Inconsistency in mathematics and the mathematics of inconsistency

No one will dispute, looking at the history of mathematics, that there are plenty of moments where mathematics is “in trouble”, when paradoxes and inconsistencies crop up and anomalies multiply. This need not lead, however, to the view that mathematics is intrinsically inconsistent, as it is compatible with the view that these are just transient moments. Once the problems are resolved, consistency (in some sense or other) is restored. Even when one accepts this view, what remains is the question what mathematicians do during such a transient moment? This requires some method or other to reason with inconsistencies. But there is more: what if one accepts the view that mathematics is always in a phase of transience? In short, that mathematics is basically inconsistent? Do we then not need a mathematics of inconsistency? This paper wants to explore these issues, using classic examples such as infinitesimals, complex numbers, and infinity.     

Social cognitive development in resolutions of misunderstandings

Dyads of Ss from six age groups (range 7 to 22 years) were induced to misunderstand each other in each of three conditions: 1. Biased encoding in the speaker. 2. Biased decoding in the listener. J. Biases in both speaker and listener. Young Ss explained faulty behavior and attributed responsibility be reference to listeners, older Ss explained by reference to listeners and attributed responsibility to speakers. An increase of insight into listeners' bias was shown throughout the age span, whereas speakers' bias was not mentioned in Ss' explanations. The results were interpreted in terms of development of differentiation and integration of the social roles of speakers and listeners.     

Computer software patents: Some perspectives and misunderstandings

The importance that in-house software plays today in many organizations is without question. Perspectives of efficiencies, effectiveness, competitive advantage, and so on are but three areas where such applications exist. Many organizations have adopted measures to protect such software as a specific type of intellectual property. In the 1990s quite often the form of protection taken is software patents. The understanding and enthusiasm about software patents that is exhibited by organizations is not often shared by information systems researchers, however. For the most part, IS researchers dismiss software patents as an appropriate protective measure. This paper presents some background on patents and their applicability to software. Some US and international perspectives are also discussed to provide the reader with a somewhat broader perspective. We then discuss several IS research endeavors that either dismiss patents, or treat them incorrectly. We conclude with a research agenda for IS researchers. the Department of Computer Information Systems & Quantitative Analysis, University of Arkansas. She has conducted extensive research in the area of the law and information technology. Her published research has appeared in MIS Quarterly, Journal of Management Information Systems, and Knowledge and Policy. His research interests include examination of the strategic aspects of information systems and the relationship between the law and information technology. His research has been published in Information Systems Research, MIS Quarterly, and the Journal of Management Information Systems. Her current research is focused on interogranizational systems and the human relationships that exist in parallel to these systems.     

Affect and Performance in Organizational Settings

The recent literature on affect and performance in organizations is reviewed. The evidence suggests that affect is a stronger predictor of job performance than is job satisfaction. Job performance can be predicted from both dispositional (i.e., long-term) and state (i.e., short-term) affect. Pleasant affect is associated with new dimensions of performance such as extra-role proficiency. The evidence suggests that pleasant affect leads to strong performance, and also that strong performance leads to pleasant affect. Recent literature concerning psychological mechanisms linking affect and performance suggests that pleasant affect and unpleasant affect might be associated with strong performance on different dimensions. Suggestions for future research on the affective correlates of job performance are presented.     

Counselling in Medical Settings

The slow development of counselling as an alternative to traditional treatment within the medical model is described. Counselling in medical settings has its roots in the work of the Marriage Guidance Council and the influence of Balint towards psychotherapy. 10-30% of all consultations in general practitioners' surgeries are related to emotional distress, yet the adoption and rise of counselling is more patchy than widespread. The factors which have hindered its expansion in the past are discussed, and it is concluded that its development in the future will depend largely upon pronounced changes in public health policy.     

Argumentation in Suboptimal Settings

Argumentation - When parties attempt to persuade their opponents of the tenability of a certain standpoint using reasons, they will often find that the circumstances of the dialogue hinder their...     

Organizational Commitment in Nepalese Settings

This study examines the three-dimensional organizational commitment (OC) concept (Meyer & Allen, 1997) in Nepal. Standardized questionnaires were administered to a heterogeneous sample of 103 employees of four different Nepalese organizations (bank, food corporation, telecommunication, and an airline). Exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses replicate the dimensionality of OC, i.e., the three facets of commitment (affective, normative, and continuance commitment) could be found also in a developing country with a cultural background very different from the places where the commitment concept was originally formulated. Antecedents and consequences of organizational commitment were investigated by multiple regression analyses. Continuance and normative commitment were both explained by job characteristics, i.e., by the perception of the job as interesting, affective commitment could not be explained with the set of variables used in this study. However, it is affective commitment which particularly accounts for variance in search intentions as well as in turnover intentions.     

Ideas and processes in mathematics: A course on history and philosophy of mathematics

This paper describes an attempt to develop a program for teaching history and philosophy of mathematics to inservice mathematics teachers. I argue briefly for the view that philosophical positions and epistemological accounts related to mathematics have a significant influence and a powerful impact on the way mathematics is taught. But since philosophy of mathematics without history of mathematics does not exist, both philosophy and history of mathematics are necessary components of programs for the training of preservice as well as inservice mathematics teachers.     

Trade-offs, individual differences, and misunderstandings about evolutionary psychology

Replies to comments on Evolutionary psychology: Controversies, questions, prospects, and limitations (see record 2010-02208-001) by Confer et al. The purpose of which was to clarify the logic of evolutionary psychology and clear up some of the more common misunderstandings about it. In this response, we address the key points raised by the commentators.     

Psychology in Medical Settings in Thailand

This article explores the development of psychology as a profession in Thailand, its challenges, and future trends. There are currently very few Thai psychologists who are active in the medical fields in comparison to other health care professions. Being held back by limited education and training, many psychologists see their future career as less than promising. The lack of professional licensing standards and dominance of psychiatry further limit their career advancement. However, tremendous opportunities await those who persevere to expand their roles beyond the traditional assessment, treatment, and research models. A small number of them have ventured out into unexplored territories such as behavioral medicine, AIDS counseling, health promotion, and prevention of mental health problems. There is a strong potential for Thai psychologists to make significant contributions in these areas. It is clear that higher standards of education and more rigorous training are needed if this goal is to be realized in the near future.     

Sex- and age-related differences in mathematics

This study examined sex differences and age-related changes in mathematics based on Eccles's 1985 expectancy-value model of "achievement-related choices" and Dweck's 1986 motivation-process model. We have assessed motivational variables and performance in mathematics for youth in Grades 5, 7, and 9 in a German comprehensive secondary school. Significant sex differences in Grades 7 and 9 were observed even when school marks were controlled for. Furthermore, the results indicated differences between Grade 7 and Grade 9 on most of the motivational variables. Older students show a less favorable motivational pattern. Our results give evidence of the importance of motivational encouragement in mathematics classes, especially for girls and low achieving learners.