In this paper, I discuss the main characteristics of the epistemology of modal rationalism by proceeding from the critical investigation of Peacocke’s theory of modality. I build on arguments by Crispin Wright and Sonia Roca-Royes, which are generalised and supplemented by further analysis, in order to show that principle-based accounts have little prospects of succeeding in their task of providing an integrated account of the metaphysics and the epistemology of modality. I argue that it is unlikely that we will able (...) to develop an exhaustive and accurate principle-based account that discriminates objectively between correct and deviant modal knowledge. Even if such an account can be formulated, a non-circular way of justifying its necessity also seems to be out of our reach. (shrink)

The objection from the insolvability of principle-based modal disagreements appears to support the claim that there are no objective modal facts, or at the very least modal facts cannot be accounted for by modal rationalist theories. An idea that resurfaced fairly recently in the literature is that the use of ordinary empirical statements presupposes some prior grasp of modal notions. If this is correct, then the idea that we may have a total agreement concerning empirical facts and disagree on modal (...) facts, which is the starting point of the objection from the insolvability of modal disagreement, is undercut. This paper examines the no-separation thesis and shows that some of the arguments against the classical (empiricist) distinction between empirical and modal statements fail to be conclusive if they are taken to defend a strong notion of metaphysical possibility. The no-separation thesis appears to work only in theoretical frameworks where metaphysical modalities are considered (broadly) conceptual. For these reasons, the no-separation thesis cannot save modal rationalism from the insolvability of modal disagreement. (shrink)

A predicate of personal taste occurring in a sentence in which the perspectival information is not linguistically articulated by an experiencer phrase may have two different readings. In case the speaker of a bare sentence formed with a predicate of personal taste uses the subjective predicate encoding perspectival information in one way and the hearer interprets it in another way, the agents’ acts are not coordinated. In this paper I offer an answer to the question of how a hearer can (...) strategically interact with a speaker on the intended perspectival information so that both agents can optimally solve their coordination problem. In this sense, I offer a game-theoretical account of the strategic communication with expressions referring to agents’ perspectives, communication which involves the interaction between a speaker who intends to convey some perspectival information and who chooses to utter a bare sentence formed with a predicate of personal taste, instead of a sentence in which the perspectival information is linguistically articulated by an experiencer phrase, and a hearer who has to choose between interpreting the uttered sentence in conformity with the speaker’s autocentric use of the predicate of personal taste or in conformity with the speaker’s exocentric use. (shrink)

Starting from the traditional approaches to teaching science and religion we discuss modern pedagogical methods based on inquiry. We explore whether and how the teaching methods specific to each discipline may benefit in the teaching of the other.

In this paper, I am going to explore an alternative explanation of causation in Graham Priest’s modal meinongianism. Priest proposes an understanding of causation, which is either too confusing, or against the metaphysical core of modal meinongianism. In his proposals, causation is discussed in the context of defining purely fictional and abstract objects, by using a counterfactual approach. In this case, causation is understood as an existence-entailing relation. I will argue that such an account of causation proves ineffective. Instead, I (...) will give another interpretation for causation, which is based on Peter Menzies and Huw Price’s version of agency theory of causation. The end result of my work will be the fact that causation as agency can, at best, be useful in understanding intentional acts, but not suitable for explaining what it means for a particular object to causally interact with us. (shrink)

The notion of computation has changed the world more than any previous expressions of knowledge. However, as know-how in its particular algorithmic embodiment, computation is closed to meaning. Therefore, computer-based data processing can only mimic life’s creative aspects, without being creative itself. AI’s current record of accomplishments shows that it automates tasks associated with intelligence, without being intelligent itself. Mistaking the abstract for the concrete has led to the religion of “everything is an output of computation”—even the humankind that conceived (...) the computer. The hypostatized role of computers explains the increased dependence on them. The convergence machine called deep learning is only the most recent form through which the deterministic theology of the machine claims more than what it actually is: extremely effective data processing. A proper understanding of complexity, as well as the need to distinguish between the reactive nature of the artificial and the anticipatory nature of the living are suggested as practical responses to the challenges posed by machine theology. (shrink)

Regarding the connection between the Qur'an and the New Testament, we noted that Jesus Christ is often presented in the pages of the Qur'an as a moral model, along with his mother Mary. The events of the life of "Qur'an Jesus" are marked by marginal Christianity of the Monophysitism and by the Christian apocrypha circulating in the time of Muhammad in the Eastern space. The Qur'anic images of the figure of Jesus Christ present Him in His dignity as the Messiah, (...) the Prophet, the Divine Sign, and the Word of God. The Qur'anic exegesis proposes variants that diminish the image of Jesus in the Qur'an, reducing him to a mere Prophet, despite obvious Qur'anic texts that state otherwise. The Qur'an does nothing but reforms the Christian morality and change the sense to other meanings assessed by Muhammad and the Caliphs of Islam as suitable for the social life of Muslim communities. References to the Biblical Jesus Christ in the text of the Qur'an are generally divided into four main themes, which are discussed in detail in this article: Birth and Childhood; Teaching and Miracles; Nature and Status before God (Allah); The Death and the Resurrection. (shrink)

The commentary is a detailed analysis of one of the shortest writings (25 verses) and, according to an already classic definition, "The Most Neglected Book in the New Testament” (cf. D. J. Rowston). Thus, it covers an existing gap in the specialized theological literature and is among the newer concerns of biblical scholars, attentive to the enhancement of the corpus of the Catholic Epistles. The interest in such an inspired text lies primarily in the approximately ten new topics it uniquely (...) addresses in the New Testament literature, and also in the issues it exposes, regarding those who have always disturbed the peace of Christian communities: agitators, impostor pseudo-prophets, schismatic heretics, ultimately sectarians. The volume is divided into three essential parts, as announced in the subtitle of the writing: an Isagogical part that reaches the main points related to the authorship, the authority, the structure and the dating of the writing, a more consistent part materialized in a very elaborate Commentary of the text itself. said (verse by verse, we could even say word for word), preceded each time by an adequate Translation of the basic Greek text (also highlighted at the beginning of each section, in bilingual columns) and also a final part which highlights the main Theological Themes of the Letter (Triadology, Eschatology, Angelology, Soteriology, etc.). Through the methods of analysis used, the commentary is a very useful tool for biblical scholars and historians, an informed guide for priests and believers interested in reading and the history of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament, the reflection on these texts, and their profound theological meaning. (shrink)

In this short article, in the first part, I introduce several principles of the Epistemologically Different Worlds (EDWs) perspective referring to the material things. Then, I will indicate that the origin of everything is, as many physicists presuppose, “nothing”. However, I mention that the “nothing” from the EDWs perspective is something quite different from the common notion of “nothing”. In the next parts, I will shortly present the notions of “energy”, the Big Bangs and matter, dark matter, mind and brain (...) (the observers) within the EDWs perspective. (shrink)

Regarding the connection between the Qur'an and the New Testament, we noted that Jesus Christ is often presented in the pages of the Qur'an as a moral model, along with his mother Mary. The events of the life of "Qur'an Jesus" are marked by marginal Christianity of the Monophysitism and by the Christian apocrypha circulating in the time of Muhammad in the Eastern space. The Qur'anic images of the figure of Jesus Christ present Him in His dignity as the Messiah, (...) the Prophet, the Divine Sign, and the Word of God. The Qur'anic exegesis proposes variants that diminish the image of Jesus in the Qur'an, reducing him to a mere Prophet, despite obvious Qur'anic texts that state otherwise. The Qur'an does nothing but reforms the Christian morality and change the sense to other meanings assessed by Muhammad and the Caliphs of Islam as suitable for the social life of Muslim communities. References to the Biblical Jesus Christ in the text of the Qur'an are generally divided into four main themes, which are discussed in detail in this article: Birth and Childhood; Teaching and Miracles; Nature and Status before God (Allah); The Death and the Resurrection. (shrink)

Justified by spectacular achievements facilitated through applied deep learning methodology, the “Everything is possible” view dominates this new hour in the “boom and bust” curve of AI performance. The optimistic view collides head on with the “It is not possible”—ascertainments often originating in a skewed understanding of both AI and medicine. The meaning of the conflicting views can be assessed only by addressing the nature of medicine. Specifically: Which part of medicine, if any, can and should be entrusted to AI—now (...) or at some moment in the future? AI or not, medicine should incorporate the anticipation perspective in providing care. (shrink)

The theology of the St. John’s Letters forms a kind of synthesis of the Pauline and Petrine elements, so that the earthly and prophetic-heavenly tradition and the contemplative vision unite at the same point. Although it does not have all the elements of a classical epistle, 1 John has all the details of a pastoral letter, rather in a contemporary sense. The document as a whole presents the fluidity of a homily, an “Epistle-essay”, which, however, addresses issues specific to its (...) readers. On the other hand, 2 John and 3 John are writings that fall into the epistolary genre of the Hellenistic period, with a strong personal character, being extremely short (13 and 15 verses), even the smallest literary productions within the New Testament canon. If the first Epistle was written in order to defend the authentic interpretation of the Johannine tradition, with a substantial theological argument, the last two letters address an ecclesial issue, resorting to formal and institutional arguments. (shrink)

The commentary is a detailed analysis of the "spiritual testament" of St. Peter the Apostle, a didactic writing that has very close links with both the first Petrine Epistle, as well as the Epistle of St. Jude. The theology of this New Testament book is outlined especially around the Christological, Soteriological and Eschatological ideas, developed through the frequent exhortations addressed to the Christian readers. No other part of the New Testament states so clearly the Inspiration of the Holy Scripture (1:20-21). (...) Also, here we can find the first mention of an already existing collection of Pauline correspondence, seen as an integral part of the Scriptural Canon (cf. 3:15-16). Finally, in addition to its Christological-Soteriological teaching, which can be summarized in the unique expression "partakers of the divine nature" (1:4), the Epistle addresses one of the fundamental themes of New Testament literature: The Parousia (the Second Coming of the Lord). Thus, the present Commentary covers an existing gap in the specialized theological literature and is among the newer concerns of biblical scholars, paying attention to the enhancement of the corpus of the Catholic Epistles. The volume is divided into four essential parts, as announced in the subtitle of the writing: an Isagogical Part that reaches the main points related to the authorship, authority, structure and dating of the writing, the actual Translation of the Petrine text (highlighted by the bilingual column that also includes the standard Greek text), a more consistent part embodied in a very elaborate Commentary on the text itself (verse by verse, we could even say word for word), constantly related to the Greek original and also a final part that emphasizes the main Theological Themes of the letter (Triadology, Eschatology Angelology, Soteriology, the Inspiration of the Holy Scripture, etc.). (shrink)

In his article “Issues of Pragmaticism” published in 1905, in The Monist, Charles S. Peirce complains that “Logicians have been at fault in giving Vagueness the go-by, so far as not even to analyze it.” That same year, occupying himself with the consequences of “Critical commonsensism,” he affirmed, “I have worked out the logic of vagueness with something like completeness,” a statement that causes the majority of the commentators on his work, including the editors of the Collected Papers to ask (...) where this logic is to be found. The fever for finding Peirce's manuscripts is fed by the hope of some researchers of discovering the logic of vagueness, a hope that has grown since Carolyn Eisele's publication of his mathematical works. Others - and I count myself among them - believe that in reality this is a matter of something already known. That is, they interpret the affirmation ending the paragraph of reproach addressed to logicians, “The present writer has done his best to work out the Stechiology, Critic, and Methodeutik of the subject,” as a tripartite semiotic of the vague, still limited, according to Peirce's older works, to symbols, that is, to the signs of natural language examined from the perspective of logic. (shrink)