Teleology and function in non-living nature

The nature of life has been much discussed by philosophers as well as scientists (see, e.g., Schrodinger 1944; Bertalanffy 1952, 1975; Portmann 1960, 1974; Waddington 1961, 1968–72; Grene 1965,1974; Jonas 1966; Blandino 1969; Jacob 1970; Black 1972; Jeuken 1975; Canguilhem 1975; Elsasser 1975, 1981; Grene and Mendelsohn 1976; Heidcamp 1978; Atlan 1979; Bateson 1979; Buckley and Peat 1979; Varela 1979; Morin 1980; Crick 1981; Mercer 1981). Quite often it has been implied that a characterization or definition of life must consist of a list of properties (or at least a single property) that are exhibited by life, but are absent in nonliving nature. Such an approach is based on the belief in a dualism between life and inanimate nature. During the last decades, systems thinking has focused attention on more inclusive systems, such as ecosystems, that comprise living organisms as well as so-called nonliving matter. A characterization of an ecosystem need not imply an absolute dualism between life and inanimate nature, but may instead emphasize the characteristics of the whole ecosystem. From this vantage point, life and reality may be seen in a more global perspective.

Cancer – A devastating disease, but also an eye-opener and window into the deep mysteries of life and its origins

Робота присвячена формальному опису процедури і схеми декомпозиції довільних об’єктів: предметів, явищ, організмів, процесів в живій і неживій природі. Наведені і формально описані атрибути схеми декомпозиції: властивість об’єкта; різні види залежностей, що можуть зв’язувати властивості об’єкта; механізм декомпозиції; графічне зображення схеми декомпозиції. Описано різновиди схеми декомпозиції такі як декомпозиція ділення і декомпозиція з включення. Показано різноманіття схем декомпозиції і різноманіття механізмів декомпозиції. Формальний опис розглядається як передумова для аналізу і синтезу складних об’єктів на рівні, що відповідає рівню математичної точності і строгості. Формальне і систематичне визначення процесу декомпозиції може також сприяти синтезу знань і ефективному міждисциплінарному спілкуванню.

The paper concentrates on some mechanisms of evolution that forms the constructive-oriented approach to the existence and development process of both wildlife and inanimate nature. This approach, also known as multi-alternative concept, is taken as a basis for the discussion of some interrelated and complementary principles of the diversity, discreteness and hierarchy in evolutionary processes and structures. First of all, it is demonstrated, that the possibility of evolution depends mainly on the heterogeneity of matter forms that implicates the diversity of its acquired characteristics. It can also be shown that the specified diversity is essentially enabled with discreteness of elements, which constitutes the combinatorial manifold of patterns and modes in physical and biological systems. Special attention is given to the issue of correlation between process hierarchy and structures, on one side, and its stability and homeostasis on the other. Finally, there are some examples provided to demonstrate the application of the considered principles in solving different technological problems, such as development of high-reliable power systems for space stations or designing evolutionary algorithms for decision-making systems. It is shown that the evolutionary concept of community multi-alternative opens prospects for its practical appliance to application analysis and control of complex systems, both of natural and anthropogenic origin.

The article deals with the features of teaching the course "the Concept of modern natural science" to students of Humanities faculties. The purpose of this course in higher education is to reveal the unity of natural science knowledge to cover the whole world-from elementary particles and atoms to the galaxy and the Universe as a whole, the world of living and inanimate nature. Introduction to the concepts, principles and approaches of modern natural science. Show the relationship and interdependence of natural Sciences and Humanities. To reveal the unity of nature and man, to find out the role and place of natural Sciences in solving global problems of mankind. The purpose of this course is to familiarize students of Humanities with the contribution of scientists – naturalists in the development and formation of modern scientific ideas, the breadth of scientific interests, the attention of most scientists to the problems of culture, ecology, preservation of civilization. The most important goal of the course is to form a unified natural science view of the world, common to specialists in all areas of higher education. Key words: natural science, humanities,  modeling, case study, hypothesis. &nbsp

The aim of the investigation is to present the ways and a technique of formation of students’ ecological and legal competence at humanities departments of high schools in the course of studying of natural sciences. Methods and results. Having applied the methods of pedagogical modelling and using resources of natural-science disciplines, the author has developed a new complex based on structure and maintenance of the methodical tools that is directed at ecological and legal competence of high school students. Substantial block of the complex includes the integrated training course «Modern scientific picture of the world», supporting elective courses and interdisciplinary modules of eco-cultural orientation. Implementing ideas and cognitive models of postnonclassical science (systems theory, self-organization and organization) enables to provide an approach to describe the natural sciences and the social and cultural world with unified methodological positions, to build a complete system-synergetic picture in which the life of animate and inanimate nature, human life and work and society are inseparable single thread. The general laws of self-organization and evolution of complicated systems taught in the basic course enable to identify the similarities and differences in the dynamics of natural and social processes, face the problem of ecological culture and ethical and legal mechanisms, to regulate human activity that enhances deontological content of natural science training. The technology block of the educational complex includes technology and teaching methods, which combine traditional and innovative forms of the organization of educational process. «Case studies» technology is proposed as a productive tool for developing ecological and legal competence. This technology successfully integrates many of the current well-known methods and forms of education, promoting the implementation of the competency approach. Scientific novelty and practical significance. The results of the diagnostic research presented in the paper show that the use of the proposed educational complex enriches the eco-cultural knowledge of students, contributes to encouraging them to master natural science area, and is an effective tool in formation of ecological and legal competence. Testing the complex in the training process among different categories of students gives grounds to conclude that it can be wider used in educational practice.

Актуальність сучасних підходів до проекологічної освіти зумовлює сучасний стан природного довкілля. Традиційно її розглядають у руслі завдань ознайомлення дітей з природою. Основи екологічної спрямованості змісту знань про живу і неживу природу закладені у працях відомих педагогів – представників європейських освітніх систем: Я.А.Коменський, Ф.Фребель, С.Френе, а також послідовників їхніх ідей в Україні: С.Русова, В.Сухомлинський, К.Ушинський та ін. Спираючись на наукові підходи біологів, екологів, фахівців у галузі охорони природи для дітей дошкільного віку рекомендовані знання, які доступні для їхнього сприйняття. Це знання про атмосферу, ґрунти, води, рослин і тварин та ін. включно із процесами, які у них відбуваються. Відповідно природне довкілля постає перед дошкільником як цілісне і неподільне з яким людина взаємодіє, пізнає і охороняє. Природа є її житлом, їжею, одягом, натхненням для творчості і діяльності. Згубний вплив на рослини, тварини, озера і ріки обмежує позитивний і об’єктивний погляд у майбутнє. Відповідно проекологічну освіту слід розпочинати змалку для того, щоб кожна дитина оволоділа не лише знаннями про природу, а й практичними навичками її охорони.Зміст проекологічної освіти є досить багатогранним і різностороннім, отож дітям її визначають як знання про світ, у якому вони живуть; про повітря, яким вони дихають; про їжу, якою вони харчуються; про оточення дорослих і однолітків, з якими вони спілкуються; про стиль життя їхньої сім’ї і родини.Новітні освітні технології передбачають неподільну єдність між науковими знаннями та виховними цілями, які вони реалізують. Відповідно вони взмозі змінювати стиль і якість життя дітей та їхніх батьків. Проекологічна освіта опирається на наукові основи організації керівництва нею у закладах дошкільної освіти та на принципи дошкільної дидактики. Її зміст може бути зреалізований у різних формах. У статті наведено приклад організації зеленого дошкілля у Республіці Польща в руслі ініціатив Міжнародної фундації прихильників природи “Children and Nature Network”. Практика зеленого (лісового) дитячого садка спрямована на максимальне залучення дітей до використання проектних методів пошуково-дослідницької діяльності у пізнанні природного довкілля. Такі методи покликані забезпечити дітям широкий обсяг інформації як основи їх проекологічної освіти. Досвід колег із Республіки Польща спонукає теоретиків і практиків дошкільної освіти до активних пошуків форм співпраці.

The article considers the tourist traffic as possible to elements of inanimate nature in protected areas. The highest form of protection in Poland - national parks, has been taken into account. The main goal is to diagnose the situation based on the analysis of official documents elaborated by the national park authorities. One of the important elements is to diagnose the threat to nature and indicate ways to neutralize it. At the beginning, the geotouristic potential of these parks was presented, where this type of resources is considered important from the point of view of tourism. The tourist function of the most important attractions in Poland was indicated. In the top ten there are as many as 4 national parks, including Tatrzański which takes first place. The size of tourist traffic in all 23 parks was analyzed. As a result, it was shown that the most popular, where tourist flow is of mass character, include mountain parks with significant geotouristic potential. Next, the current protection plans for them were analyzed: Tatrzański, Karkonoski, Table Mountains and Pieniński, where the annual tourist flow varies between 0.5 million and almost 4 million visitors per year. Threats were assigned to 4 groups: existing internal threats, potential internal threats, existing external threats and potential external threats. In each of the types of threats special attention was paid to those related to inanimate nature. It also indicated the ways in which park managers want to influence the change of negative trends. The basic conclusion was indicated, which boils down to the postulate of a balanced approach to the protection of both types of nature: animate and inanimate. In the case of animate nature, threats and suggestions for improving the situation seem to be much better diagnosed than in the case of inanimate nature.

NATURVIDEN - EN NATURFILOSOFISK UNDERSØGELSE OG KRITIK AF VIDENSBEGREBER I NATURVIDENSKAB

Research Subject. The research subject encompasses the mechanisms for restoring investment attractiveness of de-occupied territories of Ukraine through the establishment and operation of industrial parks. The analysis is conducted with consideration of critical security risks, large-scale demographic losses, and substantial infrastructure destruction. The study focuses on resolving the fundamental conflict between the necessity of targeted recovery of the most affected zones and the imperative to minimize security threats for attracting private capital. Research Objective. The research objective lies in substantiating the feasibility and developing a two-phase strategy for utilizing industrial parks for economic recovery, as well as in formulating differentiated state support mechanisms adapted to the specifics of de-occupied territories, incorporating critical analysis of international post-war reconstruction experience. Research Methodology. To achieve the stated objective, a systematic approach, comparative analysis of international experience, structural-functional method, economic-statistical analysis, and case study method of Ukrainian industrial parks operating under wartime conditions have been employed. Research Findings. A fundamental conflict between the objective of de-occupied territories recovery and the necessity of minimizing security risks has been identified. A two-phase strategy has been proposed: Phase 1 – establishment of industrial parks in secure regions for capital accumulation; Phase 2 – targeted recovery of critical zones through Recovery Parks with special status. A differentiated support system based on the Critical Recovery Index has been developed: increase of state participation to 95/5 or 100/0 ratios, complete state financing of demining operations, extension of tax holidays up to 15 years. The concept of a multipurpose agro-industrial park valued at USD 150-300 million with integration of brownfield sites and critical energy autonomy has been substantiated. Practical Application. The findings can be utilized in developing state programs for post-war recovery, formulating regional development strategies for de-occupied oblasts, as well as for planning and coordinating international donor support and attracting private investment. The success of the model requires social integration of employment programs for veterans and internally displaced persons (IDPs). Conclusions. The success of industrial parks in de-occupied territories requires a two-phase model, special Recovery Parks status with enhanced state support at 95/5 ratio, mandatory utilization of brownfield sites, energy autonomy as a critical requirement, and social integration of employment programs for veterans and IDPs.

1. Morality, Reason, and Human Nature Reading the whole of Philippa Foots work reveals that the view advanced in her widely reprinted essay, ‘‘Morality as a System of Hypothetical Imperatives,’’ is an exception to her otherwise consistent attempts to defend the universal application of correct moral judgments on the basis of sound practical reasoning. In Natural Goodness, Foot returns again to defend the claim that everybody has reason to be moral, yoking together ideas about moral evaluation, practical reason, and natural teleology into her novel and distinct form of neo-Aristotelian ethical naturalism. 1 While her view has recently received some critical attention, little has been done either in its defense or further development. 2 Indeed, there is a certain irony to the fact that Rosalind Hursthouse, who has done more than anyone toward a systematic development of Foots recent naturalism, also champions a fundamental objection to the prospect of its success, its promise of providing an account resting on facts of nature as to why everybody has ‘‘reason to aim at those things at which a good human being must aim’’ independently of their self-interest or desires. 3 Hursthouses objection rests on the understanding of practical reason she adopts from John McDowell: the facility for reasoning well is an acquired and normatively autonomous second nature. 4 Another prominent neo-Aristotelian, McDowell has articulated his own objections to Foots recent work, specifically, to the idea that natural facts about species-typical needs play a significant role in accounting for the rational appeal of a life of virtue. 5 Together, McDowell and Hursthouse present serious problems that must be addressed before any defense of morality along the lines Foot has established can be pursued further. Still, it is well known that Hursthouse is not entirely critical of Foot. It is with significant optimism that she develops Foots basic model of naturalistic evaluation and concludes that the approach does indeed show

Hegel's Appropriation of Kant's Account of Teleology in Nature

Banks and Their ‘Special Status’, in Light of the Recent Financial Crisis in the U.K.: A Study of Northern Rock, RBS and HBOS

Ecological interactions among species are the backbone of biodiversity. Interactions take a tremendous variety of forms in nature and have pervasive consequences for the population dynamics and evolution of species. A persistent challenge in evolutionary biology has been to understand how coevolution has produced complex webs of interacting species, where a large number of species interact through mutual dependences (e.g., mutualisms) or influences (e.g., predator–prey interactions in food webs). Recent work on megadiverse species assemblages in ecological communities has uncovered interesting repeated patterns that emerge in these complex networks of multispecies interactions. They include the presence of a core of super- generalists, proper patterns of interaction (that resemble nested chinese boxes), and multiple modules that act as the basic blocks of the complex network. The structure of multispecies interactions resembles other complex networks and is central to understanding its evolution and the consequences of species losses for the persistence of the whole network. These patterns suggest both precise ways on how coevolution goes on beyond simple pairwise interactions and scales up to whole communities.

اهداف: کیفیت زندگی، مفهومی پیچیده و چندبعدی است که تحت تأثیر مولفه هایی چون زمان و مکان، ارزش‌های فردی و اجتماعی از سوی متفکران علوم شهری و سایر اندیشمندان علوم مختلف مطرح و مورد پژوهش قرار گرفته است. تحقیق حاضر با هدف بررسی شاخص‌های کیفیت زندگی و سنجش آن در شهر مرکزی زرین دشت (حاجی‌آباد) بر مبنای 4 گروه شاخص‌های اقتصادی، اجتماعی، خدماتی و کالبدی صورت گرفته است. روش: روش تحقیق، در این مقاله توصیفی- تحلیلی و ابزار آن پرسش‌نامه می‌باشد. روایی پرسش‌نامه با استفاده از نظرات متخصصان و پایایی آن با استفاده از محاسبه آلفای کرونباخ (72%) تعیین شد. جامعۀ آماری در این پژوهش7 محله از شهر حاجی‌آباد (20000نفر) می‌باشد که با استفاده از فرمول کوکران 377 نمونه انتخاب گردید و به‌صورت تصادفی در هر محله پرسش‌نامه توزیع شد. تجزیه و تحلیل پرسش‌نامه با استفاده ازآمار توصیفی، همبستگی و رگرسیون چندگانۀ خطی انجام شد و در نهایت از روش آنتروپی شانون جهت وزن‌دهی شاخص‌ها و تکنیک پرومتی جهت رتبه‌بندی محلات به‌کار گرفته شد. یافته‌ها/نتایج: یافته‌های پژوهش نشان داد که در شهر حاجی‌آباد، محلۀ فرهنگیان بالاترین سطح کیفیت زندگی شهری و محلۀ حسین‌آباد، پایین‌ترین سطح کیفیت را در بین محلات دارد. همچنین در بررسی ابعاد چهارگانۀ شاخص کیفیت زندگی همبستگی مستقیم و معناداری وجود داشته و هر یک از این ابعاد همبستگی معناداری با رضایتمندی نهایی از کیفیت زندگی دارند و از بین شاخص‌های کیفیت زندگی، شاخص اقتصادی بیشترین تأثیر را در کیفیت محلات دارد.