Consensual Rules Research Articles

‘Going institutional’ to overcome obstruction: Explaining the suppression of minority rights in Western European parliaments, 1945−2010

AbstractWhen and why do parliamentary majorities in Europe suppress parliamentary minority rights? This article argues that such reforms are driven by substantive policy conflict in interaction with existing minority rights. Government parties curb minority rights if they fear minority obstruction due to increased policy conflict and a minority‐friendly institutional status quo. Empirical support is found for this claim using comparative data on all reforms in 13 Western European parliaments since 1945. A curbing of minority rights is significantly more likely under conditions of heightened policy conflict and these effects are stronger the more the institutional status quo favours opposition parties. Contrary to frequent claims of consensual rule changes from single‐country studies in Europe, these findings demonstrate the importance of competitive strategies in explaining institutional reform in European parliaments. The conditional impact of the status quo provides interesting theoretical links to historical institutionalist arguments on path dependence.

Strategyproof Choice of Social Acts

We model uncertain social prospects as acts mapping states of nature to (social ) outcomes. A social choice function (or SCF ) assigns an act to each profile of subjective expected utility preferences over acts. An SCF is strategyproof if no agent ever has an incentive to misrepresent her beliefs about the states of nature or her valuation of the outcomes. It is unanimous if it picks the feasible act that all agents find best whenever such an act exists. We offer a characterization of the class of strategyproof and unanimous SCFs in two settings. In the setting where all acts are feasible, the chosen act must yield the favorite outcome of some ( possibly different) agent in every state of nature. The set of states in which an agent’s favorite outcome is selected may vary with the reported belief profile; it is the union of all states assigned to her by a collection of constant, bilaterally dictatorial, or bilaterally consensual assignment rules. In a setting where each state of nature defines a possibly different subset of available outcomes, bilaterally dictatorial or consensual rules can only be used to assign control rights over states characterized by identical sets of available outcomes. (JEL D71, D81, R53)

Coalescence and Defensive Communities: Insights from an Andean Hillfort Town

Defensive and fortified settlements are often places of relatively dense nucleation by people with few viable alternatives, resulting in the imperative need to establish consensual rules for living together. What behaviours and attitudes were adopted in defensively nucleated places? Recent investigations at Ayawiri (Machu Llaqta), a densely settled hillfort town of the western Titicaca Basin of Peru inhabited c. ad 1300–1450, shed light on the nature of social life within the defensive community and the workings of social distinction, priority in settlement, conformity and publicity. I draw on the evidence from Ayawiri to discuss how defensive settlements create and reinforce certain ways of living by reformulating the basic logics of sociality and the material and spatial realms through which they work.

Representing Joint Rule as the Murshid-i Kāmil’s Will

At first glance, early Safavid Iran may not be the ideal place to search for forms of consensual rule in the early modern Persianate world, as there where neither estates nor institutionalised procedures for consens-us-based decision-making. However, perhaps it is no less suitable for such considerations than any other non-European realm. As with most other contemporary or present-day rulers, the early Safavids claim for absolute power was rather convention than reality, a fact that is well reflected in present-day scientific literature. However, this is not the case for ‘rule by consensus’. Was consensus and consensus-based decision-making an issue in 16th-century Iran? If we look at the reports of the chronicles from the Safavids courtly sphere on their first ruler, Ismaʿil, we find passages that might well be read that way. Although it is somewhat difficult to imagine Ismaʿil thinking in terms of consensus or even mutual benefit, maybe he did just that. Obviously, ‘rule by consensus’ is a topic from Medieval Studies and is strongly based on the realms of medieval Europe, with no equivalents to many of the specific phenomena, procedures and theories elsewhere. While a ‘rule by consensus’ did not exist in early Safavid Iran, consensus-based decision-making did.

State aid is falling down, falling down: An analysis of the case law on the notion of aid

The article looks at the definition of State aid, in the light of recent case law of the EU Courts. There are claims that this case law shows serious shortcomings, is too complex, and reveals a rift between the General Court and the ECJ. In particular the interpretation of the substantive elements forming the notion of aid such 'granted by the state or through state resources' and 'selectivity' is far from clear. The question arises whether State aid control is then possible at all, given the underlying political objectives. Despite some shortcomings the Courts are somehow still managing to maintain a formal approach, in order to meet predictability requirements and legal certainty and at the same allowing a certain degree of flexibility. The case law reaffirms that the interpretation of the notion of aid still aims to preserve free movement and fair competition between States, and to ensure that Member States comply with EU law in terms of transparent economic governance. The efforts by the Courts and the European Institutions, in particular the Commission, in developing consensual rules on policy may still be the best we have so far.

Rule by Consensus

This article analyses specific characteristics of pre-modern rule in medieval central Europe. It becomes clear from the analysis that although the notion of monarchy implies a single ruler (mon-archia), it was actually the case, however, that in political practice, the kings and rulers of the Holy Roman Empire had to come to an arrangement with the elites and nobles. Therefore, the famous model developed by Max Weber regarding the three types of legitimate rule: legal, traditional and charismatic, fall short of encompassing the alterity and plurality of politics in the Middle Ages. Here, the concept of consensual rule is conceptualised through the use of additional case studies. These case studies more appropriately capture the fluid decision-making process in the Middle Ages through ongoing negotiation. Thus, the kings and emperors are clearly integrated into the framework of pre-modern oligarchies and therefore offer a counter-outline to the doctrine of divine right.

The Rapidly Disappearing Science and Art of Pathology in Developing Countries

The carefully learnt and traditionally transferred art and science of observation, precision and distinguished unparalleled competence is diminishing its glory into the dark horizons through its disintegration in multiple new disciplines, high technological advancements and non-sustenance with the pace of rapid scientific growth. Such a scenario is resulting into general disinterest of medical graduates into the discipline of Pathology, low morale of its practitioners and near absolute termination of opportunities to grow among the subject experts. A loud thinking is necessitated among the medical fraternity, in general, and pathologists, in particular, to device the ways and means of rejuvenating the ever rusting status of Pathology. This shall not only enable enthusiasm among its practitioners, but also generate new ventures for innovations, education and research. The article highlights the intrinsic and extrinsic, but closely interwoven factors, situations and circumstances, which if dealt with great care shall yield rich dividends towards reverting the current trend, develop future models of growth and sustainability in the field of Pathology. A pathologic diagnosis is the result of a complex series of activities, mastered by the pathologist. The nature of these activities is, however, rarely talked about in depth. The medical literature occasionally discusses aspects of the pathologic diagnosis processes, generally departing from the pathologic practice. The process of diagnosis can be viewed as an action plan, encompassing four domains of cognitive, communicative, normative, and medical conduct. The cognitive domain involves processes of perception, attention, memory, search, hypothesis creation, and verification, among others. Communicative skills consist of providing arguments in support of a diagnostic conclusion, with adequate clinical and relevant pathologic information. Pathologic diagnosis is also subject to technical rules (based on empirical experiences), rules of rational choice (strategies aiming at definite goals), and consensual rules among peers. (1) Pathology services represent the rational, scientific basis of the practice of clinical care. It does not represent deus ex machina, an implausible solution to a complex plot, but rather the way in which clinical care can be audited, controlled, guided and kept appropriate to the funds and the skills available. (2) Effective utilization of clinical laboratories requires that underutilization, overutilization, and mal-utilization be appreciated and eliminated or reduced. (3) New and expensive treatments, introduction of difficult to interpret complex tests, a greater reliance on nurse practitioners as deliverers of primary care and patient initiated testing, all make it likely that in the future greater emphasis will be placed on appropriate use of cost-effective laboratory tests. The most promising solution to inappropriate utilization of laboratory services is a greater reliance on clinical laboratory consultants. At present, many laboratory physicians and scientists cannot compete with specialist physicians in terms of the ability to provide credible helpful advice on test selection and results interpretation.

Assignment of PolyProline II Conformation and Analysis of Sequence – Structure Relationship

BackgroundSecondary structures are elements of great importance in structural biology, biochemistry and bioinformatics. They are broadly composed of two repetitive structures namely α-helices and β-sheets, apart from turns, and the rest is associated to coil. These repetitive secondary structures have specific and conserved biophysical and geometric properties. PolyProline II (PPII) helix is yet another interesting repetitive structure which is less frequent and not usually associated with stabilizing interactions. Recent studies have shown that PPII frequency is higher than expected, and they could have an important role in protein – protein interactions.Methodology/Principal FindingsA major factor that limits the study of PPII is that its assignment cannot be carried out with the most commonly used secondary structure assignment methods (SSAMs). The purpose of this work is to propose a PPII assignment methodology that can be defined in the frame of DSSP secondary structure assignment. Considering the ambiguity in PPII assignments by different methods, a consensus assignment strategy was utilized. To define the most consensual rule of PPII assignment, three SSAMs that can assign PPII, were compared and analyzed. The assignment rule was defined to have a maximum coverage of all assignments made by these SSAMs. Not many constraints were added to the assignment and only PPII helices of at least 2 residues length are defined.Conclusions/SignificanceThe simple rules designed in this study for characterizing PPII conformation, lead to the assignment of 5% of all amino as PPII. Sequence – structure relationships associated with PPII, defined by the different SSAMs, underline few striking differences. A specific study of amino acid preferences in their N and C-cap regions was carried out as their solvent accessibility and contact patterns. Thus the assignment of PPII can be coupled with DSSP and thus opens a simple way for further analysis in this field.

How does a pathologist make a diagnosis

A pathologic diagnosis is the result of a complex series of activities, mastered by the pathologist. The nature of these activities is, however, rarely talked about in depth. The medical literature occasionally discusses aspects of the pathologic diagnosis processes, generally departing from the pathologic practice. The lack of a model makes discussions about the subject a matter of preference or personal style. Educational programs are largely based on the apprenticeship model, and the development of specific abilities rests on the personal aspects of both apprentice and mentor. A model for the pathologic diagnostic process is proposed. The process of diagnosis can be viewed as an action plan, encompassing 4 domains: (1) cognitive, (2) communicative, (3) normative, and (4) medical conduct. The cognitive domain involves processes of perception, attention, memory, search, hypothesis creation, and verification, among others. Communicative skills consist of providing arguments in support of a diagnostic conclusion, with adequate clinical and relevant pathologic information. Pathologic diagnosis is also subject to technical rules (based on empirical experiences), rules of rational choice (strategies aiming at definite goals), and consensual rules among peers. Finally, the pathologic diagnosis has to be evaluated in the sphere of medical conduct, from the perspectives of both the pathologist and the referring clinician. An understanding of the diagnostic process from a theoretic perspective will benefit pathology as a science and a medical specialty because it provides the basis for understanding diagnostic variations and discrepancies. Pathologic difficulties or errors can be mapped, allowing the institution of specific remedies. This model may also enhance training and educational strategies because specific emphasis can be directed toward a particular difficulty.

How Does a Pathologist Make a Diagnosis?

A pathologic diagnosis is the result of a complex series of activities, mastered by the pathologist. The nature of these activities is, however, rarely talked about in depth. The medical literature occasionally discusses aspects of the pathologic diagnosis processes, generally departing from the pathologic practice. The lack of a model makes discussions about the subject a matter of preference or personal style. Educational programs are largely based on the apprenticeship model, and the development of specific abilities rests on the personal aspects of both apprentice and mentor. A model for the pathologic diagnostic process is proposed. The process of diagnosis can be viewed as an action plan, encompassing 4 domains: (1) cognitive, (2) communicative, (3) normative, and (4) medical conduct. The cognitive domain involves processes of perception, attention, memory, search, hypothesis creation, and verification, among others. Communicative skills consist of providing arguments in support of a diagnostic conclusion, with adequate clinical and relevant pathologic information. Pathologic diagnosis is also subject to technical rules (based on empirical experiences), rules of rational choice (strategies aiming at definite goals), and consensual rules among peers. Finally, the pathologic diagnosis has to be evaluated in the sphere of medical conduct, from the perspectives of both the pathologist and the referring clinician. An understanding of the diagnostic process from a theoretic perspective will benefit pathology as a science and a medical specialty because it provides the basis for understanding diagnostic variations and discrepancies. Pathologic difficulties or errors can be mapped, allowing the institution of specific remedies. This model may also enhance training and educational strategies because specific emphasis can be directed toward a particular difficulty.

La nappe de l'Albien-Néocomien sauvegarde et mise en valeur d'une ressource stratégique pour l'alimentation en eau potable de secours

Click to increase image sizeClick to decrease image sizeThe Albien underground sheet of water of the parisian basin has been the object of quantitative management suggestions in the framework of the revision of the Director Scheme of Waters Management (SDAGE). This example prefigures what the quantitative management of underground waters in France could be. As early as the 1996 director scheme of water management, it is appeared important to preserve the Albien underground sheet of water as vital resource for the nutrition in drinkable water of ultimate emergency. Nevertheless a revision of initial principles to make them operable has been necessary. The conception phase of futures modalities management of the Albien underground sheet of water has basically consisted in defining consensual rules, for preserving the main part of the resource with the intention of its usage in crisis period for usual systems of drinkable water distribution. The feasibility and the quantitative limits of the management rules likely to balance the uses have been fixed thanks to the construction of a simulation model of aquifer system.

Premiership and Leadership from D’Alema to Amato and Beyond

This chapter analyzes the unexpected and rapid end of the second Government led by Massimo D’Alema; the equally unexpected, but less rapid and more complex, birth of the second Government led by Giuliano Amato; and the selection of the Center-Left’s next Prime Ministerial candidate. I argue that the crisis of the D’Alema Government and the formation of the Amato Government were complicated by the crosscutting of two divisive issues: the referendum on the electoral system and the choice of the Center-Left’s Prime Ministerial candidate for the 2001 election. Conversely, the way in which the Amato Government was created reveals that, in spite of the electoral reform known as mattarellum, the relationships between parties and Parliament, Parliament and Government, and the triangulation among the president, Government and Parliament have changed little, or not at all, in the Italian Republic. Italy’s political-institutional transition is destined to continue until a new political and institutional configuration comes into being. In turn, the ways in which the Olive Tree/Center-Left chose its candidate to Palazzo Chigi show that the coalition has not yet been able to arrive at appropriate and consensual rules.

"In the Name of God and Profit": Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait

Research Article| October 01 1993 "In the Name of God and Profit": Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait Margaret D. Carroll Margaret D. Carroll Search for other works by this author on: This Site PubMed Google Scholar Representations (1993) 44: 96–132. https://doi.org/10.2307/2928641 Views Icon Views Article contents Figures & tables Video Audio Supplementary Data Peer Review Share Icon Share Twitter LinkedIn Tools Icon Tools Get Permissions Cite Icon Cite Search Site Citation Margaret D. Carroll; "In the Name of God and Profit": Jan van Eyck's Arnolfini Portrait. Representations 1 October 1993; 44 96–132. doi: https://doi.org/10.2307/2928641 Download citation file: Ris (Zotero) Reference Manager EasyBib Bookends Mendeley Papers EndNote RefWorks BibTex toolbar search Search Dropdown Menu toolbar search search input Search input auto suggest filter your search All ContentRepresentations Search This content is only available via PDF. Copyright 1993 The Regents of the University of California Article PDF first page preview Close Modal You do not currently have access to this content.

A new look at the ethics of persuasion

This article suggests that effects rather than motives or methods become the definitive way of measuring the ethical quality of discourse. It also suggests that the supposed dichotomy between absolutist and relativist approaches to moral judgments is mistaken. Instead, approaches to moral judgment are seen as applications of consensual rules whose application follows a quasi‐juridical model.

Majority rule versus democracy in deeply divided societies

Abstract Consociational theory challenges the two paradigmatic notions that democracy should be equated with majority rule and that democracy is not a viable form of government in deeply divided societies. The alternative to majoritarian democracy is consociational democracy. Its four principal characteristics stand in sharp contrast with majoritarian principles: (1) the grand coalition principle means joint consensual rule; (2) the mutual veto may also be termed negative minority rule; (3) proportionality entails fair and equal treatment instead of the disproportionality in favor of majorities that majority rule usually entails; and (4) segmental autonomy may be characterized as minority rule over the minority itself in the area of the minority's exclusive concern. Consociationalism is both more democratic and more practical than majority rule in culturally and ethnically divided societies. Moreover, in plural societies with extremely deep cleavages, majority rule and democracy are incompatible, and consociationalism offers the only realistic possibility to attain a viable democratic system.

Consensual Rules in Interpersonal Communication: A Reply to Cushman and Whiting

Cushman and Whiting's analysis of rules represents an important movement from monadic to dyadic concepts in explaining patterns of communication behavior. However, several criticisms of their article are warranted. First, implications of such an orientation for research are inadequately discussed. Second, sociolinguistics is an unmentioned discipline also studying rules. Third, Cushman and Whiting's concept of communication behavior is too limited. Drawing from semiotics and “behavior exchange,” rules regulating costs and rewards accruing to the communicators from the relationship are shown to be an important part in communication. A search for rules involving meaning will be confounded by concurrent operation of rules involving hedonic outcomes. Fourth, complex patterns of interpersonal communication require the concept of hierarchially ordered contracts, consisting of a few fundamental rules, several sets of rules governing interaction in specific situations, and switching cues used to move from one subset to another. Simply identifying rules is not adequate to describe or explain communication in contracts.

On the Methodology of Peace Research

1. Research as decision-making Anyone doing a piece of research knows the innumerable choices that have to be made during the process. In the initial stage, the research task is formulated and reformulated, concepts developed, ideas jotted down. In what may be called the middle stage, the shape of the work has already been defined, and the carrying-out takes place, with selection of models, indicators, parameters, data collection and data processing techniques, etc. In the final stage, writing out, publication, other forms of dissemination, and (possibly) real world application occur. Only the middle stage has been subjected to any detailed methodological scrutiny. However, with both the initial impulse for doing research and the way it is utilized left out, methodology becomes a mere collection of techniques. We feel, instead, that the complete 'history' of research projects should be a matter for detailed and rational discussion; and that, in particular, the technical choices made in the middle stage should be related to the initial goals and the final use of research. The researcher makes decisions from beginning to end, some of them trivial, some of them of great importance to the outcome. It goes without saying that the effort of analysis should be expended on the latter only. At many points there are norms and criteria that guide his choices: he should not falsify data; he should use intersubjective measurement methods; he should, except for good reasons, use techniques and concepts already established in the field. But and this is basic the rules of social science do not exclude all alternatives; at most decision-making points several possibilities will still be left open, and the researcher must of economic necessity choose one of them. (It does happen that two or three alternatives are used parallelly, but all acceptable branches can rarely if ever be explored.) Consensual rules determine the exclusion of some alternatives, but the choice among the remaining (which countries to study?, what formal model to apply?, which parameters to use?, in what language to publish?) rests with the researcher. It is here we as researchers should ask for clear definitions of the possible choices, the implications of each alternative, and the reasons why one particular choice is made. If, as very often happens, no or clearly insufficient reasons are given, we can still pose the alternatives and ponder their consequences.