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Rational Fog: Science And Technology In Modern War
by M. Susan LindeeA thought-provoking examination of the intersections of knowledge and violence, and the quandaries and costs of modern, technoscientific warfare.Science and violence converge in modern warfare. While the finest minds of the twentieth century have improved human life, they have also produced human injury. They engineered radar, developed electronic computers, and helped mass produce penicillin all in the context of military mobilization. Scientists also developed chemical weapons, atomic bombs, and psychological warfare strategies.Rational Fog explores the quandary of scientific and technological productivity in an era of perpetual war. Science is, at its foundation, an international endeavor oriented toward advancing human welfare. At the same time, it has been nationalistic and militaristic in times of crisis and conflict. As our weapons have become more powerful, scientists have struggled to reconcile these tensions, engaging in heated debates over the problems inherent in exploiting science for military purposes. M. Susan Lindee examines this interplay between science and state violence and takes stock of researchers’ efforts to respond. Many scientists who wanted to distance their work from killing have found it difficult and have succumbed to the exigencies of war. Indeed, Lindee notes that scientists who otherwise oppose violence have sometimes been swept up in the spirit of militarism when war breaks out.From the first uses of the gun to the mass production of DDT and the twenty-first-century battlefield of the mind, the science of war has achieved remarkable things at great human cost. Rational Fog reminds us that, for scientists and for us all, moral costs sometimes mount alongside technological and scientific advances.
Rational Mechanics: The Classic Notre Dame Course
by R. Catesby Taliaferro F. Crosson A. Hahn T. BanchoffDeveloped from a classic undergraduate course on the study of the motion of bodies, this volume stresses the history of science as well as relevant physics and mathematics. R. Catesby Taliaferro developed a well-attended and much-revered course during his 20-year tenure at Notre Dame. He left among his papers the unfinished manuscript for this text, which has now been completed and prepared for publication by a group of his former students and colleagues.Suitable for undergraduates and beginning graduate students of physics and the history of science, this volume begins with an exploration of ancient Greek celestial mechanics and the seventeenth-century scientific revolution incited by Kepler's work. Subsequent chapters examine vector spaces and their applications, elementary differential geometry, particle dynamics, displacement and kinematics, theories of light, and the special theory of relativity.
Rational Mysticism: Spirituality Meets Science in the Search for Enlightenment
by John HorganIn Rational Mysticism, acclaimed journalist John Horgan embarks on an adventure of discovery, investigating the ways in which scientists, theologians, and philosophers are attempting to formulate an empirical explanation of spiritual enlightenment. Horgan visits and interviews a fascinating Who's Who of experts, including theologian Huston Smith; Andrew Newberg, explorer of the brain's "God module"; Ken Wilber, a transpersonal psychologist and Buddhist; psychedelic pharmacologist Alexander Shulgin; Oxford-educated psychologist and Zen practitioner Susan Blackmore; and postmodern shaman Terence McKenna. Horgan also explores the effects of reputed enlightenment-inducing techniques such as fasting, meditation, prayer, sensory deprivation, and drug trips. In his lively and thought-provoking inquiry, Horgan finds surprising connections among seemingly disparate disciplines, not the least of which is a shared awe of the nature of the universe.
Rational Reconstructions of Modern Physics
by Peter MittelstaedtNewton’s classical physics and its underlying ontology are loaded with several metaphysical hypotheses that cannot be justified by rational reasoning nor by experimental evidence. Furthermore, it is well known that some of these hypotheses are not contained in the great theories of modern physics, such as the theory of relativity and quantum mechanics. This book shows that, on the basis of Newton’s classical physics and by rational reconstruction, the theory of relativity as well as quantum mechanics can be obtained by partly eliminating or attenuating the metaphysical hypotheses. Moreover, it is shown that these reconstructions do not require additional hypotheses or new experimental results.
Rational Reconstructions of Modern Physics, 2nd Enlarged Edition
by Peter MittelstaedtNewton's classical physics and its underlying ontology are loaded with several metaphysical hypotheses that cannot be justified by rational reasoning nor by experimental evidence. Furthermore, it is well known that some of these hypotheses are not contained in the great theories of Modern Physics, such as the theory of Special Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. This book shows that, on the basis of Newton's classical physics and by rational reconstruction, the theory of Special Relativity as well as Quantum Mechanics can be obtained by partly eliminating or attenuating the metaphysical hypotheses. Moreover, it is shown that these reconstructions do not require additional hypotheses or new experimental results. <P><P> In the second edition the rational reconstructions are completed with respect to General Relativity and Cosmology. In addition, the statistics of quantum objects is elaborated in more detail with respect to the rational reconstruction of quantum mechanics. The new material completes the approach of the book as much as it is possible at the present state of knowledge. Presumably, the most important contribution that is added to the second edition refers to the problem of interpretation of the three great theories of Modern Physics. It is shown in detail that in the light of rational reconstructions even realistic interpretations of the three theories of Modern Physics are possible and can easily be achieved.
The Rationalists: Between Tradition and Innovation
by Justin E. Smith Dario Perinetti Carlos FraenkelThis volume draws a balanced picture of the Rationalists by bringing their intellectual contexts, sources and full range of interests into sharper focus, without neglecting their core commitment to the epistemological doctrine that earned them their traditional label. The collection of original essays addresses topics ranging from theodicy and early modern music theory to Spinoza's anti-humanism, often critically revising important aspects of the received picture of the Rationalists. Another important contribution of the volume is that it brings out aspects of Rationalist philosophers and their legacies that are not ordinarily associated with them, such as the project of a Cartesian ethics. Finally, a strong emphasis is placed on the connection of the Rationalists' philosophy to their interests in empirical science, to their engagement in the political life of their era, and to the religious background of many of their philosophical commitments.
The Rationalist's Guide to the Galaxy: Superintelligent AI and the Geeks Who Are Trying to Save Humanity's Future
by Tom Chivers'A fascinating and delightfully written book about some very smart people who may not, or may, be about to transform humanity forever' JON RONSON'Beautifully written, and with wonderful humour, this is a thrilling adventure story of our own future' LEWIS DARTNELL, author of THE KNOWLEDGE and ORIGINSAre paperclips going to destroy life as we know it?What can Mickey Mouse teach us about how to programme AI?Could a more rational approach to life be what saves us all?This is a book about about a community of people who are trying to think rationally about intelligence and what insight they can and can't give us about the future of the human race. It explains why these people are worried about an AI apocalypse, why they might be right, and why they might be wrong. It is a book about the cutting edge of our thinking on intelligence and rationality right now by the people who stay up all night worrying about it.
The Rationalist's Guide to the Galaxy: Superintelligent AI and the Geeks Who Are Trying to Save Humanity's Future
by Tom Chivers'A fascinating and delightfully written book about some very smart people who may not, or may, be about to transform humanity forever' JON RONSON'The AI does not hate you, nor does it love you, but you are made of atoms which it can use for something else'This is a book about AI and AI risk. But it's also more importantly about a community of people who are trying to think rationally about intelligence, and the places that these thoughts are taking them, and what insight they can and can't give us about the future of the human race over the next few years. It explains why these people are worried, why they might be right, and why they might be wrong.It isn't, on the other hand, a book about the future - it doesn't try to guess how many of us are going to be put out of work by AI, or what the operating system in your house might be able to do ten years hence. Instead, this is a book about the cutting edge of our thinking on intelligence and rationality right now by the people who stay up all night worrying about it.Along the way, we discover why we probably don't need to worry about a future AI resurrecting a perfect copy of our minds and torturing us for not inventing it sooner but we should be concerned about paperclips destroying life as we know it; how Mickey Mouse can teach us an important lesson about how to programme AI; and why Spock is not as logical as we think he is.(p) Orion Publishing Group Ltd 2019
Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It Matters
by Steven PinkerCan reading a book make you more rational? Can it help us understand why there is so much irrationality in the world? Steven Pinker, author of Enlightenment Now (Bill Gates’s "new favorite book of all time”) answers all the questions here. <p><p> Today humanity is reaching new heights of scientific understanding--and also appears to be losing its mind. How can a species that developed vaccines for Covid-19 in less than a year produce so much fake news, medical quackery, and conspiracy theorizing? Pinker rejects the cynical cliché that humans are simply irrational--cavemen out of time saddled with biases, fallacies, and illusions. After all, we discovered the laws of nature, lengthened and enriched our lives, and set out the benchmarks for rationality itself. <p><p> We actually think in ways that are sensible in the low-tech contexts in which we spend most of our lives, but fail to take advantage of the powerful tools of reasoning we’ve discovered over the millennia: logic, critical thinking, probability, correlation and causation, and optimal ways to update beliefs and commit to choices individually and with others. These tools are not a standard part of our education, and have never been presented clearly and entertainingly in a single book--until now. <p><p> Rationality also explores its opposite: how the rational pursuit of self-interest, sectarian solidarity, and uplifting mythology can add up to crippling irrationality in a society. Collective rationality depends on norms that are explicitly designed to promote objectivity and truth. Rationality matters. It leads to better choices in our lives and in the public sphere, and is the ultimate driver of social justice and moral progress. Brimming with Pinker’s customary insight and humor, Rationality will enlighten, inspire, and empower.
Rationality and Ritual: Participation and Exclusion in Nuclear Decision-making (The Earthscan Science in Society Series #Vol. 3)
by Brian WynneIn Rationality and Ritual, internationally renowned expert Brian Wynne offers a profound analysis of science and technology policymaking. By focusing on an episode of major importance in Britain's nuclear history – the Windscale Inquiry, a public hearing about the future of fuel reprocessing – he offers a powerful critique of such judicial procedures and the underlying assumptions of the rationalist approach. This second edition makes available again this classic and still very relevant work. Debates about nuclear power have come to the fore once again. Yet we still do not have adequate ways to make decisions or frame policy deliberation on these big issues, involving true public debate, rather than ritualistic processes in which the rules and scope of the debate are presumed and imposed by those in authority. The perspectives in this book are as significant and original as they were when it was written. The new edition contains a substantial introduction by the author reflecting on changes (and lack of) in the intervening years and introducing new themes, relevant to today's world of big science and technology, that can be drawn out of the original text. A new foreword by Gordon MacKerron, an expert on energy and nuclear policy, sets this seminal work in the context of contemporary nuclear and related big technology debates.
Rationality and Scientific Lifestyle for Health (University of Tehran Science and Humanities Series)
by Ali Akbar Moosavi-MovahediThis book argues that, to be healthy, human beings should love nature and stay in balance with it as much as possible. In other words: do not unbalance nature so that your own balance is not disturbed. The best and healthiest way for human beings to live is to find balance in life and nature. In this regard, the book discusses useful, nutritious, functional foods, nutraceuticals and antioxidants, and how natural molecules, which are provided by nature, can be the best medicine for human beings. At a molecular level, stress is defined by the presence of unbalanced free radicals in the body. Most diseases – especially type 2 diabetes, which accounts for the majority of diabetics – can be traced back to this problem. Our scientific evidence indicates that type 2 diabetes isn’t just a disease resulting from sugar, but also from stress. The book seeks to promote a healthier lifestyle by considering the psychoemotional dimension of wellness. And finally, it contends that good sleep is at the root of health and happiness for humanity, and that unbalanced free radicals are expelled from the body during restful sleep.The authors hope that this book will be a helpful guide and source of peace for readers, especially given their need for inner calm during the COVID-19 pandemic, and that the suggestions provided will show them the way to a better life.
Rationality and the Genetic Challenge: Making People Better?
by Matti HäyryShould we make people healthier, smarter, and longer-lived if genetic and medical advances enable us to do so? Matti Häyry asks this question in the context of genetic testing and selection, cloning and stem cell research, gene therapies and enhancements. The ethical questions explored include parental responsibility, the use of people as means, the role of hope and fear in risk assessment, and the dignity and meaning of life. Taking as a starting point the arguments presented by Jonathan Glover, John Harris, Ronald M. Green, Jürgen Habermas, Michael J. Sandel, and Leon R. Kass, who defend a particular normative view as the only rational or moral answer, Matti Häyry argues that many coherent rationalities and moralities exist in the field, and that to claim otherwise is mistaken.
Rationality and the Genetic Challenge
by Matti HäyryShould we make people healthier, smarter, and longer-lived if genetic and medical advances enable us to do so? Matti Häyry asks this question in the context of genetic testing and selection, cloning and stem cell research, gene therapies and enhancements. The ethical questions explored include parental responsibility, the use of people as means, the role of hope and fear in risk assessment, and the dignity and meaning of life. Taking as a starting point the arguments presented by Jonathan Glover, John Harris, Ronald M. Green, Jurgen Habermas, Michael J. Sandel, and Leon R. Kass, who defend a particular normative view as the only rational or moral answer, Matti Häyry argues that many coherent rationalities and moralities exist in the field, and that to claim otherwise is mistaken.
Rationality in Economics
by Vernon L. SmithThe principal findings of experimental economics are that impersonal exchange in markets converges in repeated interaction to the equilibrium states implied by economic theory, under information conditions far weaker than specified in the theory. In personal, social, and economic exchange, as studied in two-person games, cooperation exceeds the prediction of traditional game theory. This book relates these two findings to field studies and applications and integrates them with the main themes of the Scottish Enlightenment and with the thoughts of F. A. Hayek: through emergent socio-economic institutions and cultural norms, people achieve ends that are unintended and poorly understood. In cultural changes, the role of constructivism, or reason, is to provide variation, and the role of ecological processes is to select the norms and institutions that serve the fitness needs of societies.
The Rationality Quotient: Toward a Test of Rational Thinking (The\mit Press Ser.)
by Keith E. Stanovich Richard F. West Maggie E. ToplakHow to assess critical aspects of cognitive functioning that are not measured by IQ tests: rational thinking skills.Why are we surprised when smart people act foolishly? Smart people do foolish things all the time. Misjudgments and bad decisions by highly educated bankers and money managers, for example, brought us the financial crisis of 2008. Smart people do foolish things because intelligence is not the same as the capacity for rational thinking. The Rationality Quotient explains that these two traits, often (and incorrectly) thought of as one, refer to different cognitive functions. The standard IQ test, the authors argue, doesn't measure any of the broad components of rationality—adaptive responding, good judgment, and good decision making. The authors show that rational thinking, like intelligence, is a measurable cognitive competence. Drawing on theoretical work and empirical research from the last two decades, they present the first prototype for an assessment of rational thinking analogous to the IQ test: the CART (Comprehensive Assessment of Rational Thinking).The authors describe the theoretical underpinnings of the CART, distinguishing the algorithmic mind from the reflective mind. They discuss the logic of the tasks used to measure cognitive biases, and they develop a unique typology of thinking errors. The Rationality Quotient explains the components of rational thought assessed by the CART, including probabilistic and scientific reasoning; the avoidance of “miserly” information processing; and the knowledge structures needed for rational thinking. Finally, the authors discuss studies of the CART and the social and practical implications of such a test. An appendix offers sample items from the test.
The Rationality Quotient: Toward a Test of Rational Thinking
by Maggie E. Toplak Richard F. West Keith E. StanovichWhy are we surprised when smart people act foolishly? Smart people do foolish things all the time. Misjudgments and bad decisions by highly educated bankers and money managers, for example, brought us the financial crisis of 2008. Smart people do foolish things because intelligence is not the same as the capacity for rational thinking. The Rationality Quotient explains that these two traits, often (and incorrectly) thought of as one, refer to different cognitive functions. The standard IQ test, the authors argue, doesn't measure any of the broad components of rationality -- adaptive responding, good judgment, and good decision making. The authors show that rational thinking, like intelligence, is a measurable cognitive competence. Drawing on theoretical work and empirical research from the last two decades, they present the first prototype for an assessment of rational thinking analogous to the IQ test: the CART (Comprehensive Assessment of Rational Thinking).The authors describe the theoretical underpinnings of the CART, distinguishing the algorithmic mind from the reflective mind. They discuss the logic of the tasks used to measure cognitive biases, and they develop a unique typology of thinking errors. The Rationality Quotient explains the components of rational thought assessed by the CART, including probabilistic and scientific reasoning; the avoidance of "miserly" information processing; and the knowledge structures needed for rational thinking. Finally, the authors discuss studies of the CART and the social and practical implications of such a test. An appendix offers sample items from the test.
Rationis Defensor
by James MaclaurinRationis Defensor is to be a volume of previously unpublished essays celebrating the life and work of Colin Cheyne. Colin was until recently Head of the Department of Philosophy at the University of Otago, a department that can boast of many famous philosophers among its past and present faculty and which has twice been judged as the strongest research department across all disciplines in governmental research assessments. Colin is the immediate past President of the Australasian Association for Philosophy (New Zealand Division). He is the author of Knowledge, Cause, and Abstract Objects: Causal Objections to Platonism (Springer, 2001) and the editor, with Vladimir Svoboda and Bjorn Jespersen, of Pavel Tichy's Collected Papers in Logic and Philosophy (University of Otago Press, 2005) and, with John Worrall, of Rationality and Reality: Conversations with Alan Musgrave (Springer, 2006). This volume celebrates the dedication to rational enquiry and the philosophical style of Colin Cheyne. It also celebrates the distinctive brand of naturalistic philosophy for which Otago has become known. Contributors to the volume include a wide variety of philosophers, all with a personal connection to Colin, and all of whom are, in their own way, defenders of rationality.
Rats: Observations on the History and Habitat of the City's Most Unwanted Inhabitants
by Robert C. SullivanBeginning in the summer of 2001, the author spent night after night observing rats as they foraged in a New York City alley. In addition to gathering information on the behavior of these ubiquitous and seemingly indestructible rodents, he delves into the long and complex history of rat/human relations. Topics include Victorian-era rat-fighting (in which dogs were pitted against packs of rats), exterminators and their lore, and the history of the Black Death in Europe and the United States. The theme of this book could be summed as as "Rats R Us."
A Rat's Tale
by Ann McLainRats are opportunistic, living in human cities provides them with food, shelter, and everything else they need!
Rätselhafte Himmelsobjekte: Vom Suchen und Finden unwahrscheinlicher Ereignisse und exotischer Strahlungsquellen im Gammastrahlenkosmos
by Wilfried DomainkoDieses Buch erzählt vom Suchen und Finden überraschender Phänomene im Licht der Gammastrahlenastronomie - und zeigt, was wir von noch rätselhaften Himmelsobjekten über das Universum und die Grenzen unseres Wissens lernen können.Das Universum ist von einer unvorstellbaren Zahl an Himmelskörpern bevölkert, von denen sich nicht wenige nach wie vor einer konventionellen Erklärung zu entziehen scheinen. Solche exotischen Strahlungsquellen finden sich besonders im Gammalicht. Anhand ausgewählter Beispiele widmet sich der Autor diesen anomalen Objekten. Er zeigt: Diese Objekte zeugen nicht nur von den extremsten Ereignissen im Kosmos, sondern könnten sogar auf eine bisher unbekannte Physik hindeuten. Und das nicht nur in fernen Ecken des Universums, sondern möglicherweise auch auf der Erde, wie anomale Spuren auf unserem Planeten zeigen. Anschaulich erklärt Wilfried Domainko die innovativen Methoden, die bei der Suche nach diesen exotischen Phänomenen zum Einsatz kommen – und wie die gefundenen Strahlungsquellen unser Weltbild verändern könnten.
Rattler (Penguin Core Concepts Ser.)
by Mary BattenSlither along with one of nature's deadliest hunters—and learn all about what makes rattlesnakes so dangerous!Rattler has not eaten in a week. After hiding from the hot sun all day, he starts hunting. Rattler uses his venom to paralyze his prey and his tail to scare away predators. He even swallows his prey whole! Follow along as Rattler grows up, sheds his skin, and has his own children.
Rattling The Cage
by Steven Wise Introduction by Jane GoodRattling the Cage explains how the failure to recognize the basic legal rights of chimpanzees and bonobos in light of modern scientific findings creates a glaring contradiction in our law. In this witty, moving, persuasive, and impeccably researched argument, Wise demonstrates that the cognitive, emotional, and social capacities of these apes entitle them to freedom from imprisonment and abuse.
Raum-Akustik und Lärm-Minderung: Konzepte mit innovativen Schallabsorbern und -dämpfern (VDI-Buch)
by Helmut V. FuchsDie 4. Auflage dieses inzwischen als Standardwerk anerkannten Fachbuchs greift wieder aktuelle Probleme bei der Gestaltung von Raum-Akustik, Freifeld-Pr#65533;fst#65533;nden und Kanal-Auskleidungen auf. Zu deren nachhaltiger L#65533;sung werden Materialien und Bauteile sowie Auslegungskonzepte nach neuestem Stand des Wissens allgemein verst#65533;ndlich dargestellt. Aufbauend auf den Grundlagen wird das Konzept vertieft. Mehr als 100 Fallbeispiele zeigen, welche konstruktiven und baulichen Ma#65533;nahmen schnell und kosteng#65533;nstig zum Ziel f#65533;hren k#65533;nnen. Akustiker in der Praxis und Forschung sowie entwerfende und planende Architekten, Bauingenieure und Haustechniker finden neben den Grundlagen und Konzepten besonders auf f#65533;r bisher vernachl#65533;ssigten Bereich der tiefen Frequenzen wichtige Hinweise. In Darstellung und L#65533;sung akuter schalltechnischer Probleme stellt der Autor auch neue Erkenntnisse und Konzepte zur Verf#65533;gung, bei denen stets das praktisch N#65533;tzliche im Vordergrund steht. F#65533;r die eingef#65533;hrten Normen werden Probleml#65533;sungen ebenso behandelt wie die Grenzen der Anwendung, wo weiterf#65533;hrende L#65533;sungen gesucht werden. F#65533;r L#65533;rmprobleme in Arbeits- und Freizeit-R#65533;umen liefert das Buch eine F#65533;lle konstruktiver Anregungen.
Raum und Zeit
by Andreas MüllerRaum und Zeit sind die große Bühne, auf der sich unser Leben und alle irdischen und kosmischen Vorgänge abspielen. Meist erleben wir Raum und Zeit als unveränderlich und unbeeinflussbar. Doch Raum und Zeit könnten Eigenschaften haben, von denen selbst Einstein nicht zu träumen wagte. Andreas Müller erläutert unser modernes und höchst faszinierendes naturwissenschaftliches Weltbild und stellt das erfolgreiche Konzept der Raumzeit vor, das vor gut hundert Jahren von Albert Einstein begründet wurde. Darüber hinaus führt er den Leser bis zu den spannendsten Fragen der Gegenwart: Gibt es mehr als drei Raumdimensionen? Sind Raum und Zeit grundsätzlich in endliche, minimale Stücke zerhackt? Werden Raum und Zeit ewig existieren? Und welche Schlussfolgerungen über die Natur von Raum und Zeit müssen wir vor dem Hintergrund moderner Forschung ziehen?
Raum und Zeit: Vom Weltall zu den Extradimensionen - von der Sanduhr zum Spinschaum (Astrophysik aktuell)
by Andreas MüllerRaum und Zeit sind die große Bühne, auf der sich unser Leben und alle irdischen und kosmischen Vorgänge abspielen. Meist erleben wir Raum und Zeit als unveränderlich und unbeeinflussbar. Doch Raum und Zeit könnten Eigenschaften haben, von denen selbst Einstein nicht zu träumen wagte. Andreas Müller erläutert unser modernes und höchst faszinierendes naturwissenschaftliches Weltbild und stellt das erfolgreiche Konzept der Raumzeit vor, das vor gut hundert Jahren von Albert Einstein begründet wurde. Darüber hinaus führt er den Leser bis zu den spannendsten Fragen der Gegenwart: Gibt es mehr als drei Raumdimensionen? Sind Raum und Zeit grundsätzlich in endliche, minimale Stücke zerhackt? Werden Raum und Zeit ewig existieren? Und welche Schlussfolgerungen über die Natur von Raum und Zeit müssen wir vor dem Hintergrund moderner Forschung ziehen?