Freeing Mysticism: Epistemic standards in theory and practice

With the growth of epistemology, an important debate in philosophy of religion has arisen: can mystical encounters—purported feelings of intense unity with the divine—serve as epistemic warrants? In this paper, I examine two of the most prominent and promising standards by which to determine the veridicality of such encounters—those of William Alston and Richard Swinburne—and demonstrate their respective strengths and shortcomings. Considering these shortcomings, I compose and defend my own set of criteria to use in evaluating the veridicality of putative mystical experiences which draws upon the subject’s religious tradition, rationality, and affectivit

A Method of Monitoring Non-Resonant Raman Lidar Returns During Daylight Hours

A method for using non-resonant Raman lidar during daytime hours is presented. A dual (or quadruple) arrangement of electro-optical channels is set up in the lidar receiver. Each channel contains its own optical spectral response as determined by an appropriate set of interference filters. The incoming signal is split and fed into two channels, filtered (simultaneously) and then inserted into the input terminals of an operational amplifier. The difference signal is selected and amplified whereas the common portion of the signal is highly attenuated (Common Mode Re.jection Ratio = 75-80db). For the present hardware, daylight intensities 10(exp 2)-10(exp 3) times Raman signals are received simultaneously. Mean values of intensities of daylight signals which give rise to a constant differences merely shift the value of the measured variable at the ground. These mean value signals have their common part highly attenuated. The differences of the fluctuation portions of the daylight signal represents a noise signal. Identical (space-time) optical paths for each component of the daylight signal produce the same fluctuational spectra in each channel. Hence noise levels, much less than signal levels, are anticipated. First a N2-H2 ) signal pair is differenced. Then an N2-O2 pair is differenced and used for instrumental normalization purposes. Signal levels to be encountered are quite well known as a result of prior field work. Improved optical design of laser system can reduce mean value of daylight intensities by 10(exp 2). Thus the mean daylight intensity can be set equal to the expected signal levels by more advanced optical design. Performance characteristics of photomultiplier pairs are discussed in this connection

Dos décadas de Neoliberalismo en México: resultados y retos

This paper evaluates Mexico’s shift toward neoliberalism after considering its experience with import-substitution industrialization (ISI), including the liberalization of trade and finance and privatizations. The next section assesses NAFTA and the growing integration of Mexico’s economy with the US, and the particular role of the maquiladora industry in the context of Mexico’s development strategy. The next section presents the results of two decades of neoliberal policies in Mexico, considering the impact on workers, the environment and the Mexican population overall, with particular emphasis on the peso crisis of 1994-95. The main results for the neoliberal period are the following: GNP growth rates are roughly half of the level for the ISI period; real manufacturing wages in 2004 are only 70% of their level in 1980; and unemployment and poverty clearly increased. Finally, the attempts to challenge the specific neoliberal model that Mexico has been pursuing are presented and discussed.Este estudio evalúa el cambio al neoliberalismo en México después de considerar su experiencia con el modelo de la industrialización por sustitución de importaciones (ISI), incluso las aperturas comercial y financiera y las privatizaciones. La primera sección evalúa el NAFTA y la creciente integración con los EE.UU., y el papel particular de la industria maquiladora en el contexto de la estrategia del desarrollo de México. La siguiente sección presenta los resultados de las dos décadas de políticas neoliberales em México, considerando el impacto para los trabajadores, el medio ambiente y la población mexicana en general, y, en especial, la crisis del peso en 1994-95. Los resultados principales por el período neoliberal son los siguientes: tasas de crecimiento del PIB son aproximadamente la mitad del período de la ISI; salarios reales manufactureros de 2004 son solamente 70% del nivel de 1980; y desempleo y miseria aumentaron de manera clara. Finalmente, los intentos de desafiar el modelo neoliberal específico que México sigue buscando son presentados y discutidos

Administrative Law—Res Judicata

Evans v. Monaghan, 306 N. Y. 312, 118 N. E. 2d 452 (1954)

Administrative Law—Statutory Construction

Peters v. New York City Housing Authority, 307 N. Y. 519, 121 N. E. 2d 529 (1954); Hutchins v. McGoldrick, 307 N.Y. 78, 120 N.E. 2d 335 (1954) (two cases)

Determining When to Start the Clock: The Capable Ascertainment Standard and Repressed Memory Sexual Abuse Cases

In Missouri, for purposes of determining when the statute of limitations begins to run, a cause of action shall not be deemed to accrue when the alleged wrong or breach of duty occurs, but rather when the damage resulting therefrom is sustained and is capable of ascertainment. While this test has governed Missouri tort cases since 1919, when it was explicitly written into Missouri statutory law, courts have struggled in determining when damages are capable of ascertainment in order to satisfy the test. In Powel v. Chaminade College Preparatory, Inc., the Supreme Court of Missouri attempted to establish a generally applicable, objective standard for determining when damages are sustained and . . . capable of ascertainment. , While the court succeeded in clearly prescribing a standard, application of the standard under the specific facts of Powel set a troubling precedent in repressed memory sexual abuse cases

Administrative Law—Validity of Administrative Regulations

Gulf Oil Corp. v. Joseph, 307 N. Y. 342, 121 N. E. 2d 360 (1954); Claim of Gold, 307 N. Y. 224. 120 N. E. 2d 799 (1954)