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Layers of Logical Consequence: Logical consequence as epistemically model-theoretic and metaphysically proof-theoretic
Get PDFModel-theory and proof-theory are two long-standing alternative descriptions of logical consequence. Proof-theory characterises truth in terms of logical implication. Namely, according to proof-theory, the statement ‘A implies B’ is true iff there exists a proof from A to B. In contrast, model-theory characterises truth based on possible states of the world. By model-theory, ‘A implies B’ is true iff for any model m, if m satisfies A then m satisfies B. In this paper I argue that we can reconcile the views, by making an appropriate distinction between epistemic nature and metaphysical nature. Namely, I will argue that we can view logical consequence as epistemically model-theoretic and metaphysically prooftheoretic
Syria’s Reconciliation Agreements
Get PDFIn Syria’s Reconciliation Agreements, Raymond Hinnebusch and Omar Imady explore how the regime and the opposition interacted with the evolving idea of musalahat or ‘reconciliations’. At first, when neither side could unseat the other, these reconciliations were in essence, truces which reflected the war of attrition. As the regime grew stronger, largely after the Russian intervention, the musalahat evolved into several more advanced types, all designed to break the rebels, yet significantly different in the extent to which the regime was willing to agree to a more balanced arrangement. Hinnebusch and Imady proceed to examine the more recent, and internationally sanctioned, ‘deconfliction zones’ and show how they are similar, and different, from previous arrangements. The critical trademark of all of this, from a governance perspective, is the fact that all these arrangements entail, in various degrees, the decentralisation of government authority. The paper ends with the ironic conclusion that the Syria that may emerge from all this extensive decentralisation may resemble in certain ways the very Syria the protesters back in 2011 were advocating
The Day After: Post-Uprising Realities & Challenges
Get PDFWe are presently entering what might be termed the ‘Day After’ phase (or phases) of the Syrian Uprising; a period when the uprising and all the wars it unleashed gradually give way to the harsh realities of demarcation lines, the challenges of reconstruction, and the astronomical bill of the war effort. The fact that this phase involves a regime ‘victory’ that could not have been achieved without the overwhelming support of Russia and Iran, means that the regime is unable to enforce its own conditions and must constantly negotiate with the Russians, and at times the Iranians, regarding the optimal way to exercise its authority. The US military presence which, at least presently, appears to be long term, adds additional pressure on the regime and restricts its capacity to expand its territory. In this issue of Syria Studies, we are pleased to share three studies that shed light on some of these complex layers of post-uprising Syria
Syria\u27s Reconstruction Scramble
Get PDFIn Syria’s Reconstruction Scramble – Muriel Asseburg & Khaled Yacoub Oweis, focus on whether or not Europe should put aside its current reservations and become involved in the reconstruction effort. Asseburg and Oweis show that the realities of the post-uprising phase are in sharp contradiction with any meaningful attempt at reconstruction. Any involvement at this stage would amount to reducing reconstruction to the mere rebuilding of physical infrastructure even as actual fighting continues and without any prospects to a political settlement. The authors further conclude that Europe should instead “… play the long game and develop leverage to make future contributions serve state and peace-building purposes.
Framing Disaster: Performativity & Desire in the Writings of Syrians in Diaspora
Get PDFIn Framing Disaster, Performativity & Desire in the Writings of Syrians in Diaspora, Nusaiba Joan Imady examines the ways in which “… Syrians in diaspora have explored and redefined meaning in tradition and culture, specifically in relation to sexual violence, Syrian identity, and the validity of queer desire.” She seeks to capture the responses that are in danger of being lost in this now almost eight-year conflict, responses that collectively constitute a narrative that explains how people ‘surpass’ destruction of this magnitude and provides insights on the type of Syria that will eventually emerge from this ongoing tragedy
"From Achimota to Arusha: An Ecumenical Journey of Mission in Africa" edited by Lesmore Gibson Ezekiel and Jooseop Keum
No full textReview ofLesmore Gibson Ezekiel and Jooseop Keum, eds., From Achimota to Arusha: An Ecumenical Journey of Mission in Africa (Nairobi: Acton Publishers; Geneva: WCC Publications, 2018
From Newton to Einstein
Get PDFThis and the two papers that follow were given at the 2018 Scottish Church Theology Society conference “Approaching the Mystery: Physics, Cosmology, Theology”. Here Robin Green sets the scene by giving a historical overview of the scientific background to the development of cosmology. The journey we are taken on begins with Isaac Newton’s drawing together of the work of his scientific predecessors into his theory of universal gravitation all the way through to Einstein’s development of modern cosmology
The theology of preaching: A Reformed perspective
Get PDFPaul Nimmo’s paper explores the larger framework of the Reformed tradition’s theology of preaching by drawing on a number of the classic sources and by examining the reasons why preaching has for so long occupied a central place in the life of Reformed churches. It goes on to consider the distinct but inseparable connections of the event of preaching to the Word and to the Spirit. In the face of the challenges facing the church in Scotland today the paper concludes by making the case that the need to reflect theologically about the centrality and significance of the preaching event becomes more rather than less necessary