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Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014
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Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014

A special issue of Philosophies (ISSN 2409-9287).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 August 2014) | Viewed by 48001

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Vincent C. Müller

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Division of Humanities & Social Sciences, Anatolia College/ACT, 55510 Pylaia-Thessaloniki, Greece
Interests: meaning; computing; cognition, ethics of technology

Special Issue Information

The conferences on “Computing and Philosophy” (CAP) have a long tradition of 28 years and are now organised annually by the International Association for Computing and Philosophy (IACAP, http://www.iacap.org/), alternating between Europe and North-America. The 2014 meeting took place in Thessaloniki, July 2–4, 2014, at the suggestion of the IACAP leadership, in particular of Mariarosaria Taddeo (President) and Marcello Guarini (Executive Director). The academic and organisational responsibilities were given to this editor, supported by our team in Thessaloniki.

In total we had 78 submissions by the deadline—which was not extended. Of these 34 (43%) were accepted for the main track and 5 for the ‘young researchers’ track. We also accepted 14 papers as poster presentations. After the conference, the authors of accepted papers were invited to submit full papers by August 15th. We then ran a second round of online reviews between authors, non-blind this time, which resulted in fruitful and substantial discussions. In light of these and comments from the editor, all full papers were revised, mostly several times, and significantly improved—or so we like to think. The revision process ended early November 2014, when each paper had been reviewed at least four times and checked by the editor. However, not all papers could join the volume in the Springer Synthese series, so we gratefully accepted to publish nine papers as a special volume in this new journal.

Vincent C. Müller
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All papers will be peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Philosophies is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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129 KiB  
Article
The Architecture of Mind as a Network of Networks of Natural Computational Processes
by Gordana Dodig-Crnkovic
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 111-125; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010111 - 14 Dec 2015
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 4834
Abstract
In discussions regarding models of cognition, the very mention of “computationalism” often incites reactions against the insufficiency of the Turing machine model, its abstractness, determinism, the lack of naturalist foundations, triviality and the absence of clarity. None of those objections, however, concerns models [...] Read more.
In discussions regarding models of cognition, the very mention of “computationalism” often incites reactions against the insufficiency of the Turing machine model, its abstractness, determinism, the lack of naturalist foundations, triviality and the absence of clarity. None of those objections, however, concerns models based on natural computation or computing nature, where the model of computation is broader than symbol manipulation or conventional models of computation. Computing nature consists of physical structures that form layered computational architecture, with computation processes ranging from quantum to chemical, biological/cognitive and social-level computation. It is argued that, on the lower levels of information processing in the brain, finite automata or Turing machines may still be adequate models, while, on the higher levels of whole-brain information processing, natural computing models are necessary. A layered computational architecture of the mind based on the intrinsic computing of physical systems avoids objections against early versions of computationalism in the form of abstract symbols manipulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
146 KiB  
Article
Quantum Parallelism Thesis, Many World Interpretation and Physical Information Thesis
by Giacomo Lini
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 102-110; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010102 - 11 Dec 2015
Viewed by 4161
Abstract
The aim of this paper is to address a particular interpretation of quantum computational processes, namely, the so called Many World Interpretation (MWI). I will show that if such an interpretation is supported by the Quantum Parallelism Thesis (QPT) and the Physical Information [...] Read more.
The aim of this paper is to address a particular interpretation of quantum computational processes, namely, the so called Many World Interpretation (MWI). I will show that if such an interpretation is supported by the Quantum Parallelism Thesis (QPT) and the Physical Information Thesis (PIT) at the same time, then it falls under circularity. I will suggest, in fact, that as long as this variation states both PIT and QPT cannot furnish a physical explanation of the latter unless it is already stating the truth of MWI. This specific case suggests the more general conclusion that MWI and other accounts of quantum computational processes instill very different concepts of information. I will show that the concept instilled by MWI advocates is too abstract in order to be a reliable source for a physical interpretation of quantum computational processes. I will nevertheless then suggest that MWI is not completely useless for our understanding of quantum computation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
146 KiB  
Article
Rethinking Experiments in a Socio-Technical Perspective: The Case of Software Engineering
by Viola Schiaffonati and Mario Verdicchio
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 87-101; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010087 - 11 Dec 2015
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3574
Abstract
Experiments in computing share many characteristics with the traditional experimental method, but also present significant differences from a practical perspective, due to their aim at producing software artifacts and the central role played by human actors and organizations (e.g., programmers, project teams, software [...] Read more.
Experiments in computing share many characteristics with the traditional experimental method, but also present significant differences from a practical perspective, due to their aim at producing software artifacts and the central role played by human actors and organizations (e.g., programmers, project teams, software houses) involved in the software development process. By analyzing some of the most significant experiments in the subfield of software engineering, we aim at showing how the conceptual framework that supports experimental methodology in this context needs an extension in a socio-technical perspective. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
276 KiB  
Article
Ethics of Virtual Reality Applications in Computer Game Production
by Daniel Kade
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 73-86; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010073 - 4 Dec 2015
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6815
Abstract
A current trend in the gaming industry is to provide more realistic and believable looking animation. To support this, motion capture has been used to create such animation. Lately, immersive virtual environments have been further developed and can be used to support motion [...] Read more.
A current trend in the gaming industry is to provide more realistic and believable looking animation. To support this, motion capture has been used to create such animation. Lately, immersive virtual environments have been further developed and can be used to support motion capture actors with their work. Using immersive virtual environments as work environments has already been explored, but no ethical analysis or applied ethical code has been provided for such situations. In this paper, we investigate the ethical implications of introducing a highly immersive virtual environment for motion capture acting and discuss under which circumstances it is ethically justified to place an actor in such an environment. Moreover, we provide an overview of research in computer games ethics, ethics for virtual realities and acting, as well as an investigation of potential moral and ethical issues in motion capture. Finally, a discussion shall help in finding an ethical consensus within the field of motion capture and for related situations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
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454 KiB  
Article
An Interdisciplinary Approach on the Mediating Character of Technologies for Recognizing Human Activity
by Manuel Dietrich and Kristof Van Laerhoven
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 55-67; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010055 - 27 Nov 2015
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4449
Abstract
In this paper, we introduce a research project on investigating the relation of computers and humans in the field of wearable activity recognition. We use an interdisciplinary approach, combining general philosophical assumptions on the mediating character of technology with the current computer science [...] Read more.
In this paper, we introduce a research project on investigating the relation of computers and humans in the field of wearable activity recognition. We use an interdisciplinary approach, combining general philosophical assumptions on the mediating character of technology with the current computer science design practice. Wearable activity recognition is about computer systems which automatically detect human actions. Of special relevance for our research project are applications using wearable activity recognition for self-tracking and self-reflection, for instance by tracking personal activity data like sports. We assume that activity recognition is providing a new perspective on human actions; this perspective is mediated by the recognition process, which includes the recognition models and algorithms chosen by the designer, and the visualization to the user. We analyze this mediating character with two concepts which are both based on phenomenological thoughts namely first Peter-Paul Verbeek’s theory on human-technology relations and second the ideas of embodied interaction. Embedded in the concepts is a direction which leads to the role of technical design in how technology mediates. Regarding this direction, we discuss two case studies, both in the possible using practice of self-tracking and the design practice. This paper ends with prospects towards a better design, how the technologies should be designed to support self-reflection in a valuable and responsible way. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
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394 KiB  
Article
Virtuality and Reality—Toward a Representation Ontology
by László Ropolyi
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 40-54; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010040 - 23 Nov 2015
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 10868
Abstract
Based on a brief overview of the history of ontology and on some philosophical problems of virtual reality, a new approach to virtuality is proposed. To characterize the representational (information, cognitive, cultural, communication) technologies in the Internet age, I suggest that Aristotle’s dualistic [...] Read more.
Based on a brief overview of the history of ontology and on some philosophical problems of virtual reality, a new approach to virtuality is proposed. To characterize the representational (information, cognitive, cultural, communication) technologies in the Internet age, I suggest that Aristotle’s dualistic ontological system (which distinguishes between actual and potential being) be complemented with a third form of being: virtuality. In the virtual form of being actuality and potentiality are inseparably intertwined. Virtuality is potentiality considered together with its actualization. In this view, virtuality is reality with a measure, a reality which has no absolute character, but which has a relative nature. This situation can remind us the emergence of probability in the 17th century: then the concept of certainty, now the concept of reality is reconsidered and relativized. Currently, in the descriptions of the world created by representational technologies, there are two coherent worldviews with different ontologies: the world is inhabited by (absolute) actual and (absolute) potential beings—or all the beings in the world are virtual. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
643 KiB  
Article
Machine Code and Metaphysics: A Perspective on Software Engineering
by Lindsay Smith, Vito Veneziano and Paul Wernick
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 28-39; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010028 - 10 Nov 2015
Viewed by 4978
Abstract
A major, but too-little-considered problem for Software Engineering (SE) is a lack of consensus concerning Computer Science (CS) and how this relates to developing unpredictable computing technology. We consider some implications for SE of computer systems differing scientific basis, exemplified with the International [...] Read more.
A major, but too-little-considered problem for Software Engineering (SE) is a lack of consensus concerning Computer Science (CS) and how this relates to developing unpredictable computing technology. We consider some implications for SE of computer systems differing scientific basis, exemplified with the International Standard Organisations Open Systems Interconnection (ISO-OSI) layered architectural model. An architectural view allows comparison of computing technology components facilitating a view of computing as a continuum. For example, at one layer of computer architecture, components written in Turing-complete machine language can be seen as deterministic and consistent with a theoretical paradigm of CS. At another layer, components (applications) closer to the human sphere have been seen as non-deterministic and inconsistent with theoretical CS. We compare unpredictable development of computing technology against the cyclic legacy of technological advance and scientific discovery, and suggest that SE indicates an enabling cycle, discernible in previous scientific revolution(s), is stalled or possibly hidden. The CS consequence of divorcing technological advance from scientific consensus is particularly concerning. For example human/computing events could be seen as unpredictable virtual phenomena that somehow extend the ontology of CS. Our approach challenges practical and philosophical boundaries by investigating if applying scientific method (SM) resolves any SE/Science dichotomy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
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173 KiB  
Article
Should Computability Be Epistemic? a Logical and Physical Point of View
by Florent Franchette
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 15-27; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010015 - 29 Oct 2015
Viewed by 3905
Abstract
Although the formalizations of computability provided in the 1930s have proven to be equivalent, two different accounts of computability may be distinguished regarding computability as an epistemic concept. While computability, according to the epistemic account, should be based on epistemic constraints related to [...] Read more.
Although the formalizations of computability provided in the 1930s have proven to be equivalent, two different accounts of computability may be distinguished regarding computability as an epistemic concept. While computability, according to the epistemic account, should be based on epistemic constraints related to the capacities of human computers, the non-epistemic account considers computability as based on manipulations of symbols that require no human capacities other than the capacity of manipulating symbols according to a set of rules. In this paper, I shall evaluate, both from a logical and physical point of view, whether computability should be regarded as an epistemic concept, i.e., whether epistemic constraints should be added on (physical) computability for considering functions as (physically) computable. Specifically, I shall argue that the introduction of epistemic constraints have deep implications for the set of computable functions, for the logical and physical Church-Turing thesis—cornerstones of logical and physical computability respectively—might turn out to be false according to which epistemic constraints are accepted. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
437 KiB  
Article
Hierarchic Information Systems in a Search for Methods to Transcend Limitations of Complexity
by Marcin J. Schroeder
Philosophies 2016, 1(1), 1-14; https://doi.org/10.3390/philosophies1010001 - 28 Oct 2015
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3611
Abstract
The ability of an agent (natural or artificial) to overcome limitations caused by complexity can be identified with intelligence. Yet, the study of complexity is dominated by the issues not really associated with authentic intelligence. In search of the methods to overcome limitations [...] Read more.
The ability of an agent (natural or artificial) to overcome limitations caused by complexity can be identified with intelligence. Yet, the study of complexity is dominated by the issues not really associated with authentic intelligence. In search of the methods to overcome limitations of complexity it is necessary to find a sufficiently general conceptual framework for its study, to identify its characteristics and sources, and then to explore alternatives to the currently used methods. The present paper is using for this purpose the conceptual framework of information, its integration, and dynamics developed by the author in his earlier publications. Using this framework, complexity is characterized in both quantitative and qualitative (structural) ways, and in both static and dynamic perspectives. The main objective is to propose an approach to transcending limitations of complexity through reverse engineering of the effectiveness in overcoming complexity by natural, living organisms. Since the most striking characteristic of life is its hierarchic organization, the use of multi-level hierarchic information systems in information processing is explored. Theoretical design of such multi-level systems becomes possible with the use of generalized Turing machines (symmetric or s-machines) as components performing concurrent computation on all levels of the hierarchy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computing and Philosophy: Papers from IACAP 2014)
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