Advances in molecular biological research in the latter half of the twentieth century have made the story of the gene vastly complicated: the more we learn about genes, the less sure we are of what a gene really is. Knowledge about the structure and functioning of genes abounds, but the gene has also become curiously intangible. This collection of essays renews the question: what are genes? Philosophers, historians and working scientists re-evaluate the question in this volume, treating the gene as (...) a focal point of interdisciplinary and international research. It will be of interest to professionals and students in the philosophy and history of science, genetics and molecular biology. (shrink)

In Memory of Ed PellegrinoEuthanasia in Belgium is not limited to terminally ill patients. It may be applied to patients with chronic degenerative diseases. Currently, people in Belgium wish to make it possible to euthanize incompetent patients who suffer from dementia. This article explains the Belgian law and then explores arguments for and against euthanasia of patients with dementia. It probes the dementia paradox by elucidating Dworkin’s distinction between critical and experiential interests, arguing that at the end-of-life this distinction is (...) not clearcut. It argues against euthanasia for patients with dementia, for respecting patients’ humanity and for providing them with more care, compassion, and good doctoring. (shrink)

Resumo: Neste artigo, a partir de pesquisa teórica, objetiva-se refletir sobre os sentidos do conceito de autonomia da universidade moderna e algumas das suas importantes limitações epistemológicas, políticas e curriculares. Para isso, buscou-se dados nas fontes bibliográficas citadas e referenciadas no texto, de modo especial no pensamento de Bacon, Kant e Descartes. A metodologia adotada consistiu na leitura, análise, comentário e crítica dos textos selecionados, tomando-se cada um enquanto unidade de sentido, mas também confrontando e problematizando os enunciados e teses (...) diversas numa tentativa de “desconstrução” e “ampliação” de significados. Nesse exercício de reflexão, compreendeu-se que os diversos sentidos de autonomia são símbolos privilegiados da atividade universitária desde a sua origem até os dias atuais, atravessando o debate entre liberalismo e marxismo, característico da modernidade. Verificou-se que há possibilidades e limites contextuais para o exercício da autonomia e que o jogo entre ser e dever-ser da universidade atravessa diversos discursos e tempos, reunindo em torno de si uma complexa e contraditória rede de compreensões em torno deste conceito. Palavras-chave: Autonomia; Universidade; Modernidade Autonomy as a regulatory ideal of the Modern University: meanings and limits Abstract: This article, based on theoretical research, aims to reflect on the meanings of the concept of autonomy in the modern university and some of its important epistemological, political and curricular limitations. For this, information was sought in the bibliographic sources cited and referenced in the text, especially in the thinking of Bacon, Kant and Descartes. The methodology consisted of reading, analyzing, commenting and criticizing the selected texts, taking each one as a unit of meaning, but also confronting and problematizing the different statements and ideas in an attempt to “deconstruct” and “enlarge” meanings. In this exercise of reflection, it was understood that the various senses of autonomy are privileged symbols of university activity from its origins to the present, crossing the debate between liberalism and marxism, characteristic of modernity. It was found that there are possibilities and contextual limits for the exercise of autonomy and that the game between being and being-ought of the university crosses different discourses and times, gathering around itself a complex and contradictory network of comprehensions around this concept. Keywords: Autonomy; University; Modernity. La autonomía como ideal regulador de la Universidad Moderna: significados y límites Resumen: Este artículo, basado en investigación teórica, tiene como objetivo reflexionar sobre los significados del concepto de autonomía en la universidad moderna y algunas de sus importantes limitaciones epistemológicas, políticas y curriculares. Para ello se buscó información en las fuentes bibliográficas que se citan y referencian en el texto, especialmente en el pensamiento de Bacon, Kant y Descartes. La metodología adoptada consistió en leer, analizar, comentar y criticar los textos seleccionados, tomando cada uno como unidad de sentido, pero también confrontando y problematizando los diferentes enunciados y tesis en un intento de “deconstruir” y “ampliar” los significados. En este ejercicio de reflexión, se entendió que los diversos sentidos de autonomía son símbolos privilegiados de la actividad universitaria desde sus orígenes hasta la actualidad, atravesando el debate entre el liberalismo y el marxismo, característico de la modernidad. Se constató que existen posibilidades y límites contextuales para el ejercicio de la autonomía y que el juego entre el ser y el deber-ser de la universidad atraviesa diferentes discursos y tiempos, reuniendo en torno a sí una compleja y contradictoria red de entendimientos en torno a este concepto. Palabras clave: Autonomia; Universidad; Modernidad. Data de registro: 12/11/2022 Data de aceite: 23/082023. (shrink)

Questions concerning the role of doctors, abortion, mercy killings and genetics are troubling and highly problematic. They require a thorough examination and careful probing. This volume takes a step towards tackling them. Its design is both interdisciplinary and comparative, offerin g philosophical, legal and medical perspectives of scholars from North America, Europe and Israel who analyze how their respective countries try to cope with and find answers for pressing concerns.

On July 12, 2006, the Hezbollah terrorist organization attacked two Israeli Defense Forces' armored Hummer jeeps patrolling along the border with gunfire and explosives, in the midst of massive shelling attacks on Israel's north. Three soldiers were killed in the attack and two were taken hostage. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) began heavy artillery and tank fire. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert convened the government on Wednesday night, June 12, 2006 to decide Israel's reaction. The government agreed that the attack had (...) created a completely new situation on the northern border, and that Israel must take steps that will "exact a price", and restore its deterrence. The Israeli-Hezbollah War had started after one rushed and short governmental meeting, without realizing the full implications of the decision. The war ended on August 14, 2006 when the UN Security Council Resolution (no. 1701) entered into force. During the war, voices of protest were heard in Israel, mainly from reserve service soldiers, journalists, and distinguished writers. After the war, thousands of people have criticized the government decisions, demanded the establishment of a national inquiry committee to investigate the war events and, called for the resignation of the war architects: Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Minister of Defence Amir Peretz, and Chief of Staff Dan Halutz. This article criticizes the establishment of the committee and the results it reached, arguing that it was a "sold game": The person under investigation should never be allowed to nominate his judges. This is mockery of justice, and travesty of social responsibility. (shrink)

In this paper, I discuss a view proposed by Carl Hempel in his paper Reduction: Ontological and Linguistic Facets, published in 1969. Here, Hempel suggested that questions regarding the identification of mental states with physiological states, the relation between sociological phenomena and individual behavioral states, and between biological and physicochemical states should be given what he calls a ‘linguistic’ interpretation. His main point is that whether or not an object is physical or biological depends on how it is, or can (...) be, described. In this paper, I wish to, firstly, explicate Hempel's suggestion, and, secondly, explore one argument in favor of Hempel's account. I will suggest that there is at least one use of the term ‘physical’ in philosophical discourse (and, for that matter, of related terms such as ‘biological’, ‘mental’, ‘natural’ etc.) that should be cashed out in linguistic or representational terms. (shrink)

Si la question de juste répartition des ressources traverse les sociétés depuis même l’Antiquité, celle de la répartition équitable des ressources médicales prend de nos jours une toute autre ampleur dans le contexte de pandémie mondiale actuelle. Cette table ronde tente d’analyser et de comprendre comment concilier les principes de justice distributive dans des conditions de ressources limitées. Elle permet d’ouvrir plus largement la réflexion sur la différence fondamentale qui se trouve entre la prise de décision éthique ou politique auprès (...) du patient, et à l’échelle macroscopique. Enfin, une discussion ouvrira la réflexion sur l’autonomie des patients et la légitimité de la réanimation – pour ceux qui ne souhaitent pas continuer à vivre – sur la valeur du « sauver à tout prix » et de la place du triage dans la pratique de la médecine. (shrink)

This book, focusing on the relationship between Derrida and Levinas and the unresolved tension between these two philosophical corpuses, will show what can yet come to democracy and will consequently offer possible interpretations of that which can occur and happen to us politically.

The aim of this essay is to reflect on the Millian, utilitarian argument from truth that is held as one of the most conspicuous answers to the question Why tolerate? This argument postulates that only in a free market of ideas may the truth be discovered. Even the most unpopular idea may contain some truth in it and may contribute to the advancement of knowledge. It further commands us to contest those opinions which are believed to be true vigorously and (...) earnestly to explore some further truth, and to acknowledge their false aspects. The results of free exchange of opinions will either confirm our idea, or bring some doubt to our attention, to cast accounts and maybe change our opinion, at least to some extent. After reflecting on some of the common arguments that are frequently mentioned in this connection, I discuss Mill's formulation of the Truth Principle as it came into expression in his writings. Here I reflect on his article "Law of Libel and Liberty of the Press" which did not receive adequate attention by scholars. I show that it is difficult to reconcile what Mill had to say in this article with what he later said in On Liberty. I further maintain that the Millian view of truth as superior to all other social values might endanger the very ground which the Truth Principle is intended to safeguard, i.e., tolerance. The holding of truth as the most important value might result in harming individuals, and in generating an atmosphere of intolerance. (shrink)

Criticizing Gallagher’s view on direct perception, I develop a basic model of social perception. According to the Cartesians another person’s intentions are not directly accessible to an observer. According to the cognitivist Cartesians conscious processes are necessary for social understanding. According to the Anti-Cartesians social perception is direct. Since both of these latter approaches face serious problems, I will argue in favor of an alternative: anti-cognitivist Cartesianism. Distinguishing between an active- and a passive part of the perceptual system we can (...) describe the situation as follows: Some functionally individuated parts of our nervous system generate percepts that correspond to the properties that causally trigger the system, whilst others form percepts of properties that do not causally trigger the system. The model is basic in that it merely helps clarifying some of the fundamental concepts we need in order to describe empirical findings. (shrink)

In recent years there has been an increase in the number of requests formercy killings by patients and their relatives. Under certain conditions,the patient may prefer death to a life devoid of quality. In contrast to thosewho uphold this quality of life approach, those who hold the sanctity oflife approach claim that life has intrinsic value and must be preservedregardless of its quality. This essay describes these two approaches,examines their flaws, and offers a golden path between the two extremepositions.We discuss (...) the halachic and the secular views, arguing for a balancebetween the sanctity of life and the quality of life. We argue that, indeed,such a balance exists in practice, and that life is important, but it is not sacred. Life can be evaluated, but quality of life is not the solecriterion. (shrink)

Social representations of addiction and the resulting stigmatization have been widely described and studied in the literature, but their effects are no less problematic. These representations, which also occur in care settings, generate a climate of distrust which damages the therapeutic relationship, and its ethical quality. This article, combining clinical experience and an ethical stance, offers an original, innovating approach to the existence of distrust in care relationships in the area of addiction. Pragmatic approaches deriving from the human sciences and (...) analytical philosophy provide an invitation to escape from the demanding climate of mistrust, and to take the gamble on trust so as to improve the quality of interactions between protagonists in care. In complementary fashion, a sociology of action can combat the disquiet generated by distrust through a new commitment to innovating forms of action. This “poetic” mode of action is legitimized by the reflection that backs it up, and by its presentation to peers qualified to approve it. Finally, continental moral philosophy underlines the importance of a carefully weighed commitment on the part of caregivers and addicted patients towards promises aiming to support a sincere care relationship, without damaging the therapeutic dynamic or the ethical quality by providing too many safety nets. This reflection is intended to achieve better identification of the clinical and ethical issues raised by mistrust, and inclusion of these aspects in the training of personnel and in care provision planning. (shrink)

Among philosophers of mind, it is common to assume that at least some mental properties are functional in nature, and that functional properties are second-order properties. In the functionalist literature, the notion of being a second-order property is cashed out in three different ways: (i) in terms of semantic features of characterizations or definitions of properties, (ii) in terms of syntactic features of second-order quantification, and (iii) in terms of a metaphysical criterion, according to which properties are second order if (...) they are properties of first-order properties. It is shown that in the context of functionalism reference to these interpretations is misguided, and it is suggested that the notion of an ordering of properties in this context is best understood as being tied to dependence-relations. (shrink)

In this paper, I argue that a particular assertion-based account of lying, which rests on Stalnaker’s theory of assertions, proposed by Andreas Stokke, is both too broad and too narrow. I tentatively conclude that the account fails because lying does not necessarily involve a conversational purpose.

We should not understand in this title "What does not return to the same" the announcement of a return to Levinas, but rather of what the word or concept of "return" could mean in Levinas's work. There is perhaps no better way of misunderstanding Levinas than imposing on his philosophical gesture the interpretative grid of a "horizon of return". This article will attempt to dismantle the strategies of reading which stipulate that Levinas's philosophy is one of "return". In this way (...) we shall reveal the complexity of Levinasian thought, and that, beyond the numerous slogans, there are the ones of a "return" or of its simple contrary, the ones of a "philosophy of exile". (shrink)

The article discusses the way people wish to die, analyzing the legal situation in countries that permit either euthanasia or physician-assisted suicide. While criticizing the Dutch, Belgian and Swiss models, I argue that the Oregon model is the one with apparently little abuse. Building on the experiences of Oregon, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Northern Territory of Australia, the article ends with a set of guidelines to improve the conduct of PAS.

Cet essai se penche sur un aspect méconnu de l’œuvre d’El Lissitzky : ses relations avec le cinéma. Il propose une analyse détaillée des deux salles d’exposition conçues entièrement par El Lissitzky, les Demonstrationsräume [Salles de démonstration] construites respectivement à Dresde (1926) et Hanovre (1927), fondée sur ses écrits théoriques du milieu des années 1920, ainsi que sur les notions de « cinéma élargi » et de « cinéma par d’autres moyens ». En soulignant l’importance de la matérialité du dispositif (...) cinématographique, cet essai décrit ces salles d’exposition modernistes comme des lieux d’expérimentation radicale visant à renégocier les relations entre les différents médias artistiques. (shrink)

Epistemologia de fronteiras em Walter Mignolo: compreensão, críticas e implicações na pesquisa em educação Resumo: Este artigo objetiva compreender a “Epistemologia de Fronteiras” como uma categoria essencial para a crítica epistemológica do filósofo Walter Mignolo, a partir do pensamento decolonial, e descrever as principais questões e argumentos que problematizam este conceito, refletindo sobre as suas implicações para a pesquisa em educação. Desta forma, explicita-se as concepções fundamentais da Rede Modernidade/Colonialidade (M/C), a partir de uma investigação de perfil qualitativo e histórico-conceitual. (...) Considera que a “Epistemologia de Fronteiras” possibilita a reflexão em torno da decolonialidade na produção de conhecimentos, ao mesmo tempo em que estimula a crítica epistemológica e metodológica à colonialidade do poder no âmbito da pesquisa em educação. Palavras-chave: Epistemologia de Fronteiras; Pesquisa em Educação; Walter Mignolo. Border thinking in Walter Mignolo: insight, reviews and implications in educational research Abstract: This paper aims to understand “Border Thinking” as a relevant category to the epistemological critique of philosophy Walter Mignolo, from the decolonial thinking and to describe the main issues and arguments that question this concept critically, reflecting about its implications to the educational research. To this aim, analyze the main concepts of Modernity/Coloniality Group’s decolonial thinking, from an investigation of qualitative and historical-conceptual profiles. Consider that the Border Thinking is one of the most significant contributions to the decolonial epistemological critique, that allows critical thinking about the possibility of knowledge, while encourages the criticism and the epistemological and methodological reflection about the coloniality of power at the scope of educational research. Key-words: Border Thinking; Educational Research; Walter Mignolo. Epistemología fronteriza en Walter Mignolo: comprensión y crítica Resumen: Este artículo tiene como objetivo entender la "Epistemología Fronteriza" como una categoría esencial para la crítica epistemológica del filósofo Walter Mignolo, basada en el pensamiento descolonial, y en describir las principales preguntas y argumentos que problematizan este concepto, reflexionando sobre sus implicaciones para la investigación en educación. De esta manera, se explican las concepciones fundamentales de la Red Modernidad /Colonialidad (M/C), basadas en una investigación de perfil cualitativo e histórico-conceptual. Considera que la "Epistemología Fronteriza" permite la reflexión sobre la descolonialidad en la producción de conocimiento, al mismo tiempo en que estimula la crítica epistemológica y metodológica de la colonialidad del poder dentro del campo de la investigación educativa. Palabras-clave: Epistemología Fronteriza; Investigación en Educación; Walter Mignolo. Data de registro: 01/06/2020 Data de aceite: 21/10/2021. (shrink)

The north-east outskirts of the agora of Thasos III. 1 : the sculptures. The seventy fragments of sculpture – mostly carved on Thasos in the local marble – published here provide a representative selection of the finds made during excavations on the north-east outskirts of the agora of Thasos. Since a protobyzantine mansion has been built with materials taken from the ruins of the nearby agora, portraits-statues and offerings are the kinds of sculpture most represented. Except for a few better (...) preserved pieces, these fragments are of mainly archaeological interest, offering many insights into the techniques of ancient sculpture at different periods, especially regarding the initial stages of the sculptors’ work, indications as to the various tools used, the practice of piecing and repairs. (shrink)

Este artigo se propõe a apresentar em linhas gerais o que foi proposto durante dois eventos realizados pelo ODEERE – Órgão de Educação e Relações Étnicas da Universidade Estadual do Sudoeste da Bahia, Campus de Jequié, no Estado da Bahia, em novembro de 2018 e em novembro de 2019, quando ministramos palestras, minicursos, oficinas e participamos de mesas redondas – tendo como princípios teóricos, discutir e refletir acerca do ensino da temática indígena nas escolas da Educação Básica do Brasil e (...) apresentar as autorias indígenas enquanto aportações contributivas para a aplicabilidade da Lei 11,645/08 a qual torna obrigatório o ensino em consideração. Palavras-chave: Ensino da Temática Indígena; Autorias Indígenas; Perspectivas; Abordagens. (shrink)

In 2002, Belgium was the second country in the world to legalize euthanasia following the Netherlands. Since then, a few studies dealing with Belgium euthanasia practices have been published that are based on a survey given to a sample of physicians and nurses . All these studies from the past decade have implicitly proposed the practice of euthanasia as a medical act. Moreover, the last article published in this journal argued that the Belgian experiment concerning medical end-of-life decisions is unique (...) in the world and that the Belgian palliative care system, including euthanasia, should serve as a role-model for the rest of the world .The Belgium law provides a definition for euthanasia which lacks the analytical precision to apply it to medical studies . When analyzing the latest data provided by the Belgian Federal Euthanasia Comm .. (shrink)

Auschwitz and Hiroshima stand out as two realities whose uniqueness must be reconciled with their inevitability as outcomes of highly rationalized processes of technoscientific progress. Contrary to Michael Walzer’s notion of “double effect”, whereby unintended consequences and the particular uses to which warfare may lead remain outside the moral purview of scientists, this paper endorses the commitment of the Society for Social Responsibility in Science to argue that members of the technoscientific community are always responsible for their work and the (...) eventual uses made of it. In what follows four related views are outlined pertaining to modern situations within which the technoscientific community operates, so as to highlight the urgency of infusing a sense of responsibility for the products of their activities into this community. A provisional “code” is suggested that may serve as a guide for increased personal responsibility of individual technoscientists (academic scientists and industrial engineers). (shrink)

In the introductory chapter of his essay on Utilitarianism, John Stuart Mill says his aim is to contribute towards the understanding of utilitarianism and towards ‘such proof as it is susceptible of’. He immediately adds that ‘this cannot be proof in the ordinary and popular meaning of the term’ because ‘ultimate ends are not amenable to direct proof’. A proof that something is good has to show that it is ‘a means to something admitted to be good without proof’. But, (...) he goes on, this does not imply that a formula of ultimate ends can only be accepted on ‘blind impulse, or arbitrary choice’. It can be rationally discussed and subjected to proof in a wider sense of that word. ‘Considerations may be presented capable of determining the intellect either to give or withhold its assent to the doctrine; and this is equivalent to proof.’. (shrink)

The aim is to review the decisions of the Central Elections Committee and of the Supreme Court regarding disqualification of lists in Israel. Two major questions are addressed: When should tolerance have its limits?; and, What constraints on liberty should be introduced in order to safeguard democracy? The judicial analysis focuses attention on the issue of whether the justices acted in accordance with the law. Consideration is given to the written law and to existing normative considerations which allow justices an (...) exegetic latitude. It is argued that theNeiman decision of 1984 was flawed, that the Court was erroneous in ignoring the licensing effect of its decision, and that democracy does not have to allow a violent list propounding the destruction of democracy to act in order to fulfil its aim. It is neither morally obligatory, nor morally coherent, to expect democracy to place the means for its own destruction in the hands of those who either wish to bring about the physical annihilation of the state, or to undermine democracy. These two cases are the only cases in which democracy has to introduce self-defensive measures and to deny representation in parliament to violent lists that convey such ideas, and that act to realize them. (shrink)

This article focuses on Zhuangzi’s discussions of language to demonstrate how they can clarify his positions on two particular philosophical issues about which there has been significant interest and debate in recent years: relativism and the problem of oneness and skepticism. I argue that Zhuangzi is committed to a universe composed of real, constantly transforming actualities that nevertheless always escape being captured in conventional modes of human logic and language. Examining language metaphors in the text reveals that skepticism and relativism (...) in the Zhuangzi are better understood as rhetorical rather than philosophical strategies. (shrink)