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253.More information
AbstractThis article describes various constraints involved in the elaboration of a theoretical model of transfer; these constraints being the underpinnings of more efficient pedagogical intervention. Two principles are noted: a) transfer constitutes a process that is economical and adaptive which permits the cognitive system to take into account certain of its limitations; and b) transfer is part of a problem-solving procedure which is directed by objectives. The author then examines the current theoretical positions concerning transfer, among which are the concepts of similiarity and articulation of various sub-processes (access to previous knowledge, correspondence between elements, evaluation, and adaptation). Finally, the author underlines the value of research on categorization and reasoning from case studies as a means to understand mechanisms which facilitate accessibility and adaptation.
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254.More information
AbstractCould we enrich speech-act theory to deal with discourse? Wittgenstein and Searle pointed out difficulties. Most dialogues lack a conversational purpose, their background is indefinitely open, they contain irrelevant and infelicitous utterances, etc. In my view, the primary aim of discourse pragmatics is to analyze the structure and dynamics of language-games whose type is provided with an internal conversational goal. Such games are indispensable to any kind of discourse. Logic can analyze their felicity-conditions because they are conducted according to systems of constitutive rules. Speakers often speak non-literally or non-seriously. The units of conversation are attempted illocutions whether literal, serious or not. I will show how to construct speaker-meaning from sentence-meaning, conversational background and maxims. Like Montague, I believe that we need the resources of formalisms (proof-, model- and game-theories) and of logic in pragmatics. I will explain how to further develop intensional and illocutionary logics, the logic of attitudes and of action in order to characterize our ability to converse. I will compare my approach to others (Austin, Belnap, Grice, Montague, Searle, Sperber and Wilson, Kamp, Wittgenstein) as regards hypotheses, methodology and issues.
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255.More information
ABSTRACTDuring the years 1870-1895, literary associations in Quebec benefitted from increased autonomy more strictly based on literary criteria. As the foundation of the Royal Society of Canada attests, the battle to take part and to be recognized in the literary field now took place on a new level. Rather than opposing liberals and ultramontanes, both preoccupied more with advancing their ideals than with literature per se, the controversies and the antagonisms stirred up by the Society concerned the internal structures of the literary field, that is, the positions in it of individual and groups competing for literary legitimacy. This trend toward increased autonomy also characterized many literary clubs, circles and coteries who in encouraging the emergence of an informed public, became a means of gaining acknowledgement from peers. Such groups prefigure the literary institution, a modern form incarnated at the end of the century in the École littéraire de Montréal.
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256.More information
In this article, the author proposes an analysis of the German philosopher Jürgen Habermas' communicational model in the perspective of its application to legal sciences. Habermas succeeded in isolating the significant aspects of a normative science and his model can help legal shcolars in reflecting on the processes inherent in the justification and evaluation of any legal system worthy of such a name. In the first place, the author analyzes the communicational model by emphasizing the relevant aspects for a legal science model. In the second place, the concept of rationality is examined and lastly the concept of methodology. The author concludes by proposing that the communicational model make it possible to approach a procedural conception of law that emphasizes "that which is required in law."
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257.More information
SummaryThis article offers a critical reading of the main socio-spatial representations employed in scholarly literature to characterize the spatial practices of youths. Four epistemological presuppositions are identified: space as a resource for interaction, as a natural area, as a container, as a category-specific delimitation. While all the authors note the existence of a link between urban youth practices and their socialization desires, the spatial problematic has two epistemological biases: 1) urban space acts as an environment producing background effects; and 2) the relationship to space is the direct product of social action through the projection of its organization onto a spatial signifier. The effect of this shift is to designate urban space with the help of metaphors that reduce spatial reality to an interstice, a territory, a scenery, a material constraint, a container, or a resource.
Keywords: représentation sociospaciales, pratiques urbaines juvéniles, limites épistémologiques, socio-spatial representations, urban youth practices, epistemological limits, representaciones socio-espaciales, prácticas urbanas juveniles, límites epistemológicos
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258.More information
Knowledge is still an enigma, with its ability to inductively bring out a pattern without restricting itself to an empirical count of situations experienced. Instead of seeing the concept as a weakened object representing an external reality, it is suggested to view knowledge as the bridging of a distance with an ability for the knower to stay connected with outward reality. Attempts at defining an external and quantitative criterion of truth are questioned, as many human performances are not likely to be solved or even properly grasped by the project of artificial intelligence. The positive side of the cognitive constructivist project is finally assessed and it is argued that one of its unexpected results could be to reinsert the human knowing power in the sub-human realm.
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259.More information
During the 1970's and at the dawn of the 80's, the intervention of the Federal Government of Canada in the country's economic sector became more pronounced, thus following a Worldwide trend in that aspect. It is specially marked in the sector of energy where it supports the Canadianization objectives which run counter to foreign interests and investments, first and foremost american. This article gives an idea of the world context in which lies the choice for energy policies. It goes on to de scribe the evolution of these policies which firmly hinge on the North-South continental context. The objectives outlined in the National Energy Program cannot allow to ignore this essential variable, specially in the determination of means and measures to be used to further economic nationalism. Such are the pressures brought about, at the highest level, by the american administration under the presidency of Ronald Reagan.