20,900 research outputs found
âQuineâs Meaning Nihilism: Revisiting Naturalism and Confirmation Method,â
The paper concentrates on an appreciation of W.V. Quineâs thought on meaning and how it escalates beyond the meaning holism and confirmation holism, thereby paving the way for a âmeaning nihilismâ and âconfirmation rejectionismâ. My effort would be to see that how could the acceptance of radical naturalism in Quineâs theory of meaning escorts him to the indeterminacy thesis of meaning. There is an interesting shift from epistemology to language as Quine considers that a person who is aware of linguistic trick can be the master of referential language. Another important question is that how could Quineâs radical translation thesis reduce into semantic indeterminacy that is a consequence of his confirmation methord.
Even I think that the notion and the analysis of meaning became hopelessly vague in Quineâs later work. I further argue on Quineâs position of meaning that I call, following Hilary Putnam, âmeaning nihilismâ. It seems to me that Quine had no belief like âmeaning consists inâ, or âmeaning depends onâ something. Through this argument, I would like to challenge the confirmation holism that was foisted by Fodor on Quineâs thesis. My attempt would be to scrutinize Putnamâs point of view that Quine was neither a confirmation holist nor a meaning holist. I think that both Putnam and Quine denied the concept of constitutive connection of meaning as a second grade notion not only from the realm of semantic, but also from the perspective of epistemology. So, linguistic meaning cannot be formed by any sample of its uses. For Quine, the concept of meaning in metaphysics is heuristic and need not be taken seriously in any âscience worthyâ literature
The Evolution of Sociology of Software Architecture
The dialectical interplay of technology and sociological development goes back to the early days of human development, starting with stone tools and fire, and coming through the scientific and industrial revolutions; but it has never been as intense or as rapid as in the modern information age of software development and accelerating knowledge society (Mansell and Wehn, 1988; and Nico, 1994, p. 1602-1604). Software development causes social change, and social challenges demand software solutions. In turn, software solutions demand software application architecture. Software architecture (âSAâ) (Fielding and Taylor, 2000) is a process for âdefining a structural solution that meets all the technical and operations requirements...â (Microsoft, 2009, Chapter I). In the SA process, there is neither much emphasis on the sociological requirements of all social stakeholders nor on the society in w hich these stakeholders use, operate, group, manage, transact, dispute, and resolve social conflicts. For problems of society demanding sociological as well as software solutions, this study redefines software application architecture as âthe process of defining a structured solution that meets all of the sociological , technical, and operational requirementsâŠâ
This investigation aims to l ay the groundwork for, evolve, and develop an innovative and novel sub-branch of scientific study we name the âSociology of Software Architectureâ (hereinafter referred to as âSSAâ). SSA is an interdisciplinary and comparative study integrating, synthesizing, and combining elements of the disciplines of sociology, sociology of technology, history of technology, sociology of knowledge society, epistemology, science methodology (philosophy of science), and software architecture. Sociology and technology have a strong, dynamic, and dialectical relationship and interplay, especially in software development. This thesis investigates and answers important and relevant questions, evolves and develops new scientific knowledge, proposes solutions, demonstrates and validates its benefits, shares its case studies and experiences, and advocates, promotes, and helps the future and further development of this novel method of science
Building development cost drivers in the New Zealand construction industry : a multilevel analysis of the causal relationships : a thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Construction, School of Engineering & Advanced Technology, Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
Building development cost is influenced by a raft of complex factors which range from project characteristics to the operating environment and external dynamics. It is not yet clearly understood how these factors interact with each other and individually to influence building cost. This gap in knowledge has resulted in inaccuracies in estimates, improper cost management and control, and poor project cost performance.
This study aims to bridge the knowledge gap by developing and validating a multilevel model of the key drivers of building development cost (BDC) and their causal relationships. Based on literature insights and feedback from a survey of industry practitioners, some hypotheses were put forward in regards to the causal relationships between the BDC and the following key drivers as latent constructs: project component costs factor, project characteristics factor, project stakeholdersâ influences factor, property market and construction industry factor, statutory and regulatory factor, national and global dynamics, and socio-economic factor. Observed indicators of the model's latent constructs were identified and measured using a mixed methods research design.
Results showed that property market and construction industry factor was the most significant predictor of building development cost in New Zealand, while project component cost factor has the least impact. The modelâs fit to the empirical dataset, and its predictive reliability, was validated using structural equation modelling. Results of an additional model validation test by a panel of experts further confirmed its efficacy. Overall, the results suggest that sole reliance on the immediate project component costs without due consideration of the wider and more influencing effects of the external factors could result in inaccurate estimates of building development cost. Key recommendations included addressing the priority observed indicators of the most significant latent variables in cost studies and analysis.
Keywords: Building development cost, cost drivers, cost modelling, cost predictio
A Minimalist Epistemology for Agent-Based Simulations in the Artificial Sciences
The epistemology of computer simulations has become a mainstream topic in the philosophy of technology. Within this large area, significant differences hold between the various types of models and simulation technologies. Agent-based and multi-agent systems simulations introduce a specific constraint on the types of agents and systems modelled. We argue that such difference is crucial and that simulation for the artificial sciences requires the formulation of its own specific epistemological principles. We present a minimally committed epistemology which relies on the methodological principles of the Philosophy of Information and requires weak assumptions on the usability of the simulation and the controllability of the model. We use these principles to provide a new definition of simulation for the context of interest
Dialogues Concerning a (Possibly) New Science
The paper relates virtual dialogues about social simulation, with the implicit reference to Galieo\'s \'dialogues concerning two new sciences\'.Social Simulations, Epistemology, Validation, Simulation Methods
Democracy and Inquiry in the Post-Truth Era: A pragmatist Solution
Post-truth has become a commonplace strategy. No longer are objective facts viewed as having evidentiary value; scientific knowledge is on a par with emotions or personal beliefs. We intend to show that in the context of post-truth, those proffering and receiving an assertion do not care about the truth-value of the assertion or about the best way to gather evidence concerning it. Such attitudes raise several questions about how relativism can be a corrupting influence in contemporary democracies. We will analyse Steve Fullerâs use of the term «post-truth» â especially, the political connotations about epistemic democracy that he highlights. Instead, we offer a pragmatist defence of the truth and an alternative meaning of epistemic democracy
Integrating case study and survey research methods: An example in information systems
The case for combining research methods generally, and more specifically that for combining qualitative and quantitative methods, is strong. Yet, research designs that extensively integrate both fieldwork (e.g. case studies) and survey research are rare. MoreÂŹover, some journals tend tacitly to specialize by methodology thereby encouraging purity of method. The multi-method model of research while not new, has not been appreciated. In this respect it is useful to articulate and describe its usage through example. By reference to a recently completed study of IS consultant engagement success factors this paper presents an analysis of the benefits of integrating case study and survey research methods. The emphasis is on the qualitative case study method and how it can compliment more quantitative survey research. Benefits are demonstrated through specific examples from the reference study.</i
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