Problematic Concept Research Articles

The IPM cycle: An instructional tool for promoting students' engagement in modeling practices and construction of models

AbstractThe importance of models and modeling in science education is well‐recognized, yet there exists significant polysemy among these terms within the literature. This ambiguity often leads to confusion, particularly regarding whether modeling represents an expected student performance, an instructional strategy to promote such performance, or both. Moreover, the construction of models has been depicted as both the objective of modeling and a distinct phase within modeling‐based instruction. Additionally, the expression of models has often been overlooked despite its significance as a crucial modeling practice. In an endeavor to shed light into these complexities associated with modeling in science education, this paper pursues a twofold aim. First, it theoretically presents and justifies the Instruction Performance Modeling (IPM) cycle, drawing on numerous previous contributions to the field, as a practical and specific instructional tool designed to clarify some problematic concepts both regarding modeling instruction and modeling practice. Second, it provides empirical evidence regarding the type of modeling performance exhibited by students involved in instruction guided by the IPM. This study applies discourse analysis to the multimodal productions of preservice teachers attending a lab‐based workshop on the topic of flotation. The main findings reveal that students' modeling performance, while exhibiting certain patterns such as the Introductory pattern or the Evaluation‐Revision one, predominantly manifests as a disorganized sequence of modeling practices. This result is consistent with certain precedents in the modeling literature but contrasts with the expected outcomes of well‐established approaches like Generation‐Evaluation‐Modification. Furthermore, the study aims to highlight the rich, meaningful, and productive modeling practices occurring in instructional scenarios guided by the IPM cycle.

Conceptual engineering, cognitive deficiency, and the foundations of conceptual inquiry

ABSTRACT As usually understood, ‘conceptual engineering’ is a form of conceptual inquiry aimed at diagnosing problems with extant concepts and finding better concepts to replace them. This can seem like an appropriate response to a skeptical concern that our concepts are cognitively deficient: unsuitable for use in serious inquiry. We argue, however, that conceptual engineering, so understood, cannot reasonably be motivated in this way. The basic problem is that on the first hand, since conceptual engineering is itself a form of inquiry, it cannot succeed by using the problematic concept itself in inquiry (since it is unsuitable for use in inquiry); but, on the other hand, methods for carrying out inquiry directed at concepts without using those concepts are constrained in such a way as to make conceptual engineering very unlikely to succeed. The upshot is that conceptual engineering has no reasonable chance of addressing the skeptical concern about cognitive deficiency. This is an important and previously unarticulated result, about what conceptual engineering can and cannot reasonably be expected to do.

Исторические и современные аспекты диалектики всеобщего духа в русской культуре

Within the framework of the article, the author examines the essential features of Hegel’s doctrine of the spirit, highlighting three interrelated aspects of its embodiment – the universal, the special, and the individual. Particular attention is paid to the problematic concept of “culture”, which is considered as the result of interaction between individual subjects and the universal spirit of society. The article reflects key features of the Russian mentality and its manifestations in history and culture. In conclusion, it is evident that the dialectics of the universal spirit plays a significant role in shaping Russian culture and mentality. The author demonstrates that one of the key features of the axiological spectrum of Russians is conciliarity. Moreover, Conciliarity, like Hegel’s universal spirit, emerges as a distinctive characteristic of the Russian axiological framework, reflecting the collective ethos of unity in plurality. Moving forward, further interdisciplinary research is needed to explore the multifaceted dimensions of the universal spirit in Russian culture and its implications for modern social dynamics. Ultimately, a nuanced understanding of these dialectical processes is essential for fostering cross-cultural dialogue and promoting mutual understanding in our increasingly interconnected world.

World Englishes and Cultural Linguistics: Theory and research

AbstractThis article explores the evolution of Cultural Linguistics, its fusion with Cognitive Linguistics and Cognitive Sociolinguistics, and its application to the study of world Englishes, emphasising the cultural dimension of language and cognition. It investigates key theoretical concepts in Cultural Linguistics such as cultural categories, schemas, conceptualisations, keywords, models and scenarios as essential analytical tools for examining the interplay between thought, language and culture. Using examples from English varieties in sub‐Saharan Africa, Great Britain, Ireland, India and Hong Kong, this article demonstrates how these conceptual phenomena interact at increasing levels of conceptual complexity. The discussion also distinguishes conceptual metaphor (and metonymy) from the somewhat problematic concept of ‘cultural metaphor’, previously used in some cultural‐linguistic approaches to world Englishes. Finally, the article delves into Conceptual Blending Theory as a possible extension of Cultural Linguistics that synthesises diverse cultural knowledge to interpret culture‐specific expressions in contemporary multilingual settings.

Morphometric Analysis of Placenta and Fetal Doppler Indices in Normal and High-Risk Pregnancies.

Background High-risk pregnancies, encompassing pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), preeclampsia toxemia (PET), and intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), represent intricate medical challenges with potential repercussions for maternal and fetal health. This research undertakes a comprehensive comparative investigation into the variations of Doppler indices and placental parameters within the context of these high-risk conditions when juxtaposed against pregnancies characterized as normal. Methodology Employing a rigorous cross-sectional study design, a diverse cohort of pregnant individuals with gestational diabetes, IUGR, PIH, and preeclampsia was meticulously assembled. Additionally, a group of normal pregnant women served as the comparative reference. Doppler ultrasound assessments, viz, pulsatility index (PI), were carefully performed to estimate blood flow velocities within critical maternal and fetal vessels, while placental parameters were meticulously quantified, encompassing dimensions, vascular architecture, and morphological features. Results Except in the GDM group, all high-risk groups had reduced estimated placental weight and actual birth weight than normal pregnant women. All high-risk groups showed a highly significant elevation of the PI of the umbilical artery and PI of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) than normal but the PI of MCA was significantly reduced in the PET group than in normal individuals. The cerebro-placental ratio in the GDM and IUGR groups revealed markedly greater values, whereas PET showed lower values. IUGR and PIH groups showed a substantial reduction in the fetal birth weight. All high-risk groups (GDM, IUGR, PIH, and PET) showed a highly significant reduction in luminal area umbilical artery 1 than the normal pregnant women. In IUGR, marginal placental insertion was very high, followed by GDM and PET groups. Conclusions This study reveals that Doppler indices, placental parameters, newborn weight, and their related ratios may beutilizedto anticipate gestation difficulties and gain insight into the pathophysiology of problematic conceptions.

Disrupting the “Tamil diaspora-terrorism” paradigm: the political mobilisation of younger generation Tamils in the London diaspora

ABSTRACT Following three decades of armed conflict, the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) defeated the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam in 2009. The victory was framed as a successful counterterrorism operation, yet, the GoSL’s military campaign in the Tamil-populated Northern and Eastern Provinces of Sri Lanka, faces credible allegations of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. As the armed conflict reached its apex, the Tamil diaspora mobilised politically across the globe and the participation of younger generation Tamils (YGTs), namely, those who were born outside their parents’ country of origin, or had settled outside of their ancestral homeland as children, caught the attention of scholars and analysts. Within this small pool of literature, the pervasive and problematic counterterrorism-inspired concept of “radicalisation” surfaced. This article contributes to critical debates on terrorism by analysing the cursory application of a radicalisation framework to the political mobilisation and perspectives of YGTs. Based on critical ethnographic research on YGT activism in the London diaspora, this article provides an alternative to criminalising and marginalising approaches by utilising an emotion-based conceptual framework, derived from social movement studies, to unearth and understand the complex mechanisms, contexts, and processes surrounding their political mobilisation.

Follow the citations: Tracing pathways of “race as biology” assumptions in medical algorithms in eGFR and spirometry

Despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary, the concept of 'race' as a biological unit continues to persist in various scientific disciplines, notably in the field of medicine. This paper explores the persistence of 'race as biology' in medical research via examining select citational practices that have perpetuated this problematic concept. Citations serve as a cornerstone in scientific literature, signifying reliability and expert affirmation. By analyzing citation threads and historical patterns, we aim to shed light on the creation and perpetuation of false scientific truths and their impact on medical research, training, and practice. We focus on two prominent examples, eGFR and Spirometry, and trace key articles’ citational histories, highlighting the flawed evidence in support of racial corrections in medical assessments. The eGFR equation incorporates 'race' as a factor based on the erroneous belief that Black individuals have higher muscle mass than white individuals. Our analysis reveals that key cited sources for this belief lack robust and well-developed datasets. Similarly, Spirometry measurements incorporate racial correction factors, relying on questionable evidence dating back to the Civil War era. Citations serve as a cornerstone in scientific literature, signifying reliability and expert affirmation. They play a crucial role in shaping theoretical positions and validating data and assumed knowledge. Evaluating citation threads and key articles consistently referenced over time can reveal how falsehoods and erroneous assertions are constructed and maintained in scientific fields. This study underscores the need for critical examination of citational practices in medical research and urges a shift toward a more cautious approach when citing sources that support 'race as biology.' The paper calls for a reevaluation of pedagogical approaches and assigned readings in medical education to prioritize an anti-racist perspective in future research endeavors.

Christian Anthropology Beyond Spirituality: On Nikolaos Loudovikos' Analogical Identities and its ‘Greek‐Western’ SynthesisAnalogical Identities: The Creation of the Christian Self – Beyond Spirituality and Mysticism in the Patristic Era, NikolaosLoudovikos, Brepols, 2020 (ISBN 978‐2‐503‐57815‐6), xv + 386 pp., pb £79.35

AbstractThis review article examines and summarizes the key ideas and contributions of Nikolaos Loudovikos' book Analogical Identities: The Creation of the Christian Self – Beyond Spirituality and Mysticism in the Patristic Era. The book offers a reimagining of Christian anthropology and the understanding of the self by critiquing what the author sees as lingering Neoplatonic influences and dualistic notions of ‘spirituality’ or ‘mysticism’. Loudovikos traces the development of problematic conceptions of the will, introspection and power in influential thinkers like Augustine, Origen and Descartes. He then provides an alternative trajectory drawing on Greek patristic authors like Maximus the Confessor, Symeon the New Theologian and Gregory Palamas. Loudovikos argues that their thinking provides resources for overcoming problematic past legacies by articulating a view of the self, grounded not in an immaterial soul, but in dialogical, embodied fulfilment through grace and participation in Christ. Central is Maximus' theology of the will, which reframes it not as something to be transcended but as expressing the universal human desire for God. Loudovikos synthesizes these currents in proposing the concept of ‘analogical identity’ to describe the transformed Christian self. The book represents a ground‐breaking contribution that creatively retrieves the diverse patristic tradition(s) to overcome lingering problems in theological anthropology and provides a holistic model of human personhood.

Zaozao Xu’s case: Chinese women’s appeal for the right to freeze their eggs

China’s regulatory framework on assisted reproductive technologies (henceforth ARTs) has remained unchanged and unchallenged for over two decades, prohibiting unmarried women from accessing any form of ARTs. Section 1 Article 4(1) of the Ethical Principles for Human Reproductive Technologies and Human Sperm Banks explicitly stipulates that ‘couples who do not comply with national population and family planning laws and regulations and single women’ are prohibited from accessing ARTs. However, unmarried men are allowed to freeze sperm regardless of their marital status, constituting direct discrimination against women. Furthermore, significant legislative conflicts exist between local regulations and departmental rules in this area, hindering the consistent application of ART norms in China and substantially limiting the reproductive rights of Chinese women. Zaozao Xu’s case is the first case in China directly challenging the current prohibitive regulations on egg freezing and may signify a crucial turning point in China’s reform of ARTs legislation. This commentary provides an overview of the case and examines various issues associated with the existing regulatory framework, including the vagueness of the legislation and regulation, legislative conflicts in the current framework, deeply rooted discrimination against women, and the regulator’s problematic conception of ARTs. This commentary emphasises the urgent need for China to re-evaluate and reform its ARTs regulatory framework to allow unmarried women to access ARTs, or at least egg-freezing services as the first step.

Talking ‘bout a revolution: resilience and coastal policy in England

ABSTRACT Sea defence policy in England has proven contentious in the early twenty-first century, with government willing to defend the coast only where it is considered cost effective and not minded to compensate people for any resulting abandonment of homes. Additional focus is brought to this position by the 2015 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which reflect a growing emphasis on climate change effects and other environmental hazards, and the wellbeing of the current generation and those to come. This requires policy makers to seek to balance economic, social and environmental dimensions, and to tackle inequalities; with a central commitment of the goals to “leave no one behind”. Subsequent to publication of the SDGs, England was promised a revolution in the government’s approach to Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management (FCERM). This paper seeks to understand the nature of this revolution with particular regard to extant issues around just governance. It finds that policy fails to deal with issues over the local acceptability of proposals for change and the bearing of risk, and instead lies principally in the elevation of the problematic concept of resilience and an accompanying ambivalence towards ideas of sustainability and sustainable development. International agreement that compensation should be paid to those countries suffering the worst effects of climate change, including sea level rise, suggests that adoption of a similar approach to vulnerable homeowners might be the more appropriate revolution and bring policy more into line with the aspirations of the SDGs.

A worldbuilding approach for pluriversality in codesign

ABSTRACT Design research has a long history of active engagement with issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Yet, the mainstream adoption and sometimes tokenistic cooptation of design methods, have prompted renewed concerns about a new wave of perhaps unintended neo-colonial practices. Codesign practice tends to be sensitive to these risks, however, when design is driven only by concrete deliverables it often comes at the expense of participants’ distinct identities and exacerbates problematic concepts of homogenising others. Facilitating diversity in how the other is seen, depicted, and engaged remains a challenge. Fostering pluriversality—Escobar’s vision of relational ontology and a world ‘where many worlds fit’—is even harder: it depends on enabling participants as active, autonomous agents as individuals, groups and communities. Empowering the interactions between and across participants requires a conceptual shift in the way we design. In this paper, we present our experiences with tabletop games design workshops to show how creative worldbuilding can trigger emergence and autopoiesis between participants and foster safe spaces where pluriversality is a condition for codesign to happen, rather than a desirable consequence of it.

The Influence of Neurosciences on Understanding the Bodily Conditioning of Cognitive Processes: a Socio-Anthropological Aspect

The study presents a conceptual analysis of the main approaches to the study of the human brain and consciousness from the standpoint of modern domestic and foreign neuroscience. Relevant interpretations of such problematic issues and concepts as “the boundary of the human body”, “embodied knowledge”, “general artificial intelligence”, “self”, etc. From the standpoint of a body-oriented approach, the problem of co-evolution of the body, consciousness, technology and social environment is considered. The idea of the body as an artifact is updated in the context of technological change in human nature, which entails the elimination of the living human body. On the example of the Homeric epic, it is shown that attempts to overcome vulnerability demonstrate one of the fundamental human needs. The realization of the need to expand and push the boundaries of the body in the anthropotechnological environment is presented in the form of a cyborg. It is suggested that, in terms of content, the idea of the “embodied mind”, as well as the project of creating a Hybrid reality and pan-communication, stem from the immanent human need for bodily involvement in the surrounding world. The features of the creation of Artificial Intelligence and Artificial General Intelligence at the present stage are revealed. The expediency of studying the results of neuroscientific comprehension of the organization of mental processes, first of all, in the field of visualization of brain processes and the mapping method, is noted. The main modern projects for the study of the brain, as well as the most effective methods for obtaining data on brain structures, are considered. The actual results of the research are described in such areas of neuroscience as: the study of mirror neurons and their systems; “reading the brain”, the study of neural correlates of consciousness. The results of studies of representatives of domestic neuroscience are presented. The human “I” is considered as a unique structure of the Ego-system of the brain (“self”). In conclusion, a conclusion is made about the significant influence of modern neuroscience on understanding the features of the functioning of the human brain, consciousness and cognitive processes; the effectiveness of applying the body-oriented approach to comprehending the integrity of “body-consciousness-technologies-social environment” is revealed.

Why we need a concept to describe collaborative support instead of labelling children as demanding: perspectives from Finland

In this article, we draw on our research and expertise in a problematic concept of ‘demanding special support children’ in Finnish early childhood and basic education, and the scarce international research, to propose a concept regarding multidisciplinary and collaborative support for children. Our conceptualisation shifts the focus away from children’s deficits to effective collaborative practices surrounding the child. This can facilitate comprehensive support practices without labelling children as ‘demanding’ based on their disabilities.

Taxonomy of Oemini (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Cerambycinae), with key to American genera, notes and new taxa

ABSTRACT A key to American genera of Oemini is provided. The problematic separation between Oemina and Methioidina is discussed, and they are synonymised. The male genitalia of some species currently included in these subtribes are described and illustrated. The previous inclusion of Sepaicutea Lane, 1972 in Oemini is questioned. Biraoeme gen. n. is described to include Sepaicutea unicolor Martins, 1981 and S. costata Martins and Galileo, 2005. We comment on the problematic current definition of Neoeme Gounelle, 1909 and Proeme Martins, 1978. Temnopis nigripes Aurivillius, 1893 is illustrated for the first time with photographs, showing the current incorrect interpretation of the identity of the species. Temnopis castanea Martins, 1978 is recorded for the first time from the Brazilian state of Rio de Janeiro. The differences between T. nigripes and T. castanea Martins, 1978 are provided. Temnopis ignota is described from Brazil (Amazonas, Pernambuco). The female of Proeme bucki (Melzer, 1931) is illustrated for the first time, and the species is now recorded from the Brazilian state of Espírito Santo. Abaiba Martins and Napp, 2007 is synonymised with Methicula Chemsak and Linsley, 1971, which is transferred to Necydalopsini, and Abaiba dimorphica Martins and Napp, 2007 is synonymised with Methicula dimidiata Chemsak and Linsley, 1971. We comment on the problematic current concept of Necydalopsini.

The Practical Price of Pyrrhonism

Sextus Empiricus presents Pyrrhonism as a skeptical lifestyle that is appealing, in large part, because of the tranquility it appears to afford. Addressing concerns about the practicality of such a lifestyle, Sextus suggests that Pyrrhonists can lead sufficiently ordinary lives while suspending belief about everything unclear. Here, I aim to offer a partial examination of the practicality and appeal of Pyrrhonism from the Pyrrhonist’s perspective. In particular, I examine how a skeptic would likely respond if asked to consider his potential use of problematic concepts in his daily life. I argue that, even if the Pyrrhonist’s skepticism is limited to certain types of controversial theoretical commitments, consideration of this issue would likely still cause him to worry that he is relying on beliefs about things unclear in his ordinary life. Along the way, I also hope to highlight some of the difficulties that a philosophically reflective person is likely to encounter if he is resistant to taking on philosophical commitments.

Confiscation of assets in the EU – legal or (just) effective?

The European Union is empowered to legislate in criminal matters; the European Parliament and the Council may establish minimum rules, in certain areas, concerning the definitions of criminal offences and sanctions or facilitating cross-border cooperation. However, in the field of asset confiscation, the EU authorities seem to go beyond these competences in their legislative activity. In this paper the author refers to this and other problems of EU legislation in criminal matters: covering up the insufficient competence to legislate with the argument of needing harmonisation, the lack of reliable data that would justify EU legislative activity and the problematic concept of effectiveness in EU legislation.

When psychiatry encounters local knowledge of madness: Ethnographic observations in a Chinese psychiatric hospital

As the number of psychiatric hospitals are on the rise in China, this article examines how the psychiatric discourse as articulated by hospital staff interacts with local cultural understandings of madness/mental illness, as well as how such interactions impact patients and families’ reception of psychiatry. Data comes from 16 months of fieldwork in a psychiatric hospital in South China. We show that psychiatric professionals at the hospital attempted to establish their professional authority by discrediting other cultural epistemologies embraced by patients or families, such as religious and traditional Chinese medical understandings. Despite the quick effect of psychopharmaceuticals to control symptoms, the psychiatric perspective ultimately fell short in addressing the social and moral struggles faced by patients, such as patriarchy and gender-based violence. Moreover, as psychiatric professionals unreflexively used certain problematic local concepts to convey a biomedical and even genetically-determined account of mental illness to patients and families, they risked entrenching the stigma of mental illness and disempowering their clients. To improve the quality of mental healthcare, to make clients feel culturally safe and respected in clinical encounters, psychiatric professionals in China should develop a more holistic approach that takes into account the biological, psychological, and sociocultural aspects of mental illness, that recognizes the diverse sources of help clients may rely on. They should also develop a critical awareness of the language they use and of the power dynamics in which they and their clients are situated.

Personales Selbsterleben, Wissen-wie-es-ist und Intersubjektivität: Eine kritische Betrachtung von L. A. Pauls Konzeption der ,lived experience‘

In her recently published monography Transformative Experience L.A. Paul has defended a concept of ‘lived experience’ that is meant to account for the transformative effects of major life decisions. According to Paul, “humans vary so much and so deeply, that even small differences (contextually speaking) in experiences between people can prevent us from knowing what it is like to be a different type of person” (Paul 2014, 7). In this article I will argue that Paul's account results from a problematic conception of lived experience that cannot account for the intersubjective dimensions of personal experience, i.e. for the fact that our lived experience is intrinsically tied to our relationships with others. These, however, are of central import to our ethical practice, e. g. in raising awareness for the particular experiences and needs of others. After providing some introductory remarks concerning the concept of ‘lived experience’ in section I, the aim of section II is to critically investigate Paul's conception of ‘lived experience’ and to show that her approach not only rests on highly contestable assumptions but yields several unplausible consequences. Given these problems, I will suggest an alternative account of lived experience in section III. I will argue that mental phenomena like pain, sadness or desperation have characteristic manifestations in linguistic and non-linguistic behaviour which are part of the concept of a particular mental phenomenon. It is due to this that we possess intersubjective criteria that enable us to ascribe mental properties to ourselves as well as to others. The alternative account can thereby avoid the problems that are concomitant with Paul's approach. It can nevertheless take into account the distinct perspective of first person ‘lived experiences’.

Taxic and morphological diversification during the early radiation of Clupeomorpha (Actinopterygii, Teleostei)

AbstractEvolutionary radiation is a problematic concept whose definition and classification have recently changed. Radiations can be defined as the pattern of abrupt increase in diversity of a lineage. It is relevant to evaluate the presence and interaction of different types of radiation in extant and fossil organisms to adequately delimitate the radiation types and to know the diversity in the context of Earth's history. Here, we employed the superorder Clupeomorpha at the Early–Late Cretaceous boundary as a study case to investigate radiation types and their interactions, using both taxic and morphological approaches. Clupeomorpha is an extensively studied, diverse and ancient teleostean superorder with wide geographical and ecological distributions. We propose a model for calculating rates of origination in order to analyse the taxic diversification and employ geometric morphometrics to analyse the morphological diversification that occurred at the temporal boundary. The results suggest the absence of taxic radiation due to a constant increase in taxon origination. However, the expansion of the phylomorphospace occupation and the disparity increase suggest the presence of a ‘climatic–geographical’ or ‘broad diversification‐like’ disparity, according to current classifications. This illustrates the incompatibility of current radiation classifications with this case study.

The Problem of Ethical Ideals in Hellenistic Philosophy and in Psychoanalysis

Abstract: Hellenistic philosophy invites comparison with psychoanalysis. The aim of its leading currents, Epicureanism and Stoicism, was explicitly therapeutic—to enable individuals to lead a good life. Pursuing this comparison, Freud may be regarded as a successor to Epicureanism because of his hedonistic theory of motivation, his materialistic outlook, and his critique of religion. However, both Epicureanism and classical Freudianism are faced with the problem of explaining how individuals can be motivated to pursue higher ethical and cultural ideals. In this regard the Stoic critique of Epicureanism reveals parallels with later developments in psychoanalytical theory, such as the work of Klein, Winnicott, and Hans Loewald. The work of Loewald is a special interest in this context, since he strives to give a coherent account of the problematic psychoanalytic concept of “sublimation,” which is often employed in attempts to explain the redirection of psychic energy toward higher goals. Loewald’s attendant challenge to the materialism and objectivism of much psychoanalytic theory suggests that writers such as Stephen Greenblatt, who emphasize only the affinities between Epicureanism and the modern world outlook, fail to tell the full story.