The Purpose of Porphyry's Letter to Marcella

Porphyry's Letter to Marcella was ostensibly written by the Neoplatonic philosopher, while away on a mission on behalf of the Greeks, in order to encourage his wife, Marcella, to continue her study of philosophy during his absence. The precise date of the letter is uncertain. It is here argued that it was intended for public circulation and should be seen in association with Porphyry's anti-Christian polemic. It can be interpreted as a protreptic text intended to convert its readers to true philosophy, and it is suggested that it was directed to those women who might otherwise be attracted to Christianity. Marcella can be said to represent the intended readership of the letter.     

莫友芝《黔诗纪略》编纂目的考论

《黔诗纪略》是最为学界重视的黔诗选本.展贵州明代诗歌状况、取名能诗家之制和存文献是该书的三个编纂目的.三个编纂目的共存使《黔诗纪略》诗学批评功能和文献功能兼具.贵州文献散佚严重,莫友芝保留文献意识强烈是"存文献"编纂目的产生的主要原因.从《黔诗纪略》编纂目的的认识情况来看,其"存文献"的编纂目的所产生的影响更大,但《黔诗纪略》其他编纂目的也值得注意.     

The Purpose of the Past: Reflections on the Uses of History

Our respondents, North American and British alike, have provided a series of perceptive comments on our essay “A Peripheral Vision”. They are as wide-ranging as they are well argued and provide ample food for thought on the direction of Communist historiography, not only in Britain but in America and beyond. We want to thank all of them for their informed, often argumentative and sometimes critical collaboration, as well as Dan Leab, the editor of American Communist History, who has made this exchange possible.     

The Meaning and Purpose of Interdisciplinary Studies As Applied to Development Economics

Abstract

There are three distinct reasons for interdisciplinary work in development studies. First, specialists in different disciplines may work together on a specific practical planning problem. Second, assumptions, concepts or method evolved in one discipline may yield fruitful results when applied to the problem previously treated by another. Third, the concepts, model and paradigms may have to be recast so as to encompass variable previously separated in distinct disciplines because of tbe demand of the social reality of a different culture. This is illustrated with the concept ‘capital'. There is a conservative and a radical version. In the former, new wine can be poured into old bottle; in the latter, wholly new concepts and models must be constructed.     

从石碌铁矿看日本侵占海南岛时期的“开发”重点

日本侵占海南岛时期曾进行过各种所谓经济“开发”活动,石碌铁矿的“开发”便是其中之一。由于战时日本铁矿石紧缺,藏量大、品质优的石碌铁矿成为日本军部和“国策会社”不惜财力物力“开发”的对象,是其在南方地域最大规模的国家性“开发”事业。透过日本对石碌铁矿的“开发”,可以看到日占海南时期的“开放”重点正是矿山,其“开发”目的则在于掠夺铁矿石这一重要战略资源,为其侵略战争服务。     

After Structure Planning: The New Sub-regional Planning in England

The reformed planning system introduced in England in 2004 weakens the position of counties and unitary authorities. Regional bodies and central government have a larger say on the future shape of localities under these arrangements. In particular sub-regional strategies have a much bigger role within the new Regional Spatial Strategies. This paper examines the prospects for the influence of this new tier of planning, based on government guidance about sub-regional planning and on the evidence on emerging practice, particularly in the southern regions of England. The balance of influence of different actors is changing, both between government tiers and in wider governance relations. The prospects for integrated action in spatial terms are changing, as are the relationships to implementation.     

The Rhetorical Side of Transport Planning

A rhetorical approach to transport planning seemingly contradicts the traditional bias towards means-ends rationality and reliance on analytical techniques. However, this approach is useful for understanding transport planning in its present context. Two major causes are suggested for a possibly growing importance of rhetoric. One is the institutional setting of the transport planning authorities; the other is the changing conception of transport planning problems. Some archetypal rhetorical strategies are described, as well as a particular strategy aiming at the acceptance of road pricing. Acknowledging the rhetorical content of transport planning practice implies new challenges for transport planners. A normative framework based on communicative planning theory is outlined. The discussion draws upon case study material from transport planning in Trondheim, Norway.     

The Authenticity of Spatial Planning Knowledge

This article intends to start a debate on the authentic disciplinary grounds of spatial planning studies as a scientific discipline of spatial intervention closely interrelated with practices of spatial development. In a volatile epoch of regrouping academic specializations, scientists feel a strong incentive to reflect on the authentic grounds of their discipline. This certainly goes for spatial planning studies that heavily rely on intensive interaction with a wide range of disciplines. What justifies its own position? Spatial planning studies are intensely interrelated with practices of planning, which demarcates its scientific position in a specific way. The author does not claim an exclusive position for spatial planning studies (the diversity of external relations and alliances enriches the field of study) but defines the authentic identity of the spatial planning discipline in the conceptual coherence of five dimensions: practical context, spatial norms, knowledge and action, to be validated in new contexts of practice. The author states that different planning paradigms interconnect the five dimensions in their own way and in doing so innovate the authentic body of planning knowledge. To invest in this authenticity is crucial in this era of organizational proliferation.     

辽金元三朝史学批评的主旨和气概

辽金元三朝的史学批评成果并不丰富,但自有其质朴的风格。各族君臣认同直书原则且以之为史笔的根本,元顺帝颇具代表性的言论＂史书所系甚重,非儒士泛作文字也＂突出强调了史之社会功用,元末宋辽金三史分修,当时的史官不仅在体例上择善而从,追求卓越,思想认识上也力求议论、褒贬公正无私,尤其值得一提的是,辽金元人无论讨论史笔,还是评价史书、拟定史例都有包容的胸襟,彰显着多民族文化交融时代的务实与大气。     

The Europeanization of Development Planning in Valencia

Europeanization involves the diffusion of European institutions. In Valencia, the system of land development prompted many foreign property owners to appeal to European institutions. The Petitions Committee of the European Parliament took up their case and requested intervention by the European Commission. The European public procurement proceedings provided the strongest foothold for action in Europe and the European Commission instituted infringement proceedings on the selection of private urbanizing agents who are placed in charge of the land readjustment and the servicing and financial arrangements for comprehensive development zones. The European Court of Justice dismissed the action as the Commission did not provide sufficient evidence to show that these relationships were not a service concession, as Spain maintained. This case shows that even in cases that flout European law, it is still European law that decides whether they are exempt and, consequently, that the deliberate construction of practices to keep a case outside the scope of European law may qualify as Europeanization.     

The Role of Market Analysis in Archaeological Planning

Abstract

“Planning” has come to be an increasingly popular word in preservation-oriented archeology, and rightly so. We now recognize the value of getting involved in the process of planning construction and land-use projects early in the game, so that archeological concerns can be treated in an orderly manner as the projects proceed. More broadly, we are becoming increasingly involved in general, regional planning, fitting our concerns and our resources into the long-range conservation and development programs of nations, regions, states, municipalities, and other natural and political entities.

The following paper, by James Fitting, now of Science Applications, Inc. (Sonora, California), deals with a different kind of planning — forecasting the future of the archeological profession itself in a given region, assuming the existence of a variety of social, political, and economic futures, and identifying potential problem areas. While the problem areas identified are not terribly surprising, the work of Fitting and his Conference on Michigan Archeology (COMA) colleagues for the first time gives us semi-quantitative data that can be used in future institutional and organizational planning.

I cannot resist a comment on Fitting's “second major crisis area”, that of publication. I do not believe this crisis will be effectively met until archeology gives up the idea that the only way to publish is on paper, between covers. There simply is not going to be the money for traditional publication of all field reports, nor do I think there should be. More often than not, when we print up 500 copies of a site report, 400 languish in a storeroom for years; on the other hand, the more popular reports (and presumably the more useful ones) go out of print quickly and then are available only in libraries subject to the usual theft and vandalism. It is ridiculous to keep doing this kind of thing when microfilm, microfiche, and videodisc can provide cheap reproduction on demand in perpetuity. I think the profession would do well to develop some sort of definitive policy about what sorts of things should be published in the traditional manner and which should be banked in some more modern, more flexible information retrieval system. As usual, comments on all aspects of Fitting's paper, and this introduction, are solicited.     

The Planning System in Northern Ireland Post-devolution

Devolution within the UK has produced new systems of governance within Scotland and Wales and restored to Northern Ireland local accountability following three decades of direct administration. The paper reviews the different status of Northern Ireland to provide both an understanding of the context in which planning has been set and the new structures that are taking shape. Particular focus is placed upon the ambitious mechanisms underlying the Agreement between the political parties in the province. The paper discusses how planning issues and responsibilities have moved from one highly centralized government department pre-devolution to effectively three new departments thereby providing a test not only of joined-up governance but of the ability of the new devolved structures to work effectively. Challenges posed by the different competencies are debated and emerging issues are discussed in terms of coherent planning at regional, subregional and local levels.     

Understanding the Reorientations and Roles of Spatial Planning: The Case of National Planning Policy in Denmark

Spatial planning commonly adopts a diversity of functions and logics in contributing to the handling of growth and development. Being influenced by an array of contextual driving forces that result in specific institutional practices and policy agendas, spatial planning seems to be constantly reoriented in terms of its purposes and reasoning. This article sets out to explore the diverse orientations and roles that spatial planning has assumed in Denmark over a 50-year period. In doing so, the article examines the evolution of national planning policy by means of a multi-disciplinary framework comprising analytical concepts drawn from planning theory, state spatial theory and discourse analysis. Based on an in-depth study, the article then attempts to qualify, illustrate and synthesize the diverse roles that spatial planning has assumed in Denmark throughout that timeframe. The article concludes that spatial planning initially assumed a steering role, which has been either supplemented or substituted by balancing and/or strategic roles over the course of the past two decades. As a whole, this case is thought to contribute to current discussions regarding how spatial planning is shaped in different parts of Europe.     

The 2002 Congress of the European Schools of Planning

In the month of July 2002, the city of Volos in Greece was the stage for the XVI European Congress of the European Schools of Planning. Several attendees from all over the world presented 360 papers, grouped in 11 sessions. The keynote speakers of the opening sessions were Professor Andreas Faludi and Professor Peter Marcuse. The closing sessions were shared by Professor Rachel Alterman and Professor Alessandro Balducci (the new AESOP president). There was still time to present an overview of the next Olympic Games, at Athens, in 2004. This note also mentions briefly the next conjoint congress of AESOP and ACSP in Brussels, Belgium, 8-11 July 2003.