Social Sciences

Nhiều công ty tuyên bố cam kết hướng đến bền vững, nhưng báo cáo của họ thường thiếu các chi tiết quan trọng về đầu tư thực tế vào môi trường, lượng phát thải khí nhà kính và mức tiêu thụ tài nguyên.

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)

Abstract -/- The Recursive-Collapse-Recombination (RCR) Model is a metastable, autopoietic, non-hierarchical, non-binary, and non-linear framework that defines reality as a continuously generative process. It describes how recursion (self-reinforcing structures), collapse (destabilization and phase shifts), and recombination (adaptive restructuring) interact to produce emergent, dynamic systems. Unlike equilibrium-based models, RCR establishes metastability as the core condition of reality, ensuring ongoing transformation rather than static resolution. The model is mathematically formalized to apply across domains, from physics and cognitive science to social structures and (...) AI systems. By framing reality as an interplay of recursion, collapse, and recombination, RCR reveals why deterministic reductionism fails and why reality remains an open-ended generative structure rather than a closed, finite system. -/- Keywords -/- Recursive-Collapse-Recombination (RCR) -/- Metastability -/- Phase Transitions -/- Nonlinear Systems -/- Emergence -/- Self-Organization -/- Autopoiesis -/- Indeterminacy -/- Reality Structuring -/- Generative Systems -/- --- -/- License (CC BY 4.0) -/- This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). -/- ✔ Share — Copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format. ✔ Adapt — Remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially. -/- Attribution Requirement: You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. This must be done in a reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests endorsement by the original author. -/- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits. (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)

As urbanization accelerates, diminishing green spaces pose growing public health challenges, exacerbating pollution exposure, stress, and chronic illnesses. This narrative review synthesizes research on the biological and psychological pathways through which urban plants promote human health. Biologically, urban greenery enhances air quality by filtering pollutants, strengthens immune function by increasing microbial diversity, and regulates stress physiology via endocrine mechanisms. Psychologically, nature exposure restores cognitive function, reduces stress, and fosters emotional resilience, as evidenced by neuroimaging and epidemiological studies. The findings suggest (...) that integrating green infrastructure into urban environments yields measurable public health benefits, including lower mortality rates, reduced cardiovascular and respiratory disease prevalence, and improved mental well-being. However, critical research gaps remain regarding the optimal “doses” of nature for health, cultural differences in nature perception, and the potential role of incorporating insights from quantum and informational theories to study cognitive-environment interactions (e.g., Granular Interaction Thinking Theory). Addressing these gaps through interdisciplinary collaboration, artificial intelligence integration, and data-driven urban planning can help cities evolve into healthier, more sustainable ecosystems. (shrink)

Introduction: When Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) pandemic was declared, West Visayas State University-Himamaylan City Campus opted to adopt flexible learning to continue the learning of tertiary education students at home by using Modular Distance Learning to accommodate students living in far-flung areas without internet access. This study aimed to discover the Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) students' coping strategies and insights into using modular distance learning modality. Theoretical framework: This qualitative study is anchored on constructionism. The fundamental assumption of constructionism that (...) reality is constructed which means reality is not an ontologically objective, given reality. Human invents models, concepts, and schemes to better understand or make sense with the experience and continually test and modify these constructed reality with the new experience. Humans do not construct interpretation separately, but with careful consideration of the shared practices and understanding. Methodology: Data were gathered using the qualitative phenomenological approach by conducting two semi-structured interviews with ten (10) Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEEd) university students. Participants were selected using the purposive sampling method, specifically the criterion sampling method. Thematic Analysis was done using NVIVO to analyze the data collected. Results and discussion: It was discovered that students built various coping strategies like motivating themselves to survive, taking a break after stressful days, praying to conquer difficulties, trusting God`s plan, setting up schedules to manage time effectively, and collaborating with friends and classmates to understand the complex lesson better. Appreciating the value and elements of traditional learning and realizing that everything they do is for the love is self, dreams, and family are two important insights for the students. Conclusion: Teachers may foster an environment that promotes self-motivation among students. Students may recognize their strengths, set goals, find intrinsic motivation, and develop a positive mindset to succeed academically. The school may organize activities to further enhance the spirit of collaboration, perseverance, and resilience among students. (shrink)

This paper delves into the contrasting educational philosophies of Booker T. Washington and W. E. B. Du Bois, two prominent figures who grappled with the question of Black progress in a society scarred by racial inequality. Washington, advocating for vocational training, championed economic self-sufficiency as the key to navigating a system rigged against Black success. Du Bois, conversely, championed a liberal arts education, emphasizing critical thinking and social critique as necessary tools for dismantling systemic barriers. This paper argues that while (...) Washington’s pragmatism held a certain appeal, its inherent acceptance of the existing social order risked perpetuating the very systems it aimed to overcome. Du Bois, through his more radical vision, recognized that true liberation necessitated not only economic agency but also the intellectual capacity to challenge and dismantle oppressive structures. By analyzing the nuances and complexities of their arguments, this paper highlights the enduring relevance of this historical debate for contemporary discussions on educational equity. It underscores the need for a multifaceted approach to education, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of economic opportunity, intellectual development, and social justice, ultimately advocating for an educational landscape that empowers all individuals to reach their full potential and contribute to a more just and equitable society. Through embracing the strengths and acknowledging the limitations of both perspectives, we can create an educational system that empowers individuals to navigate societal barriers while also equipping them with the critical thinking skills necessary to challenge and dismantle oppressive structures, fostering a more just and equitable society. (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)

During the last decade, we can observe rising support for right-wing leaders who produce a discourse of semblance of strength. These leaders, the new masters of politics, concentrate on the performance of political charisma and manifest a disregard for the norms of the contemporary public sphere. Using Jacques Lacan’s theory of discourses, this article argues that there is a structural relation between the discontents in neoliberal forms of power and the success of these leaders performing the theatre of charisma and (...) political dominance. The key to understanding the rise of the new masters of politics is the relation between the discourse of the master and that of the university. The political prominence of the new masters of politics can be interpreted as a precise reaction to the form of power dominant in neoliberalism – bureaucracy operating according to the norms of economic rationality. The main aim of this paper is to provide a theoretically informed interpretation of discourses of semblance of strength in the broader frame of the historical moment of a crisis of neoliberal form of power. (shrink)

Với sự phát triển của trí tuệ nhân tạo (AI), các mô hình như: ChatGPT, Grok và DeepSeek đang mở ra phương pháp phân tích thị trường chứng khoán, mang lại lợi thế cho nhà đầu tư cá nhân trong “cuộc chơi” bất cân xứng về nguồn lực với nhà đầu tư tổ chức.

This study developed and validated BEsMART, a mobile review application for pre-service science teachers preparing for the Licensure Examination for Teachers (LET). Addressing challenges such as high review costs, inconsistent study habits, and concept retention difficulties, BEsMART integrates spaced repetition for memory retention and hypercorrection techniques to correct misconceptions. Other features include questionbased drills, multimedia resources, instant feedback, and progress tracking. A mixed-method research design was employed, combining ISO/IEC 25010 standards, the U.S.E. Questionnaire, and qualitative feedback from 9 experts and (...) 48 pre-service teachers. Using the Scrum methodology, the application underwent iterative development to enhance usability. Results showed high functional suitability, usability, and reliability, with overall ratings of 4.72 (experts) and 4.75 (users). Findings confirm BEsMART’s effectiveness as a self-directed, accessible, and cost-efficient LET review tool, reinforcing mobile learning’s transformative potential in professional examination contexts and paving the way for future improvements and broader adoption. (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.”.

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.

Climate change and biodiversity loss are interconnected crises that demand integrated solutions. While mitigation strategies such as reforestation and afforestation, renewable energy development, and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) are essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, they also pose risks to ecosystems, specifically biodiversity. This review examines the biodiversity impacts of these key mitigation strategies, identifying potential trade-offs and opportunities for synergy. Large-scale forest plantations can sequester carbon but often reduce biodiversity when implemented as monocultures. Renewable energy expansion, (...) particularly wind and solar farms, contributes to decarbonization but can disrupt habitats and wildlife migration. BECCS, though promoted for negative emissions, requires extensive land conversion, threatening biodiversity and food security. To balance climate action with ecological integrity, this study advocates for an eco-surplus culture, where mitigation strategies not only minimize harm but actively enhance biodiversity. Nature-based solutions, such as restoring native forests and integrating biodiversity-conscious renewable energy planning, offer pathways to maximize co-benefits. Policy frameworks must prioritize biodiversity safeguards, promote sustainable land use, and ensure community participation. Addressing climate and biodiversity goals together through holistic, long-term planning is essential for fostering environmental resilience and achieving genuinely sustainable climate solutions. (shrink)

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)

In this volume, I delve into a diverse array of topics, spanning mathematics, physics, philosophy, artificial intelligence, and even touching upon social dynamics, literature, arts, criminal justice, and history. A significant portion of the book is dedicated to the ongoing development and exploration of neutrosophy and its related concepts. Together with peer mates, we examine neutrosophic improper integrals, n-ary neutrosophic triplets, refined neutrosophic S-approximation spaces, and the application of neutrosophic statistics and probability. The links between neutrosophy and other fields, such (...) as Grey System Theory, is also investigated. This volume further explores the breadth of neutrosophic applications, from its use in defining new mathematical structures like neutrosophic triplet hypertopology and exploring neutro-algebraic and anti-algebraic structures, to its application in areas like medical diagnosis with complex neutrosophic similarity measures. We also delve into more theoretical aspects, such as completeness and incompleteness in neutrosophy, the division of quadruple neutrosophic numbers, and the refinement of neutrosophy in relation to lattices, pair structures, and YinYang bipolar fuzzy sets. Beyond the core of neutrosophic theory, I reflect on a range of philosophical and societal questions. This includes discussions on dialectics, the concept of indeterminacy, the degree of democracy, the blending of capitalism and communism, and the principle of internal fragility in dynamic systems. We also explore the fascinating potential of the aging brain and the principle of interconvertibility of matter, energy, and information, touching upon consciousness and personality. The Scilogs are not meant to provide definitive answers but rather to serve as a repository of ideas, questions, and intellectual provocations. Exchanging ideas with Dan Florin Lazăr, Yaser Ahmad Alhasan, William H. Woodall, M. Karimi, M. R. Hooshmandasl, A. Shakiba, N. Zamani, Said Broumi, Saeid Jafari, Ronald Pinho, Robert Neil Boyd, Victor Christianto, Le Hoang Son, Luu Quoc Dat, Mumtaz Ali, Rafif Alhabib, Kalyan Mondal, Surapati Pramanik, Zhang Wenpeng, Ludi Jancy Jenifer, Peide Liu, Ganeshsree Selvachandran, Terman Frometa-Castillo, Mohammad Khoshnevisan, Maikel Leyva Vazquez, Akira Kanda, Andrușa Vătuiu, Octavian Blaga, Mustapha Kachchouh, Kawther Fawzi, Hamidreza Seiti, Ștefan Vlăduțescu (in the order they appear in the book). (shrink)

In a world shaped by contradictions, uncertainties, and evolving paradigms, Neutrosophic Philosophy emerges as a groundbreaking framework that transcends binary thinking. Rooted in the study of neutralities, contradictions, and their dynamic interplay, this philosophy redefines classical logic, epistemology, and ontology, offering a comprehensive approach to understanding reality. Through the lens of Neutrosophy, this book collects papers exploring fundamental concepts such as the continuum of neutralities, equilibrium of ideas, thesis-antithesis-neutrothesis, challenging traditional dialectical structures. It expands the boundaries of philosophy by integrating (...) mathematization, many-valued logics, and transdisciplinary approaches to knowledge. From quantum mechanics and artificial intelligence to ethics, sociology, and literature, the applications of Neutrosophy are vast and transformative. Whether reinterpreting paradoxes, reshaping philosophical foundations, or exploring the infinite nature of truth, this work paves the way for a new way of thinking—one that embraces ambiguity, indeterminacy, and the coexistence of opposites. By bridging disciplines and introducing innovative principles such as Neutrosophic Logic, Neutrosophic Social Evolution, and Neutrosophic Materialism, this book serves as both a theoretical foundation and a practical guide for scholars, researchers, and thinkers seeking a deeper understanding of complexity in the modern world. Neutrosophic Philosophy is not just an exploration of knowledge—it is an invitation to rethink the very essence of truth, reality, and human understanding. (shrink)

The purpose of this study is to explore the manifestations of commitment to the teaching profession of the Neophyte Non-Education-Graduates Senior High School Teachers. This study utilized a phenomenological narrative approach to explore common themes emerging from the lived experiences and manifestations of commitment to the teaching profession of the Neophytes. Based on the results of the study, the following findings were noted: (1) Most of the informants in this study were passers of Licensure Examination for Teachers and occupied permanent (...) position in the field with Outstanding and Very Satisfactory work performance ratings; (2) The reasons in changing their careers were personal factors, influence and inspiration from their parents, friends and teachers; (3) Accomplishing voluminous paperwork especially doing Daily Lesson Log was the most challenging task for them ; (4) Mentoring of senior colleagues, master teachers, and school heads was the best coping mechanisms of the informants; (5) Willingness to extend time to their students and go above and beyond what was expected to them as classroom teachers were their best manifestations of commitment; (6) A kind heart and love for students were the primordial qualities that an individual must possess before entering the field of teaching: and (7) It is worth noting that teaching profession not only transformed the lives of the students, it also created a colossal impact in the lives of the informants. It can be concluded that while the previous work performance ratings of the neophytes proved that they performed well in their respective schools, taking and passing the Licensure Examination for Teachers, pursuing graduate studies, and going above and beyond what was expected for them as classroom teachers were direct manifestations of their commitment to the teaching profession. Thus, Neophyte Non-Education-Graduate Senior High School Teachers are highly qualified and committed teachers by heart. (shrink)

Integrating advanced technology into school management practices is essential for managing modern educational difficulties. This study investigates the impact of big data analytics, cloud computing, and communication platforms on school management, emphasizing efficiency, decision-making, and collaboration improvements. This study utilized a sequential explanatory mixed-methods design. Using surveys, researchers gathered quantitative information from teachers and school heads and qualitative data through interviews. Researchers collected quantitative and qualitative data from school heads and teachers through surveys and interviews. Data was collected from school (...) heads and teachers using surveys for quantitative insights, while qualitative information was acquired through interviews. The data was analyzed through descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and thematic analysis. The findings indicated that advanced technology improved management efficiency (mean = 4.27, SD = 0.68) and facilitated decision-making processes (mean = 4.32, SD = 0.71). The study highlights the essential influence of technology in creating a flexible framework for school management practices. This highlights the importance of ongoing professional growth and the thoughtful distribution of resources for digital tools to guarantee successful technology integration. The insights provided are essential for informing policymakers and educators in their efforts to promote innovation and enhance school management practices. (shrink)

The purpose of this study is to investigate the leadership strategies and curriculum management practices of the Program Chair responsible for the Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED) and Bachelor of Physical Education (BPED) programs at a higher education institution. It focuses on the Program Chair's methods for fostering professional development, supporting faculty growth, and conducting program evaluations. For the methodology, a qualitative case study approach was used, incorporating semi-structured email interviews to collect information about the Program Chair's strategies for curriculum (...) management, faculty development initiatives, and evaluation processes. The research findings indicate that effective leadership, which is rooted in ongoing professional development, collaborative decision-making, and faculty growth, is crucial for successful curriculum management. The study also emphasizes the need to incorporate 21st-century skills, digital literacy, and critical thinking into the curriculum. Furthermore, it shows that strong faculty development programs, including mentorship and professional development opportunities, enhance teaching practices and better equip graduates to meet the challenges of the 21st-century workforce. In conclusion, the study suggests that higher education institutions can greatly benefit from updated curricula, improved faculty development programs, data-driven evaluation systems, and modern learning environments to maintain the success and relevance of their teacher education programs. These recommendations offer practical insights for institutions aiming to enhance their teacher education offerings. (shrink)

This study is intended to determine the effects of using Teacher-Tech Instructor, a technology-aided intervention designed for independent learning sessions, on improving the scientific mastery of grade 4 learners of Mataas na Parang Elementary School. The intervention utilizes interactive presentations with basic programming features to facilitate and enhance the learning process. This study utilized the pretest-posttest single group design to determine the changes in the learning performance before and after the utilization of the intervention. Pretest and posttest assessments, along with (...) a survey, measured the intervention's effect. The data were analyzed using the mean, median, MPS, and Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Test at a significance threshold of 0.05. The findings revealed that the learners have low mastery or low achievement in the pretest while closely approximating mastery in the posttest, marking a significant improvement after using the intervention. It can also be observed that the MPS improved from 20.79% to 90.73% upon the use of the intervention, while the Wilcoxon test statistic of 0.00 which is less than 0.05, also suggests that the null should be rejected. Lastly, the learners strongly agree that the intervention helped with their independent learning study. These findings conclude that Teacher-Tech Instructor intervention improved the learning performance of grade 4 pupils in science effectively. Further, learners strongly agreed that the teacher tech-instructor, a tech-based instructional material, aided their independent learning effectively. The findings also highlight the importance of developing tech-based educational tools for independent learning in improving science proficiency among grade 4 learners. The study recommends extending these materials to other subjects and conducting SLAC sessions on interactive materials to maximize learning outcomes. (shrink)

This systematic literature review generally aims to determine the impact of Education 5.0 on college educators. Specifically, it sought to evaluate the influence of advanced digital technologies when integrated into college teaching, identify the global challenges and benefits of Education 5.0, and highlight gaps in long-term research on its effects on educators' professional growth and adaptation. This study utilized the Systematic Literature Review (SLR) with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). Findings underscored the necessity for the (...) transformative impact of Education 5.0 on teaching methods, continuous professional upskilling, and a strong foundation of technologies for instruction. It can be concluded that integrating advanced digital technologies like AI, VR, and AR into college teaching enhances student engagement and supports the principles of Constructivist Learning Theory by fostering interactive, effective, and student-centered learning environments (Gupta et al., 2020; Johnson & Wang, 2021; Nguyen & Vo, 2022). (shrink)

This study used the online game Kahoot to address the spelling problems of the 40 Grade 10 students in one of the public high schools in Ozamiz City enrolled during the school year 2023-2024. A pretest with 50 spelling words was administered to the class. Using a one-group, quasi-experimental pretest-posttest approach, this study assessed the impact of the Kahoot intervention on students' spelling proficiency. After the pretest, the teacher implemented nine sessions using Kahoot as the main instrument to teach spelling. (...) This was followed by a post-test with the exact 50 spelling words. In the pretest, none of the students reached a passing score of 38. After implementing the intervention, over half of the class scored 31 to 50. The study found that the online game Kahoot effectively enhanced the spelling skills of Grade 10 students, with respondents expressing positive perceptions of its ease, improvement, ability, motivation, and concentration. Kahoot provided an enjoyable learning approach, making it a helpful tool. The students also strongly agreed that using the game was easy, improved spelling, enhanced spelling ability, motivated them to spell, and increased concentration in spelling. This study recommended that other schools implement spelling activities using an online game. (shrink)

Layunin ng pag-aaral na ito na tuklasin ang kontribusyon ng wikang Filipino sa live selling upang mapabuti ang estratehiya ng negosyo. Sa gitna ng paglago ng live selling bilang e-commerce na estratehiya, may kakulangan ng pananaliksik sa paggamit ng lokal na wika. Nilalayon ng pag-aaral na tuklasin kung paano nakatutulong ang wikang Filipino sa pagpapalakas ng koneksyon sa mga mamimili at pagpapataas ng customer engagement—mga susi sa tagumpay ng live selling. Ginamit ang narrative research approach at semi-structured interviews sa 15 (...) informants mula sa isang lungsod sa Bulacan gamit ang snowball sampling. Ang thematic analysis ang ginamit sa pagsusuri ng datos, kung saan ang open, axial, at selective coding ay nagbigay-daan upang matukoy ang mga temang may kaugnayan sa papel ng wikang Filipino sa live selling. Lumabas sa pag-aaral na ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino ay nagdudulot ng mas malalim na koneksyon sa mga mamimili. Ang lokal na wika ay nagpapataas ng tiwala, pamilyaridad, at kasiyahan ng mga mamimili, na nagreresulta sa mas mataas na customer engagement, loyalty, at conversion rates. Natukoy din na mas nauunawaan ng mga mamimili ang impormasyon tungkol sa produkto dahil sa paggamit ng Filipino, habang ang real-time na komunikasyon ay nagiging mas epektibo. Ang mga negosyong gumagamit ng wikang Filipino ay mas nagiging malapit sa komunidad, na nakatutulong sa pagpapataas ng benta. Gayunpaman, may ilang hamon tulad ng limitadong kaalaman ng ilang sellers sa teknikal na aspeto ng live selling at ang matinding kompetisyon sa merkado. Pinatutunayan ng pag-aaral na ang paggamit ng wikang Filipino ay isang epektibong estratehiya sa live selling na hindi lamang nagpapataas ng benta, kundi nagpapalalim din ng koneksyon sa mga mamimili. Bagaman may mga hamon, ang estratehiyang nakatuon sa lokal na wika at kultura ay nagdudulot ng malawak na oportunidad para sa mga negosyanteng nais magtagumpay sa e-commerce. (shrink)

This study examined how senior high school teachers in Digos City develop their portfolios, focusing on documenting pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and reflective practices and the relationship between these constructs and teaching experience. The study employed an embedded mixed-methods design, incorporating a quantitative survey to assess PCK, reflective practices, and qualitative focus group discussions (FGDs) to explore teachers' experiences and portfolio development strategies. The Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson's correlation, while qualitative data from FGDs were analyzed (...) thematically using Colaizzi's phenomenological method. The study identified five key themes in portfolio development: a systematic approach, reflective practice as a guiding principle, the impact of professional development, external feedback, and teaching experience. Teachers demonstrated "extensive" PCK across content, pedagogical, and curriculum knowledge. A moderate positive correlation was found between years of teaching experience and PCK. Teachers showed "extensive" reflective practices in practical experience and metacognition but only "moderately extensive" in cognitive aspects. A strong positive correlation was also found between PCK and reflective practice. The study concludes that teacher portfolios are valuable tools for professional growth when developed systematically and supported by professional development, emphasizing the importance of strengthening teachers' PCK and reflective practices through comprehensive training and fostering a collaborative environment. (shrink)

This study is intended to assess the implementation of ‘Catch-Up Fridays’ in the Public Elementary Schools in the Division of Panabo City from an administrative perspective of three school leaders. Also, three teachers, who handled CUF in the class, were interviewed. This qualitative case study explores the implementation and provides rich, detailed data on experiences, challenges, and strategies. Analyzing administrators' insights on implementing the Catch-Up Fridays (CUFs) program highlights several key points. Successful implementation relies on comprehensive communication, adherence to guidelines, (...) and thorough preparation, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and equipped. Proper resource allocation and reallocation are essential for meeting program goals and creating a supportive learning environment. Addressing workload, engaging teachers, and prioritizing tasks enhance program sustainability and effectiveness. Effective monitoring and evaluation help identify best practices and areas for improvement. The perceived effectiveness in reading and character development boosts students' self-esteem, fosters a positive learning atmosphere, and supports struggling learners. Recognizing and adopting best practices offer actionable improvement and ensure the program remains relevant. Overall, approaches such as giving appropriate feedback, aligning objectives to the school’s Key Performance Indicator, enhancing the program through effective monitoring, balancing the program with teachers' workload contribute to holistic student development, a well-supported environment, and long-term educational success, benefiting teachers, learners, and parents. (shrink)

This study explores the challenges facing Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School learners from rural origins as they experience an urban shift concerning their mental health and academic performance. In addition, interventions to support the adaptation of such learners are recommended. A qualitative phenomenological approach was used, including in-depth semi-structured interviews with 15 Grade 11 STEM Pre-Science learners. The rural-to-urban transition presents quite a challenge in the lives of these students as they face culture shock, new learning modalities, environmental (...) discomfort, schedule adjustment, and loneliness in living away from family members. These issues lead to stress and alienation, thus challenging academic and personal adjustment. The study calls for focused interventions, such as intensified AdDU- SHS Wellness and Testing Center support, structured orientation programs, and mental health services. Future research should be conducted to determine this transition's long-term academic and psychological effects. (shrink)

This research investigates how innovative management strategies employed by Generation Z educators in secondary schools enhance teaching effectiveness and boost student learning outcomes. It particularly emphasizes the integration of digital technologies to align teaching methods with the learning preferences of Generation Z students and to promote educational equity through community involvement. Utilizing a case study framework, Creswell (2014) assesses the influence of digital tools and collaborative initiatives with parents, local leaders, and other stakeholders on educational practices. The results indicate that (...) Generation Z teachers, being digital natives, possess distinct technological skills that disrupt conventional teaching approaches. Their implementation of interactive, technology-driven methods increases student engagement and fosters equitable learning opportunities. Additionally, community participation is crucial in promoting educational equity and enhancing student achievement. The research concludes that institutions need to modify their teaching practices to include digital tools and create inclusive learning environments, ensuring that future educators are adequately equipped to meet the challenges of the digital era and effectively cater to the varying needs of learners. (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)

While generative AI has been embraced as a powerful tool for research, its integration into academic workflows has paradoxically undermined productivity in several ways. This essay explores four key challenges: secondary source of anxiety, where overreliance on AI-generated summaries fosters doubt about source credibility and scholarly rigor; operational inefficiency, as AI often generates redundant or misleading outputs that necessitate extensive verification; the hidden labor of AI integration, requiring researchers to develop new skills and oversight mechanisms to manage AI-driven processes; and (...) ethical ambiguity, as evolving AI capabilities blur the boundaries of authenticity, originality, and responsible scholarship. These issues are further compounded by diverging institutional and cultural perspectives on what constitutes legitimate intellectual contribution. As AI continues to evolve, so too must the research communities’ strategies for its responsible use—ensuring it functions as a tool for discovery rather than a bottleneck of informational chaos that stifles innovation. (shrink)

This study examines the dynamic relationship between face-saving mechanisms—proxied by age, income, and gender—and the peers’ safe-driving information on the driving behaviors of Chinese drivers. Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) and Granular Interaction Thinking Theory (GITT) to analyze data from 1,039 Chinese drivers, we uncover a complex interplay of factors. Our findings suggest that peers serving as role models and actively supporting careful driving positively influence drivers’ safe driving behaviors. The effect of role-model peers is strengthened among drivers with (...) higher age and income levels. In contrast, the impact of actively engaged peers is lower among these groups and male drivers (though the gender’s negative moderation effect is weakly reliable). These results highlight the crucial role of peer influence in promoting safe driving and underscore the dynamic effects of cultural values, particularly face-saving concerns, on drivers’ cognitive and behavioral processes in China. (shrink)

In this paper, I consult with Google’s Gemini concerning the content of the article [1] produced with the help of openAI Deep Research. Then the exercise continues with article [2], which is written by a human researcher. When a new ingredient [3] is added to the party, we can also see how Gemini evaluates its usefulness to the previous analyses. Then, I move on to checking new changes in Gemini’s opinions when a third review, also by a human [4], is (...) introduced. Since all the questions are straightforward to understand, there is no need for me to make any substantial edits to Gemini’s. (shrink)

Informed and guided by ecosystemic thinking, the author addresses the question: What do we need to learn for the sake of dwelling and flourishing with our ‘natural others’ (human beings and all else that exists in our planet) in our era of technological dominance and perverse economic growth which, like a runaway train, continues to accelerate at the expense of natural, social and human capital? Through the storied experiences of Jean Jacques Rousseau, Karl Marx, and Max Weber, the fundamental character (...) of dwelling is interpreted as being-at-home in our world by safeguarding, caring and being a gracious guest in our mutual relationship with natural others. As earthly dwellers the author makes a case for the need to _ever learn_ to be _Guardians_ and _Gracious Guests_ of our natural others by bringing heart and soul into our relationships, including business relationships. This reflective article concludes with three practical exercises for being a Guardian and a Gracious Guest that can be used in organizations and in classrooms. Practical, not in terms of “how-to” but rather practice as a choice and decision between possibilities. (shrink)

Current organizational design, as it pertains to both private and public organizations, assumes that they are bound and separate from the larger society or community they exist in. In this context, leaders tend to make decisions out of the narrow self-interest of their organizations and the systems within which they are embedded rather than contemplating the resultant impact of those decisions on the broader network of interdependent systems. In this essay we argue that the traditional leadership paradigms are not serving (...) humanity well and that individual leaders need to break down the siloed thinking that dominates within various types of organizations and to promote a mindset of interdependence. In our view, there needs to be a much broader recognition of the interdependence of various systems in society by those who have the responsibility for leading, particularly our political leaders. Unfortunately, however, there are powerful political and economic impediments to our political leaders embracing this mindset of interdependence. We offer some practices to promote a greater awareness of organizational interdependence and discuss some of the implications that this shift in mindset has for organizational leaders in society. (shrink)

Dominion-driven stewardship, which stages human interventions with an anthropocentric lens, externalises problems. We present consciousness-centered stewardship, seen through the Māori ethic of kaitiakitanga, as the missing connective tissue that looks to fix ourselves. We advocate an approach that appreciates a collective self-intelligence in the world and being a steward with a “conscious mind” as part of a transformative way forward. Sustainable development from this perspective thus includes paying attention to personal growth.

This paper presents a conceptual framework proposed by the Loka Initiative for building inner, community, and planetary resilience as a unified vision and goal. Titled “A Framework for Deep Resilience in the Anthropocene,” the framework emerged from a three-day dialogue with over 40 researchers, academics, community experts, clinical psychologists, and contemplative leaders who participated in the Resilience in the Anthropocene Summit from August 8–10, 2023. We propose that a unified goal of inner, community, and planetary resilience is necessary to subvert (...) and overturn systems built upon the unsustainable extraction and exploitation of natural resources, including humans. We posit that individuals, communities, organizations, Indigenous communities and faith groups, and governments can benefit from considering how they integrate this framework of Deep Resilience as part of their internal, strategic, design, and management decision-making processes. (shrink)

How would organizations act differently if they embodied an ecological imagination? In 2022, The BTS Center convened a group of leaders from seven cross-sector organizations working in the non-profit and higher education sectors to explore this question in the context of a year-long cross-sector co-learning community. Our research employed a qualitative research framework that aimed for thick descriptions of leaders’ experiences by field noting large group sessions, breakout groups, site visits, and one-on-one conversations with participants. The research identifies and describes (...) several distinct patterns that emerged when leaders re-imagined their leadership via an ecological lens. These include: the importance of spaciousness for cultural transformation, the power of non-profit cultural norming through the concept of the “Non-Profit Industrial Complex,” and, most significantly, how shifts in organizational self-perception led to new ways of understanding leadership, metrics, and organizational identity; all while respecting the existing limits of leaders’ institutional and moral agency. This research also noted the perceptions, postures, and practices that cultivate earth-shaped leadership, including the importance of seeing health before growth, being curious and adaptable, creating personal differentiation from one’s professional identity, practicing spaciousness, and tending relationships. (shrink)

The central question that this special issue poses is ‘What will allow new systemic approaches to emerge that include all humans and all living beings in the benefits of life, rather than expecting some to suffer for the benefit of others?’ This paper argues that a key starting point for systems change, and the changed awareness or awakening that it brings, is developing new narratives or stories that form the basis for new core cultural mythologies, replacing currently dominant social imaginaries, (...) which describe how people envision and act in their worlds, that are no longer fit for purpose. Today’s polycrisis, a set of intersecting, intractable and civilization threatening crises, means that more people need to work considerably more effectively to catalyze the systemic transformations so desperately needed. Developing and deploying new ecological-social (eco-social) imaginaries based in principles (among others) of relationality, equity, inclusiveness, and flourishing for all beings is an important step to moving transformational change efforts forward; indeed, it is core to the catalysis process needed for transformative change. Doing that, change makers can potentially work to build eco-social imaginaries that enable humans to find ways to live, as many Indigenous peoples have done for millennia, within the constraints of Earth’s capacities. Two recent examples, the Natural Social Contract and the Regenerative Lens, underscore the potential and possibilities for creating powerful, positive, and inspiring new narratives to develop holistic new visions that can potential inform needed new eco-social imaginaries. (shrink)

Based on a condensed historical overview of management as an artifact, the article argues that management is still suffused by an implicit paradigm of value extraction that is ideologically and culturally tinted and that we need to find a new foothold in theory and practice, a more universally valid approach with an encompassing awareness of societal well-being and long-term impact. The radically new approach proposed is based on free energy minimization, a concept from computational neuroscience, as a universally valid principle (...) derived from the biological imperative to survive that holds true for individuals and social systems alike. In order to reduce harmful free energy from entropy and stochastic adversity, an amplified way of perceiving and being aware of reality is required that needs to be cultivated. This is achieved through the guiding principle of Minding, an ongoing process of inner and outer awareness and caring consideration of oneself, others and the world around us, routed in a comprehensive consciousness including awareness of Body sensations, Emotions, Thoughts and Action impulses (BETA). This comprehensive, strategic awareness is proposed as a unifying, contextual framework for individual and collective well-being rather than a categorical imperative, and therefore may, when and where indispensable, include value extraction and value maximization if required for the overall objective of shared, long-term flourishing. The article also presents examples of implementation of the proposed approach for both individuals and organizations and briefly introduces MBSAT-Mindfulness-based Strategic Awareness Training, a training protocol designed specifically to enhance the competence of Minding, the guiding principle. (shrink)

This paper explores themes of _wildness_, _awakening_ and _transformative learning_ in a land-based MBA leadership course. For twenty years, students have consistently characterized their participation as being a life-changing experience that shapes their personal choices and leadership actions for years afterwards. Many describe personal, social or ecological _awakenings_ that have catalyzed a deeper ethos of connectedness, care and responsibility for the well-being of the planet and future generations. I distinguish _wildness_ from _wilderness_ and consider its role in generating and sustaining (...) culture. I critically examine the MBA as a vehicle for cultivating effective and ethical leaders along with the promise and limitations of _awakened leadership_. I historically contextualize various forms of spiritual and social awakening, review the theoretical foundations of ecological awakening, and warily consider transformative learning as a _pedagogy of awakening_. I outline the overall approach of the leadership course and discuss three primary transformative learning components; _Indigenous pedagogies_, _nature as teacher_, and a range of _transformative practices_. I suggest that wildness offers a distinct pedagogical wellspring for educators working to shift and recalibrate patterns of consciousness and culture and conclude that transformative learning provides a way to integrate a pedagogy of awakening into management education and leadership training. (shrink)

In recent years, higher education researchers and practitioners began to call on higher education institutions (HEIs) to contribute more to the common good by helping to resolve global challenges revolving around sustainable development. For HEIs to fulfill this public mission, I suggest that they critically reflect on ontological assumptions regarding the common good that have been entrenched in the modern civilization; specifically, “mononaturalism” and “dualism” that posit that the singular and common world exists objectively and independently of subjective experiences by (...) humans. Without this critical reflection, HEIs might risk invoking “the scientific truth” to prematurely unify multiple worlds and goods by subjugating nonmodern others à la imperialism and colonialism. At the same time, the modern ontological assumptions have been recently challenged by the decolonial movement that advocates the “pluriverse” or the convivial coexistence of many worlds as well as by the contemplative movement that embraces the co-arising of objective and subjective worlds. Together the two movements show the potential to articulate “multinaturalism” and “nondualism” as new ways of imagining a common world and a common good. To illustrate how this potential might be mobilized to effectively respond to the global challenges created by the modern civilization, I offer a brief case study of the “Co-Innovation University Project” in rural Japan, which aims to establish a new university to facilitate the creation of the pluriverse, a common world that enables the inhabitants of different worlds to co-flourish and enjoy diverse forms of common good. (shrink)