Reichenbach's metaphysical picture

Conclusion To recapitulate, then, for Reichenbach probability is the foundation of both metaphysics and epistemology. Metaphysically, probability is fundamental because it is the probability relations among the sequences of events in the world that gives rise to causality, time, and space. Epistemologically, probability is fundamental because empirical knowledge is simply knowledge of probabilities. Even knowledge of observation sentences is considered to be probabilistic knowledge by Reichenbach (EP, pp. 183–188), because Reichenbach's fallibilism leads him to hold that no observation sentence is absolutely incorrigible, and with the advance of scientific knowledge we need to inquire into the probability that our singular observation judgments may be in error.My aim here has not been to argue that Reichenbach succeeded in his magnificent attempt any more than Carnap succeeded in his. But I hope to have convinced you that is was one of the most magnificent attempts by any empiricist philosopher of this or of any other century, and I believe that the effort to understand it and to master its details will as richly repay us as the much greater effort which has been devoted to the study of Carnap's work has already repayed us.     

The metaphysics of irreducibility

Conclusion We do not believe that the reasons which have been offered of late for rejecting non-reductive materialism should be accepted. The reasons for which reductive accounts were largely abandoned remain good ones, and non-reductive materialism remains the most satisfying and sensible account of the relationship among the special sciences.     

The relationship between extraversion and time of data collection

According to Eysenck's theory introverts, because they are cautious or low in impulsivity, should fulfill their mandatory experimental credit hours by volunteering for experiments early in the semester while extraverts should wait until the last minute. Data collected during the 5th and 15th week of the semester and after the semester was completed provide modest support for the hypothesis. Extraversion scores for the last session were significantly higher than the prior four sessions in an a priori contrast (t = 3.48, df = 152, P < 0.001) but scores from the 15th week while higher than the 5th, were not significantly higher (t = 1.30, df = 152, P = 0.20).     

Evaluation of an informational and behavior change program to increase students' self‐reported energy conservation

A systematic evaluation of a program, consisting of sustainability education, self‐management strategies, and feedback, to decrease college students' energy use was conducted. During treatment, the experimental group showed increased self‐reported energy savings relative to baseline levels and relative to the self‐reported energy use of the comparison group who were shown only an instructional video on conserving energy. Treatment gains were maintained at a 2‐week follow‐up. More participants in the experimental group rated their experience as resulting in learning something new about green issues and influencing their pro‐environmental behavior compared to the comparison group. This study suggests that further research is warranted, specifically using these strategies in real‐life situations.     

Sosa in perspective

Ernest Sosa draws a distinction between animal knowledge and reflective knowledge, and this distinction forms the centerpiece of his new book, A Virtue Epistemology. This paper argues that the distinction cannot do the work which Sosa assigns to it.

Roderick Chisholm and The Shaping of American Epistemology

Abstract: Roderick Chisholm had a profound effect on the shape of American epistemology. In this article, I not only give an account of the large‐scale structure of Chisholm's views but also say something about the place of Chisholmian themes in contemporary work. I thus present an understanding and an appreciation of Chisholm's contribution to epistemology by exhibiting a number of alternative developments of Chisholmian ideas that are currently under discussion.     

Religious Persecution: And What To Do About It

Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, and other religions can all be found in geographically diverse Indonesia. Adding to this layered society are many different ethnic groups, political groups, and socio–economic groups. The joining of all these factors led to different communities forming adats –religio–customary agreements. When talking about "religious persecution" in Indonesia, all of these factors must be taken into account. Even so, it would be extremely naive to think that religious belief is a peripheral motivation for violence. This article explores a method by which religious scholars, leaders, and communities can curtail religious persecution in Indonesia; the method includes: personal encounter; discussion of the scholarly agenda; a public engagement through dialogue that leads to commitment; and finally, the appeal of prayer and ritual.     

Institutional and Individual Research Productivity in Five Nominated Multicultural Psychology Journals

Research productivity was examined across 5 highly nominated multicultural psychology journals. This yielded a ranking of 40 highly productive institutions and individuals between 1994 and 2007. The results are potentially useful in beginning to track trends in the publication of multicultural psychology studies in research journals. Methodological and interpretational limitations are discussed. Se examinó la productividad de las investigaciones publicadas en 5 renombradas revistas de psicología multicultural. Esto dio como resultado un ranking de 40 instituciones e individuos altamente productivos entre 1994 y 2007. Los resultados son potencialmente útiles para empezar a rastrear tendencias en la publicación de estudios de psicología multicultural en revistas de investigación. También se discuten las limitaciones metodológicas y de interpretación.