Application of formal safety assessment in planning VTS

To ensure that limited resources are allocated more effectively to reduce marine risks, formal safety assessment (FSA), a proactive method, is introduced in planning a vessel traffic system (VTS). Based on the data of Wuhan port, some new solutions based on risk-indices are put forward. The weighted number of traffic accidents is predicted after the future weighted vessel traffic volume is estimated by analyzing the trend of trade development. To analyze risk acceptability, the as-low-as-reasonably-practicable (ALARP) matrix is transformed into a new model containing two parameters: the future weighted vessel traffic volume and the future weighted number of traffic accidents. The new risk control options (RCOs)can be identified by a revised Domino model with several feedback loops from all system levels to close a limited window of accident opportunity. The results indicate that the four most beneficial RCOs are a wider sub-area 1 channel, a VTS bridges area, a dredging sub-area 2 main route, and a VTS QSX anchorage to the 3rd bridge. The FSA is a method that is effective in evaluating the rationality, necessity and cost-effectiveness of VTS projects.

Epiphenomenalism Meets Qualia in Practical Deliberation and Action： Seeing Is Not Believing？

This paper examines the tension between the standard （common sense） theory of action and the epiphenomenalist view of the mind. The theory of action that is appealed to is one that emphasizes the calculative ＂means-ends＂ structure of rational deliberation--a structuring that appears to place practical reasoning at odds with other forms of causal explanation. The epiphenomenalist view presented is one that attempts to preserve certain foundational tenets of physicalism in the face of worries generated by the existence of qualia. In the latter part of the paper, the author makes use of a novel thought experiment involving phenomenal qualia in order to undermine the epiphenomenalist position and to vindicate the view that properties of consciousness matter to human agency.

NATURAL LAW:PRACTICAL REASON AND CREATIVE INFORMATION

With nine main theses that are interspersed with each other,this paper explores and articulates some of the most important questions in natural law theory.The theses include:Ⅰ.In investigating facts,one finds reasons to choose an honest self-discipline;Ⅱ.Deliberating,one finds reasons similarly directing one to other intrinsic goods;Ⅲ.Taken integrally,these goods and principles acquire the force of moral precepts;Ⅳ.Those precepts,natural moral law,depict our nature(humanity)in its flourishing;Ⅴ.Nature and natures are best explained by free,intelligent transcendent creation;Ⅵ.Creation and other gifts past and present deserve our gratitude;Ⅶ.Natural moral law and historical revelation are two channels of information;Ⅷ.Secular and spiritual communities are distinct and respectfully self-governing;Ⅸ.Natural moral law defines human rights but rightfully extends beyond them.