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Abstract: This paper argues for dialogical approach to pluralism in psychology. We argue that human psychology is both ontologically and epistemologically pluralistic and advocate an integrated approach to disciplinary pluralism based on mutual, dialogical engagement among psychology''s diverse traditions. A framework for such dialogical engagement is developed from the standpoint of a hermeneutic understanding of pluralism. Some possibilities for implementing a dialogical approach to pluralism, in terms of intra-disciplinary boundary-work and oppositional contrasts among psychology''s diverse traditions, are then considered as ways of promoting disciplinary integration through dialogue. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Latest research efforts on the semi-automatic coordination of ontologies “touch” on the mapping/merging of ontologies using the whole breadth of available knowledge. Addressing this issue, this paper presents the HCONE-merge approach, which is further extended towards automating the merging process. HCONE-merge makes use of the intended informal meaning of concepts by mapping them to WordNet senses using the Latent Semantic Indexing (LSI) method. Based on these mappings and using the reasoning services of description logics, HCONE-merge automatically aligns and then merges ontologies. Since the mapping of concepts to their intended meaning is an essential step of the HCONE-merge approach, this paper explores the level of human involvement required for mapping concepts of the source ontologies to their intended meanings. We propose a series of methods for ontology mapping (towards merging) with varying degrees of human involvement and evaluate them experimentally. We conclude that, although an effective fully automated process is not attainable, we can reach a point where ontology merging can be carried out efficiently with minimum human involvement. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Explores a constructivist argument that appears in works for overtly philosophical doctrines and evaluates the bearing of this form of argument on the principal points of contention between constructivists and their philosophical opponents. Ontological relativism about entities and processes; Relativism concerning scientific rationality.