Introduction to the Special Issue ‘Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology’ (Biosemiotics) published online

The introduction to the special issue of Biosemiotics ‘Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology’, written by Carlo Brentari and me, has just been published online.

Reference:

Carlo Brentari and Morten Tønnessen 2024. Introduction to the Special Issue ‘Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology’. Editorial. Biosemiotics. Published online July 19th 2024. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12304-024-09583-w 

Abstract:

This introduction to the special issue “Umwelt Theory and Phenomenology” is composed of a brief theoretical introduction to phenomenology seen as a key attitude of philosophical research, an investigation of the possibilities offered by a combined application of phenomenology and biosemiotics, and an overview of the articles that are included in the special issue. The theoretical introduction stresses the possibility of distinguishing, within phenomenology, between approaches centred on the object (in other terms, the phenomenon), and subject-centred approaches which have emerged in the wake of Kantian transcendental idealism. The connection with biosemiotics is explored for both kinds of approaches, showing how Uexküll, and many other scholars after him, have used phenomenological tools and perspectives in the study of biological meaning and meaning-making processes. For each article in the collection, the overview of the articles indicates one or two points that we believe are of the greatest interest for the reader.

2 Inequalities Research applications reviewed for Fondazione Cariplo

I have recently reviewed 2 research project applications for Fondazione Cariplo (Italy) in relation to their Inequalities Research 2024 call.

11 plus 3 explanations for grading given

Today, on my last work day before summer holidays, and on my way back from the ISQOLS 2024 conference in Malaysia, I have given explanation for grading to 11 students in the bachelor course in law and ethics I have been involved in, and to 3 students in the master course in environmental psychology.

Interviewed on laying hen breeding in magazine Ren mat

This Spring I was interviewed for a story in the magazine Ren mat, titled "Alle egg i samme kurv" (All eggs in the same basket). The theme for the feature article is the dominant breeding companies in the egg business. Journalist: Anette Schive. The story links to our article "The Ethics of Laying Hen Genetics".

Google Scholar: 100+ citations so far in 2024

According to Google Scholar (cf. my profile) my research has to date attracted 1.155 citations (+1 since June 3rd), including 101 citations so far in 2024 (+13 since June 3rd). Apparently, the numbers indicate that Google must also have removed a number of citations previously registered. My h-index remains 19, while my i10-index is back to 36 (-1 since June 3rd). 

With 101 citations so far, 2024 is already my 4th best year in terms of number of citations, after 2022, 2023, and 2021.

Paper on GDP and alternative measures presented at ISQOLS 2024 in Malaysia

Yesterday I presented the paper “Can welfare and environmental concerns be measured in extension of GDP?” (see abstract posted earlier) on behalf of Jan Karlstrøm and myself at the 22nd conference of the International Society for Quality-of-Life Studies (ISQOLS), which was held in Kota Kinabula, on Borneo, in Malaysia, June 26 to 28th. The paper was part of Session 23C, “Beyond GDP: New Understandings and Measures of Progress”. Some 45 people attended the session.

Photo: Sabah International Convention Centre, the ISQOLS 2024 venue.

"Mars and the Earthlings" book webpage launched; publication date December 11th

Springer Nature has now launched a website for the forthcoming book Mars and the Earthlings: A Realistic View on Mars Exploration and Settlement, which I am one of ca. 60 authors of. The book will appear in the book series Space and Society. Planned publication date is said to be December 11th. The book will be included in Springer´s e-book package for Physics and astronomy.

Book description:

In an era of public Mars fascination, this book offers an objective presentation of the challenges of crewed Mars missions and discusses scenarios of Mars settlements under scientific, technical, social, economic , ethical and political aspects. With the aim to make the reader comprehend what is plausible and what is at stake, the book tries to clarify misconceptions and half-truths spreading rapidly in the public. The authors argue that approximations and misinformation should be countered for two main reasons. First, to avoid missing out on the benefits that Mars exploration may bring, including major scientific discoveries and an inspiring, federative human endeavor. Second, to remediate dangerous delusions – such as the idea that humanity could be transferred there should the Earth become inhabitable in the near term. In preparation for this book a group of European, world-renowned scientists from fields as diverse as astronomy, planetology, geology, biology, philosophy, or economics, as well as astronauts and science-fiction writers, was gathered to discuss Mars missions ranging from near-term robotic missions, all the way to large-scale settlements and even the feasibility of terraforming. For each, they draw arguments from their domains of expertise to discuss what is feasible and what is desirable. The result provides researchers with an objective review of the field, policy makers with a reference to make informed decisions, and the general public with a tool to form educated opinions.