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1.
Development (and Evolution) of the Universe 总被引:2,自引:2,他引:0
Stanley N. Salthe 《Foundations of Science》2010,15(4):357-367
I distinguish Nature from the World. I also distinguish development from evolution. Development is progressive change and
can be modeled as part of Nature, using a specification hierarchy. I have proposed a ‘canonical developmental trajectory’
of dissipative structures with the stages defined thermodynamically and informationally. I consider some thermodynamic aspects
of the Big Bang, leading to a proposal for reviving final cause. This model imposes a ‘hylozooic’ kind of interpretation upon
Nature, as all emergent features at higher levels would have been vaguely and episodically present primitively in the lower
integrative levels, and were stabilized materially with the developmental emergence of new levels. The specification hierarchy’s
form is that of a tree, with its trunk in its lowest level, and so this hierarchy is appropriate for modeling an expanding
system like the Universe. It is consistent with this model of differentiation during Big Bang development to view emerging
branch tips as having been entrained by multiple finalities because of the top-down integration of the various levels of organization
by the higher levels. 相似文献
2.
Many system architects select their system methodologies without explicit consideration of the philosophical perspectives
that impact their decisions. This paper describes how the concepts of ontology and epistemology apply in systems science.
Ontology is how we specify terms of reference for existence, allowing us to understand the theory of existence via an ‘existence
framework’. Epistemology, the theory of knowledge, allows us to explore new models and theories of knowledge acquisition so
the best system-based methodologies can be deployed to solve complex system problems. After introducing these concepts, the
paper presents system science issues and assesses the impact of ontological, axiological and epistemological perspectives
on system methodology selection, research, system design and deployment. An ontological viewpoint such as realism, as an objective
view is contrasted versus nationalism, a personal perceptional view. An epistemological viewpoint is explored comparing knowledge
as a product of sensory perception or rational reflection. The paper’s significant contribution is that it helps system architects
understand that their philosophical views of systems science impact their system methodology choices. 相似文献
3.
4.
Jan t Broekaer 《Foundations of Science》1998,3(2):235-258
In the work of the late Belgian philosopher, logician and freethinker Leo Apostel (1924–1995) the concept of ‘world view’
is extensively developed. From the diverse research of Apostel, I gather and examine the constituents of a world view and
their relationships. I propose to understand it as a pluralist and open, rationalised ontology of the ‘world whole’, comprising
knowledge systems, valuative ethical systems and concomitant action guiding systems, to a large extent reflecting insight
in the exact sciences. The prolific and scattered opus of Apostel renders my account of encompassing world views approximate
and incomplete. It merely outlines the intrinsically unfinished project and presents a recent development. This development
mainly involves our approach to the phenomenon of emergence from a quantum theoretical perspective.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. 相似文献
5.
Frank Waaldijk 《Foundations of Science》2005,10(3):249-324
We discuss the foundations of constructive mathematics, including recursive mathematics and intuitionism, in relation to classical
mathematics. There are connections with the foundations of physics, due to the way in which the different branches of mathematics
reflect reality. Many different axioms and their interrelationship are discussed. We show that there is a fundamental problem
in BISH (Bishop’s school of constructive mathematics) with regard to its current definition of ‘continuous function’. This problem
is closely related to the definition in BISH of ‘locally compact’. Possible approaches to this problem are discussed. Topology seems to be a key to understanding many
issues. We offer several new simplifying axioms, which can form bridges between the various branches of constructive mathematics
and classical mathematics (‘reuniting the antipodes’). We give a simplification of basic intuitionistic theory, especially
with regard to so-called ‘bar induction’. We then plead for a limited number of axiomatic systems, which differentiate between
the various branches of mathematics. Finally, in the appendix we offer BISH an elegant topological definition of ‘locally compact’, which unlike the current definition is equivalent to the usual classical
and/or intuitionistic definition in classical and intuitionistic mathematics, respectively. 相似文献
6.
Bert Mosselmans 《Foundations of Science》2005,10(3):325-345
This paper explores the relationship of time and value in the history of economics, using the contributions of Girard, Achterhuis,
Kula and Mirowski. In the ‘anthropometric stage’ time and value are intertwined: value and time are not abstract concepts,
but they express a concrete process which incorporates the social positions of individuals. In the ‘lineamentric stage’ the
concepts of time and value remain cyclical, but they receive an abstract character. The economy reproduces itself cyclically,
because the origin of value – human labour – reproduces itself in each production period. In the ‘syndetic stage’ the cyclical
conception of the economy is abandoned through the perception of a non-reproductive system. Time and value are detached from
each other, and linear time enters economic theory as an analytical tool. The labour theory of value is replaced by external
denominants of value: utility and external scarcity 相似文献
7.
We put forward the hypothesis that there exist three basic attitudes towards inconsistencies within world views: (1) The inconsistency
is tolerated temporarily and is viewed as an expression of a temporary lack of knowledge due to an incomplete or wrong theory.
The resolution of the inconsistency is believed to be inherent to the improvement of the theory. This improvement ultimately
resolves the contradiction and therefore we call this attitude the ‘regularising’ attitude; (2) The inconsistency is tolerated
and both contradicting elements in the theory are retained. This attitude integrates the inconsistency and leads to a paraconsistent
calculus; therefore we will call it the paraconsistent attitude. (3) In the third attitude, both elements of inconsistency
are considered to be false and the ‘real situation’ is considered something different that can not be described by the theory
constructively. This indicates the incompleteness of the theory, and leads us to a paracomplete calculus; therefore we call
it the paracomplete attitude. We illustrate these three attitudes by means of two ‘paradoxical’ situations in quantum mechanics,
the wave-particle duality and the situation of non locality.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. 相似文献
8.
Melvin S. Steinberg 《Foundations of Science》2008,13(2):163-175
Investigations with electrometers in the 1770s led Volta to envision mobile charge in electrical conductors as a compressible
fluid. A pressure-like condition in this fluid, which Volta described as the fluid’s “effort to push itself out” of its conducting
container, was the causal agent that makes the fluid move. In this paper I discuss Volta’s use of analogy and imagery in model
building, and compare with a successful contemporary conceptual approach to introducing ideas about electric potential in
instruction. The concept that today is called “electric potential” was defined mathematically by Poisson in 1811. It was understood
after about 1850 to predict the same results in conducting matter as Volta’s pressure-like concept—and to predict electrostatic
effects in the exterior space where Volta’s concept had nothing to say. Complete quantification in addition to greater generality
made the mathematical concept a superior research tool for scientists. However, its spreading use in instruction has marginalized
approaches to model building based on the analogy and imagery resources that students bring into the classroom. Data from
pre and post testing in high schools show greater conceptual and confidence gains using the new conceptual approach than using
conventional instruction. This provides evidence for reviving Volta’s compressible fluid model as an intuitive foundation
which can then be modified to include electrostatic distant action. Volta tried to modify his compressible fluid model to
include distant action, using imagery borrowed from distant heating by a flame. This project remained incomplete, because
he did not envision an external field mediating the heating. However, pursuing Volta’s strategy of model modification to completion
now enables students taught with the new conceptual approach to add distant action to an initial compressible fluid model.
I suggest that a partial correspondence to the evolving model sequence that works for beginning students can help illuminate
Volta’s use of intermediate explanatory models.
相似文献
Melvin S. SteinbergEmail: |
9.
The process of abstraction and concretisation is a label used for an explicative theory of scientific model-construction. In scientific theorising this process enters
at various levels. We could identify two principal levels of abstraction that are useful to our understanding of theory-application.
The first level is that of selecting a small number of variables and parameters abstracted from the universe of discourse
and used to characterise the general laws of a theory. In classical mechanics, for example, we select position and momentum and establish a relation amongst the two variables, which we call Newton’s 2nd law. The specification of the unspecified
elements of scientific laws, e.g. the force function in Newton’s 2nd law, is what would establish the link between the assertions
of the theory and physical systems. In order to unravel how and with what conceptual resources scientific models are constructed,
how they function and how they relate to theory, we need a view of theory-application that can accommodate our constructions
of representation models. For this we need to expand our understanding of the process of abstraction to also explicate the
process of specifying force functions etc. This is the second principal level at which abstraction enters in our theorising
and in which I focus. In this paper, I attempt to elaborate a general analysis of the process of abstraction and concretisation
involved in scientific- model construction, and argue why it provides an explication of the construction of models of the
nuclear structure. 相似文献
10.
Christian Hennig 《Foundations of Science》2010,15(1):29-48
To explore the relation between mathematical models and reality, four different domains of reality are distinguished: observer-independent
reality (to which there is no direct access), personal reality, social reality and mathematical/formal reality. The concepts
of personal and social reality are strongly inspired by constructivist ideas. Mathematical reality is social as well, but
constructed as an autonomous system in order to make absolute agreement possible. The essential problem of mathematical modelling
is that within mathematics there is agreement about ‘truth’, but the assignment of mathematics to informal reality is not
itself formally analysable, and it is dependent on social and personal construction processes. On these levels, absolute agreement
cannot be expected. Starting from this point of view, repercussion of mathematical on social and personal reality, the historical
development of mathematical modelling, and the role, use and interpretation of mathematical models in scientific practice
are discussed. 相似文献
11.
Brigitte Cambon de Lavalette Charles Tijus Christine Leproux Olivier Bauer 《Foundations of Science》2005,10(1):25-45
Taxonomy Based modeling was applied to describe drivers’ mental models of variable message signs (VMS’s) displayed on expressways.
Progress in road telematics has made it possible to introduce variable message signs (VMS’s). Sensors embedded in the carriageway
every 500m record certain variables (speed, flow rate, etc.) that are transformed in real time into “driving times” to a given
destination if road conditions do not change.
VMS systems are auto-regulative Man-Machine (AMMI) systems which incorporate a model of the user: if the traffic flow is too
high, then drivers should choose alternative routes. In so doing, the traffic flow should decrease. The model of the user
is based on suppositions such as: people do not like to waste time, they fully understand the displayed messages, they trust
the displayed values, they know of alternative routes. However, people also have a model of the way the system functions.
And if they do not believe the contents of the message, they will not act as expected.
We collected data through interviews with drivers using the critical incidents technique (Flanagan, 1985). Results show that
the mental models that drivers have of the way the VMS system works are various but not numerous and that most of them differ
from the“ideal expert” mental model. It is clear that users don’t have an adequate model of how the VMS system works and that
VMS planners have a model of user behaviour that does not correspond to the behaviour of the drivers we interviewed. Finally,
Taxonomy Based Modeling is discussed as a tool for mental model remediation. 相似文献
12.
We argue that abduction does not work in isolation from other inference mechanisms and illustrate this through an inference
scheme designed to evaluate multiple hypotheses. We use game theory to relate the abductive system to actions that produce
new information. To enable evaluation of the implications of this approach we have implemented the procedures used to calculate
the impact of new information in a computer model. Experiments with this model display a number of features of collective
belief-revision leading to consensus-formation, such as the influence of bias and prejudice. The scheme of inferential calculations
invokes a Peircian concept of ‘belief’ as the propensity to choose a particular course of action.
相似文献
T. R. AddisEmail: |
13.
The Meaning of Life in a Developing Universe 总被引:4,自引:4,他引:0
John E. Stewart 《Foundations of Science》2010,15(4):395-409
The evolution of life on Earth has produced an organism that is beginning to model and understand its own evolution and the
possible future evolution of life in the universe. These models and associated evidence show that evolution on Earth has a
trajectory. The scale over which living processes are organized cooperatively has increased progressively, as has its evolvability.
Recent theoretical advances raise the possibility that this trajectory is itself part of a wider developmental process. According
to these theories, the developmental process has been shaped by a yet larger evolutionary dynamic that involves the reproduction
of universes. This evolutionary dynamic has tuned the key parameters of the universe to increase the likelihood that life
will emerge and produce outcomes that are successful in the larger process (e.g. a key outcome may be to produce life and
intelligence that intentionally reproduces the universe and tunes the parameters of ‘offspring’ universes). Theory suggests
that when life emerges on a planet, it moves along this trajectory of its own accord. However, at a particular point evolution
will continue to advance only if organisms emerge that decide to advance the developmental process intentionally. The organisms
must be prepared to make this commitment even though the ultimate nature and destination of the process is uncertain, and
may forever remain unknown. Organisms that complete this transition to intentional evolution will drive the further development
of life and intelligence in the universe. Humanity’s increasing understanding of the evolution of life in the universe is
rapidly bringing it to the threshold of this major evolutionary transition. 相似文献
14.
Clément Vidal 《Foundations of Science》2012,17(1):29-38
Jan Greben criticized fine-tuning by taking seriously the idea that “nature is quantum mechanical”. I argue that this quantum
view is limited, and that fine-tuning is real, in the sense that our current physical models require fine-tuning. Second,
I examine and clarify many difficult and fundamental issues raised by Rüdiger Vaas’ comments on Cosmological Artificial Selection. 相似文献
15.
Nico M. van Straalen 《Foundations of Science》2011,16(4):319-321
Attempts to define life should focus on the transition from molecules to cells and the “closure” aspects of this event. Rather
than classifying existing objects into living and non-living entities I believe the challenge is to understand how the transition
from non-life to life can take place, that is, the how the closure in Jagers op Akkerhuis’s hierarchical classification of
operators, comes about. 相似文献
16.
W. J. Krzanowski 《Journal of Classification》1993,10(1):25-49
Recent research into graphical association models has focussed interest on the conditional Gaussian distribution for analyzing
mixtures of categorical and continuous variables. A special case of such models, utilizing the homogeneous conditional Gaussian
distribution, has in fact been known since 1961 as the location model, and for the past 30 years has provided a basis for
the multivariate analysis of mixed categorical and continuous variables. Extensive development of this model took place throughout
the 1970’s and 1980’s in the context of discrimination and classification, and comprehensive methodology is now available
for such analysis of mixed variables. This paper surveys these developments and summarizes current capabilities in the area.
Topics include distances between groups, discriminant analysis, error rates and their estimation, model and feature selection,
and the handling of missing data. 相似文献
17.
Pierre Uzan 《Foundations of Science》2010,15(1):1-28
This paper suggests an epistemic interpretation of Belnap’s branching space-times theory based on Everett’s relative state
formulation of the measurement operation in quantum mechanics. The informational branching models of the universe are evolving
structures defined from a partial ordering relation on the set of memory states of the impersonal observer. The totally ordered
set of their information contents defines a linear “time” scale to which the decoherent alternative histories of the informational
universe can be referred—which is quite necessary for assigning them a probability distribution. The “historical” state of
a physical system is represented in an appropriate extended Hilbert space and an algebra of multi-branch operators is developed.
An age operator computes the informational depth of historical states and its standard deviation can be used to provide a
universal information/energy uncertainty relation. An information operator computes the encoding complexity of historical
states, the rate of change of its average value accounting for the process of correlation destruction inherent to the branching
dynamics. In the informational branching models of the universe, the asymmetry of phenomena in nature appears as a mere consequence
of the subject’s activity of measuring, which defines the flow of time-information. 相似文献
18.
Liane Gabora 《Foundations of Science》1998,3(2):395-428
In order to become aware of inconsistencies, one must first construe of the world in a way that reflects its consistencies.
This paper begins with a tentative model for how a set of discrete memories transforms into an interconnected worldview, wherein
relationships between memories are forged by way of abstractions. Inconsistencies prompt the invention of new abstractions.
In regions of the conceptual network where inconsistencies abound, a cognitive analog of simulated annealing is in order;
there is a willingness to question previous assumptions - to ‘loosen’ conceptual relationships - so as to let new concepts
percolate through the worldview and exert the needed revolutionary effect. In so doing there is a risk of assimilating dangerous
concepts. Repression arrests the process by which dangerous thoughts infiltrate the conceptual network, and deception blocks
thoughts that have already been assimilated. These forms of self-initiated worldview inconsistency may evoke feelings of fragmentation
at the level of the individual or the society.
This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date. 相似文献
19.
Pierre Uzan 《Foundations of Science》2007,12(2):109-137
All the attempts to find the justification of the privileged evolution of phenomena exclusively in the external world need
to refer to the inescapable fact that we are living in such an asymmetric universe. This leads us to look for the origin of the “arrow of time” in the relationship
between the subject and the world. The anthropic argument shows that the arrow of time is the condition of the possibility
of emergence and maintenance of life in the universe. Moreover, according to Bohr’s, Poincaré’s and Watanabe’s analysis, this
agreement between the earlier-later direction of entropy increase and the past-future direction of life is the very condition
of the possibility for meaningful action, representation and creation. Beyond this relationship of logical necessity between
the meaning process and the arrow of time the question of their possible physical connection is explored. To answer affirmatively
to this question, the meaning process is modelled as an evolving tree-like structure, called “Semantic Time”, where thermodynamic
irreversibility can be shown.
Time is the substance I am made of. Time is a river which sweeps me along, but I am the river ; it is a tiger which destroys
me, but I am the tiger ; it is a fire which consumes me, but I am the fire. – (Jorge Luis Borges) 相似文献
20.
Visual Models in Analogical Problem Solving 总被引:1,自引:0,他引:1
Visual analogy is believed to be important in human problem solving. Yet, there are few computational models of visual analogy.
In this paper, we present a preliminary computational model of visual analogy in problem solving. The model is instantiated
in a computer program, called Galatea, which uses a language for representing and transferring visual information called Privlan.
We describe how the computational model can account for a small slice of a cognitive-historical analysis of Maxwell’s reasoning
about electromagnetism. 相似文献