Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics Volume 12

Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics Volume 12

Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics is an annual forum for new work in normative ethical theory. Leading philosophers present original contributions to our understanding of a wide range of moral issues and positions, from analysis of competing approaches to normative ethics (including moral realism, constructivism, and expressivism) to questions of how we should act and live well. OSNE is an essential resource for scholars and students working in moral philosophy.

Bayesian Models of Cognition

Bayesian Models of Cognition

The definitive introduction to Bayesian cognitive science, written by pioneers of the field.How does human intelligence work, in engineering terms? How do our minds get so much from so little? Bayesian models of cognition provide a powerful framework for answering these questions by reverse-engineering the mind. This textbook offers an authoritative introduction to Bayesian cognitive science and a unifying theoretical perspective on how the mind works. Part I provides an introduction to the key mathematical ideas and illustrations with examples from the psychological literature, including detailed derivations of specific models and references that can be used to learn more about the underlying principles. Part II details more advanced topics and their applications before engaging with critiques of the reverse-engineering approach. Written by experts at the forefront of new research, this comprehensive text brings the fields of cognitive science and artificial intelligence back together and establishes a firmly grounded mathematical and computational foundation for the understanding of human intelligence. The only textbook comprehensively introducing the Bayesian approach to cognitionWritten by pioneers in the fieldOffers cutting-edge coverage of Bayesian cognitive science's research frontiers Suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and researchers across the sciences with an interest in the mind, brain, and intelligence Features short tutorials and case studies of specific Bayesian models

Creating Language

Creating Language

A work that reveals the profound links between the evolution, acquisition, and processing of language, and proposes a new integrative framework for the language sciences.Language is a hallmark of the human species; the flexibility and unbounded expressivity of our linguistic abilities is unique in the biological world. In this book, Morten Christiansen and Nick Chater argue that to understand this astonishing phenomenon, we must consider how language is created: moment by moment, in the generation and understanding of individual utterances; year by year, as new language learners acquire language skills; and generation by generation, as languages change, split, and fuse through the processes of cultural evolution. Christiansen and Chater propose a revolutionary new framework for understanding the evolution, acquisition, and processing of language, offering an integrated theory of how language creation is intertwined across these multiple timescales.Christiansen and Chater argue that mainstream generative approaches to language do not provide compelling accounts of language evolution, acquisition, and processing. Their own account draws on important developments from across the language sciences, including statistical natural language processing, learnability theory, computational modeling, and psycholinguistic experiments with children and adults. Christiansen and Chater also consider some of the major implications of their theoretical approach for our understanding of how language works, offering alternative accounts of specific aspects of language, including the structure of the vocabulary, the importance of experience in language processing, and the nature of recursive linguistic structure.

Space Shuttles

Space Shuttles

"Space Shuttles" explores the ambitious Space Shuttle program, a cornerstone of space exploration and aerospace engineering. This book examines the design, operation, and lasting impact of these spacecraft, which facilitated crucial missions like the deployment of the Hubble Space Telescope. The book highlights how the Space Shuttle program, despite its complexities, significantly advanced our capabilities in orbital mechanics and spacecraft design. Did you know that the Space Shuttle program spanned from the 1970s to 2011, leaving a rich legacy of technological innovation? The book offers a detailed overview of the Space Shuttle program, beginning with fundamental concepts of spaceflight and then delving into the specifics of the Orbiter, Solid Rocket Boosters, and External Tank. It covers mission profiles, including satellite deployment and the construction of the International Space Station, providing a balanced perspective by addressing both successes and tragedies. The book uses technical documentation from NASA, mission reports, and astronaut accounts to support its analysis, offering a unique look into the program's intricate operations. The book progresses methodically, ensuring accessibility for a broad audience interested in science and technology.

Navigating a Sustainable Future with Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage

Navigating a Sustainable Future with Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage

Navigating a Sustainable Future with Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage provides a guide to PCMs that encompasses fundamental principles, recent innovations, and interdisciplinary applications. By offering detailed insight into improved PCM performance, cost-effective production, and integration with renewable energy and smart technologies, this book equips readers with the necessary knowledge to advance energy efficiency, meet regulatory requirements and achieve sustainability goals. Written for researchers and students in the fields of material science, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and energy engineering, especially those with a focus on thermal energy storage, Navigating a Sustainable Future with Phase Change Materials for Energy Storage is sure to be a welcomed resource. - Explores how to integrate PCMs into building materials for thermal regulation, thermal comfort, and for hybridizing with building cooling units, data on the thermal properties and longevity of different PCMs, and compliance with energy efficiency regulations - Contains insights into the latest advancements in PCM technology for energy storage, methods to enhance the efficiency of renewable energy systems, and strategies for integrating PCMs into existing energy infrastructure - Offers data on PCMs that can enhance thermal management of batteries in electric and hybrid vehicles, information on the durability and safety of PCMs in automotive applications, and case studies of successful PCM integration - Presents information on PCMs suitable for electronics cooling, techniques for integrating PCMs into electronic devices, and performance metrics for different PCMs - Highlights research on new PCM materials and composites, synthesis techniques for producing PCMs, and analysis of the physical and chemical properties of PCMs

Thermal Energy Waste Recovery Technologies and Systems

Thermal Energy Waste Recovery Technologies and Systems

Thermal Energy Waste Recovery Technologies and Systems comprehensively covers thermal energy recovery technologies and systems. It considers thermal sources, working principles, products, application status, prospects, and challenges.In an effort to achieve energy security, carbon neutralization, and sustainable development, this book discusses waste recovery from thermal energy technologies and systems from varying temperatures. This book features case studies of advanced multi-generation systems for different industrial applications.This book is intended for senior undergraduate and graduate mechanical engineering students taking courses in thermal energy, energy systems, and renewable energy, as well as researchers studying thermal energy utilization, low-carbon technologies, thermal dynamic analysis, and energy system design.

Science Education Towards Social and Ecological Justice

Science Education Towards Social and Ecological Justice

This book consists of stories of struggles in science education presented by a network of science educators working in Australia, Brazil, Canada, Britain, and the United States. The common goal of these educators is to produce more socially/ecologically just models and practices of science education. The book considers and reworks the key-terms of current social justice: agency, realism, justice, and power. Its first section explores re-inhabiting science in the quest for more just worlds including reterritorializing science within emergent theories of critical realism, engaging citizens activists with corporate science, and challenging neoliberalism and the forces that organize (structure) knowledge. The second section redefines praxis of science education itself through nuanced explorations of agency, decolonialism, and justice in ways that emphasize complexity, hybridity, ambivalence, and contradiction. The stories of this international group capture individual and collective efforts, motivated by a persistent sense that science and science education matter for questions of justice.

Lignocellulosic Biomass to Value-Added Products

Lignocellulosic Biomass to Value-Added Products

Lignocellulosic Biomass to Value-Added Products: Fundamental Strategies and Technological Advancements focuses on fundamental and advanced topics surrounding technologies for the conversion process of lignocellulosic biomass. Each and every concept related to the utilization of biomass in the process of conversion is elaborately explained, with importance given to minute details. Advanced level technologies involved in the conversion of biomass into biofuels, like bioethanol and biobutanol, are addressed, along with the process of pyrolysis. Readers of this book will become fully acquainted with the field of lignocellulosic conversion, from its basics to current research accomplishments. The uniqueness of the book lies in the fact that it covers each and every topic related to biomass and its conversion into value-added products. Technologies involved in the major areas of pretreatment, hydrolysis and fermentation are explained precisely. Additional emphasis is given to the analytical part, especially the established protocols for rapid and accurate quantification of total sugars obtained from lignocellulosic biomass. - Includes chapters arranged in a flow-through manner - Discusses mechanistic insights in different phenomena using colorful figures for quick understanding - Provides the most up-to-date information on all aspects of the conversion of individual components of lignocellulosic biomass

Perché fidarsi della scienza?

Perché fidarsi della scienza?

«Perché fidarsi della scienza? di Naomi Oreskes dovrebbe essere letto da progressisti, conservatori, e da tutti coloro che stanno nel mezzo. È un libro importante, tempestivo e incredibilmente avvincente.»Elizabeth Kolbert, autrice di La sesta estinzione«In un’epoca di fake news e fatti alternativi, in cui le opinioni e l’ideologia vincono sull’evidenza empirica e sul metodo scientifico, come deve rispondere la scienza? Il titolo di questo libro incredibilmente importante pone una delle domande più urgenti del nostro tempo, perché se non ci fidiamo della scienza l’umanità è spacciata.»Jim Al-Khalili, Fellow of the Royal Society, fisico e autore di Il mondo secondo la fisica e La fisica del diavolo«Come arriviamo alla verità? Come salvaguardiamo la conoscenza scientifica (e noi stessi) da chi la percepisce come una minaccia per i propri interessi? Con il suo lavoro pionieristico sulla negazione del cambiamento climatico e molto altro, Naomi Oreskes offre una prospettiva fondamentale su questi temi, che affronta di petto in questo libro chiaro e avvincente. »Naomi Klein, autrice di Shock Politics e No LogoI medici sanno davvero di cosa stanno parlando quando ci dicono che i vaccini sono sicuri? Dovremmo prendere in parola gli esperti del clima quando ci mettono in guardia sui pericoli del riscaldamento globale? Perché dovremmo credere agli scienziati quando i nostri politici non lo fanno? A partire da queste domande Naomi Oreskes costruisce una solida e avvincente difesa della scienza, mostrando in che modo il carattere sociale della conoscenza scientifica sia la sua forza più grande e la ragione migliore per darle fiducia.Ripercorrendo la storia e la filosofia della scienza degli ultimi due secoli, Oreskes mette in dubbio l’esistenza di un unico, aureo metodo scientifico, ma non rinuncia per questo a difendere la scienza dai suoi detrattori. La superiore affidabilità delle tesi scientifiche deriva, nella sua visione, dal processo sociale che le produce. Questo processo non è perfetto – niente lo è mai quando sono coinvolti gli esseri umani – ma Oreskes ci offre delle lezioni fondamentali proprio a partire dai casi in cui gli scienziati si sono sbagliati. È nel racconto di questi illuminanti «errori» che l’autrice ci accompagna in un viaggio appassionante tra alcune delle tesi più bizzarre e discutibili della storia della scienza: da quella dell’energia limitata, secondo la quale le donne non potevano dedicarsi agli studi e all’istruzione superiore senza indebolire le proprie funzioni riproduttive; a quella dell’eugenetica, i cui programmi statunitensi di inizio Novecento ispirarono la Germania nazista, promuovendo politiche che vennero interpretate come il coerente risvolto sociale della teoria darwiniana dell’evoluzione. Eppure, anche nei momenti di maggior diffusione di queste teorie, esisteva una comunità scientifica che non offriva il proprio consenso, e metteva in evidenza gli aspetti ideologici e gli interessi nascosti che si celavano dietro a quei risultati. Il punto è che la nostra fiducia non deve andare agli scienziati – per quanto saggi o autorevoli possano essere – ma alla scienza in quanto processo sociale, proprio perché garantisce il suo consenso solo dopo avere sottoposto le proprie tesi a uno scrutinio rigoroso e plurale.

Dans le ciel et sur la terre

Dans le ciel et sur la terre

En ces heures charmantes du soir où la Nature semble se reposer de l’activité du jour, où la dernière note de l’oiseau qui s’endort reste suspendue dans les bois, où les gloires éteintes du crépuscule ont déjà fait place aux mystères de la nuit, nous aimons à rêver en contemplant la transformation magique du grand spectacle de la nature, en assistant à cette glorieuse arrivée des étoiles qui s’allument une à une dans les vastes cieux, tandis que le Silence étend lentement ses ailes sur le monde.Fruit d’une sélection réalisée au sein des fonds de la Bibliothèque nationale de France, Collection XIX a pour ambition de faire découvrir des textes classiques et moins classiques dans les meilleures éditions du XIXe siècle.

The Bio-inspired X-Structure/Mechanism Approach for Exploring Nonlinear Benefits in Engineering

The Bio-inspired X-Structure/Mechanism Approach for Exploring Nonlinear Benefits in Engineering

This book introduces a novel approach to designing and analyzing beneficial nonlinearity, which plays a crucial role in engineering systems and cannot be overlooked in structural design, dynamic response analysis, and parameter selection. It systematically addresses the key issue of how to analyze and design potential nonlinearities, whether introduced or inherent in a system under study. This task is essential in many practical applications, including vibration control, energy harvesting, sensor systems, and robotics. The book provides an up-to-date summary of the latest developments in a cutting-edge method for manipulating and employing nonlinearity, known as the X-shaped structure or mechanism approach. Inspired by animal leg/limb skeletons, this method offers passive, low-cost, high-efficiency adjustable beneficial nonlinear stiffness (high static & ultra-low dynamic), nonlinear damping (dependent on resonant frequency and vibration excitation amplitude), and nonlinear inertia (low static & high dynamic), either individually or simultaneously. The X-shaped structure or mechanism represents a class of beneficial geometric nonlinearity with flexible linkage mechanisms or structural designs in various forms (quadrilateral, diamond, polygon, K/Z/S/V-shape, or others). These forms share similar geometric nonlinearity and nonlinear stiffness/damping properties, making them flexible in design and easy to implement. The book series systematically review the research background, motivation, essential bio-inspired ideas, advantages of this novel method, beneficial nonlinear properties in stiffness, damping, and inertia, and potential applications developed since 2010, and particularly focuses in this book on innovative applications of the X-structure/mechanism method in energy harvesting and sensor systems.

El planeta inhóspito

El planeta inhóspito

Esta edición incluye un nuevo epílogo del autor. ***Una vez hemos reconocido que nuestro mundo llega a su fin, ¿qué podemos hacer?Este sobrecogedor relato de cómo estamos precipitando el planeta hacia su Armagedón nos descubre amenazas inimaginables hasta en nuestras peores pesadillas.Es peor, mucho peor, de lo que imaginas.Hoy, la subida del nivel del mar es una causa de alarma generalizada entre aquellos que ya han abandonado el sueño pernicioso de que el calentamiento global es un mito. Sin embargo, no es ni siquiera la punta del gigantesco iceberg de horrores inimaginables que amenazan la vida en la Tierra: incendios, huracanes, sequías, inundaciones... Todas estas inquietantes manifestaciones del cambio climático, ya recurrentes para millones de personas, son solo un adelanto de lo que está por llegar: hambrunas, plagas, un aire irrespirable, migraciones cada vez más masivas, el colapso económico e incluso conflictos armados globales.Con una precisión y una lucidez que estremecen, David Wallace-Wells construye el relato caleidoscópico de las consecuencias que tendrá, tan solo dentro de una generación, nuestra impasibilidad ante la crisis ecológica. Incidiendo con crudeza en cómo hemos fracasado al imaginar y, ante todo, promulgar un mejor porvenir, El planeta inhóspito nos transporta a un futuro inminente y nos sirve la reflexión definitiva de cómo hemos devastado nuestro propio hogar; todo ello en clave de una ferviente y aún más apremiante llamada al cambio.Reseñas: «Aunque estos días no tengo la concentración necesaria para leer otra cosa que no sean noticias, he pensado constantemente en este libro, que advierte sobre las devastadoras consecuencias del calentamiento global, un proceso que ya comenzó. Las pandemias son una de ellas, así como la escasez de agua, las hambrunas, el colapso económico. Si no cambiamos nuestra depredadora relación con la naturaleza, este horroroso capítulo que estamos viviendo es apenas el preludio de lo que nos espera.» Liliana Colanzi, Babelia ("Lecturas para la cuarentena")«Un antes y un después en todo lo que se ha escrito del cambio climático.» Carlos Fresneda, El Mundo«Un libro que tenemos que leer si no queremos que nuestros nietos nos maldigan.» Timothy Snyder«Un libro penetrante, que a la vez me da miedo y esperanza sobre el futuro.» Jonathan Safran Foer«Potente y evocador. Wallace-Wells ha logrado superar con creces el típico relato del cambio climático.» Jennifer Szalai, The New York Times«Fascinante. Muchos lectores creerán que el relato de Wallace-Wells sobre nuestros posibles escenarios de futuro es demasiado alarmista. Pero es que está alarmado. Y vosotros deberíais estarlo también.»The Economist «Una obra maestra.»Nature

Nach Corona – Unsere Zukunft neu gestalten

Nach Corona – Unsere Zukunft neu gestalten

Franz Alts aktuelles Buch ist durchgehend optimistisch. In der Corona-Pandemie haben wir in kurzer Zeit viel gelernt, haben alle Kräfte gebündelt, um eine lebensbedrohliche und globale Katastrophe zu bestehen. Dazu gehört es, wissenschaftliche Erkenntnisse anzuerkennen, länderübergreifend zu planen und konsequent zu handeln - individuell und gesamtgesellschaftlich. Diese Erfahrungen können motivieren, auch andere Herausforderungen zu bewältigen, die unsere Erde und die Menschheit bedrohen. Franz Alt beschreibt Hoffnungszeichen für eine bessere Zukunft: Wir sind bereits dabei, die Energiewende und neue Formen der Mobilität zu schaffen, wir können die Klimaerhitzung stoppen, die Wirtschaft ökologisch umbauen, Atomwaffen abrüsten. In Deutschland und weltweit setzen sich Aktivist*innen, charismatische Politiker*innen und soziale Bewegungen für eine lebenswerte Zukunft für alle ein. Franz Alt ermutigt durch viele konkrete Beispiele: Wenn wir intellektuelle Einsichten und emotionale Kräfte vereinen, neu denken, neu fühlen und neu handeln, können wir unsere Zukunft neu gestalten.

Lernen in überbetrieblichen Kursen (E-Book)

Lernen in überbetrieblichen Kursen (E-Book)

Dieses E-Book enthält komplexe Grafiken und Tabellen, welche nur auf E-Readern gut lesbar sind, auf denen sich Bilder vergrössern lassen. Überbetriebliche Kurse spielen in der beruflichen Grundbildung eine zentrale Rolle: Hier werden den Lernenden grundlegende berufspraktische Kompetenzen vermittelt. Welche unterschiedlichen didaktischen Ansätze können in überbetrieblichen Kursen verfolgt werden und wie werden sie in der Praxis umgesetzt? Neben dieser Frage werden auch die rechtlichen Grundlagen des dritten Lernorts beleuchtet und Entscheidungsfelder diskutiert, mit denen Trägerschaften überbetrieblicher Kurse konfrontiert sind.

Schul- und Qualitätsentwicklung

Schul- und Qualitätsentwicklung

Dieses E-Book enthält komplexe Grafiken und Tabellen, welche nur auf E-Readern gut lesbar sind, auf denen sich Bilder vergrössern lassen. Schul- und Qualitätsentwicklung sind zentrale Themen des Bildungswesens. Sie stehen im Fokus der Arbeit von Schulleitungen, aber auch Lehrpersonen werden immer mehr in Entwicklungsarbeiten an Schulen einbezogen. Diese "Didaktische Hausapotheke" stellt zentrale Konzepte und Ansätze der Schul- und Qualitätsentwicklung vor und gibt Hinweise für die Praxis, etwa mit Blick auf das Feedback von Lernenden, die kollegiale Zusammenarbeit und die Weiterbildung von Lehrpersonen. Der Fokus des Buches liegt auf den Berufsfachschulen, doch ist der Inhalt gut auf andere Schulstufen übertragbar.

The AVIVA model (E-Book)

The AVIVA model (E-Book)

This e-book contains high-resolution graphics and tables that can only be read on e-readers capable of enlarging images. The AVIVA model of teaching and learning has received great attention in teacher education since it was first published in German in 2010. AVIVA is a trusted teaching framework suited to a rapidly changing society. It emphasises competence-oriented education and training based on an accessible phase structure, with a range of practical examples. This new English edition brings the AVIVA model to a much larger audience and includes new detailed examples of blended learning and problem- based learning.

El futuro por decidir

El futuro por decidir

Ellibrosobre elcambioclimáticorecomendadopor Yuval Noah Harari.AÑO 2050: EL MUNDO ARDE, EL AIRE ES PELIGROSO Y SOFOCANTE, Y PAÍSES ENTEROS ESTÁN BAJO EL AGUA; O AÑO 2050: EL MUNDO RESPIRA, EL AIRE ES PURO Y LA NATURALEZA RECUPERA TERRENO, Y POBLACIONES ENTERAS GANAN EN CALIDAD DE VIDA.ES NUESTRO FUTURO Y DEPENDE DE NOSOTROS.PODEMOS SOBREVIVIR A LA CRISIS CLIMÁTICA.ESTE LIBRO TE MUESTRA CÓMO.El cambio climático es el problema más acuciante al que nos hemos enfrentado jamás. La forma en que lo abordemos en los próximos treinta años determinará absolutamente el mundo en el que viviremos y el legado que dejaremos a las futuras generaciones.En este libro, Christiana Figueres y Tom Rivett-Carnac –los artífices del histórico Acuerdo de París– nos dibujan dos posibles escenarios y nos advierten de las catastróficas consecuencias de no hacer nada. Poderoso, divulgativo y optimista, Elfuturopordecidir nos ofrece las herramientas para enfrentar la crisis climática y nos muestra las opciones de cambio existentes para que, desde cualquier ámbito, podamos reconducir la situación.La crítica ha dicho... «El futuro por decidir nos muestra qué debemos hacer para proteger nuestro futuro común: el tuyo y el de toda la humanidad.» Leonardo Dicaprio«Este es uno de los libros más inspiradores que he leído. El libro analiza detenidamente las aterradoras realidades del cambio climático, pero concluye que la humanidad aún puede hacer frente a dicha amenaza. Además, el libro presenta el desafío existencial del cambio climático como una oportunidad única para construir un mundo más justo y convertirnos en mejores personas. Lo más importante es que el libro adopta un enfoque muy práctico sugiriéndonos 10 acciones concretas para crear un futuro mejor. Espero que que este mensaje cale hondo en todos nosotros.» Yuval Noah Harari«No existe un libro más importante.» Richard Branson«Figueres y Rivett-Carnac se atreven a decirnos cómo nuestra respuesta puede crear un mundo mejor y más justo.» Naomi Klein

Sky Colors

Sky Colors

"Sky Colors" explores the captivating science behind the ever-changing colors of the sky, from the familiar daytime blue to the vibrant hues of sunset. The book delves into the fundamental principles of atmospheric science, meteorology, and Earth sciences to explain these optical phenomena. One intriguing insight is how Rayleigh scattering, the selective scattering of sunlight by atmospheric particles, is most effective at shorter wavelengths, resulting in the blue sky we see when the sun is high. As the sun sets, its light travels through more of the atmosphere, scattering away the blue and leaving the longer wavelengths of red and orange to dominate. The book systematically builds upon core concepts, beginning with the physics of light and atmospheric composition, then delving into Rayleigh scattering and its dependence on wavelength and particle size. It also explores how atmospheric conditions, such as humidity and pollution, can modify the scattering process and impact sky color. This approach emphasizes scientific reasoning and the link between theoretical predictions and real-world observations.Finally, "Sky Colors" connects these scientific principles to broader environmental phenomena, such as air quality monitoring and climate change, demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of this captivating subject. By understanding the science of sky colors, readers can gain a deeper appreciation for the natural world and its intricate processes.

Segunda Fundação

Segunda Fundação

Em 1966, a série Fundação foi eleita a melhor série de ficção científica de todos os tempos. Depois de anos de conflito, a Fundação está em ruínas – destruída pelo poder mental do Mula, o mutante cuja existência Hari Seldon não conseguiu prever. Mas há rumores de que, algures nos confins da Galáxia, existe uma Segunda Fundação, criada para preservar o conhecimento da Humanidade durante os séculos de barbárie. O Mula não a conseguiu encontrar da primeira vez, mas agora está certo da sua localização. O destino da Fundação reside na jovem Arcadia.