A new way of linking information theory with cognitive science

The relationship between the notion of *information* in information theory, and the notion of *information processing* in cognitive science, has long been controversial. But as the present paper shows, part of the disagreement arises from conflating different formulations of measurement. Clarifying distinctions reveals it is the context-free nature of Shannon's information average that is particular problematic from the cognitive point of view. Context-sensitive evaluation is then shown to be a way of addressing the problems that arise

Capacity, Mental Mechanisms, and Unwise Decisions

The notion of capacity implicit in the Mental Capacity Act is subject to a tension between two claims. On the one hand, capacity is assessed relative to a particular decision. It is the capacity to make one kind of judgement, specifically, rather than another. So one can have capacity in one area whilst not having it in another. On the other hand, capacity is supposed to be independent of the ‘wisdom’ or otherwise of the decision made. (‘A person is not to be treated as unable to make a decision merely because he makes an unwise decision.’ [Department of Constitutional Affairs 2005: section 1].) One may have capacity even if the decision one arrives at is seen as unwise by one’s doctor. In this short note I will explore this tension. By saying that there is a tension between these two claims, I do not mean that they are inconsistent. They can both be true. But there is a natural way of thinking about the first claim, suggested by the second, which is false and accommodating both in its absence puts limits on just how atomic or decision specific capacity can be

Exhibition Season: Annual Archaeological Exhibitions in London, 1880s-1930s

Annual archaeological exhibitions were a visible symbol of archaeological research. Held mainly in London, the displays encapsulated a network of archaeologists, artists, architects and curators, and showcased the work of the first generations of trained archaeologists. The exhibition catalogues and published reviews of the displays provide a unique method for exploring the reception and sponsorship of archaeological work overseas and its promotion to a fascinated, well connected and well moneyed public. The exhibitions were a space in which conversation and networking were as important as educational enrichment. This paper analyses the social history of the “annual exhibition” in archaeology, highlighting the development and maintenance of the networks behind archaeological research, the geography of London as a way to examine influence in archaeology, and the utility of exhibitions for archaeological publicity during this period of exploration

Livia K. Stone. Atenco Lives! Filmmaking and Popular Struggle in Mexico. Vanderbilt UP, 2019. 202 pp.

Livia K. Stone. Atenco Lives! Filmmaking and Popular Struggle in Mexico. Vanderbilt U P , 2019. 202 pp

Quantitative abstraction theory

A quantitative theory of abstraction is presented. The central feature of this is a growth formula defining the number of abstractions which may be formed by an individual agent in a given context. Implications of the theory for artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology are explored. Its possible applications to the issue of implicit v. explicit learning are also discussed

Recent developments for naturalizing the mind.

The connection between having a mind and fitting a rational pattern remains an important insight

A low sidelobe asymmetric beam antenna for high altitude platform communications

In a communications network served by a high altitude platform, the antenna beams illuminating each cell require minimized sidelobe powers. Asymmetric beams are advantageous so that cell footprints remain circular. At millimeter wavelengths a lens antenna can have the desired properties. We have chosen a 6 km diameter cell at 32 degrees elevation angle and shown how the required beam asymmetry can be implemented using an optimized polynomial for describing the lens profile. The measured average sidelobe level is below -42 dB

Values based practice and authoritarianism

Values based practice (VBP) is a radical view of the place of values in medicine which develops from a philosophical analysis of values, illness and the role of ethical principles. It denies two attractive and traditional but misguided views of medicine: that diagnosis is a merely factual matter and that the values that should guide treatment and management can be codified in principles. But, in the work of KWM (Bill) Fulford, it goes further in the form of a radical liberal view: that the idea of an antecedently good outcome should be replaced by that of a right process. That however leads to a dilemma as to whether it can account for its own normative status. Given that difficulty, why might one adopt the radical version? I sketch a possible motive drawing on Rorty’s rejection of authoritarianism which replaces objectivity with solidarity as the aim of judgement. But I argue that, nevertheless, this does not justify the rejection of the more modest particularist version of VBP