The Crisis of Historicism and the Correlation Between Nationalism and Neo-Kantian Philosophy of History in the Interwar Period

Recent historiographic studies of cultural exchanges between Germany and Greece in the 19th and 20th centuries have tended to neglect the mutual influence of the two countries＇ intellectuals; as a result, there is insufficient appreciation of the extent to which historiography and philosophy were appropriated by the politics of the Interwar period. This article focuses on attempts by neo-Kantian philosophers to overcome the crisis of historicism, and on the impact of this crisis on Greek intellectuals＇ perceptions of historicism. The study shows that at the time historicism invoked the past to solve the problems of the present. My purpose is to show that in a time of crisis, Germany＇s pursuit of its Greekness in conformity with the Bildung tradition, and Greece＇s cultural dependence on Germany in the meaning-making of its own Greekness, shared common ground in the ideological uses of philosophy and history in the service of politics and the politics of culture. In the aftermath of WWI, German scholars raised the issue of the crisis of historicism. Neo-Kantian philosophers such as Heinrich Rickert, whose theory had a major impact on Greek intellectuals, became involved in this debate, posing the question of historical objectivity. Yet Rickert＇s philosophy of history soon fell into an impasse, leading to the rise of an idealist philosophy of history in the 1930s that committed itself anew to the dominant politics. In the 1930s, under the guise of idealism, Greek neo-Kantian intellectuals were claiming an objective historical narrative of the traumatic experience from 1922 onwards, which fit into the structure of an idealized ahistorical and mythic past, and which, as a hegemonic discourse, excluded its political enemies and propagandized the political struggle towards the fulfillment of the nation＇s historical and spiritual mission.

From the History of Georgian-German Cultural and Political Relationship： Prince Erekle in Berlin

Georgian kings and princes were trying to establish ties and to develop relationships with European monarchies. In times of cultural, religious, demographic crisis, the Catholic missions sent by the Pope, and Russian ambassadors hold out hope to the Bagrations. In such circumstances, Georgians became closer to Europeans. The Capuchins, the Theatines, Jesuit monks were honored guests and members of the royal retinue in the Georgian Kingdoms-Princedoms. Thanks to them, in XVII-XVIII centuries, were brought up such Georgians thinkers as： Vakhushti Batonishvili, Beri Egnatashvili, Sulkhan-Saba Orbeliani, Vakhtang VI, Teimuraz II, daughter of Vaghtang VI, Tamar （mother of King Erekle II）, etc. In addition, at the royal courts of Russia and Persia, it became fashionable to send their Princes to Europe, in order to get an education. The best example of this is Peter the Great and Nader Shah＇s son--known as Baron Semlin. From XVIII century, in the history of Georgian-German relations, there are authentic sources about Georgians＇ stay in Germany. Among the sources, if taking them chronologically, the oldest is about military education of Prince Erekle. The following sources are about visits of other Georgian Princes to Germany. The next sources tell about the military campaign of Georgian Hussars regiment, in whose ranks poet Davit Guramishvili was fighting. Among the above-mentioned sources, in the Georgian historiography, the issue of Davit Guramishvili has been well researched, but the same cannot be said of King Erekle II.

Plotinian Methodology and Hermeneutics： Philosophy or History of Philosophy？

The present paper has a double aim： （1） it attempts to present an aspect of Plotinus＇ philosophical and hermeneutical methodology on the basis of relevant remarks in the treatise ＂On Eternity and Time＂; （2） it seeks to connect this attitude with contemporary methodological questions concerning the relation between philosophy and history of philosophy. After an introduction where it is emphasized that the term ＂Neo-Platonism＂ is of recent coinage, I exploit David Sedley＇s remarks regarding the function of ancient philosophical schools： the quest for the ＂correct＂ interpretation of the school＇s founder as a philosophical enterprise in itself is not an exclusively Neoplatonic characteristic. Nonetheless, the example of Plotinus＇ Enneads III.7, owing to the complexity of its theme, shows that Plotinus does not pay attention only to the Platonic teachings regarding eternity and time, but also to all the other philosophical schools＇ theories, including the Epicurean. The aim is the ascertainment of the truth inherent in them and its apt interpretation. Hence, I follow Steven K. Strange （1950-2009）, who relates the Plotinian methodology to Aristotle＇s endoxic method. After a presentation of similarities and differences between the two philosophers, I conclude that the problematic features posed by several philosophical theories are resolved via an innovative Plotinian reading of Plato. Thus, the non-Platonic theories play a role in the more adequate interpretation of Plato, which is identified with the successful answer to the philosophical problems. This fact makes us wonder as to the best characterization of Plotinus＇ enterprise： philosophy or history of philosophy？ Although the question is somehow anachronistic, Plotinus gives an explicit response in his aforementioned tractate： to the extent that he is interested in solving philosophical problems, rather than compiling a ＂catalogue＂ of past philosophical positions, his enterprise is not historical, but philosophical. Two final corollaries stem from this： （i） to a certain extent, the previous enunciation explains the Neoplatonic reading of Plato; （ii） it teaches us that the difference between philosophizing and a historical treatment of philosophy does not lie only on the content, but also on the manner according to which the interpreter approaches past or contemporary philosophers.

Bourriaud＇s Relational Aesthetics, Lacanian Aggressivity, and Teaching Contemporary Art History to Studio Art Students

Nicholas Bourriaud＇s relational aesthetics is regarded as a new approach to art history and criticism, but has recently been appropriated by many art programs as a pedagogical and productive strategy in the classroom. While there is much that is positive in Bourriaud＇s ideas in the first sense, its translation into a studio situation is problematic. Offering a corrective through Lacanian psychoanalysis, with acknowledgement of additional figures with corresponding ideas, it is proposed that Bourriaud＇s ideas are valuable additions to pedagogy generally but are equally in need of modifications that encompass a critical understanding of the desire structures of both students and faculty.

The Possibility of Returning to Experience:The Essence of Philosophical History in Chinese Philosophy and Its Reflection

The Chinese construction of the science of philosophy takes as its basic form the narrative of the history of philosophy.The introduction into Chinese philosophy of the normative character of philosophy and its problem framework via the narrative of the history of philosophy has to some extent enabled the practice of philosophy to remain separate from the norms and methods of traditional Chinese thought.Philosophical norms and problem frameworks from the West have changed the happenings of the historical world towards the eternal Dao of the classical world into intellectual texts,and have transformed the situationbased expressive strategy that develops the principles of things in the world of concrete experience into concepts and categories.As a consequence of these two positions,the ground of Chinese philosophy,based as it is on the history of philosophy,may not only be separated from the everlasting world of experience of the classics,but may also be divorced from the present experience of the modernization process.If we start from an analysis of the historicity of the Chinese intellectual tradition and its classical character,Chinese philosophy has obtained the possibility of returning to experience by means of parsing jishi yanli,a way of thinking that uses the investigation of things to fathom principles.The pathway of integrating philosophical thinking and experience will enhance and stimulate the contemporary value of the classics.More importantly,regarding the unique methods and strategies of expression in traditional Chinese thought as a general philosophical approach can facilitate the promotion of the construction of a world philosophy oriented toward currentexperience.

Pythagoreans Figurative Numbers: The Beginning of Number Theory and Summation of Series

In this article we shall examine several different types of figurative numbers which have been studied extensively over the period of 2500 years, and currently scattered on hundreds of websites. We shall discuss their computation through simple recurrence relations, patterns and properties, and mutual relationships which have led to curious results in the field of elementary number theory. Further, for each type of figurative numbers we shall show that the addition of first finite numbers and infinite addition of their inverses often require new/strange techniques. We sincerely hope that besides experts, students and teachers of mathematics will also be benefited with this article.

Analyzing the Completeness(Relative Minimum Magnitude) of History Seismic Catalogue in Sichuan Province

Sichuan Province,East Western of China,within the area of east longitude 97°21′-108°31′,north latitude 26°03′-34°19′,which is on the Mediterranean seismic zone;with its complicated geological background,several strong shocks occurred in this district since ancient times.Earthquake catalogue of this area could date back to B.C.26,however,limited by the conditions—technology or funds,lots of minor earthquake have been lost,which could be

The Exploration to the Historical Origin of Differences between Urban and Rural Areas in China

In order to understand the historical origins of encircling the cities from the rural areas implemented by the Communist Party of China and the current dual structures of urban and rural development, urban-rural differences are analyzed from the four aspects of production mode, management mode, culture and social division of labor. Industrial development in modern times has promoted the modernization of urban production in China. But the rural areas still maintain their traditional self-sufficient natural economy. After the Opium War, the process of modernization of city politics is promoted by more economic elements of capitalism and the formation of Chinese bourgeoisie. During the management of urban modernization, rural areas still adopt the traditional self-management mode. In the aspect of culture, city is the center of development, having large population, developed traffic, and prosperous culture. But the village is lack of information and its culture is relatively backward. In modern times, affected by the foreign capitalist, urban area has become the center of modern productivity. After separating from agriculture, handicraft industry has transferred into urban areas and the social division of labor in both urban and rural areas has shown great changes. Thus, a new pattern of "Urban Industry, Rural Agriculture" has formed.

Observational Accuracy of Sunrise and Sunset Times in the Sixth Century China

The Daye Calendar was compiled in AD 597 in the Sui Dynasty. We investigate the records of sunrise and sunset times on the 24 solar-term days in the calendar. By converting the ancient Chinese time units, Chen, Ke and Fen to hour, minute and second, and carrying out a comparison between the ancient records and values computed with modem astronomical theory, we find that the accuracy of solar measurements in the Sui period is remarkably high： for sunrise times, the average absolute deviation is 3.63 min （this value can be further reduced to 3.03 min when erroneous data are excluded）, and for sunset times it is 3.48 min. We also find that the observed sunrise and sunset times are strictly symmetrically distributed with respect to both the Winter Solstice and the Summer Solstice, with their deviations showing a similar symmetrical distribution as well. We give a discussion on the date of observation, the feature of the data, and possible reasons of the deviation.

The History Continues： Reflections About the Theory of the End of History From Francis Fukuyama

Fukuyama＇s thesis about ＂the end of history＂ is controversial. History is not an ideology. History cannot be ended, if by history we mean the past, which we remember and interpret for the purpose of orientating ourselves in the present and the future. Fukuyama has a right to declare the victory of liberal democracy, but other political ideologies have not become extinct. If we look at the thesis of the ＂end of history＂ from a scientific point of view, then we can conclude that such a thing is impossible： for after the ＂end of history＂, history continues. Therefore, there is no real end to history. It is continuing a quarter of a century after the Fukyama＇s thesis was published. Even if we can accept the thesis of the end of history as an ideology, we still cannot accept the end of philosophy. Phenomenology, Critical Realism, Existentialist Philosophy Hermeneutics, Structuralism, etc. are just some of the evidence that contemporary philosophy continues to exist and evolve despite the rising and falling of various ideologies in the twentieth century and the early twenty-first century. This can also be said about art, culture, and history as a science

Promoting Public Understanding in the Science of Geology

Geology is perhaps the most fascinating of the natural sciences, due to its all-encompassing nature. Virtually all human activities that occur on planet Earth--including agriculture, energy and mineral resource exploration and extraction; environmental and public policy on natural resources management and protection; land use planning; infrastructure development; and ecological tourism--all depend on various aspects of geology and its sub-disciplines. Due to the importance of geology in the daily lives of human beings, it is imperative that all persons develop at least a basic understanding of the science. In this paper, the current efforts for promoting public understanding in geology will be examined, with offerings of alternatives and supplements to these efforts. Information from the science education sub-disciplines of HPS （history, philosophy and sociology） of science, and informal/free-choice learning will be woven into the framework of the geology-public understanding idea.

The Natural History of Dry Type of Age-related Macular Degeneration

To study the natural history of dry type of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and search for a sensitive method for detecting the development of the disease, the fundus fluorescein angiography, visual acuity, electroretinogram and FM 100-hue test were used to examine 75 eyes, 147 eyes, 73 eyes, and 94 eyes respectively. These examinations were taken at least twice during the follow-up periods. The average age was 63.2 years (50-80 years ). The average follow-up was 29.8 months with a range of 3-74 ...

What is the quantitative risk of gastric cancer in the first-degree relatives of patients? A meta-analysis

AIMTo quantify the risk of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives of patients with the cancer.METHODSA comprehensive literature search was performed. Case-control trials comparing the frequency of a positive family history of gastric cancer in patients with gastric cancer, vs non-gastric cancer controls were retrieved. Studies with missed or non-extractable data, studies in children, abstracts, and duplicate publications were excluded. A meta-analysis of pooled odd ratios was performed using Review Manager 5.0.25. We performed subgroup analysis on Asian studies and a sensitivity analysis based on the quality of the studies, type of the outcome, sample size, and whether studies considered only first-degree relatives.RESULTSThirty-two relevant studies out of 612 potential abstracts (n = 80690 individuals) were included. 19.0% of the patients and 10.9% of the controls had at least one relative with gastric cancer (P < 0.00001). The pooled relative risk for the development of gastric cancer in association with a positive family history was 2.35 (95%CI: 1.96-2.81). The Cochran Q test for heterogeneity was positive (P < 0.00001, I² = 92%). After excluding the three outlier studies with the highest relative risks, heterogeneity remained significant (P < 0.00001, I² = 90%). The result was not different among Asian studies as compared to others and remained robust in several sensitivity analyses. In the 26 studies which exclusively analysed the history of gastric cancer in first-degree relatives, the relative risk was 2.71 (95%CI: 2.08-3.53; P < 0.00001).CONCLUSIONIndividuals with a first-degree relative affected with gastric cancer have a risk of about 2.5-fold for the development of gastric cancer. This could be due to genetic or environmental factors. Screening and preventive strategies should be developed for this high-risk population.

Stomach cancer screening and preventive behaviors in relatives of gastric cancer patients

AIM:To investigate gastric cancer screening and preventive behaviors among the relatives of patients with gastric cancer[i.e.,gastric cancer relatives(GCRs)].METHODS:We examined the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005(KNHANESⅢ) database and compared the gastric cancer screening and preventive behaviors of GCRs(n=261)with those of non-GCRs(n=454)and controls without a family history of cancer(n=2842).RESULTS:The GCRs were more likely to undergo gastric cancer screening compared with the control group(39.2%vs 32.3%,adjusted odds ratio:1.43,CI:1.05-1.95),although the absolute screening rate was low.Dietary patterns and smoking rates did not differ significantly between the groups,and a high proportion of GCRs reported inappropriate dietary habits(i.e.,approximately 95%consumed excessive sodium,30% were deficient in vitamin C,and 85%were deficient in dietary fiber).CONCLUSION:The gastric cancer screening and preventive behaviors of GCRs have yet to be improved.To increase awareness among GCRs,systematic family education programs should be implemented.

Depressed-type (0-IIc) colorectal neoplasm in patients with family history of first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer:A cross-sectional study

AIM： TO investigate the correlation of depressed-type （0-IIc） colorectal neoplasm and family history of firstdegree relatives （FDR） with colorectal cancer （CRC）. METHODS： This cross-sectional study was conducted from June 2000 to October 2002 at National Cancer Center Hospital East. Eligible patients undergoing initial total colonoscopy were surveyed regarding family history of CRC among FDR by a questionnaire prior to colonoscopic examinations. All endoscopic findings during colonoscopy were recorded and the macroscopic classification of the early stage neoplasm/cancer was classified into two types （0-IIc vs non 0-IIc）. Odds ratios （OR） and 95% confidence intervals （CI） were calculated by univariate and multivariate logistic regression to estimate the association between macroscopic features and clinicopathological data including gender, age, and family history of FDR with CRC. RESULTS： The OR of an association between family history of FDR with CRC and overall early stage neoplasm adjusted by gender and age was 1.85 （95% CI： 1.31-2.61, P = 0.0004）, that for non 0-IIc neoplasm was 1.71 （95% CI： 1.22-2.41, P = 0.0017） and for 0-IIc colorectal neoplasm was 2.78 （95% CI： 1.49-5.16, P = 0.0031）. CONCLUSION： Our study shows a significant association between a family history of FDR with CRC and 0-IIc colorectal neoplasm. When patients with a family history of FDR with CRC undergo colonoscopy, colonoscopists should check carefully for not only polypoid, but also depressed-type （0-IIc） lesions.

Mesocosmic study on autogenous shrinkage of concrete with consideration of effects of temperature and humidity

A study on the autogenous shrinkage （AS） of concrete from a mesocosmic perspective was carried out using numerical simulation technology. The temperature history and the autogenous relative humidity （ARH）, two factors that have been shown to have occasional influence on this process in previous studies, were introduced into this study. According to these concepts, a program for simulation of the temperature field, humidity field, and stress field based on the equivalent age method and a fully automatic aggregate modeling tool were used. With the help of these programs, the study of a small concrete specimen provided some useful conclusions： the aggregate and the matrix show distinct distribution properties in the temperature field, humidity field, and stress field; the aggregate-matrix interface has a high possibility of becoming the location of the initial cracking caused by AS of concrete; the distribution of random aggregates is extremely important for mesoscopical analysis; and the temperature history is the main factor affecting the AS of concrete. On the whole, inherent mechanisms and cracking mechanisms of AS of concrete can be explained more reasonably and realistically only by considering the different characteristics of material phases and the effects of temperature and humidity.

Analysis of interval constants in calendars affiliated with the Shoushili

We study interval constants that are related to motions of the Sun and Moon, i.e., the Qi, Intercalation, Revolution and Crossing interval, in calendars affiliated with the Shoushi calendar （Shoushili）, such as Datongli and Chiljeongsannaepyeon. It is known that these interval constants were newly introduced in the Shoushili calendar and revised afterward, except for the Qi interval constant, and the revised values were adopted in later calendars affiliated with the Shoushili. We first investigate the accu- racy of these interval constants and then the accuracy of calendars affiliated with the Shoushili in terms of these constants by comparing times for the new moon and the maximum solar eclipse calculated by each calendar with modem methods of calcula- tion. During our study, we found that the Qi and Intercalation interval constants used in the early Shoushili were well determined, whereas the Revolution and Crossing interval constants were relatively poorly measured. We also found that the interval constants used by the early Shoushili were better than those of the later one, and hence better than those of Datongli and Chiljeongsannaepyeon. On the other hand, we found that the early Shoushili is, in general, a worse calendar than Datongli for use in China but a better one than Chiljeongsannaepyeon for use in Korea in terms of times for the new moon and when a solar eclipse occurs, at least for the period 1281 - 1644. Finally, we verified that the times for sunrise and sunset in the Shoushili-Li-Cheng and Mingshi are those at Beijing and Nanjing, respectively.

A Review of Studies on Sino-Vietnam Relations Under Tributary System(AD 968-1885)

For a long time,the concept“Nei Wai(内外―center-periphery)”has been used to construct the narrative of the backwarded pre-modern East Asian history.While over emphasizing the effect of the center(Nei),it just simply ignored the reactions from the marginal entities(Wai),as ancient China and its neighboring countries’tributary relations could offer us the classic paradigm.In the knowledge world and historical writing records before the establishment of the national states,the period after Vietnam politically independent to China,the most intricate relations between the two countries,or dynasties,we could still find so many similarities of politics and culture in China and Vietnam,which is far beyond the summarized conditions as tributary relations.On the basis of the previous academic construction of Zong Fan relations and applying the research path of decentralization in the view of global history,we can explore and interpret such tributary and diplomatic relations from various perspectives and thus a multi-dimensional,high definition and colorful past of communications between countries is projected to us by the voiceless,motionless,and monotone historical materials.

Is Fengshui Science or Superstition？ A New Criterion for Judging the Value of Knowledge Systems

Fengshui, which can be translated as Wind-Water literally in English, is an ancient Chinese system of laws considered to govern spatial arrangement and orientation in relation to the flow of Qi, and whose favorable or unfavorable effects are taken into account when sitting and designing buildings. Similar systems exist in many other cultures such as Vastu Shastra in India, which consists of precepts born out of a traditional and archaic view on how the laws of nature affect human dwellings. Although prospered in ancient society, modem reactions to Fengshui are mixed. The Skeptic Encyclopedia of Pseudoscience states that principles of Fengshui are quite rational, but folk remedies and superstitions have been incorporated into its eclectic mix. In this paper, we do not distinguish Fengshui and other similar systems between science and superstition, but try to propose a criterion for judging whether a knowledge system is valuable, and if so, to whom it is valuable. We will end up arguing that, a knowledge system satisfying the criterion of relatively true property is valuable at least to its community of believers, and the problem of whether a knowledge system has greater value is essentially a problem of whether it is relatable to other knowledge systems, so as to expand its community of believers

General Derivation of Mass-Energy Relation without Electrodynamics or Einstein’s Postulates

The mass-energy equation ?is derived in general from Newton’s equation of motion without use of electrodynamics, or Einstein’s Postulates which were presented in his superb 1905 paper on Special Relativity (SR). This was previously not thought to be possible. This novel derivation of an accelerated body of rest mass m0 is compared with the traditional SR inertial derivation. A discussion is given of pre-1905, electrostatic and electrodynamic derivations of the mass-energy relation yielding , as well as more recent ones. A concise pre-relativity history of the mass-energy relation is traced back to Newton in 1717.