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1 – 10 of 12N. C. A. da Costa and Francisco A. Doria
Rice’s Theorem is a notorious stumbling block in Computer Science. We review some previous work of us that shows that we can extend Rice’s result to large segments of everyday…
Abstract
Rice’s Theorem is a notorious stumbling block in Computer Science. We review some previous work of us that shows that we can extend Rice’s result to large segments of everyday mathematics, so that similar stumbling blocks appear in many areas of mathematics, as well as applied areas such as mathematical economics; one of its applications (Koppl’s conjecture) is discussed in some detail. Note: this paper has been written in an informal style.
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A prima facie case is made that neo‐classical thinking ismeaningfully influenced by the philosophy of pragmatism. Three majoraspects of this philosophy are considered based on the…
Abstract
A prima facie case is made that neo‐classical thinking is meaningfully influenced by the philosophy of pragmatism. Three major aspects of this philosophy are considered based on the writings of leading pragmatists and instrumentalists such as James and Dewey. These aspects include the cosmology, the axiology and the methodology of pragmatism. The ways in which these three aspects manifest themselves in neoclassical thought are then examined and identified. Among other things it is concluded that a certain unresolved tension exists within the pragmatist′s view which is also carried over into economic thinking. This tension at least partly accounts for the existence of neo‐institutionalists who likewise claim a pragmatist influence in their work but who are critical of neoclassical thought. The article concludes by pointing out some problems in this philosophy.
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This is a continuation of Parts I and II of the paper. In this part it is suggested that microscopic particles behave similarly to macroscopic objects: Features of two entangled…
Abstract
Purpose
This is a continuation of Parts I and II of the paper. In this part it is suggested that microscopic particles behave similarly to macroscopic objects: Features of two entangled particles, having the same “dimension” (kind of feature), may interchange and migrate from one particle to the other while their wave function collapses. In the particular case of electrically charged particles, like an electron and a proton, the migrating features that are interchanged between the particles, may be the electrical charges (that have the same “dimension”). This implies that each atom of matter has some very small probability to be an atom of antimatter, and it may be annihilated if it collides with an atom of matter. The purpose of this study is to suggest how this hypothesis may be tested empirically.
Design/methodology/approach
The cooler are the molecules of gases, the slower they are. Therefore, according to Heisenberg's principle of uncertainty, the probability that gaseous molecules will collide increases when the gas is cooled.
Findings
We may expect that when gases are cooled there is a higher than usual probability that gaseous molecules of matter and antimater will collide and will annihilate each other, emitting photons of gamma rays. Such findings has been reported by Molchadzki, but not explained. The same is true regarding other situations in which the probability of collisions of gaseous molecules is higher than the usual, like the colliding of gaseous molecule at the center of an imploding bubble of gas.
Originality/value
If a procedure that increases the number of collisions between gaseous molecules considerably will be developed, it may be that this procedure will be applicable for obtaining clean energy by annihilations of matter and antimatter.
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It is suggested that the left hemispheric neurons and the magnocellular visual system are specialized in tasks requiring a relatively small number of large neurons having a fast…
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It is suggested that the left hemispheric neurons and the magnocellular visual system are specialized in tasks requiring a relatively small number of large neurons having a fast reaction time due to a high firing rate or many dendritic synapses of the same neuron which are activated simultaneously. On the other hand the right hemispheric neurons and the neurons of the parvocellular visual system are specialized in tasks requiring a relatively larger number of short term memory (STM) Hebbian engrams (neural networks). This larger number of engrams is achieved by a combination of two strategies. The first is evolving a larger number of neurons, which may be smaller and have a lower firing rate. The second is evolving longer and more branching axons and thus producing more engrams, including engrams comprising neurons located at cortical areas distant from each other. This model explains why verbal functions of the brain are related to the left hemisphere, and the division of semantic tasks between the left hemisphere and the right one. This explanation is extended to other cognitive functions like visual search, ontological cognition, the detection of temporal order, and the dual cognitive interpretation of the perceived physical phenomena.
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Feynman's claim that a positron is an electron moving backwards in time implies a paradox. The purpose of this paper (Part I of II) is to prevent the contradiction in physics due…
Abstract
Purpose
Feynman's claim that a positron is an electron moving backwards in time implies a paradox. The purpose of this paper (Part I of II) is to prevent the contradiction in physics due to this paradox.
Design/methodology/approach
Both physical considerations and neuropsychological considerations are applied.
Findings
The physical considerations imply that assuming multidimensionality of time prevents Feynman's paradox and additional physical paradoxes. This multidimensionality in explained by neuropsychological considerations.
Practical implications
A suggested method of obtaining unlimited quantity of clean energy based on the principle of annihilating matter and antimatter is presented in Part II.
Originality/value
This theory is entirely new. Its approach is different from that of other approaches to the multidimensionality of time.
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Attempts to prove, in this second chapter of the author’s monograph, that with a new research programme, it is possible to build a methodological bridge between economics and all…
Abstract
Attempts to prove, in this second chapter of the author’s monograph, that with a new research programme, it is possible to build a methodological bridge between economics and all other natural sciences and the scientists should address this challenge. Reviews basic principles that govern nature, including Einstein’s findings along with such luminaries as Copernicus, Newton, Galileo and Jeans. Concludes that the future is safe, as a new generation of scientists is now emerging in the East and the West, and that the new methodology should provide enough space for new roads, ideas and interpretations, which may occur in the future. Closes by saying a new spirit should be initiated in economics and transplanted into natural sciences.
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The two stages of visual perception according to the models of visual search, the preattentional and the attentional, are presented. The first stage is related to the left…
Abstract
The two stages of visual perception according to the models of visual search, the preattentional and the attentional, are presented. The first stage is related to the left cerebral hemisphere, while the second to the left one. The phenomenon of illusory conjunction of features during the object‐integration in the macroscopic world is described. It is suggested that the illusory conjunction is similar to the quantum entanglement of microscopic particles. The imagining of microscopic particles, like electron, is explained by the theory of re‐entrant, namely, as activation of primary visual cortical areas by the higher neural system. It is suggested that both macroscopic object‐integration and the microscopic collapse of the wave function are an exchange of the cerebral hemisphere, which create the ontological model of the perceived phenomenon.
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