E-LOGOS, 2013 (vol. 20), issue 1

History of Philosophy

Základní struktura Plótínovy metafyziky

Miroslav Vacura

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-24 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.347  

Plotinus' philosophy is exceptionally systematic, however its enormous complexity makes understanding and evaluation difficult. Presented study focuses on exploring fundamental structure of architecture of Plotinus' metaphysics, based on contemporary interpretative commentaries and studies. Taking hierarchical ordering of analyzed metaphysical system as starting point we proceed by analyzing character of each of metaphysical levels and its relation to other components of Plotinus' system.

Kant's Understanding of the Imagination in Critique of Pure Reason

Milos Rastovic

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-12 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.348  

The imagination (Einbildung) in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason (B edition) has an important role in the transcendental synthesis. In this context, Kant says: "Synthesis in general is, as we shall subsequently see, the mere effect of the imagination, of a blind though indispensible function of the soul, without which we would have no cognition at all, but of which we are seldom even conscious" (B 103). How can we gain knowledge of the unknowable external object? This is the crucial question in Kant's Critique of Pure Reason, and the imagination is the vague root of all transcendental synthesis. In other words, we are not aware of how the imagination...

Příspěvek k pojetí jazyka u Francise Bacona a Jana Amose Komenského I

Jitka Kuncová

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-16 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.353  

Presented paper is considered as a relatively self-containing first part of serie dedicated to analyses of language in selected works of Francis Bacon and Johannes Amos Comenius. It provides an textual analysis of Bacon´s The New Atlantis and outlines presence of multilingual, metaphysical and theological levels of Bacon´s engagement with language.

To the Interpretation of Spontaneous Order

Petr Špecián

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-10 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.354  

The article analyzes basic reasons for renewed interest in Alfred Schutz's works by the Austrian economists in the context of postmodern criticism of aprioristic methods of praxeology and foundational paradigm as such. It also deals with the possible applications of Schutzian method of telescopic ideal type on the problem of spontaneous order and shows this method as a possible alternative to Hayek's evolutionary approach. Phenomenological method that creates a baseline for Schutz is only useful to an extent to which the structures of spontaneous order can be grounded in individual consciousness. In cannot, therefore, be used to answer the question...

Philosophy of Science

Jedinečnost v zájmu vědy: hermeneutické poznámky ke konjekturálnímu paradigmatu

Jan Motal

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-12 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.338  

The article interprets Carlo Ginzburgs conjectural paradigm from a hermeneutical point of view. The crucial distinction between galilean science and conjectural method is explained with a focus on its hermeneutical aspects. The study tries to understand historiography as a science, critically discussing Poppers discourse. The main question of this interpretation is a predictive value of theory and also its universal demand. The article argues, that the history as science is possible only if theoretical universalism is abandoned.

From Marginal Utility to Revealed Preference

Marek Hudík

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-19 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.341  

This paper provides an exposition of the standard model of economic choice, applying Popper's method of rational reconstruction. It emphasizes that the explanation of downward-sloping demand curve, which is the original explicandum of this model, does not entail explanation of choice as such. Two alternative variants of the model of are considered: one based on the notion of diminishing marginal utility and the other on the concept of ordinal utility. Each variant is understood as a tentative solution to a theoretical problem and clarifies why the former is replaced by the latter. It also shows how the latter relates to consumer preferences and choices...

Úvod do dějepisu jako společenské vědy

Vladimír Kyprý

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-14 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.342  

This article - "An Introduction into History as a Social Science" - deals with questions as follows: 1. What is history and what does it deals with? 2. If history deals also and especially with a sense of history of human society, is there any sense in history of human society, and if there is some sense, consequently which one? 3. Whether there is or there is not any sense, which possible sense is there in the study in history or, if you like, which possible sense can be there in the study in history, and when can it be there? - This article, dealing with those questions, is an introduction into social sciences as connected with history and controlled...

O Planckově víře, nejen v soulad vědy s náboženstvím

Veronika Nováková

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-12 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.346  

The article with a rather symptomatic title "About Planck´s belief, not only in the harmony of science and religion", deals with the question if a consistent functioning of science in accordance with religion is in reality possible. Max Planck dedicated one of his lectures to this problem and the article is thus based on this main source. The aim is to judge critically Planck´s very definitely formulated conclusions that consistency of science and religion is possible and nothing can disturb it. From this point of view is also suitable briefly explore the historical background of Planck´s life, which has indeed also influenced his attitudes towards...

Vzájemný vliv vědecko-technického pokroku a kvality společenského zřízení

Vladimír Štípek

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-14 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.349  

The paper deals with the reciprocal influence of the quality of social structure and scientific and technical progress. Different human societies (from antique times to modern times) possess sophisticated technology and effective use of them could result in technological, scientific and industrial revolution, but it did not happen. I advocate the hypothesis that philosophical bases of specific society are crucial for exploiting of known technologies. The arguments for my hypothesis are illustrated by examples from history. It shows that only a social revolution could allow the beginning of technical and scientific revolution. I also mention arguments...

Makroekonómia a mylné usudzovanie z časti na celok

Miroslav Titze

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-18 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.351  

Main goal of the paper is discuss methodological problem in macroeconomy called fallacy of composition. There is important in macroeconomy research to verify content even form to reveal this methodological problem to use right methodology. Fallacy of composition problem is relative strong argument for application of pluralistic methodology in macroeconomy. Fallacy of composiion has wide use in macroeconomy and economic policy. Macroeconomics can avoid fallacy of composition by using balance sheet approach. Nowadays example of economic policy suffered by fallacy of composition is quantitative easing. There is question, why this relatively important...

Post keynesiánská makroekonomická metodologie a její odlišnosti od hlavního proudu ekonomie

Jiří Štekláč

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-18 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.352  

The pressure on the orthodox mainstream economic theories has increased in hand to hand with application of non-orthodox economic policies during the recently started economic crisis. Thus, after a couple of decades, the economic science once again opens the door for new theories, methodologies and paradigms. This study has three main objectives. The first aim is a general summarization of the cornerstones of the post Keynesian economic methodology. The second aim is a clear demarcation of this heterogeneous theory and neoclassical methodology with ambition to completely alternate this old methodology. And finally, the third aim is to analyze the post...

Homo economicus - překonaný předpoklad?

Jitka Melzochová

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-21 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.355  

The neoclassical approximation of human behavior is contained in the assumptions of model of homo economicus. Work corresponds negatively to the question whether the neoclassical concept is obsolete. Criterion for overcome model it considers poor predictive ability of the model and its replacement by an alternative concept. The work is focused only on the adjustment of assumptions of the model involves shifting acting agent closer to reality and it does not deal with the rejection of the model based only on the evidence of real action that does not match the assumptions of the model. It deals with the theory of bounded rationality, the results of behavioral...

Epistemologie dat v současné vědě

Jindřich Mynarz

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-17 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.356  

Contemporary science is dominated by positivist epistemology of data, which builds on metaphysical realism and the ideal of mechanical objectivity, yet suffers from a number of flaws. Shortcomings of this approach were identified in many critical responses and led to a new problematization of the established concept of data. The often criticised aspects of this concept remark on data being embedded in the context of its making, and point out the mediation of data and its openness to manipulation. In recent years, the function of data gained an unprecedented importance due to the rising demands of science for data, which attracted attention to this...

Philosophy of Mind

Hayekova teorie lidské mysli

Pavel Potužák

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-38 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.344  

This article explores Hayek's theory of human mind that was introduced in one of his most difficult books Sensory Order. The first part raises the question of the fundamental relationship between the outside world and the picture created about this world by our mind. The next section investigates essential tools and assumptions in Hayek's theory, especially the semi-permanent map created by our neural system and the model as the representation of the outside world within this map. The core part of this article outlines the most important answers implied by Hayek's theory. The last parts briefly mention possible extensions of this theory that might...

Filosofický problém svobodné vůle

Ondřej Havlíček

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):2-24 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.343  

The free will problem has mostly been considered as a metaphysical one and hence non-empirical. However, with the recent developments in the cognitive sciences, claims about this philosophical issue are increasingly being made based on empirical findings. This paper gives a brief overview of a few of such findings. First, there are studies relevant to the question of causal efficacy of consciousness and the awareness of the causes of our actions. The most famous, although arguably not the most important ones, are the experiments of Benjamin Libet. Then there is a growing interest in the research on the experience of acting voluntarily. Whether I consider...

Ethics, Social and Political Philosophy

Občanská společnost z pohledu pluralisty

Marek Loužek

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-15 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.339  

The paper aims to put the civil society in the context of political philosophy and to explain it from a pluralistic perspective. The first part discusses the classical concept of the civil society. The second part examines the civil society during and after the era of Communism. The third part analyses the dispute between corporativism and pluralism. The fourth part distinguishes between political power and influence. The fifth part highlights the roles of political parties. The sixth part points out the suspicious nature of universal moral claims.

Kritické zamyšlení nad metodou zkoumání rakouské školy

Zdeněk Pikhart

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-10 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.340  

The article deals with a critical analysis of the main methods of examining the Austrian school of economics. First, attention is paid to methodological individualism and subjectivism and potential problems that are associated with their fully consistent application. It is explained illegitimacy critique of mainstream economics by Austrian school in terms of praxeological law. The last chapter is devoted to criticism of the axiomatic understanding of rationality as a necessary precondition for methodological individualism and praxeology.

Inštitúcie a organizácie vo filozofii a etike - historické inštitucionálne metamorfózy fundamentov

Richard Geffert

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-17 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.350  

This paper deals with the definition background of the terms institution and organization within the optics of philosophical and ethical tools of the study of developmental specifications of axiological systems theory and practices. The main aim of this paper is theoretical determination of these terms for the sake of their correct application in the field of philosophy and ethics where those terms are often changed and identified. Institution is understood as ethical, thus practical fundament of existence of the man as an individual but also as all the society with the focus on its axiological determination being its substance. In historical continuum,...

Epistemology

Hume, Masaryk, Brentano: skepticismus vs pravděpodobnost I

Ján Pavlík

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-30 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.357  

Masarykʼs and Brentanoʼs attempts at overcoming Humean scepticism by means of probability calculus represent a kind of "third way" between Kantian apriorism and submitting to Humeʼs subtle arguments. In Masaryk, this attempt should have become an integral part of his project of "new inductive logic" which (in line with Leibniz) would serve as the logical basis for the ars inveniendi. Masaryk adopts Humeʼs conception of analytical judgements but at the same time he is attracted to Adolf Fickʼs theory according to which probability calculus consists of synthetic judgements a priori; he also refers in a remarkable way to...

Miscellany

Od polovzdělanosti k nevzdělanosti

Vladimír Kyprý

E-LOGOS 2013, 20(1):1-21 | DOI: 10.18267/j.e-logos.345  

This article - review - "From semi-education till non-education" - deals with K. P. Liessmann´s book "Theory of non-education"; in the track of it, it thinks over and thinks to the end questions as follows: 1. What is the former founding and aiming relation to the idea of education? 2. What is the present (founding out of it and aiming against it) relation to the idea of education? 3. What is the founding and aiming contra-idea of the contemporary "education"? 4. What is the founding and aiming contra-idea of "education" in contemporary "educational institutions" (especially in schools as "educational institutions")? 5. What is the essential foundation...