ALBERT

Notes: Summary The ellipsoid method is the first known algorithm which in the sense of computational complexity solves linear and convex programming problems efficiently. Based on a simple computational model we introduce some notions from complexity theory and survey the historical antecessors which led to the development of the ellipsoid method. We discribe the fundamental geometric idea as well as a basic version of the algorithm and prove that this basic version gives an efficient algorithm for linear programming problems. We discuss some modifications of the basic method and outline the algorithmic equivalence of optimization and separation which is a consequence of the ellipsoid algorithm. By means of an example we show how this equivalence has led to a unifying framework for efficient algorithms which allowed to discover further efficiently solvable problems.

Notes: Summary We consider a parallel system consisting ofn identical components subject to failures. Failed components are repaired by a single repairman. Under the assumptions that the failure times are exponential and the repair times are of phase type, it is shown that the busy period of the repairman, the density of the number of components repaired during a busy period and the stationary down time of the system are also of phase type. Some numerical examples and an algorithmically tractable steady state analysis of the model are presented.

Notes: Summary This paper focuses on heuristic procedures for multi-stage assembly systems. Level-by-Level and Period-by-Period approaches are compared based on a large set of simulation experiments. The Period-by-Period approach we propose is of practical importance because the method considers the cost structure and the product structure of the system simultaneously.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Für das Schätzen von realen Straßenentfernungen sind in der Literatur verschiedene Verfahren vorgestellt worden, die aber — bezogen auf die Bundesrepublik Deutschland — keine befriedigenden Ergebnisse zeigen. Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird daher zur Entfernungsschätzung das Konzept der gebietspaarspezifischen Umwegfaktoren entwickelt. Das neue Verfahren ist unmittelbar anwendbar und bringt gegenüber dem gebräuchlichen Arbeiten mit einem konstanten Umwegfaktor um 25% bzw. 40% genauere Schätzungen der realen Entfernungen.

Notes: Summary In this paper an algorithm for ranking paths in acyclic networks is presented. The algorithm is initialized with the determination of the shortest tree, which is placed in a candidateList. At each step the tree for which is minimal the distance of the path between two specified nodes is removed fromList. Some adjacent trees of the removed one are generated and placed inList in such a way that repetitions are avoided. This method is repeated until the desired paths have been determined. The computational complexity of the algorithm is studied too.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Dieser Artikel gibt einen Überblick über Instandhaltungsmodelle. Es werden überwiegend stochastische Modelle betrachtet, die den Einsatz von Instandhaltungsaktionen wie vorbeugende Erneuerungen, Inspektionen und Bereitstellung von Ersatzelementen und Reparatureinheiten beschreiben. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf Arbeiten, welche die optimale Strategie bei gegebener Kostenstruktur angeben.

Notes: Summary We describe a procedure for reducing the number of edges of a given nonoriented network in such a way, that the shortest distances between the original vertices are conserved. It is based on the triangle condition and on generating additional vertices. For a network optimization problem, such as the travelling salesman problem, the procedure achieves an essential reduction of the number of variables and of the solution effort. The computational results show that the reduced number of edges depends about linearly on the number of vertices.

Notes: Summary A probabilistic scheduling period inventory model is developed for continuously deteriorating items, in which the lead time is exactly of one scheduling period, shortages are not allowed, and a general deterioration function is employed. The developed model is shown to be a generalization of the various, existing EOQ models for deteriorating items and the scheduling period model for nondeteriorating items. An example is also furnished.

Notes: Summary Periodicity is a simple form of nonstationarity in Markov decision processes. In this paper successive approximations are considered for discounted and undiscounted periodic Markov decision processes. For this type of process iteration steps can be performed without any loss of efficiency, provided the type of procedure is sensibly chosen. Moreover, and most important, it is possible to derive sharp bounds for the value function. Numerical evidence is provided.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Die vorliegende Arbeit behandelt betriebswirtschaftliche, mathematische und EDV-organisatorische Aspekte eines für ein großes Service-Rechen-zentrum entwickelten Betriebsmodelles. Besondere Problemschwerpunkte stellen die Behandlung der hohen Fixkostenanteile und der längerfristig relevanten Kapazitätsengpässe dar. Das Zahlenmaterial des Modelles ist in Matrizen geordnet und steht für vielfältige periodische und situationsbezogene Bewertungs-, Analyse- und Simulationsrechnungen zur Verfügung. Die periodischen Kosten- und Leistungsberichte beinhalten neben den üblichen Grundinformationen die Verrechnung von Betriebs-Bereitschafts-Kosten und Opportunitätskosten. Von diesen längerfristig ausgerichteten Wertgrößen gehen Lenkungseffekte aus, die in einer entscheidungsorientierten Kostenrechnung nicht vernachlässigt werden dürfen.

Notes: Zusammenfassung In diesem Artikel wird ein Algorithmus zur Erstellung von Computergraphiken für den Fall der linearen Optimierung bei mehrfacher Zielsetzung vorgestellt. Das Verfahren beruht auf der klassischen einparametrischen linearen Optimierung und bestimmt ein Spektrum effizienter Kriterienwerte, die mit Hilfe stückweise linearer Funktionen dargestellt werden können. Beispielhaft wird gezeigt, wie sich jedes Standard-LP-Paket mit dem vorgestellten Verfahren in einfacher Weise für eine flexible graphische Multikriteria-Analyse erweitern läßt.

Notes: Abstract This paper presents an analysis of a queueing model with a switched Poisson arrival process and general services times. The model is interesting since the arrival process covers both renewal and non-renewal processes with coefficients of variation larger than one. With the model, the consequence of a ‘renewal assumption’ can be investigated. The analysis is done using arguments from the theory of regenerative processes and up and down crossing properties of the queue length process. In the last part of the paper sensitivity questions are discussed with respect to the renewal assumption and the influence of the third moment of the interarrival time.

Notes: Summary In this paper algorithms are given for up- and down-dating the solution of the linearL 1 regression problem ∥b−Ax ∥1→min when a column or a row ofA is inserted or deleted or the right hand sideb is changed. The algorithms are up-or down-dating the condensed simplex tableau given by the algorithm of I. Barrodale and F. D. K. Roberts. The results of empirical tests are included.

Notes: Summary This paper considers a version of the vehicle routing problem in which a non-negative weight is assigned to each city to be visited and where all vehicles are identical and have the same capacityD. The weight assigned to a vehicle on a given route may not exceed this capacity. The problem is formulated as an integer program: integrality is obtained by means of a branch and bound procedure; capacity constraints are first relaxed, and introduced only when they are found to be violated. Three variants of this basic algorithm are examined. Exact solutions are obtained for problems ranging from 15 to 50 cities.

Notes: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to propose an extension of the conventional input-output forecasting technique to allow projection of gross output of product-specific sectors. A single sector of particular interest in the United States national table is disaggregated into a number of smaller, product-specific sectors. These sectors, along with several other sectors engaged in significant trade with the product-specific sectors, form a compact input-output model. The model is employed in a conventional manner to project gross output of the modeled sectors.

Notes: Abstract Data on the income distribution in the Netherlands since the introduction of the income tax in 1914 are used to calculate the extent of income redistribution through the progressive rate structure. Seven indexes of income equality are used, and their values after-tax are divided by the value before-tax. The extent of inequality reduction differs substantially between inequality indexes. Pearson and Kendall correlation coefficients of the time series are presented and again, the information diverges so widely that one may doubt the usefulness of the conventional summary statistics of income inequality.

Notes: Abstract In this paper we compaia the predictive power of two types of model of nominal income: one based on a simple single equation aggregate framework; the second disaggregated into price level and output components. The source of the decomposition of nominal income of the type of model that is considered here are the twin hypotheses of rational expectations and structural neutrality. The model chosen as being representative of this approach to macroeconomic model building and against which some single equation models are compared isBarro's [1978] model of the price level and output in the U.S.

Notes: Abstract This note tests the joint hypothesis of rational expectations and perfect substitutability between assets denominated in US dollars, deutsche marks and pound sterling. The hypothesis implies that the forecast errors from the uncovered interest rate parity condition follow a white noise process. Using a test based on the frequency domain properties of white noise processes, the hypothesis is not rejected on a sample of monthly observations from January 1974 to December 1981.

Notes: Abstract The purpose of this paper is to highlight the superiority of the Kalman filter over Ordinary Least Squares for estimating the unknown coefficients of the classical linear regression model. Both methods are analyzed with respect to their optimality properties and their usefulness in dealing with multicollinearity. Theoretical results are applied to two economic models.

Notes: Abstract This paper attempts to analyze the implications of the organizational structure of the firms on economic growth and income distribution. The approach used byBeckmann [1977] is generalized and used explicitly as the starting point. The impact of the administrative structure on output growth is then studied using an extension of the Growth-Accounting-Method incorporating the quality of the labor force. Regarding income distribution it is shown that the coefficients of Pareto distributions can be obtained from the characteristics of the administrative structure. Their contribution to growth is evaluated.

Notes: Abstract This paper examines the relationship between competitive shares and relative prices for the exports of Japan, Korea and India over the past fifteen years. For Japan the results are consistent with neotechnological theories, and may be explained by a recently explicated model which applies the logic of Hicks' induced innovation mechanism to trade analysis. For the developing countries the results are found to be systematically associated with foreign trade regimes pursued as a part of overall development strategies. Thus the applicability of typical results derivable from standard static trade theories are found to be bound or restricted to special cases defined by stages of economic development, and by policy choices.

Notes: Abstract This papei examines the dynamic responses of prices to wage and productivity changes and distinguishes between short-run and long-run effects. The long-run solution of the dynamic specification is consistent with the hypothesis of markup pricing over unit labour costs. The restrictions implied by this long-run behaviour are not rejected.by U.S. data. In addition, the evidence supports the view that the short-run wage effects are significantly stronger than productivity effects.

Notes: Abstract Empirical assessment of rationality of inflationary expectations has attracted considerable interest. However no conclusive evidence has emerged in favour nor against the hypothesis of rationality. In this paper a new set of data is used to test the weak-form rationality of survey based expectations for a fairly large group of countries with very different inflationary experiences. The empirical tests carried out in the paper show that two necessary conditions of weak-form, linear rationality are met for four of the seven countries in the sample: France, Germany, Netherlands and Belgium, which happen to be the countries with relatively stable and low rates of inflation. This conditions are not, however, met in the case of Italy and Denmark, with the U.K. being a marginal case. The interpretation of these results is left open in the paper.

Notes: Abstract A unified structure for recommended families of prior distributions for the coefficients of a distributed lag model is discussed. It enables us to highlight the essential similarities and differences between these families. We also examine theextent to which the families are adequate approximations to the opinions of a potential user.

Notes: Abstract The objective of this paper is to analyze the causes of inflation projected for Canada through out the 1980s, using CANDIDE Model 2.0 as reported in the 18th Annual Review base case. Our analysis suggests that, in the medium-run inflation is not only a monetary phenomenon but also caused by a host of other factors: external inflation, foreign interest rates, low productivity growth, labour market tightness, domestic energy pricing and indexation of wages to CPI, a measure of inflation that reflects both domestic and foreign price pressures. Our results indicate that the restrictive aggregate damand policies alone will not make a significant dent in inflation without incurring substantial loss in output and employment. Our analysis suggests that we might better fight inflation using a balanced mix of aggregate demand and supply management policies and incentive based income policies.

Notes: Abstract Econometric theory has provided several rival tests of functional form specifications in economic relations, but there is little empirical experience in using many of them. This note reports some practical applications, and compares the performance of various tests, in specifying dynamic econometric models.

Notes: Abstract In a recent paper Deaton formulated a novel disequilibrium theory of saving behaviour. The essence of his hypothesis is that individual consumers have no possible means of distinguishing relative from absolute price changes. This hypothesises subject to further empirical testing in our note. Using data for Canada, Japan, the United Kingdom and the United States we re-examine the hypothesis assuming either static, adaptive, extrapolative or rational price and output expectations.

Notes: Abstract According toWolters [1976], there are 7 non-zero eigenvalues for each of four alternatively estimated versions of an Econometric Model of the Federal Republic of Germany. In a comment,Uebe [1977] asserts that the number of non-zero eigenvalues of each of these four versions is 11. However, we shall argue on theoretical grounds that there cannot be more than 10 non-zero eigenvalues. Stating the exact number is a delicate matter.

Notes: Abstract Betancourt/Kelejian [1981] have recently warned against using the Cochrane-Orcutt procedure in models which include a lagged endogenous variable because this procedure can have more than onefixed point even asymptotically. FollowingSargan [1964], we argue instead that fixed points are not necessarily minima and that the question of practical importance is whether the residual sum of squares can have multipleminima. Within this formulation of the problem, we provide the firstreal example of multiple minima obtainable by the Cochrane-Orcutt procedure — with or without a lagged endogenous variable — and use it to caution against routine use of this procedure.

Notes: Abstract This paper presents a simple macroeconomic model that includes all of the main channels of transmission for fiscal policy and that can generate either Keynesian or monetarist results for the impact of fiscal policy depending on the values assumed for particular parameters. The structure of this model, called KEMO for KEynesian-MOnetarist, was kept very simple and schematic. The objective of this paper is to examine through simulations of the model the degree of sensitivity of the fiscal multiplier to certain hypotheses concerning the way the economy functions and the value of certain parameters, as well as the dynamic process of adjustment of the economy to a fiscal shock.

Notes: Abstract A model is developed and tested to relate capital formation, sales and capacity utilization in manufacturing to expected inflation and expected interest rates through anticipated real wealth effects. Expected future inflation causes purchases of storeable manufactured goods in advance and accumulations of physical capital. The former increases capacity utilization, while the latter decreases it. Expected increases in interest rates have an impact on sales and capital formation opposite to that of expected increases in prices. Finally, if expected inflation is accompanied by a propertionate increase in expected interest rates, sales decline more than capital formation, and hence capacity utilization contracts.

Notes: Abstract This paper provides empirical evidence in favor of the Schumpeterian hypothesis using single equation models. A simultaneous equation model is then developed which examines the interaction of R & D, growth and profitability.

Notes: Abstract The paper addresses the dynamic interaction between strikes and wage increases in aggregate labor markets. Attention is drawn to the fact that pertinent empirical studies typically suffer from an ignorance of the simultaneous-equations character of this topic and, hence, of the involved problems of parameter identification and of the proper choice of estimation technique. Tests of statistical causality are employed and provide answers as to (i) the appropriateness of exogenity assumptions made by and (ii) the identification status of the model, (iii) the correct choice of estimation technique, and (iv) the proper selections of time series among alternative empirical representations of a theoretical variable.

Notes: Abstract Nell'articolo si applicano al problema di minimax discreto dei dadi truccati due condizioni di minimax locale, una necessaria, sostanzialmente già nota, e l'altra sufficiente, originale, contenute in un precedente lavoro dell'autore. Si dimostra che una distribuzione di probabilità per la qualen somme consecutive sono equiprobabili e di probabilità massima verifica la condizione necessaria e che sotto due ulteriori ipotesi, che in pratica appaiono spesso verificate, tale distribuzione verifica altresì la condizione sufficiente di minimax locale. Si deduce quindi un risultato di Clemens.

Notes: Abstract Viene formalizzata e studiata l'attività di una compagnia che opera in un mercato assicurativo non vita. Si ipotizza che il guadagno realizzato sulla generica polizza sia una submartingala. Si danno disuguaglianze significative per la probabilità di rovina all'infinito ed entro l'n-mo periodo nel caso in cui il rendimento di portafoglio della compagnia sia “aggiustabile”. I risultati vengono discussi nel caso in cui il mercato sia stratificato in classi di rischio nell'ipotesi di indipendenza; si accenna al caso particolare di rischi poissoniani e all'ipotesi di correlazione interna alle classi di rischio.

Notes: Abstract In questo lavoro viene presentata una modifica del metodo dei moltiplicatori. I risultati numerici ottenuti sono poi considerati.

Notes: Abstract In a large corporation or at the national level, planning involves a large number of inter-related activities competing for the same resources. In spite of its rather restrictive assumptions, Leontief's Input-Output model is still one of the best tool for the study of physical and financial flows between activities or economic sectors. A simple algorithm to find its solution when the available resources are limited is presented in this paper. The properties of that algorithm that was incorporated in an inter-industrial model built in Venezuela are proven and are followed by examples of application.

Notes: Abstract In questa nota si studia il problema di assegnazione 3-dimensionale con una estensionek-dimensionale, e si propone un algoritmo risolutivo misto derivato dall'algoritmo Ungherese e dalle tecniche «branch and bound».

Notes: Résumé L'objectif visé par la présente étude consiste en l'apport d'une réponse que nous jugeons positive à la question suivante: un organisme étatique, placé en situation de monopole, peut-il concevoir à l'usage de sa clientèle, supposée hétérogène et soumise au régime de l'assurance obligatoire, une tarification à la fois incitatrice et respectueuse de la rationalité individuelle?

Notes: Abstract Questo lavoro fornisce condizioni di dominanza stocastica di 1°, 2° e 3° ordine per problemi di decisione in condizioni d'incertezza, quando sia nota la funzione d'utilità solo in un numero finito di punti e quando le funzioni di ripartizione dei guadagni aleatori s'intersecano più d'una volta.

Notes: Summary Imagination can be seen 1) as a mental faculty common to all people to some degree and 2) as an important principle in literary theory. We must think of imagination not as a simple power but a complex series of processes, involving the impression-idea-relationship and memory. The data derived thus are still bound to their epistemological context, and only imagination provides the possibility to transcend the space-time-determination and the cause-effect-relationship, so that it allows a freer display of the sense-data. This structural and functional analysis of imagination tries to show its immense importance in everyday-life as well as in literary production and reception.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Es werden die Veränderungen der Wissenschaftssprache der Physik untersucht, die durch den Übergang von der klassisch-relativistischen Physik zur Quantenphysik erfolgt sind. Die neuen und prinzipiellen Beschränkungen der Möglichkeiten der Überprüfung wissenschaftlicher Aussagen führen zu Reduktionen der hypothetischen Annahmen, die der Sprache der klassischen Physik zu Grunde liegen. Diese Reduktionen haben ihrerseits Abschwächungen der syntaktischen Strukturen zur Folge, die besonders in der formalen Logik und der Modallogik deutlich werden. Diese auf (gegenüber der klassisch-physikalischen Sprache) schwächeren Prämissen basierenden Strukturen sind die Quanten-Logik und die Quanten-Modallogik, die damit auch einen weiteren Geltungsbereich besitzen als die entsprechenden klassischen formalen Systeme.

Notes: Summary As a logical consequence of recent developments in the philosophy of science the concept of rationality has lost much of its impact. It seems that the rationality of methodological decisions in science can be defined no longer in an absolute sense but only in relation to a given context and in hindsight. This failure of methodology in assessing once and for all the rights and wrongs of scientific decisions is taken as a clue for reanalyzing the strategical intervention-points of methodological norms. It is shown that relativism and irrationalism are to be avoided by not cutting the process of scientific investigation into intrinsically different portions: context of justification and context of discovery. This dichotomy opens a logical and psychological gap between different stages of scientific evolution that the idea of comparing factual contents or degrees of justification is no longer able to bridge. In two case studies, the development of modern science in the 16th and 17th centuries and the development of special and general realtivity it is shown that the dichotomy is inherently implausibel. But if it is possible to analyze the context of justification (criticism) and the context of discovery in same terms, the logical (and psychological) chain of reasoning is closed. This problem-shift defies both irrationalism and relativism and leads to a different view of scientific progress as an increase of information-processing capacity that can be measured by a certain set of indicators radically different from the received one.

Notes: Zusammenfassung In Sachen Funktionalanalyse befaßte man sich in der allgemeinen Wissenschaftstheorie anfänglich überwiegend mit der Logik funktionaler Erklärungen. Diese bedarf einer Ergänzung durch eine Semantik der Funktionalanalyse. Nach einer einleitenden Erörterung einiger Schwachpunkte und Grenzen der klassischen Literatur zur Logik der Funktionalanalyse wird eine Wortfeldanalyse von ‘Funktion’ und ‘System’ sowie eine phänomenologische Beschreibung der Wirkungsweise von Motiven angeboten. Im Unterschied zu Zielen, die man nur Entitäten zuschreibt, die als selbständig angesehen werden, spricht man (in nichtmetaphorischer Weise) Funktionen nur Entitäten zu, die als nichtselbständig angesehen werden, die jedoch mit ihrer Funktion bezogen sind auf eine solche zielorientierte selbständige Entität.

Notes: Summary Attempts to justify statements or norms lead into the well-known trilemma infinite regress, circular reasoning, dogmatism. Apel's transformed transcendental philosophy is to avoid this problem. A recent version of it is examined. It admits fallibilism to be valid with empirical hypotheses but claims it to be contradictory if applied to philosophical theses on conditions of the possibility of knowledge and argumentation. This claim is refuted. The proposed “final justification” is to start not with what is certain but with doubt. Reflection on the conditions of the possibility of meaningful doubting is to show a borderline beyond which undoubtable certainties are to be found. Such certainties are the rules of argumentation. Whoever utters “The rules of argumentation are not valid in my case” is said to make a necessarily false statement. This line of argument is even carried over to the justification of absolutely binding metanorms of a normative ethics of communication. The whole procedure of “final justification” is shown to be faulty.

Notes: Summary A successor relation between theories T und T1 expresses that T1, the successor of T, has justifiably superseded T. In physics, for instance, Newton's theory of gravitation has superseded Kepler's laws and, in turn, Einstein's theory has become the successor of Newton's. By now there is no agreement on how a general concept of successor relation would have to be construed. In the present paper attention is drawn to two types of such relations, one deductive the other confirmatory. It seems that what most people are looking for is the deductive type of relation. However, a deductive successor relation has to be justified by showing that if it holds then another, confirmatory relation holds, saying roughly that the actual empirical success of the deducing theory is at least as good as the corresponding success of the deduced theory. Under certain restrictions such a justification is given in the paper.

Notes: Summary This article proceeds on two main assumptions. (1) The ‘understanding’ of universes of discourse and human practice can no longer be based on the rules developed by older systems of hermeneutics. (2) Modern hermeneutics has not tried to compensate this loss of methodological efficiency by working out new frameworks. It is rather exclusively occupied with (metatheoretical) efforts to provide ‘foundations’. Thus we get ontological, dialectical, transcendental etc. systems. These may serve as general possibilities for looking at history. They do not, however, advance the solution of the manifold methodological difficulties of concrete research. A functional analysis of fundamentalist hermeneutics can demonstrate more precisely that this type of theory has largely proved fruitless. Certainly we cannot do without fundamentalist concepts like historicity, tradition, consciousness or, for that matter, emancipation. It is equally clear, however, that these concepts cannot merely be defined along the lines prescribed by philosophies of science. The present article therefore pleads for an anthropological extension and specification of ‘hermeneutic’ (?) frameworks which should allow us to analyse historical life forms, ways of experience, strategies of meaning formation in a more precise and differentiated manner.

Notes: Summary Our examination of the controversy surrounding the intentionalist conception of textual interpretation shows that the critics of this approach to questions of meaning and interpretation have so far failed to prove their case. The standard objections to intentionalism, on grounds of logical or empirical fallacy, cannot be maintained. We reconstruct the objections which have been raised in the literature against the intentional conception and discuss them as criticism of a conception hold to be inadequate with respect to the problem of literary interpretation. In our evaluation of the intentional conception we conclude that it represents a perfectly ‘normal’ conception of meaning and interpretation, of a kind by no means inferior to other approaches adopted by the various disciplines concerned with interpreting texts.

Notes: Summary The first aim of this article is to show the necessity of approaching differently the question of the origin of the hypothesis as pertaining to a purely deductive science or to an experimental one, such as biology. The paper also analyzes the rôle played by the hypothesis in: 1) the formation of definitions; 2) the establishment of laws; 3) explanations. It shows that in 1) and 2) the hypothetical character is relevant both to the amplifying induction and to the still incomplete state of our biological knowledge. Finally, it distinguishes between the two different processes used in the hypothetico-deduction depending on the possibility — or impossiblity — to link the phenomena to be explained to some known principles.

Notes: Summary The formulae advanced by Popper to calculate the degree of corroboration C(h, e) of a scientific hypothesis are unsatisfactory in that the probability values required in the computation are often not available. An attempt is made to define a quantitative measure B* in the place of C(h, e) in which only countable empirical values would be used. This condition is fulfilled in two basic formulae (eq. (5) and eq. (17)), which could be applied to calculate the (logical) degree of corroboration. When m successful falsifications of the hypothesis h appear after a sequence of n unsuccessful ones, the pragmatic degree of corroboration B* results from the difference between B(h, e) and the analogue value of the falsification F*(h, ej) (eq. (12) and eq. (20)). In the event that the hypothesis can be „rescued“ through a correction, increased experimental effort must be made with the revision. This would be taken into account through the correction equation (eq. (14)). When the hypothesis cannot be corrected, however, it can no longer exceed the value of 1-F*(h, ej), even after numerous verification experiments. In the process of deciding whether a hypothesis is „adequately“ verified or falsified, a lower threshold Bu und Bo must be selected. These values have to be chosen on an intuitive subjective basis. The same applies to thestrength of unsuccessful falsifications („strong“, „less strong“). This evaluation is expressed by a multiplicative constanta (eq. (6)) or an additive constant ka in eq. (18). Despite the subjectivity of the valuesa, ka necessary for the calculation of B*, and of the values Bu, Bo for the decision to discontiue the examination of the hypothesis, I feel that amongst the scientists within a particular field of research, a consensus for these values should be possible. Through a quantitative determination of B* the procedure for testing a hypothesis,considered to be a closed loop process, becomes clearer. To estimate the values of B* could not only have an influence upon the decisions of the respective researchers or research groups examining a hypothesis, but also be of assistance in decisions regarding research grants when financial resources are limited.

Notes: Summary This essay ist based on Heinrich Rombach's conception of structural phenomenology, a conception not yet widely known in philosophy and not at all known in sociology. The implications for the social sciences of this conception are explicated, related to the well-known positions of Max Weber, Alfred Schütz, Thomas S. Kuhn, and then linked to the current methodological discussion in the field of sociology in West Germany. The resulting promising new possibilities for basic questions of theory construction in the social sciences, but especially in sociology, are detailed and clarified with respect to the possibility and necessity of the various movements and conceptions of plurality, perspectivity and consciousness of cognition levels.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Das provokative und vielgelobte Buch Rorty's, des inzwischen international bekannten Ordinarius aus Princeton, stellt das gesamte Unternehmen der abendländischen Philosophie in Frage. Zentrales Thema vonPhilosophy and the Mirror of Nature sind Krise und Niedergang der analytischen Philosophy, wie wir sie seit Descartes, Locke und Kant kennen. Während Descartes und Locke die Seele (mind) als Auge modellierten, das die äußere Welt als inneres Bild wahrnimmt und vermittelt, verfeinerte Kant diese okulare Metapher durch Einführung des transzendentalen Subjekts. Gleichzeitig gab Kant der professionalen Philosophie die Aufgabe, über die Legitimität intellektueller Anstrengungen zurichten. Legitimität aber kann nur gegründet sein in objektiven Kriterien und Regeln darüber, welche Repräsentationen der Welt als die wahren anzuerkennen sind. Nach Rorty führt dieser Ansatz die Philosophie unabdingbar auf den verhängnisvollen Weg der Reduktion auf Epistemologie. Die damit auftretenden erkenntnistheoretischen Probleme gilt es jedoch nicht zulösen, sondernaufzulösen, zum Verschwinden zu bringen. Eine Besserung für die Sache der Philosophie sei zu erhoffen nur von einer historischen Kehrtwende zur Geschichte als Therapie. An dieser Stelle werden Wittgenstein, Heidegger und Dewey als Neuerer einer hermeneutisch orientierten philosophischen Pragmatik vorgestellt. Das Buch endet mit einer Skizze, wie das Unternehmen Philosophie in Zukunft menschlicher, dilettantischer, sozialer und damit insgesamt relevanter gestaltet werden kann. — Nicht so sehr Rorty's Verdikt über die Fruchtlosigkeit der analytischen Tradition — daß weite Teile der analytischen Philosophy in Sophisterei und Langeweile ausgeartet sind, ist bekannt — als vielmehr Rorty's Methode soll hier untersucht werden, sein Stil, seine professionellen Argumente als Beispiel einer ebenso zeitlosen wie vielgesichtigen Vorgehensweise in der abendländischen Philosophie, die Rorty neu orientieren will: Philosophie, der der Atem ausgeht über der Arbeit am Begriff, hat die Tendenz, eine Atempause in der Historie zu suchen oder das Philosophieren durch metaphilosophische Prolegomena zu einer zukünftigen neuen Metaphysik zu ersetzen. Rorty liefert beides: Kritik der Tradition und Versprechen einer besseren Zukunft. Allerdings sind seine de-konstruktiven Partien der professionellen Auseinandersetzung mit der analytischen Nachfolge Kants ungleich brillanter als sein Plädoyer für eine Symbiose von Gedanken des humanistischen neunzehnten Jahrhunderts mit Sokratischer Polypragmatik und Wittgensteinschen Therapien. Rosina: You are always insulting our poor century. Dr. Bartolo: I beg your pardon! But what has it produced that it should be praised? Stupidities of all sorts: Liberty of Thought, Sexual Attraction, Electricity, Magnetism, Tolerance, Vaccination, Quinine, Epistemology ...1 (The Barber of Seville, by P. de Beaumarchais, 1732–99)

Notes: Summary The author takes the interdisciplinary seminar on Evolutionary Epistemology at the 7th International Wittgenstein Symposium as the occasion to discuss the question of the status, achievements and limits of Evolutionary Epistemology. She comes to the conclusion that neither its critique of thequid juris question in traditional epistemology nor its own philosophical pretensions can be justified. But it is a new science which is relevant and a challenge to traditional epistemology and philosophy of science in that it opens up a horizon of new questions which they will have to take seriously. Sie sind den Kindern ähnlich, die, wenn sie in einen Spiegel geguckt, ihn sogleich umwenden, um zu sehen, was auf der anderen Seite ist. Johann Wolfgang von Goethe Es gab Ewigkeiten, in denen (der menschliche Intellekt) nicht war; ... nur sein Besitzer und Erzeuger nimmt ihn so pathetisch, als ob die Angeln der Welt sich in ihm drehten. Könnten wir uns aber mit der Mücke verständigen, so würden wir vernehmen, daß auch sie mit diesem Pathos durch die Luft schwimmt und in sich das fliegende Zentrum dieser Welt fühlt. Es ist nichts so verwerflich und gering in der Natur, was nicht durch einen kleinen Anhauch jener Kraft des Erkennens sofort wie ein Schlauch aufgeschwellt würde; und wie jeder Lastträger seinen Bewunderer haben will, so meint gar der stolzeste Mensch, der Philosoph, von allen Seiten die Augen des Weltalls teleskopisch auf sein Handeln und Denken gerichtet zu sehen. Friedrich Nietzsche

Notes: Summary Inspite of the great success in many disciplines the program of reductionism has failed its genuine purpose. Systemtheory however has yielded a new concept of reductionism which we call reductionism by correspondence and which may imply a new understanding of the mind-body problem. The crucial operations of reductionism by correspondence are called idealization, interpretation and classification. They are used to optimize the description of a system. Nevertheless they lead to certain deficiencies which cannot be avoided in principle. We are therefore driven to the assumption that natural systems can only be described as probabilistic systems. From this point of view nothing is said about the direction of the reduction.

Notes: Summary I argue that the reasonable quest of looking for, and the desirable end of having better explanation of particular events are not allowed for by the deductive account of explanation except by total replacement of one theory by another. The article is also a trivialization of the deductive conception of complete explanation.

Notes: Summary In a paper published in this Journal, Hans Radder argues that a detailed analysis of the degenerating phase of Bohr's programme reveals the basic incorrectness of Lakatos' own reconstruction of this period. Furthermore the corrected version shows the impossibility to account for the development in Lakatosian concepts. In this reply I try to point out that a slight modification of Lakatos' reconstruction is sufficient for reconciling the theory with the historical data. It is not Lakatos's theory itself that causes the problems, but Radder's way of its application.

Notes: Summary In the course of a study of elementary particles, an analysis is given of a fundamental presupposition of many research programs, namely the belief in the ultimate unity of physics. It is argued tht this unity-idea is incorrect. By classicial physics, relativity theory and quantum theory three distinct structures of nature are revealed. Next, the essential aspect of measurement, that a measurement always results in a record, is analysed. Recording implies irreversibility and entropy production. In modern elementary particle physics the record itself is all important, and therefore the entropy production due to measurement is essential. It is argued that this aspect of measurement will play a central role in a distinct theory concerning fundamental characteristics of elementary particles, revealing a fourth structure of physical reality. Some basic notions of this new theory are proposed. Finally the meaning of irreversibility on the micro-level of elementary particles is discussed, in connection with the concept of time.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Am Beispiel eines neueren einschlägigen Themenbeitrages werden einige der Gründe dafür herausgestellt, daß die Bemühungen um eine Theorie der Literaturwissenschaft bisher kaum zu überzeugenden Ergebnissen geführt haben. Es handelt sich hierbei insonderheit um die Verwechslung von Methodenlehre und praktizierter Methode, die Nichtunterscheidung normativer und deskriptiver Aspekte sowie die unzulässige Ineinssetzung von philologischer Arbeit und großzügig verfahrender Textauslegung. In diesem Zusammenhang wird an die alexandrinischen Anfänge der Literaturwissenschaft erinnert, in denen die Interpretation als abschließende Überhöhung verbindlicher und empirisch ausgewiesener Kleinarbeit begriffen wurde.

Notes: Abstract The paper constitutes a survey and reassessment of the literature on location and linkages. The analysis begins with a brief review of published work on the formal character of complexes of economic activity. The issue of agglomeration economies and linkage structure is then discussed and its relation to urbanization phenomena examined. From here, the account moves into a detailed investigation of the role of transport costs in the determination of linkage patterns. An attempt is made to systematize the evidence from a large number of applied studies on the various effects of the clustering and dispersal of productive activities on linkage structure. Various empirical analyses of the organization of production units and its effect on linkages are reviewed. A composite theory is then proposed on the basis of an account of the common dependence of both location and linkage on broad production system dynamics. The paper concludes with a brief glimpse at the possibilities of extending the theoretical apparatus developed here by integrating it with work that is currently going forward on the form and evolution of local labor markets.

Notes: Abstract Even if the i-o method is a very popular instrument in regional studies in many countries, the generalizations concerning the crucial problems of its practical applications, i.e., compilation of a transactions table and assumption of coefficient stability, cannot be regarded as well-established. The present study deals with the methodological comparison of two i-o studies made at an interval of five years; the area under consideration is a small regional economy in Eastern Finland, Special attention is directed to the stability and influence of the most important coefficients, which are identified both on the basis of size and of a special index. Complementary findings are provided by analyzing sectoral time-series data on foreign import coefficients by regions. The conclusions derived accentuate the necessity of regional primary data in i-o accounts on the one hand, and the significance of random factors as far as the shifts of regional coefficients and their correspondence to the national ones are concerned on the other. The latter issue is obviously more important in small regional economies in highly integrated national economies, where the effect of distance on input structure by sectors is of minor importance.

Notes: Abstract This study is concerned with the estimation and explanation of regional differentials in productivity and with nonlabor income per unit of labor is a usable capital intensity proxy in the estimation of Cobb-Douglas production functions. The approach is to estimate labor productivity as a function: first of regional dummy variables and urbanization; second, of these variables plus capital intensity and other production function variables; and third, of all these variables plus labor force characteristics. Large regional labor productivity differentials emerge. Adding capital intensity measured either as capital stock or nonlabor income per unit of labor substantially reduces these differentials. Adding labor force characteristics then completely eliminates the differentials in most instances. At this point, however, it becomes clear that the estimates based on nonlabor income per unit of labor are as good as, if not better than, those based on the capital stock measure. Finally, the productivity disadvantage of the South is related to its low levels of education and unionization.

Notes: Summary In this paper two-person zero-sum stochastic games are considered with the average payoff as criterion. It is assumed that in each state one of the players governs the transitions. We will establish an algorithm, which yields in a finite number of iterations the solution of the game i.e. the value of the game and optimal stationary strategies for both players. An essential part of our algorithm is formed by the linear programming problem which solves a one player control stochastic game. Furthermore, our algorithm provides a constructive proof of the existence of the value and of optimal stationary strategies for both players. In addition, the finiteness of our algorithm proves also the ordered field property of the switching control stochastic game.

Notes: Zusammenfassung Bei der strategischen Planung multinationaler Unternehmungen ist wegen der Komplexität der Problemstellung, der Unsicherheit der Eingabedaten und nicht zuletzt auch wegen der in der Regel wertmäßig beachtlichen Auswirkungen der Strategienwahl mit besonderer Umsicht vorzugehen. Die gemischtganzzahlige Programmierung bietet die Möglichkeit, die wesentlichen, einschlägigen Systemzusammenhänge zu erfassen. In der vorliegenden Arbeit werden dabei die betrieblichen Funktionsbereiche Finanzen, Produktion und Absatz tangiert. Auswertungen des dynamischen Modelles können unter Berücksichtigung einer Risikoanalyse mit verschiedenen Varianten von Eingabedaten durchgeführt werden. Ferner können Interdependenzen von Modellvariablen aufgezeigt werden, wie z. B. die Abhängigkeit des Konzernkapitalwertes von verschiedenen Gewinnbildungs- und Ausschüttungsstrategien.