Phenomenal knowledge why: the explanatory knowledge argument against physicalism

Phenomenal knowledge is knowledge of what it is like to be in conscious states, such as seeing red or being in pain. According to the knowledge argument (Jackson 1982, 1986), phenomenal knowledge is knowledge that, i.e., knowledge of phenomenal facts. According to the ability hypothesis (Nemirow 1979; Lewis 1983), phenomenal knowledge is mere practical knowledge how, i.e., the mere possession of abilities. However, some phenomenal knowledge also seems to be knowledge why, i.e., knowledge of explanatory facts. For example, someone who has just experienced pain for the first time learns not only that this is what pain is like, but also why people tend to avoid it. Some philosophers have claimed that experiencing pain gives knowledge why in a normative sense: it tells us why pain is bad and why inflicting it is wrong (Kahane 2010). But phenomenal knowledge seems to explain not (only) why people should avoid pain, but why they in fact tend to do so. In this paper, I will explicate and defend a precise version of this claim and use it as a basis for a new version of the knowledge argument, which I call the explanatory knowledge argument. According to the argument, some phenomenal knowledge (1) explains regularities in a distinctive, ultimate or regress-ending way, and (2) predict them without induction. No physical knowledge explains and predicts regularities in the same way. This implies the existence of distinctive, phenomenal explanatory facts, which cannot be identified with physical facts. I will show that this argument can be defended against the main objections to the original knowledge argument, the ability hypothesis and the phenomenal concept strategy, even if it turns out that the original cannot. In this way, the explanatory knowledge argument further strengthens the case against physicalism

Is Consciousness Intrinsic?: A Problem for the Integrated Information Theory

The Integrated Information Theory of consciousness (IIT) claims that consciousness is identical to maximal integrated information, or maximal Φ. One objection to IIT is based on what may be called the intrinsicality problem: consciousness is an intrinsic property, but maximal Φ is an extrinsic property; therefore, they cannot be identical. In this paper, I show that this problem is not unique to IIT, but rather derives from a trilemma that confronts almost any theory of consciousness. Given most theories of consciousness, the following three claims are inconsistent. INTRINSICALITY: Consciousness is intrinsic. NON-OVERLAP: Conscious systems do not overlap with other conscious systems (a la Unger’s problem of the many). REDUCTIONISM: Consciousness is constituted by more fundamental properties (as per standard versions of physicalism and Russellian monism). In view of this, I will consider whether rejecting INTRINSICALITY is necessarily less plausible than rejecting NON-OVERLAP or REDUCTIONISM. I will also consider whether IIT is necessarily committed to rejecting INTRINSICALITY or whether it could also accept solutions that reject NON-OVERLAP or REDUCTIONISM instead. I will suggest that the best option for IIT may be a solution that rejects REDUCTIONISM rather than INTRINSICALITY or NON-OVERLAP

fNL - gNL mixing in the matter density field at higher orders

In this paper we examine how primordial non-Gaussianity contributes to nonlinear perturbative orders in the expansion of the density field at large scales in the matter dominated era. General Relativity is an intrinsically nonlinear theory, establishing a nonlinear relation between the metric and the density field. Representing the metric perturbations with the curvature perturbation zeta, it is known that nonlinearity produces effective non-Gaussian terms in the nonlinear perturbations of the matter density field, even if the primordial zeta is Gaussian. Here we generalise these results to the case of a non-Gaussian primordial zeta. Using a standard parametrization of primordial non-Gaussianity in zeta in terms of fNL, gNL, hNL..., we show how at higher order (from third and higher) nonlinearity also produces a mixing of these contributions to the density field at large scales, e.g. both fNL and gNL contribute to the third order in the density contrast. This is the main result of this paper. Our analysis is based on the synergy between a gradient expansion (aka long-wavelength approximation) and standard perturbation theory at higher order. In essence, mathematically the equations for the gradient expansion are equivalent to those of first order perturbation theory, thus first-order results convert into gradient expansion results and, vice versa, the gradient expansion can be used to derive results in perturbation theory at higher order and large scales

Coming of Age in Boston: Out-of-School Time Opportunities for Teens

Synthesizes findings from interviews, surveys, a literature review, and new research on current out-of-school time programs, what teens need and seek, and elements of effective programs. Includes a case study of environmental youth development programs

Brain oxygenation patterns during the execution of tool use demonstration, tool use pantomime, and body-part-as-object tool use

© 2015 Elsevier B.V. Divergent findings exist whether left and right hemispheric pre- and postcentral cortices contribute to the production of tool use related hand movements. In order to clarify the neural substrates of tool use demonstrations with tool in hand, tool use pantomimes without tool in hand, and body-part-as-object presentations of tool use (BPO) in a naturalistic mode of execution, we applied functional Near InfraRed Spectroscopy (fNIRS) in twenty-three right-handed participants. Functional NIRS techniques allow for the investigation of brain oxygenation during the execution of complex hand movements with an unlimited movement range. Brain oxygenation patterns were retrieved from 16 channels of measurement above pre- and postcentral cortices of each hemisphere. The results showed that tool use demonstration with tool in hand leads to increased oxygenation as compared to tool use pantomimes in the left hemispheric somatosensory gyrus. Left hand executions of the demonstration of tool use, pantomime of tool use, and BPO of tool use led to increased oxygenation in the premotor and somatosensory cortices of the left hemisphere as compared to right hand executions of either condition. The results indicate that the premotor and somatosensory cortices of the left hemisphere constitute relevant brain structures for tool related hand movement production when using the left hand, whereas the somatosensory cortex of the left hemisphere seems to provide specific mental representations when performing tool use demonstrations with the tool in hand

Helenas und Fabiennes Welt. Eine Freundschaftsbeziehung im Unterricht

Der Aufsatz analysiert ethnografische Feldnotizen aus einer Unterrichtsstunde, die in einer achten Klasse eines traditionsbewussten Gymnasiums stattgefunden hat. Der Fokus liegt auf den Interaktionen zweier befreundeter Schülerinnen. Die Analyse ihrer \u27mikrokulturellen Welt\u27 innerhalb der Unterrichtssituation orientiert sich an der sequenziellen Ordnung des Materials und verfolgt das Ziel, Freundschaft unter den Bedingungen von Unterricht und Unterricht aus der Perspektive von Freundschaft zu betrachten. Die ethnografische Studie eröffnet mit der Beschreibung gleichzeitiger Handlungsebenen die Möglichkeit, die Anforderungen an die Mädchen - durch Unterricht und Freundschaft - in den Blick zu nehmen und die Verschränkungen zwischen den freundschafts- bzw. unterrichtsbezogenen Aktivitäten der Schülerinnen sichtbar zu machen sowie auf ihre Funktionen zu befragen. (DIPF/Orig.)The article mainly analyzes and interprets ethnographic field notes that were taken in an eighth grade school lesson in what is considered a \u27traditionally oriented\u27 gymnasium. The notes focus on the interaction of two students (girls), who neighbor each other in the classroom. The interpretation of their micro-cultural world during the class lesson is based on the sequential arrangement of the material and attempts to bring into view friendship in the context of school lessons as well as school lessons from the perspective of friendship. By describing simultaneous levels of interaction, the ethnographic studies grant the accessibility of the girls\u27 different requirements for friendship and school. The ethnographic studies also make visible the intertwinement between the class room activities and those relating to friendship as well as their significance. (DIPF/Orig.

Quackery or Complementary Medicine - a Historical Approach to the present Situation

Swedish consumers are increasingly interested in Complementary medicines, yet the Swedish legal attitude appears reluctant to these traditional methods. This thesis examines the historical roots of the alleged Swedish attitude and investigates whether Swedish law and practice is in line with EU requirements. Focus is on the Caregivers and restrictions surrounding their practice and also on the restrictions regarding Complementary medicines used by the actors. The historical exposition shows a parallel development in the field of medicine in most countries during many centuries in ancient times. However, a major deviation occurred in Sweden compared to other European countries in that the Swedish licensed practitioners were given state monopoly at a very early stage. In 1663, a private medical guild, Collegium Medicum, was set up, which changed into a public and official institution only twenty odd years later. The Swedish Medical enactments of 1688 constituted a complete monopoly for the Licensed practitioners in the field of medicine. The reason was not an urge to protect the public from harm, but rather to safeguard groups of qualified professionals and their ability to earn a living. The 1688 legislation was not replaced until 1915 - more than 225 years later. The 1915 Quackery Law eliminated the medicinal monopoly, legalizing professional health care practice by Paramedical practitioners, yet introduced restrictions for them in dealing with severe health conditions. In parallel, requirements on Science and Verified Experience have in reality prevented the Licensed practitioner from working outside Conventional medicines. History presents an explanation for the lack of acceptance and respect for Paramedicinal practitioners and Complementary medicines in Sweden. In other European countries Complementary medicines have been tolerated and accepted since long. The methods have been - and continue to be - taught at universities and practiced by licensed professionals. The historical events give a perspective when investigating the Swedish contemporary legal situation. Swedish national law has been forced to bow to the more tolerant attitude found within the European legislation. Yet, in many situations Swedish law presents narrow interpretations: There is a lack of fiscal neutrality for Complementary medicines compared to Conventional medicines. Restrictions on Licenced practitioners use of Complementary medicine also clearly distinguishes Sweden from the rest of Europe, whereas the exclusion of certain treatments and certain groups of patients for Paramedicinal practitioners appears to be in line with EU law. The overall conclusion is that Swedish law is in line with EU standards, but that certain attitudes and practices must be revised. Whether the Licensed medical practitioners like it or not, it seems that Complementary medicine is becoming more and more incorporated in the consciousness of the public and gaining the acceptance of society at large

Can fresh water diets influence recovery in Atlantic salmon post-smolts after SAV3 challenge in sea water?

Postponed access: the file will be accessible after 2021-06-03Pankreas sykdom (PD) forårsaket av salmonid alfavirus (SAV) er en betydelig utfordring i norsk oppdrettsnæring. Å undersøke om forskjeller i fôrsammensetning før overføring til sjøvann kan påvirke sykdommens progresjon og utvikling er interessant både fra et fiskevelferds- og økonomisk perspektiv. Målet med dette masterprosjektet var å undersøke om optimalisering av fôr i ferskvannsfasen kunne øke robustheten og eller motstandsdyktighet hos atlantisk laks som ble smittet med SAV3 etter overføring til sjøvann. De tre gruppene av atlantisk laks (Salmo salar) ble fôret dietter med ulike nivåer av fettsyrer (FA) og aminosyrer, i tillegg til et kommersielt relevant fôr i en periode på 10 uker før overføring til sjøvann. To uker etter overføring til sjøvann ble fisken badsmittet med salmonid alfavirus subtype 3. Vekst, infeksjonsstatus og histologiske forandringer ble overvåket i prøveperioden på 56 dager etter eksponering (dpe) ved 5 prøvetakingspunkter (7, 14, 21, 35 og 56 dpe) for å konstatere eventuelle forskjeller i immunrespons mellom gruppene. Ved det endelige prøvetakingspunktet ble gentranskripsjon av muskelvev også undersøkt for å kartlegge potensielle forskjeller mellom gruppene. Resultatene antyder at kostholdet med et høyere innhold av aminosyrer (AA) hadde en gunstig effekt på vekst, mengde virus i hjertet og muskelpatologi. En annen implikasjon er at FA-dietten ser ut til å ha ført til uønsket utvikling i vekst. Testen avdekket ingen signifikante forskjeller mellom de forskjellige diettene med hensyn til transkripsjon av inflammatoriske og antivirale genuttrykk i muskelprøver. Resultatene indikerer at selv om gentranskripsjon i muskel ikke varierte betydelig på det testede tidspunktet, viser de samlede resultatene at kosthold sannsynligvis påvirket vekst og patologi. Ytterligere studier kan for eksempel undersøke om effekten skyldtes en spesifikk aminosyre i dietten. Denne masteroppgaven var en del av det FHF-finansierte prosjektet OptiNutr (nr. 901431), arbeidspakke nummer fire.Masteroppgave i fiskehelseFISK399MAMN-FIS