avid fans of Avatar themselves Explains philosophical concepts in an enjoyable and accessible manner that will appeal to all levels of readers With a new trilogy of sequels now announced, this is the ideal entry point for understanding the world of Pandora for fans and newcomers alike. (shrink)

This article is about Otto Neurath’s infamous proposal to combat metaphysics by creating and publishing an index of prohibited words. The logic of this proposal is explicated in the frameworks of Neurath’s philosophy of science and his International Encyclopedia of Unified Science. I reconstruct two arguments within Neurath’s project to defend the proposal against criticisms from Neurath’s colleagues and against the charge that philosophers ought not be censors.

This volume explains how Star Trek allows viewers to comprehend significant aspects of Georg Hegel's concept the absolute, the driving force behind history. Gonzalez, with wit and wisdom, explains how Star Trek exhibits central elements of the absolute. He describes how themes and ethos central to the show display the concept beautifully. For instance, the show posits that people must possess the correct attitudes in order to bring about an ideal society: a commitment to social justice; an unyielding commitment to (...) the truth; and a similar commitment to scientific, intellectual discovery. These characteristics serve as perfect embodiments of Hegel's conceptualization, and Gonzalez's analysis is sharp and exacting. George A. Gonzalez is Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Miami, USA. He specializes in the fields of political theory, popular culture, and environmental politics and policy. In the areas of popular culture and political theory he has published two articles in the journal Foundation: The International Review of Science Fiction, as well as the book The Politics of Star Trek: Justice, War, and the Future. (shrink)

Katniss Everdeen, die 16-jährige Heldin der "Tribute von Panem", ist mehr als eine Romanheldin. Ihr Schicksal veranlasst uns, über Dinge wie Autorität und Rebellion nachzudenken. Die postapokalyptische Welt von Panem zeigt uns eine Welt am Abgrund. Während ein Teil der Gesellschaft am Rande des Krieges steht und um das Überleben kämpft, gibt es auf der anderen Seite die Regierenden, das "Kapitol", das im Luxus lebt und Gefallen an einem alljährlichen grausamen Spiel findet, bei dem nur einer der ausgelosten Mitspielenden überleben (...) darf. Die Helden der Trilogie kämpfen mit schrecklichen Entscheidungen und moralischen Dilemmas - Grund genug, sich vor dem Hintergrund der Philosophie zum Beispiel mit Fragen wie diesen auseinanderzusetzen: - Sind normale moralische Regeln in der Arena überhaupt gültig? - Darf Unterhaltung auch gefährlich sein? Und wenn ja, warum kann es uns gefallen, anderen dabei zuzusehen, wie sie leiden? - Wie können wir zwischen Realität und Fiktion unterscheiden? - Kann Philosophie Katniss helfen, sich zwischen Peeta und Gale zu entscheiden? Das vorliegende Buch bedient sich der Lehren der bedeutendsten Philosophen, wie Platon, Aristoteles, Kant, Locke und Darwin, um einen tiefen Blick in die Geschichte und Themen der Bücher und Filme zu werfen: z. B. Opferung, Altruismus, moralische Entscheidungen, soziale Klassen und Geschlecht. (shrink)