Googol-part Fugue: Another Imagination of Divine Providence and Game Theory

The problem of evil presents an intellectual hurdle for some to believe in a good and omnipotent God. The emergence of open theism could be seen as an attempt to make a stronger case for the free will defense. However, in denying divine foreknowledge as traditionally understood, open theism contradicts biblical revelation not only in its direct claims, but also when its logical implications for divine providence are worked out. The open theist Alan Rhoda has sought to explain through game theory how some degree of divine providence is possible under open theism. That explanation is astonishing since the open theist view of libertarian free will is intrinsically at odd with the rational actor model presupposed by game theory. In this essay, the free will defense of open theism and two other responses to the problem of evil are examined.Game theory and other mathematical theorems are employed in illustrating the theological claims. This essay seeks to show that the historic Christian doctrine of divine sovereignty can be reasonably explained given the presence of evil. The key is to recognize the biblical picture of the present age as a development ground and worthiness-demonstrating trial for a perfectible authentic humanity, chosen for a glorious leadership role in the new heavens and new earth, where everything will be knowable, optimal, and predictable

When playing God: Concerning artificial reproduction

This thesis is a discussion about new reproductive technologies and the ethical implications of those technologies. Until now, fetal personhood was the focus of pro-choice and pro-life groups battling about abortion versus women\u27s rights. However, new reproductive technologies such as in vitro fertilization and cryopreservation further complicate the foundation upon which traditional abortion arguments are based. The focus of the argument should be shifted from fetal personhood to a more comprehensive argument for the respect of the sanctity of human life. This shift would force society to address the more crucial issues which have led us to abortion and new reproductive technologies--reproductive irresponsibility. Six contributors to the area of abortion and new reproductive technologies are reviewed in order to establish the state of the arguments. I conclude that the sanctity of human life and sexual responsibility is a better focal point for the ethical discussion of new reproductive technologies

Designing for mod development: user creativity as product development strategy on the firm-hosted 3D software platform

The thesis is designed to improve our understanding of user participation in Web-based development practices in the commercial setting of the 3D software industry. It aims to investigate whether the creative capacities of users and their contributions to the online firm-hosted 3D platform are indicative of a novel configuration of production that influences the processes of product development across firm boundaries. The thesis mobilizes the user participation literature developing in media research as its main theoretical framework. It builds on insights derived from work on user participation in media sites as seen through a cultural lens, in particular, as developed in Henry Jenkins' notions of 'participatory' and 'convergence culture'. The user participation literature is supported by a combination of insights drawn from work on communities of practice and user-centred innovation so as to offer a more robust approach to examine and appreciate the firm-hosted 3D platform as a site of user participation. More specifically, the conceptual framework for the study provides a basis for an examination of the ways a software developer finn encourages user participation in a market and of how this enables and facilitâtes particular modes of user creativity. These are shown to shape and maintain a firm-hosted platform that aids product development efforts that are expected to benefit the developer fimi. An empirical study of the platform, Second Life, provides the basis for the analysis of finn-user interactions which are shown to underpin a distinctive finn leaming process in the context of product development that occurs across permeable fimi boundaries. The thesis yields insight into the way a developer firm invites its user base to partner with it in product development, indicating how aspects of user participation associated with non-market dynamics are embedded in commercial activity and professionalism. The pivotal role of users is revealed in the design, development and sustainability of a firm-hosted 3D product. The findings point to interesting relationships between the distinctive creative capacities of users and the range of capabilities afforded by the firm-provided design space. Variations in user participation and contributions to product development suggest that particular patterns of learning opportunities occur. The analysis yields several new concepts including a 'modification effect market' which are used to extend existing conceptualizations of user participation in digitai development practices in the commercial setting of the 3D software industry

A reference book on rocks and minerals of New England for gifted students in the intermediate grades.

Thesis (Ed.M.)--Boston Universit