Conceptualizing Computer Simulations in Philosophy of Science

2021 ◽  
Vol 58 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-169
Author(s):  
Timur V. Khamdamov ◽  
Mikhail Yu. Voloshin ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Science ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Russian Philosophy ◽  
Main Role ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
Taxonomic Problem ◽  
Basic Characteristics ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

In the modern Russian philosophy, discussions about the phenomenon of computer simulations in the scientific research practice of conducting experiments are just beginning to pass the stage of initiation in small interdisciplinary groups studying this new direction for the philosophy of science. At the same time, in Western philosophy by the current moment there have been formed entire directions for the study of computer simulations. Different groups of researchers in different ways form ideas about the basic characteristics of simulations: from skeptical views on their nature, which are of no philosophical interest, to extremely revolutionary attitudes that assign simulations to the main role in the next expected turn of philosophy, comparable in its power to the linguistic turn in early XX century. One of the main controversial issues in Western philosophical thought was the search for relevant criteria and signs of simulations that could create a solid basis for formulating a rigorous definition of this phenomenon. Thus, through the definition, researchers first of all try, on the one hand, to solve the taxonomic problem of the correlation and interconnection of simulations with other types of experiment: natural, laboratory, mental, mathematical. On the other hand, to reveal for philosophy ontological and epistemological foundations of simulations, which carry the potential of new philosophical knowledge. This article is devoted to a brief review of the existing concepts of representatives of Western schools of thought on the phenomenon of computer simulations in the context of the philosophy of science. The structure of the review is built on three basic conceptual directions: 1) definition of the term "computer simulation"; 2) computer simulations as an experiment; 3) the epistemic value of simulations. Such a review can become the subject of discussion for Russian researchers interested in the impact of computer simulations on science and philosophy.

Approaches to a Concept of Simulation

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Inge Hinterwaldner
Keyword(s):  
Computer Simulation ◽  
Media Studies ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Natural Sciences ◽  
The Other ◽  
Single Spectrum ◽  
Media Philosophy ◽  
Technical Sense ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of

It can be shown that the different conceptions of ‘simulation’ (the one of culture critique on the one hand and the denomination of technical applications on the other) that seem to be incompatible with each other can be reconciled on a single spectrum. Its basis in models, its replacement of reality, its lack of reference and of precession of the referent are some pejorative characteristics often emphasized in media philosophy with regard to simulations, for which the sciences applying computer simulations have no use for. It helps crossing over the views that first seem opposite to each other, but that turn out to be compatible if its root in reality is recognized and thus the representational logic is accepted at least according to the intention. The chapter combines ideas of the 'simulacrum' retrieved in the natural sciences with traces of cybernetic thinking in media studies. The whole study builds on a definition of computer simulation in the technical sense as the involvement with and the act of execution f a dynamic mathematic or procedural model that projects, depicts, or recreates a system or process.

From Europe as a model to Europe as austerity

2012 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 397-410 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hermes Augusto Costa
Keyword(s):  
Labour Market ◽  
Trade Unions ◽  
Final Section ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
Eu Accession ◽  
Labour Relations ◽  
The Social ◽  
The One ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Social Europe

Twenty five years after Portuguese EU accession, the labour market in general and the trade unions in particular are faced with severely regressive social measures that undermine past expectations of progress towards the achievement of the Social Europe project in Portugal. Thus, on the one hand, this article identifies some of the ambitions and possibilities earlier opened up for the Portuguese labour market, as well as trade union attitudes to European integration. It is argued, on the other hand, that, in the context of the economic crisis and the austerity measures to which Portugal is subjected, the sense of Portugal’s backwardness in relation to the ‘European project’ has become more acute. The article accordingly focuses on and examines some of the austerity measures and certain controversial issues associated with them. In a final section, the impact of austerity on labour relations and the reactions of social partners, in particular the trade unions, are analysed.

The permanent deformation of a cantilever struck transversely at its tip

1955 ◽  
Vol 228 (1175) ◽  
pp. 462-476 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Plastic Material ◽  
Permanent Deformation ◽  
Rigid Plastic ◽  
Accurate Definition ◽  
Special Cases ◽  
Rigid Plastic Material ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Falling Weight ◽  
The Impact

An analysis is given for the deformation of a cantilever made from a rigid-plastic material struck transversely at its tip by a moving mass. Two special cases are found to be of interest: mass of striker large, and mass of striker small. Experiments were carried out on model mildsteel cantilevers under these two extreme conditions: in the one case the striker was a falling weight, in the other a rifle bullet. The theoretical and experimental results are compared, and it is shown that there is good agreement at points remote from the impact, but that prediction of local damage depends on accurate definition of the conditions of striking.

scholarly journals Defining the family of a child with disabilities

KANT ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 447-451
Author(s):  
Veronika Filippova
Keyword(s):  
Scientific Literature ◽  
Social Institution ◽  
Family Characteristics ◽  
Educational Impact ◽  
The Family ◽  
Rehabilitation Potential ◽  
Developmental Resource ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

The article provides an overview of the scientific literature, concepts of psychologists, teachers, sociologists who define the family as a social institution, small group or system. The forms and types of families are considered depending on social development, educational impact on the child, and the composition of members. The definition of the family of a child with disabilities is given by describing the features of difficult life situations and the phenomenon of family. As a result, it is concluded that the family of a child with disabilities on the one hand meets the totality of family characteristics as a social phenomenon, and on the other has its own characteristics due to the impact on its life activity of having a child with disabilities. For this reason, the family can both become the main developmental resource for the child, and limit its rehabilitation potential.

scholarly journals Juridical Activities in the Digital Age: A Concept, Content, Forms

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (6) ◽  
pp. 21-30
Author(s):  
A. V. Kornev
Keyword(s):  
Communication Systems ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Human Interaction ◽  
Legal Practice ◽  
Dual Nature ◽  
Information And Communication ◽  
Legal Forms ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

The paper examines activity as the most important component of human life. The author elucidates the features of activity from the standpoint of various fields of knowledge: philosophy, psychology, sociology. The preference is given to the activity approach, which is based on the category of “substantive activity.” It is substantive in nature and does not simply define the activity as human interaction with the outside world, but reflects the changes that constitute the result of human activity. Various aspects of theoretical and practical activity are touched upon on the example of legal activity, which is of a complex intellectual nature. Legal activity is often characterized through legal practice — one of the varieties of social practices. Some similarities of these categories are reflected, as well as differences between them. The paper gives the author’s definition of legal activity focused on professional legal activity. The definition cannot claim to be universal due to various types of professional legal activity. Nevertheless, it is specified that professional legal activity is always an activity carried out on the basis of law, in legal forms; it is aimed at achieving the goals determined by law. The author demonstrates the impact of digital technologies on various types of legal activities. Especially in the conditions of the pandemic when traditional forms of communication have given way to virtual ones. It is noted that this influence is of a dual nature, that is, on the one hand, it increases the efficiency of communications, and, on the other hand, it leads to some risks and problems, in particular, against the background of the fact that a significant part of our population still does not have access to modern information and communication systems.

scholarly journals Metalogical Remarks on Induction

Axiomathes ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jan Woleński
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Science ◽  
Qualitative Approach ◽  
Controversial Issues ◽  
Logical Probability ◽  
Problem Of Induction ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Degree Of Confirmation ◽  
Quantitative Account

AbstractThe problem of induction belongs to the most controversial issues in philosophy of science. If induction is understood widely, it covers every fallible inference, that is, such that its conclusion is not logically entailed by its premises. This paper analyses so-called reductive induction, that is, reasoning in which premises follow from the conclusion, but the reverse relation does not hold. Two issues are taken into account, namely the definition of reductive inference and its justification. The analysis proposed in the paper employs metalogical tools. The author agrees with the view that a quantitative account of degree of confirmation for universal theories via logical probability is problematic. However, prospect for a qualitative approach look as more promising. Using the construction of maximally consistent sets allows to distinguish good and worthless induction as well as shows how to understand induction in a semantic way. A closer analysis of deductivism in the theory of justification shows that it is a hidden inductivism.

The Obligation to Undertake an Environmental Assessment in the Jurisprudence of the ICJ: A Principle in Search of Autonomy

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 158-169
Author(s):  
Elisa RUOZZI
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Environmental Law ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Due Diligence ◽  
International Court Of Justice ◽  
International Court ◽  
The Icj ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

AbstractThe practice of carrying out an environmental impact assessment (EIA) has gained strength in international law and jurisprudence, finding application in the case law of the International Court of Justice (ICJ). If, on the one hand, the ICJ has recognized the customary nature of this principle, on the other its application poses a set of challenges, mainly linked to the autonomy of this obligation from other international environmental law norms. More precisely, the obligation at issue has been applied in connection with the due diligence and notification principles, creating uncertainty about its scope, as well as about its substantive or procedural nature. Likewise, the autonomy of the obligation to perform an EIA has been challenged in relation to the definition of the content and scope of the obligation itself, which in turn is linked to the existence of applicable treaty provisions or of soft law. This article discusses the impact of these elements on the reasoning of the Court in the cases at issue, in order to demonstrate how such lack of autonomy can undermine the coherence of the reasoning itself and, therefore, an effective application of the principle.

scholarly journals Why we shouldn’t shy away from discussions around decolonising curricula

2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Danielle Tran
Keyword(s):  
The Other ◽  
Job Market ◽  
Course Content ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Steady Growth ◽  
Course Syllabi ◽  
The World ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact

Within the last decade, there has been a steady growth of literature discussing the benefits of internationalising curricula, strategies for making curricula more international and the impact this can have on students’ experience during their time at university and beyond in the world of work. ‘[I]nternationalisation of the curriculum seeks on the one hand to adapt course syllabi as well as teaching and assessment methods to the needs of students who come together from all over the world, bringing with them a plethora of views, cultures, and experiences with learning and teaching; on the other hand, the globalised job market and global political and cultural interactions demand a new style of Higher Education’ (University of Essex, 2012, p.7). The latter definition of internationalising the curriculum thus has clear connections to the argument for decolonising the curriculum, which has been gaining momentum within the critical sphere. Yet the definition for decolonisation curricula continues to be debated. While the internationalising and decolonising of curricula both call for a review of course content and delivery in light of the diverse body of students in our classrooms, I have found there to be at times a slight hesitancy among academics towards employing the phrase ‘decolonising the curriculum’ and fully engaging with conversations around this topic.

scholarly journals Induction and the use of computer simulations in the science

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-71
Author(s):  
Slobodan Perovic ◽  
Aleksandra Zoric
Keyword(s):  
Philosophy Of Science ◽  
Computer Simulations ◽  
Experimental Research ◽  
Dominant Role ◽  
Natural Phenomena ◽  
Scientific Process ◽  
Scientific Experiments ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The One ◽  
Philosophical Understanding

In philosophy of science, inductive procedures have been predominantly analysed with respect to the induction of scientific theories based on the experimental and observational results. Over the last few decades computer simulations play as important, or even more dominant role compared to the experiments across scientific filds. Models of natural phenomena are tested and hypotheses induced based on the results of adequate simulations. They have gradually acquired importance in the scientific process traditionally reserved for experiments. We ask whether and to what extent philosophical understanding of the inductive process, as it has been traditionally developed through the analysis of scientific experiments and theories, can be properly applied to understanding such simulations. Another two classic questions posed by that dilemma are whether there is an underdetermination of simulated models by the results of simulations analogous to the one in traditional experimental research which was the subject of debate in the philosophy of science that lasted for decades, and whether simulations are theory laden.

scholarly journals Do Chatbots Dream of Androids? Prospects for the Technological Development of Artificial Intelligence and Robotics

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (7) ◽  
pp. 73-95
Author(s):  
Albert R. Efimov
Keyword(s):  
Artificial Intelligence ◽  
Technological Development ◽  
Turing Test ◽  
Main Question ◽  
Current State ◽  
The Subject ◽  
The One ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Impact ◽  
And Robotics

The article discusses the main trends in the development of artificial intelligence systems and robotics (AI&R). The main question that is considered in this context is whether artificial systems are going to become more and more anthropomorphic, both intellectually and physically. In the article, the author analyzes the current state and prospects of technological development of artificial intelligence and robotics and also determines the main aspects of the impact of these technologies on society and economy, indicating the geopolitical strategic nature of this influence. The author considers various approaches to the definition of artificial intelligence and robotics, focusing on the subject-oriented and functional ones. In the article, AI&R abilities and human abilities are compared in such areas as categorization, pattern recognition, planning and decision making, etc. Based on this comparison, it is concluded in which areas AI&R’s performance is inferior to a human and in which cases it is superior to one. The modern achievements in the field of robotics and artificial intelligence create the necessary basis for further discussion of the applicability of goal setting in engineering, in the form of a Turing test. It is shown that development of AI&R is associated with certain contradictions that impede the application of Turing’s methodology in its usual format. The basic contradictions in the development of AI&R technologies imply that there is to be a transition to a post-Turing methodology for assessing engineering implementations of AI&R. In such implementations, on the one hand, the “Turing wall” is removed, and on the other hand, artificial intelligence gets its physical implementation.

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