Home – Home – Jornals – Philosophy of Sciences 2014 number 2

The paper considers the problem of correlation between the principle of intersubjectivity and that of verification. We suppose that metaphysics of the subject of knowledge not only determines the well-known binary subject-object opposition, but also is correlated within a certain aspect of vision by a unity of possible relations and consequences. The condition of concordance as following the rule and one of ontological and epistemological principles of subject metaphysics actually determines the possibility of emergentness.

The article is devoted to formal ontology in the systems proposed by В. Russell between his Principles of Mathematics (1903) and Principia Mathematica (with A. N. Whitehead-1911-1913). Based on manuscripts published in the 1970 's from the archive B. Russell, it is described the unknown system Substitutional theory proposed by Russell for resolution of the set-theoretic paradoxes, along with the well-known Zigzag theory and the Theory of limited size. It is shown that Substitutional theory is a version of elimination ontology of propositional functions, according to strategy of nominalistic elimination of ontology classes within No-Class theory. It is demonstrated a possibility of emulating with Substitutional theory of Simple theory of types. Explained the reason for abandoning Substitutional theory in favor of Ramified theory of Types in Principia Mathematica, due to the opening of the paradox of propositional functions. It is demonstrated the benefits of Substitutional theory and possibility of remedy its weaknesses as foundations of mathematics.

The paper deals with a search for such a way of epistemological reduction of the concept of qualia which would have no lacks of traditional physicalist and functionalist schemes. The author shows advantages of the evolution-epistemology approach to the discussed problem: it makes possible to treat qualia as presentation of knowledge about ecological environment for a system with a certain form of physical structure.

The paper starts to consider the methodological role of the simplicity principle in physics. The ultimate goal of the research is to show that in modern physics due to the evolution of observability in its classical version (immediate observability) into mediated one the content of the simplicity principle changes: its use gets at least a two-stage type. First, initial theses of the verified theory must be simple in the sense of «economy in thinking». Second, mediated results of this theory must be simple in the sense of theoretical, logical and empirical verification.

Einstein’s relativity theory generalizes classical mechanics and electromagnetism for the case of relativistic velocities. The paper shows that generalized mathematical structures form a basis which make possible to carry out the unified description of diverse physical phenomena related to preceding theories. Besides, SR and GR not only unite the categories of space and time but also generalize the category of space. Generalization of the category of space is the dominating trend in transition from classical physics to relativistic one.

The paper considers the genesis of maxwellian electrodynamics in the light of the author’s theory-change model which was tested earlier for the cases of Copernican and Einsteinian scientific revolutions. The author shows that in the considered case the new theory arisen at the cross of pre-maxwellian research programs. Continuum mechanics appeared to be a “neutral language” used for comparing conclusions of theories developed in these programs and revealing relations between them. Maxwell’s program not just excelled Ampere and Weber’s program but assimilated some its theses. The ideas of Kantian epistemology are the basis of Maxwell’s strategy of unifying theories.

Those who follow orthogenetic conceptions focus their attention on directivity of evolution and reckon a great number of various views emphasizing this point with orthogenesis. But none of evolutionary conceptions denies directivity of evolution, so their common feature is rather their antagonistic relation to Darwinism. A considerable part of orthogenetic conceptions bases on the metaphor of mechanism, Newtonian picture of the world may serve as an analogue of the latter. Thus, this group of conceptions uses a «force» approach to the problem of evolution, i.e. they say that directivity of evolution is determined by a universal cause which has a mechanical nature. Similarly to Newtonian picture of the world, we may mark out three main components in orthogenetic conceptions: the idea of morphophysiological structure of individuals, the idea of a force changing a structure to improve it, and the idea of external conditions deflecting the change of a structure from the way of complication.

The paper analyzes various state regimes used for censoring Internet and filtrating data in agreement with diverse purposes, viz. to maintain social order and control, to ensure political stability, state and social security, to keep up sovereignty, etc. The author suggests a classification of such regimes.

Basing on De optima doctrina by Roman physician Galen (the work is introduced to Russian-language scientists for the first time) the authors analyze his anatomic- physiological system which dominated in medicine for more than 1,500 years. Galen reveals a balance between the level of empirical knowledge which is essential to a physician and the importance of theoretical constructions, and it is a unique research in the light of modern history of science. Galen’s conclusions about the importance of detection of causality, the necessity of theoretic generalization, the use of argument and logical method in diagnostication and therapy make possible to assert that in ancient medicine there arisen an essentially new methodological approach.

The history of ancient medicine should be studied in a number of interrelated aspects. Firstly, one has to analyze relevant narrative sources, above all such an encyclopedic author as Galen, in order to produce a detailed study of the procedures and methods of diagnostics and treating of deceases typical for ancient medical praxis in the period of its flourishing. The works of Galen are not available in Russian, except to the De Usu Partium Corporis Humani and some minor treatises and extracts. One should not also ignore a number of lesser authorities, the physicians and other scientists, who contributed to the development of ancient medicine. Secondly, what is badly needed is a reliable study of ancient technological advances that allowed the physicians to improve their treatment of human body. The hospitals, medical instruments, glass, votive offerings, etc. can now be studied in situ and on the basis of the museum’s collections (mostly these in Epidaurus, Corinth, Pergamon, Kos and Athens). A national collaborative project, provided it involves a good number of specialists from various field of specialization, could ultimately produce a collective study of the history of ancient medicine in its development, which along with a critical analysis and translations of selected sources, will include a detailed in depth research of ancient theoretical and practical methods and approaches of ancient physicians. Interested researchers are welcome to contribute.