Arts and Humanities

Climate activism has played a crucial role in shaping environmental discourse and policy, yet as the climate crisis intensifies, traditional methods are increasingly viewed as inadequate. This paper applies Granular Interaction Thinking Theory (GITT) to analyze the rise of radical climate activism and its societal implications. GITT posits that large-scale social transformations emerge from the accumulation of micro-level interactions, such as protests, media engagement, and public discourse. As climate activism escalates, some groups adopt disruptive tactics—ranging from nonviolent civil disobedience to (...) direct action and sabotage—to force urgent responses from governments and corporations. The study also examines the cognitive and social mechanisms behind this shift, emphasizing the role of informational entropy-based value formation in shaping activists’ strategies and public perceptions. While radical activism can heighten climate awareness and pressure policymakers, it also entails substantial risks, including public backlash, legal repercussions, and internal fragmentation within the movement. In light of these challenges, we advocate an alternative solidarity approach, emphasizing the strategic dissemination of climate and environmental information to the public, the promotion of eco-surplus culture, and the cultivation of cooperative efforts among governments, businesses, and activists to drive meaningful and sustainable solutions. (shrink)

The standard of pleasing art creates a notion that is axiological in the nature of the art itself. Given this claim Schopenhauer asserts that disturbing art does not provide relief for the spectator, therefore it may not be viewed as a temporary escape from life’s suffering. This opus claims otherwise using the very same principle of Arthur Schopenhauer on aesthetics and the Will to Life. The introduction provides the philosophical inquests of Arthur Schopenhauer that are associated with the metaphysical position (...) of the very banal action of appreciation. This opens the threshold for a review of written positions on the variables that would ascertain this principle of the Will to Life, the material of disturbing art, and the framework of the transcendence argument. These are crucial to establish the argument that this paper asserts in accordance to the research questions provided in the introduction, which focuses primarily on the transcendental analysis of the value of a qualified disturbing art. Following this review, the methodological means and the framework of transcendence is given premium. Deriving these contents from the hermeneutical processes, the opus provides a graphic representation on employing the transcendental method through hermeneutical procedures. Thus, creates a framework for the apparent philosophical investigation. Given these, the explications and discussions allow a better view on justifying and qualifying disturbing art according to its metaphysical and phenomenological connection with the Being as a natural spectator. Thus, leads to a possible novel argument utilized under the principles of Arthur Schopenhauer. (shrink)

This article applies a novel rhetorical approach, ‘text-generated persuasion interpretation’ (TGPI), to 1 Timothy 6:17–19, exploring its relevance to South Africa, particularly the national poverty line (NPL). Rooted in South Africa’s socio-economic realities, the interpretation reflects the fluid nature of wealth and poverty, requiring regular updates to the NPL by Statistics South Africa (STATS SA) because of the evolving cost of living. This fluidity is also evident in the socio-economic context of ancient Ephesus, to which 1 Timothy 6:17 pertains. The (...) directive to Timothy to ‘instruct those who are rich in this present world’ suggests that the categories of rich and poor are not fixed. The article challenges the view that the ‘rich’ form a distinct, hegemonic group, arguing that anyone with more than basic necessities (Tm 1 6:8) should be considered above the NPL. While the NPL is crucial for measuring welfare in South Africa, this study interprets the 1 Timothy 6:17–19 passage in the South African context, suggesting that wealth extends beyond traditional definitions and calls on individuals with surplus resources to contribute to social welfare, fostering a more inclusive understanding of wealth and stewardship.Contribution: This makes a unique contribution through the utilisation of a novel text-generated persuasion-interpretation (TGPI) to 1 Timothy 6:17–19, filling a lacuna in scholarship on the wealthy’s identity. It demonstrates that the author’s dominant rhetorical objective and persuasion devices can be directly derived from the text, without reliance on ancient rhetorical Greco-Roman rhetoric, revealing new rhetorical insights and techniques. The article argues that the wealthy in 1 Timothy 6 are those described by Paul in verse 8, with verse 6 defining true wealth as godliness with contentment. This suggests that those with food and clothing are best positioned to fulfil 1 Timothy 6:17–19. (shrink)

This article examined Augustine’s just war theory through René Girard’s scapegoat mechanism, as posited in his theory of mimetic desire. Augustine, in his development of just war theory, adopted a realist approach to justify the ethical criteria for judging the morality of conflict. Just war theory, in its historical form, interpreted as a positive rule of action based on just war principles that were developed over time. Therefore, through a comparative approach, this article argued the rationality of modern warfare and (...) violence on the notion of the surrogate victim, which is necessary for social order and the formulation of cultures, as posited by Girard. In his corpus, Girard highlights the role of scapegoating and victimisation in the process of unifying a community. Thus, a comparative analysis of just war theory and the scapegoat mechanism can be developed to study the conditions for peace, religious liberty and social cohesion. This article discusses the following points: (1) the modern relevance of just war principles; (2) the effects of scapegoat mechanisms in modern societies and their impact on social order and political discourse; and (3) the role of missio Dei in the context of warfare and violence.Contribution: This article contributes to a comprehensive study of moral philosophy through the thoughts of Augustine and Girard. The convergence between violence, war, peace and justice is studied through anthropology and religious cultural lens. Arguably, this process has the potential to develop an empirical framework to study war and violence acts in our modern polarised world. Furthermore, it considers the ideal praxis for missio Dei in the context of social order and the common good in the 21st century. (shrink)

This is a delightful and imaginative gathering of Vietnamese fables, brimming with wit, heart, and cultural insight. With the Kingfisher as the charismatic (and often hilariously flawed) central figure, readers are taken on a charming journey through a quirky bird village where each tale carries a meaningful life lesson.

Enzo Traverso menciona que Portbou se ha convertido en un lugar de memoria. En ese pequeño pueblo de la frontera franco-española murió Walter Benjamin cuando huía del terror nazi desde Francia. Desde el otro lado de la frontera, en sentido contrario al de Benjamin, muchos republicanos huyeron del franquismo durante la Guerra Civil Española. Estos dos fenómenos hacen de Portbou un lugar de memoria, pues recuerda los desplazamientos forzados de hombres y mujeres que trataban de escapar del horror. Sin embargo, (...) ese mismo pueblo también es hoy un objeto privilegiado del turismo que, como también señala Traverso, ha sabido hacer de la memoria una mercancía, explotada por la lógica del neoliberalismo, fortaleciendo además aquella perspectiva de Uwe Steiner, según la cual “cada moda académica ha descubierto hasta ahora a su propio Walter Benjamin”. En el Libro de los pasajes, o en las notas que hoy componen las páginas que han llegado hasta nosotros bajo ese título, el mismo Benjamin sentenciaba que “la moda prescribe el ritual con el que el fetiche mercancía quiere ser adorado”, y que el afán de novedad se presenta siempre como “la quintaesencia de la falsa conciencia, cuyo agente incansable es la moda”. Memoria y mercancía confluyen en una tensión que acompaña a los homenajes y cantidad de trabajos académicos que todos los años desde hace algunas décadas se refieren a la figura de Benjamin. Quizás este trabajo sea uno más en la lista de compendios que engrosan la lista de la “moda Benjamin”. Sin embargo, las características que definen sus motivaciones están lejos de una empresa de beneficio comercial o de ínfula académica. Aunque no por ello puede decirse que el destino de lo que aquí se ofrece tenga su declive precisamente en la afirmación de estas tendencias. Ante ello, queremos manifestar que lo que creemos un aporte al ya rico campo de estudio de la teoría crítica en lengua castellana, solo se propone alcanzar un estatus modesto en medio de una rigurosa presentación de problemas, conceptos y contextos que la vida y obra de Benjamin permite seguir pensando en la actualidad, pues estudiarlas no es un trabajo sencillo y desafía constantemente la búsqueda de sentidos en medio de todo aquello que todavía hoy rodea su legado. Organizar la vida, más allá de fechas y lugares, supone el esfuerzo de la interpretación conceptual de Benjamin. (shrink)

Bán sách vốn đã là một việc khó khăn, đòi hỏi tư duy sâu sắc, trí tưởng tượng phong phú và bút lực vững vàng của tác giả. Nhưng dùng sách làm phương tiện giới thiệu văn hóa dân tộc còn khó hơn gấp bội, vì ngoài sự gắn kết và thấu hiểu các giá trị văn hóa, nhân bản, tác giả còn phải tinh lọc và truyền tải được cái hay, cái đẹp của những giá trị cốt lõi ấy. (...) Thách thức càng lớn hơn khi cần thuyết phục độc giả đến từ những nền văn hóa với hệ chuẩn mực đạo đức, truyền thống, phong tục, và niềm tin hoàn toàn khác biệt, rằng đây là một tác phẩm đáng đọc và suy ngẫm. (shrink)

Nehemiah was in exile and served as a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes l of Persia. He exercised leadership skills on behalf of his nation; and as a leader, he did not hesitate to take action that would benefit his people. He necessitated rebuilding of the Jerusalem walls as well as the city. He is portrayed in the book that bears his name, as an exemplary leader whose leadership attributes are worth emulating. This article is intended to probe into Nehemiah’s leadership (...) and how it was relevant towards rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls and the administration of the entire nation of Judah.Contribution: The article looks at the definition of a leader, leadership qualities, leadership skills, and Nehemiah’s attributes. The article aims to see if Nehemiah fulfilled the definition of leadership and evaluate which qualities and skills he had. (shrink)

Nothing makes the interpretation of Romans 13:1–7 more problematic than the active presence of repressive regimes around the world. The controversies that the interpretations of the text have raised over the centuries have not been whittled down, particularly in Africa. The text has more often than not been invoked to silence oppositions and criticisms of regimes, while enabling bad regimes to continue in their oppressive dealing with the citizens as a strategy for coercive legitimisation. This article raises two important issues (...) that have not received enough scholarly attention. One, it argues that the text cannot be uncritically and universally applied without impugning on the attributes of God and endorsing illegitimate and repressive regimes. Two, it queries whether Christians are duty-bound to ‘pray for’ regimes that derive their legitimacy from ‘God’s will’ while repressing God’s children. The article suggests a contextual approach to interpreting and applying the text, based on how each regime administers their space. It concludes that Christians should practise spiritual disobedience towards ‘blasphemous regimes’.Contribution: The article expands the social ethical and political application of Romans 13:1–7 by arguing that the text cannot be universally applied; a particular regime must be evaluated to determine whether or not it should be obeyed or the level of obedience it can garner from the people. Thus, rather than pray for blasphemous regimes, the oppressed should pray against them as a form of spiritual disobedience to the regimes. (shrink)

It’s more essential than ever for us, as inhabitants of this planet, to educate ourselves about environmental issues. That’s why “Better Economics for the Earth: A Lesson from Quantum and Information Theories” by Quan-Hoang Vuong and Minh-Hoang Nguyen is a must-read. This book addresses a wide range of pressing topics—climate change, deforestation, biodiversity loss, and natural disasters, to name just a few. It offers a thoughtful study of how quantum and information theories can drive a much-needed change in economics. The (...) authors challenge the traditional, anthropocentric perspective of economics, advocating instead for integrating physics principles and taking into consideration the crisis facing our planet. (shrink)

A juicio de los autores, la iniciativa de rebajar el IVA al 12% encuentra asidero legal y constitucional, desde la perspectiva jurídica y académica, como se describe en el artículo científico LA INCONSTITUCIONALIDAD DE LA LEY ORGÁNICA PARA ENFRENTAR EL INEXISTENTE “CONFLICTO ARMADO INTERNO” EN EL ECUADOR , según se explica seguidamente. La propuesta de rebajar el IVA al 12%, es una iniciativa política acertada, justa, pertinente y necesaria frente a una medida gubernamental representativa de un pago indebido de impuestos (...) sin base constitucional, castigado por el Código Tributario ecuatoriano (artículo 122 concatenado a los artículos 306 y 307) . Su aplicación, viene a obedecer al principio de constitucionalidad que hacen de la transparencia y la moralidad pública un imperativo ético de la actuación estatal orientada a restaurar la justicia tributaria y restituir la justicia social en el Ecuador. La propuesta de la candidata Luisa González, desde tal perspectiva, luce inspirada en el principio constitucional y político fundante de la República del Ecuador, que la erige como una República funcional bajo el modelo del Estado de derechos, que promueve la dignidad humana, protege y garantiza los derechos humanos fundamentales, la felicidad social y el respeto a la legalidad como presupuesto de la convivencia pacífica de la comunidad política. La propuesta, vista desde la vertiente académica, se enmarca dentro de lo que calificaríamos como un acto de justicia tributaria (guía de aplicación del principio de legalidad de los impuestos) que, por la proporción de sus efectos sociales y económicos, produce un evidente impacto en términos de justicia social, asumida con sentido de humanidad para favorecer a los ecuatorianos, en especial, a las personas y las familias que de los sectores más vulnerables, en situación de pobreza o debilidad manifiesta, que supone un reintegro por parte del Estado al contribuyente de lo indebidamente recaudado mediante los mecanismos de conciliación y diálogo social definidos al efecto o como resultado de una decisión judicial constitucional que así lo determine. (shrink)

The reproducibility crisis in social sciences has revealed significant weaknesses in conventional research practices, including selective publication, questionable statistical methods, and opaque peer review processes. This paper introduces Granular Interaction Thinking Theory (GITT) as a novel framework for understanding the plausibility of scientific findings, conceptualizing knowledge validation as a structured entropy-reduction process. Within this framework, open science practices—such as open data, open review, and open dialogue—initially increase informational entropy by exposing inconsistencies. However, through iterative refinement, they ultimately enhance the robustness (...) and plausibility of scientific knowledge. To systematically assess a study’s plausibility, we propose the Scientific Plausibility Index (SPI)—an entropy-based metric that integrates data and method transparency, replication success rates, and community engagement. Additionally, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and natural language processing (NLP), a dynamic plausibility-tracking system could be developed to detect unreliable claims early and accelerate scientific self-correction. This shift—from closed, one-time assessments to continuous, community-driven evaluation models—ensures that scientific knowledge remains rigorously tested and updated. We advocate for shifting from closed, one-time assessments to continuous, community-driven evaluation models, ensuring that scientific knowledge remains rigorously tested and updated. Ultimately, aligning incentives with entropy-reducing mechanisms—such as rewarding replication efforts and fostering open discourse—can cultivate a research culture that prioritizes robustness, transparency, and cumulative knowledge-building. (shrink)

Se diserta sobre “RESISTENCIA TRIBUTARIA” JUSTIFICADA EN EL ECUADOR. Ello, porque gobierno del presidente Daniel Noboa estableció todo un “paquete” de “impuestos de guerra”, como la Contribución Temporal de Seguridad (CTS); un incremento del IVA, a discreción del presidente de la República, el pechaje del sector construcción, transferencias al exterior y otros impuestos. Ley Orgánica para Enfrentar el Conflicto Armado Interno, la Crisis Social y Económica (en adelante, la Ley), publicada en el Registro Oficial, Suplemento No. 516 del 12 de (...) marzo de 2024, trayendo a discusión los aspectos jurídicos que vician de posible inconstitucionalidad dicha Ley, con fundamento en la normativa constitucional y tributaria de Ecuador. Con la Ley, dado el contexto de su aprobación, el gobierno creó un ´impuesto de guerra´, para financiar una guerra inexistente, partiendo del hecho que la Corte Constitucional del Ecuador estableció que en el país no existe un “Conflicto Armado Interno” (CAI). Así lo estableció en sus Dictámenes 5-24-EE/24 del 9 de mayo de 2024 y 6-24-EE/24 del 13 de junio de 2024, en los que declaró inconstitucionales los decretos ejecutivos No. 250 de 30 de abril de 2024 y 275 del 22 de mayo de 2024, relacionados con el Estado de Excepción que ha regido en Ecuador desde el 10 de enero de 2024, soportado éste en la presunta existencia de un CAI, “decertado” y reconocido sin fundamento jurídico, pese a que no cumple con los supuestos fácticos y normativos fijados, con fuerza ius cogens, por el Derecho Internacional Humanitario (DIH)7 para ser calificado como tal. El ´impuesto de guerra´, fijado en la Ley, por inconstitucional, es confiscatorio. Los Dictámenes, en el plano de la reflexión tributaria, reflejan la patética violación al principio de la constitucionalidad y de la legalidad fiscal, resultando viciada de nulidad absoluta la Ley y, con ella, la configuración del tributo, porque el hecho imponible (CAI) es inexistente, implicando que el presupuesto establecido por la Ley para configurar cada `impuesto de guerra´ jamás tendrá materialización práctica (por inexistente) y nunca tendrá validez jurídica (por inconstitucional), resultando en un tributo confiscatorio, surgido contra la Carta Fundamental y evidente fraude a la legalidad tributaria del país, en perjucio del patrimonio personal o corporativo de los contribuyentes, residentes fiscales o establecimientos permanentes en el país a los que somete a un pago indebido sancionado en el artículo 122 10 , concordado con los artículo 306 al 307 del Código Tributario del Ecuador. La nulidad absoluta e ineficacia del hecho imponible, por inconstitucional, deriva en la invalidez plena y la irrelevancia constitucional del inexistente hecho generador del tributo -proveniente de un acto de naturaleza jurídica - por la no realización fáctica, tangible y concreta del presupuesto generatriz establecido (CAI) en la Ley para su configuración. Como consecuencia, nunca jamás surge válidamente la obligación tributaria, cuya exigencia resulta ineficaz, por ilegal e ilusoria. La obligación tributaria, tiene que calificarse, en tal sentido, como no nacida lícitamente en el ámbito fiscal. Con ello, habría de resultar confiscatorio el pago de la alicuota del `impuesto de guerra´ fijado por el gobierno ecuatoriano de modo inconstitucional abusando del ejercicio del poder tributario relacionado con la urgencia en materia económica. Ante las hondas repercusiones económicas que genera en la población y el sector productivo del país, se describen las posibles vías institucionales disponibles en la regulación ecuatoriana para impugnar la Ley ante la Corte Constitucional del Ecuador -o en la jurisdicción constitucional- sin menoscabo de la eventual activación de la competencia derogatoria de la Asamblea Nacional frente a la misma. Se reafirma el principio de justicia tributaria y la vigencia del Estado social de derechos y de justicia consagrado en la República del Ecuador y la plena efectividad de los derechos y garantías fundamentales de los hermanos ecuatorianos ubicados en la posición de destinatarios de un "impuesto de guerra" tan arbitrario como inconstitucional, que riñe con el enunciado constitucional y convencional del respeto a la dignidad humana y la incolumidad de la propiedad privada frente a actuaciones del Estado que representan un claro abuso en el ejercicio del poder público en desmedro de la legalidad fiscal, generador de un supuesto de patética injusticia tributaria adoptada a contracorriente de toda regulación en materia de impositiva con la publicación de la Ley Orgánica para Enfrentar el Conflicto Armado Interno, la Crisis Social y Económica. En la lucha contra conductas gubernamentales transgresoras de la dignidad humana y frente a leyes inconstitucionales que afectan los derechos fundamentales, la libertad económica y la propiedad privada de los hermanos contribuyentes ecuatorianos y sus empresas afectadas. Este esfuerzo intelectual, realizado por nuestra familia de abogados, es una reverencia a la gesta de nuestros libertadores y un llamado al pueblo ecuatoriano económicamente afectado a resistir, por medios institucionales, frente al pago de impuestos arbitrarios e ilegales que atentan contra los principios fundamentales del orden público económico previsto en la Ley Fundamental. Lo anterior, como una singular expresión reglada, lícita y avanzada de dar al traste con una ley orgánica fiscal tan arbitraria como injusta, activando los mecanismos de protección de los derechos fundamentales constitucionalmente establecidos en el Ecuador. La pretensión judicial traduciría, mutatis mutandis, en la activación institucional de la añeja figura de la "resistencia tributaria" (objeción fiscal, desobediencia tributaria), que, en sus orígenes, nació como expresión de la desobediencia civil frente a leyes impositivas injustas, con el precedente del escritor estadounidense Henry David Thoreau, encarcelado por negarse a pagar un tributo electoral, reticente a contribuir con la continuidad de la esclavitud y la financiación de la Guerra entre México y EEUU, basado en la idea de que las personas deben priorizar su conciencia sobre la obediencia a leyes injustas. -/- . (shrink)

Until, 1971, articles were not freely accessible to everyone online. Project Gutenberg made the dream a reality. Exorbitant increases in the cost of print journals have forced publishers to reduce their publications and turn them from the print to the electronic journal (e-journal) medium. Higher visibility of Open Access (OA) leads to a higher number of citations, better h-index of authors and the Impact Factor (IF) of journals, which gains the popularity of e-journals. However, authors face a problem in predatory (...) journals, Article Processing Charges (APC), etc. It is not late to write this article for in-depth understanding of e-journals and the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in academic scholarships, especially for novice readers, authors, and researchers. This article also depicts what important things you need to keep in mind when publishing your article to go to a higher level in the era of electronic publication. (shrink)

This paper considers the significance of informal publication and circulation in the work of the philosopher Saul Kripke (1940-2022). It argues that everyday copying technologies (e.g. tape recording, photocopying) enabled academics in the 1970s and 1980s to create living documents whose private preservation and circulation maintained a community of interest and makes a case for understanding these technologies and techniques of reproduction as essential to the composition of Kripke’s ground-breaking published work. Kripke lectured a great deal, usually without notes, and (...) was known to be reluctant to commit his ideas to print; this so-called ‘samizdat’ preserved a space for the oral as the preferred mode of communication for philosophical discourse, connecting the modern tradition with the ancients, while the recordings, transcripts and photocopies archived Kripke’s ideas and secured access outside of institutional publishing channels. (shrink)

"Meandering Sobriety" by Quan-Hoang Vuong is a fascinating and intellectually rich book that blends philosophy, paradoxes, and scientific insights into a reflective journey on the nature of thinking. The author masterfully weaves anecdotes, scientific concepts, and personal reflections, creating a unique narrative that stimulates the mind while offering moments of tranquility in today’s chaotic “infosphere.”.

In the 1980s, the archaeologist Merrick Posnansky implored Africa-trained scholars to investigate the Caribbean and use their training to reframe the construction of the African diasporic experience. This paper is based on research that responded to Posnansky’s challenge. Employing archaeology, community-based fieldwork, oral traditions, gender analysis, and archival sources on both sides of the Atlantic, the paper explores the history of African metallurgy, including the author’s personal research experiences in West Africa and the Caribbean. It argues for incorporating the knowledge (...) and skills of African people into a global history of iron technology. It demonstrates how the spatial and social characteristics of iron smelting and refinement have implications for the unfolding of late eighteenth-century forging in Jamaica and industrial growth in other parts of the Atlantic world. While ideas and knowledge operated in the meanings and metaphors found within both material and unseen realms, the eventual reconceptualization of this intertwined past must remain grounded in claims that can be supported by evidence. Connecting kitchens and crucibles, the study argues for an extended family of technological history. Just as understanding the global history of iron production requires attention to Africa, the inverse is simultaneously true: Africa and its history are firmly integrated in global history, including the history of the industrial revolution. (shrink)

This paper examines the intersection of environmental history and the history of science, specifically the impact of forestry science and fire management on land use and community dynamics in rural Portuguese mountains. It further traces the evolution of fire management from an ancestral rural practice to a scientific concern and the subsequent integration of vernacular knowledge with scientific methods. In the early twentieth century, fire was a common tool in rural Portugal for land clearance, pasture management, and soil enrichment. Rooted (...) in local knowledge, these practices were increasingly challenged by the rise of scientific forestry, which viewed fire primarily as a threat to be controlled. By the mid-twentieth century, Portuguese forestry policies had undergone a significant shift toward aggressive fire suppression and large-scale afforestation, reflecting a broader trend of prioritizing timber production and forest protection. Notable shifts occurred in the 1970s, marked, among other factors, by the increase in rural fires, a new socioecological vision for the forest and the introduction of prescribed fire techniques influenced by international models. The paper argues that the establishment of scientific fire management practices represents a merging of expert knowledge with local experience. This move represents a shift from exclusionary policies toward a more nuanced understanding of fire’s role in landscape management. An examination of these historical developments demonstrates the intricate interrelationship between science, the environment, policy, and local practices, illustrating the way knowledge systems both shape and are shaped by environmental governance. (shrink)

This article investigates why Humboldtian Science, as a heuristic concept, has gained prominence in the historiography of science and requires clarification. It offers an ideal-type model of comparative research and exact measurements across vast spaces, which Susan F. Cannon and others tied to Alexander von Humboldt (1769–1859). Yet, he himself was less “Humboldtian” than this concept suggests. The article proposes to disentangle Humboldtian Science from Humboldt’s science, which constituted a set of individual research practices that defied the ideal of precision. (...) Humboldt’s science was often impromptu, marked by epistemological and personal insecurities, and embedded in the protagonist’s peripatetic way of living and frequently erratic writing style. Historicizing Humboldt’s science undermines the exceptionalism that elevates the Prussian savant above his contemporaries and casts him as a singular figure. This critical reflection encourages biographical approaches to the history of science, balancing heuristic generalizations and attention to individual research styles. (shrink)

In the mid-nineteenth century, the house sparrow ( Passer domesticus) was introduced to the United States, quickly spreading across the country. For a brief period in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, the observation of sparrow behavior was something of an urban pastime. Traits such as intelligence, reason, persistence, and craftsmanship were conferred onto sparrows by American urbanites. This paper argues that sparrow intelligence was often conflated with domestication: the ability of the birds to adapt to living alongside humans. (...) Praise for the ingenuity of sparrows generally revolved around their nest building, particularly when such structures overcame the challenges posed by urban infrastructure and technology. Sparrows were far less praiseworthy when they caused electricity outages or contaminated water supplies. The sparrow in the United States demonstrates how the relationship between these anecdotes and their implications for animal minds was mediated by the technology and infrastructure of cities. Admirers of sparrows were not measuring the birds’ mental capacity, but rather their ability to adapt to human habitations. Sparrows were only granted intelligence once they had demonstrated their ability to become domesticated. (shrink)

This article examines the rise and decline of the enthusiasm for intelligence testing in early twentieth-century China, focusing on the appeal, the challenges, and the critiques revolving around this psychological instrument. The introduction of intelligence testing reflected not only China’s urgent needs in modernizing its merit system, but also Chinese psychologists’ aspirations for pursuing exactitude and redefining the racial characteristics of their compatriots against foreign interpretations. But despite psychologists’ endeavors, the political and geographical fragmentation of Republican China troubled the epistemic (...) imperative of uniformity demanded by Euro-American psychometrics and therefore undermined the validity of measurement. Subsequently, the legitimacy of intelligence testing began to be questioned by several influential Chinese psychologists in the late 1920s and 30s. The difficulties in standardization and the hostility within the psychology community formed a vicious cycle, impeding the progress of nationwide testing. Through this history, the article demonstrates not only the elevation of measurement to epistemic authority in modern China, but also how its promise was challenged by a diverse and rapidly changing society. (shrink)

Presentación de un volumen colectivo que en el fondo es un camino circular, es un alrededor “desde” un curso que se llama Arte, Espacio “y” Lenguaje, y que va “hacia” un libro que se titula Arte – Espacio – Lenguaje. ¿Dónde queda esa “y”? Esa “y” es griega, pero lo griego sin estar visible, siempre está presente, porque constituye el “desde” más originario, pues la tradición viene de Grecia, de la búsqueda de un sophós ausente, y se catapulta “hacia” una (...) ontología futura, que por ser la primera en rango no puede sino estar siempre por venir. Asi ser es sido (desde) y devenir (hacia) y eso constituye el camino, aunque no se pare de dar vueltas a lo mismo siempre, porque el presente volumen en el fondo incide sobre lo mismo, va de Lenguaje, Espacio y Arte, pero también de técnica, de sentido, de silencio, de vacío. Porque en el fondo es un ir a lo mismo de lo mismo. ---- Presentation of a collective volume which is basically a circular path, it is a journey ‘from’ a course called Art, Space ‘and’ Language, and which goes ‘towards’ a book entitled Art - Space - Language. Where is this ‘and’? That ‘and’ is Greek, but the Greek, without being visible, is always present, because it constitutes the most original ‘from’, because the tradition comes from Greece, from the search for an absent sophós, and is catapulted ‘towards’ a future ontology, which, being the first in rank, cannot but be always to come. Thus being is being (from) and becoming (towards) and this constitutes the path, although it does not stop going round and round the same thing all the time, because the present volume is basically about the same thing, about Language, Space and Art, but also about technique, about meaning, about silence, about emptiness. Because in the end, it is a journey to the same of the same. (shrink)

The transition to renewable energy is a crucial step in combating climate change, yet it presents unexpected ecological challenges. Wind and solar power, while essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, require substantial land and airspace, which can disrupt ecosystems and endanger wildlife. This has given rise to the “green–green dilemma”—where renewable energy expansion (green energy) can conflict with biodiversity conservation (green environment). Addressing this dilemma is critical to ensuring that climate action does not come at the cost of ecological integrity.

What a delightful surprise this book turned out to be! I stumbled across it while looking for something different and ended up devouring it during my morning coffee breaks over a week. The author’s unique perspective as both a scientist and philosopher creates something truly refreshing in today’s overcrowded self-help market. I particularly enjoyed the sections that touch on the mindsponge theory, which I’d never encountered before. In our hyper-connected world of constant digital noise, there’s something deeply satisfying about these (...) brief, self-contained reflections that encourage genuine thought rather than quick consumption. (shrink)

This article uses medical textbooks and advice literature to analyze the persona of the physician in the early German Enlightenment. The article pursues three lines of argument. First, it uses medical textbooks to situate the physician in the context of early modern observational life, focusing in particular on epistemic virtues, techniques, and technologies for conducting and documenting observations. Second, it introduces the concept of epistemic advantage to analyze the ways in which medical advice literature – ranging from ideal accounts of (...) the political physician to satirical portrayals of the Machiavellian physician – mediated strategies for using medical knowledge to shape people’s conceptions of disease as well as of the physician as a medical authority. Third, it launches the concept epistemic contestation to capture situations of distrust and dispute, in which the physician’s authority was challenged both by patients and by other medical practitioners. Such mediation of epistemic virtues, techniques, technologies, and strategies in medical textbooks and advice literature must be understood in relation to an emerging media landscape that fundamentally affected the conditions for cultivating and performing a medical persona. By adopting this comprehensive approach to medical personhood, the article appeals to readers interested in early modern and Enlightenment medicine as well as those concerned with the broader intersections of medical persona, authority, power, and knowledge. (shrink)

In the first half of the eleventh century, a group of scholars in southwest India did something new. They began composing systematic texts about everyday life in a register of language sometimes called New Kannada. While looking back toward earlier texts composed in Sanskrit – and even translating portions of them – these scholars centered their poetic ability and their personal experiences as opposed to prior authoritative texts. They described themselves as authoring “worldly sciences” that were “useful to the people (...) of the world,” and they provided extensive reflections on the systematics of knowledge. Epistemic, linguistic, and political concerns were significantly renegotiated in this moment as local context was turned into a virtue for the production of technical treatises. This article uses this moment to interrogate recent discussions of useful knowledge and vernacular science. Usefulness can mean different things at different times and vernacular sciences change according to their language. This article argues for a usage of both terms that is more attuned to historical particulars. A history of useful knowledge from a place that now appears under the double effacement of the non-modern and non-West offers an opportunity to think through central concepts of the history of science without relying on economic or utilitarian discourses. This paper presents one possible example of what a more global history of useful knowledge might look like. (shrink)

Las siguientes reflexiones no tienen un fin que las guíe. Más bien son caminos que van abriéndose en la espesura del bosque. Persiguen desde los presupuestos filosóficos establecidos por Martin Heidegger elucubrar el posible nexo entre técnica y estética, desde el provocar provocante de sus productos característicos: el útil y la obra de arte. --- The following reflections have no guiding purpose. Rather, they are paths that are opening up in the thicket of the forest. From the philosophical presuppositions established (...) by Martin Heidegger, they seek to elucidate the possible nexus between technique and aesthetics, from the provocative provocation of their characteristic products: the tool and the work of art. (shrink)

This study is centred on African Initiated Churches (AICs) and women’s livelihoods during the COVID-19 era in Zimbabwe. African Initiated Churches which have a large women’s following became a portal of women’s livelihoods because the churches dealt with poverty affecting women and their lost entrepreneurial opportunities. At their sowes [worship places], the AICs responded by providing women with miteuro [ritualised prayers], which were performed with anointed waters and nhombo [anointed or ritualised pebbles] all of which helped in giving zambuko [deliverance (...) or breakthrough]. The prayers were found to give hope and resilience, which became protective factors against the adversities associated with COVID-19.Contribution: This study’s contribution is centred on Practical Theology. It showed how the church has spiritually supported women’s livelihoods, consequently empowering them in the economic spheres of their lives through faith. (shrink)

On 24th February 2025, Justin Mike (United States) wrote a review for Wild Wise Weird as follows: “Wild Wise Weird celebrates the wild spirit, the wisdom gained from unusual experiences, and the eccentric qualities that define us as individuals, thereby capturing the beauty of embracing authenticity. It serves as a reminder that being unique is something to be proud of, not just acceptable.” The review made me feel really relevant to the content of the book. I was curious what AI (...) would think of Mike’s review, so I asked Gemini “what do you think of the review?”. (shrink)

Du lịch sinh thái dựa vào cộng đồng (CBE) là một mô hình quan trọng thúc đẩy phát triển bền vững thông qua nâng cao nhận thức và bảo tồn tài nguyên thiên nhiên. Sử dụng lý thuyết Mindsponge làm khung phân tích, bài báo giải thích cách cộng đồng tiếp nhận hoặc từ chối thông tin mới dựa trên hệ giá trị và niềm tin cốt lõi, từ đó ảnh hưởng đến sự tham gia của họ trong các sáng (...) kiến CBE. Thành công của CBE phụ thuộc vào 3 yếu tố: khả năng tiếp cận thông tin minh bạch, động lực tham gia dựa trên lợi ích kinh tế và bảo tồn lâu dài, cùng năng lực địa phương trong quản lý nguồn lực. Cuối cùng, bài báo đề xuất các chiến lược quan trọng để thúc đẩy sự phát triển bền vững của CBE, bao gồm: nâng cao nhận thức thông qua truyền thông và giáo dục, xây dựng quỹ cộng đồng với cơ chế phân phối lợi ích minh bạch, tổ chức các khóa đào tạo kỹ năng, và khuyến khích sự tham gia công bằng của các nhóm yếu thế. Việc hợp tác giữa chính quyền, tổ chức phi chính phủ và cộng đồng địa phương được xác định là chìa khóa để xây dựng một mô hình CBE hiệu quả, vừa bảo tồn tài nguyên thiên nhiên, vừa duy trì giá trị văn hóa truyền thống. Những chiến lược này không chỉ thúc đẩy phát triển bền vững, mà còn góp phần tăng cường sự gắn kết xã hội và tạo ra giá trị lâu dài cho cộng đồng. (shrink)

As gatekeepers, editors and reviewers play a central role in identifying reliable and valuable scientific works for preservation and dissemination, contributing to subsequent knowledge production and public use. Despite its benefits, the rejection mechanism often carries significant emotional and career consequences for researchers. The analysis of 304 rejection letters since 2022 indicates that over 97% of rejections were attributed solely to authors’ shortcomings or the journal’s rigorous evaluation standards, while less than 3% cited journal-side limitations. This pattern suggests a prevailing (...) tendency where journals position themselves as the standard of quality, implicitly framing rejected research as inherently unqualified and placing an undue burden on authors—the primary producers of knowledge. Given the fallibility of journals, we propose a shift from viewing them as gatekeepers to recognizing them as facilitators of knowledge production. This transition would require embracing intellectual humility, thereby alleviating the rejection-induced burdens on researchers and fostering a more constructive scholarly environment. (shrink)

The value of Philipp Melanchthon’s view of the relationship between theology and philosophy. The article starts with a brief biographical overview of Melanchthon’s life and work. His theological understanding is examined through two articles, published for the first time in 2023 in which he elucidates the meaning of theology and the role of preaching from rhetorical and dialectical perspectives. The third section explores the relationship between theology and philosophy. His early commentaries on Romans (1520) and Colossians (1527) reveal his critical (...) stance towards the scholastic tradition. He argues that theology and philosophy should be distinguished, asserting that philosophy (as represented by Aristotle) cannot substitute the teachings of Paul. Theology, he contends, is not merely philosophical ethics. The distinction between theology and philosophy is further elaborated by examining the question of God. Whilst theology seeks to inspire prayer to God, philosophy aims to foster knowledge of God. The fourth section discusses the concept of Bildung [education and development] as the place where theology and philosophy can collaborate. The final section offers practical recommendations for how Akademia can contribute to Bildung in South Africa.Contribution: This article advances the ongoing discourse on the relationship between theology and philosophy, addressing the associated challenges of development and education. (shrink)

This study explores the dynamics of emotional expression of freshmen students at a public university in Indonesia, focussing on the role of gratitude in helping them overcome challenges and maintain academic vigour. Using qualitative methods with open-ended questionnaires and in-depth interviews, this study involved 20 freshmen from one public university. The results showed that the majority of students expressed gratitude to God as the main expression, while a minority also valued the role of social support and personal achievement. The findings (...) also revealed that despite uncertainties, fears and disappointments, gratitude remains a fundamental and culminating emotion. Gratitude not only helps students overcome challenges but also enhances their resilience and motivation. Spiritual Meaning Construction Theory serves as an analytical tool, highlighting that spiritual experiences and expressions of gratitude are strongly influenced by an individual’s social and cultural context. The theory emphasises that the experience of religion or spirituality has no universal truth, but rather varies according to each individual’s interpretative framework. The findings suggest that the expression of gratitude in freshmen not only reflects universally inculcated spiritual beliefs but is also a result of the meaning-making processes by individuals within their social and cultural context. Implications for higher education institutions include the importance of developing orientation, counselling and academic support programmes that support students’ expression of gratitude and resilience. Programmes that promote resilience and gratitude can help students overcome challenges and stay motivated throughout their academic journey.Contribution: This research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complexity of emotions experienced by freshmen as well as the important role gratitude plays in helping them overcome challenges and maintain enthusiasm in pursuing their academic goals. (shrink)

I rarely write reviews, but this book gently nudged me to think deeper. As an older man, I appreciate its simple yet profound insights. The anecdotes and reflections are like wise words from a trusted friend—they make you smile and pause. It’s a modest read with genuine lessons that resonate, inviting you to see life’s quirks with fresh eyes.

This study examines how global readers evaluate Wild Wise Weird: The Kingfisher Story Collection and focuses on the book’s impact on readers’ learning and thinking. Wild Wise Weird is a collection of short fables centered on a character called the Kingfisher, originally written in Vietnamese and later made available to international audiences (Wild Wise Weird | Goodreads). The book’s author explicitly aimed to introduce readers around the world to snippets of Vietnamese culture through humorous storytelling, while also providing “food for (...) thought” about human values. Given this dual focus on cultural insight and reflection, the reception of the book by readers from different cultural backgrounds provides a rich ground for research. (shrink)

Essentially, a complaint regarding philosophy in its most current iterations. This paper is not an attack on specific traditions, but its objective is to instead point out a betrayal of the classical philosophical praxis and tradition. It is a betrayal of questioning and being that pesky, Socratic gadfly regarding people and institutions of power. The key objective is to not only draw a link between the philosopher and said institutions but also to show that the philosopher does not exist in (...) a vacuum—they are products of their time, even if not merely that. At its end, this short essay will make a call to uphold that precious tradition and preserve philosophy’s braver elements in the face of power and adversity. (shrink)

Recently, the AISDL Team has integrated insights from quantum mechanics and information theories to propose a foundational understanding of information-value nexus in social sciences: Granular Interaction Thinking Theory. This marks a significant milestone in the team’s ongoing pursuit of deeper inquiries into the nature of value. Specifically, this theory posits that value emerges from interactions of information that reduce entropy in ways beneficial to human survival, development, and reproduction.

Over the centuries, history has shown that peasant members of society are drenched with various forms of marginalisation. These often come from the more privileged members of society and even the government. Studies have also shown that the religious sphere that ought to be the hope of the neglected poor has turned out to be like the political milieu in the secular world. Isaiah 10:1–4 spelt out punishment meted out for the violators of the rights of the peasant poor. The (...) text indicates that the poor have been neglected in the past millennium. There have likely been no studies that took into cognisance the neglect of the poor from Isaiah 10:1–4 in the context of Nkanuland. Isaiah 10:1–4 examines the height at which the Jewish rulers exploit the poor at their various dispensations. However, such wicked acts by such leaders would not go unpunished. The poor are highly marginalised using different means by both religious and political leaders. The insufficient welfare provision for the poor has consequently led to ill health, death, vulnerability to danger, psychological stress, social alienation, poor education, poor diet and other related problems in Nigeria in general and Nkanuland in particular. The researcher, therefore, seeks to take a critical look at Isaiah 10:1–4 and applies its exegetical result(s) in Nkanu. It is argued that if the text is practically applied by religious and political leaders in Nkanuland, there would be improved welfare provision for the poor. Rhetoric and sociological approaches common to Old Testament exegesis are employed.Contribution: The researcher posits that Isaiah 10:1–4 would be a feasible solution to curb the incessant marginalisation of the peasant poor in Igboland in general and Nkanuland in particular. This would enhance both human and other aspects of development in Nkanuland. (shrink)

"Wild Wise Weird: The Kingfisher Story Collection" is a brilliant blend of humor, satire, and cultural storytelling that offers a unique glimpse into Vietnamese life through the charming and thought-provoking tales of Kingfisher. With 45 engaging stories, this collection is both entertaining and insightful, leaving readers with laughter, reflection, and a deeper appreciation for humanistic values.

Nghề môi giới và tư vấn đầu tư chứng khoán đã trải qua nhiều giai đoạn thăng trầm, gắn liền với những biến động của nền kinh tế, sự thay đổi của các mô hình tài chính và tác động của các cuộc cách mạng công nghệ.

Wild Wise Weird: The Kingfisher Story Collection by Quan-Hoang Vuong is an enchanting blend of humor, wisdom, and cultural insight. Drawing inspiration from Vietnamese folklore, these 45 short stories follow the adventures of the Kingfisher, offering witty social commentary and valuable life lessons. With a tone reminiscent of Aesop’s Fables, the collection balances lighthearted storytelling with deeper reflections on leadership, community, and human nature. The charming illustrations and unique narrative style add to the book’s appeal, making it a delightful read (...) for those who enjoy fables with both humor and depth. (shrink)

Though he is no stranger to philosophy, his character and philosophy in the English-speaking world mostly are, and it is this paper’s objective to show why that possibly is the case, why the biases, stereotypes, and bad faith interpretations of Jacques Derrida run amok, and in the process, perhaps offer a clearer and more faithful interpretation of the man and his work. The work that many either refuse to read and look at, in favor of uncharitable images and, at worst, (...) lies about a complex individual with an equally complex, subtle, and reasonable philosophy. From Deconstruction to statements of his character, this is to clear the bad air and preposterous myths that surround Derrida. (shrink)

In our attempt to explore possible solutions for the world’s grave environmental problems, our book titled Better economics for the Earth proposes a new approach to understanding and redefining value. A good explanation is provided in Tran (2025), which informs us that the current approach to understanding value has been criticized for trying to “put a price tag on nature” without fundamentally challenging the underlying economic paradigm. To further support the process of change, concerning our understanding value, we now introduce (...) a new paper bearing in mind that “the devil’s in the details”. (shrink)

The believers of Christ in the 1st century AD find themselves in a difficult situation. On one hand, they receive the gospel about Jesus’ victory over the world. On the other hand, they witnessed the power and dominance of the Roman Empire through its propaganda. The Book of Revelation comes with a message to comfort Christians torn between these two realities. It uses the Roman symbolism of victory and transforms it to answer the Roman propaganda. Thus, Revelation creates a powerful (...) and vivid message to convince the reader that God is the supreme and only ruler of the world, and Christ triumphs over every power, even the invincible Roman Empire.Contribution: The Roman influence on the Revelation is unquestionable and not elaborated exhaustingly enough to this date. This study aims to show how the Book of Revelation uses elements of Roman ideology to create a Christian response to the propaganda of the empire and to give its readers an important message about God’s ultimate victory. (shrink)

"Wild Wise Weird: The Kingfisher Story Collection" by Quan-Hoang Vuong is an exceptional collection that blends wisdom, satire, and wit into 45 thought-provoking tales. Each story feels like a journey through a world where unconventional wisdom meets quirky humor, challenging readers to think critically while also offering moments of reflection.

This book is a look at the power of thinking, wrapped in an entertaining and clever story. The paradox with the king and the sage is both humorous and thought-provoking. It really makes you think about logic in a new way. While the book’s main ideas are interesting, it sometimes feels a bit more abstract than I'd have liked, but it's still an enjoyable read. The mix of humor and philosophy keeps things light, while still making you reflect on how (...) we think and reason. But it's worth checking out if you like stories that make you think. (shrink)

I stumbled upon this little gem of a book and honestly wasn't sure what to expect at first. It turned out to be such a delightful surprise - like having a fascinating conversation with a wise friend over coffee. The way the author weaves together personal stories, scientific insights, and clever paradoxes really got me thinking. What I loved most was how peaceful it felt reading these bite-sized reflections. Sure, some parts were a bit scattered, but that's kind of the (...) charm. If you're looking for a thoughtful break from our noisy world, this one's worth picking up. (shrink)

Reading these stories felt like stepping into a vibrant little universe where cheeky birds mirror our own quirks. The blend of Vietnamese folklore and modern humor made it both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Kingfisher’s wit struck me as a playful echo of Aesop’s timeless lessons, yet with a distinctly original twist. I loved how each brief tale entertained me on the surface while nudging me to ponder deeper truths. It’s a perfect pick for anyone seeking a gentle escape that still (...) packs a surprising dose of insight. (shrink)

The Manguni bird plays a central role in the cosmology of the Minahasa people as a symbol of nature, society and spirituality. In Minahasa tradition, the Manguni is not only regarded as a natural sign that provides clues about the good or bad nature of an event but also as a divine intermediary that brings messages from God (Opo Empung). Furthermore, Manguni serves as a social symbol that strengthens the cohesion of the Minahasa community, connecting humans, nature and God in (...) spiritual harmony. This article discusses the role of Manguni in three aspects: as an ecological sign reflecting harmony with the environment, as a social bond representing the collective identity of Minahasa and as a medium that communicates divine messages. The article also highlights the importance of integrating ecology into contextual Christian theology, especially in regions rich in local cultural traditions.Contribution: This study seeks to formulate a new approach that accommodates the relevance of local spirituality and ecological theology, with Manguni as a key symbol in the relationship between humans, nature and God. (shrink)