Knowledge Evolution And Paradox

Investigates the possibility of constructing an interdisciplinary ontology to address such fundamental issues as guidelines for behavior and the validity and scope of knowledge from other than a limited perspective. Paper edition (unseen), $16.95. Annotation copyright by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

Is another world war inevitable? The answer is a resounding “yes” if we continue to think in terms of “either/or” outcomes. Adversaries think in such terms, you either get what you want, or you do not. Can a different way of thinking produce a different outcome? This book shows that the consistency demanded by the linear, logical either/or thinking is disrupted by paradox, whose resolution forces a consequent decision: war or peace, with no middle ground. If this were the only way of thinking then a person would be either a protagonist or an antagonist, but a person can be both, either, or neither; this opens the door to novel solutions. This is “both/and” thinking, which the book shows can be achieved by a dynamic resolution of paradox. Thus, a basically selfish individual can also be a hero; a consequence of the complexity of being human.

Provides therapists with an understanding of the principles, applications and implications of paradoxical therapy, the rationale for the use of paradox in family therapy and the therapist's role in paradoxical interventions.

Cancer research is at a crossroads. Traditionally, cancer has been thought of as a disease of gene mutation, where the stepwise accumulation of cancer gene mutations is the key, and the identification of common gene mutations has been considered to be essential for diagnosis and treatment. Despite extensive research efforts and accumulated knowledge on cancer genes and pathways, the clinical benefits of this traditional approach have been limited. Recently, cancer genome sequencing has revealed an extensive amount of genetic heterogeneity where the long-expected common mutation drivers have been difficult, if not impossible, to identify. These realities ultimately challenge the conceptual framework of current cancer biology. This book introduces a new concept of genome theory of cancer evolution, in an attempt to unify the field. Many important and representative, but often confusing, questions and paradoxes are critically analyzed. By comparing gene- and genome-based theories, the hidden flaws of many popular viewpoints are addressed. This discussion is intended to initiate a much-needed critical re-evaluation of current cancer research. Contents:Introduction: Why Debate Cancer, and Why Now?The Gene Mutation Theory of CancerAlternative Theories to Explain CancerThe Surprise Cancer Genome Landscape Revealed by Cancer Genome Sequencing ProjectsUnraveling the Mystery of Cancer: Understanding Genome Variation Mediated Cancer EvolutionSignificance of the Insignificant: Why "Noise" is Essential for Cancer EvolutionDo Different Cancers Represent Different Species?Facts vs. Myths Readership: This book will be appreciated by the research community at large. It will also serve as an excellent resource for a wide range of readers, including researchers, graduate students, physicians, science reporters, and even policy-makers. Key Features:Currently, there exists no such book. This title represents a much-needed effort to systematically re-examine many concepts in cancer research which have remained relatively the same for decadesThe topics discussed are well-known paradoxes to researchers (over 50 of them). Addressing these questions will not only provide answers to key puzzles in the field but also introduce a new conceptual framework, the genome-based cancer evolution theoryThis book will encourage new ideas/approaches that bridge basic research and clinical applications. The analysis of provocative questions will spur a long overdue debate on this subjectKeywords:Cancer Evolution;Genome Theory;Cancer Heterogeneity;Cancer Landscape;Cancer Theories;Drug Resistance;Cancer Diagnosis;Cancer Research

Science, Paradox, and the Moebius Principle confronts basic anomalies in the foundations of contemporary knowledge. Steven M. Rosen deals with paradoxes that call into question our conventional way of thinking about space, time, and the nature of human experience. Rosen's contribution is unique in at least five respects: 1) He provides an unparalleled integration of modern theoretical science and contemporary phenomenological thought. 2) He features a section of dialogue with David Bohm, who contributed greatly in fields of major concern to the book. 3) He sets forth a process theory and philosophy, presenting a concept in which space, time, and consciousness undergo a continuous internal transformation and organic growth. 4) He furnishes a highly specific account of dialectical change, employing geometric forms that bring the dynamics of paradox into focus with unprecedented clarity. 5) He is transdisciplinary and provides transcultural bridges between the "two cultures" of science and the humanities.

"In [this book], psychologist Stephen Rothman exposes a major, through remarkably amost completely neglected problem with Darwin's theory of evolution. Its two essential elements, natural selection and reproduction, are in important respects contradictory. In considering their relationship, Rothman makes the revolutionary claim that the evolution of life's complex and diverse reproductive mechanisms is not the consequence of natural selection. In so doing, he exposes the deepest question possible about life's nature-- its reason for being. In meticulously detailed but accessible terms he lays out the crux of the paradox and offers an intriguing solution within a naturalistic framework. In an obstensibly purposeless universe, somehow purposeful life has evolved. For all living things there are two overarching purposes: survival and the creation of new life. Natural selection is about the survival of existing life but has no interest in life's future, whether it persists or perishes. By contrast, reproduction is only about the future of life and has no interest in existing life except as a means to an end. Where do these purposes come from? As Rothamn demonstrates, at every level life is wired to react to danger. Counterintuitively, without danger life would neithr have come into being nor evolved. In the same way, death drives the creation of new life and has propelled the evolution of the mechanisms of reproduction. Written with great clarity and informed by deep learning, this elegant, thoughtful work tackles some of the most challening questions raised by the theory of evolution."--Page [4] Cover.

Knowledge evolution punctuates the previous equilibrium of society and requires us to develop adaptive solutions. One new rule is that as the discovery of new knowledge grows more difficult, more complex organizational and institutional arrangements have to be adopted. Knowledge growth is accelerating because not only are there more creative individuals and organizations developing radical innovations, but also innovative regions are facilitating both of these trends. The discussion of four social regions and the kinds of selves produced help explain partisan divides and integrate the social psychological literature. The growth in knowledge produces two kinds of social changes: In the nature of the social structure and the kinds of institutional problems that have to be solved. The discussion of changes in the stratification system, in the choice of organizational form, and in the spread of inter-organizational networks with tight connections (heterogeneous social capital) allows us to update Marx, Weber, and Durkheim. The new adaptive problems include growing inefficiencies in labor, product, and public markets and the failure of many existing programs. The proposed solutions are the creation of coordinated systemic networks in each of these areas, which integrates the comparative institutional literature, neoclassical economics, and political science.