In this article, author evaluated past/present perspectives about philosophy and branches of philosophy due to historical period, religious perspective, and due to their organized categories/branches or areas. Some ty...In this article, author evaluated past/present perspectives about philosophy and branches of philosophy due to historical period, religious perspective, and due to their organized categories/branches or areas. Some types of interactions between some disciplines are given as an example. The purpose of this article is, to solve problems related with philosophy and past branches of philosophy, to define new philosophy perspective in the new system, to define new questions and questioning about philosophy or branches of philosophy, to define new or re-constructed branches of philosophy, to define the relations between the philosophy branches, to define good and/or correct structure of philosophy and branches of philosophy, to extend the definition/limits of philosophy, others. Author considered R-Synthesis as a method for the evaluation of the philosophy and related past branches of philosophy. This R-Synthesis includes general/specific perspective with eight categories, 21-dimensions, and twelve general subjects （with related scope and contents） for the past 12,000 years. It is a kind of synthesis of supernaturalism and naturalism, physics and metaphysics, others. In this article, author expressed 27 possible definitive/certain result cases of the new synthesis and defined the possible formation stages to express new theories, new disciplines, theory of interaction, theory of relation, hybrid theory, and others as constructional and/or complementary theories. These theories are considered for 21 major effective disciplines which are defined for a country and for the world. New philosophy perspective, branches of philosophy, and aims/purposes of R-Philosophy are defined to organize many inquiries about the name, number, and relation between special subject ＂X＂ and ＂philosophy of X＂ in some manner. This new perspective includes necessary and sufficient number of philosophy branches, and so it limits the number of ＂philosophy of X＂ in the philosophical system. New Era Philosophy is defined with its sub branches, its constructional philosophies, and with its 8D hybrid philosophy perspective. Ideal Philosophical System is defined with general/specific figure. Some of the new and/or re-constructed branches of philosophy explained with the new defined set of questions, new sub branches and constructional philosophies. Integration of the past/present branches of philosophy into the ideal philosophical system is explained generally. Philosophical interests of the some past philosophers and their relations with the ideal philosophical system expressed with table.展开更多
In this work, author evaluated past theories and perspectives behind the definitions of science and/or branches of science. Also some of the philosophers of science and their specific philosophical interests were expr...In this work, author evaluated past theories and perspectives behind the definitions of science and/or branches of science. Also some of the philosophers of science and their specific philosophical interests were expressed. Author considered some type of interactions between some disciplines to determine, to solve the philosophical/scientific problems and to define the possible solutions. The purposes of this article are： （i） to define new synthesis method, （ii） to define new perspective for the philosophy of science, （iii） to define relation between new philosophy perspective and philosophy of science, （iv） to define and organize name, number, relations, and correct structure between special science branches and philosophy of science, （v） to define necessary and sufficient number of branches for philosophy of science, （vi） to define and express the importance and place of new philosophy of science perspective in the new system, （vii） to extend the definition/limits of philosophy of science, （viii） to re-define meanings of some philosophical/scientific theories, （ix） to define systematic solution for the conflicts, problems, confusions about philosophy of science, sciences and branches of science, （x） to define new branches of science, （xi） to re-construct branches and hierarchy of science, （xii） to define new theories about science and branches of science. Author considered R-Synthesis as a method for the evaluation oftbe philosophy, philosophy of science, sciences and branches of science. This R-Synthesis includes evaluation of eight categories of general/specific perspective, 21-dimensions, and 12 general subjects （with related scope and contents） for the past 12,000 years. It is a kind of synthesis of science and non-science, physical science and non-physical science, religious science and non-religious science, and others. In this article, author defined 27 possible definitive/certain result cases for this new synthesis. Author defined the possible formation stages shortly to express new disciplines, new constructional and/or complementary theories. These theories are considered to define 21 major effective disciplines. New philosophy perspective is defined （R-Philosophy） shortly. New perspective and sub branches are defined for the philosophy of science. Major sciences are defined due to new basic philosophies. 42-basic components are defined for each science branch. New and/or re-constructed sciences, branches of science, basic sciences, and new hierarchy of science are defined with figure. Electromagnetic sciences, information sciences, and system sciences are defined specifically. Hybrid Sciences, New Era Science, and Ideal Scientific System are defined with general/specific figure. Relation between the some old branches and new branches of science was expressed generally due to new perspective of philosophy of science.展开更多
One can see often in explanations of encyclopedia or lexicons of philosophy that Plato manifested primarily the absolute Idealism, whereas Aristotle verified antagonistically the relevance of realism. It is easy to pi...One can see often in explanations of encyclopedia or lexicons of philosophy that Plato manifested primarily the absolute Idealism, whereas Aristotle verified antagonistically the relevance of realism. It is easy to pick up several parts of their representative works and prove that this thesis is corresponded to the original of Plato and Aristotle. But, in reflections of philosophy, we should not ignore a cautious view, focused just on this starting point： If the above mentioned thesis is used like a slogan, ＂Plato for idealism, Aristotle for realism,＂ as it often is, in the meantime there arises a dogmatic position which fixes our mental and intellectual activity only within the frame, so that everyone begins to reflect on Plato or Aristotle from that starting point in a certain framework. A critical and self-critical view of philosophy may bring this position for a query.展开更多
A revival of empiricist theories in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and philosophy has been led by figures such as Antonio Damasio （1994）, Lawrence Barsalou （1999）, George Lakoff （1987）, and Jesse Prinz ...A revival of empiricist theories in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and philosophy has been led by figures such as Antonio Damasio （1994）, Lawrence Barsalou （1999）, George Lakoff （1987）, and Jesse Prinz （2002; 2004）. Their work has served to connect familiar empiricist approaches to thought and reason with contemporary cognitive psychology and neuroscience. The work of Prinz is of special philosophical significance since it aims to bring together the work of neo-empirically minded theorists in the cognitive and neuro-sciences with main themes found in contemporary philosophical theories of intentionality and reference. In this paper, I examine Prinz＇s efforts to synthesize a neo-empiricist theory of concepts with contemporary semantic theories of reference and intentionality. In part one, I analyze Prinz＇s approach in some depth. In part two, I raise a question concerning the origins of intentionality. Specifically, I am interested in examining the minimum cognitive prerequisites for intentionality within Prinz＇s theory of perception-based representation. In part three, I raise a problem case for Prinz＇s account of the requirements for intentionality, and propose an adjustment in Prinz＇s account to meet the challenge of the objection.展开更多
Classical Indian Buddhist philosopher Nfigfirjuna is known for his philosophical interpretations of the central conception of Buddha＇s teachings, the philosophy of Middle Path （Mfidhyamika）. Notably he had introduc...Classical Indian Buddhist philosopher Nfigfirjuna is known for his philosophical interpretations of the central conception of Buddha＇s teachings, the philosophy of Middle Path （Mfidhyamika）. Notably he had introduced the unique concept of ＂emptiness＂ （gnyata） to explain the Middle Path philosophy： the philosophical meaning of ＂emptiness＂ is dependent co-arising of various elements that support the worldly experience. This study investigates how this concept is used in explaining the subjectivity of a human person and how it is used for interpreting the unique process of human existence. The discussions on subjectivity are imprecise in modern and contemporary philosophy. But Ngrjuna＇s philosophy enables us to explain subjectivity conclusively, without it having to be explained using metaphysical positions. Sunyata may introduce a new definition for the concept of non-self： not for negating the self but for caring self from the problems of life by making it centered in the Middle Path （madhyama-pratipat）, where one may naturally be able to use his wisdom （prajh） as the guiding principle： not mere knowledge （na）. Sanyat is understood using fourfold （catus.kot.i） logical analysis, not twofold analysis employed normally by other philosophers. Here, the Buddhist notion of self as the co-dependent evolution process of five aggregates （pahcaskandhas） is reinterpreted using the unique method of tetralemma （catus.kot. i）. This critique explores the Western philosophy＇s conceptions on ＂human reasoning, ＂logocentrism,＂ and the objective analytical method of modern science.＂ After careful cross examination of the rival philosophical positions, it reasons out why the ＂rationale of nature＂ is always superior to ＂human reasoning＂ and ＂logocentrism,＂展开更多
Having been developed in the way of concept extension, Marxism appears to be nowadays as the concrete-universal theory, in which originally imperfect transition program from abstract-universal to concrete-universal co...Having been developed in the way of concept extension, Marxism appears to be nowadays as the concrete-universal theory, in which originally imperfect transition program from abstract-universal to concrete-universal concepts of logic and sense is realized on materialistic foundation. This very program that was brought about in Karl Marx＇s ＂Capital＂ has not been sufficiently expressed in classical or contemporary philosophy. The base of this new Marxist philosophical form is not constructed by the terms of matter, movement, and development overall, but by the conception of the general naturally determined universal process of infinite movement from lower to superior forms of matter. We are aware of four of them： physical, chemical, biological, and social matter. Representing the eternal world as the progressive whole, modern materialism makes nature and proper place of each fundamental science understandable and helps to clarify the location and development future trends of the Man in the world.展开更多
The debate on the state of the art of philosophy in Italy shows many differences from the three main currents of contemporary philosophy, namely deconstructionism, critical theory, and analytic philosophy. On one hand...The debate on the state of the art of philosophy in Italy shows many differences from the three main currents of contemporary philosophy, namely deconstructionism, critical theory, and analytic philosophy. On one hand, the philosophical stance towards language, and on the other hand, the strong separation between science and philosophy are the distinctive features of the Italian thought. In particular, philosophy of language shows a fragmented framework in which current researches are an example for future studies on language and human nature. The basic idea behind the Philosophy of Language in Italy is that language has a biological and social nature. The aim of this paper is to give an account of the range of ＂bio＂ through a dialogue between philosophy and neuroscience. I will review the Italian research on mirror neurons with particular attention to the developments in embodied simulation proposed by Vittorio Gallese. I will underline the philosophical aspects of this neuroscientific theory, providing some remarks on intersubjectivity, intentions, and language. Finally, I will suggest future joint studies in neuroscience and the philosophy of language.展开更多
My purpose in this paper is to argue for two separate, but related theses. The first is that contemporary analytic philosophy is incoherent. This is so, I argue, because its methods contain as an essential constituent...My purpose in this paper is to argue for two separate, but related theses. The first is that contemporary analytic philosophy is incoherent. This is so, I argue, because its methods contain as an essential constituent a non-classical conception of intuition that cannot be rendered consistent with a key tenet of analytic philosophy unless we allow a Bayesian-subjectivist epistemology. I argue for this within a discussion of two theories of intuition： a classical account as proposed by Descartes and a modem reliabilist account as proposed by Komblith, maintaining that reliabilist accounts require a commitment to Bayesian subjectivism about probability. However, and this is the second thesis, Bayesian subjecfivism is itself logically incoherent given three simple assumptions： （1） some empirical propositions are known, （2） any proposition that is known is assigned a degree of subjective credence of 1, and （3） every empirical proposition is evidentially relevant to at least one other proposition. I establish this using a formal reductio proof. I argue for the t-u-st thesis in section 1 and for the second in section 2. The final section contains a summary and conclusion.展开更多
The Old Man and the Sea is Hemingway＇s last important work which is regarded by critics as the summary of his life and his philosophic views on life. The paper attempts to approach the story with the view of existent...The Old Man and the Sea is Hemingway＇s last important work which is regarded by critics as the summary of his life and his philosophic views on life. The paper attempts to approach the story with the view of existentialism, which flourished at the time when Hemingway began to create this novella. In light of the existentialist views on the relations between being-in-itself and being-for-itself, and existence and essence, the author tends to analyze the interactions of the characters of the story with themselves through the choices they made, which is to be of significance for those who strive to understand Hemingway＇s work and who try to comprehend human beings and themselves.展开更多
Amid the recent global upsurge of studies on the philosophy of emotion, a reinterpretation of traditional Confucian philosophy, especially Mencius＇s ideas on the siduan （Four Original Sources） of morality, may shed...Amid the recent global upsurge of studies on the philosophy of emotion, a reinterpretation of traditional Confucian philosophy, especially Mencius＇s ideas on the siduan （Four Original Sources） of morality, may shed new light on the subject in comparative philosophy. This paper probes the structure of moral feeling and reason described by Mencius＇s from five perspectives： （1） In view of the relationship between feeling and reason, is it better to use the expression ＂siduan＂ or the expression ＂sixin （Four Heart-minds）＂？ （2） In view of dispositional feeling, what are the four original sources？ （3） In view of moral feeling, what are the structural order of the four sources and the corresponding procedure of reasoning of four heart-minds of Humanity？ （4） In view of positive feeling, how does moral feeling grow out of the goodness of human nature？ （5） What is the global value of Mencius＇s ideas on human moral feeling？ The author concludes that Mencius＇s thought on moral feeing has a global value and cross-cultural significance, and that Chinese wisdom is more than regional but universally applicable. The structure of moral feeling and reason that Mencius identified is in accordance with the principles ofzhiliang （grasping the two poles of the beginning and the end） and yongzhong （emloying the middle）. The principles ofzhiliang and yongzhong are true universal wisdoms of Confucianism, which should be rekindled today. From a practical point of view, ＂the Way begins from moral feelings,＂ and Confucius and Yah Hui＇s seeking the simple, virtuous life is an ideal model of emotional well-being.展开更多
The present paper has a double aim： （1） it attempts to present an aspect of Plotinus＇ philosophical and hermeneutical methodology on the basis of relevant remarks in the treatise ＂On Eternity and Time＂; （2） it...The present paper has a double aim： （1） it attempts to present an aspect of Plotinus＇ philosophical and hermeneutical methodology on the basis of relevant remarks in the treatise ＂On Eternity and Time＂; （2） it seeks to connect this attitude with contemporary methodological questions concerning the relation between philosophy and history of philosophy. After an introduction where it is emphasized that the term ＂Neo-Platonism＂ is of recent coinage, I exploit David Sedley＇s remarks regarding the function of ancient philosophical schools： the quest for the ＂correct＂ interpretation of the school＇s founder as a philosophical enterprise in itself is not an exclusively Neoplatonic characteristic. Nonetheless, the example of Plotinus＇ Enneads III.7, owing to the complexity of its theme, shows that Plotinus does not pay attention only to the Platonic teachings regarding eternity and time, but also to all the other philosophical schools＇ theories, including the Epicurean. The aim is the ascertainment of the truth inherent in them and its apt interpretation. Hence, I follow Steven K. Strange （1950-2009）, who relates the Plotinian methodology to Aristotle＇s endoxic method. After a presentation of similarities and differences between the two philosophers, I conclude that the problematic features posed by several philosophical theories are resolved via an innovative Plotinian reading of Plato. Thus, the non-Platonic theories play a role in the more adequate interpretation of Plato, which is identified with the successful answer to the philosophical problems. This fact makes us wonder as to the best characterization of Plotinus＇ enterprise： philosophy or history of philosophy？ Although the question is somehow anachronistic, Plotinus gives an explicit response in his aforementioned tractate： to the extent that he is interested in solving philosophical problems, rather than compiling a ＂catalogue＂ of past philosophical positions, his enterprise is not historical, but philosophical. Two final corollaries stem from this： （i） to a certain extent, the previous enunciation explains the Neoplatonic reading of Plato; （ii） it teaches us that the difference between philosophizing and a historical treatment of philosophy does not lie only on the content, but also on the manner according to which the interpreter approaches past or contemporary philosophers.展开更多
Democratic private schools in Israel are a part of the neo-liberal discourse. They champion the dialogic philosophy associated with its most prominent advocates--Martin Buber, Emmanuel Levinas---together with Paulo Fr...Democratic private schools in Israel are a part of the neo-liberal discourse. They champion the dialogic philosophy associated with its most prominent advocates--Martin Buber, Emmanuel Levinas---together with Paulo Freire＇s critical pedagogy, the humanistic psychology propounded by Carl Rogers, Nel Noddings＇s pedagogy of care and concern, and even Gadamer＇s integrative hermeneutic perspective. Democratic schools form one of the greatest challenges to State education and most vocal and active critique of the focus conservative education places on exams and achievement. This article describes the dual discourse connected to the schools. The first is the inner dialogical, which is devoted to student freedom and progress, the child being placed at the center. The second is the exterior discourse, which represents the school as a place of counter-education that provides personal and group development and comprises a site of liberty and choice. The schools in Israel are described as test case and indicating the existence of a sophisticated form of deception via the use of alluring terminology. The democratic private schools should be recognized for what they really are--agents of commodification that undermine democracy rather than enhance it.展开更多
One of the most intriguing problems of philosophy and of mankind is the question whether humans have a free will. This question is heavily disputed between natural scientists and especially neuroscientists, who deny f...One of the most intriguing problems of philosophy and of mankind is the question whether humans have a free will. This question is heavily disputed between natural scientists and especially neuroscientists, who deny free will, and philosophers and other groups, who insist on free will. It is perplexing that both sides base their premise on the same precondition, namely naturalism. We will prove that naturalism automatically leads to physicalism, to materialism, and to reductionism. We will also prove here that it is logically not possible to have a free will if naturalism is true. Free will definitely requires an additional substance, a non-material soul, which cannot be part of our universe. This must not be in contradiction to our current knowledge of natural sciences.展开更多
This paper discusses the present-day philosophical rupture away from identitarian thinking, and how the former has influenced the world of the feminist literary criticism of today. Herein, we embark on a journey from ...This paper discusses the present-day philosophical rupture away from identitarian thinking, and how the former has influenced the world of the feminist literary criticism of today. Herein, we embark on a journey from its awakenings back in the 1960s. We begin our quest with Kate Millett, we will continue our discussion with Irigaray, Cixous, or Kristeva and their analysis of the difference created by gender. And, we will reflect on the influence it has made to the American movement. We use the aforementioned as the lead towards the theory of deconstruction in authors such as Felman or Spivak, and how we reach the concept of performativity of gender in line with Butler and the queer theory.展开更多
The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification and characterization of the various types of intuition put forward by Poincar6, taking his texts as a laboratory for looking for what intuition might be. I ...The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification and characterization of the various types of intuition put forward by Poincar6, taking his texts as a laboratory for looking for what intuition might be. I will stress that these diverse conceptions are mainly formulated in the context of Poincar6＇s controversies in opposition to logicism, to formalism, and in the context of Poincar6＇s very peculiar conventionalism. I will try to demonstrate that, in each case, Poincar~ comes close to a specific tradition （Kant, of course, but also Leibniz and Peirce）.展开更多
文摘In this article, author evaluated past/present perspectives about philosophy and branches of philosophy due to historical period, religious perspective, and due to their organized categories/branches or areas. Some types of interactions between some disciplines are given as an example. The purpose of this article is, to solve problems related with philosophy and past branches of philosophy, to define new philosophy perspective in the new system, to define new questions and questioning about philosophy or branches of philosophy, to define new or re-constructed branches of philosophy, to define the relations between the philosophy branches, to define good and/or correct structure of philosophy and branches of philosophy, to extend the definition/limits of philosophy, others. Author considered R-Synthesis as a method for the evaluation of the philosophy and related past branches of philosophy. This R-Synthesis includes general/specific perspective with eight categories, 21-dimensions, and twelve general subjects （with related scope and contents） for the past 12,000 years. It is a kind of synthesis of supernaturalism and naturalism, physics and metaphysics, others. In this article, author expressed 27 possible definitive/certain result cases of the new synthesis and defined the possible formation stages to express new theories, new disciplines, theory of interaction, theory of relation, hybrid theory, and others as constructional and/or complementary theories. These theories are considered for 21 major effective disciplines which are defined for a country and for the world. New philosophy perspective, branches of philosophy, and aims/purposes of R-Philosophy are defined to organize many inquiries about the name, number, and relation between special subject ＂X＂ and ＂philosophy of X＂ in some manner. This new perspective includes necessary and sufficient number of philosophy branches, and so it limits the number of ＂philosophy of X＂ in the philosophical system. New Era Philosophy is defined with its sub branches, its constructional philosophies, and with its 8D hybrid philosophy perspective. Ideal Philosophical System is defined with general/specific figure. Some of the new and/or re-constructed branches of philosophy explained with the new defined set of questions, new sub branches and constructional philosophies. Integration of the past/present branches of philosophy into the ideal philosophical system is explained generally. Philosophical interests of the some past philosophers and their relations with the ideal philosophical system expressed with table.
文摘In this work, author evaluated past theories and perspectives behind the definitions of science and/or branches of science. Also some of the philosophers of science and their specific philosophical interests were expressed. Author considered some type of interactions between some disciplines to determine, to solve the philosophical/scientific problems and to define the possible solutions. The purposes of this article are： （i） to define new synthesis method, （ii） to define new perspective for the philosophy of science, （iii） to define relation between new philosophy perspective and philosophy of science, （iv） to define and organize name, number, relations, and correct structure between special science branches and philosophy of science, （v） to define necessary and sufficient number of branches for philosophy of science, （vi） to define and express the importance and place of new philosophy of science perspective in the new system, （vii） to extend the definition/limits of philosophy of science, （viii） to re-define meanings of some philosophical/scientific theories, （ix） to define systematic solution for the conflicts, problems, confusions about philosophy of science, sciences and branches of science, （x） to define new branches of science, （xi） to re-construct branches and hierarchy of science, （xii） to define new theories about science and branches of science. Author considered R-Synthesis as a method for the evaluation oftbe philosophy, philosophy of science, sciences and branches of science. This R-Synthesis includes evaluation of eight categories of general/specific perspective, 21-dimensions, and 12 general subjects （with related scope and contents） for the past 12,000 years. It is a kind of synthesis of science and non-science, physical science and non-physical science, religious science and non-religious science, and others. In this article, author defined 27 possible definitive/certain result cases for this new synthesis. Author defined the possible formation stages shortly to express new disciplines, new constructional and/or complementary theories. These theories are considered to define 21 major effective disciplines. New philosophy perspective is defined （R-Philosophy） shortly. New perspective and sub branches are defined for the philosophy of science. Major sciences are defined due to new basic philosophies. 42-basic components are defined for each science branch. New and/or re-constructed sciences, branches of science, basic sciences, and new hierarchy of science are defined with figure. Electromagnetic sciences, information sciences, and system sciences are defined specifically. Hybrid Sciences, New Era Science, and Ideal Scientific System are defined with general/specific figure. Relation between the some old branches and new branches of science was expressed generally due to new perspective of philosophy of science.
文摘One can see often in explanations of encyclopedia or lexicons of philosophy that Plato manifested primarily the absolute Idealism, whereas Aristotle verified antagonistically the relevance of realism. It is easy to pick up several parts of their representative works and prove that this thesis is corresponded to the original of Plato and Aristotle. But, in reflections of philosophy, we should not ignore a cautious view, focused just on this starting point： If the above mentioned thesis is used like a slogan, ＂Plato for idealism, Aristotle for realism,＂ as it often is, in the meantime there arises a dogmatic position which fixes our mental and intellectual activity only within the frame, so that everyone begins to reflect on Plato or Aristotle from that starting point in a certain framework. A critical and self-critical view of philosophy may bring this position for a query.
文摘A revival of empiricist theories in cognitive psychology, neuropsychology, and philosophy has been led by figures such as Antonio Damasio （1994）, Lawrence Barsalou （1999）, George Lakoff （1987）, and Jesse Prinz （2002; 2004）. Their work has served to connect familiar empiricist approaches to thought and reason with contemporary cognitive psychology and neuroscience. The work of Prinz is of special philosophical significance since it aims to bring together the work of neo-empirically minded theorists in the cognitive and neuro-sciences with main themes found in contemporary philosophical theories of intentionality and reference. In this paper, I examine Prinz＇s efforts to synthesize a neo-empiricist theory of concepts with contemporary semantic theories of reference and intentionality. In part one, I analyze Prinz＇s approach in some depth. In part two, I raise a question concerning the origins of intentionality. Specifically, I am interested in examining the minimum cognitive prerequisites for intentionality within Prinz＇s theory of perception-based representation. In part three, I raise a problem case for Prinz＇s account of the requirements for intentionality, and propose an adjustment in Prinz＇s account to meet the challenge of the objection.
文摘Classical Indian Buddhist philosopher Nfigfirjuna is known for his philosophical interpretations of the central conception of Buddha＇s teachings, the philosophy of Middle Path （Mfidhyamika）. Notably he had introduced the unique concept of ＂emptiness＂ （gnyata） to explain the Middle Path philosophy： the philosophical meaning of ＂emptiness＂ is dependent co-arising of various elements that support the worldly experience. This study investigates how this concept is used in explaining the subjectivity of a human person and how it is used for interpreting the unique process of human existence. The discussions on subjectivity are imprecise in modern and contemporary philosophy. But Ngrjuna＇s philosophy enables us to explain subjectivity conclusively, without it having to be explained using metaphysical positions. Sunyata may introduce a new definition for the concept of non-self： not for negating the self but for caring self from the problems of life by making it centered in the Middle Path （madhyama-pratipat）, where one may naturally be able to use his wisdom （prajh） as the guiding principle： not mere knowledge （na）. Sanyat is understood using fourfold （catus.kot.i） logical analysis, not twofold analysis employed normally by other philosophers. Here, the Buddhist notion of self as the co-dependent evolution process of five aggregates （pahcaskandhas） is reinterpreted using the unique method of tetralemma （catus.kot. i）. This critique explores the Western philosophy＇s conceptions on ＂human reasoning, ＂logocentrism,＂ and the objective analytical method of modern science.＂ After careful cross examination of the rival philosophical positions, it reasons out why the ＂rationale of nature＂ is always superior to ＂human reasoning＂ and ＂logocentrism,＂
文摘Having been developed in the way of concept extension, Marxism appears to be nowadays as the concrete-universal theory, in which originally imperfect transition program from abstract-universal to concrete-universal concepts of logic and sense is realized on materialistic foundation. This very program that was brought about in Karl Marx＇s ＂Capital＂ has not been sufficiently expressed in classical or contemporary philosophy. The base of this new Marxist philosophical form is not constructed by the terms of matter, movement, and development overall, but by the conception of the general naturally determined universal process of infinite movement from lower to superior forms of matter. We are aware of four of them： physical, chemical, biological, and social matter. Representing the eternal world as the progressive whole, modern materialism makes nature and proper place of each fundamental science understandable and helps to clarify the location and development future trends of the Man in the world.
文摘The debate on the state of the art of philosophy in Italy shows many differences from the three main currents of contemporary philosophy, namely deconstructionism, critical theory, and analytic philosophy. On one hand, the philosophical stance towards language, and on the other hand, the strong separation between science and philosophy are the distinctive features of the Italian thought. In particular, philosophy of language shows a fragmented framework in which current researches are an example for future studies on language and human nature. The basic idea behind the Philosophy of Language in Italy is that language has a biological and social nature. The aim of this paper is to give an account of the range of ＂bio＂ through a dialogue between philosophy and neuroscience. I will review the Italian research on mirror neurons with particular attention to the developments in embodied simulation proposed by Vittorio Gallese. I will underline the philosophical aspects of this neuroscientific theory, providing some remarks on intersubjectivity, intentions, and language. Finally, I will suggest future joint studies in neuroscience and the philosophy of language.
文摘My purpose in this paper is to argue for two separate, but related theses. The first is that contemporary analytic philosophy is incoherent. This is so, I argue, because its methods contain as an essential constituent a non-classical conception of intuition that cannot be rendered consistent with a key tenet of analytic philosophy unless we allow a Bayesian-subjectivist epistemology. I argue for this within a discussion of two theories of intuition： a classical account as proposed by Descartes and a modem reliabilist account as proposed by Komblith, maintaining that reliabilist accounts require a commitment to Bayesian subjectivism about probability. However, and this is the second thesis, Bayesian subjecfivism is itself logically incoherent given three simple assumptions： （1） some empirical propositions are known, （2） any proposition that is known is assigned a degree of subjective credence of 1, and （3） every empirical proposition is evidentially relevant to at least one other proposition. I establish this using a formal reductio proof. I argue for the t-u-st thesis in section 1 and for the second in section 2. The final section contains a summary and conclusion.
文摘The Old Man and the Sea is Hemingway＇s last important work which is regarded by critics as the summary of his life and his philosophic views on life. The paper attempts to approach the story with the view of existentialism, which flourished at the time when Hemingway began to create this novella. In light of the existentialist views on the relations between being-in-itself and being-for-itself, and existence and essence, the author tends to analyze the interactions of the characters of the story with themselves through the choices they made, which is to be of significance for those who strive to understand Hemingway＇s work and who try to comprehend human beings and themselves.
文摘Amid the recent global upsurge of studies on the philosophy of emotion, a reinterpretation of traditional Confucian philosophy, especially Mencius＇s ideas on the siduan （Four Original Sources） of morality, may shed new light on the subject in comparative philosophy. This paper probes the structure of moral feeling and reason described by Mencius＇s from five perspectives： （1） In view of the relationship between feeling and reason, is it better to use the expression ＂siduan＂ or the expression ＂sixin （Four Heart-minds）＂？ （2） In view of dispositional feeling, what are the four original sources？ （3） In view of moral feeling, what are the structural order of the four sources and the corresponding procedure of reasoning of four heart-minds of Humanity？ （4） In view of positive feeling, how does moral feeling grow out of the goodness of human nature？ （5） What is the global value of Mencius＇s ideas on human moral feeling？ The author concludes that Mencius＇s thought on moral feeing has a global value and cross-cultural significance, and that Chinese wisdom is more than regional but universally applicable. The structure of moral feeling and reason that Mencius identified is in accordance with the principles ofzhiliang （grasping the two poles of the beginning and the end） and yongzhong （emloying the middle）. The principles ofzhiliang and yongzhong are true universal wisdoms of Confucianism, which should be rekindled today. From a practical point of view, ＂the Way begins from moral feelings,＂ and Confucius and Yah Hui＇s seeking the simple, virtuous life is an ideal model of emotional well-being.
文摘The present paper has a double aim： （1） it attempts to present an aspect of Plotinus＇ philosophical and hermeneutical methodology on the basis of relevant remarks in the treatise ＂On Eternity and Time＂; （2） it seeks to connect this attitude with contemporary methodological questions concerning the relation between philosophy and history of philosophy. After an introduction where it is emphasized that the term ＂Neo-Platonism＂ is of recent coinage, I exploit David Sedley＇s remarks regarding the function of ancient philosophical schools： the quest for the ＂correct＂ interpretation of the school＇s founder as a philosophical enterprise in itself is not an exclusively Neoplatonic characteristic. Nonetheless, the example of Plotinus＇ Enneads III.7, owing to the complexity of its theme, shows that Plotinus does not pay attention only to the Platonic teachings regarding eternity and time, but also to all the other philosophical schools＇ theories, including the Epicurean. The aim is the ascertainment of the truth inherent in them and its apt interpretation. Hence, I follow Steven K. Strange （1950-2009）, who relates the Plotinian methodology to Aristotle＇s endoxic method. After a presentation of similarities and differences between the two philosophers, I conclude that the problematic features posed by several philosophical theories are resolved via an innovative Plotinian reading of Plato. Thus, the non-Platonic theories play a role in the more adequate interpretation of Plato, which is identified with the successful answer to the philosophical problems. This fact makes us wonder as to the best characterization of Plotinus＇ enterprise： philosophy or history of philosophy？ Although the question is somehow anachronistic, Plotinus gives an explicit response in his aforementioned tractate： to the extent that he is interested in solving philosophical problems, rather than compiling a ＂catalogue＂ of past philosophical positions, his enterprise is not historical, but philosophical. Two final corollaries stem from this： （i） to a certain extent, the previous enunciation explains the Neoplatonic reading of Plato; （ii） it teaches us that the difference between philosophizing and a historical treatment of philosophy does not lie only on the content, but also on the manner according to which the interpreter approaches past or contemporary philosophers.
文摘Democratic private schools in Israel are a part of the neo-liberal discourse. They champion the dialogic philosophy associated with its most prominent advocates--Martin Buber, Emmanuel Levinas---together with Paulo Freire＇s critical pedagogy, the humanistic psychology propounded by Carl Rogers, Nel Noddings＇s pedagogy of care and concern, and even Gadamer＇s integrative hermeneutic perspective. Democratic schools form one of the greatest challenges to State education and most vocal and active critique of the focus conservative education places on exams and achievement. This article describes the dual discourse connected to the schools. The first is the inner dialogical, which is devoted to student freedom and progress, the child being placed at the center. The second is the exterior discourse, which represents the school as a place of counter-education that provides personal and group development and comprises a site of liberty and choice. The schools in Israel are described as test case and indicating the existence of a sophisticated form of deception via the use of alluring terminology. The democratic private schools should be recognized for what they really are--agents of commodification that undermine democracy rather than enhance it.
文摘One of the most intriguing problems of philosophy and of mankind is the question whether humans have a free will. This question is heavily disputed between natural scientists and especially neuroscientists, who deny free will, and philosophers and other groups, who insist on free will. It is perplexing that both sides base their premise on the same precondition, namely naturalism. We will prove that naturalism automatically leads to physicalism, to materialism, and to reductionism. We will also prove here that it is logically not possible to have a free will if naturalism is true. Free will definitely requires an additional substance, a non-material soul, which cannot be part of our universe. This must not be in contradiction to our current knowledge of natural sciences.
文摘This paper discusses the present-day philosophical rupture away from identitarian thinking, and how the former has influenced the world of the feminist literary criticism of today. Herein, we embark on a journey from its awakenings back in the 1960s. We begin our quest with Kate Millett, we will continue our discussion with Irigaray, Cixous, or Kristeva and their analysis of the difference created by gender. And, we will reflect on the influence it has made to the American movement. We use the aforementioned as the lead towards the theory of deconstruction in authors such as Felman or Spivak, and how we reach the concept of performativity of gender in line with Butler and the queer theory.
文摘The aim of this paper is to contribute to the identification and characterization of the various types of intuition put forward by Poincar6, taking his texts as a laboratory for looking for what intuition might be. I will stress that these diverse conceptions are mainly formulated in the context of Poincar6＇s controversies in opposition to logicism, to formalism, and in the context of Poincar6＇s very peculiar conventionalism. I will try to demonstrate that, in each case, Poincar~ comes close to a specific tradition （Kant, of course, but also Leibniz and Peirce）.
