Światopogląd a błąd konfirmacji – problem nauk społecznych

Author(s): Katarzyna Grunt-Mejer / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2 (98)/2017

The work aims to describe the ideological monoculture in social sciences as a source of accumulation of distortion in the description of reality, resulting from a confirmation bias in its several variants (determination of the specific research problem, biased selection of literature, tendentious interpretation of the results, and acceptance of phantom facts in the scientific discourse). Methods of reducing the bias are presented.

Quantum Interpretations and Scientific Explanation in Paradigmatic Quantum Experiments

Author(s): Reza Maleeh / Language(s): English Issue: 4 (100)/2017

In this paper, I discuss two different formalisms of quantum mechanics, i.e. the orthodox and the de Broglie–Bohm formalisms, as explanations of the interference pattern observed in the doubleslit experiment. I evaluate the explanations provided by these two formalisms on the basis of Hempel’s DN model of scientific explanation, showing that both formalisms can sufficiently explain the phenomenon. However, once the interpretations associated with the two formalisms come into play, the sufficiency of the DN model’s evaluation of the explanations becomes questionable. Whereas the Copenhagen interpretation, associated with the orthodox quantum formalism, would evaluate the DN model as sufficient, Bohm’s interpretation, associated with the de Broglie–Bohm formalism, would not. Bohm’s interpretation would require descriptions containing relevant metaphysical relations to be included in the explanans. The DN model does not contain such a requirement. Then, Strevens’s kairetic account of explanation will be introduced as an alternative model of scientific explanation. The kairetic account allows for descriptions of relevant metaphysical relations to be included in the explanans. I argue that the proponents of both interpretations will accept the evaluation provided by Strevens’s kairetic account as sufficient. This highlights the role of quantum interpretations in modeling scientific explanation of quantum phenomena in two ways: (1) in determining the relevant explanans of the model of explanation, and (2) in evaluating models of explanation by virtue of evaluating the relevancy of their explanans or by evaluating whether the requirements of a model are fulfilled in the context of an interpretation.

Ortega y Gasset’s Intellectual Biography and Creative Outlook

Author(s): Vaida Asakavičiūtė / Language(s): English Issue: 27/2017

The article presents the biography of José Ortega y Gasset (1883-1955) is one of the most outstanding 20th century Spanish thinkers and culturologists. He was an excellent philosopher of universal academic interests, a subtle essayist, and a famous cultural critic. Many interpreters and critics admire his talents, unique erudition, and profound insights; and he himself has been characterized as a world-acclaimed philosopher, a “grandee of Spanish culture,” whose life, creative activity, and a clear civic position of a humanist sets an example to many West European intellectuals, thinkers, artists, and even politicians. The Authoress also presents his role in culture. According to her it should be noted that the influence of Ortega’s philosophy was strong and many-sided; his ideas were a bond that joined Spanish philosophy with Europe. Moreover, “his language style influenced Spanish literature and journalism.” Having spread from Spain to other countries, Ortega’s ideas exerted a big influence upon the development of all West European culture as well as upon Spanish-speaking Latin American intellectuals and artists. His works translated into many languages and university courses that analyze this thinker’s philosophy show that Ortega’s culturological ideas and analyzed problems remain significant and relevant to our modern world.

Relacja pomiędzy absolutnym a względnym wymiarem rzeczywistości w klasycznych Upaniszadach

Author(s): Marta Kudelska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

The above problem is discussed with the use of the example of selected canonical Upanishads. The analysis starts with a fragment from the Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.8): “When he [brahman] that is both high [para] and low [apara] is seen” (S. Sitarama Sastri’s translation). In my opinion, this very conjoining of the absolute and relative reality, which is considerably rare in the canonical texts, requires in-depth analysis. In the discussed texts, the para/apara dimensions of reality are strictly correlated with the states of consciousness in which they are experienced. Thus, in my discussion, I also consider whether all yoga adepts have always been talking about experiencing the four states of consciousness. I discuss the terms which denote the para and apara dimensions as well as the question whether the text indicates their hierarchy and, if this is the case, in what contexts and in what respect. I refer to the canonical Upanishads which belong to the Atharvaveda lineage, i.e. to Prashna, Mundaka, and Mandukya.

Problematyka medytacyjnego wglądu i wiedzy wyzwalającej w soteriologii wczesnego buddyzmu. Krytyczna analiza problemu przy zastosowaniu podejścia interdyscyplinarnego

Author(s): Grzegorz Polak / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

The relation of the meditative state of jhāna to the development of insight and liberating knowledge is one of the most controversial issues in studies on early Buddhism. In the Suttapitaka and later Buddhist meditative texts, one can find discrepancies which are difficult to reconcile. In this paper, I propose a new model of meditative insight using an interdisciplinary approach based both on critical philological studies of the Suttapitaka and the results of the dynamically developing cognitive science. I also highlight and examine the difficulties related to the traditional Buddhist model of insight. In order to propose a plausible model of insight as an element organically linked to jhāna, I refer to several new developments in the field of cognitive science.

Czy można pragnąć poznania Brahmana?

Author(s): Paweł Sajdek / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

Śankara did not comment on the first sūtra in his Brahmasūtrabhāṣya, which was a common practice in such cases; rather, he started by defining two terms: ‘superimposition’ (adhyāsa) and ‘ignorance’ (avidyā), in a special introductory chapter known to a wider audience as Adhyāsabhāṣya. The question arises as to why he deemed it necessary to precede his commentary to the initial sūtra with these additional elucidations. Bhāmatī, Vācaspati Miśra’s commentary on Mahāsūtrabhāṣya, seems to shed some light on the problem. According to the doctrine of advaita, the phrase ‘desire to know Brahman’ (brahmajijñāsā) in the first sūtra seems prima facie to have no meaning. Thus, the introductory commentary is an explanation of an idea of Brahman which is foreign to advaita.

Pluralizm logiczny a relatywizm w logice

Author(s): Bożena Czernecka-Rej / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

The aim of the article is to analyze the situation of contemporary logic with reference to the issue concerning connections between the pluralism of logical systems and relativism in logic. Accordingly, I seek answers to the following questions: Can the plurality of logic, more specifically, a large number and variety of systems constructed by logicians, be justified in a rational way? Does pluralism in logic imply the thesis of relativism? Is logical relativism in the contemporary philosophy of logic just a superstition or is it a duly substantiated view?

Amerykańska religia obywatelska Richarda Rorty’ego

Author(s): Jakub Gużynski / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

The article presents Richard Rorty’s religious metaphors in the context of the concept of civil religion derived from The Social Contract of Jean Jacques Rousseau and primarily used today for the sociological analysis of the relationship between religion and the state. It is paired with Rorty’s conception of pragmatism as romantic polytheism and its fundamental notions of romance, polytheism, and poetry. Parallels between social and religious institutions formulated by the American neo-pragmatist, such as priesthood and sanctuary, provide the details of his proposition. The article opposes the interpretation of Jason Boffetti, who suggests that the use of religious language is a sign of a considerable change in Rorty’s standpoint. A characteristic feature of Rorty’s philosophy is its secularism. Therefore, there is a discrepancy between his vision of civil religion and that of other scholars. This discrepancy has its source in Rorty’s pragmatist position and underlines the political character of his philosophy.

Etyka konsumenta w perspektywie aretologicznej

Author(s): Anna Lewicka-Strzałecka / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

The paper examines the moral choices of consumers from the perspective of virtue ethics. The paper starts with an outline of consumption ethics in the context of a critique of consumerism assuming a lack of consumer autonomy. I dispute the latter assumption, which leads me to consider the consumer as a moral agent and focus on the role that specific dispositions of character can play in consumer choices. The question of subjective or situational conditioning of consumer choices is answered by acknowledging the basic freedom of decision, albeit limited, concerning not individual acts but the possibility of choosing the style of consumption. The next step is an attempt to build a model of consumer excellence. It is constituted by the virtues of prudence, activity, and environmental responsibility. In the last part of the paper, the structure of these virtues is analyzed and their in-depth interpretation offered.

On Unjust Forms of Marriage. Comments on the Discussion on Discrimination Against Same-Sex Couples

Author(s): Andrzej Waleszczyński / Language(s): English Issue: 56/2018

This article defends the thesis that, in light of the postulates of liberal ethics, it is not possible to put forward universal arguments in support of any form of marriage. The existing forms of marriage should be either deemed unjust or founded on specific arguments recognized within a particular political community and determining the understanding of justice in a particular society. It defends the thesis that the requirement of universality, and consequently of impartiality, is not met, since behind every form of marriage there is a certain “minimum” anthropological approach. Marriage is discussed as a privilege granted to particular groups by the political community. The comments are made with reference to the discussion between Krzysztof Saja and Tomasz Sieczkowski concerning the problem of discrimination against same-sex couples in Polish legislation.

Współczesna analityczna filozofia języka: wybrane zagadnienia

Author(s): Piotr Stalmaszczyk / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

This is a review article of a recently published guide to the philosophy of language, Przewodnik po filozofii języka (J. Odrowąż-Sypniewska (ed.), Wydawnictwo WAM, Kraków 2016). The article presents this publication against a background of other monographs and guides devoted to the topic of the contemporary philosophy of language which have been published in English. It aims at highlighting the main issues discussed by this philosophy, as well as its relation to linguistics

Why Rewilding is Crucial for Human Health

Author(s): Jan Deckers / Language(s): English Issue: 56/2018

Review of the book Feral: Rewilding the Land, Sea, and Human Life by George Monbiot, Penguin Books, London 2014.

Śmierć mózgowa – zmiana w rozumieniu człowieka?

Author(s): Jacek Meller / Language(s): Polish Issue: 56/2018

Review of the book: Człowiek na granicy istnienia. Dyskusje o śmierci mózgowej i innych aspektach umierania, Grzegorz Hołub, Piotr Duchliński (red.), Akademia Ignatianum w Krakowie, Wydawnictwo WAM, Kraków 2017.

Podmiotowe źródła obywatelstwa

Author(s): Karolina Rozmarynowska / Language(s): Polish Issue: 2/2018

The subject of the considerations taken in the article is citizenship recognized as a normative category. The authoress tries to explain the moral dimension of citizenship, which exceeds its legal and political meaning. Pondering over which virtues, competences and forms of participation form an active civic attitude, there were identified personal and subjective structures which enable cooperation for the sake of the community. Consequently, conducted analyzes are the attempt to discover its subjective sources, so those which can by linked with human freedom, consciousness and agency.

Dismantling Normativism

Author(s): Joanna Klimczyk / Language(s): English Issue: 64/2017

In his article “Is Meaning Fraught with Ought?” (2009), Daniel Whiting advanced quite a battery of refurbished arguments for the claim that linguistic meaning is intrinsically normative. He ended the paper with the conclusion that he had managed to achieve two of his stated aims: to defend normativism and to show how the normativist can turn the innocent platitude that meaningful expressions possess conditions of correct use into an argument in favour of normativism. In the present article, I show that Whiting failed on both counts, although his failure reveals an important issue which has been overlooked by both parties to the debate. The issue in question is one of methodology: the plausibility of semantic normativism turns on the theory of practical normativity to which a particular philosopher tacitly or explicitly subscribes. To put my main criticism in a nutshell: semantic normativism cannot be defended without a plausible account of the nature of semantic reasons.

İnsanî Ruh Üzerine

Author(s): Gürbüz Deniz / Language(s): Turkish Issue: 37/2018

This study examines the relationship between social goodwill and real justice. This article focuses on the issues of existential source of human soul and its position on human being and its relationship with the body of each human soul. Coming to the existence of the abstract soul via concrete body and differences in this existence are being questioned.

Between Communalism and Individualism: Which Way Africa?

Author(s): Peter Bisong / Language(s): English Issue: 2/2018

Due to its encounter with the outside world, Africa has lost and is on the verge of losing most of its traditional values. One of such cherished values is communalism. Since communalism is variously considered to be the distinguishing mark of Africa, many scholars advocate the reinvigoration or strengthening of communalism in Africa. Using the philosophical methods of critical analysis and textual studies, this paper took a deep look at this quest and find out that communalism is the problem of Africa and thus, recommended that it should be allowed to die out. The paper concludes that until Africa, shakes off the yoke of communalism and wears the apron of individualism, it will perpetually find itself unable to overcome the challenges facing contemporary African societies.

Policy and the Narrative of the “Third Way”

Author(s): Eugenia E. Udangiu / Language(s): English Issue: 44/2014

A narrative is an intelligibility model of high generality that human reason imposes to the real in order to give it form and meaning. Otherwise, in our minds would be just a chaos of existential observations that can neither increase the knowledge, nor guide the action. Like any other derivation (ideology, theory, justifying discourse etc.), in order to survive, a narrative will have to pass the test of social utility. In other words it has to cope with a pragmatic criterion. This article will sociologically examine the vision of the third way toward a Good Society. Is this way an ideological synthesis that obviates Right’ and Left’ weaknesses? Is it rather an ideal, an ethical position? What brings it new and better in terms of social utility?

Lewis Mumford és az ökológiai utópia születése

Author(s): Gábor Kovács / Language(s): Hungarian Issue: 02/2019

Nie zawsze powinniśmy być stoikami

Author(s): Martha C. Nussbaum,Jules Evans / Language(s): Polish Issue: 764/2019