Since Norbert Wiener presented a new research field called the study of control and communication in the animal and the machine, the biological and the artificial universes are each time more integrated as pieces of a game that involves science, philosophy, technology, arts, architecture and several other fields. It is astonishing to take a look at an imaginary non-linear timeline where it is possible to see the ancient Ars Mnemonica inspiring the Leibniz combinatoria and how all these virtual knowledge structures (...) inspired the development of a communication and control machine called the computer. A machine that is quite an exploded black box artificial systems integrated into biological systems in a cybernetic structure through which most diverse kinds of information flows. We are living in times in which the logic of this machine becomes the core of our post-biological era in its essence, the era in which the biological and artificial realms are immersed in one another. An era in which we see [] humans in fact integrating with the fiction of their imagination as conjured up digitally by the computer, and in which the digital arts emanating from the cosmology of number are also a link between digital finality and infinity imagination, defending man in his impossibility to be simulated (Weibel 1999: 222). Considering this panorama in the contemporary artistic context, it could be stimulating to think about interactive digital art installations as systems in which the elements are both organic and artificial, both physical and virtual, interconnected like they were performing a cybernetic ballet. The aim of the present research is to study this choreography using the complex sciences framework. Following this objective, a series of parameters based on systemic measures of organization and complexity were structured. Our intention is, obviously, not to say that the work of art is more or less systemic, more or less complex or organized, but to help in understanding and to conceive the installation as a system: a complex adaptive system (CAS). (shrink)

In this clear, straightforward introduction to Foucault's thought, Prado focuses on "Discipline and Punish" and the first volume of "The History of Sexuality, " in which Foucault most clearly comes to grips with the historicization of truth and knowledge and the formation of subjectivity. This sympathetic but critical introduction is especially suited for readers more familiar with Anglo-American philosophy than with Continental.

Context: The emergency situation caused by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected different facets of society. Although much of the attention is focused on the health sector, other sectors such as education have also experienced profound transformations and impacts. This sector is usually highly affected by psychosocial risks, and this could be aggravated during the current health emergency. Psychosocial risks may cause health problems, lack of motivation, and a decrease of effectiveness at work, which in turn affect the quality of (...) teaching. Despite their importance, there are hardly any studies that analyze psychosocial risks of non-university teachers during a health emergency such as that caused by COVID-19. Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the perception of COVID-19 and the psychosocial risks of non-university teachers comparing Spain and Mexico during the state of alarm caused by COVID-19. Methods Data were collected from 421 non-university teachers (80.2% women; 56.3% from Mexico, 43.7% from Spain) aged 24–60 ( M = 39.32, SD = 10.21) via a self-completed questionnaire during the pandemic from March to April 2020. Results Data analysis suggests that inequity is the most important risk, followed by work overload. Teachers appear to be moderately satisfied with the information on COVID-19 and the measures taken, while their satisfaction with the available resources is lower. When comparing the two countries, significant differences can be observed in every risk considered except for social support, with lower levels in Mexican teachers compared to Spanish ones. In the case of the perception of COVID-19 and its impact, the perception in general of levels of information, measures, and resources is better among Mexican teachers than among Spanish ones, who present higher scores of the impact of the health emergency. Conclusion The results underline the importance of the professional’s perception of resources during a health emergency, which could prevent to some extent burnout and possible alterations associated with it. The measures taken by the responsible entities and the provision of information do affect teachers not only directly but also indirectly by making them more vulnerable to psychosocial risks that could affect their health and professional performance, thus affecting students as well. (shrink)

For more than seven decades there has been a broad gap between how philosophy is conceived and practiced. Two ill-defined but well-recognized traditions have developed—the "analytic" and "Continental" schools of philosophy. The former traces its roots to philosophers like Frege, Russell, Moore, Wittgenstein, and the logical positivists. The latter has been heavily influenced by Nietzsche, Heidegger, Merleau-Ponty, Foucault, and Derrida, among others. The aim of this collection is to reconsider the often facile characterization of major thinkers as belonging to either (...) one or the other philosophical tradition. The contributors—philosophers from both sides of the divide working in different countries and contexts—all question the problematic conception that the two traditions are incommensurable. Each of their articles compares individual philosophers who have had a major influence on the analytic and Continental traditions with a view to clarifying their similarities and dissimilarities of approach. What this collection of thoughtful articles clearly demonstrates is that regardless of approach and precedents, analytic and Continental philosophers are all doing philosophy, and there are many important points of contact between them. The contributors are: Richard Rorty, whose thoughtful overview highlights the salient points in both traditions; Barry Allen ; Babette E. Babich ; David Cerbone ; Sharyn Clough ; Jonathan Kaplan ; Richard Matthews ; Carlos G. Prado ; Bjorn Torgrim Ramberg ; Mike Sandbothe ; Barry Stocker ; and Ed Witherspoon. (shrink)

In today's world, the corporate image of the largest companies is closely linked to their performance in the field of corporate social responsibility and the disclosure of information on that topic, specifically, on climate change. Since the Board of Directors is the body responsible for this process, the aim of this article is to show the role that companies' Boards of Directors play in the accountability process vis-à-vis stakeholders in relation to one specific aspect which has enormous significance in environmental (...) information: practices used to monitor greenhouse gas emissions. In order to achieve this, we shall verify certain business characteristics, in addition to the size and activity of the Board of Directors, and we shall take different dependence models into consideration. These models will include variables related to the level of independence and diversity of the Board of Directors, which interact with dummy variables representing the company's litigation risks regarding environmental behavior and the institutional macro-context of the organization's country of origin. The results make it clear that Boards of Directors are basically focused on the traditional responsibility of creating economic value, instead of dealing with today's broader business world concepts, which include social responsibility. This focus, therefore, does not favor the accountability process before other stakeholders, if this makes it more difficult to protect the interests of shareholders. (shrink)

El término "expresividad poética" se refiere a las múltiples articulaciones del plano de la expresión, derivadas del valor expresivo del signo lingüístico (ROSSET 1970: 135) y de su particular papel en los dominios poéticos. Los rasgos de significado (como proyección, elevación y relieve) permiten considerar expresivos todos los enunciados poéticos que constituyen un momento particularmente denso en la consolidación formal de la convergencia entre los dos planos (expresión/contenido); por eso se destacan de los otros por su alta densidad de paralelismos (...) estructurales y de isomorfismos, procedimientos responsables de que uno tenga la impresión de que una forma particular de contenido sólo puede ser manifestada por el recorte determinado de una expresión específica. Estas consideraciones tienen un impacto inmediato en la lectura, interpretación y práctica de traducción de poemas, lo que se pretende aquí demostrar, a través del ejemplo de traducción de una fábula de Fedro, escrita en metro yámbico. The term "poetic expressiveness" refers to the multiple joints of the plan of expression, derived from the expressive value of the linguistic sign (ROSSET: 1970, 135) and its particular role in the field of poetry. The features of meaning, such as projection, elevation and salience, make it possible to consider expressive all poetic statements which constitute particularly dense instances in the formal consolidation of a convergence between the two planes (expression/content), and therefore it stands out from the others due to the high density of structural parallelisms and isomorphisms, which are procedures responsible for the impression that a particular form of content can only be expressed by cutting that same specific form of expression out. These considerations have an immediate impact on the reading, interpretation and practice of translating poems, which is intended to be demonstrated here, through an example of translation of a Phaedrus' fable, written in iambic meter. (shrink)

Bento Prado Júnior (1937-2007) foi um dos mais importantes nomes da filosofia feita no Brasil. AUtor de poucos livros mas de vasta produção ensaística, desenvolveu uma ampla reflexão sobre a figura contemporânea do sujeito, e sua originalidade sempre foi reconhecida por seus pares. EM seus últimos anos, o filósofo se dedicava à elaboração de uma trilogia da qual este livro seria o primeiro volume. ELa versaria sobre as relações entre teoria do sujeito (Ipseitas), teoria da ação (Actio) e teoria (...) estética (Contemplatio). INfelizmente, apenas o primeiro volume foi deixado em estado de manuscrito, não havendo indicações sobre os demais. O Leitor verá neste livro incompleto, editado e organizado por Vladimir Safatle, o movimento vivo de uma experiência de pensamento em plena operação. TOda sua escrita é marcada pela emergência de articulações surpreendentes e problemas transversais que indicam uma capacidade incomum de reconstruir questões e tensionar nossos conceitos hegemônicos de razão. PRova maior da maturidade da filosofia feita entre nós. (shrink)

This study presents a theory of causally complex configurations of antecedent conditions influencing the adoption versus non-adoption of international supplier ethical certification-standards. Using objective measures of antecedents and outcomes, a large-scale study of exporting firms in the cut-flower industry in two South American countries supports the theory. The theory includes the following and additional propositions. No single -antecedent condition is sufficient for accurately predicting a high membership score in outcome conditions; the outcome conditions include a firm’s adoption or rejection of (...) a product certification. No single -antecedent condition is necessary for accurately predicting high scores in the outcome condition. A few complex antecedent conditions are sufficient but the occurrence of each is not necessary for accurately predicting high scores in an outcome condition. Causal asymmetry of antecedent conditions indicating adoption versus non-adoption of specific ethical standards occurs—that is, causal conditions leading to rejection are not the mirror opposites of causal conditions leading to adoption. (shrink)

en este artículo la imaginación es el concepto clave para identificar la evolución epistemológica del hombre natural. A través de la primacía del sentimiento de placer se va a exponer, en tres momentos, el desarrollo de las facultades mentales en donde, primero, predomina una imaginación pictórica individual que refiere el placer a los objetos de la sensibilidad y utiliza la razón calculadora para asegurárselos de forma continua. Segundo, su paso hacia una imaginación pictórica mediada por un poder capaz de reunir (...) a los hombres e imponerse, que refiere el placer hacia una realidad de signos y comportamientos comunes. Por último, la inmediatez del sentimiento de placer de la imaginación pictórica es subordinada al placer derivado de la creación de símbolos significativos lingüísticos y se ciñe a ellos. (shrink)

This book compares John Searle and Michel Foucault's radically opposed views on truth in order to demonstrate the need for invigorating cross-fertilization between the analytic and Continental philosophical traditions. By pressing beyond familiar clichés about analytic philosophy and postmodernism, a surprising convergence of Searle and Foucault's thought on truth emerge. The analytic impression of Foucault is of a radical relativist whose views on truth entail linguistic idealism. Searle himself has contributed to this impression through his aggressive critique of postmodern thinkers, (...) especially Derrida. Prado lays this misperception to rest, showing analytic philosophers that Foucault's ideas about truth are defensible and merit serious attention, while also demonstrating to Continental philosophers that Searle's cannot be ignored. (shrink)

La mayoría de las épocas histórico-artísticas han adquirido su denominación en tiempos recientes. La época comprendida entre el siglo XVII y la primera mitad del XVIII terminó siendo bautizada por Heinrich Wölfflin como Barroco, aunque el concepto ya existía previamente con otras acepciones y no como estilo. A partir de las obras del escritor suizo Renacimiento y Barroco (1888) y de Conceptos fundamentales de la historia del arte (1915) el concepto comenzó a adquirir unas dimensiones insospechadas hasta el punto de (...) que a nuestra época se la ha denominado neobarroco, por las analogías con aquélla. En el presente trabajo voy a utilizar el concepto de barroco como un instrumento de corte, ante todo, estético y estilístico que, al mismo tiempo, va unido a cuestiones epocales y anímicas con objeto de analizar determinadas propuestas artísticas en diferentes campos, como la pintura y la música, mostrando que la proyección del concepto abarca ámbitos de la realidad de gran eficacia hermenéutica. (shrink)

Concern with elective-death decisions usually focuses on individuals' competence and understanding of their situations and prospects. If problematic influences on individuals are considered, they almost invariably have to do with matters such as depression and the effects of medication. Too little attention is paid to how individuals, as subjects, are products of both external cultural and social influences on them, and of internal efforts and needs that determine their subjectivity.

Background Biomedical and ethnographic studies among indigenous people are common practice in health and geographical research. Prior health research misconduct has been documented, particularly when obtaining genetic material. The objective of this study was to crossmatch previously published data with the perceptions of the Waorani peoples about the trading of their genetic material and other biological samples. Methods We conducted a mixed methods study design using a tailored 15-item questionnaire in 72 participants and in-depth interviews in 55 participants belonging to (...) 20 Waorani communities about their experiences and perceptions of participating in biomedical research projects. Additionally, we conducted a systematic review of the literature in order to crossmatch the published results of studies stating the approval of an ethics committee and individual consent within their work. Results A total of 40 men and 32 women, with a mean age of 57 ± 15 years agreed to be interviewed for inclusion. Five main categories around the violation of good clinical practices were identified, concerning the obtention of blood samples from a recently contacted Waorani native community within the Amazonian region of Ecuador. These themes are related to the lack of adequate communication between community members and researchers as well as the voluntariness to participate in health research. Additionally, over 40 years, a total of 38 manuscripts related to the use of biological samples in Waorani indigenous people were published. The majority of the studies did not state within their article obtaining research ethics board approval, and 71% did not report obtaining the informed consent of the participants prior to the execution of the project. Conclusion Clinical Research on the Waorani community in the Ecuadorian Amazon basin has been performed on several occasions. Unfortunately, the majority of these projects did not follow the appropriate ethical and professional standards in either reporting the results or fulfilling them. The results of our investigation suggest that biological material, including genetic material, has been used by researchers globally, with some omitting the minimum information required to guarantee transparency and good clinical practices. We highlight the importance of stating ethics within research to avoid breaches in research transparency. (shrink)

The global market for biologics and biosimilar pharmaceutical products is experiencing rapid expansion, primarily driven by the continuous discovery of new molecules. However, information regarding Latin America’s biological market remains limited.

A key work on the nature and role of the subject by one of Brazil's most important philosophers.

Esse artigo se propõe a examinar o sentido da história da filosofia política na teoria de Leo Strauss. Pretendo sugerir que, apesar da sua crítica ao historicismo, Strauss apresenta uma teoria da interpretação dos textos filosóficos consistente.

This book aims to thoroughly examine noise's conceptual potencies and explore and amplify its epistemic consequences. The author explores the prospect of different "contextures" of a present made volatile by noise. Given our capacity to create robust, adaptable social systems, we need better control uncertainty, randomness, and noise.

In this book, C. G. Prado addresses the difficult question of when and whether it is rational to end one's life in order to escape devastating terminal illness. He specifically considers this question in light of the impact of multiculturalism on perceptions and judgements about what is right and wrong, permissible and impermissible. Prado introduces the idea of a 'coincidental culture' to clarify the variety of values and commitments that influence decision. He also introduces the idea of a (...) 'proxy premise' to deal with reasoning issues that are raised by intractably held beliefs. Primarily intended for medical ethicists, this book will be of interest to anyone concerned about the ability of modern medicine to keep people alive, thereby forcing people to choose between living and dying. In addition, Prado calls upon medical ethicists and practitioners to appreciate the value of a theoretical basis for their work. (shrink)

The Scottish philosopher of Enlightenment Thomas Reid outlined a rich and complete notion of human nature which concluded that this is quite especial. Althought it was possible that this nature had evolved in a biological and psychological way, being so peculiar, its evolution could have taken place in an especial way as well; one which plausibly propitiated the gene-culture coevolution so vindicated by contemporary researchers of human nature. Reid is, by all means, a definite forerunner of theories about such coevolution.

Caudillismo y fragmentación territorial después de las revoluciones de 1810: La “expedición al desierto” de Juan Manuel de Rosas a la luz de la teoría históricogenética de la cultura. La abundante bibliografía sobre el caudillismo parece haber relegado a un segundo plano el problema de la lógica espacial subyacente a la movilización político-militar de la primera mitad del siglo XIX en Hispanoamérica. A la luz de la teoría histórico-genética de la cultura, el presente artículo se propone analizar los medios de (...) orientación geográfica de los que se sirvió la “expedición al desierto” de Juan Manuel de Rosas, con la convicción de que el análisis de la representación y la cognición del espacio puede contribuir decisivamente a la comprensión de la fragmentación territorial que caracterizó a la región después de las guerras de independencia. (shrink)