2,516 research outputs found
How Philosophy of Mind Needs Philosophy of Chemistry
By the 1960s many (perhaps most) philosophers had adopted âphysicalismâ â the view that physical causes fully account for mental activities. However, controversy persists about what count as âphysical causesâ. âReductiveâ physicalists recognize only microphysical (elementary-particle-level) causality. Many (perhaps most) physicalists are ânon-reductiveâ â they hold that entities considered by other (âspecialâ) sciences have causal powers. Philosophy of chemistry can help resolve main issues in philosophy of mind in three ways: developing an extended mereology applicable to chemical combination, testing whether âsingularitiesâ prevent reduction of chemistry to microphysics, and demonstrating âdownward causationâ in complex networks of chemical reactions
How Philosophy of Mind Needs Philosophy of Chemistry
By the 1960s many (perhaps most) philosophers had adopted âphysicalismâ â the view that physical causes fully account for mental activities. However, controversy persists about what count as âphysical causesâ. âReductiveâ physicalists recognize only microphysical (elementary-particle-level) causality. Many (perhaps most) physicalists are ânon-reductiveâ â they hold that entities considered by other (âspecialâ) sciences have causal powers. Philosophy of chemistry can help resolve main issues in philosophy of mind in three ways: developing an extended mereology applicable to chemical combination, testing whether âsingularitiesâ prevent reduction of chemistry to microphysics, and demonstrating âdownward causationâ in complex networks of chemical reactions
System Governance Analysis of Complex Systems
The purpose of this research was to develop and deploy a systems-based framework for analysis of complex governance systems using a multimethodology research design. Two research gaps motivated this research: (1) lack of an integrated conceptualization of a system governance construct, (2) an absence of studies that consider both the governed and governing systems as well as the emergent interactions that arise from within complex governance systems.
The research focused on three primary questions: (1) What are the distinctive characteristics of governance?; (2) What system-based framework can be developed for analysis of governance in complex systems?, and (3) What results from deployment of the framework in a field setting? The multimethodology research design that guided the effort included three primary phases. First, the literature was synthesized to derive a set of governance elements. This synthesis was accomplished across an extensive and multidisciplinary literature set by a novel method of content document clustering analysis to reveal important elements of governance. Second, a conceptual framework for analysis of system governance was constructed from the confluence of extant governance literature and systems theory. This governance system analysis framework was informed by Bunge\u27s (2003) system perspective to advance the understanding of governance that will be meaningful in a given practice. Finally, a case based application of the analysis framework was conducted to examine implications of the framework from a field perspective.
The original research provided contributions to theory, methodology, and practice. From a theoretical perspective, the research contributed to the body of knowledge by providing: (1) a literature derived set of generalizable elements of governance, and (2) the development of a systems-based framework to be used to analyze complex governance systems. From a methodological stand-point, the research advanced an integrated multimethodology research design that featured: (1) a novel content analysis approach for synthesis of diverse literature; (2) the development of an integrated systems analysis method; and (3) a rigorous single-case study application within the engineering management discipline. Lastly, from a practical perspective, the systems framework provided a foundation for derivative approaches to enhance practices related to system governance
A diversity-aware computational framework for systems biology
L'abstract Ăš presente nell'allegato / the abstract is in the attachmen
Seeing the Forest for the Trees Polycentric Climate Governance in the Amazon
The Amazon is rapidly approaching its tipping point, which could turn the tropical rainforest
into a dry, carbon-emitting savannah, with catastrophic impacts well beyond the South American continent and its inhabitants. The region is facing a nowadays familiar challenge of
combating climate change and promoting social justice. International climate governance is
proving ineffective, as it fails to incorporate the long term wellbeing of local communities.
Demands for justice have led to calls for more polycentric climate governance (PCG),
characterized by multiple independent governance units and a place-based approach to dealing
with the possible consequences of climate change. It, however, remains unclear if PCG has also
led to more justice, especially in recognizing the value of diverse epistemologies and ontologies
with regard to climate change and the creation of the Pluriverse: a world in which multiple
worldviews fit. In the culturally diverse Amazon, to what extent can paths based on PCG lead
to more justice? Aiming to answer this question, this study examines two examples of
subnational climate governance and indigenous peoplesâ participation in the Amazon as its case
studies: the State of Acre in Brazil and the regional department of Ucayali in Peru. Based on a
qualitative content analysis of semi-structured interviews and relevant policy documents, this
study highlights three challenges that need to be addressed for PCG to foster environmental
justice: 1) filling governance gaps; 2) increasing meaningful participation; and 3) overcoming
epistemic injustices and recognizing alternatives to the hegemonic neoliberal model. Bridging
polycentricity and interculturality, diverse systems of knowledge and their adherents need to be
better appreciated and incorporated as part of the process of reassessing the purpose of PCG.
Only then, will we see the handling of the future of the Amazon in a holistic way: so much
more than mere carbon storage.As interaçÔes complexas entre a desflorestação local e as emissÔes globais de gases com efeito
de estufa determinam os potenciais cenĂĄrios do futuro da floresta amazĂłnica. A AmazĂłnia estĂĄ
a aproximar-se rapidamente de um ponto de viragem crĂtico, arriscando transformar-se numa
savana e assim passar de floresta que captura carbono a territĂłrio emissor de carbono. Essa
transformação teria consequĂȘncias drĂĄsticas, que iriam muito alĂ©m do continente sul americano, da sua biodiversidade e dos seus habitantes.
A região amazónica enfrenta, portanto, o duplo desafio do combate às alteraçÔes
climåticas e da promoção da justiça social. A governança climåtica internacional mostra-se hoje
incapaz de garantir o bem-estar, a longo prazo, das comunidades locais. Com esta necessidade
de justiça crescem os apelos a uma governança climĂĄtica policĂȘntrica (GCP), caracterizada por
vĂĄrios centros de tomada de decisĂŁo independentes.
A GCP, termo cunhado pela cientista polĂtica Elinor Ostrom, assenta na ação local,
valorizando, entre outros fatores, o poder dos governos subnacionais, da sociedade civil, das
entidades privadas e das iniciativas transnacionais, para lidar com as possĂveis consequĂȘncias
das alteraçÔes climåticas. No entanto, não é ainda claro se a GCP conduz também a uma
intervenção mais justa, especialmente no que se refere ao reconhecimento do valor das diversas
epistemologias e ontologias associadas Ă s alteraçÔes climĂĄticas e Ă criação do âPluriversoâ: um
mundo em que coexistem mĂșltiplas cosmovisĂ”es.
Numa Amazónia tão culturalmente diversa, até que ponto pode a GCP levar a transiçÔes
mais justas? Com vista a responder a esta pergunta e compreender o impacto da GCP na
(in)justiça AmazĂłnica, esta investigação tĂȘm quatro objetivos: 1) ler a AmazĂłnia Ă luz da
literatura sobre GCP; 2) identificar a territorialização da GCP e quão justa esta é; 3) analisar
como as ontologias e epistemologias locais (indĂgenas) sĂŁo incorporadas na GCP; e 4)
recomendar polĂticas climĂĄticas mais justas e inclusivas da diversidade cultural.
Para estudar a GCP na Amazónia, esta investigação emprega uma metodologia
qualitativa, assente em dois exemplos de governança climåtica subnacional na Amazónia como
estudos de caso: o Estado do Acre no Brasil e o departamento regional de Ucayali no Peru.
Ambos são vistos como pioneiros na governança climåtica intercultural nos seus contextos
nacionais, e estabeleceram grupos de trabalho indĂgenas integrados nos seus mecanismos de
governança regional com vista à promoção da justiça intercultural. Cumulativamente, ambos
SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES
sĂŁo membros da âForça Tarefa de Governadores para o Clima e Florestasâ (GCF), uma rede
para a colaboração subnacional na proteção das florestas tropicais.
Durante o trabalho de campo, executado o perĂodo entre agosto de 2018 e janeiro de
2019, foi realizado um total de 65 entrevistas semiestruturadas (Acre n=26, Ucayali n=39) com
os principais atores da GCP, incluindo representantes dos governos subnacionais (municipal e
regional), das organizaçÔes nĂŁo-governamentais, do setor privado, das organizaçÔes indĂgenas,
das iniciativas transnacionais e das universidades. Além das entrevistas utilizaram-se, como
técnicas de recolha de dados, a observação participativa e a anålise documental. Todo o material
documental (entrevistas, notas do trabalho de campo e da observação participativa, e
documentos) foi analisado qualitativamente por meio do programa de software MAXQDA.
Os resultados obtidos mostram uma evolução diferenciada das soluçÔes de GCP entre
Acre-Brasil e Ucayali-Peru. Uma anĂĄlise comparativa das oportunidades e desafios para a GCP
destaca a importĂąncia dos seguintes fatores: a continuidade e estabilidade polĂtica; os
ajustamentos e acordos mĂștuos na governança multinĂvel; a conceptualização holĂstica,
multiator e multissetorial do desafio das alteraçÔes climåticas; um foco não apenas na
mitigação, mas também na adaptação climåtica; e uma inclusão social efetiva e não somente
dos grupos que falam a mesma linguagem que o governo.
Em segundo lugar, os resultados sublinham a dimensĂŁo espacial da GCP, o seu potencial
e também o seu risco para soluçÔes de governança mais justas. Esta investigação foca-se em
trĂȘs exemplos emergentes na AmazĂłnia: 1) Cidades amazĂłnicas: A governança climĂĄtica
urbana desempenha um papel vital na GCP, não sendo, porém, muitas vezes levada em
consideração. AlĂ©m disso, polĂticas contraditĂłrias ao nĂvel local, regional e nacional limitam a
promoção de uma GCP mais justa; 2) Iniciativas climåticas transnacionais: embora a
experimentação com iniciativas transnacionais tenha levado a GCP a incorporar crescentemente
a justiça enquanto princĂpio operativo, a sua dependĂȘncia de financiamento internacional
condiciona a sua imparcialidade; e 3) instrumentos de polĂtica pĂșblica territoriais: embora estes
sustentem um ordenamento do território ajustado à governança climåtica, os seus mapas e bases
de dados raramente são utilizados para orientar as decisÔes dos atores locais.
Em terceiro lugar, os resultados enfatizam a importĂąncia de levar em conta a dimensĂŁo
cultural da GCP e as perspetivas e epistemologias indĂgenas face Ă s alteraçÔes climĂĄticas. As
cosmovisĂ”es indĂgenas possuem uma conceção mais holĂstica da terra e destacam a importĂąncia
do cuidado ancestral e da espiritualidade. Tanto no Acre como em Ucayali estabeleceram-se
grupos de trabalho indĂgenas (GTI) para promover o diĂĄlogo entre o governo subnacional e os
SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES
povos indĂgenas. No entanto, esses GTI nĂŁo levaram necessariamente a uma participação
efetiva e significativa, nem foram capazes de desafiar uma perspetiva hegemĂłnica da polĂtica
climĂĄtica.
Por Ășltimo, esta investigação fornece recomendaçÔes para uma GCP melhorada que leve
em consideração as dimensÔes da justiça. Estas recomendaçÔes são baseadas nas visÔes
diversas, e muitas vezes conflituantes, de uma AmazĂłnia segura e justa, apresentadas nas
entrevistas com os atores da GCP no Acre e em Ucayali. As recomendaçÔes, juntamente com
os respetivos destinatĂĄrios, foram organizadas em quatro categorias: 1. Enquadramento e
conceptualização das alteraçÔes climåticas; 2. Interculturalidade; 3. Colaboração intersectorial;
e 4. Territorialização.
à luz da literatura e do meu quadro teórico-conceitual, a interpretação destes resultados
destaca trĂȘs desafios incontornĂĄveis para a promoção de justiça via GCP. Em primeiro lugar, o
preenchimento de mĂșltiplas lacunas de governança que dificultam os processos de ajustamento
recĂproco e a integração intercultural e social na GCP. Na GCP atual falta uma perspetiva local
amazónica. Além disso, a GCP amazónica trata a ação climåtica separadamente de outros
Objetivos de Desenvolvimento SustentĂĄvel (ODS), carecendo de uma visĂŁo coerente das suas
mĂșltiplas interaçÔes.
Um segundo ponto de discussão é a falta de uma participação significativa da sociedade
civil na GCP. Um olhar crĂtico na relação intrĂnseca entre governança participativa e dinĂąmicas
de poder enfatiza o risco potencial das polĂticas de participação. Embora tanto no Acre como
em Ucayali sejam utilizadas abordagens participativas e tenham sido estabelecidos GTI, nada
garante que as exigĂȘncias, preocupaçÔes e ideias da sociedade civil em geral, e dos
representantes dos povos indĂgenas em particular, sejam levadas em consideração. O poder de
tomada de decisĂŁo permanece nas mĂŁos da "elite do poder tradicionalâ.
Em terceiro e Ășltimo lugar, para que a GCP resulte em processos mais justos, certas
injustiças epistémicas precisam de ser ultrapassadas. Para que tal aconteça, é necessåria mais
reflexĂŁo sobre âa polĂtica de governança do conhecimentoâ em relação Ă s alteraçÔes climĂĄticas,
incluindo as relaçÔes socio-histĂłricas, culturais e polĂticas, e os desequilĂbrios de poder na
coprodução do conhecimento. Tal implica uma descolonização da GCP com vista à sua
reconstrução epistémica e a criação de uma variedade de novas narrativas climåticas,
desvinculadas da narrativa hegemónica da modernidade e do modelo neoliberal. Também
implica remover barreiras Ă autodeterminação indĂgena e ao acesso Ă terra e a articulação das
perspetivas de grupos indĂgenas agora excluĂdos.
SEEING THE FOREST FOR THE TREES
Para concluir, sĂŁo apresentados trĂȘs tipos de recomendaçÔes para investigação futura.
RecomendaçÔes relacionadas com: 1) a natureza da investigação: focar-se mais na investigação
qualitativa e exemplos empĂricos de GCP; 2.) o objeto de investigação em GCP: concentrar-se
mais em regiÔes onde coexistem vårias epistemologias e ontologias; e 3) a abordagem teórica
de investigação em GCP: recorrendo à literatura emergente sobre a Teoria da Governança
Evolucionåria e as perspetivas feministas sobre a governança climåtica.
Esta investigação teve como objetivo fazer um balanço das vårias narrativas sobre as
alteraçÔes climåticas, a sustentabilidade, a floresta amazónica e seus habitantes, e respeitar a
pluriversalidade do mundo. Conceptualmente, examinou as implicaçÔes das soluçÔes de GCP
na promoção da justiça. Empiricamente, ofereceu exemplos da dinùmica local da GCP na
Amazónia. E normativamente, forneceu recomendaçÔes para uma GCP amazónica que leve em
consideração as exigĂȘncias de uma governança justa e inclusiva. SĂł entĂŁo podemos âver a
floresta para alĂ©m das ĂĄrvoresâ, e perceber que a floresta amazĂłnica Ă© muito mais do que um
mero instrumento de captura e armazenamento de carbono
How Philosophy of Mind Needs Philosophy of Chemistry
By the 1960s many (perhaps most) philosophers had adopted âphysicalismâ â the view that physical causes fully account for mental activities. However, controversy persists about what count as âphysical causesâ. âReductiveâ physicalists recognize only microphysical (elementary-particle-level) causality. Many (perhaps most) physicalists are ânon-reductiveâ â they hold that entities considered by other (âspecialâ) sciences have causal powers. Philosophy of chemistry can help resolve main issues in philosophy of mind in three ways: developing an extended mereology applicable to chemical combination, testing whether âsingularitiesâ prevent reduction of chemistry to microphysics, and demonstrating âdownward causationâ in complex networks of chemical reactions
How Philosophy of Mind Needs Philosophy of Chemistry
By the 1960s many (perhaps most) philosophers had adopted âphysicalismâ â the view that physical causes fully account for mental activities. However, controversy persists about what count as âphysical causesâ. âReductiveâ physicalists recognize only microphysical (elementary-particle-level) causality. Many (perhaps most) physicalists are ânon-reductiveâ â they hold that entities considered by other (âspecialâ) sciences have causal powers. Philosophy of chemistry can help resolve main issues in philosophy of mind in three ways: developing an extended mereology applicable to chemical combination, testing whether âsingularitiesâ prevent reduction of chemistry to microphysics, and demonstrating âdownward causationâ in complex networks of chemical reactions
A Knowledge Management System (KMS) Using a Storytelling-based Approach to Collect Tacit Knowledge
Since the 1990s, Knowledge Management Systems (KMS) have been largely unsuccessful in the collection of tacit knowledge. The process, whether through direct input by the holder of the tacit knowledge or through an intermediary such as the collection of tacit knowledge through interviews and videos, has not succeeded. Reasons encompass the organizational (such as culture of the organization), the technological (example: poor tools), and the individual (example: knowledge is power, i.e. where experts with rare knowledge results in knowledge hoarding instead of transfer). The purpose of this study was to demonstrate that tacit knowledge could be successfully and consistently collected from the participants themselves and placed into a KMS using a storytelling-based approach. This study extended past research that collected stories for KMSâ using interviews and videos by having participants directly entering their data, as stories, into a KMS. This was a new approach and it was posited that having participants use stories to enter their tacit knowledge themselves into a KMS would overcome their reluctance to provide tacit knowledge thus overcoming barriers to providing tacit knowledge into a KMS The validation methodology was based upon three elements: the deep-dive research element, the issues and solution element, and the dissertation proposition element. The deep-dive research element was the extensive research for the study into knowledge management, storytelling, and other various methods for collection of tacit knowledge. The issues and solution element consisted of issues about tacit knowledge that were identified from the deep-dive research element, i.e. general arguments constructed about knowledge management which were backed by data from research into knowledge management systems and storytelling. Theoretical solutions to the issues regarding the capture of tacit knowledge were then constructed which included the storytelling-based approach and a KMS framework for the collection of tacit knowledge. Lastly was the dissertation proposition element which consisted of a thorough analysis of the survey data against each of the dissertation propositions. There were three propositions. Proposition 1 was sharing of knowledge and the storytelling-based approach. Proposition 2 was about the framework, the scenarios, guiding questions, and Communities of Practice (CoP), and Proposition 3 was about participant knowledge and interaction with forums. Each proposition was evaluated independently. The study was successful and validated propositions 1 and 2. For proposition 1, 81% of the participants responded positively to the eight study questions directed towards this proposition. For all eight questions across all 21 participants, the mean was 29.952 against a target test mean of 24 with a range of 27.538-32.367. For proposition 2, 76.19% of participants scored this section positive. For all six questions across all 21 participants, the mean was 23 against a target test mean of 18 with a range of 21.394-24.606. However, the results for proposition 3 were inconclusive and must be considered a failure. Most of the respondents either scored âno changeâ to at least 50% of the questions or they stated they had never been to a forum. For all four questions across all 21 participants, the mean was 12.905 against a target mean of 12 with a range of 11.896-13.914. Based upon propositions 1 and 2, the null hypothesis was disproved. Participants liked the storytelling-based approach, providing their tacit knowledge, and they liked the framework
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