We analyze a frequent but undertheorized form of structural injustice, one that arises due to the difficulty of reaching numerically equitable representation of underrepresented subgroups within a larger group. This form of structural injustice is significant because it could occur even if it were possible to completely eliminate bias and overt discrimination from hiring and recruitment practices. The conceptual toolkit we develop can be used to analyze such situations and propose remedies. Specifically, based on a simple mathematical model, we offer (...) a new argument in favour of quotas, explore implications for policy-making, and consider the wider philosophical significance of the problem. We show that in order to reach more equitable representations, quota-based recruitment may often be practically unavoidable. Assuming that members of groups in statistical minority are more likely to quit due to their marginalization, their proportions can stabilize at a low level, preventing a shift towards more equal representation and conserving the minority status of the subgroup. We show that this argument has important implications for addressing, preventing, and remediating the structural injustice of unfair representation. (shrink)

Řekni mi, Sókrate,1 máme si myslet, že teď mluvíš vážně, či že žertuješ? Jestliže totiž mluvíš vážně a to, co říkáš, je pravda, co říkáš, nebyl by pak lidský život převrácený a nedělali bychom pak, jak se zdá, všechno naopak než jak bychom měli? 2Kalliklés mluví se vší vážností a vyzývá Sókrata, aby činil stejně. Sókratés si už dost vyhrál, byl sofistikovanější než sofisté, nyní je však na čase, aby přestal bláznit. Jakožto znalec sofistů Kalliklés dobře ví, že otázka „myslíš (...) to vážně?“ nemá z jejich hlediska valný smysl. Vždyť by byla směšná tváří v tvář takovéto bravuře. (shrink)

The article examines the \'problem-resolution\' conception of moral philosophy. Parts I and II consider the underlying model of \'moral problem\'; III and IV exemplify its inadequacy through the \'traditional\' \'moral dilemma\' of lying. Part I criticises the assumed analogy between \'moral\' and a \'practical\' problem as something \'there\': a datum, and the connected view of moral effort as deliberation and decision seeking the problems resolution. I suggest that the very perception of something as problematic has epistemic and moral significance. Part (...) II considers the \'problematic\' through the śerious\'. It argues that its inherent unclarity and instability makes it untenable to view philosophy as addressing the śerious\' ordinary concerns; more strongly, that reflection may undermine the seriousness of some concerns and reveal that of others. A moral problem is thus not \'there\' for anyone to see and address, but something the very having of which reveals oneś moral character. Part III exemplifies this by suggesting that the órdinary\' would not just not recognise as serious the traditional philosophical dilemma of Lying, but would condemn on moral grounds one who seriously entertained it. I ask whether \'philosophy\' can reveal a seriousness missed by the órdinary\', and argue that, in its modern form, it does not. I suggest that if reflection on this issue is not to be fruitless, even corrupting, it must recognise that far from this being an órdinary\' moral problem, it could be only be one for an extraordinary man. Part IV questions the standard formulation of the dilemma partly to show that it begs moral questions, partly to show, through unpacking the ex hypothesi of its formulation, the philosophical and moral priority of examining the values recognised in having a moral problem over its resolution. (shrink)

Considering the effect of the local topology structure of an edge on cascading failures, we investigate the cascading reaction behaviors on scale-free networks with respect to small edge-based initial attacks. Our aim is to explore the relationship between some parameters and universal robustness characteristics against cascading failures on scale-free networks. We find by the theoretical analysis that the Baraba'si-Albert (BA) scale-free networks can reach the strongest robustness level against cascading failures when α + β = 1, where the robustness is (...) quantified by a transition from normal state to collapse. And the network robustness has a positive correlation with the average degree. We furthermore confirm by the numerical simulations these results. (shrink)

Simone Weil is one of the most profound thinkers of the twentieth century. Her writings encompass an extraordinary breadth of subjects, including philosophy, religion, sociology, and politics. A political activist and resistance fighter, her accomplishments are even more astonishing in light of her death in 1943 at the age of thirty-four. Whilst Weil was concerned with deep philosophical questions - the nature of human thought and human faculties, the limits of language, and thought's contact with reality through mediation, science and (...) beauty - the full significance of her work has frequently been obscured by her categorization as a purely religious writer or Christian mystic. Simone Weil: Basic Writings is an expertly edited anthology of her most important writings, presenting Weil's philosophy as it relates to politics, the nature of work, human nature in its duality, necessity, beauty and goodness. D. K. Levy and Marina Barabas have translated all the extracts anew, including translations of important notes and references missing from existing English language editions of Weil's work. Following an extensive introduction by D. K. Levy which places Weil's life and thought in context, each section opens with a short introduction situating the chosen passages within Weil's oeuvre. Simone Weil: Basic Writings is an outstanding starting point for anyone seeking an introduction to Weil's philosophy, and also essential reading for students and scholars of Weil's thought in related disciplines. (shrink)

_Jakob the Liar_ (1999) Director: Peter Kassovitz. Screenplay: Jurek Becker (adapted from his novel), Peter Kassovitz and Didier Decoin. Producers: Nick Gillott, Steven Haft, Robin Williams, Marsha Garces Williams. Cast: Alan Arkin, Bob Balaban, Zoltan Barabas, Michael Jeter, Liev Schreiber, Robin Williams.