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Theories used in the Information Systems (IS) field come in large majority from authors based in Western countries, a bias that holds for critical theories as well. Such a bias is made more problematic by the mandate of critical theory, which is meant exactly to illuminate the oppressive conditions of the status quo. Against this backdrop, this paper explores the subalternity theory approach – developed by the Subaltern Studies collective from the early 1980s – as an indigenous theory that, proposing a socially and geographically connotated narration of 'history from below', can play a major role in the effort to decolonise critical IS research. By positioning subaltern theory in the IS field, the paper offers an alternative to the Western hegemony of critical theories, exploring the potential of such an alternative to voice systematically silenced and marginalised perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) in Great Britain study was conducted during 2017–2019 comprising three country studies: BBF England, Wales and Scotland. It was part of an international project being coordinated during the same period by the Yale School of Public Health across five world regions to inform countries and guide policies to improve the environment for the promotion, protection and support of breastfeeding. This paper reports on the application of the BBF process that is based on an implementation science approach, across the countries that constitute Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland). The process involves assessing 54 benchmarks across eight interlocking gears that drive a country's 'engine' towards a sustainable policy approach to supporting, promoting and protecting breastfeeding. It takes a consensus‐oriented approach to the evaluation of benchmarks and the development of recommendations. This paper provides a critical overview of how the process was conducted, the findings and recommendations that emerged and how these were managed. We draw on critical theory as a theoretical framework for explaining the different outcomes for each country and some considerations for future action. Key messages: Undertaking an international, comparable approach to develop evidence‐based policy recommendations for scaling up the breastfeeding environment can provide useful data on which to draw explanations and conclusions on national variation.The findings from the BBF process across England, Scotland and Wales suggest that improving breastfeeding in Great Britain is dependent on the degree of political will and having a coordinated national breastfeeding strategy in place or not, along with access to robust breastfeeding data.A critical theory lens helps to bring to light some differences in the research and policy process that can explain differences between countries in the United Kingdom. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, the Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) is reformulated to be employed to estimate random vibration fatigue lifetime of notched components. Using the Point Method argument, the response stress at the critical distance from the notch root is taken as the damage parameter and then used to perform the vibration fatigue life analysis in the presence of geometrical features. First, the finite element simulation is conducted to obtain the response Mises stress power spectrum at the critical distance under the load excitation being investigated. Subsequently, the probability density distribution of the stress amplitude at this position is calculated. Finally, fatigue lifetime is predicted via the parent material S–N curve. In order to check the accuracy of the proposed reformulation of the TCD, a series of random vibration fatigue results were generated by testing notched aluminum alloy specimens under load spectra covering the first‐, second‐, and third‐order natural frequencies. The results from the vibration fatigue tests being performed are seen to be in sound agreement with the predicted lifetimes. This strongly support the idea that the TCD is successful also in predicting random vibration fatigue lifetime of notched components. Highlights: The Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) is reformulated for life prediction.The random vibration fatigue lifetime of notched components is estimated.The FEA is conducted to obtain the stress power spectrum under load excitation.The probability density distribution of the stress amplitude is calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although a lack of critical perspective in environmental management has been acknowledged, the frequency of this perspective has not been measured. This was noted in the editorial of Business Strategy and the Environment (BSE) 1998, where Richard Welford called for more critical theory in environmental management. BSE can be seen as a forerunner in the field. Therefore, it could be expected that the most critical and reflective research contributing to sustainable development in companies could be published in the journal. In order to analyse the extent to which critical perspective is present in environmental management, we reviewed the last six years of BSE. We found that the studies undertaken generally follow the positivist paradigm, which almost exclusively echoes marginal adjustments. Papers with a critical perspective are in the minority. Using Jürgen Habermas' work on communicative action and discourse, we conclude that there is a distortion in this scientific discourse. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The northern Hikurangi subduction margin hosts slow slip events (SSEs), which are exceptionally shallow (<15 km). The sedimentary sequence on the incoming plate is therefore representative of the shallow fault material where the SSEs will take place once they enter the subduction zone. Knowledge about the frictional behavior of these sediments is required to know which lithologies are capable of hosting SSEs, and what mechanisms are causing them. Frictional behavior is material specific and depends on sliding velocity, but it is unknown how these natural sediments behave at plate‐rate velocities. We performed laboratory shearing experiments testing the major lithologies sampled during International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) Expedition 375, at velocities ranging from the plate convergence rate at the Hikurangi margin (5 cm/year), up to those characteristics of the shallow SSEs (160 and 530 cm/year), under simulated in‐situ as well as standardized conditions. We find that the calcite‐rich pelagic sediments are relatively strong and display the velocity‐weakening frictional behavior required for slip events, whereas other lithologies are weaker and show velocity‐neutral to velocity‐strengthening friction. We observe spontaneous laboratory SSEs in the calcareous pelagic sediments, which show partial locking in between sliding events, consistent with the interpretation of SSEs within the spectrum of slow to fast earthquakes. For the Hikurangi margin, our results suggest that SSE occurrence requires the stronger carbonate‐rich unit to be incorporated into the plate‐boundary fault zone, which we suggest occurs because the rough incoming plate introduces geometrical complexity into the fault zone. Plain Language Summary: In the Hikurangi subduction zone, located offshore the east coast of the North Island of New Zealand, the movement between the downgoing and overriding tectonic plates can occur as slow slip events (SSEs). During SSEs the two plates move relative to each other, a process in many aspects similar to ordinary earthquakes, except SSEs take weeks instead of seconds and no ground‐shaking can be felt on the surface. SSEs occur in many subduction zones worldwide, but at the Hikurangi margin they occur shallow, relatively often and close to many mostly land‐based GPS stations that track the movement of the two plates, which makes them ideal to study. A recent research expedition (IODP Expedition 375) drilled the stack of sediments going into the subduction zone to learn more about the circumstances that control where and when SSEs occur. In this paper, we test all the major different sediment types going into the subduction fault zone to find out which one of them is responsible for the SSEs. Using a laboratory device that mimics the subduction zone, we find that sediments containing the mineral calcite cause slip events that are similar to the SSEs observed in the Hikurangi margin. Key Points: Spontaneous laboratory slow slip events (SSEs) suggest the shallow Hikurangi SSEs are favored in carbonate‐rich sedimentsRate‐and‐state friction and critical stiffness theory can partly explain SSEs, but they can occur under velocity‐strengthening conditionsSSE generation in Hikurangi is probably related to heterogeneity in the plate‐boundary fault zone [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crowdsourcing practices have generated much discussion on their ethics and fairness, yet these topics have received little scholarly investigation. Some have criticized crowdsourcing for worker exploitation and for undermining workplace regulations. Others have lauded crowdsourcing for enabling workers' autonomy and allowing disadvantaged people to access previously unreachable job markets. In this paper, we examine the ethics in crowdsourcing practices by focusing on three questions: (a) What ethical issues exist in crowdsourcing practices? (b) are ethical norms emerging or are issues emerging that require ethical norms? and, more generally, (c) how can the ethics of crowdsourcing practices be established? We answer these questions by engaging with Jürgen Habermas' discourse ethics theory to interpret findings from a longitudinal field study (from 2013 to 2016) involving key crowdsourcing participants (workers, platform organizers, and requesters) of three crowdsourcing communities. Grounded in this empirical study, we identify ethical concerns and discuss the ones for which ethical norms have emerged as well as others which remain unresolved and problematic in crowdsourcing practices. Furthermore, we provide normative considerations of how ethical concerns can be identified, discussed, and resolved based on the principles of discourse ethics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Canadian Geographer is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The study of the role of power in managing information systems (IS) still offers a major epistemological challenge to researchers in the field. Although significant work has been done, there is yet to emerge a research approach that permits a penetrating study of the phenomenon of power by virtue of adopting a Machiavellian stance. This paper proposes such an approach in the form of an interpretivist position combined with a theoretical framework whose origin lies in political science and the sociology of technology. In developing its philosophical argument, the paper compares three meta-theories that have been applied to study IS: Phenomenology, Critical Theory and Structuration Theory. All three are compared in terms of their epistemological position regarding the relationship between power and IS. We argue that, although enlightening, those meta-theories fail to unravel the hidden and strategic nature of power. The paper concludes by proposing a particular theoretical formulation that, rather than censoring power and politics, will provide the epistemological means for unravelling them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Randomized controlled trials and critical social theory are known not to be happy bedfellows. Such trials are embedded in a positivist view of the world, seeking definitive answers to testable questions; critical social theory questions the methods by which we deem the world knowable and may consider experiments in the biomedical sciences as social artifacts. Yet both of these epistemologically and methodologically divergent fields offer potentially important advances in HIV research. In this paper, we describe collaboration between social and biomedical researchers on a large, publicly funded programme to develop vaginal microbicides for HIV prevention. In terms of critical engagement, having integrated and qualitative social science components in the protocol meant potentially nesting alternative epistemologies at the heart of the randomized controlled trial. The social science research highlighted the fallibility and fragility of trial data by demonstrating inconsistencies in key behavioural measurements. It also foregrounded the disjuncture between biomedical conceptions of microbicides and the meanings and uses of the study gel in the context of users' everyday lives. These findings were communicated to the clinical and epidemiological members of the team on an ongoing basis via a feedback loop, through which new issues of concern could also be debated and, in theory, data collection adjusted to the changing needs of the programme. Although critical findings were taken on board by the trialists, a hierarchy of evidence nonetheless remained that limited the utility of some social science findings. This was in spite of mutual respect between clinical epidemiologists and social scientists, equal representation in management and coordination bodies, and equity in funding for the different disciplines. We discuss the positive role that social science integrated into an HIV prevention trial can play, but nonetheless highlight tensions that remain where a hierarchy of epistemologies exists alongside competing paradigms and priorities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since the 1980s, there has been a growing body of critical theory in information systems research. A central theoretical foundation of this research is Habermas’ theory of communicative action, which focuses on implications of speech and proposes general normative standards for communication. Habermas also places particular emphasis on the importance of the public sphere in a democratic society, critiquing the role of the media and other actors in shaping public discourse. While there has been growing emphasis on critical discourse analysis (CDA), there has been limited effort to systematically apply Habermas’ validity claims to empirical research. Moreover, while critical research in information systems has examined communication within the organizational context, public discourse on information technology has received little attention. The paper makes three primary contributions: (1) it responds to Habermas’ call for empirical research to ground and extend his theory of communication in every day critical practice; (2) it proposes an approach to applying Habermas’ theory of communication to CDA; and (3) it extends the reach of critical research in information systems beyond micro-level organizational concerns and opens up to critical reflection and debate on the impact of systematically distorted communication about technology in the public sphere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Knowledge management is the computer’s contribution to management ‘science’ and claims to be the successor of various trends in the business world, including, but not necessarily limited to information resources management, business process reengineering, management information systems and organizational memory. A number of definitions have been proposed for it. The very concept of knowledge used by knowledge management writers, however, is based on a dubious epistemology. This paper looks at the concept of knowledge from a continental perspective. With this perspective, we question whether what is being managed is, in fact, knowledge, and whether management will get business what it wants anyway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this editorial we suggest that work and organizational psychology has tended to overlook the insights to be gained from 'alternative' perspectives such as interpretivism, critical theory and postmodernism, in favour of a focus on more normative and positivist studies of organizational life. While paradigmatic conformity is argued by some to have the benefit of providing a coherent knowledge base, we argue that it may also lead to an overly restrictive viewpoint and constrained practices. In any case, such a focus may be partly a default option rather than a conscious choice, fostered by assumptions of what constitutes 'good' research which may not be appropriate to (and even discriminate against) other perspectives. As a consequence, this special section aims to illustrate the insights to be gained from adopting such 'alternative' perspectives on topics of contemporary interest to work and organizational psychologists, such as retention of women in the workforce, collaborative (cross-agency) work, advanced technological change and stress at work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrial robots, as a structurally sophisticated mechatronics system, have a high cost of routine maintenance and repair. Repairs after fault require the corresponding manpower and material resources, and have hysteresis. If the fault can be predicted in a timely and accurate manner, the maintenance process can be carried out in advance, and the hidden dangers can be eliminated to fundamentally solve the fault problem. Based on the self-organised critical theory (SOC theory), this article draws lessons from its self-organisation evolution model and uses the self-organised criticality of industrial robot fault to establish an autoregressive moving average model (ARMA model) for industrial robots. According to the analysis of residual value and the explanation for the faults of industrial robots, find ways and means to prevent and reduce faults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Theory of Critical Distances (TCD) has undoubtedly represented a breakthrough in the brittle failure assessment of engineering materials containing defects, crack, or notches. The basic idea on which the simplest formulation of the TCD is based is to evaluate an effective stress at a characteristic distance from the tip of the defect/crack/notch and compare it with an inherent fracture strength. Is the critical distance related to the material (micro) structure? Whereas a correlation was already proved for homogeneous materials, the current attention to nonhomogeneous ones has brought the question back to the fore. The goal of the present work is therefore twofold: (i) to extend the use of the TCD, through the simple yet effective Point Method (PM), for the static failure assessment of inhomogeneous materials, such as cellular, biological, and additively manufactured (AM) materials; and (ii) to look for a correlation between critical distance and internal (micro) structure. Highlights: The use of TCD is extended to the static assessment of inhomogeneous materials.The failure behavior of natural, biological, and AM materials is investigated.PM failure predictions are generally included in an error interval of ±10%.The critical distance L is related to the material microstructure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article highlights the factors that may contribute to the emergence of critical cybernetics. Topics mentioned include the assessment of the limitations, blind spots and legacies of cybernetics in order to be practiced with critical awareness, the possibility of using cybernetic modes of thinking and acting as forms of criticism, the use of cybernetics' history as alternative to the algorithmic paradigm.

This study aims to find suitable fatigue assessment methods for welded structures (cover plates and T‐joints) subjected to axial and bending loading. The Hot Spot Stress (HSS), 1‐mm stress (OM), Theory of Critical Distances (TCD), Stress Averaging (SA), and Effective Notch Stress (ENS) methods are evaluated in terms of accuracy and reliability. The evaluation is based on fatigue test data extracted from the literature and carried out in this study. It is found that the SA method can be used to assess the fatigue strength of cover plate joints under axial loading with relatively good accuracy and low scatter, followed by the ENS method. The HSS, TCD, SA, and ENS methods are conservative estimation methods for T‐joints under bending, while the accuracy is low. Furthermore, fatigue design curves applicable for T‐joints under bending are discussed, which can be used in the TCD method and SA method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reformulation of a critical plane‐based multiaxial fatigue criterion named as Modified Wöhler Curve Method (MWCM) in the frequency domain is proposed; moreover, it is combined with the theory of critical distance (TCD) to implement vibration fatigue lifetime prediction of notched specimens subjected to complex multiaxial random loading. Firstly, a frequency‐domain formulation of the maximum variance method (MVM) is proposed for determining the critical plane with high computational efficiency. Then, a reference fatigue curve is defined through the frequency‐domain formulation of the reference stress ratio corresponding to the critical plane. Finally, the power spectral density (PSD) function of the resolved shear stress along the maximum variance direction is applied with the Bendat/Tovo–Benasciutti (TB) method to implement fatigue damage estimation of mechanical components. Both the time‐domain formulation and the proposed frequency‐domain formulation of the MWCM combined with the TCD are applied to the experimental results from the literature, concerning notched specimens made of 2024‐T4 aluminum alloy tested under various nonproportional bending‐torsion random vibration fatigue loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we examine efforts undertaken by two cities – Atlanta and LaGrange, Georgia – to redress the digital divide. Atlanta's initiative has taken the form of community technology centres where citizens can come to get exposure to the internet, and learn something about computers and their applications. LaGrange has taken a very different approach, providing free internet access to the home via a digital cable set-top box. Using theoretical constructs from Bourdieu, we analysed how the target populations and service providers reacted to the two initiatives, how these reactions served to reproduce the digital divide, and the lessons for future digital divide initiatives. In our findings and analysis, we see a reinforcement of the status quo. When people embrace these initiatives, they are full of enthusiasm, and there is no question that some learning occurs and that the programmes are beneficial. However, there is no mechanism for people to go to the next step, whether that is technical certification, going to college, buying a personal computer or escaping the poverty that put them on the losing end of the divide in the first place. This leads us to conclude that the Atlanta and LaGrange programmes could be classified as successes in the sense that they provided access and basic computer literacy to people lacking these resources. However, both programmes were, at least initially, conceived rather narrowly and represent short-term, technology-centric fixes to a problem that is deeply rooted in long-standing and systemic patterns of spatial, political and economic disadvantage. A persistent divide exists even when cities are giving away theoretically ‘free’ goods and services. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The time domain critical plane‐based Carpinteri et al. criterion and the Theory of the Critical Distance are here combined together to propose a novel procedure for vibration fatigue analysis of circumferentially notched specimens subjected to coupled multiaxial random vibration environments. A novel metallic testing equipment is specially devised for notched specimens; meanwhile, a biaxial random vibration environment fatigue test is specially implemented on notched specimens in order to investigate how both coherence and phase shift between the auto‐spectral density functions in different directions influence the specimen fatigue life. The location of the verification point where to perform the fatigue damage estimation is determined by applying both the point method and the Carpinteri et al. criterion (for damage evaluation). The obtained results prove that the proposed procedure can provide satisfactory fatigue life estimations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Habermas critical theory stands or falls on the unity of procedural reason. When Stephen Toulmin raised the problem of reason being differentiated by functions and purposes within each field of argumentation, whether law, medicine, science, or politics, Habermas' response was both weak. and vague. This paper proposes how Habermas may concede Toulmin's point, and yet demonstrate that it does not ultimately challenge the unity of procedural reason that grounds his critical theory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper gives a systematic introduction to the major themes of Jürgen Habermas' formulation of critical social theory. A discussion of his views on knowledge, cognitive interests, and scientific method is followed by an account of his social theory and his attempt to combine Marxism with mainstream sociology. In criticism it is argued that Habermas has not yet solved all the problems of a ‘realist’ approach to sociology and that his synthesis is incomplete. It is argued that sociology can progress through a critical dialogue with Habermas' work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examine whether the presence of female board members has any impact on the cost of debt among Australian listed companies. We find that female presence on the board is negatively associated with the cost of debt. Most importantly, our findings support the argument of critical mass theory that a certain threshold of gender balance is required for enhancing board effectiveness. Our results are valid irrespective of alternate model specifications and endogeneity issues. Overall, the results provide support to the ASX Corporate Governance Principles and Recommendation for the appointment of female directors on corporate boards. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notches, local stress raisers within structural components, are one of the most important locations for fatigue crack initiation. It is well known that fatigue is governed by the effective stresses in the vicinity of notches. Within this study, differences in prediction accuracy between different types of theory of critical distance methods, that is, point and line methods, are systematically investigated in conjunction with a sensitivity study regarding mesh refinement, assumed strength hypothesis and material behaviour. For this purpose, a finite element analysis parameter study on notched structures is performed and recommendations for the application of stress gradient methods are presented. Difference in effective stress of up to 30%, and hence a significant difference in fatigue life (e.g., 185% for a slope of S‐N curve of k = 4), is found for typical notch shapes, for example, in welded joints. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Notch features including holes, fillets, shoulders, and grooves commonly exist in engineering components. When subjected to external loads, these geometrical discontinuities generally act as stress raisers and thus present significant influences on the component strength and life, which are more remarkable under complex loading paths. Accordingly, numerous theories and approaches have been developed to address notch effects in metal fatigue as well as damage modelling and life predictions, which aim to provide theoretical support for structural optimal design and integrity evaluation. However, most of them are self‐styled or focus on specific objects, which limits their engineering applicability. This review recalls recent developments and achievements in notch fatigue modelling and analysis of metals. In particular, four commonly used methods for fatigue evaluation of metallic notched components/structures are summarized and elaborated, namely, nominal stress approaches, local stress‐strain approaches, and critical distance theories and weighting control parameters‐based approaches, which intend to provide a reference for further research on notch fatigue analysis and promote the integration and/or development among different approaches for practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the multiaxial behaviour of 316 stainless steel is studied under the lens of critical plane approach. A series of experiments were developed on dog bone–shaped hollow cylindrical specimens made of type 316 stainless steel. Five different loading conditions were assessed with (a) only tensile axial stress, (b) only hoop stress, (c) combination of axial and hoop stresses with square shape, (d) combination of tensile axial and hoop stresses with L shape, and (e) combination of compressive axial and hoop stresses with L shape. The fatigue analysis is performed with four different critical plane theories, namely, Wang‐Brown, Fatemi‐Socie, Liu I, and Liu II. The efficiency of all four theories is studied in terms of the accuracy of their life predictions and crack failure plane angle. The best fatigue life predictions were obtained with Liu II model, and the best predictions of the failure plane were obtained with Liu I model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the seeming ubiquity of young people's Internet use, there are still many for whom access to the Internet and online social networking remains inequitable and patterned by disadvantage. The connection between information technology and young people with disabilities is particularly under-researched. This article contributes to the field of critical information systems research by exposing significant barriers and facilitators to Internet accessibility for young people with disabilities. It uses Bourdieu's critical theory to explore how the unequal distribution of resources shapes processes of digital inclusion for young people with disabilities. It highlights access needs and experiences that are both disability and non-disability related. The article draws on interviews in South Australia with 18 young people aged 10-18 years with a physical disability (such as cerebral palsy) or acquired brain injury and with 17 of their family members. Interviews evaluated participants' and parents' reflections on the benefits of a home-based, goal-oriented intervention to increase the young person's Internet use for social participation purposes. The Bourdieuian analysis demonstrated how varying levels of accrued individual and family offline capital resources are related to digital/online resources and disability-specific online resources. This revealed how unequal resources of capital can influence technology use and hence digital inclusion for young people with disabilities. Our study demonstrates that young people with particular types of disabilities require intensive, personalised and long-term support from within and beyond the family to 'get online'. We conclude that Internet studies need to more frequently adopt critical approaches to investigate the needs of users and barriers to information technology use within sub-groups, such as young people with disabilities. © 2016 John Wiley & Sons Ltd [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Reading Research Quarterly is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

In this article, the author proposes ten principles through which she examines the essentials of teaching reading comprehension. Topics explored include the nature of reading comprehension and the roles of good readers and influential teachers. Related issues include motivation, comprehension strategies, explicit instruction, and vocabulary. Finally, multiple representations of thinking, assessment, and comprehending at deeper levels are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents the author's insights regarding the degree of reality and determining power of positive properties (PPs) and negative properties (NPs). He argues that PPs have higher determining power than NPs due to thier higher degree of reality. He also discusses the supremacy of PPs in terms of power and disjunctive haecceitical (DH) property over NPs.

Following a discussion of some historical roots of conscience, we offer a systematized version of reflective equilibrium. Aiming at a comprehensive methodology for bioethical deliberation, we develop an expanded variant of reflective equilibrium, which we call 'triangular reflective equilibrium' and which incorporates insights from hermeneutics, critical theory and narrative ethics. We focus on a few distinctions, mainly between methods of justification in ethics and the social practice of bioethical deliberation, between coherence in ethical reasoning, personal integrity and consensus formation, and between political and moral deliberation. The ideal of deliberation is explicated as a sharing of conscience within a special commitment to sincerity and openness to persuasion. Personal growth in wisdom is an indirect by-product of the continuous practice of moral deliberation. This is explicated in the light of Sternberg's balance theory of wisdom and in the context of medicine as a profession embodying altruistic responsibilities of care in democratic and pluralistic societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

What does it mean to create? Who or what could be said to create? God? Artists? Evolution? Markets? The Dialectic? Do things “just happen” and if so is that a kind of creativity? Taking storytelling as its point of reference, this essay considers the notion of creativity as it applies both to the productions of the human imagination, especially stories, and to the self-making of the material universe. I define creativity broadly as the bringing forth of new material, linguistic, or conceptual formations or the transformation of existing ones and as calling, not for a “cultural poetics,” but for a more broadly conceived poetics of making ( in its most inclusive sense), encompassing both the natural and cultural realms as conventionally designated, a poetics capable of articulating the stories human beings tell with cosmogonies detailing the coming-to-being of the physical universe. Extending the purview of creativity beyond the human realm to include the processes shaping the material universe allows us to envision creativity itself in terms of a generative multiplicity that resists articulation in binary oppositional terms and that demands therefore to be thought as ontologically prior to any possible differentiation between the domains of nature and culture, or between reality and its cultural–linguistic representations, challenging us to reimagine not only the relationship between nature and culture but also the problematic of representation that continues to inform much work in the humanities and social sciences. Such a reimagining might proceed precisely from an enlarged understanding of creativity—and in particular of storytelling—and I consider some of the epistemic and writerly implications of this claim for anthropology as a discipline concerned preeminently with exploring and documenting the varieties of human being-in-the-world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because of the explosion of mass media, we have entered a new age of white noise; because of the disastrous extension of U.S. imperial ambitions, we have entered a new age of political deception; when these two historical factors are combined with the peculiar communicative habits of President George W. Bush, Americans are left with what we call a post-rhetorical presidency. This is an anti-democratic condition wherein presidential discourse is not meant to mobilize, educate, and uplift the masses; rather, by marshaling ubiquitous public chatter, waves of disinformation, and cascades of confusion-causing misdirection, post-rhetorical presidential discourse attempts to confuse public opinion, prevent citizen action, and frustrate citizen deliberation. Under these new conditions, the president defines fantasy, not reality; he numbs citizens rather than energizing them; instead of informing and teaching, he chooses to dumb down and stupefy. We pursue this thesis by offering four philosophical theses and three rhetorical case studies of the president's public speaking, thus combining critical theory and rhetorical criticism to help map what may represent the death of democracy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Attempts to link the rational choice theory and the critical theory to provide a better understanding of political science. Failure of both schools of thought to account for the social aspects of strategic interaction; Provisional reconstruction of the competence behind focal point reasoning; Elements at work in the operation of the salience generating mechanism.

Articles published in Rural Sociology during the period 1966-1974 were read in order to establish their relevance for social policy concerns. Two criteria were used in making such judgments: first, the author(s)' explicitness in stating the application of his/her findings for such a content; second, the importance of the subject that was studied. It was found that rural sociologists, as indexed by the journal's contents, have little to offer in the way of policy recommendations. The reviewed materials failed miserably regardless of what criterion was used. Some reasons for the failure are suggested. James Coleman's views of policy research are contrasted to those of critical theory. Implications of the two perspectives for the discipline of rural sociology are offered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a critical theory of self-formation for family life and teacher educators who are concerned about supporting their families in their everyday challenges. Family life education is a profession that endeavors to support families in their everyday challenges. Due to family life educators' current emphasis on respecting diverse realities, many social services professionals are beginning to question indiscriminate use of instrumental/technical approaches. The professional preparation of family life educators must move away from an indiscriminate reliance on instrumental/technical paradigms. Critical social science assumes that contemporary societies are oppressive in that they systematically encourage the development of certain societal groups at the expense of others. It is based on the belief that individuals do not need an expert to tell them what to do; they are capable of becoming enlightened about hidden influences in their own personal and social situations.