Appreciation Of Nature Research Articles

Panpsychism, pan-consciousness and the non-human turn: Rethinking being as conscious matter

It is not surprising that in a time of intensified ecological awareness a new appreciation of nature and the inanimate world arises. Two examples are panpsychism (the extension of consciousness to the cosmos) and deep incarnation (the idea that God was not only incarnated in human form but also in the non-human world). Consciousness studies flourish and are related to nature, the animal world and inorganic nature. A metaphysics of consciousness emerges, of which panpsychism is a good example. Panpsychism or panconsciousness or speculative realism endows all matter with a form of consciousness, energy and experience. The consciousness question is increasingly linked to the quantum world, which offers some option in bridging mind and reality, consciousness and matter. In this regard Kauffman’s notion of ‘triad’ is referred to as well as the implied idea of cosmic mind. This is related to the notion of ‘deep incarnation’ as introduced by Gregersen. Some analogical links are made between panpsychism and deep incarnation.

Birds in Portuguese Literature

Abstract Birds are emblematic natural elements of landscapes. Readily noticeable and appreciated due to their songs and flight, they have been thoroughly used as components of literary scenarios. This paper analyses their representations in a broad corpus (144 writings by 67 writers) since the nineteenth century, divided in three time-periods. It aims to understand which wild birds are represented in Portuguese literature, how those representations prevail over time, and what literary texts reveal about distribution and abundance of the birds mentioned, linked to major environmental and landscape changes. Based on common names, 112 taxonomic units are identified, corresponding to either one species, species of the same genera or family or a higher taxon. In addition, historical distribution and abundance are extracted from literary texts and compared with data from biological sources, such as ornithological reports, guides, atlas and red data books. We conclude that bird representations are frequent and diversified in terms of taxonomic units, and this richness tends to prevail over time. The most prolific wild bird representations are linked to the writers' own experiences of the Portuguese countryside during their childhood and youth. It is particularly significant in the writers from the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth century, with a rural origin, like most of the population. Despite landscape and social changes through time, contemporary literature still reveals a sound knowledge of birds and a proximity and appreciation of nature, which can be explained by the rural ancestry of some current writers, as a kind of countryside nostalgia, and/or the embodiment of an environmental discourse of wildlife preservation.

What’s the Big Idea? On Emily Brady’s Sublime

This review essay of Emily Brady’s book The Sublime in Modern Philosophy: Aesthetics, Ethics, and Nature (2013) first gives background on the sublime and offers an overview of Brady’s study. It then addresses four main topics: the possibility of the sublime in art (artistic sublimity); the way “adherent” or dependent sublimity, which is partly intellectual or conceptual, can help resolve a debate with “scientific cognitivism” regarding the aesthetic appreciation of nature; the relationship of Brady’s project to environmental ethics; and the role of culture in a theory of the sublime.

Moving Word Learning to a Novel Space: A Dynamic Systems View of Referent Selection and Retention.

Theories of cognitive development must address both the issue of how children bring their knowledge to bear on behavior in-the-moment, and how knowledge changes over time. We argue that seeking answers to these questions requires an appreciation of the dynamic nature of the developing system in its full, reciprocal complexity. We illustrate this dynamic complexity with results from two lines of research on early word learning. The first demonstrates how the child's active engagement with objects and people supports referent selection via memories for what objects were previously seen in a cued location. The second set of results highlights changes in the role of novelty and attentional processes in referent selection and retention as children's knowledge of words and objects grows. Together this work suggests that understanding systems for perception, action, attention, and memory, and their complex interaction, is critical to understand word learning. We review recent literature that highlights the complex interactions between these processes in cognitive development and point to critical issues for future work.

Novel imaging tools for investigating the role of immune signalling in the brain

The importance of neuro-immune interactions in both physiological and pathophysiological states cannot be overstated. As our appreciation for the neuroimmune nature of the brain and spinal cord grows, so does our need to extend the spatial and temporal resolution of our molecular analysis techniques. Current imaging technologies applied to investigate the actions of the neuroimmune system in both health and disease states have been adapted from the fields of immunology and neuroscience. While these classical techniques have provided immense insight into the function of the CNS, they are however, inherently limited. Thus, the development of innovative methods which overcome these limitations are crucial for imaging and quantifying acute and chronic neuroimmune responses. Therefore, this review aims to convey emerging novel and complementary imaging technologies in a form accessible to medical scientists engaging in neuroimmune research.

In Search of Religious Elements in the Dutch Nature Policy

The way people or organizations describe or depict nature conveys their view of nature. In the Dutch discourse, views of nature are mostly conceived as socio-cultural constructs regarding the character, value, and appreciation of nature. Views of nature tell us how we perceive nature and how we want to relate to it. Likewise, they shape our preferences for certain types of nature. Views of nature function as frames and provide an interpretive and remective context for our experiences with nature. Views of nature are also digestions of meaningful experiences. It is through communication that we become aware of such experiences. We argue that meaningful experiences have religious depth. On the basis of this argument any discourse on nature contains, in a sense, religious subtexts. We examine the Dutch discourse on nature.

A Brief Analysis on Five Elementary Components of Rousseau’s Romanticism

The romantic ideology of Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1712 ~ 1778) firstly is a summary of his personal life experience, also the quintessence of his time spirit; moreover, it makes an outstanding contribution to the Enlightenment as well as the process of modernization theory. On one hand, it fills the deficiency of mainstream ideology of Enlightenment which is no longer confined to the rational and scientific knowledge; conversely, it strengthens the power of perception especially in art and religion, breaking new ground for widely releasing people’s inner creativity. On the other hand, the basic characteristic of romanticism emphasizes the emotions (or feelings) and becomes another mind-set that is from Rousseau, the father of romanticism, which is completely different from the rationalism of the Enlightenment. Rousseau’s romanticism is not ‘anti-rationality’, but ‘anti-intellectuality’ (i. e. a kind of rationalism in a narrow sense). This paper generalizes the core of Romanticism including the self-worship, appreciation of nature, expectations of dream, pursuit of emotion and obsession of language games. At the same time, it further analyzes what influences Rousseau’s Romanticism has made on literary creation and education in nineteenth and twentieth century.

Sarcoidosis: Rheumatology perspective.

Sarcoidosis is a systemic inflammatory granulomatous disease for which rheumatologists are uniquely trained and qualified to treat. Historically, sarcoidosis has been managed within silos of medical subspecialties, but with increased appreciation of the systemic nature of this disorder and the availability of more therapeutic options, it is clear that a multidisciplinary approach, with the rheumatologist as a key component, can offer more optimal care. This manuscript reviews clinically relevant immunology and pathophysiology, diagnostic issues, management decision-making, and therapeutics in the care of patients with sarcoidosis. Issues particularly relevant to rheumatologists are highlighted. These include aiding in establishing diagnosis; recognition of disease manifestations involving bone, joint, and muscle; management of calcium metabolism and metabolic bone disease; and formulation and implementation of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory therapies.

Living Longer, Living Well

Living Longer, Living Well

Replication Rhumba & Translation Tango: Active Learning Exercises for Introductory Biology

Active learning exercises can help students understand and remember complex, three-dimensional processes. By modeling molecular processes with their bodies, students gain an appreciation for the three-dimensional nature of these processes and the physical sequence of events that constitute them. The exercises presented here focus on DNA replication and the translation of mRNA into amino acid sequences, multistep processes that require specific series of events. The exercises help students appreciate the spatial and temporal frameworks of these essential cellular functions. They can be incorporated into classes when these concepts are introduced or used as review exercises for exams.

Theology and philosophy within Radical Orthodoxy (Milbank) and Reformational Philosophy (Dooyeweerd)

This article aims to show that, despite agreeing on some basic issues such as rejecting the dogma of the autonomy of reason and accepting that there is no territory independent of God, Radical Orthodoxy and Reformational Philosophy nonetheless differ. While both philosophy and theology, according to Radical Orthodoxy , investigate being qua , being only theology has the task to relate being to God. This view still continues the medieval nature‑grace split. Alternatively, it is argued that the distinctive feature of scholarly endeavours, namely modal abstraction , may enhance an appreciation of the special scientific nature of theology, without advocating a “static division of human life” into “distinct spheres”.

Traditional Ritual, Water Conservation, and Islamic Thought

Traditional ritual is a kind of expression of art and culture as well as a form of human appreciation of nature, gained through long term and perpetual processes. Traditional ritual thus can thus be regarded as traditional wisdom. Kawin Cai is one of the traditional rituals in Kuningan society derived from inter religious views. Through this ritual we could tell that the people respect their natural environment for sustainable living. Nonetheless, most of the symbolic practices in the ritual are no longer understood by the people, so that anthropological approach is needed to interpret them.

Nature’s Ultimate End

Against the growing trend in philosophy toward naturalistic analysis, Kant’s Critique of the Power of Judgment has gained significant attention. Some scholars suggest that Kant’s insights bear on our aesthetic appreciation of nature, others on our account of the life sciences. In this paper I draw these lines of inquiry together to identify two overlooked dimensions of Kant’s project: the role of moral hope in problematizing the limits of natural science and the role of culture in providing a solution. Kant argues that we cannot think consistently unless we are able to conceive of nature as a domain that is hospitable to human freedom. His response is to identify the productive capacity of the imagination to transform the material of nature into something more. While the prevailing conception of nature today is at best indifferent and at worst antagonistic to human habitation, this dimension of Kant’s work has much to bear on contemporary thought.

The Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission – Six years of science and exploration at the Moon

Since entering lunar orbit on June 23, 2009 the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) has made comprehensive measurements of the Moon and its environment. The seven LRO instruments use a variety of primarily remote sensing techniques to obtain a unique set of observations. These measurements provide new information regarding the physical properties of the lunar surface, the lunar environment, and the location of volatiles and other resources. Scientific interpretation of these observations improves our understanding of the geologic history of the Moon, its current state, and what its history can tell us about the evolution of the Solar System. Scientific results from LRO observations overturned existing paradigms and deepened our appreciation of the complex nature of our nearest neighbor. This paper summarizes the capabilities, measurements, and some of the science and exploration results of the first six years of the LRO mission.

Lacan: the mind of the modernist

This paper offers an intellectual portrait of the French psychoanalyst, Jacques Lacan, by considering his incorporation of perspectives associated with “modernism,” the artistic and intellectual avant-garde of the first half of the twentieth century. These perspectives are largely absent in other alternatives in psychology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis. Emphasis is placed on Lacan’s affinities with phenomenology, a tradition he criticized and to which he is often seen as opposed. Two general issues are discussed. The first is Lacan’s unparalleled appreciation of the paradoxical nature of human experience, together with his treatment of paradox as (paradoxically enough) almost a criterion of truth. These points are illustrated by considering Lacan’s conceptions of the self and of erotic desire. The second issue is Lacan’s focus on the “ontological dimension,” on overall styles or modalities of what might be termed “transcendental subjectivity”: namely, what he calls the registers of the “Imaginary,” the “Symbolic,” and the “Real.” By emphasizing the incommensurable yet (paradoxically) interdependent nature of these modalities, Lacan offers a synthesis of dynamic/conflictual and formal/ontological dimensions of the human condition. This paper offers an encompassing portrait of Lacan’s major ideas that is at odds with the widespread assumption that Lacan is somehow a deeply anti-humanist thinker who derides the subjective dimension. Lacan’s most distinctive contributions are fundamentally concerned with the nature of human experience. They show strong affinities with (and the influence of) hermeneutic forms of phenomenology inspired by Heidegger, a philosopher who focused on ontological modes of Being and considered paradox as a mark of truth.

Genderqueer: One Family’s Experience with Gender Variance

Accounts of the experiences of gender variant individuals that have recently received attention in the popular and psychoanalytic literature have led to an increased appreciation for the complex nature of identity; gender development; and the interaction of mind, body, and the social environment. Although there is still a great deal to be learned about the developmental trajectories of transgender identities that fall within what is a more familiar, male/female binary-based landscape, even less is known about developmental pathways for individuals whose gender identities remain neither comfortably male nor female. In this article, we present selected episodes reflecting our experiences as a family, drawn from over a 25-year period in which a gender variant individual, along with the rest of us, grew up. We tell this story—our family’s story—to better understand what we have been through and learned, to help other families going through similar experiences, and as a thought-piece to clinicians and students of gender. The result is both a narrative and a meditation on the nature of gender identity and gender development.

Metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5: molecular pharmacology, allosteric modulation and stimulus bias.

The metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 5 (mGlu5 ) is a family C GPCR that has been implicated in various neuronal processes and, consequently, in several CNS disorders. Over the past few decades, GPCR-based drug discovery, including that for mGlu5 receptors, has turned considerable attention to targeting allosteric binding sites. Modulation of endogenous agonists by allosteric ligands offers the advantages of spatial and temporal fine-tuning of receptor activity, increased selectivity and reduced adverse effects with the potential to elicit improved clinical outcomes. Further, with greater appreciation of the multifaceted nature of the transduction of mGlu5 receptor signalling, it is increasingly apparent that drug discovery must take into consideration unique receptor conformations and the potential for stimulus-bias. This novel paradigm proposes that different ligands may differentially modulate distinct signalling pathways arising from the same receptor. We review our current understanding of the complexities of mGlu5 receptor signalling and regulation, and how these relate to allosteric ligands. Ultimately, a deeper appreciation of these relationships will provide the foundation for targeted drug design of compounds with increased selectivity, not only for the desired receptor but also for the desired signalling outcome from the receptor. Linked Articles This article is part of a themed section on Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein-Coupled Receptors. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.20/issuetoc.

A positive relationship between nature appreciation, emotional functioning, and perception of work value

Previous research has noted potential emotional benefits of being in nature. This study examined whether nature appreciation is also positively related to perception of work-value. Frequency of nature appreciation and a number of variables related to emotion, well-being, and perceived work value were analyzed using hierarchical regression techniques with a publicly available data set, consisting of a large sample of middle-aged and older adults. Nature appreciation was significantly associated with certain emotional outcomes including increased positive affect, well-being, as well as reduced perceived stress. Nature was also associated with increased epinephrine, implying a complex relationship between nature and emotion regulation. Nature offers numerous benefits for individuals across the spectrum of psychological functioning. The findings are relevant for psychologists in promoting the well being of workers.

Brain, Mind, and Media

Brain, Mind, and Media

Dream West: Politics and Religion in Cowboy MoviesDouglasBrode. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2013.

Dream West: Politics and Religion in Cowboy Movies Douglas Brode. Austin: University of Texas Press, 2013.The Western genre has almost disappeared from the silver screen, but, in Dream West, Douglas Brode, a novelist, screenwriter, journalist, and professor at Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications, argues that the genre continues to cast a giant shadow over American politics. Employing the current media tendency to characterize states as blue, liberal, and Democratic, or red, conservative, and Republican, he suggests that contemporary politicians tend to misinterpret the historical West as well as the imagined Flollywood West in an effort to justify ideological positions. Challenging the conventional wisdom of the film as embracing conservative values, Brode maintains that a close reading of the Western genre suggests a more liberal interpretation of Hollywood's Western film.To support this argument, Brode demonstrates an impressive grasp of Hollywood Westerns from the silent era into the twenty-first century. For example, in cinematic depictions of the gunfight at the O.K. Corral between the Earp and Clanton clans, Brode points out that one of the background reasons for the conflict was the attempt of the Earps, representing the legal establishment, to disarm the rebellious cowboys. Thus, films such as John Ford's My Darling Clementine (1946), which tells the story from the perspective of the Earps, actually end up supporting more liberal policies such as gun control.Expanding upon his thesis, Brode also looks at BWesterns from the 1930s starring Gene Autry and often featuring greedy capitalists as villains threatening the Western environment. These films are not anticapitalist per se but are critical of business interests which are focused only upon profits and display no concern for the larger community. By and large, in these Autry films, the federal government is perceived as a benevolent force bringing civilization, order, and scientific progress to the West.Violence is, of course, a key theme in the Western genre, but Brode observes that, unlike the war-happy cowboy diplomacy with which liberals characterized the foreign policy of President George W. Bush, the Hollywood Western usually fails to embrace the idea of regeneration through violence. Thus, in more epic Westerns such as Duel in the Sun (1947) and Sea of Grass (1947), patriarchs who employ violence to resist federal policies are depicted as reactionaries. And when violence is necessary to tame evil, in such films as Shane (1953) and The Man Who Shot Liberty Valence (1962), the protagonist who has employed violence to save the community is tainted with blood and, in a feminization of the West, is unable to enjoy the benefits of civilization. Violence is also often associated with vengeance, and Brode argues that the Hollywood Western suggests that heroes must follow the legal order rather than personal vengeance. For example, in Raoul Walsh's The Big Trail (1930), the hero must first honor his commitment to the community and wagon train before pursuing those who murdered his family.Religion is also often associated with the red state values of American exceptionalism and manifest destiny. But again, Brode cautions against reading the Hollywood Western as being unconditionally supportive of American expansionism and subduing the environment. He insists that romanticism exerts considerable influence upon the Western genre, encouraging an appreciation for nature and indigenous people who live in greater harmony with the earth. …