Adequate Theory Research Articles

Strong popular sovereignty and constitutional legitimacy

Recent critiques of attempts to ground constitutional legitimacy in the constituent power of a strong popular sovereign have tended to focus upon the tension between strong popular sovereignty and central assumptions of liberal constitutionalism. Foremost among these assumptions are the need to reconcile disagreement regarding controversial matters of common concern and the value of the rule of law. The weakness of such critiques, however, is that they presuppose a commitment to liberal principles and values that an advocate of strong popular sovereignty need not share. In this paper, I argue that recourse to liberal assumptions is unnecessary in order to demonstrate the inability of a theory of strong popular sovereignty to issue in a viable account of constitutional legitimacy. Theories of constitutional legitimacy grounded in strong popular sovereignty and constituent power, I contend, simply lack the basic resources for an adequate theory of constitutional legitimacy because they do not offer normative grounds for an assessment of whether any particular constitution is or is not legitimate. The paper is structured in three sections. Section 1 demonstrates that Carl Schmitt’s theory of constitutional legitimacy – which remains the primary source of contemporary appeals to strong popular sovereignty and constituent power – sustains a normative interpretation. Section 2 then develops a minimal constraint on an adequate normative theory of constitutional legitimacy. Finally, in Section 3, I demonstrate why a normative account of constitutional legitimacy based on strong popular sovereignty and constituent power is, at least without supplementation from normative concepts derived from a weaker conception of popular sovereignty, unable to meet this constraint.

Towards a Theory of Life Satisfaction: Accounting for Stability, Change and Volatility in 25-Year Life Trajectories in Germany

An adequate theory of Life Satisfaction (LS) needs to take account of both factors that tend to stabilise LS and those that change it. The most widely accepted theory in the recent past – set-point theory – focussed solely on stability (Brickman and Campbell, 1971; Lykken and Tellegen, 1996). That theory is now regarded as inadequate by most researchers, given that national panel surveys in several Western countries show that substantial minorities of respondents have recorded large, long term changes in LS (Sheldon and Lucas, 2014). In this paper we set out a preliminary revised theory, based mainly on analysis of the LS trajectories of the 2473 respondents in the German Socio-Economic Panel who reported their LS for 25 consecutive years in 1990-2014. The theory entails three sets of propositions in which we attempt to account for stability, change and also volatility. First, it is proposed that stability is primarily due to stable personality traits, and also to parental influence on LS. The second set of propositions indicates that medium and long term changes are due to differences and changes in personal values/life priorities and behavioural choices. Differences in the priority given to pro-social values, family values and materialistic values affect LS, as do behavioural choices relating to one’s partner, physical exercise, social participation and networks, church attendance, and the balance between work and leisure. Changes in health and domain satisfactions can also substantially change LS. Medium term change is reinforced by two-way causation – positive feedback loops – between behavioural choices, domain satisfactions and LS. The third set of propositions breaks new ground in seeking to explain inter-individual differences in the volatility/variability of LS over time; why some individuals display high volatility and others low, even though their mean level of LS may change little over 25 years.

Subjective Rightness and Minimizing Expected Objective Wrongness

AbstractIt has become increasingly common for philosophers to distinguish between objective and subjective rightness, and there has been much discussion recently about what an adequate theory of subjective rightness looks like. In this article, I propose a new theory of subjective rightness. According to it, an action is subjectively right if and only if it minimizes expected objective wrongness. I explain this theory in detail and argue that it avoids many of the problems that other theories of subjective rightness face. I end by responding to some objections.

The Leray-Schauder Degree as Topological Method Solution of Nonlinear Elliptic Equations

In the present paper using precise results on the solutions of linear elliptic differential operators with Holder continuous coefficient as well as a variant of the Lery - Schauder method and the gal of this paper to find an adequate degree theory for the infinite dimensional setting and to extend the theory of homotopy classes of maps form <img width="17" height="16" src="http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/141/1411129/image001.png" /> to <img width="17" height="16" src="http://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/journal/141/1411129/image001.png" /> to homotopy classes of maps on infinite dimensional spaces.

Determination of gold nanoparticle shape from absorption spectroscopy and ellipsometry

A new methodology is developed to determine the shape distribution of gold nanoparticles (NPs) from optical spectroscopic measurements. Indeed, the morphology of Au colloids is deduced by fitting their absorption spectra with an effective medium theory which takes into account the nanoparticle shape distribution. The same procedure is applied to ellipsometric measurements recorded on photoresist films which contain Au NPs. Three spaces (L2, r2, P2) are introduced to interpret the NPs shape distribution. In the P2 space, the sphericity, the prolacity and the oblacity estimators are proposed to quantify the shape of NPs. The r2 space enables the determination of the NP aspect ratio distribution. The distributions determined from optical spectroscopy were found to be in very good agreement with the shape distributions obtained by transmission electron microscopy. We found that fitting absorption or ellipsometric spectra with an adequate effective medium theory, provides a robust tool for measuring the shape and concentration of metallic NPs.

End-anchored polymers in good solvents from the single chain limit to high anchoring densities.

An increasing number of applications utilize grafted polymer layers to alter the interfacial properties of solid substrates, motivating refinement in our theoretical understanding of such layers. To assess existing theoretical models of them, we have investigated end-anchored polymer layers over a wide range of grafting densities, σ, ranging from a single chain to high anchoring density limits, chain lengths ranging over two orders of magnitude, for very good and marginally good solvent conditions. We compare Monte Carlo and molecular dynamics simulations, numerical self-consistent field calculations, and experimental measurements of the average layer thickness, h, with renormalization group theory, the Alexander-de Gennes mushroom theory, and the classical brush theory. Our simulations clearly indicate that appreciable inter-chain interactions exist at all simulated areal anchoring densities so that there is no mushroom regime in which the layer thickness is independent of σ. Moreover, we find that there is no high coverage regime in which h follows the predicted scaling, h ∼ Nσ1/3, for classical polymer brushes either. Given that no completely adequate analytic theory seems to exist that spans wide ranges of N and σ, we applied scaling arguments for h as a function of a suitably defined reduced anchoring density, defined in terms of the solution radius of gyration of the polymer chains and N. We find that such a scaling approach enables a smooth, unified description of h in very good solvents over the full range of anchoring density and chain lengths, although this type of data reduction does not apply to marginal solvent quality conditions.

A Comparison of Neorealism, Liberalism, and Constructivism in Analysing Cyber War

Cyberwar can be considered as one of phenomena in International Relations. However, recently, there are not many literature about International Relations theory talking about cyber war or cyberspace generally. The phenomena of cyberspace is matter to International Relations as it involved sovereignty, state interactions and other elements in International Relations theory. On the other hand, cyber space blurs many concept in International Relations such as sovereignty is borderless in the realms of cyber space. Therefore, this articles analyses three perspectives in International Relations in analyzing cyber war. It explains what cyber war in context of International Relations, how three theories in International Relations with their elements analyses actors and interaction in cyber space. Finally, it found that Neorealism is the most adequate theory among other two theories in analyzing cyber war.

Bratman on identity over time and identification at a time

According to reductionists about agency, an agent’s bringing something about is reducible to states and events (such as desires and beliefs) involving the agent bringing something about. Many have worried that reductionism cannot accommodate robust forms of agency, such as self-determination. One common reductionist answer to this worry (which I call “identification reductionism”) contends that self-determining agents are identified with certain states and events, and so these states and events causing a decision counts as the agent’s self-determining the decision. In this paper, I discuss Michael Bratman’s well-known identification reductionist theory and his general strategy of grounding an agent’s identification at a time in the agent’s identity over time. I develop two constraints that an adequate identification reductionist theory must satisfy, argue that Bratman’s theory cannot satisfy both, and show that his general strategy for grounding an agent’s identification at a time in the agent’s identity over time is without merit.

Richness and rationality: causal decision theory and the WAR argument

Causal decision theory (CDT) is one of our most prominent theories of rational choice and the “why ain’cha rich?” argument (WAR) is one of the most prominent objections to this theory. According to WAR, CDT is not an adequate theory of rational choice because it leads agents to make decisions that foreseeably leave them less well off than agents that decide in some other manner. Some philosophers take WAR to decisively undermine CDT. On the other hand, others (including David Lewis and Terry Horgan) take WAR to fail to resolve the debate over CDT’s adequacy. In this paper, I will defend this second view: WAR does not resolve the debate at hand but instead leads to deadlock. Then, in the second half of this paper, I will show that this deadlock is not broken by a recent variant on WAR due to Caspar Hare and Brian Hedden. Not only does this result have implications for the debate over CDT’s adequacy but this discussion also casts light on the broader success/rationality link.

Impossibility of superconductivity electric flow

The solution of an old and urgent scientific and technical problem of superconductivity of electric current is proposed. Discrepancies to the facts and internal contradictions of a hypothesis of superconductivity of electric current by bodies, in the conditions of cryogenic temperatures are revealed. The new (alternate) comprehension of an essence and the adequate theory of the phenomenon which is inaccurately called by the low-temperature superconductivity of electric current without resistance is formulated. The analysis of an Ohm's law and its restrictions proves impossibility of emergence of superconductivity. It is claimed that when cooling the conductor its resistance increases, but does not decrease. When overcooling the conductor there is an isolation of electric current by it. The two-current model and the beginnings of the corresponding theory of an electrical conductivity are offered. It is shown that according to the actual two-current theory of distribution (current) of electric energy on the conductor, superconductivity cannot be. The same conclusion is proved by the law of Joule-Lenz and the facts of increase in resistance from action on the conductor of an external magnetic field and decrease of temperature of the conductor. It is proved that the physical nature of resistance consists in counteraction of an external electromagnetic field (electricity) to the movement on the conductor from the diamagnetic field self-induced in it. It is claimed that at deep overcooling the diamagnetization of the conductor becomes more magnetic field of electricity and the conductor turns into the superdiamagnetic electroisolation center (dielectric). Replacement of the inaccurate doctrine about superconductivity of electricity on long ago the alternate and most reasonable theory of a cold superdiamagnetization of substances offered by the author of this article allows to solve many problems of practical use of the phenomenon of a superdiamagnetization during creation of new processes and perspective technique of the future.

The Insistence of the MaterialHabeas Viscus: Racializing Assemblages, Biopolitics, and Black Feminist Theories of the HumanSensational Flesh: Race, Power, and Masochism

The Insistence of the MaterialHabeas Viscus: Racializing Assemblages, Biopolitics, and Black Feminist Theories of the HumanSensational Flesh: Race, Power, and Masochism

4 The Publicity of Reason(ing)

Abstract Which role does publicity play in an adequate theory of individual and collective reasoning? To analyze the role publicity should play in our societies in solving societal problems, I will start, in the first part, with some general remarks about problems and problem solving. In the second part, I will deal with the role responsible reasoning plays in problem solving. Finally, I will argue that, and why, the public use of reason is necessary for finding the best solutions for problems in society.

Persons and personal identity

As persons, we are importantly different from all other creatures in the universe. But in what, exactly, does this difference consist? What kinds of entities are we, and what makes each of us the same person today that we were yesterday? Could we survive having all of our memories erased and replaced with false ones? What about if our bodies were destroyed and our brains were transplanted into android bodies, or if instead our minds were simply uploaded to computers? In this engaging and accessible introduction to these important philosophical questions, Amy Kind brings together three different areas of research: the nature of personhood, theories of personal identity over time, and the constitution of self-identity. Surveying the key contemporary theories in the philosophical literature, Kind analyzes and assesses their strengths and weaknesses. As she shows, our intuitions on these issues often pull us in different directions, making it difficult to develop an adequate general theory. Throughout her discussion, Kind seamlessly interweaves a vast array of up-to-date examples drawn from both real life and popular fiction, all of which greatly help to elucidate this central topic in metaphysics. A perfect text for readers coming to these issues for the first time, Persons and Personal Identity engages with some of the deepest and most important questions about human nature and our place in the world, making it a vital resource for students and researchers alike.

Post-Gettier Epistemology

In this paper, it is argued that the differences between Gettier-era epistemology and post-Gettier epistemology can be largely traced to differences in methodology. We will give a “rational reconstruction” of how we did things then, what we do now, and what considerations moved us to do things differently. In summary form, during the Gettier era the methodology of epistemology was roughly what Chisholm called “particularism” and Rawls called “the method of reflective equilibrium.” Various developments forced an abandonment of this Gettier era methodology, in favor of several new constraints on an adequate theory of knowledge. Questions about the nature of epistemic normativity, the relations between knowledge and action, the value of knowledge, and the social dimensions of knowledge, all became important for adjudicating among competing theories of knowledge. This was appropriate in that the older methodology was inadequate. The new methodology accounts for the increased richness and depth that we see in epistemology today.

Theories, structures and simulations in the research of early mentalizing

The objective of this paper is to propose some new approaches that could be used in the research of the development of mindreading in infancy. I argue that the mentalizing system should be approached as a developing hierarchical structure that acquires the ability to orient attention to the most significant features in the environment. The development of this system could be described by a series of implicit theories that share a common structure which provides continuity over theory change. According to this view, the early stages which have a fundamental role for the development of mindreading would be described by low-level theories, but as infants become increasingly efficient in predicting behavior of observed agents the higher-order entities become prioritized due to their relevance. Infants thus gradually develop the ability to predict the behavior of others in situations involving attribution of mental states. I propose a strategy based on the analysis of attention deployment that could help to decide which of the alternative theories provides the most adequate account of the mentalizing system at a certain developmental stage. I also suggest that computational modeling could contribute to the research in this area. Simulations of looking behavior based on different ontologies could prove to be useful for choosing the most adequate theory as well as for advancing the understanding of mechanisms involved in the development of theory of mind.

Rethinking semiotics: Toward a theory of intentional sign

AbstractSign involves a relation between two correlatives established essentially by an act of mental associating. An adequate theory of sign should regard sign as a process based on such an act. A theory of intentional sign thus formed may serve as an example of the approach to such a theory. Every intentional sign process involves five basic factors and multiple stages, whose variation results in various types of processes. Processes of the same sign-vehicle form an autonomous system covering most basic topics of semiotics. Process systems of different sign-vehicles are interconnected via relation between the sign-vehicles, forming a system of systems generally called “sign system.” This theory may be further expanded into a fuller framework.

Is the paradox of fiction soluble in psychology?

If feeling a genuine emotion requires believing that its object actually exists, and if this is a belief we are unlikely to have about fictional entities, then how could we feel genuine emotions towards these entities? This question lies at the core of the paradox of fiction. Since its original formulation, this paradox has generated a substantial literature. Until recently, the dominant strategy had consisted in trying to solve it. Yet, it is more and more common for scholars to try to dismiss it using data and theories from psychology. In opposition to this trend, the present paper argues that the paradox of fiction cannot be dissolved in the ways recommended by the recent literature. We start by showing how contemporary attempts at dissolving the paradox assume that it emerges from theoretical commitments regarding the nature of emotions. Next, we argue that the paradox of fiction rather emerges from everyday observations, the validity of which is independent of any such commitment. This is why we then go on to claim that a mere appeal to psychology in order to discredit these theoretical commitments cannot dissolve the paradox. We bring our discussion to a close on a more positive note by exploring how the paradox could in fact be solved by an adequate theory of the emotions.

Can psychoanalysis help us to understand the causes and prevention of violence?

As the most adequate theory of human personality yet created, including our propensity for irrational, self-defeating, and self-destructive behavior patterns, psychoanalysis is in a unique position to help us solve the most serious crisis that the human species has been confronted by at any point in its evolutionary history: the threat to its own survival that is caused by its own behavior, namely the compulsion to engage in violence on the largest scale that its technology makes possible, even when that causes the death of the self as well as of others. This continually expanding behavior pattern, which reduces even genocide to a minor footnote compared with the self-extinction of our whole species, is created not only by “apocalyptic” fundamentalism and terrorism (“suicide bombers”), but also by the increasing and only partially preventable proliferation of thermonuclear weapons to national rulers of questionable sanity, and the apparently unpreventable continuation of industrial/economic policies and practices that will, if not reversed, make our own small planet uninhabitable. What makes people place a higher value on the continuation of these behaviors than they place on their own physical survival (or that of their children)? That is the question to which this article proposes at least the beginnings of an answer: that when a person feels shamed and humiliated to a degree that threatens the survival of that fragile and vulnerable psychological construct called his “self” (or of the religious or cultural group with which his self has identified), he will eagerly sacrifice his body (and other peoples’) in the attempt to, as he sees it, save his soul, i.e. his self and his self-esteem. The question then becomes: what are the social and psychological determinants of overwhelming shame and humiliation, and how can we protect people from being exposed to those conditions, or at least enhance their ability to respond to them in ways that are life-preserving rather than life-destroying?

Technology enabled learning of metal forming processes for engineering graduates using virtual simulation lab

Metal forming process is a widely used manufacturing process mainly for its economy, dimensional precision, and improved mechanical properties of the formed product. Real-time laboratory experiments are key to mechanical engineering course of metal forming. Lack of available capital in small engineering institutions constraints huge investments over machinery and necessary technologies. An interactive metal forming simulation lab is developed (i) having web-based global access to everyone (ii) with user friendly interface to move seamlessly and find topics (iii) enhancing learning by CAD simulations of metal forming processes (iv) to explore what-if situations experimenting over interactive simulation benches and (v) automatically scored e-quizzes for testing knowledge. This work helps amateur mechanical engineers and mechanical engineering undergraduate students of second, third, fourth, and fifth semesters, respectively, in learning and understanding of metal forming processes and concepts, allowing analysis and visualization of temperature changes, microstructure change, etc. This can be accessed through web address http://msvs-dei.vlabs.ac.in/ and contains over 200 modules. Each module is supported by adequate theory to reduce time and effort needed to understand different metal forming setups, various process parameters, materials, and equipments involved in the processes and provides interactive learning environment.

A review of projection radiography of plasma and biological objects in X-Pinch radiation

A review of studies on the X-pinch as a radiation source for X-ray projection shadow radiography (XPSR) and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) is presented. The ultimate capabilities of the techniques and ways of their achievement are considered. XPSR has been successfully used to study high-energy-density plasma objects, in particular, exploding wires and wire arrays. Using XPSR, the internal structure and dynamics of a wire explosion and wire array implosion have been investigated for the first time, which has made it possible to develop an adequate consistent theory of the processes occurring in the wire loads of generators with currents from several units of kiloamperes to a few tens of megamperes. The use of XAS for diagnostics of wire loads has allowed one for the first time to measure the parameters of matter in the wire core and plasma corona of the load. X-ray images of various biological objects have obtained, including those with the use of the phase contrast method. This review is a logical continuation of the review “Х-Pinch” [Plasma Phys. Rep. 41, 319, 493 (2015)], in which the Х-pinch as a physical object was considered.