From Consciousness to Knowledge – The Explanatory Power of Revelation

Epistemology in philosophy of mind is a difficult endeavor. Those who believe that our phenomenal life is different from other domains suggest that self-knowledge about phenomenal properties is certain and therefore privileged. Usually, this so called privileged access is explained by the idea that we have direct access to our phenomenal life. This means, in contrast to perceptual knowledge, self-knowledge is non-inferential. It is widely believed that, this kind of directness involves two different senses: an epistemic sense and a metaphysical sense. Proponents of this view often claim that this is due to the fact that we are acquainted with our current experiences. The acquaintance thesis, therefore, is the backbone in justifying privileged access. Unfortunately the whole approach has a profound flaw. For the thesis to work, acquaintance has to be a genuine explanation. Since it is usually assumed that any knowledge relation between judgments and the corresponding objects are merely causal and contingent (e.g. in perception), the proponent of the privileged access view needs to show that acquaintance can do the job. In this thesis, however, I claim that the latter cannot be done. Based on considerations introduced by Levine, I conclude that this approach involves either the introduction of ontologically independent properties or a rather obscure knowledge relation. A proper explanation, however, cannot employ either of the two options. The acquaintance thesis is, therefore, bound to fail. Since the privileged access intuition seems to be vital to epistemology within the philosophy of mind, I will explore alternative justifications. After discussing a number of options, I will focus on the so called revelation thesis. This approach states that by simply having an experience with phenomenal properties, one is in the position to know the essence of those phenomenal properties. I will argue that, after finding a solution for the controversial essence claim, this thesis is a successful replacement explanation which maintains all the virtues of the acquaintance account without necessarily introducing ontologically independent properties or an obscure knowledge relation. The overall solution consists in qualifying the essence claim in the relevant sense, leaving us with an appropriate ontology for phenomenal properties. On the one hand, this avoids employing mysterious independent properties, since this ontological view is physicalist in nature. On the other hand, this approach has the right kind of structure to explain privileged self-knowledge of our phenomenal life. My final conclusion consists in the claim that the privileged access intuition is in fact veridical. It cannot, however, be justified by the popular acquaintance approach, but rather, is explainable by the controversial revelation thesis.

Resilience in organizations: The perspective of managers in Portugal and Germany

The concept of organizational resilience has become popular in Organizational Studies during the last decades - yet researchers have not been able to find one commonly accepted definition for what exactly it is. What are the drivers of resilience in organizations? Are there certain cultural factors and national differences regarding the perception of the concept? This paper aims to answer these questions from a perspective of within institutions. A group of managers from different corporations in Portugal and Germany has been interviewed in order to understand how managers experience and characterize organizational resilience. Based on qualitative inductive research the results show that organizational resilience is built on four main drivers: a sense of proximity, a sense of openness, a sense of challenge and a sense for structure.

Untitled: Figurations of memory

The next pages will describe my experience and results of making connections between cognitive sciences and art; the transformations of my memories being the object of study and motivation for this process of self-discovery. The human body reacts according to innumerable neural functions and external stimuli. Neurons respond to the evocation of experienced events, building virtual images, map-like constellations sometimes fulfilled by imagination, desires or knowledge promoting in this way their constant reshaping. This document offers an insight into my recollections as matter. As matter these recollections take on different states and I hope to give you a better sense of my personal voice using my experience with glass to explore this transformation and accompanying my journey with lectures and scientific readings about the mind functions.

Use of multi-sensory marketing techniques and its influence on brand experience in retail and HORECA sector

Double degree. A Work Project presented as part of the requirements for the Award of a Masters Degree in Management from the NOVA- School of Business and Economics and Warsaw School of Economics

Can location-based mobile marketing enhance the customer experience and increase customer satisfaction and loyalty?

This study intends to explore the impact of customer experience on customer satisfaction and loyalty by trying to understand how location-based mobile marketing might enhance the customer experience. Primary data was collected from 201 smartphone users in 24 countries. Results have indicated that targeted location-based marketing positively influences customers’ experiences. Besides, the analysis has also shown a favorable impact on customers’ satisfaction and self-perceived loyalty. This suggests that location-based mobile marketing has the potential to positively add value to a customer’s experience and should therefore be considered an important tool in marketing communications.

O impacto do diagnóstico de demência no casal

RESUMO: A experiência de viver com demência ocorre, frequentemente, num contexto de uma relação conjugal duradoura. A qualidade da relação e o sentido de coerência (conjunto de características pessoais que permite compreender, gerir e integrar os factores de stress de forma construtiva) apresentam-se como factores promotores e protectores da saúde, no contexto de experiências adversas, nomeadamente de doença. Provavelmente, o mesmo poderá acontecer nos quadros demenciais. O presente estudo teve como objectivo principal analisar o impacto do diagnóstico, no contexto das fases iniciais de demência, em casais de pessoas idosas, explorando o papel da qualidade da relação conjugal e do sentido de coerência na confrontação com o diagnóstico e na experiência de viver com a doença. Realizámos um estudo observacional de seis casais de pessoas idosas (pessoas com demência e respectivos cônjuges prestadores de cuidados), com recurso a entrevistas individuais e conjuntas como suplemento metodológico central, suportado pela utilização dos instrumentos: Orientation to Life Questionnaire - SOC (Antonovsky, 1987) e Quality of Carer-Patient Relationships – QCPR (Spruytte et al. 2000). Os resultados sugerem que a qualidade da relação e um sentido de coerência mais elevado podem facilitar uma adaptação bem-sucedida aos desafios, promover a adopção de estratégias para reforçar os aspectos positivos da experiência de cuidar e atenuar os negativos (sobrecarga e sofrimento psíquico do cuidador), encorajar padrões positivos no acesso e na utilização dos cuidados formais e adiar a institucionalização precoce da pessoa com demência.----------------------- ABSTRACT: In couples, caregiving experiences in dementia usually occur within long-standing relationships preceding the onset of the illness and evolving as it progresses. The quality of relationship (QR) and Antonovsky’s salutogenic construct of sense of coherence (SOC) are assumed to promote and protect health in stressful situations, such as dementia. SOC refers to the extent to which a person considers his/her life as comprehensible, manageable and meaningful. We aim to uncover the role of QR and SOC as moderator or mediator in the ability of patients and their partners to cope with the impact of dementia We studied six couples in which one spouse had been diagnosed with dementia. We used a qualitative research approach (combining in-depth individual and joint interviews), triangulated with the measures Orientation to Life Questionnaire - SOC scale (Antonovsky, 1987) and the Quality of Carer-Patient Relationships – QCPR (Spruytte et al. 2000). The method was informed by a literature review on the role of RQ and SOC within dementia. Results highlight the importance of listening to both spouses, in a dyadic perspective, while acknowledging the voice of PwD themselves despite methodological challenges. Aspects of prior relationship impact on caregiving dynamics and on how the care-giver and care-recipient roles are experienced. At the same time, the experience of living with dementia impacts on the relationship, often causing change or loss which is difficult to accept or adjust to. Diagnosis played an important role on the SOC’s comprehensibility component (life makes sense). Good pre-caregiving and current relationship was associated with carers’ ability to cope, namely on SOC’s manageability (problems will be bearable) and meaningfulness (life is viewed as a challenge). Our findings suggest that an understanding of QR and SOC prior to diagnosis may encourage positive patterns of care, foster successful adaptation to changing needs, and support in-home arrangements as long as possible.

Social capital : Social capital and psychological sense of community in the neighborhood - Predicting and preventing

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universitário

O problema da identidade : Uma aproximação a Franz Kafka

Dissertação de Mestrado apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universitário

Da sobrevivência física à sobrevivência mental : aspectos do funcionamento psíquico em ex-combatentes da guerra colonial portuguesa

Tese de Doutoramento apresentada ao ISPA - Instituto Universitário

Management consulting labs-Galp loyalty learning experience

The purpose of this project was to analyze Galp’s loyalty approach in the Portuguese fuel market given the industry context, namely the entry of hypermarket and the resulting increase in competitiveness. The team performed analyses based on analytical models, qualitative research and internal interviews in order to assess Galp’s potential in the field of loyalty and consumers’ behavior. The final recommendations were based on incremental improvements to the Galp’s existing loyalty tool and an innovative paradigm change of the approach to loyalty.

Orifice diseases project - experience of the "Hospital das Clínicas" University of São Paulo Medical Center in day-hospital of anorectal disease

The treatment of malignant or benign colorectal pathologies that require more complex management are priorities in tertiary hospitals such as "Hospital das Clínicas" University of São Paulo Medical Center (HCFMUSP). Therefore, benign, uncomplicated orifice conditions are relegated to second place. The number of patients with hemorrhoids, perianal fistulas, fissures, condylomas and pilonidal cysts who seek treatment at the HFMUSP is very great, resulting in over-crowding in the outpatient clinics and a long waiting list for recommended surgical treatment (at times over 18 months). The authors describe the experience of the HCFMUSP over an eight-day period with day-hospital surgery in which 140 patients underwent surgery. Data was prospectively taken on the patients undergoing surgery for benign orifice pathologies including age, sex, diagnosis, surgery performed, immediate and late postoperative complications, and follow-up. 140 patients operated on over eight days were studied. 68 were males (48.75%) with ages ranging from 25 to 62 (mean 35.2 yrs.). Hemorrhoids was the most frequent condition encountered (82 hemorrhoidectomies, 58.6%), followed by perineal fistula (28 fistula repairs, 20.0%). The most common complication was headache secondary to rachianesthesia occurring in 9 patients (6.4%). One patient (0.7%) developed bleeding immediately PO that required reoperation. Mean follow-up was 104 days. Day-surgery characterized by quality care and low morbidity is feasible in tertiary public hospitals, permitting surgery for benign orifice pathologies on many patients within a short period of time.

Experience with the first Internet-based course at the Faculty of Medicine, University of São Paulo

PURPOSE: The Internet expands the range and flexibility of teaching options and enhances the ability to process the ever-increasing volume of medical knowledge. The aim of this study is to describe and discuss our experience with transforming a traditional medical training course into an Internet-based course. METHOD: Sixty-nine students were enrolled for a one-month course. They answered pre- and post-course questionnaires and took a multiple-choice test to evaluate the acquired knowledge. RESULTS: Students reported that the primary value for them of this Internet-based course was that they could choose the time of their class attendance (67%). The vast majority (94%) had a private computer and were used to visiting the Internet (75%) before the course. During the course, visits were mainly during the weekends (35%) and on the last week before the test (29%). Thirty-one percent reported that they could learn by reading only from the computer screen, without the necessity of printed material. Students were satisfied with this teaching method as evidenced by the 89% who reported enjoying the experience and the 88% who said they would enroll for another course via the Internet. The most positive aspect was freedom of scheduling, and the most negative was the lack of personal contact with the teacher. From the 80 multiple-choice questions, the mean of correct answers was 45.5, and of incorrect, 34.5. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that students can successfully learn with distance learning. It provides useful information for developing other Internet-based courses. The importance of this new tool for education in a large country like Brazil seems clear.

Tissue expander complications in plastic surgery: a 10-year experience

INTRODUCTION: Tissue expanders have been of great value in plastic surgery. Tissue expansion was developed for a specific indication; however, within a very short time, the concept of tissue expansion found wide applicability. From 1990 to 1999, 315 expanders in 164 patients were utilized. A retrospective analysis of complications and prognostic factors for complications were done. METHODS: The indications for tissue expansion were burns (50%), trauma (32%), and sequelae of previous surgery (8.8%). The expanders were inserted most frequently in the scalp, trunk and neck. RESULTS: There were 22.2% of complications and the most common were expander exposure (50%), infection (24%) and bad function of the expander (12.8%). The present study revealed an increased rate of minor complications in the group of 0 to 10 years of age and an increased rate of major complications for face and neck expansions compared to trunk expansion. There were no increased complication rates for the other age and anatomic site groups, previous expansion, concomitant expansion and type of expander used. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes from tissue expansion procedures done in our hospital are similar to those reported in the literature. Tissue expansion is a good and safe technique.

Hypertonic/hyperoncotic solution in hypovolemic patients: experience in the emergency room

Hypertonic solutions have been studied extensively in the treatment of hypovolemic shock, both in experimental and clinical models. Safety, efficacy, and long-term effects on animals and patients have been evaluated. The present article reviews indications, safety, mortality rates, and outcome in patients with hemorrhagic hypovolemic shock who were treated after admission with a hypertonic/hyperoncotic solution under strict observation in the emergency room.

Surgical treatment of endocrine exophthalmos by removal of orbital fat: clinical experience

PURPOSE: To report a series of 73 patients with endocrine exophthalmos treated by removal of orbital fat using the transpalpebral approach during the period 1989 to 1999. METHODS: The operation was performed according to the technique described by Olivari. Aesthetic analysis was done preoperatively and postoperatively (more than 6 months after surgery). The number of complications was also observed. RESULTS: The average volume of resected fat was approximately 7.6 mL per orbit. No major complication was observed. In 9 patients with epiphora, all improved. One patient developed postoperative diplopia and 5 complained of temporary diplopia. Appearance improved in 62 patients (85%). CONCLUSION: Surgical removal of orbital fat associated with endocrine exophthalmos provides consistent improvement in appearance with a low rate of complications. Additional procedures may be indicated to improve the cosmetic outcome.