Rethinking Logic

Rethinking Logic

This volume examines the limitations of mathematical logic and proposes a new approach to logic intended to overcome them. To this end, the book compares mathematical logic with earlier views of logic, both in the ancient and in the modern age, including those of Plato, Aristotle, Bacon, Descartes, Leibniz, and Kant. From the comparison it is apparent that a basic limitation of mathematical logic is that it narrows down the scope of logic confining it to the study of deduction, without providing tools for discovering anything new. As a result, mathematical logic has had little impact on scientific practice. Therefore, this volume proposes a view of logic according to which logic is intended, first of all, to provide rules of discovery, that is, non-deductive rules for finding hypotheses to solve problems. This is essential if logic is to play any relevant role in mathematics, science and even philosophy. To comply with this view of logic, this volume formulates several rules of discovery, such as induction, analogy, generalization, specialization, metaphor, metonymy, definition, and diagrams. A logic based on such rules is basically a logic of discovery, and involves a new view of the relation of logic to evolution, language, reason, method and knowledge, particularly mathematical knowledge. It also involves a new view of the relation of philosophy to knowledge. This book puts forward such new views, trying to open again many doors that the founding fathers of mathematical logic had closed historically.

Rethinking Logic

Neurobiology of Acupuncture, Volume 111

Neurobiology of Acupuncture, Volume 111

This book summarises the recent development in acupuncture research and in particular, the neurobiology of acupuncture. It provides a focus but a diverse range of subjects covering many body systems. The first a few chapters discuss the basic principles of acupuncture, then its modulatory effects on nervous system such as induction of neurotrophin and neurogenesis in the brain. Late chapters explore the clinical effects and potential mechanisms of acupuncture on different conditions ranging from neurological diseases such as Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and stroke, to psychiatric illnesses, insomnia, hypertension, gastrointestinal diseases and drug addiction. We believe this will promote the understanding acupuncture treatment and enhance acupuncture research in the future.

Neurobiology of Acupuncture, Volume 111

Interactive Probiotics

Interactive Probiotics

This book underlines the importance of reciprocal interactions between probiotics and humans in terms of stress induction, epigenetic control of cellular responses, oxidative status, bio-active molecules biosynthesis, moonlighting proteins secretion, endogenous toxins neutralization, and several other biological functions. It explores how these responses can affect metabolism and metabolic-related disorders, gutbrain axis balance, mood, inflammatory, allergic and anti-infective reactions, cancer, and ageing. The book explores how probiotics create a dynamic and ‘fluid’ network of signals able to control the balance between healthy and altered human status.

Interactive Probiotics