In 1907, Charles Peirce attempted to write an article that would introduce his distinct variety o... more In 1907, Charles Peirce attempted to write an article that would introduce his distinct variety of pragmatism to a general audience. He intended it initially for The Nation and later for The Atlantic Monthly, eventually producing more than five hundred handwritten sheets, but both ultimately declined to print any of it. Multiple preliminary drafts comprise the manuscripts that Richard Robin catalogued as R 319-322 and R 324, culminating in five major variants of R 318 as identified by the Peirce Edition Project and diagrammed by Priscila Borges (https://peirce.iupui.edu/resources/ms318_diag.pdf) with references to the page numbers assigned by the Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism. The second is unfinished, while extensive portions of the third through fifth appear in the Collected Papers (CP 5.11-13, 5.464-496, 1.560-562) and The Essential Peirce (EP 2:398-433), including the beginning that is common to all five. This is the completed first version as transcribed from the high-r...
Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, ... more Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God," appear in the Collected Papers but were omitted from The Essential Peirce . In one, he linked the hypothesis of God's Reality to his entire theory of logic as semeiotic, claiming that proving the latter would also prove the former. In the other, he offered a final outline of his cosmology, in which the Reality of God as Ens necessarium is indispensable to both the origin and order of our existing universe of Signs. Exploring these passages, as well as the unpublished manuscript drafts of the article, provides important insights into the key concepts of instinct and continuity within Peirce's comprehensive system of thought.
The semeiotic of Charles Sanders Peirce is irreducibly triadic, positing that a sign mediates bet... more The semeiotic of Charles Sanders Peirce is irreducibly triadic, positing that a sign mediates between the object that determines it and the interpretant that it determines. He eventually holds that each sign has two objects and three interpretants, standardizing quickly on immediate and dynamical (or real) for the objects but experimenting with a variety of names for the interpretants. The two most prominent terminologies are immediate/dynamical/final and emotional/energetic/logical, and scholars have long debated how they are related to each other. This paper seeks to shed new light on the matter by reviewing the numerous manuscript drafts where Peirce develops the latter nomenclature while attempting to introduce his pragmatism to a general audience. It then goes on to examine an additional set of interpretants, intentional/effectual/communicational, and shows that the three different trichotomies can be understood as complementary, rather than redundant or conflicting.
Transactions of the Charles S. Peirce Society, 2020
Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical tho... more Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical thought, his conception of it evolved considerably during his lifetime, culminating in a theory grounded primarily in topical geometry. Two previously unpublished and overlooked manuscripts reveal that his formulation of this approach was both earlier and more thorough than most scholars seem to have realized. Combining these and other relevant texts with the better-known passages highlights a key ontological distinction: a collection is bottom-up, such that the parts are real and the whole is an ens rationis, while a continuum is top-down, such that the whole is real and the parts are entia rationis. Accordingly, five properties are jointly necessary and sufficient for Peirce's topical continuum: rationality, divisibility, homogeneity, contiguity, and inexhaustibility.
Events of the last ten years have greatly heightened the awareness of building owners and designe... more Events of the last ten years have greatly heightened the awareness of building owners and designers of the threat of terrorist attacks using explosives. The United States government has funded extensive research into blast analysis and protective design methods and has produced a number of guidelines for its own facilities. The private sector is increasingly considering similar measures, especially for socalled "icon buildings" that are perceived to be prime targets, as well as nearby structures that are vulnerable to collateral damage. This article summarizes the methods available to define an external terrorist bomb threat and estimate structural design loads and element responses using simple dynamic system models and principles.
Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence t... more Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence to rules and fulfillment of duties or obligations; and consequentialism, which evaluates morally significant actions strictly on the basis of their actual or anticipated outcomes. Both involve the systematic application of universal abstract principles, reflecting the culturally dominant paradigm of technical rationality. Professional societies promulgate codes of ethics with which engineers are expected to comply (deontology), while courts and the public generally assign liability to engineers primarily in accordance with the results of their work, whether intended or unintended (consequentialism). A third option, prominent in ancient philosophy, has reemerged recently: virtue ethics, which recognizes that sensitivity to context and practical judgment are indispensable in particular concrete situations, and therefore rightly focuses on the person who acts, rather than the action itself. Beneficial character traits--i.e., virtues--are identified within a specific social practice in light of the internal goods that are unique to it. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for implementing virtue ethics within engineering.
Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A N... more Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God," appear in the Collected Papers but were omitted from The Essential Peirce. In one, he linked the hypothesis of God's Reality to his entire theory of logic as semeiotic, claiming that proving the latter would also prove the former. In the other, he offered a final outline of his cosmology, in which the Reality of God as Ens necessarium is indispensable to both the origin and order of our existing universe of Signs. Exploring these passages, as well as the unpublished manuscript drafts of the article, provides important insights into the key concepts of instinct and continuity within Peirce's comprehensive system of thought.
Transactions of the Charles S. Peirce Society, 2020
Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical tho... more Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical thought, his conception of it evolved considerably during his lifetime, culminating in a theory grounded primarily in topical geometry. Two previously unpublished and overlooked manuscripts reveal that his formulation of this approach was both earlier and more thorough than most scholars seem to have realized. Combining these and other relevant texts with the better-known passages highlights a key ontological distinction: a collection is bottom-up, such that the parts are real and the whole is an ens rationis, while a continuum is top-down, such that the whole is real and the parts are entia rationis. Accordingly, five properties are jointly necessary and sufficient for Peirce's topical continuum: rationality, divisibility, homogeneity, contiguity, and inexhaustibility.
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 2010
... Wade Robison shifts attention to the solution of design problems, which he calls the intelle... more ... Wade Robison shifts attention to the solution of design problems, which he calls the intellectual core of engineering, and advocates the principle ... World War II and the cold war is proving unsuitable to the demands of a postmodern creative age. Natasha McCarthy observes ...
Philosophy of engineering is a growing field whose ideas should be considered by the engineering ... more Philosophy of engineering is a growing field whose ideas should be considered by the engineering community. Because of the heuristic nature of engineering practice, philosophical thinking, including reflection, is an important way to enhance engineering judgment. This paper reviews a broad range of sources to give the reader a place to start when considering philosophy of engineering. Topics addressed include how engineering education and practice are different from other fields, how designers of non-prototypical engineered systems deal with a significant amount of uncertainty, and how aesthetics fit within an overall notion of engineering quality, among other topics. The references in this paper are not inclusive of all writings on philosophy of engineering, but they are a significant sampling that should help the reader begin delving into the relevant literature, and from there to go as deeply or as broadly as desired.
Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence t... more Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence to rules and fulfillment of duties or obligations; and consequentialism, which evaluates morally significant actions strictly on the basis of their actual or anticipated outcomes. Both involve the systematic application of universal abstract principles, reflecting the culturally dominant paradigm of technical rationality. Professional societies promulgate codes of ethics with which engineers are expected to comply (deontology), while courts and the public generally assign liability to engineers primarily in accordance with the results of their work, whether intended or unintended (consequentialism). A third option, prominent in ancient philosophy, has reemerged recently: virtue ethics, which recognizes that sensitivity to context and practical judgment are indispensable in particular concrete situations, and therefore rightly focuses on the person who acts, rather than the action itself. Beneficial character traits—i.e., virtues—are identified within a specific social practice in light of the internal goods that are unique to it. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for implementing virtue ethics within engineering.
Philosophy and Engineering: Reflections on Practice, Principles and Process, 2013
Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be... more Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be conceived as an especially systematic approach to willing. The transcendental precepts of Bernard Lonergan may be adapted to provide the backdrop for this assessment, which is manifest when the scientific and engineering methods are compared. In science, although the will is implicitly involved, the intellect is primary, because the goal is ideal—additional “objective” knowledge. In engineering, although the intellect is implicitly involved, the will is primary, because the goal is pragmatic—some “subjective” outcome, which is often selected by a manager or client, rather than the engineer. Furthermore, engineering problems are rarely well-defined; uncertainties and resource constraints dictate that they be conceptualized and solved heuristically. As a result, different engineers will follow different design procedures and develop different models, none of which is uniquely “correct.” Because tradeoffs are always necessary, engineering decision-making—and human behavior in general—is more intentional than rational. Recognizing this can help today’s society to overcome its traditional bias in favor of knowing over willing and to engage engineers more explicitly in addressing the many challenges that it faces, technological and otherwise.
Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand or appreciate what engineers... more Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand or appreciate what engineers do for a living. At least some of this can be attributed to the persistent failure of engineers to reflect thoughtfully on what they do, how they do it, and why it matters, so that they can then articulate such information clearly to others. A more systematic approach grounded in philosophical principles and organized around the traditional branches of philosophy would enable engineers to develop a more refined self-image, clarify and perhaps improve their public image, and develop potential solutions to at least some of the other non-technical issues that the profession is currently facing.
Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand what engineers do for a livi... more Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand what engineers do for a living. Some of this can be attributed to the persistent failure of engineers to reflect thoughtfully on the nature of their work so that they can recognize and articulate its truly unique aspects. The distinctiveness of engineering is often sought in the specific knowledge that it requires, but a frequent mistake is to focus on propositional knowledge-that, rather than practical knowledge-how. Engineering routinely requires the use of fallible heuristics and non-deterministic design procedures to formulate technical problems in a way that is manageable and then develop creative solutions to them. It involves skill and judgment that can only be acquired through experience.
Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be... more Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be conceived as an especially systematic approach to willing. In science, although the will is implicitly involved, the intellect is primary, because the goal is ideal—additional "objective" knowledge. In engineering, although the intellect is implicitly involved, the will is primary, because the goal is pragmatic—some "subjective" outcome, which is often selected by a manager or client, rather than the engineer. Furthermore, engineering problems are rarely well-defined; uncertainties and resource constraints dictate that they be conceptualized and solved heuristically. As a result, different engineers will follow different design procedures and develop different models, none of which is uniquely "correct." Because tradeoffs are always necessary, engineering decision-making—and human behavior in general—is more intentional than rational. Recognizing this can help today's society to engage engineers more explicitly in addressing the many challenges that it faces, technological and otherwise.
Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loads. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 341, 255 ... more Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loads. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 341, 255 (2009)]. Jon A. Schmidt, PE, M. ASCE, Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., PE, F. ASCE. Abstract. The events of September 11, 2001 had a profound impact on the building design community. ...
Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loadings. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 201, 2... more Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loadings. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 201, 20 (2006)]. Jon A. Schmidt, PE, SECB, M.ASCE, Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., PE, F.ASCE. Abstract. The events of September 11, 2001 ...
In 1907, Charles Peirce attempted to write an article that would introduce his distinct variety o... more In 1907, Charles Peirce attempted to write an article that would introduce his distinct variety of pragmatism to a general audience. He intended it initially for The Nation and later for The Atlantic Monthly, eventually producing more than five hundred handwritten sheets, but both ultimately declined to print any of it. Multiple preliminary drafts comprise the manuscripts that Richard Robin catalogued as R 319-322 and R 324, culminating in five major variants of R 318 as identified by the Peirce Edition Project and diagrammed by Priscila Borges (https://peirce.iupui.edu/resources/ms318_diag.pdf) with references to the page numbers assigned by the Institute for Studies in Pragmaticism. The second is unfinished, while extensive portions of the third through fifth appear in the Collected Papers (CP 5.11-13, 5.464-496, 1.560-562) and The Essential Peirce (EP 2:398-433), including the beginning that is common to all five. This is the completed first version as transcribed from the high-r...
Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, ... more Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God," appear in the Collected Papers but were omitted from The Essential Peirce . In one, he linked the hypothesis of God's Reality to his entire theory of logic as semeiotic, claiming that proving the latter would also prove the former. In the other, he offered a final outline of his cosmology, in which the Reality of God as Ens necessarium is indispensable to both the origin and order of our existing universe of Signs. Exploring these passages, as well as the unpublished manuscript drafts of the article, provides important insights into the key concepts of instinct and continuity within Peirce's comprehensive system of thought.
The semeiotic of Charles Sanders Peirce is irreducibly triadic, positing that a sign mediates bet... more The semeiotic of Charles Sanders Peirce is irreducibly triadic, positing that a sign mediates between the object that determines it and the interpretant that it determines. He eventually holds that each sign has two objects and three interpretants, standardizing quickly on immediate and dynamical (or real) for the objects but experimenting with a variety of names for the interpretants. The two most prominent terminologies are immediate/dynamical/final and emotional/energetic/logical, and scholars have long debated how they are related to each other. This paper seeks to shed new light on the matter by reviewing the numerous manuscript drafts where Peirce develops the latter nomenclature while attempting to introduce his pragmatism to a general audience. It then goes on to examine an additional set of interpretants, intentional/effectual/communicational, and shows that the three different trichotomies can be understood as complementary, rather than redundant or conflicting.
Transactions of the Charles S. Peirce Society, 2020
Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical tho... more Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical thought, his conception of it evolved considerably during his lifetime, culminating in a theory grounded primarily in topical geometry. Two previously unpublished and overlooked manuscripts reveal that his formulation of this approach was both earlier and more thorough than most scholars seem to have realized. Combining these and other relevant texts with the better-known passages highlights a key ontological distinction: a collection is bottom-up, such that the parts are real and the whole is an ens rationis, while a continuum is top-down, such that the whole is real and the parts are entia rationis. Accordingly, five properties are jointly necessary and sufficient for Peirce's topical continuum: rationality, divisibility, homogeneity, contiguity, and inexhaustibility.
Events of the last ten years have greatly heightened the awareness of building owners and designe... more Events of the last ten years have greatly heightened the awareness of building owners and designers of the threat of terrorist attacks using explosives. The United States government has funded extensive research into blast analysis and protective design methods and has produced a number of guidelines for its own facilities. The private sector is increasingly considering similar measures, especially for socalled "icon buildings" that are perceived to be prime targets, as well as nearby structures that are vulnerable to collateral damage. This article summarizes the methods available to define an external terrorist bomb threat and estimate structural design loads and element responses using simple dynamic system models and principles.
Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence t... more Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence to rules and fulfillment of duties or obligations; and consequentialism, which evaluates morally significant actions strictly on the basis of their actual or anticipated outcomes. Both involve the systematic application of universal abstract principles, reflecting the culturally dominant paradigm of technical rationality. Professional societies promulgate codes of ethics with which engineers are expected to comply (deontology), while courts and the public generally assign liability to engineers primarily in accordance with the results of their work, whether intended or unintended (consequentialism). A third option, prominent in ancient philosophy, has reemerged recently: virtue ethics, which recognizes that sensitivity to context and practical judgment are indispensable in particular concrete situations, and therefore rightly focuses on the person who acts, rather than the action itself. Beneficial character traits--i.e., virtues--are identified within a specific social practice in light of the internal goods that are unique to it. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for implementing virtue ethics within engineering.
Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A N... more Two different versions of the ending of the first additament to C. S. Peirce's 1908 article, "A Neglected Argument for the Reality of God," appear in the Collected Papers but were omitted from The Essential Peirce. In one, he linked the hypothesis of God's Reality to his entire theory of logic as semeiotic, claiming that proving the latter would also prove the former. In the other, he offered a final outline of his cosmology, in which the Reality of God as Ens necessarium is indispensable to both the origin and order of our existing universe of Signs. Exploring these passages, as well as the unpublished manuscript drafts of the article, provides important insights into the key concepts of instinct and continuity within Peirce's comprehensive system of thought.
Transactions of the Charles S. Peirce Society, 2020
Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical tho... more Although Peirce frequently insisted that continuity was a core component of his philosophical thought, his conception of it evolved considerably during his lifetime, culminating in a theory grounded primarily in topical geometry. Two previously unpublished and overlooked manuscripts reveal that his formulation of this approach was both earlier and more thorough than most scholars seem to have realized. Combining these and other relevant texts with the better-known passages highlights a key ontological distinction: a collection is bottom-up, such that the parts are real and the whole is an ens rationis, while a continuum is top-down, such that the whole is real and the parts are entia rationis. Accordingly, five properties are jointly necessary and sufficient for Peirce's topical continuum: rationality, divisibility, homogeneity, contiguity, and inexhaustibility.
Journal of Professional Issues in Engineering Education and Practice, 2010
... Wade Robison shifts attention to the solution of design problems, which he calls the intelle... more ... Wade Robison shifts attention to the solution of design problems, which he calls the intellectual core of engineering, and advocates the principle ... World War II and the cold war is proving unsuitable to the demands of a postmodern creative age. Natasha McCarthy observes ...
Philosophy of engineering is a growing field whose ideas should be considered by the engineering ... more Philosophy of engineering is a growing field whose ideas should be considered by the engineering community. Because of the heuristic nature of engineering practice, philosophical thinking, including reflection, is an important way to enhance engineering judgment. This paper reviews a broad range of sources to give the reader a place to start when considering philosophy of engineering. Topics addressed include how engineering education and practice are different from other fields, how designers of non-prototypical engineered systems deal with a significant amount of uncertainty, and how aesthetics fit within an overall notion of engineering quality, among other topics. The references in this paper are not inclusive of all writings on philosophy of engineering, but they are a significant sampling that should help the reader begin delving into the relevant literature, and from there to go as deeply or as broadly as desired.
Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence t... more Modern philosophy recognizes two major ethical theories: deontology, which encourages adherence to rules and fulfillment of duties or obligations; and consequentialism, which evaluates morally significant actions strictly on the basis of their actual or anticipated outcomes. Both involve the systematic application of universal abstract principles, reflecting the culturally dominant paradigm of technical rationality. Professional societies promulgate codes of ethics with which engineers are expected to comply (deontology), while courts and the public generally assign liability to engineers primarily in accordance with the results of their work, whether intended or unintended (consequentialism). A third option, prominent in ancient philosophy, has reemerged recently: virtue ethics, which recognizes that sensitivity to context and practical judgment are indispensable in particular concrete situations, and therefore rightly focuses on the person who acts, rather than the action itself. Beneficial character traits—i.e., virtues—are identified within a specific social practice in light of the internal goods that are unique to it. This paper proposes a comprehensive framework for implementing virtue ethics within engineering.
Philosophy and Engineering: Reflections on Practice, Principles and Process, 2013
Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be... more Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be conceived as an especially systematic approach to willing. The transcendental precepts of Bernard Lonergan may be adapted to provide the backdrop for this assessment, which is manifest when the scientific and engineering methods are compared. In science, although the will is implicitly involved, the intellect is primary, because the goal is ideal—additional “objective” knowledge. In engineering, although the intellect is implicitly involved, the will is primary, because the goal is pragmatic—some “subjective” outcome, which is often selected by a manager or client, rather than the engineer. Furthermore, engineering problems are rarely well-defined; uncertainties and resource constraints dictate that they be conceptualized and solved heuristically. As a result, different engineers will follow different design procedures and develop different models, none of which is uniquely “correct.” Because tradeoffs are always necessary, engineering decision-making—and human behavior in general—is more intentional than rational. Recognizing this can help today’s society to overcome its traditional bias in favor of knowing over willing and to engage engineers more explicitly in addressing the many challenges that it faces, technological and otherwise.
Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand or appreciate what engineers... more Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand or appreciate what engineers do for a living. At least some of this can be attributed to the persistent failure of engineers to reflect thoughtfully on what they do, how they do it, and why it matters, so that they can then articulate such information clearly to others. A more systematic approach grounded in philosophical principles and organized around the traditional branches of philosophy would enable engineers to develop a more refined self-image, clarify and perhaps improve their public image, and develop potential solutions to at least some of the other non-technical issues that the profession is currently facing.
Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand what engineers do for a livi... more Engineers often complain that non-engineers do not really understand what engineers do for a living. Some of this can be attributed to the persistent failure of engineers to reflect thoughtfully on the nature of their work so that they can recognize and articulate its truly unique aspects. The distinctiveness of engineering is often sought in the specific knowledge that it requires, but a frequent mistake is to focus on propositional knowledge-that, rather than practical knowledge-how. Engineering routinely requires the use of fallible heuristics and non-deterministic design procedures to formulate technical problems in a way that is manageable and then develop creative solutions to them. It involves skill and judgment that can only be acquired through experience.
Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be... more Science is widely perceived as an especially systematic approach to knowing; engineering could be conceived as an especially systematic approach to willing. In science, although the will is implicitly involved, the intellect is primary, because the goal is ideal—additional "objective" knowledge. In engineering, although the intellect is implicitly involved, the will is primary, because the goal is pragmatic—some "subjective" outcome, which is often selected by a manager or client, rather than the engineer. Furthermore, engineering problems are rarely well-defined; uncertainties and resource constraints dictate that they be conceptualized and solved heuristically. As a result, different engineers will follow different design procedures and develop different models, none of which is uniquely "correct." Because tradeoffs are always necessary, engineering decision-making—and human behavior in general—is more intentional than rational. Recognizing this can help today's society to engage engineers more explicitly in addressing the many challenges that it faces, technological and otherwise.
Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loads. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 341, 255 ... more Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loads. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 341, 255 (2009)]. Jon A. Schmidt, PE, M. ASCE, Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., PE, F. ASCE. Abstract. The events of September 11, 2001 had a profound impact on the building design community. ...
Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loadings. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 201, 2... more Blast Protection of Buildings Design Criteria and Loadings. [ASCE Conference Proceedings 201, 20 (2006)]. Jon A. Schmidt, PE, SECB, M.ASCE, Paul F. Mlakar, Ph.D., PE, F.ASCE. Abstract. The events of September 11, 2001 ...
Peirce’s mature topical conception of continuity mathematically defines it in accordance with Gar... more Peirce’s mature topical conception of continuity mathematically defines it in accordance with Gary Richmond’s categorial vector of representation, from 3ns through 1ns to 2ns. Such continuity is discovered in phaneroscopy by observing and attending to the flow of time, the nature of the phaneron itself, and experience as its compulsive aspect, especially perception. Applying such continuity in semeiotic and metaphysics facilitates gaining a better understanding of semiosis and objective idealism, leading to the plausible hypothesis of the reality of God.
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Papers by Jon A Schmidt