Good Reason Research Articles

<i>Polyphony</i> for a novel’s stylistics: a logistical map of ‘transsemiotization’

The article discusses the intermedial transfer of the concept of polyphony in Mikhail Bakhtin’s and Leo Spitzer’s studies of Dostoevsky and Proust from the late 1920s. There are plenty of good reasons to compare the two scholars’ works. Firstly, Spitzer’s stylistics was of key importance to Bakhtin throughout his scientific career. Secondly, there is a correlation between the methods for studying Proust’s and Dostoevsky’s novels, which Bakhtin considered as the pinnacle of the European and Russian novel, respectively. The stylistic revolution of the novel anticipated not only the development of 20th-c. prose, the polyphonic novel and stylistic perspectivism, but also the trajectory of theoretical innovations, the study of the dialogue between the Self and the Other, as well the verbal symphonization of the author/narrator’s outer and inner Self. Once polyphony was extrapolated into the field of the novel, the problem of the spoken word and oral genres became more compelling. From the late 1930s until the early 1940s, Spitzer and Bakhtin independently set out to study the genre of ‘shouts’ (cri): Spitzer in Proust’s The Prisoner, and Bakhtin in Rabelais’s novel and Russian literature. Bakhtin’s short theoretical essay on the genre of ‘shouts’ in a Russian town square was discovered by the author of this article and is published here for the first time.

Metz on Enhancement: A Relational Critique

AbstractThaddeus Metz’s groundbreaking book A Relational Moral Theory provides a sophisticated moral theory hailing from the Global South. In this book, one of the theses he defends is that biotechnological enhancement is generally morally impermissible. This article, written for a book symposium on A Relational Moral Theory, primarily demonstrates how Metz’s criticisms presented in his book fail to convince. Furthermore, we explore some possible objections from Metzian deontology against enhancement and also show that these do not imply that enhancement is intrinsically wrong. Finally, we showed how Metzian ethics offers good reasons to support rather than oppose enhancement.

Suárez’s Argument against Real Universals

Abstract In his Metaphysical Disputation 5, Francisco Suárez offers a concise argument to the effect that all that does or can possibly exist is singular and individual, and that a commitment to real universals would entail what he calls a ‘manifest contradiction’. According to a recent interpretation of this Master Argument against realism, it reveals that Suárez was committed to a hylomorphic version of the principle of the identity of indiscernibles, and ruled out the possibility of perfectly similar yet numerically distinct entities. In this paper, however, I argue that (1) at least for fundamental items in his ontology such as immaterial forms and matter-form compounds, Suárez was not committed to the identity of indiscernibles, and (2) a reading of the Master Argument that does justice to this is available. On the basis of this reading I provide a reappraisal of the argument, and conclude that (3) it rests on a premise that the realist would have good reasons to challenge. Hence, while the argument seems consistent with the possibility of indiscernible yet numerically distinct immaterial forms and matter-form compounds Suárez wishes to allow for, it is doubtful whether it can accomplish what it sets out to do, and undermine the case for realism.

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Alcohol is an increasing worry among treatment professionals, and for good reason. The most recent data has shown that driving under the influence (DUI) incidents are on the rise as well. The prevention and treatment implications are well known. Many in the field know that like opioids, which may kill faster via overdoses, alcohol is also lethal. It just takes longer for people to die. And studies have shown that in the over‐50 age range, people are dying faster from alcohol use than ever (see https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adaw.32555).

Is the rule of recognition really a duty-imposing rule?

According to a persistent assumption in legal philosophy, the social rule at the foundation of a legal system (the Rule of Recognition) serves both an epistemic and a duty-imposing function. Thus, some authors have claimed that it would be a formidable problem for legal philosophy to explain how such social rules can impose duties, and some have taken it upon themselves to show how social practices might just do that. However, I argue that this orthodox assumption about the dual function of rule of recognition is ill-founded. Contrary to the orthodox view, we have no good reasons to ascribe more than an epistemic function to the rule of recognition. Accordingly, the norms deriving immediately from the rule of recognition are no different than those entailed by other epistemic, grammatical or syntactic norms. Consequently, accounts of the normativity of law need not explain how social practices like conventions or plans might impose duties on the officials of a legal system.

Should (Prophylactic) Medications Be Used for the Management of Death Rattle?

Death rattle is a common symptom in the dying phase and has impact on relatives and health care providers. One controversial topic regarding the management of death rattle in the dying phase is whether the symptom should be treated. In this "Controversies in Palliative Care" article, three expert clinicians independently answer this question. Specifically, each group provides a synopsis of the key studies that inform their thought processes, share practical advice on their clinical approach, and highlight the opportunities for future research. The three experts have different opinions on the assessment of death rattle. This seems to depend on the unknown burden of death rattle on the patient. Explanation of the symptom and reassurance could be sufficient. But considering the known burden on some of the relatives, there might be good reasons to use medication to relieve this symptom. Whether this treatment should be performed preventively or only when death rattle develops remains an matter of debate. Further scientific, clinical, and societal debate on the concept of a "good death" for relatives, the meaning of the symptom death rattle, and the impact of medication is needed.

Effects of losses on the transmission and reflection of electromagnetic waves at the interface of metamaterial with zero real part of permittivity

Electromagnetic wave refraction and reflection at the interface between vacuum and lossy metamaterial with zero real part of permittivity are analytically described by macroscopic classical electrodynamics. The analytical model is based on exact solutions of electromagnetic boundary problems. We have good reason to believe that in lossy metamaterial with zero real part of permittivity, the values of the magnetic field and energy flow are nonzero due to the crucial role of losses in epsilon-near-zero metamaterials. It is shown that the significant transmission of waves occurs for almost all incident angles. Moreover, the transmission coefficient increases with increasing loss for TE and TM wave polarizations. Numerical results are presented to show that the optical characteristics of waves at the interface of the metamaterial are highly sensitive to the losses and polarization of waves. The effect of the losses is most pronounced for transverse electric waves. The main contribution of this article is the characterization of the role of losses in the optical properties of epsilon-near-zero metamaterials that differs from some analogs known in the literature.

CREDITORS’ SATISFACTION, FAIR DISTRIBUTION, OR AVOIDING THE STRUGGLE FOR SURVIVAL – WHICH PUBLIC INTERESTS IS CORPORATE INSOLVENCY LAW SUPPOSED TO SERVE?

For a long time, insolvency proceedings were understood as a special civil law procedure with the aim of maximizing creditor satisfaction. To the extent that public interests played a role in this, it was a matter of giving preferential treatment to particular groups of creditors. This was expected to contribute to the realization of sociopolitical values. For good reasons, such values are receiving less and less consideration in insolvency law. Instead, it has been recognized that proper structuring of the legal relationship between the debtor company and its creditors is likely to minimize macroeconomic damage in the public interest. This has led to a substantial change in the objectives of insolvency law, which – especially thanks to the Restructuring Directive (2019/1023/EU) – has arrived in all European legal systems. This article traces the paradigm shift and shows, using the example of German and Polish insolvency law, that despite having its foundations in European law, it has not yet been fully internalized in the legal systems of all Member States.

New Tactics for the Rapidly Changing Business Environment: How Cognitive Flexibility Can Help Small Business Withstand the Next Storm

Emotional intelligence is often touted as one of the most important leadership skills, and with good reason. According to Goleman, emotional intelligence refers to the ability to identify, understand, and manage emotions in oneself and others. Researchers John Mayer and Peter Salovey initially coined the term “emotional intelligence” in 1990 (Salovey & Mayer, 1990) but became popularized later in 2005 by psychologist Daniel Goleman (Goleman, 2005). Researchers today define emotional intelligence as the ability to understand and manage your own emotions, as well as recognize and influence the emotions of those around you. Research, however, increasingly points to the importance of cognitive flexibility during rapidly changing conditions, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Cognitive flexibility provides us with the ability to adapt our behavior to achieve goals under new environmental conditions. In this paper, the authors introduce cognitive flexibility as a critical business skill and offer ways to implement cognitive flexibility in your business or organization.

Towards a Value-Neutral Definition of Sport

ABSTRACT In this paper I argue that philosophers of sport should avoid value-laden definitions of sport; that is, they should avoid building into the definition of sport that they are inherently worthwhile activities. Sports may very well often be worthwhile as a contingent matter, but this should not be taken to be a core feature included in the definition of sport. I start by outlining what I call the ‘legitimacy-conferring’ element of the category ‘sport’. I then argue that we ought not to include such a dimension in our definition of sport, on the grounds that it confuses issues of description with issues of definition: the issue of what sport does with what sport is. Following this, I consider a Wittgensteinian family resemblance approach to defining sport; Kevin Schieman’s argument that sports are necessarily good games; and the oft-cited wide-following and institutional criteria, as arguments for including an evaluative dimension in the definition of sport. I conclude that none succeed, for similar reasons: they either fail to track our common sense intuitions about what does or does not count as a sport; and/or they make it impossible for us to ever describe something a ‘bad’ sport (or instance of sport). Just as a good definition of, say, art, shouldn’t make it impossible for us to describe something as ‘bad art’, I argue that our definition of sport shouldn’t build in a necessarily positive evaluation. I conclude by discussing some of the practical reasons why supporters of activities about which there is currently debate as to their status as sports might want to see those activities included under the sports umbrella, but suggest that this on its own isn’t a good reason for modifying a philosophical definition of sport to include them.

Perceptual consciousness and intensional transitive verbs

There is good reason to think that, in every case of perceptual consciousness, there is something of which we are conscious; but there is also good reason to think that, in some cases of perceptual consciousness—for instance, hallucinations—there is nothing of which we are conscious. This paper resolves this inconsistency—which we call the presentation problem—by (a) arguing that ‘conscious of’ and related expressions function as intensional transitive verbs and (b) defending a particular semantic approach to such verbs, on which they have readings that lack direct objects or themes. The paper further argues that this approach serves not only as a linguistic proposal about the semantics of ‘conscious of’, but also as a proposal about the metaphysics of conscious states.

Comparing deterministic agents: A new argument for compatibilism

ABSTRACT This paper offers a new argument for compatibilism about moral responsibility by drawing attention to some overlooked implications of incompatibilism. More specifically, I argue that incompatibilists are committed to some unsavory claims about pairs of agents in deterministic worlds. These include comparative claims about moral responsibility, blameworthiness, desert, punishment, and the fittingness of reactive attitudes. I argue that we have good reasons to reject such comparisons because they fail to account for key differences between deterministic agents. This provides us with reason to embrace compatibilism and reject incompatibilism.

Factors Influencing Philanthropic Behavior among Youths in Malaysia

Philanthropy is the desire to promote the well-being of others. It is about looking for and helping the welfare of others, particularly by giving them money for good reasons. Philanthropy is not only confined to the contribution of money, but it involves making efforts for religious purposes and self-satisfaction towards others. The level of charity among Malaysian citizens is alarming in 2015, Malaysia ranked 10th in the World Giving Index but in 2021 the ranking has dropped tremendously to 29th place. This has shown that Malaysians are getting less interested in participating in charitable activities and doing general good deeds. Therefore, there is an urgent need to look broadly at the philanthropic behavior of Malaysians. This research aims to determine the factors influencing philanthropic behavior among youth in Malaysia. For this study, a survey was conducted to the target population which is youth. Data was collected by distributing questionnaires via emails and WhatsApp groups and data was analyzed using SPSS and PLS-SEM. Findings show that religion and altruism are significant to the philanthropic behavior of Malaysian youth. This study has provided valuable insights into youth philanthropy by identifying solutions to further create awareness of philanthropy.

God’s Moral Perfection as His Beneficent Love. Comment on Craig (2023). Is God’s Moral Perfection Reducible to His Love? Religions 14: 140

William Lane Craig insists that I am wrong in reducing God’s moral goodness to his beneficent aim of drawing all people to himself. For Craig, God’s moral goodness, best conceived in terms of righteousness, must also include God’s retributive justice toward the wicked, who deserve the punishment they receive. My response is that Craig’s argument rests on two assumptions about value, neither of which, I argue, Christian theists have good reason to affirm.

Методы лечения болезни Осгуда–Шлаттера у детей раннего подросткового возраста в отечественной медицинской практике

Osgood–Schlatter disease is an osteochondropathy of the tibial tuberosity that develops in children aged 12–15 years, more often in boys than in girls (the ratio between them ranges from 3:1 to 7:1), and developes without complications. Recovery occurs in 1–1.5 years from the moment of the first clinical manifestations. It is assumed that the difference is due to the greater participation of boys in sports and risky activities than girls. It was found that the main cause of morbidity is regular exercise and shortening of the rectus femoris muscle in adolescents. For most patients, conservative treatment is effective because painful symptoms stop, but if they persist, surgical treatment is recommended. The study of minimally invasive methods of treating Osgood–Schlatter disease described in the national literature revealed only a few works on various methods of treatment with a description of clinical cases. Objective Review of existing methods of minimally invasive treatment of Osgood–Schlatter disease in children of early adolescence, comparison of their effectiveness from the standpoint of modern evidence requirements. Materials and methods When preparing the review, electronic databases eLibrary, PubMed were used. Results In this review, a comparative analysis of the effectiveness of various minimally invasive methods of treatment is carried out. The main advantages of the methods, as well as their disadvantages, which are due to the complications and difficulties arising from their implementation, are considered. Conclusions The undesirability of surgical treatment of osteochondropathy due to the danger of closing the growth zone is a good reason to develop a new method.

International Student Policy in Canada: A Critical Analysis

This study is a critical analysis of Canadian policies on international students and these students’ experiences in Canada. The author has carefully reviewed the relevant literature and has reached a conclusion based on the literature that Canadian international education has developed significantly in the last half century with the annual arriving international students increasing substantially. This increase has served the interests of Canada well and most international students find their experiences of receiving Canadian education positive. They have become an important source of new immigrants. For good reasons Canada is considered one of the favourite destinations for international students. But when they attempt to integrate into the society and when they attempt to join the labour force, particularly in their studied field, there have been challenges. The author also discusses the implications of the Canadian policies on international students. In addition, the author offers a few recommendations on how to improve the policies and the experiences of international students in Canada, particularly for those who decide to remain here after the completion of their study.

Students' Analogical Reasoning in Solving Trigonometric Target Problems

Analogical reasoning plays a crucial part in problem-solving since it requires students to connect prior knowledge with the issues at hand in learning mathematics. However, students struggle when developing solutions to the issues utilizing analogies even if there is a connection between mathematical creativity and analogical reasoning. The aims of this study were to assess students' use of Ruppert's phases to solve problems and identify students' analogy patterns to solve target problems. This study is qualitative in nature. Of 19 research participants, six were then chosen using the purposive sampling technique based on their levels of mathematical creative ability. Test, interview, and documentation were the data gathering techniques used in this study. The study's findings suggested that good analogical reasoning skills did not serve as a prerequisite for students with strong mathematical creative thinking skills. Only one subject out of three who possessed necessary mathematical creative thinking abilities could go through the four steps of analogical reasoning-structuring, mapping, applying, and verifying. All other subjects were unable to complete the four steps of analogy, and even their creative thinking skills were weak. This was because the students did not comprehend the idea and could not connect prior knowledge with the issues at hand. In order to remind students of their prior knowledge and experiences, it would therefore be necessary at this analogy stage to establish an initial stage before structuring. The format and degree of difficulty of the questions were assumed to be other elements that might influence students' responses. The results of this study are expected to be a reference for further research, namely increasing analogical reasoning optimally as an effort to increase students' prior knowledge and students' mathematical creative thinking abilities in solving mathematical problems.

‘Deteriorating Our Relationship for no Good Reason’: Collegiate Beat Writers’ Perceptions of Their PR Counterparts

This study examines the contemporary nature of the relationship between sport journalists and media relations personnel, particularly within the context of collegiate athletics. Despite years of sharing a “symbiotic relationship” wherein both sides benefited from the success of the other, sports media professionals have cited a strained rapport, as sports information directors (SIDs) and media relations personnel have taken internal positions aimed at producing content comparable to what sports media have traditionally developed. Through in-depth interviews with 16 beat writers, the current project identified three salient themes related to beat writers’ perceived relationships with SIDs and media relations professionals representing athletic programs they cover: (1) frustration over the control of information, (2) misperceptions about the media’s value to the organization, and (3) growing uncertainty about the future of the relationship between beat writers and media relations professionals. These findings contribute theory and practice within the context of the Strategic Sport Communication Model (SSCM).

Child Soldiers, Agency, and Aristotelian Virtue Ethics

Abstract The international community first responded to child soldiering by embracing within law and policy a narrative that saw child soldiers largely as passive victims. Empirical work with child soldiers has since revealed a more complex picture of children’s agency and actual experiences. From this work, a more recent narrative – which I call the political actor narrative – has taken shape within scholarly work on child soldiers. While the former narrative may be wrong to universalise the condition of all child soldiers as passive victims, the latter narrative is limited in what it can tell us about how child soldiering affects moral character development. I argue that we have good reason to seek a more comprehensive narrative that mixes elements of the passive victim and political actor narratives into a new narrative that provides resources for character-based normative analysis, and I show how virtue ethics provides the conceptual resources to do this.

Will intelligent machines become moral patients?

AbstractThis paper addresses a question about the moral status of Artificial Intelligence (AI): will AIs ever become moral patients? I argue that, while it is in principle possible for an intelligent machine to be a moral patient, there is no good reason to believe this will in fact happen. I start from the plausible assumption that traditional artifacts do not meet a minimal necessary condition of moral patiency: having a good of one's own. I then argue that intelligent machines are no different from traditional artifacts in this respect. To make this argument, I examine the feature of AIs that enables them to improve their intelligence, i.e., machine learning. I argue that there is no reason to believe that future advances in machine learning will take AIs closer to having a good of their own. I thus argue that concerns about the moral status of future AIs are unwarranted. Nothing about the nature of intelligent machines makes them a better candidate for acquiring moral patiency than the traditional artifacts whose moral status does not concern us.