Philosophies

6 pages, 190 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Robert E. Ulanowicz

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030024 - 12 Sep 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2839

Ecology, with its emphasis on coupled processes and massive heterogeneity, is not amenable to complete mechanical reduction, which is frustrated for reasons of history, dimensionality, logic, insufficiency, and contingency. Physical laws are not violated, but can only constrain, not predict. Outcomes are predicated [...] Read more.

Ecology, with its emphasis on coupled processes and massive heterogeneity, is not amenable to complete mechanical reduction, which is frustrated for reasons of history, dimensionality, logic, insufficiency, and contingency. Physical laws are not violated, but can only constrain, not predict. Outcomes are predicated instead by autocatalytic configurations, which emerge as stable temporal series of incorporated contingencies. Ecosystem organization arises out of agonism between autocatalytic selection and entropic dissolution. A degree of disorganization, inefficiency, and functional redundancy must be retained by all living systems to ensure flexibility in the face of novel disturbances. That physical and biological dynamics exhibit significant incongruencies argues for the formulation of alternative metaphysical assumptions, referred to here as “Process Ecology”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Natural Philosophy and Philosophies - part 1)

10 pages, 209 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Perspectives on Natural Philosophy

by Stanley N. Salthe

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030023 - 28 Aug 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2991

Abstract

This paper presents a viewpoint on natural philosophy focusing on the organization of substance, as well as its changes as invited by the Second Law of thermodynamics. Modes of change are pointed to as definitive of levels of organization; these include physical, chemical, [...] Read more.

This paper presents a viewpoint on natural philosophy focusing on the organization of substance, as well as its changes as invited by the Second Law of thermodynamics. Modes of change are pointed to as definitive of levels of organization; these include physical, chemical, and biological modes of change. Conceptual uses of the subsumptive hierarchy format are employed throughout this paper. Developmental change in dissipative structures is examined in some detail, generating an argument for the use of final causality in studies of natural systems. Considerations of ‘internalism’ in science are presented along the way. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Natural Philosophy and Philosophies - part 1)

6 pages, 1039 KiB

Open AccessEssay

A Media Ecologist/Physicist’s Take on Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si: An Ecumenical Approach to a Dialogue of Science and Religion

by Robert K. Logan

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030022 - 23 Aug 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3545

Abstract

An analysis is made of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si from a general systems approach. A call is made for a dialogue between theologians and environmental scientist. A parallel is found between the Pope’s identification of rapidification as a root cause of global [...] Read more.

An analysis is made of Pope Francis’ Encyclical Laudato Si from a general systems approach. A call is made for a dialogue between theologians and environmental scientist. A parallel is found between the Pope’s identification of rapidification as a root cause of global warming and McLuhan’s notion of the speedup of modern life due to the emergence of electric technology. An analysis of Hebrew Scriptures is made, suggesting that rather than subduing the earth, the translation of Gen 1:28 seems to indicate that the intention was to occupy and tend the land. The Jewish notion of Bal Tashchit one of the 613 mitzvos or commandments from Scripture, supports this interpretation as it calls for stewardship of G-d’s gifts. Full article

13 pages, 183 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Autonomy as a Social Role and the Function of Diversity

by Raffaela Giovagnoli

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030021 - 22 Aug 2018

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2770

Abstract

In the ambit of the debate on “personal autonomy”, we propose to intend “personal autonomy” in a social sense. We undertake this move because we think that autonomy is compatible with socialization and we will give reasons for this claim. Moreover, we must [...] Read more.

In the ambit of the debate on “personal autonomy”, we propose to intend “personal autonomy” in a social sense. We undertake this move because we think that autonomy is compatible with socialization and we will give reasons for this claim. Moreover, we must consider the role of the wide variety of informational sources we are exposed to that influence our behavior. Social background represents the ontological ground from which we develop the capacity for autonomy; at the same time, interaction with others (real or virtual) enlarges the possibility for autonomous judgements. Our attempt is, first, to try to sketch a social notion of personal autonomy and, second, to elucidate the connection between autonomy and the exposition to informational and social diversity. Full article

3 pages, 170 KiB

Open AccessBook Review

In Praise of and a Critique of Nicholas Maxwell’s In Praise of Natural Philosophy: A Revolution for Thought and Life

by Robert K. Logan

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030020 - 20 Aug 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4036

Abstract

n/a Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Contemporary Natural Philosophy and Philosophies - part 1)

5 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessBook Review

The Singular Universe and the Reality of Time: A Proposal in Natural Philosophy. By Roberto Mangabeira Unger and Lee Smolin. Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK, 2014; 566 pp.; ISBN-10: 1107074061, ISBN-13: 978-1107074064

by Matt McManus

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030019 - 18 Jul 2018

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3226

Abstract

n/a Full article

2 pages, 132 KiB

Open AccessErratum

Erratum: Schroeder, M.J. The Philosophy of Philosophies: Synthesis through Diversity. Philosophies 2016, 1, 1

by Marcin J. Schroeder

Philosophies 2018, 3(3), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies3030018 - 22 Jun 2018

Viewed by 2224

Abstract

The author wishes to add the following correction to his paper published in Philosophies [1]:
The repeated fragment from lines 13–18 and part of 19 on page 69 should be deleted [...] Full article

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Philosophies, Volume 3, Issue 3 (September 2018) – 7 articles

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