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The Comparative Study of the Structure of Theories in the Natural and in the Social Sciences: Old Conundrums and New Challenges
Lubomir Savov Popov,
Ivan Mihailov Chompalov
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
31-36
Received:
3 April 2015
Accepted:
12 April 2015
Published:
23 April 2015
Abstract: The paper proposes methodological bases for comparison of the structure of theories in the Natural, Life, Social, and Human Sciences. The idea is that in order to study this problem, the ontological and epistemological peculiarities of these four major classes of disciplines should be considered. The analysis of the nature of the object and the concept of science is a prerequisite for stating the problem of comparison correctly. The nature of the object and the concept of science in the Natural Sciences are fostering Rationalistic world view and a Mertonian approach to the structure of theory, while in the Human Sciences there are grounds for developing an interpretative orientation, and a metaphoric use of the term. Social scientists appear to be deeply divided about which way to go. This methodological "tragedy" is due to the dual nature of the objects of their science. While large-scale social phenomena, such as social institutions or social classes, may behave similarly to the “natural objects” and therefore lend themselves to a more rationalistic theoretical treatment, small-scale phenomena (small groups, neighborhood communities, individuals) require a different kind of approach to gain adequate understanding, namely the detailed analysis and interpretation of meaning construction and modification.
Abstract: The paper proposes methodological bases for comparison of the structure of theories in the Natural, Life, Social, and Human Sciences. The idea is that in order to study this problem, the ontological and epistemological peculiarities of these four major classes of disciplines should be considered. The analysis of the nature of the object and the con...
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The Ontological Problems of Reference
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
37-41
Received:
15 January 2015
Accepted:
10 April 2015
Published:
27 April 2015
Abstract: This article analyzes the different interpretations of the concept of "meaning" and "reference" in the theory of sign systems. Based on the analysis concludes that the theory of reference by Hilary Putnam, the theory of "language games" by L.Wittgenstein and semiotics by C. S. Peirce, despite the methodological differences, in general, similar to interpret the concept of meaning and reference, seeking to overcome them "mentalist "element. The value is interpreted as a sign of the way of its use and interpretation.
Abstract: This article analyzes the different interpretations of the concept of "meaning" and "reference" in the theory of sign systems. Based on the analysis concludes that the theory of reference by Hilary Putnam, the theory of "language games" by L.Wittgenstein and semiotics by C. S. Peirce, despite the methodological differences, in general, similar to i...
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Implementation of Nature Tourism Use Regulations in Order to Development of Tourism Governance in Bunaken National Park
Heri Santoso,
Endang Koestati Sri Harini Muntasib,
Hariadi Kartodihardjo,
Rinekso Soekmadi
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
42-52
Received:
14 April 2015
Accepted:
1 May 2015
Published:
13 May 2015
Abstract: Utilization of nature tourism in Bunaken National Park (BNP) with some uniqueness in it and has lasted a long time tend to uncontrolled activities because there are provisions of nature tourism use regulationsthat have not been fully implemented. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of nature tourism use regulations within development of tourism governance in BNP. Implementation of nature tourism use regulations by analyzing the contents of the text regulations to see the adequacy of the content, the implementation of the regulations by implementing and target groups, and the mechanism of stakeholder relations in the implementation ofregulations. The research conducted at BNP from July to October 2014. The data was collected through observation, interviews, and literature studies. Data and information were then analyzed using content analysis and qualitative descriptive analysis. The results adequacy of the contents and functions, nature tourism use regulations namely nature tourismconsession and the type and rates of non-tax revenues (use of environmental services nature tourism) met the requirements for regulating and controlling the behavior of stakeholders. But the implementation is not received a positive response from the implementing rules and target group. Mechanism of stakeholder relations in the implementation of nature tourismuse regulations needs to be managed so that it does not lead to a sharper conflict but can create complementary and cooperative relations.
Abstract: Utilization of nature tourism in Bunaken National Park (BNP) with some uniqueness in it and has lasted a long time tend to uncontrolled activities because there are provisions of nature tourism use regulationsthat have not been fully implemented. This study aims to evaluate the implementation of nature tourism use regulations within development of ...
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Research on the Chinese Government Purchase of Public Services: Operation Mode, Restraining Factors and Improving Measures
Shaogang Liao,
Qiangqiang Zeng,
Yun Zhang
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
53-60
Received:
20 April 2015
Accepted:
6 May 2015
Published:
19 May 2015
Abstract: In order to promote the administrative reform, the China new State Council makes a major deployment on the further transformation of government functions and improves the public services. It clearly required the local government should introduce more social forces in the field of public services and increase the efforts of the government purchases of public service. Based on expounding the related concepts and modes of the government purchases of public services, this paper summarized the practice project of the Chinese local government purchases of public services t in recent years, and analyzed the main factors restricting the Chinese government purchases of public services. In the end, it puts forward some countermeasures and suggestions to improve the government purchases of public services, including perfecting the system construction of the government’s purchases of services, strengthening the construction of the platform, regulating the procedures and processes, establishing the supervision and evaluation mechanism of the government’s purchases of services and so on.
Abstract: In order to promote the administrative reform, the China new State Council makes a major deployment on the further transformation of government functions and improves the public services. It clearly required the local government should introduce more social forces in the field of public services and increase the efforts of the government purchases ...
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Comparing Similar Local Political Systems Empirically
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
61-67
Received:
3 May 2015
Accepted:
15 May 2015
Published:
27 May 2015
Abstract: Empirical comparisons of political systems can hardly avoid shortcomings. This is also true in comparing local political systems. The quantitative research on the basis of mass data nowadays is most fashionable. As the scientist is confronted with a multitude of municipal authorities a selection by chance seems to be appropriate. However, the local political systems vary very much. Nowadays designs for case studies take into consideration that polities and politics of global players among the municipal authorities are different from those in smaller towns. In 1973 Dahl already stated that there is a positive correlation between size and democracy. In Germany the new institutional arrangements at the local level were expected to bring about more participation by the citizens. This is more likely in smaller towns than it is in larger cities. However, the planning of empirical case studies on large, middle-sized and small municipalities should be aware that other variables have to be considered besides the number of inhabitants. If such variables are taken care of the dilemma of too many variables occurs. As empirical comparisons come to the fore, the question arises, why there is so little progress in strategies of comparative analysis by case studies. Scholars of political science have chosen different ways without reaching a consensus about the one suitable solution, which variables a researcher has to take into consideration when he or she is answering specific questions. This paper will discuss this problem against the background of scholarly knowledge about the local level of the political system in Germany.
Abstract: Empirical comparisons of political systems can hardly avoid shortcomings. This is also true in comparing local political systems. The quantitative research on the basis of mass data nowadays is most fashionable. As the scientist is confronted with a multitude of municipal authorities a selection by chance seems to be appropriate. However, the local...
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Tackling HIV/AIDS as a Contemporary Social Problem in Sub-Saharan Africa: ‘A Sociological Critique of Voluntary Medical Male Circumcision (VMMC) as a Preventive Measure’
Issue:
Volume 4, Issue 3, June 2015
Pages:
68-76
Received:
12 May 2015
Accepted:
20 May 2015
Published:
9 June 2015
Abstract: Background: In view of all the recorded devastation it is causing to society and human life, HIV/AIDS appears to be in possession of all the characteristics of a contemporary social problem facing the world today, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. Voluntary Medical Male circumcision (VMMC) in Africa and in many other parts of the world is being heralded as the new “fix” to HIV/AIDS pandemic – which has been termed as “prevention technology.” The aim of this paper is to critique the widely held belief and argument that male circumcision is or can be used as a preventive measure against HIV infection in Sub-Saharan Africa and other parts of the world. Methods: This article uses the available and abundant empirical data from various epidemiological studies on the subject of male circumcision status and HIV prevention, and national demographic health surveys from a few Sub-Saharan African Countries. Outcome: Empirical evidence from Africa and other parts of the world has clearly indicated that male circumcision has never been and cannot be a preventive measure against heterosexually HIV infection. In fact, empirical data have pointed to the contrary. The relation between male circumcision status and HIV infection has not been in the expected direction, that- male circumcision reduces the risk of HIV infection. Conclusion: The paper concludes that abundant empirical data on male circumcision status and HIV infection do not support the widely held view and argument that male circumcision reduces heterosexual HIV infection.
Abstract: Background: In view of all the recorded devastation it is causing to society and human life, HIV/AIDS appears to be in possession of all the characteristics of a contemporary social problem facing the world today, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa. Voluntary Medical Male circumcision (VMMC) in Africa and in many other parts of the world is being hera...
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