In this article, I investigate the video game BioShock for its political and cultural work and argue that it offers a popular platform to discuss the politically charged question of choice, both inside and outside the realm of video games. In a first section, I introduce the game’s basic plot and setting, propose a way to study how video games operate narratively, and briefly discuss the ‘political’ dimension of games in general. Afterwards, I look at how BioShock is influenced by Ayn Rand’s philosophy of objectivism, a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of individual choice and self-interest, and I trace this influence specifically in the game’s main antagonist, Andrew Ryan, and its setting, the underwater city of Rapture. With these elements as a basis, I analyze how BioShock engages with the politics of choice, focusing on a major twist scene in the game to demonstrate how BioShock deals with the question of choice on a metatextual level. Reading this scene in the context of the game’s overall narrative, specifically of moral choices in the game that lead to different endings, I argue that the game metatextually connects the political question of choice inherent in objectivism to the narrative and the playing of the game, pointing to the ambivalences inherent in questions of choice, agency, and free will.

The main problem posed in this thesis is an epistemological one to do with what counts as knowledge in the organisation/management and management accounting areas of scholarship. This question arose regarding discrepancies between an original text, Burns and Stalker's The Management of Innovation (1961, 1966, 1994), and longstanding representations in the mainstream literature. The discrepancies were between the largely objectivist representations focussing on the relationship between organisation structure and environmental contingency, while omitting subjectivist factors and organisational processes, also significant in Burns and Stalker's analysis. The analysis in this thesis is concerned with two main questions: the similarities and differences between The Management of Innovation and mainstream representations; and explanations for these, particularly for the differences. The analytical framework is critical realist theory underpinned by an Hegelian dialectical methodology, looking at phenomena from different perspectives with inconsistencies addressed by a more holistic analysis. This thesis is based on a non-linear, multi-angled approach, which examines each of the two questions from different perspectives through two dialectical circles. A detailed analysis of Burns and Stalker's work and mainstream representations enabled clarity regarding the different foci in the two sets of texts. The absenting of human factors and organisational processes in much mainstream scholarship was found to extend beyond representations of Burns and Stalker's work to orthodox scholarship more widely, despite strong and persistent critiques from within the field. The dialectical opposition constructed between objectivist and subjectivist factors was investigated further and linked to attitudes regarding the commensurability of different approaches in the social sciences, particularly in the organisation/management and management accounting fields. It is suggested that this opposition is based on a particular view of science and scientific method. A broader interpretation however shows that science is also influenced by researchers' subjectivities. This has led to an argument for the complementary, more holistic approaches already present in the field becoming more widespread in the interests of more sustainable and emancipatory knowledge.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T20:57:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 PED - Victor Manuel dos Reis B Fortes.pdf: 946181 bytes, checksum: 442ccce3ee58e838ac883e969b47f6bc (MD5) Previous issue date: 2006-11-30 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / The objective of this work is to understand the forming process of identity of a highschool teacher in Cape Verde and contribute to promote studies on his role and importance in the construction of the Cape Verde society. With the objective of putting the subject in context, a vast social and historical description of Cape Verde is done. Based on the socio-historical approach, a narrative analysis of the life story of an experienced teacher is done, articulating the identity theory elaborated by Ciampa and the sociohistorical theory elaborated by Vygotsky and the studies about subjectivity that are being improved by Gonzalez Rey. The identity, consciousness, activity, meaning and sense categories appear as guiding axis of the constitution of a unique and real subject that at the same time materializes the universal. The theoretical-empirical analysis confirmed the hypothesis mentioned, implied in the categories and showed that the identity is an unfinished process of continuity, rupture and surpassing the professional and biographical constitution mediate by the sense and meaning that the subject gives to himself, to the world and his place in the world. So, it is considered that the objectives proposed in this study had been widely achieved. However, different possibilities of interpretation and conclusions remain open since identity is a process, is movement which in its study terms aspires only the understanding and a minimum of consensus, and not intend to reach a final, absolute result. The theoretical and social relevance of this work precisely relies on the way these two theories were articulated (identity and subjectivity) and in filling an important space in the Cape Verde literature / O objectivo deste trabalho é compreender o processo de constituição da identidade do professor do ensino secundário em Cabo Verde e contribuir para romper com as especulações quanto ao seu papel e importância na construção da sociedade caboverdiana. Com o objectivo de contextualizar o sujeito em estudo, faz-se uma ampla resenha histórica e social de Cabo Verde. Com base na abordagem sócio-histórica faz-se uma análise de narrativa de história de vida de uma professora experiente, articulando a teoria de identidade elaborada por Ciampa, a teoria sócio-histórica elaborada por Vigotski e os estudos sobre a subjetividade que vêm sendo aperfeiçoados por Gonzalez Rey. As categorias identidade, consciência, actividade, significado e sentido, surgem como eixos norteadores da constituição de um sujeito singular e concreto que, ao mesmo tempo, materializa o universal. A análise teórico-empírica confirmou as hipóteses levantadas, implícitas nas categorias mencionadas e demonstrou que a identidade é um processo inacabado de continuidade, ruptura e superação da constituição biográfica e profissional mediado pelo significado e sentido que o sujeito atribui a si, ao mundo e ao seu lugar no mundo. A relevância teórica e social deste trabalho reside precisamente na forma como foram articuladas essas duas teorias (identidade e subjectividade) e no preenchimento de um espaço importante na literatura caboverdiana

Les actes juridiques unilatéraux des États, extrêmement variés dans leurs formes comme leurs contenus, contribuent à la formation et à l’évolution des normes internationales. Cependant, la présente thèse soutient que ces actes unilatéraux ne constituent pas, pris isolément, un mode de production du droit international ; tout au plus en sont-ils des éléments de formation. Parmi tous les actes adoptés par les États, certains seulement véhiculent des «prétentions normatives stricto sensu». Ces prétentions manifestent une certaine tension entre l’exercice par les États d’un pouvoir d’application du droit existant, en vertu de normes d’habilitation établies ou revendiquées, et d’un pouvoir de l’interpréter ou de le transformer. Dans ces conditions, ces prétentions bénéficient d’une existence objective et d’une opposabilité présumée tout en étant potentiellement contestables durant un certain laps de temps. L’attribution d’une valeur au silence des tiers intéressés apporte la preuve d’un tel présupposé. Ainsi, la représentation proposée met en lumière l’exercice par les États d’un véritable pouvoir de sommation : il découle des prétentions identifiées un effet autonome consistant à requérir les réactions des tiers susceptibles d’en remettre en cause le bien-fondé. Les protestations, reconnaissances ou acquiescements silencieux des tiers constituent alors la condition nécessaire et suffisante aux fins de détermination de l’(in)opposabilité du contenu normatif des prétentions. Du processus décrit, il peut être déduit que l’existence et la signification des rapports de droit produits par la confrontation des prétentions et réactions des États reposent certes sur des accords informels. Toutefois, le fonctionnement du processus révèle avant tout l’influence considérable de l’unilatéralisme sur la définition et l’évolution du droit international. Les États se voient en effet soumis à une obligation accrue de vigilance à l’égard des prétentions susceptibles d’emporter des effets sur leurs droits et obligations. / Unilateral acts of States, which are extremely varied in both form and content, contribute to the formation process and evolution of international standards. However, this thesis suggests that unilateral acts, taken in isolation, are not a means of producing international law; at most they are elements in its formation process. Among the acts adopted by States, some merely express “normative pretentions in the strict sense of the term”. These pretentions express a certain tension in a State’s exercising of a power of application of existing law, in virtue of established or claimed capacitation, and the power to interpret or transform it. Under these conditions, these pretentions benefit from objective existence and supposition of opposability, while remaining potentially contestable during a given period of time. The attribution of a value to the silence of concerned third parties is proof of such a presupposition. This means the proposed representation shows the exercising by States of an actual power of summons: the pretentions identified give rise to an independent effect requiring the action of third parties likely to question validity. Protests, recognition or acquiescence of third parties thus constitute the condition deemed necessary and sufficient to the determination of the (un)opposability of the normative content of the pretentions. From the process described, it is possible to deduce that the existence and significance of law produced by the confrontation of pretentions and reactions of States is based on informal agreements. However, the functioning of the process reveals above all the considerable influence of unilateralism on the definition of the evolution of international law. States are subject to an increased obligation for vigilance with regard to pretentions likely to impact their rights and obligations.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-04-28T14:16:29Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Atuacao_Vontade.pdf: 730798 bytes, checksum: c5ee02c993e9bbd862bad89d4977cac9 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-04-29 / In this work we have pointed out some of the aspects concerning the changes that occurred in way the western culture investigated Nature. These developments were particularly visible (observed) in the German world and were characterized by the changing position of the investigator when relating the object of his /her research as well as the spectator before a masterpiece. This movement concerning the investigator and the spectator started from the act of objectifying Nature to a situation where they interact with the object of investigation as well as the artistic work. Such change took place mainly in Germany starting in the last decade of the 19th century until the beginning of the 20th century. The pointed displacement could occur in that country because of its strong romantic tradition with its typical subjectivity. The strong subjectivism of German culture was responsible for the appearance of German Idealism, philosophical system that took place in the beginning of the 19th century. Johann Fichte stood out as one of its initiators. He and others thinkers connected to that philosophical tendency provided the theoretical framework to Romanticism found Romanticism theoretically, since idealism subjectifies reality . Generations of students that belong to the world of German culture during the 19th century have concluded their studies in that environment where Romanticism and subjectivism had a widespread influence. So it was be difficult for them to be out of that context. Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg and others who have formulated quantum mechanics as well Ernst Kirchner, one of the expressionism exponents, are certainly included among those pointed scholars and, therefore, their works reflected the culture in which they were plunged in / Nesta dissertação abordamos alguns aspectos das mudanças ocorridas na maneira como a natureza era investigada no Ocidente. Essas transformações foram particularmente visíveis no mundo germânico e, se caracterizaram, pelo deslocamento da posição do investigador em relação ao objeto de pesquisa e do espectador diante da obra de arte. Este movimento do pesquisador e do espectador partiu da objetivação da natureza, para uma situação em que os mesmos interagem com o objeto de investigação e, também, com o trabalho artístico. Tal mudança ocorreu, com destaque, na Alemanha, na passagem do século XIX para século XX. O deslocamento apontado pôde ocorrer naquele país, porque nele havia uma forte tradição romântica com sua característica subjetividade. A forte presença do subjetivismo na cultura alemã deu espaço para o surgimento do Idealismo Alemão, sistema filosófico que aparece no início do século XIX, destacando-se Johann Fichte como um dos seus iniciadores. Este e outros pensadores ligados àquela corrente filosófica fundamentarão teoricamente o Romantismo, uma vez que, o idealismo subjetiva a realidade . Gerações de estudantes pertencentes ao mundo da cultura germânica, durante o século XIX e início do século XX, se formaram nesse ambiente, onde o Romantismo e o subjetivismo tinham forte presença e, portanto, seria difícil para eles não participarem desse contexto cultural. Niels Bohr, Werner Heisenberg e outros formuladores da mecânica quântica, assim como Ernst Kirchner, um dos teóricos do expressionismo, certamente estão incluídos entre aqueles estudiosos apontados acima e, portanto, seus trabalhos refletiram a cultura onde estavam imersos

This paper explores the conflicts of interest present in science policy and how claims being made for evidence based science can be used to suppress critical social science research. The specific case presented concerns the attempts to ban and censor my work criticising the economics of carbon emissions trading while I was working for the Commonwealth Scientific Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) in Australia. The role of management and the Science Minister are documented through their own public statements. The case raises general issues about the role of epistemic communities in the production of knowledge, the potential for manipulation of information under the guise of quality control and the problems created by claiming a fact-value dichotomy in the science-policy interface. The implications go well beyond just climate change research and challenge how public policy is being formulated in modern industrial societies where scientific knowledge and corporate interests are closely intertwined. (author's abstract) / Series: SRE - Discussion Papers

This thesis explores specific ways of using female singing voice in subculture of historically informed performance of baroque music in the Czech republic. The thesis is based on principles of cultural theory and cultural analysis. Main source for my research were interviews from the years 2015 and 2016 held with female singers specialized in historically informed performance, and my own living experience first as voice student, later as a performer in the field of baroque music. I explore ways of fulfilling fundamental demand of the subculture for "historical authenticity" (which is usually defined as "how did the music sound at the time of its origin"). I come to key term of "naturalness" and I further explore how this concept is embodied by the singers, how it affects the sound of the voice and aesthetic expectations of the singers and also listeners. I put the experience of "authentic" and "natural" interpretation of baroque music in context of thinking about pleasure, especially in terms of jouissance and plaisir described by Roland Barthes.

This Thesis will be focused on relationship of human and space, formed by moment of their encounter. The main aim of work is to express relation between human and space in existential dimension of their mutual formation. This process is continuous and it is embodied in hermeneutical spiral. Result of this Work is the attempt to erase subject-object therminology in the context of relationship of human and space by applying principle of historical consciousness. Concept of lived space is manifested on example of Prague city walk, in which there are human and space mutually formed as a continuously changing complex, not the separate units. Key words human, hermeneutic circle, objectivism, move, principle of historical consciousness, walk, space, subjectivism, memory, relationship

No description available.

Au début des années 1880, la théorie du ministre-juge entretient encore la fragmentation des actes unilatéraux de l’administration. La méthode d’exposition du droit administratif alimente également la dispersion de ces actes et nourrit le morcellement de leurs règles. Près d’une cinquantaine d’années sera nécessaire pour ordonner cette diversité, pour forger une conception générale de l’acte administratif unilatéral obéissant à un régime unifié. Afin de se représenter le processus d’élaboration de l’acte administratif unilatéral, la doctrine et le juge puisent conjointement dans le fonds conceptuel subjectif. Instruments traditionnels de la science juridique, à l’efficacité éprouvée, la volonté et la personnalité juridique révèlent, à partir de la fin du XIXe siècle, l’essence logique de l’acte administratif unilatéral. L’émergence d’une conception unifiée de l’acte n’est cependant pas le fruit de l’utilisation servile des matériaux hérités de la science juridique classique. Alors que cet outillage a été pensé pour un sujet libre et agissant ordinairement pour son propre compte, les administrativistes doivent systématiser l’activité juridique d’hommes agissant pour le compte d’êtres collectifs, privés de volonté propre. Les spécificités de l’acte administratif unilatéral requièrent donc un imposant travail d’adaptation. A la tradition, succède l’innovation lors de la conceptualisation du résultat de l’opération décisionnelle. A l’inverse du juge administratif, la doctrine repousse le legs des civilistes pour penser l’effet de droit et imagine un concept, la situation juridique, reflétant l’épanouissement de l’objectivisme. Son ambition de contenir le subjectivisme l’incite également à rompre avec ses premiers inspirateurs, les théoriciens allemands du droit public. La théorie de l’hétérolimitation de l’Etat, qui remplace celle de l’autolimitation, influe alors sur la conception de l’autorité des actes administratifs unilatéraux. / At the begining of the 1880’s, the theory of the « Minister-Judge » continues to maintain the partition of the unilateral administrative acts. The methodology of the Doctrine then in use, contributes to scatter the Administration’s decisions and feeds the fragmentation of the rules. It will take about fifty years to overcome this divesity and to forge a general conception of the unilateral administrative act governed by a unified legal system. In order to picture the elaborating process of the unilateral adminstrative act, the Doctrine and the Judge jointly draw in the subjective conceptual collection. Starting from the end of the 19th century onwards, the logical essence of the unilateral administrative act has been revealed by the traditionnal and proven tools of legal science, ie the Will and the Legal Body. However, the emergence of a unified conception of the Act is not the outcome of a servile use of the materials supplied by the classical legal science. While this tool set has been elaborated for a free subject, acting - in most cases - for its own behalf, the administrativists think over the legal activities of men, acting on behalf of collective bodies, without personal will. The specifics of the unilateral administrative act, then require a significant adaptation work. Innovation succeeds tradition in the conceptualisation of the result of the decision process. Contrary to the Judge, the Doctrine, through objectivism development, pushes back the heritage of the civilists and imagines the effect of the unilateral administrative act through an innovative concept : the legal situation. The Doctrine’s ambition to contain subjectivism also leads to the break up with the german theorists of public law who were the first inspiring masters. The theory of heterolimitation of the State, which replaces the doctrine of self limitation, influences over the conception of the authority of unilateral administrative acts.