¡Finalmente, un manifiesto!

The article analyzes the historical context in which Hirschman writes The Rhetoric of Reaction, a context marked by criticism of the Welfare State and the rise of neo-conservatism in the United States, and the turn towards authoritarianism in many Latin American countries. It also shows the relevance of the text at the time of receipt and in the current political situation. In exposing the development of hirschmanian ideas and arguments, on the one hand, the author’s particular “possibilism” cognitive style is shown, which is found by intellectual modesty in recognition of the complexity of reality and our limited ability to understand it; and, on the other hand, its constant commitment to strengthening democracy in contemporary market societies.El artículo analiza el contexto histórico en el que Hirschman escribe The Rhetoric of Reaction, contexto signado por la crítica al Estado de Bienestar y el ascenso del neoconservadurismo en EE.UU., y el giro hacia el autoritarismo en muchos países latinoamericanos. Asimismo, muestra la relevancia del texto en el momento de su recepción y en la situación política actual. Al exponer el desarrollo de las ideas y argumentos hirschmanianos se muestra, por un lado, el particular estilo cognitivo “posibilista” del autor, que aboga por la modestia intelectual ante el reconocimiento de la complejidad de la realidad y nuestra limitada capacidad para comprenderla; y, por el otro, su constante compromiso con el fortalecimiento de la democracia en las sociedades de mercado contemporáneas

Aux origines du possibilisme d'Albert Hirschman

The origins of Albert Hirschman's possibilism The anlaysis of the personal, political and professional background of the young Hirschman in varions European countries and the United States sheds lights on his thinking. A confrontation of the themes of his first book with a wide choice of his writings over several years (pre-war texts, those of the Marshall plan years and 1951-52) reveals certain aspects of Hirschman's reasoning — e.g. the linking of the economy and politics — and certain specific traits, above all his genuine passion for the possible.L'analyse des expériences personnelles, politiques et professionnelles du jeune Hirschman dans divers pays européens et aux Etats-Unis, éclaire la pensée de cet auteur. L'étude de la thématique du premier volume d'Hirschman et sa confrontation à un large choix de ses écrits répartis dans le temps (textes d'avant la guerre, de l'époque du plan Marshall et de 1951-1952), rendent compte de certains aspects du raisonnement de cet auteur — on pense au rapport entre économie et politique — et permettent d'en saisir certaines particularités, avant tout son authentique passion pour le possible.Meldolesi Luca. Aux origines du possibilisme d'Albert Hirschman. In: Revue française de science politique, 43ᵉ année, n°3, 1993. pp. 379-411

Finally, a manifesto!

El artículo analiza el contexto histórico en el que Hirschman escribe The Rhetoric of Reaction, contexto signado por la crítica al Estado de Bienestar y el ascenso del neoconservadurismo en EE.UU., y el giro hacia el autoritarismo en muchos países latinoamericanos. Asimismo, muestra la relevancia del texto en el momento de su recepción y en la situación política actual. Al exponer el desarrollo de las ideas y argumentos hirschmanianos se muestra, por un lado, el particular estilo cognitivo “posibilista” del autor, que aboga por la modestia intelectual ante el reconocimiento de la complejidad de la realidad y nuestra limitada capacidad para comprenderla; y, por el otro, su constante compromiso con el fortalecimiento de la democracia en las sociedades de mercado contemporáneas.The article analyzes the historical context in which Hirschman writes The Rhetoric of Reaction, a context marked by criticism of the Welfare State and the rise of neo-conservatism in the United States, and the turn towards authoritarianism in many Latin American countries. It also shows the relevance of the text at the time of receipt and in the current political situation. In exposing the development of hirschmanian ideas and arguments, on the one hand, the author’s particular “possibilism” cognitive style is shown, which is found by intellectual modesty in recognition of the complexity of reality and our limited ability to understand it; and, on the other hand, its constant commitment to strengthening democracy in contemporary market societies

¡Finally, a manifesto!

Resumen: El artículo analiza el contexto histórico en el que Hirschman escribe The Rhetoric of Reaction, contexto signado por la crítica al Estado de Bienestar y el ascenso del neoconservadurismo en EE.UU., y el giro hacia el autoritarismo en muchos países latinoamericanos. Asimismo, muestra la relevancia del texto en el momento de su recepción y en la situación política actual. Al exponer el desarrollo de las ideas y argumentos hirschmanianos se muestra, por un lado, el particular estilo cognitivo “posibilista” del autor, que aboga por la modestia intelectual ante el reconocimiento de la complejidad de la realidad y nuestra limitada capacidad para comprenderla; y, por el otro, su constante compromiso con el fortalecimiento de la democracia en las sociedades de mercado contemporáneas.Abstract: The article analyzes the historical context in which Hirschman writes The Rhetoric of Reaction, a context marked by criticism of the Welfare State and the rise of neo-conservatism in the United States, and the turn towards authoritarianism in many Latin American countries. It also shows the relevance of the text at the time of receipt and in the current political situation. In exposing the development of hirschmanian ideas and arguments, on the one hand, the author’s particular “possibilism” cognitive style is shown, which is found by intellectual modesty in recognition of the complexity of reality and our limited ability to understand it; and, on the other hand, its constant commitment to strengthening democracy in contemporary market societies

THeragnostic utilities for neoplastic DisEases of the rectum by MRI guided radiotherapy (THUNDER 2) phase II trial: interim safety analysis

BackgroundThe THUNDER-2 phase II single institutional trial investigates the benefits of MRI-guided radiotherapy (MRIgRT) in treating locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). This study focuses on evaluating the impact of escalating radiation therapy dose in non-responder patients using the Early Tumour Regression Index (ERI) for predicting complete response (CR). The trial's primary endpoint is to increase the CR rate in non-responders by 10% and assess the feasibility of the delta radiomics-based MRIgRT predictive model. This interim analysis assesses the feasibility and safety of the proposed MRIgRT dose escalation strategy in terms of acute toxicity (gastrointestinal, genitourinary and haematological) and treatment adherence.MethodsStage cT2-3, N0-2, or cT4 patients with anal sphincter involvement, N0-2a, M0, but without high-risk features were enrolled. MRIgRT treatment consisted of a standard dose of 55 Gy to the Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) and mesorectum, and 45 Gy to the mesorectum and drainage nodes in 25 fractions with concomitant chemotherapy. 0.35 T MRI was used for simulation imaging and daily alignment. ERI was calculated at the 10th fraction. Non-responders with an ERI above 13.1 received intensified dose escalation from the 11th fraction, resulting in a total dose of 60.1 Gy. Acute toxicity was assessed using the CTCAE v.5 scale.ResultsFrom March 2021 to November 2022, 33 out of the total number of 63 patients to be enrolled (52.4%) were included, with one withdrawal unrelated to treatment. Sixteen patients (50%) underwent dose escalation. Treatment was well tolerated, with only one patient (3.1%) in the standard treatment group experiencing acute Grade 3 diarrhea, proctitis, and cystitis. No significant differences in toxicity were observed between the two groups (p = 0.5463).ConclusionsMRIgRT treatment with dose escalation up to 60.1 Gy is well tolerated in LARC patients predicted as non-responders by ERI, confirming the feasibility and safety of this approach. The THUNDER-2 trial's primary and secondary endpoints will be fully analyzed when all planned patients will be enrolled