$${\in_K}$$: a Non-Fregean Logic of Explicit Knowledge

We present a new logic-based approach to the reasoning about knowledge which is independent of possible worlds semantics. \({\in_K}\) (Epsilon-K) is a non-Fregean logic whose models consist of propositional universes with subsets for true, false and known propositions. Knowledge is, in general, not closed under rules of inference; the only valid epistemic principles are the knowledge axiom K _i φ → φ and some minimal conditions concerning common knowledge in a group. Knowledge is explicit and all forms of the logical omniscience problem are avoided. Various stronger epistemic properties such as positive and/or negative introspection, the K-axiom, closure under logical connectives, etc. can be restored by imposing additional semantic constraints. This yields corresponding sublogics for which we present sound and complete axiomatizations. As a useful tool for general model constructions we study abstract versions of some 3-valued logics in which we interpret truth as knowledge. We establish a connection between \({\in_K}\) and the well-known syntactic approach to explicit knowledge proving a result concerning equi-expressiveness. Furthermore, we discuss some self-referential epistemic statements, such as the knower paradox, as relaxations of variants of the liar paradox and show how these epistemic “paradoxes” can be solved in \({\in_K}\). Every specific \({\in_K}\)-logic is defined as a certain extension of some underlying classical abstract logic.     

Response-level probability effects on reaction time: now you see them, now you don't

Many reaction time (RT) experiments have tested for response-level probability effects. Their results have been mixed, which is surprising because psychophysiological studies provide clear evidence of motor-level changes associated with an anticipated response. A survey of the designs used in the RT studies reveals many potential problems that could conceal the effects of response probability. We report five new RT experiments testing for response-level probability effects with the most promising of the previous designs-that of Blackman ( 1972 )-and with new designs. Some of these experiments yield evidence of response-level probability effects, but others do not. It appears that response-level probability effects are present primarily in simple tasks with a strong emphasis on response preparation, possibly because participants only expend effort on response preparation in these tasks.     

Translating Research for Professional Development and Effective Clinical Practice With Older Adults

This paper offers a commentary on the articles in the special series on cognitive behavior therapy with older adults (Carmin, 2012-this issue), noting the commonalities found across discussions of diagnostic interviewing and cognitive-behavioral assessment and treatment for late-life insomnia, depression and suicide risk, PTSD, and OCD. These case studies demonstrate best practices in the application of cognitive-behavioral strategies for assessment and intervention with a diverse range of older adults. Clinicians can improve the effectiveness of their work with aging clients by expanding their skills in assessment and managing interprofessional relationships in integrated health-care settings. Reflected by the papers in this series, ongoing professional development and research attention are both essential as clinicians from the mental health disciplines increase provision of CBT with older adults. Treatments for specific disorders and problems will also benefit from the growing literature on successful aging, and the application of positive psychology in our future collaborations with older adults and their care partners.     

Unapocalyptic Theology: History and Eschatology in Balthasar's Theo‐Drama

In this essay, I evaluate the claim that Hans Urs von Balthasar's interpretation of trinitarian doctrine undermines the importance of history for the Christian God. Where other critics argue that the very distinction between immanent and economic Trinity robs the economy of salvation of theological significance, I contend that the underlying problem lies in how Balthasar restricts the theo‐drama to an event between heaven and earth on the cross of Golgotha. Through this limitation of God's active involvement in history to a single event, Balthasar's theo‐drama becomes an “unapocalyptic theology”, which devalues God's salvific history with the world and the biblical expectation of an eschatological end of history. Furthermore, Balthasar underplays the messianic‐political dimension of the Christian concept of salvation and thereby cements the status quo of a yet unredeemed world.     

THE IMPACT OF THE FEMINIST CRITIQUE ON TESTS, ASSESSMENT, AND ETHODOLOGY

In this article we discuss the implications of the feminist critique for methodologies related to tests and assessment. Several specific examples of the impact (or lack of impact) of feminist thinking on psychological, vocational, and educational tests are provided. From the point of view of a feminist critique, while the revision of the Strong–Campbell Interest Inventory appears to be a success, the 1990 revision of the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI–2) is not. Feminists have inspired methodological improvements such as the use of meta–analysis to evaluate sex difference data and the ability to estimate sampling error to challenge the research on free-response and multiple-choice tests. Recognition of the need to involve women in the development of normative data, introduction of sensitivity reviews, and implementation of differential item functioning analyses have improved tests. However, although testing has improved from the feminist perspective, additional changes can be expected as feminists (female and male) become more involved as scholars and scientists.