OU - Dissertations

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Open Access
A Convergence Account of Ethics and Aesthetics Through A Composite Understanding of Evaluative Judgments
(2010) Tallman, Ruth Marie; Irvin, Sherri
In this dissertation, I argue for a convergence account of the ontological status of the fields of ethics and aesthetics. This project is accomplished in three parts.
Open Access
A Convergence Account of Ethics and Aesthetics Through A Composite Understanding of Evaluative Judgments
(2010) Tallman, Ruth Marie; Irvin, Sherri
In this dissertation, I argue for a convergence account of the ontological status of the fields of ethics and aesthetics. This project is accomplished in three parts.
Open Access
A Defense of Nonreductive Mental Causation
(2013) Russo, Andrew Michael; Montminy, Martin
Mental causation is a problem and not just a problem for the nonphysicalist. One of the many lessons learned from Jaegwon Kim's writings in the philosophy of mind is that mental causation is a problem for the nonreductive physicalist as well. A central component of the common sense picture we have of ourselves as persons is that our beliefs and desires causally explain our actions. But the completeness of the "brain sciences" threatens this picture. If all of our actions are causally explained by neurophysiological events occurring in our brains, what causal role is left for our reasons and motives? It would seem that these brain events do all the causal work there is to do, thus robbing the mental of its efficacy altogether or else making it a merely superfluous or redundant causal factor. This essay presents a systematic treatment of this exclusion dilemma from the perspective of a nonreductive physicalist. I argue that both horns of this dilemma can be avoided if we ground mental causation in counterfactual dependence between distinct events and understand the mind-body relation as event realization. Although in the final analysis our actions are overdetermined by their mental and neurophysiological antecedents, this overdetermination is entirely unproblematic.
Open Access
A Moral Evaluation of Terrorism
(2010) Thurmond, Angela; Badhwar, Neera
The purpose of my dissertation is to provide a moral evaluation of terrorism from a rights-based perspective. I define terrorism as the use or credible threat of systematically random attacks on the vital interests of civilian noncombatants, with the intent to coerce an indirect target into a desired course of action. It is not limited to nonstate actors or actors with unjust causes.
Open Access
A Rational Problem of Evil: The Coherence of Christian Doctrine with a Broad Free Will Defense
(2012) Franks, William Paul; Zagzebski, Linda T
The problem that evil presents for Christian theism is often thought to be the most diffi- cult problem to solve. Since Alvin Plantinga's celebrated free will defense, however, some have argued that the logical problem was indeed solved. Yet, many non-theists remain convinced that evil is a problem for Christian theism. In this dissertation I attempt to move the strategy of defense forward by developing a distinction between narrow and broad defenses to the problem of evil. The former only aims to rebuff the immediate charge of inconsistency and makes no claims about the additional proposi- tions used in the defense. The latter also seeks to rebuff the charge of inconsistency, but in doing so only employs propositions that are consistent with the defender's actual beliefs. It is hoped that non-theists find this broad defense to be more rationally persua- sive than its narrow counterpart. In chapter 1, I develop this distinction, and in the re- maining chapters use it to survey the consistency of traditional Christian doctrines with a broad defense. In chapter 2, I construct a consistency problem for two accounts of original sin, and consider potential solutions. In chapter 3, I explore the nature of crea- turely freedom in heaven and attempt to refute charges of inconsistency already present in the literature. In chapter 4, I turn to the divine will and consider whether it was possi- ble, or desirable, for creatures to be created with that same type of will. Finally, in chapter 5, I demonstrate how the project can be extended to include other beliefs Christ- ian theists may take to be true, and also how the distinction developed in chapter one can be employed in discussing other alleged problems for the Christian theist.
Open Access
The adjudication of utilitarianism and rights in the sphere of health care.
(1998) Moore, Harry L.; Sankowski, Edward,
Such a commingling of theoretical elements, under the claim of being utilitarian, may seem ambiguous, however, it is my contention that such inclusions only serve to enhance the plausible nature of this sphere-specific form of utilitarianism and the adjudication of rights. Additionally, though there are other components of theories included, the basis of utilitarianism still serves as the foundation by which all other actions, decisions, and values are judged.
Open Access
The Aesthetic Value of Videogames: An Analysis of Interactivity, Gameplay, & Player Performance
(2018) Jurgensen, Zachary; Irvin, Sherri; Ellis, Stephen; Montminy, Martin; Benson, Hugh; Hougen, Dean
In this dissertation, I set out to examine the artistic and aesthetic features of videogames as games. Ultimately, I argue that a complete understanding of the aesthetics of videogames requires a more robust account of the role of the player and the aesthetic impact of the choices she makes than has been previously given. While the idea that videogames are a strongly interactive media is acknowledged in the literature, less attention is given to how the unique relationship between game and gamer affects both the overall aesthetic experience of playing videogames and the position these games hold in the artworld. I first argue that the prevalent attempts at categorizing videogames as art fall prey to a similar pitfall, which ultimately contributes to a common mishandling of the aesthetic value videogames can offer. After highlighting the problems that the leading theories of art have in defining videogames as art, I turn attention to interrelated concepts of interactivity, gameplay, and player performance. I develop an original account of interactivity as it relates to videogames. My account is meant to capture the uniqueness videogames offer as works of art and also the importance interactivity plays in understanding the aesthetic experience of playing videogames. Working from my proposed account of interactivity, I then look to concepts of gameplay and player performance and how they relate to the overall aesthetic experience of playing videogames. I argue that gameplay mechanics affect the overall aesthetic value of videogames by both delimiting and creating opportunities for how the player engages with the game. In this way, gameplay mechanics need to be taken into account when evaluating the overall functionality of a videogame as a game, and subsequently, need to be considered when assessing the aesthetic quality of a videogame. Moreover, how a player chooses to utilize and navigate gameplay mechanics with respect to the choices she makes when interacting with the game ultimately affect the aesthetic experience she has while playing. Hence, I argue that player performance can have a significant impact the aesthetic quality of videogame play. In doing so, I highlight how the atypical relationship among artist, audience, and artwork in videogames plays a pivotal role in shaping the aesthetic experience of gameplay. Finally, I offer a defense against the argument that even if videogames are art, they are artistically and aesthetically worthless. In doing so, I develop a novel account of kitsch gameplay to better understand and evaluate videogames as artworks.
Open Access
Anselm's ontological argument: Whole, unified, and complete.
(2006) Barrett, Clint Ilsley.; Hawthorne, James,; Merrill, Kenneth,
The Proslogion has long been seen to contain Saint Anselm's ontological Argument, although philosophers have differed in their opinions about exactly what constitutes this argument. An analysis of both the Proslogion and the multi-faceted context of Anselm reveals a more complicated and much stronger argument in the Proslogion than has previously been identified.
Open Access
Antipaternalism and John Stuart Mill /
(The University of Oklahoma., 1985) Hudlin, Charles Willis,
John Stuart Mill has come under severe criticism, in some cases even from usual supporters, for his strong position against paternalism. His view is that paternalism, described in today's language as coercive strong direct paternalism, is always wrong. In this paper I argue that paternalism is best construed as an interference with autonomy, or what Mill calls individuality, on grounds of beneficence. I further show that Mill's absolute prohibition against coercive strong direct paternalism, and especially legal paternalism, is correct. I develop four powerful arguments for this conclusion based on Mill's book, On Liberty. The first maintains the supreme worth of individuality and autonomy. The second line of argument, one Mill seemed to think was the strongest, is based on the fear of legal moralism. The third argument holds that the model of good parenting requires non coercive means of control for self-regarding behavior. The final argument might best be described as the dilemma of paternalistic punishment. This argument maintains that punishment for self-regarding conduct on grounds of beneficence undermines the beneficence. I argue that this line of argument is especially powerful against legal paternalism. My conclusion is that, when properly understood, Mill's position on paternalism is perfectly consistent and defensible.
Restricted
Aristotle on the metabolic status of perception
(2021-12-17) Weaver, Joseph; Judisch, Neal; Benson, Hugh; Jones, Russell; Ellis, Stephen; Beliveau, Ralph
According to Aristotle in De Anima 2.12, perception occurs when a perceiver receives a perceptible form without its matter. The result is that a percipient is qualitatively altered in a way by its reception of the perceptible form. Typically, instances are qualitative alteration as classified by Aristotle as kinetic changes from contrary to contrary. What I argue from De Anima 2.5 is that perceptual alterations are of the atypical variety and are classifiable as instances of metabolic change from contradictory to contradictory, namely as instances of qualitative generation. This qualitative generation view, I argue, is not just consonant with what Aristotle says in Physics 7.3 about the limitations of alteration based on his four-fold division of the species of the category of quality in Categories 8, but also with his views on metabolic and kinetic change in Physics 3.1-3 and 5.1-2, alteration in Generation and Corruption 1.7, and Aristotle’s application of his metabolic doctrines to perception in De Anima 3.2. Moreover, as I argue, this view comes with the support of several of the ancient commentators on Aristotle, such as Alexander of Aphrodisias, John Philoponus, and Simplicius of Cilicia. The result is an interpretation of Aristotle’s theory of perception which leans decidedly in the direction of Myles Burnyeat’s spiritualism rather than Richard Sorabji’s literalism, yet without sanctioning the former. Noteworthy features of this work are a detailed and innovative treatment of the metabolic status of the four species of quality with respect to contrariety, a new soft-relative account of quantitative generation in Physics 7.3, and a realist reading of De Anima 3.2, which draws heavily on Aristotle’s single actuality account of agency and patiency in change from Physics 3.3.
Open Access
Aristotle's 'Genetic Account' and the Problem of Induction
(2010) Hussain, Hammad Ahmed; Benson, Hugh H
The problem of induction--the problem of how one can justify an inference from observations of some things of a type to a generalization about all (or most) things of the type--is one of the most important in logic and epistemology. In addition, one of the enduring problems of Aristotle scholarship is whether he dealt with the problem of induction, and if so, how. This problem is important in connection with _Posterior Analytics_ B.19, where Aristotle seems to provide an account, a piece of genetic epistemology, of how the principles of demonstration are acquired. The account seems to describe an inductive process. In my dissertation, I argue that Aristotle does have to face that problem of induction in the genetic account of APo. B.19, and has a putative solution to it. I argue that the putative solution to the problem is based on his doctrine of natural kinds.
Open Access
Art, autonomy, and community.
(1997) Mizell, Karen Lee.; Sankowski, Edward,
This dissertation represents an investigation of the interlock between art and autonomy beginning with a general discussion about the uses of the terms, 'art' and 'autonomy'. I investigate various contemporary views about human freedom and autonomy and advance the view that art enhances human autonomy through the vehicle of imagination, a theme developed by Kant. My contention is that sometimes an artwork expresses something especially meaningful, such as a belief or value, that moves or touches the spectator in a way that no other medium can. Often our cultural, institutional, social, and political preconceptions color our background beliefs and expectations about our lives, our relationships, and our environment. These beliefs and expectations sometimes blind us to concepts, attitudes, principles, or beliefs that we take for granted but which we should not accept as a society, or as members of a society, and might not accept if we were consciously aware of them. Many of these institutionalized practices limit human possibility, and by extension autonomy. It is often through art that we are able to articulate these background beliefs and practices, to view the world through the lens of a paradigm other than one to which we are accustomed. One of the most intriguing aspects of this investigation is the extent to which art functions as a social connective, bridging time and culture, enabling human beings to both discover themselves and to master their realities. Art allows us to articulate our human possibilities, most importantly, to connect to other human beings, and develop our capacities to live autonomous lives.
Open Access
Character and Moral Judgment: Designing Right and Wrong
(2019-05-10) Robertson, Seth; Snow, Nancy; Montminy, Martin; Olberding, Amy; Zagzebski, Linda; Showers, Carolin
I argue that an adequate theory of rightness should meet (at least) two distinct conditions: a “Consequences Condition” according to which the rightness or wrongness of some, but not all acts should be determined conclusively by the act’s outcomes on welfare, and a “Character Condition” according to which the rightness or wrongness of some, but not all acts should be influenced partially by aspects of the moral character of the person who committed the act. The combination of these two conditions is interesting because many major normative theories capture one, but not both well. In the course of making the case for the Consequences and Character Conditions, I develop and argue for a novel version of metaethical Humean Constructivism that I call “perspectival naturalism,” which I then apply in support of the Consequences and Character Conditions.
Open Access
Charles Hartshorne's global argument for God's existence :
(1982) Viney, Donald Wayne
The idea of combining several arguments for theism--a cumulative case--is not original with Hartshorne. However, few philosophers have self-consciously employed this strategy. This is unfortunate insofar as it makes the case for theism seem weaker than it is.
Open Access
Civic education and self-knowledge in higher education.
(2006) Fogel, Dara.; Sankowski, Edward,
In this age of multiculturalism, global travel and terrorism, it is vital that citizens be inculcated with the fundamental values of democracy (equality, liberty and self-government) and equipped with the cognitive skills to further those values (i.e. good practical judgment and respect for diversity). Plato critiqued the democratic character for its potential selfishness and lack of civic engagement---this was true in ancient Athens and is still true today. Using a primarily philosophical but also an interdisciplinary approach, I discuss the historic and social contexts of moral education in democracies both ancient and modern. My topic contributes to this inquiry about democratic education by discussing Virtue Ethics and Communitarianism, with attention to empirical matters as dealt with in Sociology and Psychology. This dissertation explores the Neutral Liberalism-Communitarian debate about moral education to explicate current social and educational circumstances, both theoretically and practically. I propose a model for teaching morality based on self-knowledge, without a traditional religious grounding, without competing with religious authority, resorting to dogma, or indoctrination. I draw on the works of Plato, Aristotle, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, William James, Charles Taylor and others, supporting my proposals with current research from Social Cognitive Psychology. Research in Psychology has shown that some ways of thinking about the self are more efficacious and functional than others. By grounding moral education in self-knowledge and virtue theory, we can ensure the preservation of our democracy by improving the ability of our citizens to reason well about personal, practical and political matters.
Open Access
Climate Change and Human Rights: Creating Norms to Govern Earth's Atmosphere
(2012) Feldt, Alexander Michael; Trachtenberg, Zev
Global climate change is one of the most pressing threats to humanity in the 21st century. Not only is evidence of this warming unequivocal, scientific consensus holds that it is the result of human activity. If left unchecked, climate change will result in, at best, serious harms to many and, at worst, catastrophic harms to all. In the face of this threat, the international community has failed to agree on a set of norms for addressing the problem. This stalemate centers on three general questions: (1) What is the harm brought by climate change?; (2) Who is responsible?; and (3) What are the obligations borne by responsible parties?
Open Access
Conscious and unconscious mental states.
(1979) Berry, Dianne Dennehy,
Open Access
Consciousness and personhood in split-brain patients.
(2002) Montgomery, Brint Alan.; Elugardo, Reinaldo,
In this work I argue that the two hemispheres of a split-brain patient exhibit consciousness and personhood while the patient operates under the conditions of a "Sperry-type" experiment. I am particularly concerned to show this to be the case for the right hemisphere. To this effect, [ argue that the right hemisphere has functionally distinct modules of cognition and sentience of the sort detailed by our most current theories in cognitive science. Moreover, practically all of the behavioral outputs for all modes of communication available to the right hemisphere (keeping in mind that speech is not one of these modes) are best explained by there being a superset of modules that maintain a degree of consciousness under Sperry-type experimental conditions. Such consciousness is outlined in terms of higher-order monitoring relations between modules.
Open Access
Continuous creation, persistence, and secondary causation: An essay in the metaphysics of theism.
(2007) Miller, Timothy D.; Zagzebski, Linda,
Abstract not available.
Open Access
Criteria.
(1982) Caraway, Carol Lynn,
The dissertation examines Wittgenstein's view of the relationship between criteria and what they are criteria of. Although it is clear that Wittgenstein thinks a criterion provides a ground for what it is a criterion of, it is unclear what sort of ground he thinks it provides. A Wittgensteinian criterion does not entail that for which it is a criterion, nor does it provide the simple sort of inductive evidence provided by a symptom.