On Pascal's Wager, or Why All Bets are Off

Pascal's wager seems to demonstrate that it is rational to believe in God and to act accordingly. I argue, however, that Pascal's wager appears to establish that it is rational to believe exclusively in p , while also apparently establishing that it is rational to hold exclusively a contrary belief. I also argue that the wager seems to establish that it is rational to perform only actions of type F, while also seemingly establishing that it is rational to perform contrary actions as often as possible. Thus Pascal's argument appears to establish far too much. And in apparently establishing too much, it establishes, in effect, nothing at all.     

THE WILD AND CROOKED TREE: BARTH, FISH, AND INTERPRETIVE COMMUNITIES

God the Spirit by Michael Welker
Karl Barth's Critically Realistic Dialectical Theology: Its Genesis and Development 1909-1936 by Bruce L. McCormack
God Owes Us Nothing: A Brief Remark on Pascal's Religion and on the Spirit of Jansenism by Leszek Kolakowski
The Gift of Death by Jacques Derrida, trans. David Wills
Desiring Theology by Charles E. Winquist
Postmodern Theologies. The Challenge of Religious Diversity by Terrence W. Tilley, with others     

Rhetorics of truth,justice and secrecy in Pascal's text

Beginning from a definition of philosophical discourse which states the necessity of rhetoric meant as the whole of the linguistic devices aiming to persuade the interlocutor of truth and justice, the author points out that Pascal's text would be an outstanding example of such a discourse, while showing, nevertheless, the specificity of the rhetoric he employs. Such a specificity would aim to carry out a complex logic of the secret, concerning chiefly the ackowledgement and identification procedures of the subject of the discourse-enunciation, and its pronominal and nominal markers.The author studies this logic on one hand by starting from the pragmatic patterns developed by the linguistics of enunciation, and on the other taking into account the philosophical, ethical and religious themes of the Jansenist thought in the XVIIth century. The distinction between concealment and secret leads the author to set up the forms of political rhetoric against the actual Pascalian aspects of philosophical rhetoric. Such a logic of the secret, which is the projection of the hidden God teologema into the field of philosophical discourse, would enable us to position as absent the subject producing this discourse and thus to transform what he states into a discourse of truth and justice. The very careful examination of the anonymity strategies and mostly of the writing tactics concerning the author's real name (anagram) would seem to confirm this conception of the rhetoric of Pascal's philosophical discourse.     

AXIOLOGY, SELF-DECEPTION, AND MORAL WRONGDOING IN BLAISE PASCAL'S PENSÉES

Blaise Pascal is highly regarded as a religious moralist, but he has rarely been given his due as an ethical theorist. The goal of this article is to assemble Pascal's scattered thoughts on moral judgment and moral wrongdoing into an explicit, coherent account that can serve as the basis for further scholarly reflection on his ethics. On my reading, Pascal affirms an axiological, social-intuitionist account of moral judgment and moral wrongdoing. He argues that a moral judgment is an immediate, intuitive perception of moral value that we willfully disregard in favor of the attractive, though self-deceptive, deliverances of our socially constructed imaginations. We can deceive ourselves so easily because our capacity to evaluate goods is broken, a dark legacy of the fall. In the article's concluding section, I briefly compare Pascal to contemporary ethicists and suggest directions for future research.     

Not Giving the Skeptic a Hearing: Pragmatism and Radical Doubt

Pragmatist responses to radical skepticism do not receive much attention in contemporary analytic epistemology. This observation is my motivation for undertaking a search for a coherent pragmatist reply to radical doubt, one that can compete, in terms of clarity and sophistication, with the currently most popular approaches, such as contextualism and relevant alternatives theory. As my point of departure I take the texts of C. S. Peirce and William James. The Jamesian response is seen to consist in the application of a wager argument to the skeptical issue in analogy with Pascal's wager. The Peircean strategy, on the other hand, is to attempt a direct rejection of one of the skeptic's main premises: that we do not know we are not deceived. I argue that while the Jamesian attempt is ultimately incoherent, Peirce's argument contains the core of a detailed and characteristically "pragmatic" rebuttal of skepticism, one that deserves to be taken seriously in the contemporary debate.     

A biologically plausible robot attention model,based on space and time

After half a century of cognitive revolution we remain far from agreement about what cognition is and what cognition does. It was once thought that these questions could wait until the data were in. Today there is a mountain of data, but no way of making sense of it. The time for tackling the fundamental issues has arrived. The biogenic approach to cognition is introduced not as a solution but as a means of approaching the issues. The traditional, and still predominant, methodological stance in cognitive inquiry is what I call the anthropogenic approach: assume human cognition as the paradigm and work ‘down’ to a more general explanatory concept. The biogenic approach, on the other hand, starts with the facts of biology as the basis for theorizing and works ‘up’ to the human case by asking psychological questions as if they were biological questions. Biogenic explanations of cognition are currently clustered around two main frameworks for understanding biology: self-organizing complex systems and autopoiesis. The paper describes the frameworks and infers from them ten empirical principles—the biogenic ‘family traits’—that constitute constraints on biogenic theorizing. Because the anthropogenic approach to cognition is not constrained empirically to the same degree, I argue that the biogenic approach is superior for approaching a general theory of cognition as a natural phenomenon.

Cytoarchitecture and histochemical fluorescence studies of the cingulate cortex in the rat

The cingular cortex of the rat was examined by means of Golgi's rapid impregnation technique, the glyoxylic acid technique for the detection of biogenic amines and a ninhydrin reaction in the octanoic milieu for the detection of GABA. Six interneuron types are described, differing with respects to their dendrite configurations and axon morphology. The noradrenaline innervation shows considerable differences as compared to the dopamine fibre system. GABA-containing neurons of various shapes and sizes are concentrated in the laminae II and III. The findings are discussed in connection with the conception according to the which the Gyrus cinguli as part of the limbic system might play a role in the genesis of psychopathological processes.     

Williams syndrome: cognition, personality, and adaptive behavior

Williams syndrome is caused by a microdeletion of at least 16 genes on chromosome 7q11.23. The syndrome results in mild to moderate mental retardation or learning disability. The behavioral phenotype for Williams syndrome is characterized by a distinctive cognitive profile and an unusual personality profile. Relative to overall level of intellectual ability, individuals with Williams syndrome typically show a clear strength in auditory rote memory, a strength in language, and an extreme weakness in visuospatial construction. The personality of individuals with Williams syndrome involves high sociability, overfriendliness, and empathy, with an undercurrent of anxiety related to social situations. The adaptive behavior profile for Williams syndrome involves clear strength in socialization skills (especially interpersonal skills related to initiating social interaction), strength in communication, and clear weakness in daily living skills and motor skills, relative to overall level of adaptive behavior functioning. Literature relevant to each of the components of the Williams syndrome behavioral phenotype is reviewed, including operationalizations of the Williams syndrome cognitive profile and the Williams syndrome personality profile. The sensitivity and specificity of these profiles for Williams syndrome, relative to individuals with other syndromes or mental retardation or borderline normal intelligence of unknown etiology, is considered. The adaptive behavior profile is discussed in relation to the cognitive and personality profiles. The importance of operationalizations of crucial components of the behavioral phenotype for the study of genotype/phenotype correlations in Williams syndrome is stressed. MRDD Research Reviews 2000;6:148-158.     

Changes in plasma corticosterone and cerebral biogenic amines and their catabolites during training and testing of mice in passive avoidance behavior

Concentrations of cerebral biogenic amines and their catabolites, and of plasma corticosterone were determined 10 min after training and testing of passive avoidance behavior in mice. Training and testing of mice that had acquired the task well resulted in statistically significant increases of plasma corticosterone, of the DOPAC:DA ratio [an index of dopamine (DA) metabolism] in prefrontal cortex, and of MHPG:NE ratios [an index of norepinephrine (NE) metabolism] in hypothalamus and brain stem. There were also decreases of NE in hypothalamus and brain stem, and an increase of 5-HIAA:5-HT [an index of serotonin (5-HT) metabolism] and of tryptophan in brain stem. Some of these changes also occurred in mice merely exposed to the apparatus but not trained. Plasma corticosterone concentrations were significantly higher in mice that performed the task well compared to those that did not, and there were significant correlations between this measure and the avoidance performance. Although there was only one statistically significant correlation between a cerebral metabolite and the avoidance performance (a decrease in hypothalamic NE), there were indications of relationships between cerebral biogenic amine metabolism and the performance. The patterns of neurochemical and endocrine changes closely resemble those previously observed in response to various stressors. Thus, the changes could reflect stress responses, which may or may not be related directly to the performance of the avoidance task.     

The effect of reserpine, syrosingopine, and guanethidine on the retention of discriminated escape reversal: peripherally administered catecholamines cannot reverse the reserpine amnesia in this situation

In a series of experiments, the effects of reserpine, syrosingopine, and guanethidine on retention of a discriminated escape reversal training were investigated in mice. The peripherally and centrally acting reserpine produced amnesia while the primarily peripherally acting compounds, syrosingopine or guanethidine, did not produce amnesia even when given in high dosages or when training was given with low footshock. Unlike in the passive avoidance situation, peripherally administered norepinephrine or dopamine was not able to attenuate the reserpine-induced amnesia. The results were discussed in terms of the role of biogenic amines in memory formation.     

Induced variation of serotonin in Drosophila melanogaster and its relation to learning performance

In insects the level of serotonin can be modified through the alimentary tract. Drosophila fed on chemically defined media to which has been added a synthesis inhibitor or an immediate precursor of this neurotransmitter have their serotonin level decreased or increased, respectively. (A 4- to 5-day treatment is optimal). Such treated flies, if tested in a procedure of Pavlovian conditioning, have different learning performances. With the same duration of starvation, nearly the same threshold for sucrose solutions, but different amounts of serotonin, the flies (blindly trained) showed conditioned inhibition of the tarsal (or proboscis-extension) reflex according to the amount of serotonin. The highest level of this biogenic amine gave the best performance.     

“病中辨证”是证发展的必然

在疾病的发展过程中,一般存在着病和证的两种演变,相对于病而言,证有着更高层次的组织方式,有自身发展规律,反映的是机体整体状态。这种对证的诠释有利于中西医理论间的接轨,使证研究更容易被现代医学理论所接受,是中医进一步发展的要求,病证二者并不矛盾,而是互补,共同提供了对疾病的完整认识。     

The neurobiology of postpartum depression

Postpartum psychiatric changes can range from maternity blues to psychosis. Causality is still undetermined, but explanations for these disturbances often focus on hormonal changes and dysregulation. Researchers have begun the process of delineating what neurobiological factors may be associated with depressive disorders in pregnancy and the postpartum. This article reviews the current literature on the roles of gonadal and pituitary hormones in the psychopathophysiology of postpartum mood disorders. Other biological factors, such as biogenic amines, neuroactive steroids, cholesterol, and fatty acids, are also discussed. The potential benefits of neuroimaging to aid in understanding neuropsychiatric changes that occur in the context of postpartum depression are also considered.     

Postpartum depression

Though postpartum depression has been observed for years, research into it has increased recently, especially in England. Distinguishing the rarer, severe puerperal psychosis from milder, more frequent "maternity blues" has provided a clearer framework for new research. Hormonal changes, biogenic amines, stress, and lack of social support have been proposed as explanations for postpartum depression, but the etiology is still not clear. Hormones, tranquilizers, and antidepressants are some modern therapeutic measures employed, whereas electroconvulsive shock therapy was once the most frequent therapy. Fortunately, the mortality rate for childbirth-related psychiatric illness is low.     

Quand le syndrome de l’imposteur influence la recherche de feedback : étude des relations entre le syndrome de l’imposteur et les stratégies de recherche utilisées chez les employés

IntroductionThe impostor syndrome is a frequent phenomenon that can have deleterious consequences for the individual from a psychological point of view. It is a vicious circle in which the individual perceives feedback as a threat. This syndrome seems to impact the individual's feedback seeking strategies.ObjectivesThe aim of our study is to show that impostor syndrome will have an effect on the type of feedback seeking used by employees with their supervisor.MethodThrough an online questionnaire with 370 French-speaking employees, we assessed the impostor syndrome, the level of perceived experience, and the types of strategies used in seeking feedback from the superior.ResultsOur results show, after controlling for perceived experience and gender, that individuals with a strong imposter syndrome tend to seek feedback more often and in a less direct way (i.e., indirect, or observational).ConclusionThese results confirm the hypothesis of a link between the impostor syndrome and feedback seeking. The latter would be an element to be considered in the understanding of the impostor syndrome and its consequences.     

Self-injurious behavior a biological analysis

A review of self-injurious behavior (SIB) indicates several biological variables that should be considered in future research. A current hypothesis, that SIB is reinforced by attention, receives support but inadequately accounts for evidence that SIB can arise in the absence of reinforcement, is often difficult to modify, and has features unlike those of conditioned behavior. Alternative possibilities are suggested. Neurological damage is common in populations displaying SIB and may produce inadequate pain perception or avoidance. Stereotyped behavior, also common in these populations, may also be related to SIB. Stress and isolation, both strongly correlated with SIB, may evoke this behavior by altering levels of biogenic amines and affecting the probability of aggressive responses. Finally, SIB may have been favored in evolution by group and kin selection, as the loss of a damaged individual may actually favor his genotype through promotion of relatives. These alternatives are not necessarily mutually incompatible nor do they preclude a degree of flexibility in SIB. SIB may result from the interaction of several variables that independently increase its probability.     

Neuropsychological disorders indicative of postresuscitation encephalopaty in rats

The aim of this research was to study the effect of 12-minute clinical death on innate and acquired behavior, biogenic amine concentration, and the composition and quantity of neural populations in specific brain regions of white rats. The study shows that in animals during the postresuscitation period with formal restoration of neurological status, there are changes in emotional reactivity, orientation-exploration reactions, impairment of learning and memory, decrease in exercise tolerance and pain sensitivity. These processes are accompanied by alterations in serotonin and norepinephrine levels in the frontal cerebral cortex, dopamine and serotonin levels in the striatum, certain biochemical indices in blood plasma and neural loss in the CA1 sector of the hippocampus and lateral portions of the cerebellum.     

肺癌治疗中辨证论治与循证医学的矛盾与统一

肺癌的个体化治疗是依托于循证医学和飞速发展的分子生物学技术开启的西医治疗的新篇章,但同时也面临着很多困境。而中医辨证论治思想在朴素哲学思想的启领下,早已体现了个体化治疗的灵魂。笔者融合辨证论治思想,现代循证医学证据,提出了肺癌中西医治疗新的概念,从个体差异的绝对性出发,论述了辨证思想与循证医学共存的必然性及两者之间的矛盾。循证医学的结论可通过对大量个体化辨证治疗的研究而不断更新,从而更好地指导辨证治疗,这是未来中西医临床肺癌诊疗的必经之路。     

JUDGED CONSTITUTIONALITY OF FUNCTIONAL PSYCHOSIS DISORDER CLASSIFICATIONS

S tone , L. A. Judged constitutionality of functional psychosis disorder classifications. Scand. J. Psychol ., 1968, 9, 252–256.—Psychiatrists (N = 37) made magnitude estimations and category scale evaluations of 15 psychiatric classification stimuli with respect to their own opinions regarding biogenic predisposition associated with the stimuli. The scale from category judgments was a logarithmic transformation of the magnitude estimation scale. Judgmental variability, in subjective unit measurement, was linearly and positively related to subjective magnitude. The underlying judgmental continuum was tentatively Classified as prothetic. The results were in line with those obtained in several previous studies.     

Effects of a Genetic Counseling Model on Mothers of Children with Down Syndrome: A Brazilian Pilot Study

Down syndrome occurs in approximately 1:600 live births. Genetic counseling is indicated for these families and may be beneficial for adaptation to the challenges that accompany by this diagnosis. Although the basic counseling goals are similar, there are many models of genetic counseling practiced around the world. The aim of this article is to report the results of a pilot study that evaluated the level of satisfaction with a model of service delivery of genetic counseling practiced in Brazil, the knowledge assimilated about Down syndrome and whether this process resulted in a feeling of well-being and psychological support. Thirty mothers of under 6-month-old children with Down syndrome were interviewed after having two sessions of genetic counseling in a public healthcare service within a period of 30 days. A semi-structured questionnaire was developed by the researchers to collect identification, socioeconomic and demographic data and to assess the client’s satisfaction with the model of genetic counseling. Data were collected using both open and closed questions. The reported level of satisfaction was high. The knowledge assimilated about Down syndrome after only two sessions was considered technically vague by raters in 44 % of cases. Most mothers (96.7 %) reported that genetic counseling was beneficial and provided psychological support. The model was considered satisfactory, but further research is needed to identify ways to improve knowledge retention by this population. These results highlight the utility of referring families for genetic counseling when there is a suspicion of a diagnosis of Down syndrome.