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In the era of Industry 4.0, the demand fluctuation has become fiercer due to the characteristics of diversification, customisation, and uncertainty. Reconfigurability of manufacturing systems has been proven to be a useful and necessary feature when it comes to handling demand uncertainty. This feature can be achieved through the implementation of reconfigurable manufacturing system (RMS) and delayed reconfigurable manufacturing system (D-RMS). D-RMS is a subclass of RMS that focuses primarily on improving the convertibility of the manufacturing system. The two main phases involved in implementing D-RMS are part family formation and configuration design. Therefore, we proposed a multi-objective joint optimisation method of part family formation and configuration design according to the philosophy of D-RMS. Firstly, we develop a multi-objective joint optimisation model that takes into account investment cost, reconfiguration cost, similarity coefficient, and delayed reconfiguration to optimise the part family and configuration of D-RMS simultaneously. Three types of machine tools namely dedicated machine tools, flexible machine tools, and reconfigurable machine tools are considered in the optimisation model. Secondly, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-III (NSGA-III) is adopted to solve the proposed multi-objective integer programming problem. Finally, numerical experiments are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed multi-objective joint optimisation method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is widely believed that AGI has the potential to be a wonderful tool that humans can use to meet our needs, solve our problems, and improve our lives. Against this view, we argue that any entity with truly general, human-level intelligence would have the capacity to lead its own life, with its own purposes and integrated hierarchy of goals. And thus any true AGI could not be merely a tool, even if it turned out to be extremely helpful for human beings. If we are correct, there is a dilemma at the heart of the ambition to build AGI as a valuable tool. On the one hand, any mere tool that we might build would lack capacities essential to the kind of general intelligence exhibited by human beings; it would not be genuine AGI. On the other hand, were we to create genuine AGI, then what we would have created would not be a mere tool, but something more. In this paper, we make the case for this dilemma. In so doing, we illuminate the connections between a set of core ideas: intelligence, agency, tools, and life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For more than a century, observations of cloudbursts have contributed to understanding physical processes producing "the sudden heavy fall of rain" – the American Meteorological Society definition of a cloudburst. Keen observers of cloudbursts include pioneers in the hydrological sciences, notably Robert Horton, G.K. Gilbert, Luna Leopold and John Hack. Horton transformed early 20th century understanding of cloudbursts into a conceptual model of thunderstorms that provided the foundation for his conclusion that "there is a natural limitation to rain intensity for any duration." The notion of bounds on rainfall and flood peaks has been ingrained in the philosophy of engineering design for high-hazard dams. The evolution of ideas linking cloudburst rainfall to the properties of short-duration rainfall extremes is examined in this paper through the lens of Robert Horton's cloudburst research, which provides useful insights to 21st century problems tied to cloudbursts and extreme, short-duration rainfall. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractAgency is action aimed at goals selected by an agent. A deterministic world view leaves scant room for agency. To reconcile the arguments, we represent action as nested control systems, ranging from clearly deterministic to clearly volitional. Negative feedback minimizes deviations from setpoints (goals). Goals are determined by higher modules in a hierarchy of systems, ranging from gamma-efferent spindles through reflexes to operant responses; these last, and the larger system that contains them, called the Self, comprise volitional agents. When operants become habitual they descend to closed teleonomic systems—automaticity. Change in emotional states, and unpredicted changes in the context–raise them back to full volitional systems. At the highest level is the Self—the brain’s model of the agent. When aroused out of open teleonomic functioning, it must reconsider means and ends. It does so by simulating action plans, using the same neural systems it uses to effect them. The simulated stimuli and responses are conscious, approximating their perceptions as experienced in real time; this verisimilitude gives them their hedonic value. Positive feedback plays a key role in these complex adaptive systems, as it focuses and holds attention on the most salient percepts and goals, permitting the self-organization of action plans. The Self is not a separate entity, but a colloquy of command modules wearing the avatar of the agent. This system is put into correspondence with Grossberg’s Adaptive Resonance Theory. Free will and determinism emerge not as binary opposites, but the modulating inputs to a spectrum of systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Augustine's philosophy of memory, the mind, and human flourishing. Topics include Augustine's view of the mind's essential faculties—memory, intellect, and will—how memory plays a crucial role in mental acts, and the connection between memory and human teleology, specifically the pursuit of union with God.

I outline four temporalities that appear in highly regarded explanatory historical social science. Given William Sewell's centrality to the literature, I do so through a critique of his proposition that there are "three temporalities"—experimental time, teleology, and eventfulness—and that only the last of them is valid. I concede that his rejection of "experimental" time is justified. But I argue that the category of "teleology," which Sewell rejects, encompasses two forms of transitional change—"tendencies" and "thresholds"—that are coherent and defensible. I further argue that his preferred category of "eventfulness" really refers to two distinct temporalities—"coincidences" and "contrivances"—rather than just one. I illustrate tendencies, thresholds, coincidences, and contrivances in the works of John Veugelers, Ivan Ermakoff, Marshall Sahlins, and, of course, Sewell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study of teleology is challenging in many ways, but there is a particular challenge that makes matters worse, distorting the conceptual space that has set the terms of debate. And that is the tendency to think about teleology in terms of certain long‐established dichotomies. In this paper, we examine four such dichotomies prevalent in the literature on teleology, the notions that: 1) Teleological explanations are opposed to mechanistic explanations; 2) teleology must arise from processes operating either internal to an organism or external to it; 3) systems are either alive and teleological, or nonliving and not teleological; 4) humans are teleological, on account of our ability to intend, seek, prefer, etc., while other systems without these capacities are not. Here, we use our own view of goal directedness, field theory, to show for each dichotomy that there is an alternative, a view of teleology that either violates these dichotomies or demands revision of them. What this reveals is not only the dangers of dichotomous thinking, but a widespread lack of clarity about what teleology is. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a tension at the heart of Aristotle's understanding of organic activities, created by his appeals to the productive activities of craftsmen and his use of normative language to characterize the goals of such activities. In this paper I discuss two ways of interpreting Aristotle's teleology aimed at resolving this tension, and discuss a closely analogous tension at the heart of a number of contemporary defenses of teleological reasoning in biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Richard Dawkins has suggested that the explananda of Darwinian explanations are the existence and character of entities that actively work at making a living. This paper discusses three issues related to this suggestion. First, it offers an account of what it is to actively work at making a living in terms of counterfactuals. Second, the paper articulates why it is that the existence and character of entities that actively work at making a living might require a different kind of explanation than those on offer in the sciences of physics and chemistry. Finally, it discusses why it is that it seems appropriate to use teleological locutions in the description of the behavior, structure, and metabolism of entities that actively work at making a living. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper critically revises the organisational account of teleology, which argues that living systems are first and foremost oriented towards a goal: maintaining their own conditions of existence. It points out some limitations of this account, mainly in the capability to account for the richness and complexity of biological systems and their purposeful behaviours. It identifies the reason of these limitations in the theoretical grounding of this account, specifically in the too narrow notion of closure of constraints, focused on self‐production. It proposes to ground an organisational account of biological teleology in the capability of living system not just to produce and replace their parts, but to control their own internal dynamics and behaviours in such a way as to maintain themselves. This theoretical framework has two advantages. It better captures the distinctive features of biological organisations and consequently the richness and active nature of their purposeful behaviours. By doing so, it makes it possible to apply this framework beyond minimal theoretical models to real biological cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the influence of Beethoven and Salieri on Schubert's music education and artistic growth, highlighting the Italian influence in his work. It also explores Schubert's completion of fourteen four-movement works in genres associated with Beethoven. Anne Hyland's book on Schubert's string quartets delves into the composer's lyric teleology, examining his use of form and techniques associated with song in instrumental genres. The article provides a comprehensive review of Schubert's life and works, dispelling persistent myths and emphasizing his significant contributions to music despite his short life. [Extracted from the article]

Integrated care facilitates better outcomes for patients and their family, health workforce and health and social care systems. Accordingly, integrated care is a global and inherent area of work for health professionals. Despite this, formal learning programmes for workforce development in integrated care are still rare. In this paper, I have shared lessons about developing an innovative and sustainable integrated care learning programme for teachers, practitioners and learners in integrated care discipline. These lessons are drawn from my experience of leading an integrated care specialisation programme (that sits at Australian Qualification Framework Level 9) at a public university in Australia. An integrated care learning programme should be designed with appropriate philosophies (e.g., social constructivism and connected learning) and relevant multidisciplinary content that addresses deficiencies in practices of integrated care. Moreover, the programme should aim for sustainability, through financial feasibility and continuity with offering of creative and effective solutions in integrated care. Similarly, the programme should have a suit of curriculum development and teaching initiatives to promote genuine and collaborative learning. Throughout this learning journey, it would be critical for teachers to engage in 'walking‐the‐talk', that is, genuinely collaborate with patients, practitioners and students, for successful delivery of an innovative and sustainable learning programme. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the failure of a certain type of gearbox of a high-speed locomotive group with cracks is examined, and a gearbox failure assessment method that considers the coupled vibration is established and combined with mechanical signal and frequency signal to determine the basis for judging the failure of a faulty gearbox. First, according to the mechanical model of the finite element calculation, we determined the stress weak links and then the layout response stress measurement points and acceleration measurement points. We then calculated the gearbox ratio, meshing frequency, vibration frequency, mechanical response, modal response, and other frequency characteristics using the Hilbert–Huang transform (HHT) method and the fast Fourier transform (FFT) algorithm to analyze the vibration signals generated by different speeds and wheel out-of-roundness conditions. These were used to calculate the frequency of the different vibration sources of the mechanical response on the weak areas. The frequency correlations of the different vibration sources on the mechanical response in the weak areas were then analyzed, and the vibration transmission law of the gearbox case was obtained. The fault determination criterion was then determined, and the final cause of the fault was obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The significance of Elinor and Marianne Dashwood's bond in Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility has been well acknowledged by critics. In the midst of lackluster suitors, malicious relations, and brazen gossips, Elinor and Marianne's relationship seems the only one that really matters in the end. Yet despite the centrality of Elinor and Marianne's intimacy, the novel concludes with their respective marriages to Edward Ferrars and Colonel Brandon. Turning our attention toward the phenomenology of hands and touch in Sense and Sensibility, however, changes the way we approach narrative by undermining the teleology of the marriage plot. In contrast to the hollow acts and mediating objects of affection offered by potential suitors, Willoughby and Edward Ferrars, Elinor and Marianne's handholding constitutes deeply affective and unmediated moments of physical contact that attest to the primacy of touch underlying the most passionate attachments. In this light, the concluding marriages do not recant the rest of the novel but rather serve a strategic choice motivated by what these marriages make possible. Far from enforcing heterosexual closure, Elinor and Marianne's marriages fulfill a different agenda: preserving the sisters' lasting haptic contact with one another. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A philosophy for the design of novel, lightweight, multi-layered armor, referred to as Composite Armor Philosophy (CAP), which can adapt to the passive protection of light-, medium-, and heavy-armored vehicles, is presented in this study. CAP can serve as a guiding principle to assist designers in comprehending the distinct roles fulfilled by each component. The CAP proposal comprises four functional layers, organized in a suggested hierarchy of materials. Particularly notable is the inclusion of a ceramiccomposite principle, representing an advanced and innovative solution in the field of armor design. This paper showcases real-world defense industry applications, offering case studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of this advanced approach. CAP represents a significant milestone in the history of passive protection, marking an evolutionary leap in the field. This philosophical approach provides designers with a powerful toolset with which to enhance the protection capabilities of military vehicles, making them more resilient and better equipped to meet the challenges of modern warfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to many philosophers, “the meaning of life” refers to our cosmic purpose, the activity that we were created by God or a purposive universe to perform. If there is no God or teleology, there is no such thing as the meaning of life. But this need not be the last word on the matter. In this paper, I ask what the benefits provided by a cosmic purpose are, and go on to argue that thinking of our lives in a particular way—in terms of a unified life narrative—can supply us with many of those benefits. We might lose little if there is no such thing as the meaning of life, since there is still something that can provide much of what is valuable about it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The dilution-replicate experimental design for qPCR assays is especially efficient. It is based on multiple linear regression of multiple 3-point standard curves that are derived from the experimental samples themselves and thus obviates the need for a separate standard curve produced by serial dilution of a standard. The method minimizes the total number of reactions and guarantees that Cq values are within the linear dynamic range of the dilution-replicate standard curves. However, the lack of specialized software has so far precluded the widespread use of the dilution-replicate approach. Results: Here we present repDilPCR, the first tool that utilizes the dilution-replicate method and extends it by adding the possibility to use multiple reference genes. repDilPCR offers extensive statistical and graphical functions that can also be used with preprocessed data (relative expression values) obtained by usual assay designs and evaluation methods. repDilPCR has been designed with the philosophy to automate and speed up data analysis (typically less than a minute from Cq values to publication-ready plots), and features automatic selection and performance of appropriate statistical tests, at least in the case of one-factor experimental designs. Nevertheless, the program also allows users to export intermediate data and perform more sophisticated analyses with external statistical software, e.g. if two-way ANOVA is necessary. Conclusions: repDilPCR is a user-friendly tool that can contribute to more efficient planning of qPCR experiments and their robust analysis. A public web server is freely accessible at https://repdilpcr.eu without registration. The program can also be used as an R script or as a locally installed Shiny app, which can be downloaded from https://github.com/deyanyosifov/repDilPCR where also the source code is available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article is concerned with a puzzle that arises from three initially plausible assumptions that form an inconsistent triad: (i) Epistemic reasons are normative reasons (normativism); (ii) reasons are normative only if conformity with them is good (the reasons/value‐link); (iii) conformity with epistemic reasons need not be good (the nihilist assumption). I start by defending the reasons/value‐link, arguing that normativists need to reject the nihilist assumption. I then argue that the most familiar view that denies the nihilist assumption—epistemic teleology—is untenable. Finally, I consider two alternative ways of accounting for the goodness of conformity with epistemic reasons: it may be good because it accords with the virtue of reasons‐responsiveness, and it may be good because it is good to conform with normative reasons as such. I argue that both of these conceptions avoid the problems of epistemic teleology and merit serious consideration as potential solutions to the puzzle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One might expect skateboarders to be jubilant that the Olympics recognized theirs as an Olympic sport, but their response is ambivalent. Alexis Sablone, a women's street competition participant, does not consider skateboarding 'a sport'. What is it if not a sport? This article argues that it is a fugitive, non‐teleological, open‐source practice for creating new 'existential territories' – new forms of personhood, public space and social relationships. Skateboarders' resistance to centralization and their emphasis on DIY creativity suggests skateboarding involves challenging culturally specific and local norms. It rests on creative remakings of derelict and unevenly developed urban spaces and the construction of new forms of identity and social purpose. The argument is based on fieldwork with the Osaka Daggers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Considering the distinct effects of the Wanghong group in retaining online consumers, more and more live streamers tend to accept the Wanghong economy and aim to become Wanghong live streamers. Although existing scholars have investigated the relationship between live streamers and online consumers, limited studies have discussed how Wanghong live streamers affect online consumers' watching interest and lead to their final purchasing behaviors. To explore their purchasing decision-making process, this paper draws on the Attention-Interest-Desire-Action (AIDA) model and divides the process into Attention, Interest, Desire, and Action units. Through the data analysis based on the partial least squares path modeling and variance-based structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), both attractive appearance and social interaction designed by Wanghongs positively affect online consumers' watching interest, generate their purchasing desires, and cause their final purchasing behaviors. The research results are helpful for related scholars and network industries to understand the interactive mechanism between online consumers and Wanghongs. Exploring the distinct effect of this group will be beneficial in driving the development of the Wanghong economy and improving the environment of live streaming economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The article is dedicated to the comparative analysis of the phenomenon of secularism in the works of the Russian philosopher and theologian Fr. Sergius Bulgakov and the English theologian John Milbank. The specifics of the concept of “secularism”, its relation to the tradition of russian religious philosophy are revealed. The multidimensional nature of this relationship is emphasized: Russian thought is described both as a reaction to modern secularism and as its direct continuation. Although at the moment researchers have not reached consensus on determining the nature of the connection between Russian religious philosophy and secularism, the very fact of this connection seems to be beyond doubt. Resorting to Milbank’s theory, the author reveals the internal contradictions of secular reason: on the one hand, it is assumed to be autonomous and having the possibilities of real political action, on the other hand, it is described as constructed and derived. It is noted that this contradiction is due to the genealogy of secularism, which roots lie in the nominalist theology focused on univocal concepts. This aspect plays a crucial role in the construction of the paradigm of “autonomy of political reason”, which determines the course of development of the modern era. Bulgakov’s thought confirms Milbank’s thesis: secularized sciences, such as sociology and economics, always have a hidden theological and metaphysical basis underlying the unity of their construction. Further analysis focuses on the criticism of economic theory carried out by Milbank and Bulgakov: it is revealed that Hegel, being involved in the genealogy of the “autonomy of political reason”, determined the course of development of such modern ideologies as liberalism and Marxism. Based on the results obtained, the author, referring to the theses of Bulgakov and Milbank, suggests the possibility of developing an alternative model of modernity based on analogical, teleological and sophiological approaches.

The paper discusses the self-regulation of law as one of its systemic inherent manifestations. Such problem statement enables the researcher to explain the mechanism that ensures the specific quality of objective law. Studying the self–regulation of law involves identifying what the inherent qualitative state of law dwells on – whether it is spontaneous or controlled from the outside. The purpose of the study is to view the methodological possibility of applying a synergetic model of self-regulation to law. This model describes spontaneous formation or change of structure in open, unstable and nonlinear systems. The Author associates the specifics of self-regulation of law with its teleological nature. The paper highlights the two aspects of teleological character of law: the purpose of its emergence and the purpose of its qualitative variety. On the one hand, law, emerging to serve a specific purpose, does not exist as an independent and self-sufficient entity, but as a specialized means of a particular purpose. On the other hand, law is a functioning system based on purpose and expediency. The quality of the system is always specific and adapts in order to achieve the set social goals. The paper proves that the teleological nature of law excludes self-regulation properties viewed synergetically, which implies the spontaneous activity of the system. The study shows that the processes taking place in law are characterized not by internal, spontaneous, but by external determination. The sequence and content of these processes is controlled from the outside by the purposeful activity of the law-creating subject and is subject to the general logic of the purpose of law. Considering law as a human-organized and controlled system; nevertheless, the Author proves that it has selfregulation properties. The self-regulation of law in the paper is viewed as one of the specific ways of preserving and reproducing its integral characteristics. According to the Author, the self-regulatory properties of law are reduced to its “self-adjustment”, which is not spontaneous, but deliberately set by a human to achieve appropriate goals. The mechanism of such “self-adjustment” is based on a set of adaptive legal means and specific connections that provide integrity, quality and functionality of law regardless of external conditions.

Research suggests that entrepreneurs persuade stakeholders to engage in risky projects in an uncertain future through visions, compelling narratives of the future. A unique challenge for entrepreneurs, however, is how entrepreneurs can construct a narrative that unites stakeholders with different perceptions of the degree of risk or uncertainty posed by the future. We address this question with a diegetic narrative model of stakeholder enrollment. Our primary argument is that, to reduce variation in how potential stakeholders view the future, a story must embed a vision of the future in a coherent and collectively held narrative of the past. We introduce rhetorical history as the primary construct through which this occurs. We demonstrate how successful visions employ historical tropes at the intradiegetic level to appeal to individual perceptions of risk or uncertainty and how those historical tropes are combined into meta-narratives or myths drawn from the collective memory of a community to create broad, extradiegetic appeal to broader categories of potential stakeholders with heterogeneous temporal orientations. Finally, we describe three categories of historical reasoning—teleology, presentism, and retro-futurism—that act as bridging mechanisms between past, present, and future that provides stakeholders with an enhance sense of agency in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the theory of mind proposed by the esteemed Islamic philosopher, Mulla Sadra, through a phenomenological lens. We specifically focus on how Mulla Sadra’s framework addresses the question of the individual human mind and its intricate relationship with the body. While Mulla Sadra presents concepts that resonate with some of Husserl’s ‘monadological-phenomenological’ reflections, we argue that strict adherence to phenomenological methodology precludes acceptance of the metaphysical implications he draws concerning the individual mind’s connection to the totality of existence, including a presumed divine reality. Nonetheless, our comparative analysis with Mulla Sadra’s thought illuminates key aspects of Husserlian monadology and highlights the limitations of a rigorously phenomenological approach to purely metaphysical inquiries.

Two distinct teleological perspectives emerge from the ancient Greek tradition. (1) Platonic teleology, which represents teleology as the result of intentional agency and is the origin of the idea of design; and (2) Aristotelian teleology, which introduces teleology as the result of natural and intrinsic causes. The preceding framework for understanding nature was superseded by the advent of the modern era and the establishment of the scientific method. Nevertheless, despite the prevailing skepticism regarding the possibility and utility of teleology in the modern era, it is asserted that several prominent scientists of the modern era are staunch defenders of teleology (design). However, with Darwin's proposal of the theory of evolution, the path to the destruction of teleology was initiated. This article examines the interconnection between Darwin's theory of evolution (then neo-Darwinism) and teleology, focusing on how this theory effectively undermines the teleological perspective. However, it seems that recent findings in the field of biology challenge this dominant view and open the way for the revival of teleology.

In this paper, we argue that the Jonasian turn undergone by the Varelian autopoietic theory, which was intended to include a teleological complement to autopoiesis, can be replaced by the phenomenology of biology in the German philosopher Helmuth Plessner, which, unlike the Jonasian one, does not include anthropocentric existential assumptions in the consideration of living beings. The argument unfolds in four steps: a) first, we will develop the fundamental elements of the classical version of the autopoietic theory, elaborated by Maturana and Varela in the ‘70s, which, among other things, is decidedly anti-teleological; b) then, we will show that years later, Varela turns towards teleology in the so-called Jonasian turn, including within the autopoietic theory elements of existential phenomenology; c) subsequently, we will develop some of the most relevant arguments of Plessnerian biological phenomenology, especially those arguments in relation to the concept of positionality and which serve for this complementarity between the autopoietic and Plessnerian positions; d) finally, we will conclude that the autopoietic theory, due to the accusations it receives for having turned towards an existentialist philosophy, can migrate towards the Plessnerian biological phenomenology, which does not suffer from the anthropocentric problems attributed to the Jonasian phenomenology.

Aristotle’s Meteorology 4.12 is puzzling, in part because the chapter appears to extend teleological explanation to include certain inorganic materials without natural biological functions, such as metals and stone. This paper examines two attempts to explain why such materials can have functions, and shows that they are problematic. As an alternative, I argue that raw inorganic materials—as well as separated parts of organisms—can have extrinsic functions. Extrinsic functions can explain why natural inorganic materials can be sorted into natural kinds, even if their functions are ultimately related to their uses in the productive arts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper shows that Spinoza went through a drastic change in his view on divine teleology, and that this change is worth paying attention to. In the Short Treatise (KV), Spinoza endorsed a version of divine teleology. As is widely recognized, however, he explicitly rejects divine teleology in the Ethics. I argue that this marks a significant change in his view. To illustrate the significance, I argue that Spinoza consistently maintains the following two premises in both the KV and the Ethics: (1) human beings act on account of some end; (2) human actions are actions of God. While the endorsement of divine teleology is consistent with these two, the rejection of divine teleology results in a trilemma. The trilemma, to be sure, can be resolved by introducing referential opacity to divine action contexts. I argue, however, that it is worth asking why Spinoza revised his view in this way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two distinct teleological perspectives emerge from the ancient Greek tradition. 1) Platonic teleology, which represents teleology as the result of intentional agency and is the origin of the idea of design; and 2) Aristotelian teleology, which introduces teleology as the result of natural and intrinsic causes. The preceding framework for understanding nature was superseded by the advent of the modern era and the establishment of the scientific method. Nevertheless, despite the prevailing skepticism regarding the possibility and utility of teleology in the modern era, it is asserted that several prominent scientists of the modern era are staunch defenders of teleology (design). However, with Darwin's proposal of the theory of evolution, the path to the destruction of teleology was initiated. This article examines the interconnection between Darwin's theory of evolution (then Neo-Darwinism) and teleology, focusing on how this theory effectively undermines the teleological perspective. However, it seems that recent findings in the field of biology challenge this dominant view and open the way for the revival of teleology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the theory of mind proposed by the esteemed Islamic philosopher, Mulla Sadra Shirazi, through a phenomenological lens. We specifically focus on how Mulla Sadra's framework addresses the question of the individual human mind and its intricate relationship with the body. While Mulla Sadra presents concepts that resonate with some of Husserl's 'monadological-phenomenological' reflections, we argue that strict adherence to phenomenological methodology precludes acceptance of the metaphysical implications he draws concerning the individual mind's connection to the totality of existence, including a presumed divine reality. Nonetheless, our comparative analysis with Mulla Sadra's thought illuminates key aspects of Husserlian monadology and highlights the limitations of a rigorously phenomenological approach to purely metaphysical inquiries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction Peripheral hypereosinophilia (HE) is defined as a peripheral eosinophil blood count above 1.5 G/L. The condition can be caused by numerous factors, including allergic diseases, malignancies, vasculitis, and parasitic infestations. The final cause of HE may be difficult to find. Objectives The aim of our study was to determine the factors associated with specific causes of peripheral HE. Materials and method The group consisting of 39 patients with peripheral blood eosinophils over 1.5 G/L referred to the Allergology Department in the years 2018- 2022 was included in the study. Data, including anthropometric measurements, diagnostic test results, comorbidities, and final diagnoses, were drafted from the patients’ medical documentation and analysed. The statistical analysis was conducted using binary logistic regression, which was performed using Statistica 13 software. Results The prevalent medical conditions observed in the patients were asthma, chronic sinusitis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-exacerbated respiratory disease (NERD), and arterial hypertension along with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with respective prevalence rates of 82%, 62%, 49%, and 31% for the last two diseases. Eosinophil counts ranged from 1.53 G/L up to 12.24 G/L. The study determined a negative correlation between drug allergy and the levels of haemoglobin count (p = 0.00564) as well as haematocrit (p = 0.01285). Additionally, a positive correlation between monocyte count and eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA) as final diagnosis was recognised (p = 0.00365). Conclusions Investigating potential factors associated with the diagnosis of a particular aetiology of HE may accelerate the diagnostic process, reduce costs, and enhance patient satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through our three-way collaboration we sought to understand Gaia and its political implications from the bottom-up and from within. Here we introduce that view of Gaia and how the dialogue between a philosopher (Bruno), a scientist (Tim), and a historian and philosopher of science (Séb) turned into a research programme. This sets in context a previously unpublished piece by Latour: 'There is nothing simple in a feedback loop – or why goal function is not the problem of Gaia'. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on Samantha Matherne's systematic reading of Ernst Cassirer's philosophy, particularly his concept of symbolic forms. Topics include Cassirer's commitment to the transcendental method and its evolution in his mature philosophy of culture, his pluralistic view of symbolic forms with the irreducibility versus teleology tension, and the methodological issues surrounding the role of history and philosophy within his system of symbolic forms.

Near-field (NF) integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) has the potential to revolutionize future wireless networks. It enables simultaneous communication and sensing operations on the same radio frequency (RF) resources using a shared hardware platform, maximizing resource utilization. NF-ISAC systems can improve communication and sensing performance compared to traditional far-field (FF) ISAC systems by exploiting the unique propagation characteristics of NF spherical waves with an additional distance dimension. Despite its potential, NF-ISAC research is still in its early stages, and a comprehensive survey of the technology is lacking. This paper systematically explores NF-ISAC technology, providing an in-depth analysis of both NF and FF systems, their applicability in various scenarios, and different channel models. It highlights the advantages and philosophies of ISAC, examining both narrow-band and wide-band NF-ISAC systems. Case studies and simulations offer deeper insights into NF-ISAC design philosophies. Additionally, the paper reviews the existing NF-ISAC literature, methodologies, potentials, and conclusions, and discusses future research areas, challenges, and applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Is artificial intelligence (AD virtuous? Can AI become as virtuous as hunmns? This article is intended to explore these questions with a focus on artificial moral advisor (AMA). AMA is a proposal for thefuture application of AI to human moral life. Hence, this article will be dedicated to the theoretical anal ysis of the issues surrounding AMA. Socratic AMA will be the spec#ic object Of study. To this end, this article will examine whether or not the Socratic AMA con enhance hummi virtuous lije through exploration of Thomas Aquinas's theology of virtue. It will argue thnt the Socratic AMA is not as virtuous as humans insofar ns it lacks both the subject ami ultimate end of virtue anti is diaracterized as measurable. Nevertheless, the Socratic AMA can be considered to be embedded with delegated virtues and is expected to assist humans in their cultivation of virtue in certain contexts by reason of both its capacity to gather voluminous informntion and its tremendous processing power. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyses the concept of "divine property" in the context of the works of Yeda'yah ha -Penini, a Jewish Aristotelian and Averroist philosopher living at the turn of the fourteenth century in southern France. Specific property in Aristotelian philosophical terminology refers to property shared by one species. In medical and mystical literature, it means a specific property of an unusual nature that is difficult to perceive by the senses. I demonstrate that three original concepts of specific properties can be found in Yeda'yah's conception: (1) a specific property that accounts for individual differences between individuals, (2) a specific intellectual property that is shared by a small group of intellectually gifted ones, and finally (3) a specific divine property that is a power which God places into things. I point out that he connects it to a teleological structure which helps to understand the emergence of new life out of inanimate matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article aims to challenge the prevailing dichotomous approaches to goal-directedness across diverse scientific disciplines. To that effect, it focuses on establishing the interconnectedness of diverse notions of purposiveness by examining the relationship between variational principles in physics and life sciences. Thus, the article aims to uncover a unifying aspect of goal-directedness that transcends the varying levels of complexity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Marx's posthumously published manuscripts from 1857–1863, we find a systematic exposition of his concept of subsumption. Though much has been written about it, significant interpretative gaps persist. In this article, I begin filling these gaps by examining the emergence of Marx's concept of subsumption. I will argue that in the Grundrisse Marx brings together distinct but complementary elements from Hegel's theories of judgment and teleology to coin two new and well delineated concepts of subsumption that prefigure his later concepts of formal and real subsumption. These two concepts may be defined as: (a) the process of acquiring the social relational property of being a means to an end; (b) the process by which changes in non-relational properties occur in something due to this acquisition – and occur to better suit said end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to the standard formulation, natural selection requires variation, differential fitness, and heritability. I argue that this formulation is inadequate because it fails to distinguish natural selection from artificial selection, intelligent design, forward-looking orthogenetic selection, and adaptation via the selection of nonrandom variation. I suggest adding a no teleology condition. The no teleology condition says that the evolutionary process is not guided toward an endpoint represented in the mind of an agent, variation is produced randomly with respect to adaptation, and selection pressures are not forward looking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To naturalize the concept of teleological causality in biology it is not enough to avoid assuming backward causation or positing the existence of an inscrutable teleological essence like the élan vital. We must also specify how the causality of organisms is distinct from the causality of designed artifacts like thermostats or asymmetrically oriented processes like the ubiquitous increase of entropy. Historically, the concept of teleological causality in biology has been based on an analogy to the familiar experience of purposeful action. This is experienced by us as a disposition to achieve a general type of end that is represented in advance, and which regulates the selection of efficient means to achieve it. Inspired by this analogy, to bridge the gap between biology and human agency we describe a simple molecular process called autogenesis that shows how two linked complementary self-organizing processes can give rise to higher-order relations that resemble purposeful dispositions, though expressed in terms of constraints on molecular processes. Because the autogenic model is described in sufficient detail to be empirically realizable, it provides a proof of principle demonstrating a simple form of teleological causality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper is to compare the theory of Gestalt qualities, introduced by the Austrian philosopher Christian von Ehrenfels (1859–1932), with the concept of Umwelt, proposed by Jakob von Uexküll (1864–1944). The primary basis for the comparison will be the phenomenology of Maurice Merleau-Ponty (1908–1961), who extensively discusses the two concepts in his work. In the Uexküll–Ehrenfelsian context, we focus on analysing the similarities and differences of their argumentation and model approaches to understanding the living and non-living natural entities, their mutual communication, development, and ontological grounding. We also consider the role of individual experience with the environment: in that context, the metaphysical frameworks within which the two thinkers operate in their efforts to explain natural phenomena are central to our comparative reflections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper I raise three questions regarding the status and function of Absolute Knowing in Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit. First, can Hegel's Absolute Knowing be understood as an epiphany? Secondly, how does epiphany make sense of the teleological elements that activate and mobilise the movement towards Absolute Knowing? And thirdly, how does such an interpretation shift the focus from a closed reading of Hegel's text – that views Absolute Knowing as consummately realised – to an open reading that keeps the Absolute within its purview, but also seeks to foreground its aporias? I pursue these questions through an examination of the key constituents of knowledge: the subject of knowledge, its object, and the process through which knowledge is attained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aquinas's Fifth Way argues for God's existence from the perception of goal-directed activity in nature. Its details are difficult to understand. This study interprets the premises and offers background reasoning for them, which Aquinas develops elsewhere in his writings. A major focus is clarifying the scope of finality the Fifth Way invokes. The argument leaves unspecified the kinds of purposive activity in nature Aquinas has in mind. Thus, the discussion first treats types of purposive activity in nature Aquinas recognizes. It then looks at the two reasons the argument gives for final causes in nature. Things tend to act in regular ways and tend toward what is 'best'. Attention then turns to the key premise that goal-directed activity in nonrational beings requires direction by something with intelligence. A final section of the article explores why Aquinas seems to look to a single source of finality in nature and why, in the conclusion, he claims that we call this God. Thus, Aquinas's larger views on finality in nature shed light on his intents in the Fifth Way. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Happiness and Benevolence Robert Spaemann asks himself where happiness belongs in relation to the person. To the inside or the outside? This takes the German philosopher into deeper research on apparently antagonizing concepts. It is certain that one of the goals of his philosophical approach has been that of overcoming dualism. The quest for indicating where happiness is located moves Spaemann to criticize the antiteleologism as part of the paradigm in modernity. For him, happiness belongs to the inside of the person and to the outside too. Someo- ne could say “I am happy” but in his behavior show bitterness. This would be a contradiction. On the other hand, one can see somebody in a deep pain and still living it with serenity and spirituality. This article tries to show this debate including the role personal structures such as Freedom play in it. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the philosophy of Plato and the Platonic Aristotle there are many imperfect things: becoming, infinite multiplicity, indeterminacy, contradiction, ephemerality, chance, blind necessity, accident, mixture, potency, matter, non-being, evil, etc. If there weren’t, the system wouldn’t spin smoothly on its hinges and wouldn’t be able to cope with the epistemic project of telling the real as it is. But there is, on the other hand, a factor of perfection that organizes and subordinates all of this: the primacy of form (eîdos). None of these notions exist in itself, but orbit around some item linked to the semantic field of form: subsistence, unity, identity, determination, teleology, etc. In this way, even if we admit that the first items are as original as the second, there is a hierarchy of axiological character, in an ontological asymmetry of another game of anteriority and posteriority. Arguing against the primacy of form is equivalent to arguing in favor of the primacy of matter. What kind of landscape do we see when we look at reality from the perspective of a pre-Socratic philosophy, now marked not by the sign of insufficiency but, on the contrary, as a full philosophy? What if the second navigation of the Phaedo had to return to the first? What if the philosophy summarized by the Stranger from Athens in Laws 888e4-890a1 deserved not censure, but applause? [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper argues that it is time to set aside traditional teleological narratives about late medieval English standardization in favor of a different approach that accepts the distinctive functions—as well as forms—of the language during the period. It identifies a series of correlations between spelling systems, text types, and script choices found in late Middle English manuscripts and aligns the resulting groupings with particular discourse communities and communities of practice. Texts covered include important manuscripts of the works of Chaucer, Gower, and Langland. The paper includes a plea for an integration—or perhaps more correctly reintegration—of paleography and linguistic study, as part of a broader reimagining of the philological endeavor: a reimagining that aligns with recent trends in the exciting interdisciplinary paradigm known as historical pragmatics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]