James and Phenomenology

Beginning with Edmund Husserl, The Principles of Psychology was engaged by a series of philosophers in the phenomenological tradition. The phenomenological reading makes two central claims: (1) that William James in the Principles articulates a proto-phenomenological theory of intentionality, and (2) that because of this, James came to think that psychology is not an autonomous science independent of philosophy. This chapter argues that the phenomenological reading is right that James gives a proto-phenomenological theory of intentionality, one in which thought and thought’s object are essentially correlated. It is also agued that many of the characteristics of thought enumerated by James, namely, that it is constantly changing, not comprised of parts, and sensibly continuous, can only be properly understood in light of this theory. But the chapter concludes that the phenomenological reading is wrong to think that this entails the collapse of James’s project of developing a naturalistic psychology.

Robotic astrobiology – prospects for enhancing scientific productivity of mars rover missions

Robotic astrobiology involves the remote projection of intelligent capabilities to planetary missions in the search for life, preferably with human-level intelligence. Planetary rovers would be true human surrogates capable of sophisticated decision-making to enhance their scientific productivity. We explore several key aspects of this capability: (i) visual texture analysis of rocks to enable their geological classification and so, astrobiological potential; (ii) serendipitous target acquisition whilst on the move; (iii) continuous extraction of regolith properties, including water ice whilst on the move; and (iv) deep learning-capable Bayesian net expert systems. Individually, these capabilities will provide enhanced scientific return for astrobiology missions, but together, they will provide full autonomous science capability.

Reconciling hydrology with engineering

Hydrology has played an important role in the birth of science. Yet practical hydrological knowledge, related to human needs for water storage, transfer and management, existed before the development of natural philosophy and science. In contemporary times, hydrology has had strong links with engineering as its development has been related to the needs of the design and management of water infrastructures. In the 1980s these links were questioned and it was suggested that separating hydrology from engineering would be beneficial for both. It is argued that, thereafter, hydrology, instead of becoming an autonomous science, developed new dependencies, particularly on politically driven agendas. This change of direction in effect demoted the role of hydrology, for example in studying hypothetical or projected climate-related threats. Revisiting past experiences suggests that re-establishing the relationship of hydrology with engineering could be beneficial. The study of change and the implied uncertainty and risk could constitute a field of mutual integration of hydrology and engineering. Engineering experience may help hydrology to appreciate that change is essential for progress and evolution, rather than only having adverse impacts. While the uncertainty and risk cannot be eliminated they can be dealt with in a quantitative and rigorous manner.