Sistema Regional de Información
en línea para Revistas Científicas de América Latina,
el Caribe, España y Portugal

Abstract: After the dawn of the traditional, essentialist view of natural kinds in contemporary philosophy (exacerbated in philosophy of biology by “population thinking”), non-essentialist cluster conceptions of natural kinds have been extensively supported and applied to numerous biological categories. However, salient philosophers have put forward two challenging arguments against cluster kind theories. I argue that, in both cases, discontent with a cluster conception of natural kinds is motivated by tacit and previous assumptions that can be challenged. I conclude that the concerns expressed in the objections do not make good reasons to resist natural kinds talk in biology unless one is willing to share such commitments and assumptions with respect to natural kinds. Ultimately, the discussion can be used to point out that our very expectations regarding natural kinds theories could use a rethink. Keywords: natural kinds, essentialism, cluster kinds, Boyd, mechanisms.

Abstract: In this paper I aim to defend a twofold thesis. On one hand, I will support, against Perini (2005), the indispensability of diagrams when structurally complex biomolecules are concerned, since it is not possible to satisfactorily use linguistic-sentential representations at that domain. On the other hand, even when diagrams are dispensable I will defend than they will generally be more effective than other representations in encoding biomolecular knowledge, relying on Kulvicki-Shimojima’s diagrammatic effectiveness thesis. Finally, I will ground many epistemic virtues of biomolecular diagrams (understandability, explanatory power, prediction and hypothesis evaluation) on their cognitive-computational indispensability and their semantic-epistemic effectiveness. Keywords: Molecular Biology, Diagrammatic Representation, Representational Indispensability.

Introduction to the Special Issue on Philosophy of Biology Edited by Laura Nuroga and Cristina Villegas

Número complet / Número completo / Full Issue

En el presente artículo se reflexionará entorno a la figura del justiciero y su posible encaje en las actuales sociedades democráticas. Se abordará la relación de incompatibilidad entre la idea del Estado legitimado para el uso de la violencia y la figura del justiciero. Cómo desde el mundo del cómic ha sido representado no como un defensor de la justicia sino como alguien que actúa al margen de la ley.

The present study seeks to identify, describe and explain attitudes towards plagiarism of Business Administration students from two private universities in Arequipa. A qualitative methodology was used and the analysis content technique was applied. The data were obtained from information from the application of an individual interview guide and a focus group guide. Twenty individual interviews and two focus groups were conducted, totaling 20 newly-admitted students (10 women and 10 men). The categories arising from the answers expressed by the participants were: (a) knowledge of the issue, (b) permissive attitude towards plagiarism, (c) plagiarism as a social facilitator, (d) consequences and (e) preventive attitude. The results show that, for those interviewed, plagiarism is defined as the act of “copying the work of others”, “cheating” or “stealing”. They also concluded that plagiarizing is a common and even institutionalized practice that begins at school and is perfected in the University. Getting good grades is the reason why there are no accusations or discrepancy between students who commit plagiarism and those who do not, since they maintain that plagiarism is not a crime. Finally, the ignorance that you are committing plagiarism, the easy way to do something and fear of failing a course are some of the causes of this cheating action. Among the proposals that the interviewees make to solve this problem is that fact that universities disclose and implement their disciplinary regulations.

Mind maps are usually employed by teachers from all the educational levels as powerful learning strategies. This use enables important pedagogic achievements, but they do not exceed their maximum level, due to the dogmatic use of Tony Buzan's mind map (1996). Situation that would be different if it were entirely internalized, understand and applied. Precisely for that reason, the triarchic theory of intelligence developed by Rober Sternberg (1985) allows students to make decisions in several difficult situations with the suitable use of techniques and orientations in the development of the same intelligence. The research was developed by means of the case study from the qualitative focus, in which through the analysis of the evidences found and the use of an instrument that measured the successful intelligence, its development could be confirmed. However, the empiric analysis was not enough for validating the aforementioned development. For that reason, direct observation was chosen during learning sessions accomplished by the teacher responsible for the strategy to be used, and embodied in the field notebook. Likewise, in-depth interviews were conducted by educational psychologists. It should be noted that the analyzed documents have allowed developing the triangulation not only of evidences but also of methodologies, among them the documentary analysis, in order to reach conclusions that demonstrate how the development of the successful intelligence has been achieved. Finally, it is demonstrated than the use of the techniques of the mind maps with an educational strategy adapted to the applied group, achieves the significant development of the abilities of the analytical, creative and practical intelligence.

This research aims to know the impact of information and communication technologies (ICT), as an innovative mechanism applied in curricular teaching experiences, for the development of cognitive and socio-emotional skills of students aged between 08 to 13 years from primary school who had disabilities to speak or move within the context of a Special Basic Education Center (CEBE). It was a qualitative, substantive research. The Plaphoons (free software created for special education needs) technological tool was used. The analysis of the contents of the intentions, perceptions, observation, and data registration was carried out through the triangulation of data and categorization of contents for issuing results. It was concluded that the use of this ICT enhanced the abilities of these students, confirming cognitive improvements for learning the topics of mathematical logic, communication and social sciences. It was also found that this tool allows a better and greater development of their social skills.

The objective of this research was to generate a theory about the Neoliberal Education Reform, undertaken since 1990 and developed with different aspects in the governmental periods, from Fujimori to Ollanta Humala. This study was developed within the qualitative paradigm, with grounded theory methodology and description of the phenomenal situation. The sample consisted of six informants, who provided the data through the in-depth interview technique. As a result, it was found that there was no explanatory theory that reveals the background of this Education Reform as well as teachers who do not identify with this reform, the successes and failures of it. The contributions broaden the reflexive theoretical universe of society, which has to do with Peruvian education.

This research was carried out to design tutorials on the care of undeveloped social skills of university students, through which they express their needs, feelings, preferences, opinions and rights, respecting others and as a consequence self-reinforcement is observed and the probability of obtaining external reinforcement is maximized. The study was approached from the interpretive paradigm, qualitative approach, the projective - holistic method as a systematic process. Diagnostic information was collected from students and tutors, through interviews and focus groups, focused on behavioral, personal and situational skills. From all of this, categories and subcategories were identified that allowed choosing strategies to meet the needs. As a result, it was demonstrated that social skills, an important aspect for insertion and work performance, have not been developed despite the existence of the accompaniment of tutors. Also, the strategies used in the tutorial actions are not adequate; therefore, they must be modified. Also, it was concluded that university institutions must carry out planning processes for tutorials after diagnosis.