The scientific method in philosophy: Assessing the physicalist hypothesis

A filosofia contemporânea é predominantemente guiada pela hipótese de que o nosso mundo é fundamentalmente físico: Uma vez que todas as variáveis físicas são determinadas, as leis físicas fundamentais determinam a distribuição de todas as propriedades (ou determinam suas probabilidades). Propriedades de níveis superior são "macros", eventualmente compostas por propriedades físicas básicas. Esta é a hipótese característica de uma perspectiva variavelmente chamada de naturalismo, fisicalismo ou materialismo. Esta hipótese é amplamente aceita no cenário atual da filosofia contemporânea, pois é favorecida suficientemente por uma abordagem plausível frente ao problema da escolha de uma teoria. Tal abordagem é basicamente a mesma em cada campo investigativo, seja ele o da física, da biologia, da psicologia ou da filosofia. Os termos centrais aqui são: simplicidade, poder explanatório e adequação empírica. A escolha de uma teoria é afinal um problema de decisão. Nós ilustraremos este ponto mobilizando um debate central na filosofia da mente. No decorrer do presente trabalho pretendemos expor e argumentar a favor de certas teses meta-filosóficas que podem por si só estar sujeitas a um debate filosófico. AbstractMuch of contemporary philosophy is guided by the hypothesis that our world is fundamentally a physical world: Given that all fundamental physical variable are determined, the fundamental physical laws determine the distribution of all properties whatsoever (or determine their probabilities). Higher-level properties are "macros", eventually composed of basic physical properties. This is the characteristic hypothesis of a view variably called naturalism, physicalism or materialism. The view is widely accepted because it is sufficiently favoured by sound approach towards the problem of theory choice. This approach is basically the same in every field of inquiry, be it physics, biology, psychology or philosophy. The key words are: simplicity, explanatory power, empirical adequacy. At bottom theory choice is a decision problem. We shall illustrate this by way of a key debate in the philosophy of mind. In the course of doing so we put forward and argue in the conclusion for some metaphilosophical theses which may themselves be subject to philosophical debate.Recebido em setembro de 2014 Aprovado em abril de 201

Composition of dissolved organic matter within a lacustrine environment

Freshwater dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex mixture of chemical components that are central to many environmental processes, including carbon and nitrogen cycling. However, questions remain as to its chemical characteristics, sources and transformation mechanisms. Here, we employ 1- and 2-D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to investigate the structural components of lacustrine DOM from Ireland, and how it varies within a lake system, as well as to assess potential sources. Major components found, such as carboxyl-rich alicyclic molecules (CRAM) are consistent with those recently identified in marine and freshwater DOM. Lignin-type markers and protein/peptides were identified and vary spatially. Phenylalanine was detected in lake areas influenced by agriculture, whereas it is not detectable where zebra mussels are prominent. The presence of peptidoglycan, lipoproteins, large polymeric carbo- hydrates and proteinaceous material supports the substantial contribution of material derived from microorganisms. Evidence is provided that peptidoglycan and silicate species may in part originate from soil microbes

Towards the new Thematic Core Service Tsunami within the EPOS Research Infrastructure

Tsunamis constitute a significant hazard for European coastal populations, and the impact of tsunami events worldwide can extend well beyond the coastal regions directly affected. Understanding the complex mechanisms of tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation, as well as managing the tsunami risk, requires multidisciplinary research and infrastructures that cross national boundaries. Recent decades have seen both great advances in tsunami science and consolidation of the European tsunami research community. A recurring theme has been the need for a sustainable platform for coordinated tsunami community activities and a hub for tsunami services. Following about three years of preparation, in July 2021, the European tsunami community attained the status of Candidate Thematic Core Service (cTCS) within the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) Research Infrastructure. Within a transition period of three years, the Tsunami candidate TCS is anticipated to develop into a fully operational EPOS TCS. We here outline the path taken to reach this point, and the envisaged form of the future EPOS TCS Tsunami. Our cTCS is planned to be organised within four thematic pillars: (1) Support to Tsunami Service Providers, (2) Tsunami Data, (3) Numerical Models, and (4) Hazard and Risk Products. We outline how identified needs in tsunami science and tsunami risk mitigation will be addressed within this structure and how participation within EPOS will become an integration point for community development

Towards the new Thematic Core Service Tsunami within the EPOS Research Infrastructure

publishedVersio

Towards the new Thematic Core Service Tsunami within the EPOS Research Infrastructure

Tsunamis constitute a significant hazard for European coastal populations, and the impact of tsunami events worldwide can extend well beyond the coastal regions directly affected. Understanding the complex mechanisms of tsunami generation, propagation, and inundation, as well as managing the tsunami risk, requires multidisciplinary research and infrastructures that cross national boundaries. Recent decades have seen both great advances in tsunami science and consolidation of the European tsunami research community. A recurring theme has been the need for a sustainable platform for coordinated tsunami community activities and a hub for tsunami services. Following about three years of preparation, in July 2021, the European tsunami community attained the status of Candidate Thematic Core Service (cTCS) within the European Plate Observing System (EPOS) Research Infrastructure. Within a transition period of three years, the Tsunami candidate TCS is anticipated to develop into a fully operational EPOS TCS. We here outline the path taken to reach this point, and the envisaged form of the future EPOS TCS Tsunami. Our cTCS is planned to be organised within four thematic pillars: (1) Support to Tsunami Service Providers, (2) Tsunami Data, (3) Numerical Models, and (4) Hazard and Risk Products. We outline how identified needs in tsunami science and tsunami risk mitigation will be addressed within this structure and how participation within EPOS will become an integration point for community development.publishedVersio

Seasonal DOC accumulation in the Black Sea: regional explanation for a general mechanism

During three cruises in the Black Sea, organised in July 1995 and April-May 1997, biological and chemical parameters that can influence the carbon budget were measured in the water column on the NW shelf, particularly in the mixing zone with Danube River waters. We observed in early spring (end of April-May) conditions an important input of freshwater organisms that enhanced the microbial activity in the low salinity range. High bacterial activity regenerates nitrogen in the form of nitrates, but is also responsible for an important consumption of ammonium and phosphate, leading to a high N/P ratio and a strong deficit in phosphorus. The consequence is a limitation of phytoplankton development but also a production of carbohydrates that accumulate all along the salinity gradient. These mechanisms are responsible for a seasonal accumulation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) that increases from 210 μM in winter to about 280 μM in summer. All this excess DOC disappears during winter, probably degraded by bacterial activity. The degradation of carbon-rich organic matter increases the phosphorus demand by bacteria bringing limitation to phytoplankton primary production. © 2002 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe