A Note on Ontology and Ordinary Language

We argue for a compositional semantics grounded in a strongly typed ontology that reflects our commonsense view of the world and the way we talk about it. Assuming such a structure we show that the semantics of various natural language phenomena may become nearly trivial

Synthesis and structure of <i>trans</i>-1,2,3- tris(3-thenoyl)cyclopropane

The title cyclopropane derivative, C18H12O3S3, was synthesized and its structure investigated by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and spectroscopic methods. This structure analysis addresses the problem of spontaneously resolved helical stereoisomerism. The temperature-dependent 1H NMR spectrum shows a relevant barrier to rotation about the CO-thiophene bonds, with ∆G423 -~ 89 (21) kJ mo1-1

Self-Directed Learning Readiness of Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) Students

One of the goals of nursing programs is to prepare students to be self-directed learners and assist them to meet the challenges in today\u27s healthcare environment. Self direction is critical for lifelong learning, and it is imperative that nurses continue their education in order to provide high quality and competent care to patients. Students enter nursing programs with learning styles already established. Nursing faculty presuppose that the learning environment will be mutually respected, collaborative, and supportive. A clash between student learning styles and faculty teaching styles can have a great impact on the ultimate success of the student. This study focused on the self directed learning (SDL} readiness of baccalaureate of science in nursing (BSN) students. A convenience sample of BSN students in designated classes participated in a paper/pencil survey that measured self-directed learning readiness. The statistical analysis of the questionnaire which was completed by sixty nursing students, ten from each semester level, sophomore, junior and senior, found that age was the leading factor in self directed learning. Results identified the level of student readiness for SDL and assisted faculty to identify teaching methods that could be incorporated into the curriculum to more effectively meet the students\u27 learning needs

Language, logic and ontology: uncovering the structure of commonsense knowledge

The purpose of this paper is twofold: (i) we argue that the structure of commonsense knowledge must be discovered, rather than invented; and (ii) we argue that natural language, which is the best known theory of our (shared) commonsense knowledge, should itself be used as a guide to discovering the structure of commonsense knowledge. In addition to suggesting a systematic method to the discovery of the structure of commonsense knowledge, the method we propose seems to also provide an explanation for a number of phenomena in natural language, such as metaphor, intensionality, and the semantics of nominal compounds. Admittedly, our ultimate goal is quite ambitious, and it is no less than the systematic ‘discovery’ of a well-typed ontology of commonsense knowledge, and the subsequent formulation of the longawaited goal of a meaning algebra

Ontology and Formal Semantics - Integration Overdue

In this note we suggest that difficulties encountered in natural language semantics are, for the most part, due to the use of mere symbol manipulation systems that are devoid of any content. In such systems, where there is hardly any link with our common-sense view of the world, and it is quite difficult to envision how one can formally account for the considerable amount of content that is often implicit, but almost never explicitly stated in our everyday discourse. \ud The solution, in our opinion, is a compositional semantics grounded in an ontology that reflects our commonsense view of the world and the way we talk about it in ordinary language. In the compositional logic we envision there are ontological (or first-intension) concepts, and logical (or second-intension) concepts, and where the ontological concepts include not only Davidsonian events, but other abstract objects as well (e.g., states, processes, properties, activities, attributes, etc.) \ud It will be demonstrated here that in such a framework, a number of challenges in the semantics of natural language (e.g., metonymy, intensionality, metaphor, etc.) can be properly and uniformly addressed.\u

Can Doctors Maintain Good Character? An Examination of Physician Lives

Can doctors maintain good character? This paper shifts the focus from patient care to ethical considerations that bear on the physician and impact her as a person. By decentering patient care, the paper highlights certain factors that habituate a particular way of reasoning that is not conducive to inculcating good character. Such factors include, standards of professionalism, being influenced by external monitors, and emphasis on adherence to guidelines. While such factors may benefit patients, they often adversely affect the character of physicians

Synthesis and structure of trans-1,2,3-tris(3-thenoyl)cyclopropane: erratum

Misleading statements in the paper by Saba [Acta Cryst. (1994), C50, 271-274] concerning the resolution of the enantiomers are corrected

Presence of Mind: A Political Posture

The political posture often encouraged in liberatory movements is that of urgency. Urgency is based on the idea that if oppressed peoples do not act “now,” then their fate is forever sealed as subordinates within social and political power hierarchies. This paper focuses on a contrasting political posture, termed presence of mind, motivated by the current political atmosphere of distrust and disenfranchisement in which some Muslim-Americans find themselves. Presence of mind is defined as the ability to critically unpack visceral affective responses to injustice—giving special consideration to power structures, one’s social location, and relationships—and then to asses an appropriate response in virtue of that consideration that best upholds our commitments. This paper argues that cultivating presence of mind acknowledges the complexities of the Muslim-Americans’ identity while providing a posture that allows the resistor to best represent their political commitments