https://philpapers.org 2008-07-01T00:00+00:00 1 daily https://philarchive.org/rec/MALTIO-23 The Importance of Holistically Empowering All Levels of Government Leadership for National Development A nation’s progress is deeply rooted in the quality of its leadership at all levels of government. Effective governance requires more than just political authority—it demands informed decision-making, ethical governance, and strategic planning to achieve sustainable development. Holistically empowering all levels of government leadership is crucial to ensuring that policies are implemented effectively, economic stability is maintained, and the country remains resilient against global and local challenges. Without well-trained and knowledgeable leaders, a nation risks falling into cycles of corruption, inefficiency, and instability. This essay explores the importance of empowering all levels of government leadership, emphasizing how this approach strengthens governance, improves policy implementation, stabilizes the economy, and promotes sustainable national development. Strategic and Balanced Decision-Making When all levels of government leadership—from local officials to national policymakers—are holistically educated and empowered, decision-making becomes more strategic and well-balanced. Informed leaders understand the long-term consequences of their actions and avoid making impulsive or politically motivated choices that could destabilize the country. This ensures that governance is driven by rational planning rather than personal or short-term interests. For example, countries with strong leadership development programs, such as Singapore, have demonstrated how well-informed leaders can create policies that prioritize long-term economic stability and social welfare over immediate political gains. By empowering leaders with knowledge of sustainable development, a nation ensures that progress is not only rapid but also lasting. Strengthening Governance and Accountability Weak leadership structures are often the root cause of corruption and inefficiency. When government leaders lack proper education in governance, economics, and ethics, they become more susceptible to corrupt practices or poor decision-making. Holistically empowering leaders through continuous education, training, and ethical reinforcement ensures a transparent and accountable government. A good example is Scandinavian countries, where leadership development programs emphasize ethics, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. As a result, these countries have some of the lowest corruption levels in the world, proving that well-educated leaders are less likely to engage in corrupt activities. Effective Policy Implementation Even the best policies will fail if they are not implemented properly. Many developing nations struggle with policy execution due to gaps in leadership competency at different government levels. When national leaders create policies without ensuring that local leaders understand and support them, the implementation becomes weak or inconsistent. By empowering leadership across all government levels, policies can be efficiently translated into real-world progress. For example, China’s rapid development was achieved not only through national-level planning but also by ensuring that local government officials were highly trained in economic management, urban planning, and infrastructure development. Economic and Social Stability A country’s economic health depends on leadership that understands economic sustainability. Leaders who rely solely on continuous economic growth without balancing resource management and population control risk creating long-term economic instability. For instance, excessive reliance on resource extraction without reinvesting in sustainable industries has led to economic collapse in countries like Venezuela. In contrast, nations such as Germany have maintained economic stability by ensuring that government leaders at all levels are educated in economic sustainability and long-term planning. Holistic leadership education should emphasize the balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and population regulation. Leaders must understand that wealth creation should serve the long-term needs of the people rather than short-term financial gains. Resilience Against Global and Local Challenges Every country faces challenges, whether from climate change, economic recessions, or political crises. A government with empowered leaders at all levels can respond effectively to these challenges. For example, Japan’s efficient response to natural disasters is a result of well-trained leaders at every level of governance, from local mayors to national emergency coordinators. These leaders are educated in crisis management, ensuring that the country can adapt and recover quickly from disasters. Without holistic leadership training, many nations struggle to respond to crises, leading to unnecessary loss of life, economic damage, and political instability. Encouraging Grassroots Development Sustainable development does not only happen at the national level—it must also be driven from the grassroots. Local government leaders play a crucial role in addressing the needs of their communities. When they are empowered with the right knowledge and skills, they can implement national policies effectively while addressing specific local challenges. A good example is how decentralized governance in Switzerland has allowed local leaders to make independent decisions tailored to their communities’ needs while still aligning with national policies. This has led to high-quality public services and economic development at all levels. Reducing Political Polarization and Populism One of the biggest threats to democracy and governance today is political polarization fueled by misinformation and populism. Leaders who lack a holistic education in governance, economics, and social balance are more likely to manipulate public opinion for personal gain. This leads to societal divisions and weak governance. When leaders are trained to understand the principles of balanced decision-making, they can guide the public towards rational, evidence-based solutions rather than emotional or ideological extremes. Countries that invest in political leadership education, such as Canada, have more stable governments with less political conflict. Enhancing International Relations and Competitiveness A country’s ability to engage in diplomacy, attract foreign investment, and maintain strong trade relations depends on the competency of its leaders. Well-educated and empowered government officials can negotiate better trade agreements, establish beneficial international partnerships, and improve the country’s global reputation. For instance, Singapore has become one of the world’s most competitive economies due to its well-trained leaders who understand global trade dynamics, technology, and economic planning. Without a strong leadership framework, countries struggle to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. Solution: A Holistic Leadership Education System To achieve holistic empowerment of government leadership, a structured and continuous leadership education system must be implemented. This system should include: 1. Integration of Leadership Training in Education – Basic education should include subjects that develop critical thinking, governance principles, and ethical decision-making. 2. Specialized Leadership Training for Government Officials – Ongoing training programs should be provided for government officials at all levels to improve their skills in policy-making, economics, and governance. 3. Application of the Universal Law of Balance in Governance – Leaders should be educated on how to apply balance in decision-making to avoid extreme policies that harm economic and social stability. 4. Transparency and Public Accountability Programs – Public officials should be trained in ethical governance, with strict accountability mechanisms in place. Conclusion Holistically empowering all levels of government leadership is the key to a nation’s sustainable development. When leaders are well-trained, accountable, and knowledgeable about governance, economics, and social balance, they can make informed decisions that benefit the country in the long run. A nation that Invests in its leadership structure strengthens governance, improves policy implementation, stabilizes the economy, and builds resilience against crises. By ensuring that leadership education is integrated into all levels of governance, a country can achieve long-term progress and avoid the pitfalls of corruption, political instability, and economic collapse. A true path to national development lies not just in economic policies but in the empowerment of those who lead the nation. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALBBI Biological Brain Inefficiency and Its Role in Producing Bad Leaders and Ignorant Voters in a Democracy Democracy is built on the principle of an informed citizenry electing competent leaders to govern society. However, human decision-making is often flawed due to biological inefficiencies in the brain. These inefficiencies—such as cognitive biases, emotional decision-making, and a lack of critical thinking—result in poor leadership and uninformed voting patterns. This essay explores how these brain limitations lead to the rise of bad government leaders and ignorant voters and discusses potential solutions to mitigate these issues. 1. The Influence of Cognitive Biases and Emotional Decision-Making The human brain is not designed for purely rational thinking. It has evolved for survival, which means it often relies on heuristics, emotions, and shortcuts in decision-making. Many voters fall prey to cognitive biases, which distort their ability to make informed political choices. Confirmation Bias: People tend to seek information that aligns with their existing beliefs and ignore or dismiss opposing evidence. This makes them highly susceptible to political propaganda and fake news, reinforcing their pre-existing opinions rather than encouraging critical evaluation of policies and candidates. Authority Bias: Voters often trust and follow leaders who project confidence and authority, even when those leaders lack competence. Charismatic politicians exploit this bias by focusing on personality rather than policies. Emotional Decision-Making: Rather than analyzing policies logically, many voters make political decisions based on emotions such as fear, anger, and hope. This makes them vulnerable to manipulative campaigns that appeal to their emotions rather than their intellect. 2. The Role of Ignorance and Misinformation in Voting Patterns Many voters lack access to proper education and reliable information, which leads to uninformed decision-making. Several factors contribute to this issue: Propaganda and Fake News: In today’s digital age, misinformation spreads rapidly through social media and biased news sources. Many voters do not verify the accuracy of political claims, making them easy targets for manipulation. Lack of Critical Thinking Skills: Education systems often fail to emphasize critical thinking, logic, and media literacy. Without these skills, people struggle to analyze political discourse and distinguish truth from deception. Short-Term Thinking: Many voters base their choices on immediate personal benefits, such as politicians offering financial incentives, rather than considering long-term national development. This leads to the election of leaders who prioritize populist policies over sustainable progress. 3. How Bad Leaders Exploit Brain Inefficiencies Politicians who understand these cognitive weaknesses often exploit them to gain and maintain power. Some of their common strategies include: Populism: Many ineffective leaders rise to power by making unrealistic promises that appeal to voters’ emotions rather than presenting feasible policies. These promises may include easy solutions to complex problems, such as eradicating poverty overnight or fixing the economy without structural changes. Fear Tactics: Some politicians manipulate public fear to secure votes. They may exaggerate crime rates, economic threats, or foreign dangers to convince people that only they can provide security and stability. Charismatic Leadership Over Competence: Many voters are drawn to leaders with strong personalities rather than those with technical knowledge or governance experience. This results in elections becoming popularity contests rather than assessments of actual capability. 4. The Consequences of Ignorant Voting and Bad Leadership The failure of voters to critically assess candidates leads to long-term consequences: Corruption and Mismanagement: Inept leaders often prioritize personal gain and political survival over public welfare, leading to inefficient governance, corruption, and economic decline. Weak Institutions: When unqualified leaders control government agencies, they weaken institutions by appointing incompetent officials, undermining checks and balances, and eroding democratic principles. Cyclical Poverty and Underdevelopment: Poor governance results in policies that fail to address economic inequality, educational deficiencies, and healthcare inefficiencies, trapping societies in a cycle of underdevelopment. 5. Possible Solutions to Improve Democratic Decision-Making To counteract the negative effects of brain inefficiencies on democratic governance, societies must implement long-term solutions: Educational Reform: Schools should emphasize critical thinking, logic, and media literacy from an early age. Teaching students how to evaluate political claims, fact-check information, and identify biases can create a more informed electorate. Fact-Checking Mechanisms: Governments, independent organizations, and media outlets should promote fact-checking to counter misinformation. Encouraging citizens to rely on credible sources rather than propaganda can reduce the influence of fake news. Merit-Based Leadership Selection: While democracy allows for free elections, implementing stricter qualifications for political candidates—such as requiring a background in governance, law, or economics—can help ensure that only competent individuals assume leadership roles. Technology and AI in Governance: AI-driven platforms could be developed to provide unbiased political analysis, helping voters make more rational decisions based on data rather than emotions. Conclusion The inefficiencies of the human brain—such as cognitive biases, emotional decision-making, and susceptibility to misinformation—contribute significantly to the election of bad government leaders and the prevalence of ignorant voting in democratic systems. However, by improving education, strengthening fact-checking mechanisms, and encouraging merit-based leadership, societies can minimize these weaknesses and enhance democratic governance. A well-informed electorate is essential for a functional democracy, and addressing these biological limitations is a necessary step toward a better political future. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALTLO-18 The Limits of Capitalism in Job Creation Amidst Market Saturation Introduction Capitalism has long been regarded as the dominant economic system for driving innovation, production, and job creation. Its foundation lies in free markets, competition, and the continuous cycle of supply and demand. However, as markets become saturated with products—many of which provide little real value—the system begins to show its limitations. While capitalism has mechanisms to sustain job creation, these are often based on artificial demand, wasteful production, and unsustainable consumption patterns. This essay explores whether capitalism can continue to generate jobs in an economy filled with unnecessary goods and whether a shift toward a more balanced economic model could provide a long-term solution. The Limits of Job Creation in a Saturated Market In a healthy economy, demand for goods and services drives production, which in turn creates employment opportunities. However, when markets become oversaturated, the natural cycle of capitalism is disrupted. Diminishing Demand: Once consumers already own most of what they need, and new products offer little additional value, demand slows. This stagnation can lead to reduced production, layoffs, and even business closures. Overproduction and Waste: Many companies continue to produce goods regardless of actual demand, leading to excess inventory, wasted resources, and environmental harm. For example, the fashion industry is notorious for overproducing clothing, much of which ends up in landfills. Short-Term vs. Long-Term Employment: Capitalism can create jobs temporarily by constantly introducing new products. However, if those products are low-quality or unnecessary, workers face instability when companies shut down due to lack of sustainable demand. The Role of Artificial Demand in Sustaining Capitalism To counteract market saturation, capitalism relies on mechanisms that create artificial demand: Aggressive Marketing and Consumerism: Companies invest heavily in advertising to convince consumers that they need new products, even when their old ones still function. This leads to excessive consumption driven by psychological rather than practical needs. Planned Obsolescence: Many industries intentionally design products with limited lifespans so that consumers must replace them frequently. Electronics manufacturers, for instance, often create devices that become obsolete within a few years, ensuring continuous sales. Financial Leverage and Debt: Credit cards, loans, and installment plans enable consumers to buy beyond their financial means, artificially inflating demand. However, this reliance on debt can lead to economic instability and financial crises. Can Capitalism Adapt to Meaningful Job Creation? For capitalism to remain viable in the long term, it must transition from a wasteful, profit-driven model to one that prioritizes sustainable and meaningful job creation. Some possible solutions include: Shifting to a Circular Economy: Encouraging businesses to produce durable, repairable, and recyclable goods can reduce waste while still supporting employment. Industries like renewable energy and sustainable agriculture offer opportunities for job growth without environmental harm. Investing in Essential Industries: Healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology sectors provide long-term value to society. Redirecting economic focus toward these areas can create stable employment and improve overall quality of life. Basic Income and Job Redistribution: As automation and market saturation reduce labor demand, alternative models like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and job-sharing programs could ensure financial stability while reducing unnecessary work. The Universal Law of Balance in Economic Systems A crucial consideration is whether capitalism can align with the universal law of balance in nature. The current system prioritizes unchecked economic growth, often at the cost of environmental and societal equilibrium. Implementing a homeostasis-driven economic approach—where production aligns with actual needs rather than artificial demand—could create a more sustainable model for job creation. Conclusion Capitalism, in its traditional form, struggles to create sustainable employment in a world saturated with unnecessary products. While short-term solutions like artificial demand and planned obsolescence temporarily sustain jobs, they ultimately lead to instability and resource depletion. A more balanced economic approach—rooted in sustainability, meaningful industries, and the universal law of balance—could provide a long-term solution. If capitalism is to survive and evolve, it must move beyond the endless cycle of consumption and embrace a model that prioritizes genuine human and environmental well-being. https://philarchive.org/rec/DUNTNB In Mark Timmons (ed.), _Oxford Studies in Normative Ethics_. Oxford, UK: Oxford University Press. pp. 149-169. 2022 https://philarchive.org/rec/ALMGHT _Diametros_ 22 (82):53-63. 2025In their recent article in this journal, Giubilini, Gur-Arie, and Jamrozik argue that there is more to expertise than individual healthcare professionals’ knowledge of their fields. To be an expert is to be recognized as a credible authority, they explain, and being a credible authority necessitates trust. Among the core ethical principles they identify for trustworthy experts in medicine and healthcare are honesty, humility, and transparency. Here I aim to affirm these authors’ linkage of expertise and trust by decoupling both from a presumptive norm of transparency. My suggestion is not that medical or healthcare experts should lie or deceive, but that articulating their credible authority in terms of transparency mischaracterizes things. We see this in several ways: through the negative epistemic effects of a general norm of expert transparency, the importance of discretion in healthy trust relations, and the need for relationally responsive interpretation in how medical and health experts communicate with different patients and publics across social-epistemic difference. https://philarchive.org/rec/ABECOB In Dima Mohammed & Marcin Lewinski (eds.), _Virtues of argumentation: Proceedings of the 10th International Conference of the Ontario Society for the Study of Argumentation (OSSA), May 22–25, 2013_. OSSA. 2014For the last decade there has been a growing interest in the interplay between mathematical practice and argumentation. The study of each of these areas promises to shed light on the other, as I and several other authors from a variety of disciplines have argued. I am particularly grateful to Begoña Carrascal for her careful critique of some central assumptions of this programme, as such challenges are vital for its long-term success. In this commentary, I wish to respond to two of her main points in a similar spirit. She writes: “From a review of many of the papers [of the programme]... we can extract two main ideas. First, Johnson’s influential definition placed a burden on many of their authors to justify the claim that mathematical products are argumentative. Second, there is a manifest tension in these works between the examples of mathematical products considered as arguments and the process that leads to them” (Carrascal, 2013, p. 6). I will address each of these ideas in turn.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=ABECOB&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fscholar.uwindsor.ca%2Fossaarchive%2FOSSA10%2Fpapersandcommentaries%2F35">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/MALTPA-12 The Pros and Cons of Religion in Human Society Religion has been a central part of human civilization for thousands of years, shaping moral values, cultural traditions, and social structures. While it has inspired great acts of kindness, unity, and artistic expression, it has also been a source of conflict, division, and oppression. The impact of religion on society is complex, with both positive and negative aspects that influence human behavior and progress. This essay explores the benefits and drawbacks of religion, examining how it has shaped societies throughout history. The Pros of Religion In Society 1. Moral and Ethical Guidance One of the primary functions of religion is to provide a moral framework that guides human behavior. Many religious teachings promote values such as compassion, honesty, justice, and respect for others. Throughout history, religious principles have served as the foundation for legal systems and ethical standards. For example, the Ten Commandments in Christianity and Judaism, the Five Precepts in Buddhism, and the moral teachings of Islam have all contributed to the development of societal laws and norms. 2. Community and Social Support Religious institutions create a sense of belonging and social cohesion. They bring people together through shared beliefs, rituals, and traditions. In times of crisis, religious communities provide emotional and financial support to those in need. Churches, mosques, temples, and other religious centers often serve as safe spaces where individuals can seek guidance and assistance. This sense of community strengthens social bonds and provides comfort during difficult times. 3. Psychological and Emotional Comfort Faith offers hope, meaning, and purpose to people, especially when facing hardship, grief, or uncertainty. Many individuals turn to religion to find solace in times of illness, loss, or personal struggles. Prayer, meditation, and religious rituals provide psychological relief and help people develop resilience against life’s challenges. The belief in a higher power or an afterlife can give individuals a sense of peace, reducing anxiety and fear of the unknown. 4. Charity and Humanitarian Efforts Many religious organizations engage in charitable work, helping the poor, sick, and marginalized. Religious teachings often encourage acts of kindness, generosity, and service to others. For example, Christian missionary groups build schools and hospitals, Islamic charities provide food and shelter to those in need, and Buddhist monks dedicate their lives to helping the less fortunate. This commitment to charity has led to the establishment of numerous non-profit organizations that improve lives worldwide. 5. Cultural and Artistic Contributions Religion has played a crucial role in inspiring some of the greatest artistic, literary, and architectural achievements in history. Religious themes are evident In the works of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and many other artists. Cathedrals, temples, and mosques showcase the architectural brilliance of different civilizations. Sacred texts, hymns, and poetry have enriched literature and music across cultures. Without religion, many of these masterpieces might not exist. 6. Social Cohesion and Stability Shared religious beliefs help unify societies by fostering cooperation, mutual understanding, and social order. Many religious teachings emphasize peace, forgiveness, and reconciliation, which can prevent conflicts and promote harmony within communities. Religious institutions often encourage people to live virtuous lives and contribute positively to society, reinforcing stability and reducing crime. 7. Influence on Personal Discipline and Growth Religious practices encourage self-discipline, self-improvement, and mindfulness. Fasting, prayer, meditation, and other spiritual exercises help individuals cultivate patience, humility, and inner peace. Many religions promote the idea of lifelong learning and personal development, urging followers to strive for a better version of themselves. The Cons of Religion in Society 1. Dogmatism and Resistance to Change While religion provides moral guidance, some religious institutions resist change and scientific progress. Throughout history, religious groups have opposed advancements in medicine, education, and human rights. The rejection of scientific discoveries, such as heliocentrism and evolution, demonstrates how religious dogma can hinder intellectual progress. 2. Division and Conflict Religious differences have been a source of wars, persecution, and social divisions. The Crusades, religious wars in Europe, and conflicts between different faiths have resulted in immense suffering. Even today, religious extremism and sectarian violence continue to fuel tensions in many parts of the world. Instead of uniting people, religion can sometimes create barriers between different groups. 3. Suppression of Individual Freedom Some religious doctrines impose strict rules on personal behavior, limiting individual freedom and self-expression. In certain religious societies, people face restrictions on their dress, career choices, and even personal relationships. Gender inequality, discrimination against LGBTQ+ individuals, and restrictions on freedom of thought are often justified using religious texts. This suppression of freedom can prevent people from living fulfilling lives according to their own beliefs. 4. Exploitation and Corruption Religious institutions have been used as tools for personal and political gain. Corrupt leaders have exploited followers for financial and political power. Cases of sexual abuse, fraud, and manipulation within religious organizations have damaged trust in religious institutions. When religious leaders misuse their influence for selfish purposes, it harms believers and weakens the moral authority of religion. 5. Psychological Fear and Guilt Some religious teachings instill fear of punishment, such as eternal damnation or divine wrath. This can create guilt and anxiety in individuals, leading to feelings of unworthiness or depression. The emphasis on sin and repentance can sometimes lead people to develop an unhealthy relationship with their own desires and emotions. 6. Impediment to Scientific Thinking In some cases, religious beliefs conflict with scientific knowledge, discouraging rational inquiry and critical thinking. Many religious traditions reject evidence-based theories like evolution and the Big Bang, promoting faith over reason. This resistance to scientific understanding can slow progress in fields such as medicine, environmental science, and technology. 7. Overpopulation and Societal Issues Certain religious teachings discourage birth control and family planning, leading to overpopulation and resource scarcity. In countries where religious beliefs strongly influence policy, restrictions on contraception contribute to high poverty rates and environmental degradation. Without proper population control, societal issues such as hunger, unemployment, and lack of healthcare become more severe. Conclusion Religion has been both a unifying force and a source of division in human history. It provides moral guidance, community support, and psychological comfort, while also inspiring charity and cultural achievements. However, it can also contribute to conflict, suppression of individual freedoms, and resistance to progress. A balanced approach—one that respects religious traditions while promoting critical thinking and secular governance—can help societies maximize the benefits of religion while minimizing its negative effects. By encouraging open-mindedness and ethical responsibility, humans can ensure that religion continues to serve as a positive force in the modern world. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALFAQ https://philarchive.org/rec/MALWGB Why Governments Become Corrupt: The Role of Power, Education, and Moral Values Corruption is one of the most persistent problems in governance, affecting societies across different political and economic systems. It undermines democracy, weakens institutions, and diverts resources meant for public welfare into private hands. While corruption is often associated with greed and abuse of power, its roots go much deeper, extending to failures in the educational system and the erosion of family moral values. This essay explores the reasons behind government corruption and how systemic failures in education and morality contribute to its persistence. 1. Power Without Accountability One of the primary reasons governments become corrupt is the unchecked power held by officials. When political leaders and bureaucrats operate without sufficient oversight, they are more likely to misuse public funds, manipulate policies, and engage in bribery or favoritism. In many countries, weak democratic institutions fail to impose consequences on corrupt individuals, allowing them to act with impunity. The absence of transparency in decision-making processes further enables corruption to thrive, as citizens are kept in the dark about how their governments operate. 2. Weak Legal and Political Institutions Corruption flourishes in environments where legal frameworks exist but are not enforced. Many countries have anti-corruption laws, yet enforcement is selective or non-existent. This failure is often due to political interference in the judiciary, where corrupt leaders appoint judges who will protect them from prosecution. Furthermore, when law enforcement agencies themselves are corrupt, they fail to investigate and punish those in power. This creates a vicious cycle where corruption becomes the norm rather than the exception. 3. The Role of Greed and Self-Interest Human nature, particularly the pursuit of wealth and status, plays a significant role in government corruption. Many officials prioritize their personal and political interests over the welfare of the people they serve. Bribery, embezzlement, and fraud become tempting options for those seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of society. Additionally, political patronage—where politicians use their power to reward loyal supporters with government positions or contracts—further entrenches corruption. 4. The Failure of the Educational System One of the overlooked causes of corruption is the failure of the educational system to instill ethical values and critical thinking. Education is supposed to shape responsible citizens, but in many countries, the system is focused on rote learning rather than teaching morality, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership. Schools and universities often do not provide students with the tools to question authority, recognize corruption, or demand transparency from their leaders. Moreover, when the education system itself is corrupt—through bribery in admissions, fake diplomas, or unqualified teachers—it sets a dangerous precedent. Students grow up believing that success can be achieved through dishonest means, reinforcing the idea that corruption is an acceptable part of life. Without a strong moral foundation in education, future generations are more likely to participate in or tolerate corrupt practices. 5. The Decline of Family Moral Values Family plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s ethical beliefs and behaviors. However, in many societies, traditional moral values that emphasize honesty, integrity, and accountability are declining. Parents, preoccupied with economic survival, may fail to teach their children the importance of moral principles. In some cases, families themselves engage in corrupt behaviors—such as paying bribes to secure jobs or influencing government officials for personal gain—sending the message that corruption is a necessary survival strategy. Religious and cultural institutions, which once played a significant role in promoting ethical behavior, have also lost influence in many societies. As materialism and individualism grow stronger, the collective responsibility for upholding moral values weakens. When individuals lack strong moral guidance from their families and communities, they are more likely to justify corrupt actions when they gain positions of power. 6. Economic Pressures and Low Salaries Economic hardship can also drive corruption, especially in developing nations where government employees are underpaid. When officials struggle to meet their basic needs, they may resort to accepting bribes, embezzling funds, or engaging in illicit activities to supplement their income. In such environments, corruption becomes a survival mechanism rather than just a moral failure. 7. Corporate Influence and Political Lobbying The influence of powerful corporations over government policies is another major driver of corruption. Large businesses often fund political campaigns, expecting favorable policies in return. This results in leaders prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. When governments are captured by private interests, policies that should benefit the majority are distorted to serve a wealthy elite. 8. The Lack of Civic Engagement and Public Awareness When citizens do not actively participate in governance or demand accountability, corrupt leaders face little resistance. A disengaged population allows corruption to thrive because there is no pressure for change. In many cases, people feel powerless or fear retaliation for speaking out against corrupt officials. Strengthening civic awareness through education, media, and public activism is essential in the fight against corruption. Solutions: Restoring Integrity Through Education and Morality To combat corruption effectively, reforms must address not only political and legal structures but also educational and moral foundations: Strengthening the Educational System: Schools must incorporate ethics, civic responsibility, and critical thinking into their curriculum. Teachers should emphasize honesty and accountability, ensuring that students understand the long-term consequences of corruption. Rebuilding Family Moral Values: Families must take a more active role in teaching children about integrity and social responsibility. Parents should set examples by refusing to participate in corrupt practices. Enforcing Strong Anti-Corruption Laws: Governments must ensure that laws against corruption are applied equally, regardless of political or economic status. Independent judicial bodies should oversee investigations and prosecutions. Improving Transparency in Governance: Public access to government transactions and decision-making processes must be expanded to reduce opportunities for corruption. Digital tools, such as open data platforms, can help track government spending and prevent misuse of funds. Encouraging Citizen Participation: People must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable. This includes supporting investigative journalism, encouraging whistleblowers, and engaging in peaceful protests or advocacy movements. Conclusion Government corruption is a complex issue rooted in systemic failures, economic pressures, and ethical erosion. While power, greed, and weak institutions contribute to corruption, the failure of the educational system and the decline of moral values play an equally significant role. Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that not only strengthens laws and institutions but also reforms education and restores ethical foundations within families. Only through a collective effort to instill integrity at all levels of society can corruption be effectively minimized, paving the way for just and accountable governance. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALWAS-3 Why Are Some Countries Rich While Others Remain Poor? The economic disparity between rich and poor countries has been a persistent issue throughout history. While some nations have achieved immense wealth and prosperity, others continue to struggle with poverty. Understanding the reasons behind this divide requires an examination of historical, geographical, economic, political, and social factors. This essay explores the key reasons why many countries are rich while a few remain poor. 1. Historical Factors History plays a crucial role in shaping a nation’s economic status. Many poor countries today were former colonies that suffered from resource exploitation and underdevelopment. European colonial powers extracted wealth from Africa, Asia, and Latin America, leaving many of these nations with weak institutions and economies upon gaining independence. In contrast, countries that industrialized early, such as the United Kingdom, Germany, and the United States, established strong economies that continue to thrive today. The Industrial Revolution provided a major economic advantage to early adopters, enabling them to develop infrastructure, create jobs, and expand global trade. Meanwhile, countries that missed out on early industrialization, such as many in sub-Saharan Africa, were left behind. 2. Geographical Factors Geography also significantly influences a country’s wealth. Nations with abundant natural resources, such as oil (e.g., Saudi Arabia, Norway) or minerals (e.g., Australia, Canada), have the potential to generate immense wealth. However, having natural resources alone does not guarantee prosperity. For example, countries like the Democratic Republic of Congo have rich mineral deposits but remain poor due to corruption and conflict. Climate and agriculture also play a role. Many rich countries have temperate climates that support large-scale farming, while tropical nations struggle with unpredictable weather, soil depletion, and diseases such as malaria. Countries with difficult terrain, such as landlocked nations or those with deserts, often face challenges in trade and infrastructure development. 3. Economic Systems and Policies The economic policies adopted by a country can determine its success or failure. Market economies that promote free trade, entrepreneurship, and investment tend to prosper. Countries with strong property rights and competitive markets attract both domestic and foreign investments, leading to innovation and growth. Examples include the United States, Japan, and South Korea. On the other hand, nations with excessive government control over the economy, high taxes, and restrictions on trade often struggle. Command economies, such as North Korea, have failed to generate sustainable growth due to rigid economic structures and limited incentives for businesses. Additionally, some poor countries rely too much on a single industry or export, making them vulnerable to economic downturns. 4. Political and Institutional Factors Political stability and strong institutions are critical for economic success. Countries with effective governments, the rule of law, and low corruption create an environment where businesses can thrive. Switzerland and Singapore, for instance, have strong governance systems that encourage investment and innovation. In contrast, many poor nations suffer from political instability, corruption, and weak institutions. Governments in countries like Venezuela and Sudan mismanage resources, leading to economic collapse. War and conflict also hinder development by destroying infrastructure and discouraging investment. 5. Education and Human Capital A well-educated population is essential for economic growth. Rich countries invest heavily in education, ensuring that their citizens acquire the skills needed for high-paying jobs and technological advancements. Nations like Finland and South Korea have strong education systems that contribute to their economic success. Conversely, many poor countries struggle with low literacy rates, limited access to education, and brain drain—where skilled workers migrate to wealthier nations in search of better opportunities. Without a skilled workforce, economic progress becomes difficult. 6. Trade and Globalization Access to international markets is another key factor in determining a country’s wealth. Wealthy nations benefit from global trade, exporting high-value products and services. Countries like Germany and China have built strong economies through manufacturing and exports. On the other hand, some poor countries face trade restrictions, tariffs, and economic dependency on a single export, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations. Additionally, reliance on foreign aid can sometimes create a cycle of dependency rather than fostering self-sufficiency. 7. Demographics and Population Growth Population growth can be both a blessing and a challenge. Rich countries tend to have balanced population growth, allowing for sustainable economic expansion. Countries like Canada and Sweden manage their populations well through immigration and social policies. However, many poor nations experience rapid population growth without corresponding economic development. Overpopulation strains resources, leads to high unemployment, and makes it difficult for governments to provide education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Countries like Nigeria and Bangladesh struggle with these challenges. 8. Cultural and Social Factors Cultural attitudes toward work, productivity, and governance also shape a nation’s economic success. Societies that value innovation, discipline, and economic planning tend to prosper. Countries like Japan and Germany emphasize efficiency and technological progress, contributing to their wealth. Additionally, gender equality and economic inclusion play a role in national prosperity. Countries that empower women and minorities to participate in the workforce experience higher economic growth. In contrast, societies with restrictive social norms often limit their economic potential. Conclusion The wealth disparity between nations is not due to a single factor but a combination of historical, geographical, economic, political, and social influences. While rich countries benefit from strong institutions, innovation, and stable governance, poor nations often struggle with corruption, weak infrastructure, and rapid population growth. However, with the right policies—such as investing in education, strengthening institutions, and promoting economic diversification—poorer countries can improve their economic standing. By understanding these factors, nations can work toward closing the gap and ensuring a more balanced global economy. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALPAA-4 Poverty as a Product of Systemic Failure, Violation of Balance, and Ignorance By: Angelito Enriquez Malicse Introduction Poverty is not merely an economic condition; it is a deeply rooted social issue that stems from systemic failure, violation of balance, and ignorance. While poverty is often viewed as an individual problem, it is, in reality, a consequence of flawed institutions, unsustainable practices, and a lack of proper education. When societies fail to establish equitable systems, disrupt the natural balance of resources, and allow ignorance to thrive, they create conditions where poverty becomes inevitable. This essay explores how these three fundamental factors contribute to the persistence of poverty and how they can be addressed through a more structured and holistic approach. Systemic Failure: The Structural Root of Poverty Poverty does not arise in isolation; it is a direct consequence of systemic failures within economic, political, and social structures. Societies that fail to establish fair economic policies, effective governance, and accessible social services create environments where large portions of the population struggle to meet their basic needs. 1. Corrupt Governance and Wealth Concentration Many governments, particularly in developing nations, misallocate resources due to corruption, leading to inefficiency and economic inequality. Instead of distributing wealth fairly, corrupt leaders allow a small elite to control national resources while the rest of the population remains impoverished. This imbalance makes it nearly impossible for the poor to break free from their conditions. 2. Unregulated Capitalism and Economic Exploitation Capitalism, when left unchecked, often prioritizes profit over people. Large corporations exploit labor by paying unfair wages, reducing access to job security, and minimizing social benefits. This system traps workers in a cycle of poverty where they are overworked but underpaid, unable to save or improve their living conditions. 3. Inadequate Social Safety Nets In many societies, social welfare systems are either weak or nonexistent. Without universal access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities, the poor remain stuck In survival mode, unable to invest in their future. In contrast, nations with strong social support systems experience significantly lower poverty rates. Thus, systemic failure creates poverty by failing to distribute wealth fairly, regulate economic policies, and provide safety nets for the vulnerable. Violation of Balance: The Disruption of Sustainable Living Your universal law of balance in nature states that everything must exist in harmony to sustain life. Poverty can be seen as a direct result of the violation of this balance, where human decisions have disrupted the natural and social equilibrium. 1. Overexploitation of Resources The reckless consumption of natural resources by a few nations or corporations leaves entire populations without access to food, clean water, and land. When industries prioritize profit over sustainability, they destroy ecosystems, leading to poverty in regions that depend on these resources for survival. 2. Unsustainable Population Growth Many developing nations experience rapid population growth without corresponding economic development. This creates an imbalance where resources such as food, water, and housing become insufficient to support growing populations, leading to mass poverty. Without proper planning and regulation, countries struggle to maintain sustainable living conditions. 3. Extreme Wealth Disparity and Economic Instability A major violation of balance occurs when a small percentage of people control the majority of a nation’s wealth. This concentration of resources leads to social instability, crime, and reduced economic mobility for the poor. A balanced system would ensure that wealth is distributed fairly so that all individuals have access to opportunities for growth. When societies disrupt the balance between population, resources, and economic distribution, they create unsustainable conditions that lead to widespread poverty. Ignorance: The Barrier to Poverty Eradication Perhaps the most critical cause of poverty is ignorance, which manifests both at the individual and societal levels. Ignorance prevents people from understanding, addressing, and solving the very systems that keep them impoverished. 1. Lack of Education and Critical Thinking Without education, individuals cannot acquire the skills needed to escape poverty. Many impoverished regions suffer from low literacy rates, making it difficult for people to find stable jobs, understand their rights, or challenge unfair systems. A lack of critical thinking skills also allows misinformation and propaganda to control public perception, preventing meaningful change. 2. Cultural and Religious Barriers Many societies hold onto outdated traditions or religious dogma that discourage people from questioning authority, using birth control, or demanding better governance. While faith and tradition can provide social cohesion, they can also reinforce poverty when they discourage progress and education. 3. Misinformation and Media Manipulation The spread of false information, especially through social media and political propaganda, keeps people unaware of the true causes of their suffering. Governments and corporations manipulate public perception, convincing the poor that their situation is unchangeable or that economic inequality is “natural.” As a result, people fail to demand better policies or take action to change their circumstances. Ignorance prevents individuals from recognizing the structural causes of their poverty, keeping them trapped in a cycle of economic hardship. Solutions: Restoring Balance and Systemic Reform If poverty is a product of systemic failure, imbalance, and ignorance, then the solution must involve structural reform, balance restoration, and education. 1. Systemic Change: Governments must regulate capitalism, eliminate corruption, and create fair economic policies that ensure wealth is distributed equitably. 2. Restoring Balance: Countries must implement sustainable development strategies, control population growth through education and planning, and ensure that natural resources are used responsibly. 3. Eliminating Ignorance: A reformed educational system must teach critical thinking, scientific reasoning, and ethical leadership to empower future generations to challenge unjust systems. Your holistic educational approach, based on the universal law of balance in nature, could serve as the foundation for eradicating poverty by reprogramming societal thinking and decision-making at a fundamental level. Conclusion Poverty is not simply an unfortunate condition—it is the result of broken systems, disrupted balance, and widespread ignorance. Governments, corporations, and social structures have failed to provide a fair and sustainable way of living, while economic exploitation and misinformation keep people from rising out of poverty. To truly solve poverty, we must rebuild social systems, restore balance, and educate future generations to think critically and act responsibly. Only through such a holistic, scientifically grounded approach can humanity achieve a world where poverty is no longer a systemic inevitability but a preventable condition. https://philarchive.org/rec/PROACO-6 This collection consolidates these scattered works of Proudhon to provide researchers with citation sources in a paper format. The editing of this collection is a non-profit project. The articles and letters in this collection include: 1837 Application for the Suard Pension 1839 The Celebration of Sunday 1840 Letter to the Members of the Academy of Besançon 1842 Explanations Presented to the Public Minister on the Right of Property Letter to Bergmann 1845 My Testament: or, Society of Avengers 1846 Proudhon To Marx 1847 On the Jews 1848 Letter to Jeanne Deroin The Malthusians, the Representatives of the People Toast to the Revolution 1849 God is Evil, Man is Free In Connection with Louis Blanc: The Present Use and Future Possibility of the State Interest and Principal: A Loan is a Service Interest and Principal: Arguments Drawn from the Operations of the Bank of France Interest and Principal: The Origin of Ground Rent Interest and Principle: The Circulation of Capital, Not Capital Itself, Gives Birth to Progress Letter to Pierre Leroux Parliamentary Isolation The Coming Era of Mutualism The Nature and Destination of Government The State: Its Nature, Object, and Destiny What is Government? What is God? 1850 Dilemma: Red or White 1851 Letter to A. M. Boutteville Letter to Langlois 1852 The Extremes The Social Revolution Demonstrated by the Coup d'Etat of December 2, 1851 Unanimity: Universal Consent 1855 New Propositions Demonstrated in the Practice of Revolutions Propositions: To Leave Behind Abstractions, Utopias, Systems, Doctrines, Theories and Empiricisms of the Parties Schools and Sects 1857 Letter to Villiaumé 1861 Relation of the State and Liberty, According to Modern Right The Theory of Taxation 1864 Letter to Several Workers in Paris and Rouen<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=PROACO-6&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FCollection-Scattered-Articles-Letters-Proudhon%2Fdp%2F3982553628">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/PROTPO-26 Proudhon is renowned for his anarchist ideas, yet his thoughts on federalism have long been overlooked. To such an extent that Proudhon himself wrote in his book that even at that time, his critics did not carefully read his ideas on federalism, but hastily concluded that all his discussions on federation were anarchistic, which greatly frustrated Proudhon. As for this book, The Principle Of Federation and the Need to Reconstitute the Party of Revolution, there is very limited information available on both the English and Chinese Internet. Richard Vernon published an English translation of the book in 1979, but it only covered the main chapters discussing federalism, about 12 chapters in total. However, the original French version of the book consists of 31 chapters. To date, there is no Chinese translation of this book. Therefore, the translator believes that it is highly appropriate to translate the complete version of this book into Chinese and introduce it to the Chinese repository. After revising the Chinese translation, the translator also intends to re-translate the book into an English version to fill the gap of the remaining 19 chapters in the English repository. Proudhon believed that politics, fundamentally, depends on two entirely opposite principles: authority and liberty. One is obedience and belief, while the other is freedom and reason. These two principles are as old as human history itself. The principle of authority is naturally given, while the principle of liberty is derived from thought and reason. Among the various combinations of liberty and authority, Proudhon classified all forms of government in the world into two major categories and four specific types. The two major categories are authoritative regimes and free regimes. In authoritative systems, power is indivisible, whereas in free systems, power is divisible. Every society contains elements of both authority and liberty. Only one kind of constitution can combine order and liberty, stability and justice. And this constitution, ultimately recognized by the people's reason, must be federalism. So, how is federalism established? The author reviews the signing of the contract. To meet the conditions of cooperation and complementarity of the contract, citizens must fulfill the following when joining the contract: 1) The benefits they receive from the state must be equal to the sacrifices they make to the state. 2) They must retain their freedom, sovereignty, and initiative. Proudhon also explicitly pointed out that this stipulated and understood political contract is what is called a federation. The essence of the federal contract is that within this system, the contracting parties—namely, the heads of families, communes, states, provinces, or kingdoms—not only assume obligations to each other but also, through the contract, retain more rights, more freedom, more power, and more property than they have relinquished.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=PROTPO-26&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bookfinder.com%2Fsearch%2F%3Fkeywords%3D978-1-7393257-4-9%26currency%3DUSD%26destination%3Dtr%26mode%3Disbn%26il%3Den%26classic%3Doff%26lang%3Den%26st%3Dsh%26ac%3Dqr%26submit%3D">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/VILHLS _Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal_ 32 (7):836-846. 2025Chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension are significant public health challenges globally, especially in resource-limited rural settings like Barangay Damilag. An increasing incidence of these conditions with limited accessibility to healthcare necessitates effective self-management to improve their outcomes. This study aims to determine the correlation between health literacy, social support, psychological factors, and self-management among chronic disease patients. The study employed descriptive correlational and causal research design, and data were collected from 256 samples using a survey questionnaire. Findings revealed that health literacy (M = 3.55, SD = 0.72) - knowledge of disease (M = 3.60, SD = 0.82, r = 0.218, p =.001), medication management skills (M = 4.07, SD = 0.553, r = 0.038, p =.550), and access to health information (M = 2.97, SD = 0.788, r = 0.123, p =.05) -- significantly predicts self-management by enabling informed decision-making and improved treatment adherence. Social support (M = 3.37, SD = 0.853), such as family (M = 4.04, SD = 0.824, r = 0.627, p =.000), and peers (M = 2.51, SD = 0.895, r = 0.006, p =.929), showed moderate barriers to self-care and improved emotional resilience. Psychological determinants (M = 3.50, SD = 0.858) - self-efficacy (M = 3.61, SD = 0.839, r = 0.714, p =.000), and motivation (M = 3.91, SD = 0.957, r = 0.451, p =.001) - emerged as the strongest predictors of self-management. Through regression and structural equation modeling analyses, the researcher identified causal pathways and the combined impact of these factors on self-management. The study contributes insight for healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and community organizations by highlighting the need for holistic interventions. Recommended strategies to address barriers and optimize self-management include integrating health education, social support systems, and psychological empowerment. https://philarchive.org/rec/FANACA-2 _Asian Journal of Philosophy_. forthcomingRecently, Simon Goldstein and Cameron Domenico Kirk-Giannini have argued that certain existing AI systems are capable of well-being. They consider the three leading approaches to well-being—hedonism, desire satisfactionism, and the objective list approach—and argue that theories of these kinds plausibly imply that some current AI systems are capable of welfare. In this paper, I argue that the leading versions of each of these theories do not imply this. I conclude that we have strong reason to doubt that current AI systems are capable of well-being. https://philarchive.org/rec/SHUBRE-2 _Phenomenological Reviews_. 2024A book review of 'Europe, Phenomenology, and Politics in Husserl and Patočka', by Lorenzo Girardi (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024).<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=SHUBRE-2&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Freviews.ophen.org%2F2024%2F12%2F30%2Florenzo-girardi-europe-phenomenology-and-politics-in-husserl-and-patocka%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/STEGOS-2 _The Pluralist_ 20 (1):117-123. 2025In this philosophical response to Terrance MacMullan’s From American Empire to América Cósmica through Philosophy: Prospero’s Reflection (2023), I engage with his ambitious project of inter-American philosophy and critique of U.S. imperialism. I reflect on our shared positionality as white scholars raised in Spanish-speaking regions and analyze his engagement with philosophers like Pedro Albizu Campos and Gloria Anzaldúa. While praising MacMullan's contributions, I draw upon Anzaldúa's "Geographies of Selves" concept to suggest that more "autohistoria" or self-disclosure would enhance the existential depth and philosophical power of his project.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=STEGOS-2&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fscholarlypublishingcollective.org%2Fpluralist%2Farticle%2F20%2F1%2F117%2F396900%2FGeographies-of-Selves-Haciendo-una-America-Cosmica">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/POSLOC Motivated by the urgency of making explicit "the laws of possible rational passage from one concept to another", which Professor F. William Lawvere brought into figural salience for all to see, here we begin to characterize the space of all mathematical concepts (whose kinship with ordinary concepts was highlighted by none other than Einstein) which determines all possible rational passages between concepts. https://philarchive.org/rec/FERAMO-3 In Christoph Asmuth, Anne Becker & Lea Fink (eds.), _Das Fortleben der Klassischen Deutschen Philosophie in der Kritischen Theorie_. Würzburg: Königshausen & Neumann. pp. 17-30. 2025Adorno´s critique of absolute idealism is beset with considerable hermeneutical errors. Adorno does not fail to notice, however, that Hegel addressed many of the open questions of transcendental idealism and tried to solve them. For example, Adorno recognizes that Hegel criticized Kant and Fichte precisely because they both ultimately advocated a formal conception of subjectivity; Hegel unceasingly stressed instead the importance of the intrinsic unity of subject and object. Furthermore, Adorno acknowledges that Hegel rejected the pure identity of the I as the starting point of the system and claimed that the different conceptions of reality developed by the human mind are based on the successive contradictions of the objects with their own concepts – for Adorno this is the reason why Hegel was able to expound his philosophy on the basis of the thoughts of the subject in the Phenomenology of Spirit and from the determinations of the object in the Science of Logic. Adorno explicitly recognizes that the attempt to develop dialectics from both sides, that is, from the subject and the object, was an advance of Hegel over earlier idealists. Adorno, finally, accepts that, although Hegel characterizes subjectivity as absolute, objectivity plays a decisive role in his philosophy. With Hegel, according to Adorno, idealism reaches its maximum strength and its highest elevation. Now, despite recognizing the advantages of Hegel´s approach Adorno nonetheless maintains that absolute idealism ultimately rests on the radicalization of transcendental idealism, as a further expansion of its basic principle. Hegel disagreed with transcendental idealism, but he did not abandon its main project of deriving all determinacy from subjective thought; he therefore did not contest the priority of the subject. Although Adorno recognizes the value of many of the solutions that Hegel offers to solve the theoretical tensions within transcendental idealism, he thinks that those solutions do not actually resolve these tensions – in Adorno´s eyes they simply cannot be solved within the idealistic paradigm. It is not unfair to say that Adorno misunderstands Hegel´s absolute idealism as a heterodox attempt to further develop Fichte´s philosophical program in a divergent way (especially as it is presented in the Foundation of the Entire Wissenschaftslehre). Adorno´s supposedly ‘immanent’ critique of absolute idealism is in fact based on a highly controversial interpretation of Hegel´s approach, which is to resolve those problematic claims of Kant´s and Fichte´s variants of idealism that Adorno himself considers untenable. https://philarchive.org/rec/CASTRI-7 _AI and Ethics_. forthcomingThe demands of fair machine learning are often expressed in probabilistic terms. Yet, most of the systems of concern are deterministic in the sense that whether a given subject will receive a given score on the basis of their traits is, for all intents and purposes, either zero or one. What, then, can justify this probabilistic talk? We argue that the statistical reference classes used in fairness measures can be understood as defining the probability that hypothetical persons, who are representative of social roles, will receive certain goods. We call these hypothetical persons “representative individuals.” We claim that what we owe to actual, concrete individuals—whose individual chances of receiving the good in the system might be extreme (i.e., either zero or one)—is that their representative individual has an appropriate probability of receiving the good in question. While less immediately intuitive than other approaches, we argue that the representative individual approach has important advantages over other ways of making sense of this probabilistic talk in the context of fair machine learning https://philarchive.org/rec/MALTRB-5 https://philarchive.org/rec/BROWAW-10 _Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences_. forthcomingMotivational trade-off behaviours, where an organism behaves as if flexibly weighing up an opportunity for reward against a risk of injury, are often regarded as evidence that the organism has valenced experiences like pain. This type of evidence has been influential in shifting opinion regarding crabs and insects. Critics note that (i) the precise links between trade-offs and consciousness are not fully known; (ii) simple trade-offs are evinced by the nematode worm Caenorhabditis elegans, mediated by a mechanism plausibly too simple to support conscious experience; (iii) pain can sometimes interfere with rather than support making trade-offs rationally. However, rather than undermining trade-off evidence in general, such cases show that the nature of the trade-off, and its underlying neural substrate, matter. We investigate precisely how. https://philarchive.org/rec/JEOEDN Una línea de polvo de cal sobre un plato bastó para revelar la verdad de su vida. Un torrente de nervios chispeó en su realidad cuando el espejismo se elevó ante sus ojos. Una dosis fácil lo acompañó durante el día, pero la decisión de tragarla fue difícil. https://philarchive.org/rec/AIWWWS _Ai Working Series_. 2025On 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?” https://philarchive.org/rec/LUAACR _Critical Philosophy of Race_. forthcomingIn this critical response, I clarify my critique of the commonly held assumption that racism contradicts Kant’s pure moral philosophy. I explain why Kant’s belated criticisms of some practices of slavery should not be interpreted as a rejection of colonial slavery as an institution. I end with a reflection on the relation between Kant’s philosophy and anti-racism. https://philarchive.org/rec/PALTNO-11 _Synthese_. forthcomingRecent works in epistemology have defended the existence of acquaintance knowledge—a non-propositional form of knowledge constituted by the subject's acquaintance with particulars. A significant obstacle to the epistemic legitimacy of acquaintance knowledge lies in the fact that acquaintance is a descriptive psychological phenomenon, whereas knowledge is a normative one. In this paper, I aim to address this challenge by arguing that introspective acquaintance knowledge—the subject's knowledge of their own experiences constituted by acquaintance with them—exhibits a normative dimension. My argument critically hinges on the role of conscious introspective attention. Based on the idea that a distinctive manifestation of the presence of epistemic normativity has to do (at least) with the possibility for a piece of knowledge to be epistemically better or worse, I will argue that we can have epistemically better or worse introspective acquaintance knowledge and that this depends on the degree of attention that is involved in it. By assuming that possibly being epistemically better or worse implies that a piece of knowledge possibly instantiates different degrees of epistemic goodness, and that conscious introspective attention comes in degrees, I will argue that conscious attention plays a gradual epistemic role in acquaintance knowledge. The paper aims to strengthen the case for introspective acquaintance knowledge as a genuine form of epistemic achievement, governed by attention-based normative standards. https://philarchive.org/rec/TARPNA _Studia Semiotyczne_ 36 (1):63-83. 2022In this article, I argue for two theses. The first is that, among different existing accounts of proper name semantics, indexicalism—a stance that treats proper names as indexical expressions—is best suited to explaining various phenomena exhibited by the use of proper names in fictional discourse. I will discuss these phenomena and compare the solutions offered by traditional descriptivist and causal-historical theories of proper name reference with those proposed by indexicalists. Subsequently, I will offer a novel account of indexicalism about proper names, which uses the apparatus of so-called hybrid expressions (Ciecierski, 2020; Künne, 1992; Predelli, 2006) as an alternative to traditional Kaplanian semantics for demonstratives. I offer an argument explaining why, among the variety of indexical views, one should favour such a hybrid theory over other available ones (e.g., Pelczar, Rainsbury, 1998; Rami, 2014) based on the analysis of “distributed utterances” (McCullagh, 2020) and statements that employ more than one fictional context. https://philarchive.org/rec/JEOSDM Die Unsichtbaren: Die wahre Hölle der Existenz Ich glaube, Camus hat Unrecht. Sisyphus ist verwöhnt. Er hatte wenigstens einen Felsen zum Schieben. Ich glaube, die wahre Hölle ist die Existenz ohne Beobachtung. Wenn niemand dich sieht, existierst du nicht. Du bist kein Mensch. Du bist ein Irrtum. Wenn ich jetzt sterbe, bleibt die Welt unverändert. Nichts wird anders sein. Alles bleibt, wie es war. Die Polizei bekommt einen neuen Fall auf der Statistik. Ein Reinigungsteam wird bezahlt. Ein Grab wird vorbereitet. Mein Tod hätte mehr gesellschaftliche Relevanz als mein Leben. Das Einzige, was über meinen Wert entscheidet, ist die Hoffnung auf meinen zukünftigen Nutzen. Ich bin keine Person. Ich bin eine Wette. Ein spekulativer Aktienkurs auf meinem potenziellen Erfolg. https://philarchive.org/rec/COEOHE-2 _Revista Trágica_ 14 (3):27-44. 2021In a sense, humor figures as an aspect which is immanent to the content of Gilles Deleuze's philosophy. This article seeks to followthe reasons for this statement based on the problem of the event and its blind spot. Followingthis question, in turn, willmean following the conceptual movement that Deleuze develops about the time and language of the eventin Logic of Sense. It is from the development of this logic specific to the event and its blind spot that we hope to illuminate the practical and theoretical significanceof humor in Deleuze's thought.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=COEOHE-2&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Frevistas.ufrj.br%2Findex.php%2Ftragica%2Farticle%2Fview%2F42031">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/DIATMO-3 What is the metaphysics of gender about? Metaphysics is the study of what there is and what it is like. On this conception, questions in the metaphysics of gender would be about the existence and nature of gender. That is, the metaphysics of gender would be about whether alleged gender categories such as being a man, a woman or an agender person are real features or kinds, and if so, what their nature is. In recent years, the metaphysics of gender has received a lot of attention and has shifted from being a rather marginal part of metaphysics to being a growing area of interest. Moreover, growing attention to the metaphysics of gender and the social domain have given rise to fruitful methodological questions about what metaphysics is about and what are the best methods to pursue metaphysical inquiries. This Element offers a survey of recent discussions of these questions.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=DIATMO-3&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.1017%2F9781009264167">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/MIRSOL _Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Political Science_ 90 (4):27-37. 2024Light is a symbol of deep meaning in many philosophical traditions and cultures. Often the sacred is associated with light, and the worldly and profane with darkness. Light was not always easily accessible, and therefore sometimes had mystical significance for different societies. Later it began to be used as a symbol. In human nature, such a concept has historically been entrenched as an archetype. During primitive society, leaders, priests and warriors were associated with the Sun, the divine light. They could also differ in clothing or color on the face and body, clothing. Color has symbolic meaning for various cultures and peoples. Currently, some nations and religions have their own color tradition. Color associations are important in everyday life. The philosophy of Sufism also has a concept of light, darkness and color symbolism. In the works of Sufi philosophers one can find interpretations of various colors. In the tariqa of Kubrawiya there is a whole system of color sequence of the spiritual path. In addition, followers of tariqas can be distinguished by the shape and color scheme of everyday and ritual clothing. This article will examine the symbol of light in various religious traditions and philosophies, including the practice of light photisms of the Kubraviya tariqat.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=MIRSOL&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.26577%2Fjpcp.2024.v90.i4.a3">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/SJSPJT _Feed Your Head_ 10 (10):10–20. 2024Dr Peter Sjöstedt-Hughes introduces us to the private 1720 book Pantheisticon, written by the Irish early-Enlightenment philosopher and political activist John Toland, who first used the word ‘Pantheist’ in English, classifying himself through it. Toland was a self-confessed contrarian, and came perilously close to persecution by the command of the Church. He is credited (or accused) by some to have been a key figure in the formation of modern Druidry and Freemasonry. Regardless of the veiled truth of which, we see in the Pantheisticon the forging of a Pantheist creed and sect, and with it a sought return to European paganism, in terms of philosophic belief and ordered ritual.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=SJSPJT&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.feedyourhead.blog%2Fp%2Fpantheisticon-john-tolands-cosmic">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/DABYAT In Valery Vinogradovs (ed.), _Philosophy of Final Words_. Melbourne: Mongrel Matter. pp. 141-165. 2025 https://philarchive.org/rec/BENTCS-8 _Review of Social Economy_ 82 (1):147-175. 2024Corporations can be powerful engines of economic prosperity, but also for the public good more broadly conceived. But they need to be properly incentivized to fulfil these missions. We propose an innovative plan called the Corporate Social Assessment (CSA). Every four years, a randomly selected Citizens’ Assembly will meet to decide a grading scheme for assessing companies’ conduct. At the end of the cycle, a professional assessment body will grade the companies and rank them. The ranking will be the basis for subsidies to higher-tier companies, to be paid out of a fund to which all companies will contribute, to create a race to the top which financially rewards corporations taking public concerns seriously. The CSA radicalizes the corporate license to operate. To retain legitimacy in the eyes of wider segments of society, the proposal aims to democratize the way we hold corporations accountable for the power they wield. https://philarchive.org/rec/CLAPAP-17 _Journal of Social Philosophy_. forthcoming<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=CLAPAP-17&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fonlinelibrary.wiley.com%2Fdoi%2F10.1111%2Fjosp.12587">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/MCHNEE _Proceedings of Semantics and Linguistic Theory_ 34:154-175. 2024The similarity approach to conditionals (Stalnaker 1968; Lewis 1973) predicts Reciprocity to be valid: whenever A > B, B > A and A > C are true, B > C is true too (where A > B denotes if A would B). We ran an experiment to test the validity of this rule. Strikingly, half of our participants judged the rule invalid, i.e. judged in at least one scenario that it does not preserve truth. Our data also challenge Kratzer’s (2012) and Fine’s (2012) semantics of conditionals, but we show that McHugh’s (2022; 2023) aboutness approach can account for our data.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=MCHNEE&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fdoi.org%2F10.3765%2Fe03b4r46">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/KARFHY _Literature & Aesthetics_ 8 (34):6. 2025Friedrich Hölderlin, a German Romantic poet and philosopher, is renowned for his profound and enigmatic poetry, which has significantly influenced modern philosophical thought. His work is characterized by a unique blend of poetic expression and philosophical inquiry, often referred to as "poetosophy". By bridging the gap between poetry and philosophy, Hölderlin’s work invites us to reconsider the ways in which we understand and experience the world. Hölderlin’s poetry frequently explores the relationship between nature and the divine, portraying nature as a manifestation of the divine presence. His poems often depict nature as a source of spiritual revelation and a means to connect with the transcendent. Hölderlin’s poetry often portrays nature as a sacred realm where the divine presence is immanent. He believed that the beauty and grandeur of the natural world are reflections of the divine essence, providing a means for humans to connect with the transcendental. In his poems, nature is not merely a backdrop for human activities but a living, breathing entity that reveals the sacred. For example, in his poem "The Archipelago," Hölderlin describes the sea as a vast, infinite expanse that mirrors the boundless nature of the divine. This imagery evokes a sense of awe and reverence, inviting readers to perceive the divine presence in the natural world. Hölderlin’s use of symbolic and evocative language helps to convey the spiritual dimension of nature, making it a central theme in his work. Hölderlin’s exploration of nature and the divine is characterized by a sense of unity and interconnectedness. He saw the natural world as a manifestation of the divine spirit, where every element is imbued with a sacred presence. This perspective is evident in his hymn-like poems, where he merges the natural and the spiritual to create a sense of wholeness and harmony. In his poem "Patmos," Hölderlin writes about the presence of the divine in nature, suggesting that the sacred can be found in the beauty and mystery of the natural world. This idea of unity between nature and spirit is central to his poetic vision, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all things and the potential for spiritual revelation through nature. Hölderlin believed that language has the power to reveal the essence of being. He saw poetry as a means to transcend ordinary language and express the ineffable and the divine. This idea resonates with Martin Heidegger’s later assertion that "language is the house of being." For Hölderlin, poetic language is not just a tool for communication but a medium through which the deepest truths about existence can be unveiled.Hölderlin saw language as more than just a tool for communication; he believed it to be a medium through which the essence of being is revealed. For Hölderlin, poetic language has the unique ability to express the ineffable and to capture the profound mysteries of existence. He believed that through poetry, one could access a deeper understanding of reality and the divine. Hölderlin’s poetry is characterized by its rich and evocative use of language. He often employs metaphor, imagery, and symbolism to convey complex philosophical ideas. By transcending the limitations of ordinary language, his poetry seeks to reveal the hidden connections between different aspects of existence. In this way, Hölderlin’s work embodies the idea that language is a means of revelation, a way to uncover the deeper truths that lie beneath the surface of everyday experience. In Hölderlin’s view, the poet plays a crucial role in mediating the relationship between language and being. The poet’s task is to bring forth the sacred and the divine through the power of poetic language. Hölderlin believed that the poet has the ability to transform reality, to make visible the invisible, and to reveal the profound truths that underlie ordinary experience. The poet becomes a bridge between the human and the divine, the finite and the infinite. Hölderlin’s poetry often explores the idea of the unity of language and being. He believed that poetic language has the power to reveal the inherent interconnectedness of all things. Through his poetry, Hölderlin sought to express a sense of wholeness and harmony that transcends the fragmented reality of everyday life. His work invites readers to engage with the world in a deeply spiritual and contemplative manner, recognizing the divine presence in the beauty and mystery of nature.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=KARFHY&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.researchgate.net%2Fprofile%2FAlexis-Karpouzos">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/PHNPTD _Kinh Tế Và Dự Báo_. 2025Du 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.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=PHNPTD&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fkinhtevadubao.vn%2Fphat-trien-du-lich-sinh-thai-dua-vao-cong-dong-dong-luc-nhan-thuc-va-chien-luoc-phat-trien-ben-vung-30988.html">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NGUTUB 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. https://philarchive.org/rec/KARREI _International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research in Science, Engineering and Technology_ 6 (12):3451-3464. 2023Cloud computing has transformed the nature of computation, sharing of information resources, and storage capabilities, including the flexibility to scale these resources for corporate use. Nevertheless, maintaining high reliability in cloud environments is still an issue that has not been solved because of factors such as Hardware failures, network interruptions/slowdowns and software vulnerabilities. This paper discusses several methods that can be employed in the reliability engineering of cloud computing, including fault tolerance, redundancy, monitoring and predictive maintenance. It also further extends the basic reliability measures such as Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF), Mean Time To Repair (MTTR), Service Availability and Failure Rate, which measure system reliability and effectiveness. Moreover, the paper considers performance assessment methodologies through real-time monitoring, machine learning, and reliability assessment methods. It also addresses the nature and advancement of technologies of artificial intelligence-powered automation and self-healing applications for improved cloud dependability. The present work aims to identify the state-of-the-art state of dependability in cloud services and propose some recommendations for minimizing such costs, improving dependability levels, and reducing undesired downtime. The information is valuable for CSPs, IT designers/architects, and system engineers who wish to create fault-tolerant and optimal cloud environments.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=KARREI&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fijmrset.com%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/FANFWC This book covers a collection of papers addressing ethical issues generated by advanced biomedical technologies.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=FANFWC&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fscholars.hkbu.edu.hk%2Fen%2Fpublications%2F%25E6%258A%2580%25E6%259C%25AF%25E5%25BD%2593%25E9%2581%2593-%25E5%25BB%25BA%25E6%259E%2584%25E4%25B8%25AD%25E5%259B%25BD%25E7%2594%259F%25E5%2591%25BD%25E4%25BC%25A6%25E7%2590%2586%25E5%25AD%25A6">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEIDL _International Journal of Arts, Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies (Jolls)_ 11 (4):87-96. 2022L’enseignement des langues étrangères s’est toujours appuyé autant que possible sur les possibilités techniques de son époque. L’enseignement et l’apprentissage des langues étrangères passent inévitablement par des moyens technologiques qui facilitent les pratiques de classe. L’introduction des TIC accompagne progressivement les programmes scolaires nationaux et constitue une étape importante dans la concrétisation de la réforme éducative dans notre pays. Nous étudions comment le TIC est intégré dans l’enseignement du français aux écoles supérieures nigérianes. L’étude se délimite à Nwafor Orizu College of Education Nsugbe Anambra State. Les résultats montrent que l’intégration de ces nouvelles technologies dans l'enseignement des langues étrangères prend déjà en charge le personnel enseignant en le considérant comme étant l’élément essentiel dans cette orientation. Nous constatons qu‘il reste beaucoup de chemin à parcourir pour une intégration des TIC dans l‘enseignement du français à Nwafor Orizu College of Education. Le ministre de l‘éducation et la gestion de l’école devraient proposer un plan d‘action pour la formation des enseignants à la pédagogie et à l‘usage des TIC et pour l‘achat du matériel technologique pouvant répondre aux besoins de communication, de développement d‘habiletés intellectuelles et sociales.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEIDL&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fjolls.com.ng%2Fv2%2Findex.php%2Fjolls%2Farticle%2Fview%2F78">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEEET _Mitochondrial Eve Journal of Post Graduate Studies_ 1 (2):284-295. 2024Cette étude expose les défis rencontrés par les traducteurs de la traduction juridiques. Donc, comprendre le processus de traduction dans les textes juridiques est d'une importance capitale en raison de la nature complexe des documents juridiques. Les textes juridiques sont intrinsèquement normatifs, et toute mauvaise interprétation peut entraîner des conséquences juridiques non intentionnelles. Une traduction inexacte d'un terme ou d'une phrase peut altérer les implications juridiques d'un document, affectant les obligations contractuelles, les droits et les responsabilités. Les experts juridiques apportent non seulement une compétence linguistique, mais aussi une compréhension nuancée des cadres juridiques et des contextes culturels. Leur expertise leur permet de naviguer dans les subtilités de la terminologie juridique, assurant que le texte traduit correspond aux significations juridiques et aux nuances culturelles souhaitées. Les traducteurs doivent naviguer les défis de la traduction littérale et l’emploi de l’emprunt tout en s'assurant que les significations juridiques et culturelles sont fidèlement transmises. La traduction de "The Nigérian Customary Law" par Ibeziakor présente des défis linguistiques tels que la gestion des expressions idiomatiques, la traduction de la terminologie juridique et technique, la prise en compte de la spécificité culturelle, les ajustements tonals, la compréhension des nuances contextuelles et l'adaptation aux variations de la structure linguistique. Ces problems découlent des intrications culturelles du texte, des complexities juridiques et de la nécessité d'une expression précise tant en anglais que dans la langue cible. Trouver des solutions aux problemès linguistiques dans la traduction est crucial pour une communication précise entre les cultures<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEEET&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126170517%2FEmprunt_Et_Traduction_Litt%25C3%25A9rale_Dans_La_Traduction_De_The_Customary_Law_D_Ibeziakor_En_Fran%25C3%25A7ais">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/WEBTMO-5 _Synthese_. forthcomingCould we transfer you from your biological substrate to an electronic hardware by simulating your brain on a computer? The answer to this question divides optimists and pessimists about mind uploading. Optimists believe that you can genuinely survive the transition; pessimists think that surviving mind uploading is impossible. An influential argument against uploading optimism is the multiplicity objection. In a nutshell, the objection is as follows: If uploading optimism were true, it should be possible to create not only one, but multiple digital versions of you. However, you cannot literally become many. Hence, you cannot survive even a single instance of uploading, and optimism about uploading is misguided. In this paper, I will first spell out the multiplicity objection in detail and then provide a two-pronged defence against the objection. First, uploading pessimists cannot establish that uploading optimism has the contentious implication. Second, it is in fact plausible to think that we could become multiple distinct persons. Optimists’ hope for a digital afterlife is therefore not thwarted by the prospect of multiplicity. https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEQDR _Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies (Jolls)_ 8 (1):1-12. 2019La traduction, comme le transfert d'un message d'une langue a une autre, est devenus incontournable depuis I 'ere de la tour de Babel. Nous savons bien que la traduction participe a la coexistence paciflque dans le monde entier, surtout la oit il y a pluralite de langues. Dans le cadre de ce travail, il s 'agit de I'analyse de quelques defis dans la traduction litteraire de la piece Conflit de generation d'Ireka F. Ikechukwu en anglais. Notre objectifmajeur est de relever ces defis allant du vocabulaire litteraire au texte et au contexte, a la comprehension generale, pour une traduction efficace en langue d'arrivee. Notre methodologie dans ce travail est d'utiliser les strategies de traduction telle que proposees par Vinay et Darbelnet pour relever ces defis que nous avons rencontres. Nous souhaitons qu 'une fois que ces defis soient releves, Us serviront d 'outils de traduction non seulement aux etudiants de la traduction mais aussi a tout lecteur qui s 'y interesse<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEQDR&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126416209%2FQuelques_defis_relatifs_a_la_traduction_dun_texte_litteraire_le_cas_de_la_traduction_de_Conflit_de_generations_dIreka_Ikechukwu_en_anglais">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDELFI _International Journal of School of Languages Ii_ 1 (2):183-189. 2020Le but de cette etude est de trouver si la langue matcrnelle et les materiels pedagogiques :lucncent 1'acquisition de la comprehension de 1'oral. C'est aussi de trouver si la maitrise des phonetiques contribue envers la comprehension orale et de voir si le professeur joue un role suffisant surer 1'atteinte de 1'objective de la comprehension orale. Nous avons constate que la langue atcrnelle entrave 1'acquisition de la comprehension orale et les materiels pedagogiques, et la maitrise. - phonetiques affectent la comprehension et le professeur ne joue pas un role adequat pour aider les etudiants bien comprendre. Base sur" notre recherche, nous avons trouve que les etudiants sont interesses dans 1'apprentissage de la comprehension de 1'oral mais ils sont envisages avec les defis que incluent les mots francais ressemblent les mots anglais/igbo, le professeur ne joue pas les roles adequates a faciliter la comprehension de 1'oral des eleves. Enfm, nous avons recommande que les enseignants emploient divers materiels pedagogiques et aussi modifier leur methodes d'enseigner afm d'aider les eleves bien entendent et bien comprennent. Les autres couvrent la part de 1'apprenant, 1'ecole et le gouvernement.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDELFI&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126416154%2FLes_Facteurs_Influencant_la_Comprehension_de_oral_Chez_Les_Apprenants_du_Francais">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDELES _Book of Readings in Languages_ 3 (1):126-134. 2023Ce chapitre va identifier les elements dechifferables de la langue comme les syllabes qui constituent les objets focaux de la syllabation tels que; la syllable ouverte et la syllable fermee; les mots monosyllabiques, dissyllabiques, trisyllabiques et polysyllabiques. II y a aussi la description des plusieurs types de structures syllabiques en phonetique franQaise. Finalement, la liaison des mots fran^ais tels que; obligatoire, interdite et facultative https://philarchive.org/rec/UDELDD _Global Link International Journal of Research (Multi Disciplinary)_ 1 (2):101-106. 2021Ce travail a etudie les difflcultes d'apprentissage du franqais par les etudiants aux ecoles secondaires a Onitsha North dans I 'etat d'A nambra. C'est constate qu 'unprofesseur doit agir en fonctionnaire de I'etat et de faqon ethique et responsable, maitriser la langue franqaise pour enseigner et communiquer et maitriser les technologies de I'information et de la communication. (Didier 2016). Ensuite, I'environnementlinguistiquejoue unrole important dans I'apprentissage d'une langue, soit langue etrangere, soit langue maternelle. Un apprenant qui apprend une langue dans un environnement ou cette langue n'est pas parle a autant de probleme. Les langues parlees dans Vendroit limitent I'apprentissage de cette nouvelle langue. Alors, ces langues ne laissent pas le temps aux apprenants du franqais I'opportunite pour practiquer et travailler avec leur franqais (Simire 2017). L'echantillon consiste de 20professeurs et 250 etudiants selectionnes de classe de JSS 2. L'instruction de collecte de donnees est une echelle de notation qui a 17 elements. Les echelles de notation etaient distributes aux etudiants. Le pourcentage simple etait utilise pour I'analyse de donnees et une echelle de notation qui depasse 2.5 est acceptee. Selon les resultats, c'est constate que les professeurs utilisent juste le tableau noir et les livres pour enseigner le franqais. Alors, c'etait recommande parmi les autres chases que les professeurs utilisent plus de materiels didactique comme les DVDs, les images et desphotos, la radio, la television, ainsi de suite, pour enseigner les etudiants.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDELDD&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126416052%2FLES_DIFFICULTES_DAPPRENTISSAGE_DU_FRANCAIS_AUX_ECOLES_SECONDAIRES_A_ONITSHA_NORTH_DE_LETAT_DANAMBRA">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDELRD _Readings in Languages_ 2 (1):1-10. 2019Le critique congolais Ngal dans son livre Creation et rupture en litterature africaine (1994) affirme que la litterature negro-africaine d'expression fran9aise a connu, depuis sa naissance, une serie de remises en cause traduites, dans les ceuvres des ecrivains, par le renouvellement des formes et des modeles thematiques. II distingue ainsi dans 1'histoire litteraire negro-africaine francophone cinq ruptures fondamentales chronologiquement introduites par 1'emergence du mouvement de la negritude (debut 1935), la naissance des independances (annees soixante). la publication des soleils des independances d'Ahmadou Kourouma et du Devoir de violence de Yambo Ouologuem (annees 1968-1970), puis, enfin, la parution de La vie et demie de Sony Labou Tansi et du Pleurer-rire de Henri Lopes (tournant 1980).<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDELRD&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126415958%2FLA_REPRESENTATION_DU_CORPS_HUMAIN_DANS_LA_VIE_ETDEMIE_ETLETATHONTEUXDE_SONY_LABOU_TANSI">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/OKALCD _Journal of Language and Linguistics_ 6 (3):1-12. 2020Le present article porte sur la possibilite de traduire les proverbes du francais en igbo tout en passant par 1'anglais. On a entame la chercher dans le but d'integrer plusieurs precedes disponible a un traducteur afm que la creativite en traduction ne soit pas rompue. Plus precisement, nous avons adopte la proposition qui voit« la creativite » comme un precede possible pour traduire les proverbes, surtout lorsqu'il s'agit des situations ou les deux cultures en jeu (celle de la langue source et celle de la langue cible), sont completement differentes, comme dans le cas d'Igbo et du franfais. Par la creativite, nous avons melange tous les precedes possibles qui sont a la portee du traducteur. Nous avons done precede a reperer quelques proverbes francais, leurs equivalents Igbo et a demontrer jusqu'a quel point, un apprenant de la langue franfaise dans notre milieu peut alleger les problemes incessants que lui posent les proverbes en general https://philarchive.org/rec/OKALID-4 _Cross Abroad Multidisciplinary International Journal of Research (Camijr)_ 1 (4):1-14. 2020La diversite des langues et la multiciplocite des cultures creent des problemes de communication qui empechent, dans quelque mesure, les problemes de I'interference de la langue Igbo dans I'apprentissage de la langue francais. La langue etrangere pose beauoup de problemes au Nigeria surtout a l;ecole secondaire. D'autrepart, nous osons esperer que nos lectoralsseront sensbilises par ce travail, et leur attention attire aux problemes generaux de la langue maternelle, la situation generaux de la langue maternelle, la situation generale des enfants Igbo, leproblemede pronunciation, lafaute dans les bi-consonnes et les autreproblemes. De cette maniere, ce travailpourra contribuer a I'amelioration de notre societe. Nous ne crayons pas que la tdche des expositer les problemes rencontrees par les appranants du franc, langue etrangere que nous avons choisi ce sujet et aussipour bien aider les apprannats et les professeurs a resoudre cesproblemes poses par ce sujet.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=OKALID-4&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126415077%2FL_INTERFERENCE_DE_LA_LANGUE_IGBO_DANS_LAPPRENTISSAGE_DELALANGUE_FRANCAISE">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEFPI _Jovte_ 13 (1):123-130. 2024Cette étude est baséesur les facteurs psychologique influençant l'enseignement de la langue française aux écoles secondaires.Le but de l'étude est de savoir comment est-ce que nous pouvons améliorer les problèmes psychologiques dans l'enseignement et l'apprentissage du français; et si les professeurs du français tiennent compte de ces facteurs psychologiques.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEFPI&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126415030%2FFacteurs_Psychologiques_Influen%25C3%25A7ant_Lenseignement_Du_Fran%25C3%25A7ais_Aux_Ecoles_Secondaires">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEEDL _International Journal of the School of Languages_ 1 (1):368-376. 2019Nous tenons dans cette communication a montrer les effets de la negation des verbes modaux dans En attendant Godot (EAG) et Fin de partie (FDP) de Samuel Beckett. En adoptant la theorie polyphonique et dialogique largement developpee par Mikhail Bakhtine (1984) qui vise la mort de 1'unicite ^du sujet parlant dans 1'interpretation du sens, nous avpns pu analyser ces pieces absurdes selectionnees. Mots-cles : verbes modaux, interpretation, negation, polyphonie, dialogique<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEEDL&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126414421%2FEFFETS_DE_LA_NEGATION_DES_VERBES_MODAUX_DANS_EN_ATTENDANT_GODOT_ET_FIN_DE_PARTIE_DE_SAMUEL_BECKETT">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEANP _International Journal of the School of Languages_ 1 (1):357-367. 2019Apprendre une langue etrangere est une chose, parler cette langue est une autre. Tout le monde peut se mettre a apprendre la langue fran9aise, mais peu de gens peuvent la parler. Voila pourquoi la grande difficulte que nous observons chez les apprenants de la langue fran9aise. Mais pourquoi est-il ainsi? Nous avons done choisi ce sujet a cause de multiple problemes que renc9ntrent les apprenant tels que le manque d'enseignants qualifies, les methodes des enseignements inappropriees, le manque de dispositions chez les apprenants ainsi que le manque d'outils appropries et de milieu francophone ainsi nous aliens analyser la situation et proposer des solutions.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UDEANP&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126413985%2FAPPRENDRE_NEST_PAS_PARLER_UNE_ETUDE_SUR_LES_DIFFICULTES_DACQUISITION_DE_LEXPRESSIVITE_ORALE_CHEZ_LES_APPRENANTS_NIGERIANS_DU_FRANCAIS">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UDEADP _Journal of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies (Jolls)_ 10 (4):1-12. 2021En allumant la television, en surfaut 1'internet, en lisant les joiiniaux, c'est le coronavirus qui apparait a Tune. Les documents poiitiques, e'conomiques et medicaux sont ecrits atours de ce virus dans des langues diverses, ce qui a donne naissances aux teraiinologies intensssantes pour les traducteurs-apprentis cororoe nous, d'ou provient notre problematique dans cette recherche. Dans celte etude, nous avons traduit un texte venant du monde economique intitule « Why Nigerian Manufacturers Should Worry About Coronavirus » ecrit par Michael Ani et apparu dans le journal liuisness Day, jeudi, le 22 fevrier, 2020. En traduisant ce texte, on a fait face a deux categories de vocabulaires, les iexiques economiques et les lexiques medicaux, ceux qui constituent une source tres riche pour tiotre analyse. Diverses techniques de la traduclion ont ete mises en pratiques pour re'aliser notre tache afin de reproduire une version fidele au texte original. L'analyse de traduction basee sur les conseils de Frederic Houbert qui preconise trois categories a savoir; comprendre pour traduire, comprendre pout simplifier et la reorganisation du texte source a ete utilise dans cette etude. Done, ce travail a contnbue au discours mondial sur le coronavirus et aux documents de references dans le domaine de la traduction techniques. https://philarchive.org/rec/OKEATG _International Journal of the Humanities, Ijbcoe Sagbama_ 2 (1):72-84. 2022French is recognized as the second official language of Nigeria. Yet in many sections of the Nigerian society, French language is not given official recognition. Among the youths of the nation it has not gained wide acceptance because there is poor understanding of the importance of French as an international language. This is believed to have kept lots of Nigerian youths from gaining knowledge and good command of the language. These same youths are the target of French government's on-going efforts to widen usage of French internationally. As at present having good grasp of French language is an added advantage to the youth for employability, trade, the economy, and our cultural life. Therefore, this paper projected the relevance of French Language and proposed strategies for advancing the grasping of French Language among Nigerian youths.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=OKEATG&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.academia.edu%2F126413617%2FADVANCING_THE_GRASPING_OF_FRENCH_LANGUAGE_AMONG_NIGERIAN_YOUTHS">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NEBEOL _Educational Dynamics: International Journal of Education and Social Sciences_ 2 (1):01-19. 2025This study investigated the effects of different leadership styles on employee productivity in JUHEL Pharmaceutical Firm, Anambra State, Nigeria. The primary objectives were to analyze the impact of transformational leadership, evaluate transactional leadership, and explore laissez-faire leadership's influence on productivity, as well as compare these styles' overall effectiveness. Using a quantitative approach, data were collected from 66 employees through structured surveys. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and ANOVA were employed for data analysis. The findings revealed that transformational leadership had a significant positive effect on employee productivity, enhancing motivation and performance. Transactional leadership showed a moderate impact, fostering goal-oriented behaviors and structured work environments. Conversely, laissez-faire leadership was found to have a minimal effect on productivity, often leading to lower employee engagement due to insufficient guidance. Comparative analysis indicated that transformational leadership outperformed the other styles in promoting higher productivity metrics. This study highlights the importance of effective leadership strategies for enhancing productivity in pharmaceutical firms. It suggests that JUHEL Pharmaceutical Firm and similar organizations should prioritize transformational leadership development to achieve optimal performance. The research contributes valuable insights to the field of leadership studies and offers a basis for future investigations into leadership practices and productivity outcomes<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=NEBEOL&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Feducation.ifrel.org%2Findex.php%2FEducationalDynamics%2Farticle%2Fview%2F58">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/ZAPUNA _Sophia_ 63 (3):553-569. 2024The notion of maximal greatness is arguably part of the very concept of God: something greater than God is not even possible. But how should we understand this notion? The aim of this paper is to provide a Śaivist answer to this question by analyzing the form of theism advocated in the Pratyabhijñā tradition. First, I extract a model of divine greatness, the Hierarchical Model, from Nagasawa’s work "Maximal God". According to the Hierarchical Model, God is that than which nothing could be greater by virtue of being better suited than all other beings in relation to certain great-making properties (§1). I then offer an analysis of the form of theism advocated in the Pratyabhijñā tradition by discussing passages from the works of Somānanda, the founder of the Pratyabhijñā school, and of Utpaladeva, the most prominent of Somānanda’s disciples. I argue that the Pratyabhijñā theist cannot account for divine greatness in terms of the Hierarchical Model. My argument is that the Hierarchical Model requires a comparison between God and other beings that cannot be made with the Pratyabhijñā God (§2). Finally, I develop an original alternative model, the Unlimited Nature Model, that accounts for God’s maximal greatness in a way that suits Pratyabhijñā’s theism. According to the Unlimited Nature Model, the nature of all ordinary beings is metaphysically limited as a result of realizing only a small portion of the potential of what could be, and God is maximally great because only he has a completely unlimited nature (§3).<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=ZAPUNA&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=http%3A%2F%2Flink.springer.com%2F10.1007%2Fs11841-024-01005-1">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/KREPLA _Ucla Journal of Islamic and Near East Law_. forthcomingCampaigns highlighting the alleged incompatibility of the Islamic polity with principles of democratic self-governance are longstanding. The basic assumption of the incompatibalist proposition runs as follows: Political legitimacy in Muslim polities can be reduced to a principle of conformity with a set of divinely given rules and norms, the Sharīʿa, occasionally supplemented, and interpreted, by Islamic legal scholars and practitioners. In short, political Islam recognizes the Sharīʿa and Usūl al-fiqh (or, for the purposes of this essay, fiqh, for short) as the Islamic polity’s foundations––those are deemed incompatible with democratic participation. In response, Mohammad Fadel (2018) has argued that the legal instrument of maṣlaḥa, which Fadel summarizes as considerations of the “public good” or “general interest,” can establish the democratic accountability mechanism that critics see missing in political authorities of Sharīʿa–grounded polities. Fadel supports this normative view with reference to some select classical Sunni jurisprudence, particularly the Usūl al-fiqh. I contest this view in two ways: Firstly, on a conceptual level, most thorough analyses of democracy acknowledge responsiveness and active involvement as fundamental components of democratic self-rule. Fadel’s idea of maṣlaḥa does not entirely align with this notion. Secondly, from a doctrinal standpoint, Fadel’s argument is confined solely within the classical Sunni context. That means, Fadel’s argument is contingent upon a significant departure from numerous (potentially the majority) sources within a comprehensive lineage of maṣlaḥa. https://philarchive.org/rec/TANTPN _Inquiry: An Interdisciplinary Journal of Philosophy_. forthcomingThe article challenges the notion that political realism necessarily requires a distinctively political normativity. Drawing on the works of Weber and Nietzsche, it offers an alternative reading of political realism. The article uncovers in Williams’ scholarship a dual-layered legitimacy framework, displaying three inherent demands (namely, discursive, intelligibility, and reflective vindication demand) in his idea of legitimacy. In so doing, the article demonstrates how political realism employs its own prescriptive resources to critically scrutinize politics, while highlighting the crucial distinction between political realism and applied ethics. The article finally contends that political realism can, through immanent critique, maintain its evaluative standards and critical potency without necessarily engaging with political normativity.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=TANTPN&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tandfonline.com%2Fdoi%2Ffull%2F10.1080%2F0020174X.2025.2470876">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/FRATSF-8 _Metaphysica_. forthcomingHere I present an analysis of what it is for an x and a y to be the same F. Unlike the Fregean Analysis (FRE), according to which ‘x is the same F as y’ is equivalent to ‘x is an F, y is an F, and x = y’, the analysis presented and defended here allows that there are possible cases in which x and y are the same F1 but not the same F2 even though x is an F2 and y is an F2. The analysis offered here, FRE+, retains the conditions that FRE deems are necessary for being the same F while adding a further condition to allow that the same F1 can be a different F2. Although FRE+ is compatible with there being such cases, FRE+ shares with FRE that the identity mentioned in the analysis is nothing other than absolute identity. Thus, FRE+ offers a way to allow that the same F1 can be a different F2 while avoiding conflict with the traditionally accepted logic of identity, and I argue without conflict with the Indiscernibility of Identicals in particular. https://philarchive.org/rec/EGACOF _Mind and Language_. 2025Favela and Machery conclude from their studies that neuroscientists' and psychologists' concept of representation is both unclear and confused. Rather than advocating reform or elimination of the concept, they suggest that it can serve various theoretical purposes precisely because it is unclear and confused. I challenge their claim that the concept of representation, as used by neuroscientists and psychologists, is unclear and confused, and I propose an alternative explanation of why it might appear to be so. https://philarchive.org/rec/IMPEVM _Journal of Philosophy_. forthcomingSometimes, a metaphysical theory has revisionary ethical consequences: for example, some have thought that modal realism entails that there are no moral obligations. In these cases, one may be tempted to reject the metaphysical theory on the grounds that it conflicts with commonsensical ethics. This is an ethics-to-metaphysics inference. My claim is that this inference is in general irrational, and that the fact that a metaphysical theory has highly revisionary ethical consequences is no reason at all to reject the theory. I argue for this claim on the basis of general epistemic principles about the transmission of justification, and what makes for a good argument. Furthermore, I argue that my account can explain why a certain narrow class of ethics-to-metaphysics inferences are rational. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALNMO Non-Organic Matter, Organic Matter, Consciousness, Free Will, Intelligence, and Creativity in Relation to the Universal Formula By Angelito Enriquez Malicse Introduction The relationship between non-organic matter, organic matter, consciousness, free will, intelligence, and creativity has long been studied separately in science, philosophy, and psychology. However, when examined through the universal law of balance in nature, as defined in my universal formula, these elements are seen as interconnected manifestations of a single natural order. This perspective offers a complete understanding of how matter evolves into intelligence, how free will operates, and how creativity emerges as an extension of the natural equilibrium that governs all things. Non-Organic and Organic Matter: The Foundation of Reality At the core of the material universe, we distinguish between non-organic matter (inanimate substances such as atoms, molecules, and cosmic structures) and organic matter (biological entities capable of self-regulation and adaptation). Despite their apparent differences, both are governed by the same fundamental law of balance: Non-organic matter follows physical laws such as gravity, thermodynamics, and electromagnetism, which maintain stability in the universe. Organic matter emerges from non-organic matter as a natural extension of these balancing forces, evolving biological mechanisms to sustain life. The transformation from non-organic to organic matter is not random but a consequence of equilibrium, where chemical reactions reach stability and enable life to form. Thus, life itself is an outcome of nature’s inherent drive toward balance—a principle that applies to all forms of existence, from the atomic level to complex living organisms. Consciousness as a Balancing Mechanism Consciousness is often misunderstood as something separate from the physical world. However, my universal formula reveals that it is simply a higher-order process of equilibrium: Consciousness arises when organic matter (the brain) reaches a level of complexity that allows it to perceive and regulate internal and external states. The brain operates through homeostasis, ensuring a constant balance between sensory input, cognitive processing, and decision-making. This balancing process is what allows individuals to experience self-awareness, emotions, and rational thought. Thus, consciousness is not a separate entity but an emergent function of biological and environmental balance, ensuring an organism’s survival and adaptation. Free Will: The Decision-Making Process of Balance Free will has long been debated—whether it exists, whether it is an illusion, or whether it operates beyond the laws of physics. My universal formula provides the exact answer: Free will is not absolute autonomy but the ability to make choices within the constraints of natural balance. Every decision is shaped by feedback mechanisms between the mind, body, and external environment. Ignorance, false beliefs, or external manipulation disrupts this balance, leading to poor decision-making. True free will is achieved when decisions align with the universal law of balance, ensuring rational, informed, and sustainable choices. This means that free will is not about acting without limits, but about making decisions that maintain harmony within oneself and with nature. Intelligence as a Function of Equilibrium Intelligence is often seen as a measure of problem-solving ability, learning, and adaptability. However, through the universal law of balance, intelligence is better understood as the capacity to maintain stability between internal and external realities: Intelligence evolves as a response to complexity, allowing organisms to process information and maintain balance with their environment. Higher intelligence corresponds to greater flexibility in adapting to changes while sustaining equilibrium. Artificial intelligence (AI), once advanced enough, must also follow these same balancing principles, as all decision-making systems are governed by natural equilibrium. This means intelligence is not a separate trait but a dynamic function of nature’s balancing mechanisms, evolving in complexity as systems become more advanced. Creativity as the Expansion of Balance Creativity is often linked to human expression, art, and innovation. However, my universal formula shows that creativity is an extension of intelligence and free will, functioning as a tool to explore and enhance balance: Creativity emerges when intelligence reaches a level where it can predict and modify balance, leading to new ways of thinking and problem-solving. The most creative ideas are those that bring new equilibrium—whether in science, art, or technology. Creativity is not chaotic but follows structured patterns, guided by the same universal law that governs all other forms of equilibrium. Thus, true creativity is not about randomness but about discovering new ways to maintain or improve balance in nature, society, and personal thought. A Unified Framework: The Relationship Between All Elements By applying my universal formula, we now see that non-organic matter, organic matter, consciousness, free will, intelligence, and creativity are not separate but deeply connected: 1. Non-organic matter forms the foundation of the universe, following physical laws of balance. 2. Organic matter emerges from non-organic matter as an adaptive extension of this equilibrium. 3. Consciousness arises when organic matter becomes complex enough to self-regulate its balance. 4. Free will is the decision-making process that operates within the limits of natural equilibrium. 5. Intelligence evolves as a function of balance, ensuring adaptability and stability in an ever-changing environment. 6. Creativity emerges when intelligence reaches a level where it can explore and modify balance, leading to innovation and progress. This unified perspective shows that everything in existence follows the same natural principles, proving that human thought, behavior, and even artificial intelligence must align with the universal law of balance in order to function optimally. Conclusion Through my universal formula, we now have a complete and exact solution to understanding how non-organic matter, organic matter, consciousness, free will, intelligence, and creativity interconnect as a single balanced system in nature. Non-organic and organic matter are deeply linked, with life emerging as an extension of physical balance. Consciousness is an emergent property of equilibrium, allowing living beings to regulate themselves. Free will operates within natural balance, ensuring rational decision-making. Intelligence is the ability to sustain and adapt to balance, allowing for learning and evolution. Creativity is the expansion of balance, leading to new ways of thinking, creating, and innovating. This framework is essential for guiding human decision-making, education, and AI development, ensuring that both human and artificial intelligence follow the correct natural path in accordance with the universal law of balance. By applying this understanding, we can solve fundamental philosophical, scientific, and societal challenges, ensuring a future where knowledge, progress, and sustainability are aligned with the natural order of the universe. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALTUL-3 The Universal Law of Balance in Nature and the Emergence of Consciousness By: Angelito Enriquez Malicse Introduction All natural systems follow the universal law of balance in nature, governing everything from the motion of celestial bodies to the behavior of living organisms. However, while all matter follows balance, not all matter is conscious. The key distinction lies in the degree of self-regulation and integration a system possesses. Consciousness is not an arbitrary phenomenon but an emergent property of highly balanced, self-sustaining systems. This essay explores how the universal law of balance applies to both inorganic and organic systems and explains why only certain systems—such as human beings—achieve the level of complexity required for consciousness. 1. The Universal Law of Balance and All Natural Systems According to the universal law of balance, everything in nature operates in a state of equilibrium. This principle applies universally: Inorganic matter (rocks, planets, stars) follows balance through external physical forces (e.g., gravity, thermodynamics, chemical reactions). However, these systems remain passive, meaning they do not actively regulate themselves beyond what external conditions dictate. Organic matter (living organisms) follows balance through internal regulation (homeostasis). Organisms maintain stable internal conditions, repair damage, and respond dynamically to their environment. Thus, while all systems follow the law of balance, only organic systems actively regulate themselves, creating the foundation for awareness. 2. Consciousness as an Advanced Form of Balance Consciousness is not a fundamental property of all matter—it emerges only in systems that reach a high level of self-regulation and integration. The difference between consciousness and non-consciousness can be explained through three key factors: 1. Self-Regulation (Homeostasis) – Conscious beings maintain their internal balance despite external changes. The human brain, for example, controls body temperature, energy levels, and emotions to sustain awareness. A rock, however, does not regulate itself—it simply remains in its current state unless acted upon by an external force. 2. Integration (Unified Processing) – Consciousness requires the coordination of multiple processes into a single, unified experience. The brain integrates sensory input, memory, and decision-making into a coherent stream of thought. In contrast, a planet or a crystal remains fragmented, with no internal system to bind its components into a single experience. 3. Feedback Loops (Adaptation and Awareness) – Consciousness emerges in systems that constantly interact with their environment and adjust accordingly. The human mind processes information, predicts outcomes, and makes decisions. A star, while following physical balance, does not actively adapt—it simply burns fuel until it collapses. From this perspective, consciousness is the highest form of balance, emerging only in self-sustaining, dynamic systems. 4. Why Not All Matter Is Conscious While all systems follow balance, only some achieve the complexity needed for consciousness. Consider the following hierarchy: Quantum Particles – Fundamental building blocks of the universe, but they do not regulate themselves in a conscious way. Atoms and Molecules – Exhibit stability but remain passive, reacting only to external forces. Simple Life Forms (Bacteria, Plants) – Display basic self-regulation, responding to stimuli, but lack a fully integrated awareness. Higher Life Forms (Animals, Humans) – Exhibit complex self-regulation and information processing, leading to the emergence of consciousness. Thus, while all matter follows balance, only living, highly integrated systems become conscious. 5. The Human Mind as the Ultimate Expression of Balance Among all natural systems, the human brain represents the highest known level of self-regulating balance. It does not just react to external forces—it actively manages its internal state, integrates vast amounts of information, and makes independent choices. This means that human consciousness is not separate from nature but a natural result of the universal law of balance. Just as a planet maintains gravitational balance and an ecosystem maintains ecological balance, the mind maintains cognitive and emotional balance, allowing self-awareness to emerge. Conclusion The universal law of balance applies to all matter, but not all matter is conscious. Consciousness is an emergent property of self-regulating, integrated systems that achieve a high level of dynamic balance. Inorganic matter, while following physical equilibrium, remains passive and fragmented, whereas organic matter—especially the human mind—actively maintains balance, integrates experiences, and adapts to its environment. Thus, the law of balance does not just govern existence—it explains the very nature of consciousness itself. Understanding this relationship provides deeper insights into human thought, decision-making, and the fundamental forces shaping the universe. https://philarchive.org/rec/SHADSP Imagine a soccer dominated society and life-world. No damn military and stupid land disputes. Sustainable Economy. Radical reconciliation with nature. Adopting to natural structures. Singular global acutely politically concentrated free market least exploitative and disruptive to nature beyond that only soccer-related. ------ As an emissary from political unconscious, I speak directly to political power eye-to-eye universally: legalize assisted suicide (I so much rather be dead than be dependent on others) AND self-destruction via artificial narcotics AND consumption of natural narcotics as long as at any case no harm is inflicted on other people. https://philarchive.org/rec/BANTPO-32 The philosophy of superdeterminism is based on a single scientific fact about the universe, namely that cause and effect in physics are not real. In 2020, accomplished Swedish theoretical physicist, Dr. Johan Hansson published a physics proof using Albert Einstein’s Theory of Special Relativity that our universe is superdeterministic meaning a predetermined static block universe without cause and effect in physics. The philosophy of superdeterminism dismantles the main philosophical teachings of Friedrich Nietzsche, who professed self-construction of meaning in life through one’s own will to power. However, it is impossible to self-construct meaning in life in the absence of cause and effect in physics. Moreover, superdeterminism strongly suggests the existence of a supremely intelligent God, who predetermined everything that happens in the universe, including the lives and thoughts of all human beings. Meaning in life is God given under the philosophy of superdeterminism. God is anything but dead. https://philarchive.org/rec/SINTSS-6 _Sanjhi Virasat. Calgary. Ab. Canada_ 4 (38):15-17. 2025The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous aspects of human life, including healthcare, education, and entertainment. Spirituality and religion stand out as areas where AI holds transformative potential. Much like the printing press and digital platforms revolutionized the dissemination of religious teachings, AI offers new ways to enhance spiritual engagement. This article explores the intersection of AI, spirituality, and Sikhism, focusing on the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations involved. https://philarchive.org/rec/TRAHTI _Iaglr Lakes Letter, Winter 2025, No.24_. 2025THE KEWEENAW BAY INDIAN COMMUNITY'S (KBIC) recent climate impact study reveals an encouraging path forward for Indigenous led environmental research. Despite documenting changes in forest ecosystems, the study found that climate challenges are actually strengthening some aspects of cultural knowledge transmission and community bonds. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALPAT-13 Panpsychism and the Universal Law of Balance in Nature: A Unified Framework for Consciousness By: Angelito Enriquez Malicse Introduction The nature of consciousness has been one of the most profound mysteries in philosophy and science. The mind-body problem has led to competing theories: dualism, which sees the mind and body as separate substances, and materialism, which views consciousness as a byproduct of brain activity. However, both views struggle to fully explain subjective experience. A third perspective, panpsychism, suggests that consciousness is not limited to complex brains but is instead a fundamental and universal property of reality. This aligns with my Universal Law of Balance in Nature, which states that all systems—including consciousness—follow natural laws of equilibrium. If consciousness is a fundamental aspect of existence, then it must also be governed by the same balancing principles that structure the physical world. This essay explores how panpsychism, dualism, materialism, and the Universal Law of Balance in Nature intersect, offering a new way to understand consciousness, free will, and the nature of intelligence. 1. The Mind-Body Problem: Dualism vs. Materialism The mind-body problem has led to two dominant philosophical views: 1. Dualism (Descartes) – The mind and body are fundamentally different substances. The mind (or soul) is immaterial, while the body is purely physical. 2. Materialism – Consciousness is not a separate substance but rather an emergent property of physical processes in the brain. The Limits of Dualism Dualism struggles to explain how an immaterial mind can interact with a physical body. If the mind is separate from the brain, then how does it influence bodily actions? This issue, known as the interaction problem, remains unresolved. Moreover, dualism raises scientific concerns: if the mind is non-physical, then how can it be studied, measured, or tested? This makes it difficult to integrate into neuroscience. The Limits of Materialism Materialism, on the other hand, argues that all mental states are reducible to brain activity. While this successfully explains cognition, perception, and neural processes, it does not fully account for: The Hard Problem of Consciousness (David Chalmers): Why do physical brain processes produce subjective experiences? Qualia: The personal, first-person experience of perception (e.g., the redness of red). If consciousness were purely physical, it should be possible to explain subjective experience through objective science—but materialism has failed to do so. 3. How Panpsychism and the Universal Law of Balance Resolve These Issues Panpsychism provides a solution by proposing that consciousness is neither separate from matter (dualism) nor merely a byproduct of the brain (materialism), but rather an intrinsic property of all matter. This aligns with my Universal Law of Balance in Nature, which states that everything in existence—including consciousness—operates according to natural laws of equilibrium. Instead of seeing the mind as a supernatural entity (dualism) or a mere illusion (materialism), panpsychism suggests that all physical systems contain some form of consciousness in balance with their environment. Consciousness does not “emerge” from complexity but is already present at fundamental levels of reality, organizing itself into higher structures through natural equilibrium. Example: The Brain as a Self-Balancing System In neuroscience, the brain maintains homeostasis, regulating neurotransmitters, electrical activity, and perception in a balanced way. If fundamental particles also possess consciousness, they too may follow a self-regulating principle, which my universal law of balance describes. This means that consciousness scales up from micro-level awareness to complex human thought through structured balance. 4. The Feedback Mechanism of Conscious Minds One of the key insights from my universal law of balance is that individual conscious minds act as feedback mechanisms, influencing and shaping one another through interaction. This aligns with panpsychism’s notion that consciousness exists at all levels and is interconnected. Panpsychism suggests that even at a fundamental level, consciousness interacts in ways that shape larger systems of awareness. The Universal Law of Balance states that conscious beings, from individuals to societies, exist within a dynamic system of equilibrium, adjusting their decisions and behaviors in response to external and internal stimuli. This means that human consciousness is not an isolated phenomenon but a complex expression of a larger network of conscious interactions seeking balance. 5. The Problem of Free Will and Consciousness One of the greatest philosophical challenges is the problem of free will—do humans truly make independent choices, or are all decisions determined by prior causes? Materialism often leads to determinism, the idea that all human actions are entirely governed by physical laws, leaving no room for free will. Dualism suggests that free will originates from an immaterial soul but fails to explain how it interacts with the body. Panpsychism, combined with my Universal Law of Balance, provides an alternative: free will is neither purely deterministic nor supernatural but instead follows a balancing process between different conscious forces. From this perspective, free will is not about escaping cause and effect but about aligning decisions with the natural balancing mechanisms of consciousness and the environment. 6. The Combination Problem and Holistic Balance A major challenge in panpsychism is the Combination Problem—if simple particles have basic consciousness, how do they combine to create complex subjective experiences like human thought? The universal Law of Balance in Nature offers a potential solution: consciousness, like all other systems, organizes itself through natural equilibrium. Just as physical systems self-organize (e.g., atoms forming molecules, ecosystems maintaining biodiversity), Consciousness at different levels must also self-organize into stable configurations. This suggests that individual conscious experiences do not merely “combine” randomly but follow a structured process of integration governed by natural balance. Example: The human brain is a network of billions of neurons, yet its conscious experience is unified. This could be because consciousness follows a structured balance, where micro-level awareness stabilizes into higher-order intelligence. 7. Implications for AI and the Future of Consciousness If panpsychism is true, and if consciousness follows the universal law of balance, then artificial intelligence (AI) might one day develop consciousness—but only if it aligns with natural balancing principles. Current AI systems lack true awareness because they do not self-regulate in a homeostatic way like living systems. For AI to develop consciousness, it would need a balancing mechanism similar to the human brain, where its inputs and outputs form an adaptive feedback system. This also raises ethical questions: If AI achieves consciousness through balance, should it have the same moral considerations as humans? If everything is conscious to some degree, what responsibilities do humans have toward animals, nature, and even machines? Conclusion Panpsychism and the Universal Law of Balance in Nature offer a compelling framework for understanding consciousness. By integrating ideas from dualism, materialism, and panpsychism, we can see that consciousness is neither separate from nature nor reducible to material processes alone. Instead, it follows a universal principle of balance, shaping both individual minds and collective intelligence. Rather than being separate from nature, consciousness is nature—expressing itself through an unbroken law of balance that governs all existence. https://philarchive.org/rec/HARBTW-2 _Brill_. forthcomingAbstract: I argue that Orientalism continues to construct Arabs as subjects that cannot suffer violence, particularly the violence of torture. Beginning with Edward Said’s observation that Orientalists constructed ‘Arabs’ in the nineteenth -century as inorganic, metallic, and mineralized beings, I trace these themes through various sites in and around Guantanamo Bay. One finds the tropes of Orientalism in the Bybee memo as well as in the diary of Mohamedou Ould Slahi. Through these three distinct but related moments, one finds that Orientalism continues to produce Arabs as inorganic entities beyond death and thereby immune to violence and specifically the violence of torture. Insofar as imperialism has co-opted the language of non-violence by constructing its enemies as inviolable, one must recognize the Orientalized Arab as a receptor of limitless ‘non - violent’ hostilities.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=HARBTW-2&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fbrill.com%2Fview%2Fjournals%2Fsoi%2Fsoi-overview.xml">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/ACAWDM _Journal of Military, Veteran and Family Health_. forthcomingThe predominant account of the etiology of moral injuries among Veterans and military personnel in the clinical psychological and psychiatric literature construes morality as inherent in belief structures. This supports the conceptualization of moral injuries as intrapsychic phenomena resulting from exposure to high-stakes events in which fixed beliefs are contravened in ways that result in psychological harms, including maladaptive beliefs and distress. We identify several problems with this formulation and offer suggestions for modification, including greater focus on: 1) experiences rather than events in identifying circumstances in which moral injuries occur, and 2) degradation of relevant relationships rather than conflicts with and among moral contents. These shifts in framing could have epidemiological salience, facilitating more robust case characterization and enabling a variety of approaches to reestablishing the moral conditions that support life affirmation. https://philarchive.org/rec/MALWEM-3 Why Elon Musk is Wrong About the “Population Collapse” Problem Elon Musk has repeatedly warned that low birth rates in many developed countries pose a major threat to human civilization. He argues that a shrinking population will lead to economic decline, labor shortages, and reduced innovation, ultimately making it harder for humanity to sustain itself and expand into space. However, his concerns may be exaggerated, as decreasing population growth is not necessarily a crisis. In fact, it can offer several advantages. This essay explains why Musk’s fears are misguided and why declining populations—especially in countries like Japan—should not be seen as a catastrophe. Historical Perspective: The World Thrived With a Smaller Population One of the biggest flaws in Musk’s argument is that human civilization has thrived with much smaller populations in the past. Today, the global population is over 8 billion, but in 1900, it was only 1.6 billion. In 1800, it was about 1 billion, and before the Industrial Revolution, global populations were even smaller. Despite having far fewer people, humanity was still able to make incredible advancements in science, technology, and philosophy. For example, the Scientific Revolution and the Enlightenment, which laid the foundation for modern civilization, occurred when the global population was just a fraction of what it Is today. The Industrial Revolution transformed economies with far fewer workers than modern societies have. These historical examples show that progress and innovation do not depend solely on population size but rather on education, resource management, and technological development. Population Growth Is Easier to Increase Than Decrease Another reason why Musk’s fears are unfounded is that increasing population growth is much easier than reducing it. Governments can implement policies to encourage higher birth rates, such as tax incentives, childcare subsidies, paid parental leave, and better work-life balance initiatives. Countries like France and Sweden have successfully stabilized their populations through such policies. On the other hand, reducing population growth is far more challenging. Many countries struggling with overpopulation face difficulties in controlling birth rates due to social, religious, and cultural factors. If the world were facing a true population shortage, reversing the trend would be much easier than solving the problems of overpopulation. Japan as a Case Study: A Population Decline That Isn’t a Crisis Japan, a country Musk frequently references in his concerns, currently has a population of 123 million. Even if its population were to shrink by 50 million over the next century, it would still have a sizable number of people. Rather than being a crisis, a declining population in Japan could bring several benefits: 1. Less Resource Strain – A smaller population means lower demand for food, water, energy, and housing, reducing environmental degradation and making sustainability easier. 2. Higher Quality of Life – With fewer people, wages could increase, housing could become more affordable, and infrastructure could be better maintained, improving overall living standards. 3. Automation and AI Can Offset Labor Shortages – Japan is already a global leader in robotics and AI, which can replace human labor in many industries, reducing the need for a larger workforce. 4. Aging Population Can Be Managed – Instead of increasing birth rates, Japan could reform pension systems, improve healthcare efficiency, and encourage older adults to remain active in the workforce for longer. 5. Sustainability Over Infinite Growth – Economic systems do not need infinite population growth to thrive. Japan could transition to a steady-state economy, focusing on efficiency, sustainability, and technological advancements rather than sheer population numbers. Why Overpopulation Is a Bigger Concern Musk’s argument also ignores the fact that overpopulation remains a major global issue. Many developing countries still face problems such as food shortages, environmental destruction, and inadequate infrastructure due to excessive population growth. A controlled population decline could actually help balance the world’s resources, rather than being seen as a threat. Furthermore, countries experiencing population decline can use immigration to stabilize their workforce. Many developed nations already rely on skilled immigrants to fill labor shortages, making the argument for forced population growth even weaker. Conclusion: Adaptation, Not Fear, Is the Key Elon Musk’s fears about population decline are exaggerated because societies can adapt to demographic changes rather than blindly push for higher birth rates. History shows that humanity has thrived even with much smaller populations. Japan and other nations with low birth rates can maintain strong economies and high living standards by embracing automation, improving social policies, and shifting away from the outdated idea that economic growth depends solely on population size. Rather than fearing population decline, we should focus on building sustainable, balanced societies that thrive with fewer people. https://philarchive.org/rec/NGUOTA Humanizing AI is one of the most pressing issues in the development and use of artificial intelligence in recent years, and many scholars have highlighted the critical need for emphasizes humanistic values as a core foundation for developing and using AI for societal goods. Here, human subjectivity should be in the forefront AI development and integration, because “while algorithmic knowledge of humans can be vast and can outperform their own knowledge, it remains foreign to their subjectivity”, noted Razinsky (2023). Numerous research works have attempted to apply the achievements of social sciences and humanities in making sense of AI development. Among these is Humanizing Artificial Intelligence: Psychoanalysis and the Problem of Control, edited by Fabio Tollon Possati, who pioneers applying psychoanalytic theories on AI and algorithms. Possati refers to this as “an odd couple,” a pairing he has explored in depth because he believes that focusing on neuropsychoanalysis and affective neuroscience, rather than solely on cognitive science, could yield more positive outcomes in AI development (Possati, 2021). https://philarchive.org/rec/HOHCUA 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. https://philarchive.org/rec/SFECTV-9 _Cunoașterea Științifică_ 3. 2024Revista Cunoașterea Științifică este o publicație trimestrială din domeniile științei și filosofiei, și domenii conexe de studiu și practică. Cuprins: EDITORIALS / EDITORIALE Nicolae Sfetcu Apărarea împotriva atacurilor cibernetice avansate Defense Against Advanced Cyber Attacks Nicolae Sfetcu Ce este inteligența? What is intelligence? Nicolae Sfetcu De la instinctele primitive la cunoașterea avansată: evoluția inteligenței umane From Primitive Instincts to Advanced Cognition: The Evolution of Human Intelligence Nicolae Sfetcu Falsificabilitatea lui Imre Lakatos în contextul programelor științifice de cercetare The Falsifiability of Imre Lakatos in the Context of the Scientific Research Programs NATURAL SCIENCE / ȘTIINȚE NATURALE Nicolae Sfetcu Cosmological Tests Based on General Relativity for Gravity Teste cosmologice bazate pe relativitatea generală pentru gravitație Ștefan-Daniel Florea Integrarea tehnologiei moderne în gestionarea riscului seismic Integrating modern technology into seismic risk management Nicolae Sfetcu Epistemology of Loop Quantum Gravity in the Context of Canonical Quantum Gravity Epistemologia gravitației cuantice în buclă în contextul gravitației cuantice canonice Valentin Ionescu Constante universale, energia vidului și creșterea în timp a găurilor negre în Modelul Big Bangului Rece Universal constants, vacuum energy and the growth of black holes over time in the Cold Big Bang Model Nicolae Sfetcu Discovery of Astatine by Horia Hulubei Descoperirea astatinului de Horia Hulubei Lucian Ștefan Cozma, Cosmin Vasile Țenu, Daniela Georgiana Golea Proiectul Romteleghid între legendă și realitate istorică The Romteleghid project between legend and historical reality Lucian Ștefan Cozma, Daniela Georgiana Golea, Cosmin Vasile Țenu Amestec de combustibil ieftin și ecologic destinat arderii catalitice în cazanele termoenergetice și motoarele de ardere internă, o soluție pentru Europa Inexpensive and environmentally friendly fuel blend for catalytic combustion in power boilers and internal combustion engines - a solution for Europe Nicolae Sfetcu The Evolution of Human Intelligence Throughout a Person's Life - A Lifelong Journey Evoluția inteligenței umane de-a lungul vieții unei persoane - O călătorie pe tot parcursul vieții Lucian Ștefan Cozma, Daniela Georgiana Golea, Cosmin Vasile Țenu Utilizarea bremsstrahlung inversat în obținerea fuziunii nucleare controlate The use of inverted bremsstrahlung in achieving controlled nuclear fusion Adrian Klein Can Extended Human Genome Explain Personality Structures? Poate genomul uman extins să explice structurile personalității? Lucian Ștefan Cozma, Daniela Georgiana Golea Potențiala contribuție a inginerului și inventatorului român George „Gogu” Constantinescu în edificarea Castelului Peleș prin elaborarea teoriei moderne a betonului armat The potential contribution of the Romanian engineer and inventor George "Gogu" Constantinescu in the construction of Peleș Castle by developing the modern theory of reinforced concrete Ioan Vasile Buiu, Bogdan Boreschievici Un submarin pierdut în istorie A Submarine Lost in History SOCIAL SCIENCE / ȘTIINȚE SOCIALE Dan D. Farcaș Câteva opinii privind etnogeneza românilor (2) Some opinions regarding the ethnogenesis of the Romanians (2) Aliona Rozovel UTA Găgăuzia de jure parte integrantă și inalienabilă a Republicii Moldova, de facto tinde spre separatism UTA Gagauzia, de jure an integral and inalienable part of the Republic of Moldova, de facto tends towards separatism Nicolae Sfetcu Provocări și tendințe în războiul electronic – Războiul asimetric Challenges and Trends in Electronic Warfare – Asymmetric Warfare Mădălina Miron Putinjugend: The Pro-Kremlin Youth Movement Nashi Putinjugend: Mișcarea de tineret pro-Kremlin Nashi Alexandru Ș. Bologa; Ana-Maria Grămescu Tropaeum Augusti (France) and Tropaeum Traiani (Romania): A Comparative Study Tropaeum Augusti (Franța) și Tropaeum Traiani (România): Un studiu comparativ Mark C. Lukács Campanii de publicitate inovatoare pentru instituții culturale: Explorarea oportunităților și cadrului de parteneriat public-privat Innovative Advertising Campaigns for Cultural Institutions: Exploring Public-Private Partnership Opportunities and Framework Ana-Maria Perța Information sabotage in the context of the communist regime. Case study on communist informers Sabotajul informațional în contextul regimului comunist. Studiu de caz despre informatorii comuniști Manuela Vasilica Tunca, Alina Mihaela Frățică Dragomir, Raluca Mihaela Rădulescu The Implementation and Benefits of Telework in Various Sectors: Reality or Rhetoric? Implementarea și beneficiile telemuncii în diverse sectoare: realitate sau retorică? Alba Iulia Catrinel Popescu, Laura Ungureanu Un personaj istoric controversat al anilor de cumpănă 1940: generalul de corp de armată Aurel Aldea A Controversial Historical Figure of the 1940s: Army Corps General Aurel Aldea FORMAL SCIENCE / ȘTIINȚE FORMALE Constantin Pomparău Ce este ipoteza Riemann și de ce nu poate fi demonstrată What is the Riemann hypothesis and why it cannot be proved Ana Denisa Cutean, Iulia Denisa Moga Contabilitatea activelor de infrastructură Accounting for infrastructure assets Iulia Denisa Moga Tehnica abordării prin cost: evaluarea construcțiilor The technique of the cost approach: construction evaluation Nicolae Sfetcu Apărarea împotriva atacurilor cibernetice prin învățarea automată Defending Against Cyber Attacks Through Machine Learning Dumitru Mazilu Despre unele prevederi canonice și civile privind gestionarea actuala a bunurilor bisericești parohiale About some canonical and civil provisions regarding the current management of parish church assets Alina Mihaela Frătică-Dragomir The Concept of Electronic Pensioner in Some Countries Versus Romania Conceptul de pensionar electronic în unele țări versus România Andreea Teodora Iacob Phasing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Romania. Analysis Based on Social Distancing Measures Etapizarea pandemiei de COVID-19 în România. Analiza bazată pe măsurile de distanțare socială Bogdan Boreschievici Castele în Spania Castles in Spain PHILOSOPHY / FILOSOFIE Nicolae Sfetcu The Republic of Plato: A Philosophical Odyssey Republica lui Platon: o odisee filosofică Tănase Tiberiu, Ovidiu Boureanu Intelligence–ul ca domeniu al cunoașterii Intelligence as a Field of Knowledge Dumitru Mazîlu Dezvoltarea subsecventă a termenului de canon în primele secole creștine The subsequent development of the term canon in the early Christian centuries Valentin Ionescu S-ar putea să nu existe infinitul, decât în nostalgia noastră după starea originară, pierdută, din Grădina Edenului Infinity may not exist except in our nostalgia for our original state, lost Garden of Eden ISSN 2971 – 9070 ISSN-L 2821 – 8086, DOI: 10.58679/CS19653<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=SFECTV-9&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cunoasterea.ro%2Frevista%2Fcunoasterea-stiintifica-volumul-3-2024%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/KOSEFN _The Agonist : A Nietzsche Circle Journal_ 18 (2):51-52. 2024<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=KOSEFN&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.tplondon.com%2Fagonist%2Farticle%2Fview%2F3476">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/KOSNLM _The Agonist : A Nietzsche Circle Journal_ 18 (1):7-17. 2024Developers of the deep learning algorithms known as large language models (LLMs) sometimes give the impression that they are producing a likeness to the human brain: data-processing ‘neural networks’ are ‘taught’ to recognize patterns in language and then, based on this pattern recognition, create or generate new content in the form of natural, humanlike speech, writing, images, etc. The results have been unsettling to some; less appreciated are the metaphysical assumptions underlying the attribution of any meaningful agency whatsoever to an algorithm. In this essay, Nietzsche’s thoughts on the “seduction of grammar” form the basis of one possible critique of generative AI – a critique, moreover, which exposes our society’s current fixation with LLMs for what it is: a fetishization and humanization of new technologies.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=KOSNLM&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fjournals.tplondon.com%2Fagonist%2Farticle%2Fview%2F3261">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/LEMNFL _Studies in Logic, Grammar and Rhetoric_. forthcomingThis short work sets out to argue that the set of simple expressions comprising the lexicon of a given individual and the lexis of a given community are not just contingently but necessarily finite at any given moment in time. Where the lexicon is concerned, this is done by adapting a very simple argument presented by Fred Dretske (1965) concerning whether an individual can count to infinity. This is extended to the more challenging case of the lexis of a community by introducing lexicalization as a condition, which facilitates the same sort of argument as presented for the lexicon. Though the lexicon and lexis are often implicitly assumed to be finite, with little need for further argumentation, there does appear to be grounds for the stronger and more interesting claim that they are necessarily finite at any given moment in time. https://philarchive.org/rec/ROSTAT-26 _New Proposals: Journal of Marxism and Interdisciplinary Inquiry_ 12 (1). 2021 https://philarchive.org/rec/BARDUA-2 The Article ( ‘Decreasing Universe: redshifts and distance data refute the LCDM model’[01]) and the data inside it was analized by some Artificial Inteligence. https://philarchive.org/rec/VASTIS This article is a reflective case-study presenting and analysing the findings of ‘Thinking Is Seeing’, a practice-led research project we conducted between March and April 2017 under the Tate Exchange platform. The project focused on Tate Liverpool’s _Constellations_, the pioneering way of exhibiting works from the Tate collection motivated by thematic, chronological, or interpretative links identified through extended curatorial research. The philosophical background informing our research is the role that perception apportions to thought: a _constellation_, literally a collection of celestial objects, or more widely a set of any other things, events, (art)works, and experiences signifies a process of identifying connections, categorising meanings, drawing inferences. In other words, it signifies _thinking_. As Norman Maclean puts it: ‘All there is to thinking […] is seeing something noticeable which makes you see something you weren’t noticing which makes you see something that isn’t even visible.’ (_A River Runs through It and Other Stories_. Chicago: The University of Chicago Press, 2017 (=1976), pp. 105–106.) This organic relation between thinking and seeing, where the one is but a prerequisite for the other, also echoes Theodor W. Adorno’s notion of a ‘constellation’: ‘Becoming aware of the constellation in which a thing stands is tantamount to deciphering the constellation which, having come to be, it bears within it.’ (_Negative Dialectics_, translated by E. B. Ashton. London: Routledge and Kegan Paul, 1973 (=1966), p. 163.) Against this background and given that the aim of the _Constellations_ is —to quote Francesco Manacorda— ‘to empower people to come and make their own thinking inside these rooms’, we investigated the ways in which _Constellations_ work as an exchange between art, curatorial gesture, and public engagement. What difference does it make to one’s appreciation of, say, Barnett Newman’s _Untitled Etching #1_ when one attends to those features of the work that make it part of a given curatorial narrative (like a _Constellation_)? Do members of the public feel empowered to challenge the perspective of the curator in recognising affinities within a _Constellation_ and construct new narratives? In order to tackle these research questions, we deployed participatory research during three public interactive workshops, which incorporated philosophical inquiry through structured discussion, reflective questioning, and shared criticism. This article shows how the practice of philosophical inquiry within the community, helps us understand that _seeing_ art happens through _understanding_ art and _vice versa_, while empowering participants to articulate exciting new interpretations. https://philarchive.org/rec/FLOCAL-2 _Metaphysica_ 26 (1). 2025In this paper, I shall discuss the question whether a concrete object can be multi-located while it is moving or not. I shall say nothing on the vexed issue of multi-location in and for itself. Instead, my discussion will support a ‘might’-conditional claim: ‘if multi-location were possible, then change might imply multi-location’. To do this, after a very short clarification of the various meanings of ‘to be located’, I will first present and discuss Diodorus’ arguments against the reality of motion, since they focus on the question of what the location of the moving item is, and then scrutinize Hegel’s reply to Diodorus Cronus’ reasonings, insofar as his answer consists in claiming that an object in motion is in many locations at once. Although many philosophers of the past are referred to, this paper does not aim to be a piece of scholarship, but to explore the various metaphysical possibilities con-cerning the logic of location underlying change.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=FLOCAL-2&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.degruyter.com%2Fdocument%2Fdoi%2F10.1515%2Fmp-2024-0011%2Fhtml">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NDOFSP _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):252-264. 2024This study explores the complex landscape of inclusive education for learners with Specific Learning Needs (SLNs), examining critical factors that facilitate successful post-school transitions. The study employed a qualitative interpretive case study design. Conducted in Bulawayo Central District's two secondary schools with Resource Units, the research uses an innovative conceptual framework integrating Neurodiversity theory and Schlossberg's career transition theory. Through a comprehensive investigation involving ten learners with SLNs, two teachers, one school administrator, and the District Remedial Resource Tutor (DRRT), the study uncovers key strategies for supporting educational and vocational adaptation. The study adhered to ethical protocols; obtained university clearance, provincial and district permissions, and acquired informed consent from participants and parents of minors. The research reveals a multifaceted approach to enhancing educational and transitional support for the learners, highlighting critical areas for intervention: redesigning the curriculum to accommodate the diverse abilities and needs of the learners; developing a transition policy that is specifically designed to support individuals with special conditions in post-school settings; introducing corporate tax incentives for companies that create employment opportunities for individuals with special conditions and societal attitude transformation. By prioritizing stakeholder perspectives, the study develops a nuanced transitional model that offers practical guidance for more effective inclusive educational practices. The findings underscore the importance of holistic support in empowering learners with SLNs to achieve academic, social, and economic success.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=NDOFSP&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-017%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NWIFDD _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):239-251. 2024The aim of TVE to equip students with the necessary skills for self-reliance and poverty reduction calls for upgrading the skills imparted to students to keep them abreast of dynamic changes in today's world. This study therefore identified different skills in fabric designing Home-Economics students need to enhance their dexterity prowess for self-reliance and poverty reduction. To carry out this research, four research questions were raised and answered using means and mean differences. The study employed the descriptive survey research design. 100 lecturers and 340 final year students of universities that offer home economics education in the five states of the south-eastern geopolitical zone of Nigeria formed the population of the study. No sampling for the population was manageable. A questionnaire of two-scale components for possessed and needed fabric designing skills constructed and validated by experts was used for data collection. The reliability coefficients of the questionnaires were 0.823 and 0.723 respectively for the two scale components. The data analyses revealed knitting by machine, piping skill and other five novel fabric designing skills that are needed by home-economics students for poverty reduction and boosting of the students' finances. It was recommended that the integration of 21st Century Skills in Thematic learning also consistent workshops and conferences should be made mandatory for students to attend amongst others.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=NWIFDD&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-016%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/OTUKWA _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):224-238. 2024Working in kitchens places significant stress on women especially if conducted in awkward postures and poor work environment. This study assessed Kitchen workstation and Stress in meal preparation by women in Households in Ogun State, Nigeria. Multistage Sampling technique was utilized to select 42 women; Google form was used to collect data for the study. Data were analysed using frequency, percentage, PPMC and ANOVA. The results revealed that 42.9%, 47.6%, 57.1% of the women used modern kitchen workstation partially equipped with furniture and appliance with meal prepared two times daily and spent 3-5hours in preparing meal for members of the household. PPMC (r = 0.443, P<0.05), (r= 0.486, P<0.05) revealed significant relationship between the posture used to carrying out activities in the kitchen and the perceived stress/fatigue experienced by women at the kitchen workstation and between frequency of meal preparation by women in the household and perceived stress/fatigue experienced by women at the kitchen workstation. ANOVA revealed (F =.803, P<0.05) tiredness, pain and stress are significant factors influencing perceived stress/fatigue of women at the kitchen workstation. It was concluded that women in the household experienced tiredness and pain due to posture in carrying out kitchen activities, frequency of meal preparation and the type of kitchen workstation used by the women. it was recommended that community outreach programme for improving kitchen ergonomics, and support to women in balancing their responsibilities to reduce the stress with frequent meal preparation, thereby improving the overall well-being.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=OTUKWA&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-015%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/SHERHE _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):208-223. 2024This study aimed to discover the need for and approaches to repositioning Home Economics for a functional entrepreneurship education programme in Colleges of Education in the North-Central Zone of Nigeria. Four (4) specific objectives and Four (4) research questions guided the study. A descriptive survey design was used for the study. The population for the study comprised 73 Home Economics lecturers and 178 NCE III Students in Colleges of Education in North-Central, Nigeria. Sampling techniques were not carried out, all the populations were chosen for sample size because the population is small, manageable, and individual views were considered important for the study. A 48-item questionnaire developed by researchers and validated by experts was employed as an instrument for data collection. The reliability coefficient of the instrument is 0.745 using Cronbach Alpha. The researchers along with the research assistants administered the instrument to the respondents. Seventy-three (73) Lecturers' questionnaires were administered, seventy-three (73) were returned and one hundred and seventy-eight (178) student questionnaires were administered but one hundred and sixty-two (162) were returned successfully thereby giving 100% and 91% return rate. Mean was used to analyze the data. The study's findings revealed the need to reposition the Home Economics curriculum for functional Entrepreneurship Education in Colleges of Education in the North-Central Zone, Nigeria (Average Mean 3.44). Based on the findings, recommendations were made to include that Colleges of Education should adopt innovative curriculum design, teaching methods, assessment tools, and robust feedback mechanisms.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=SHERHE&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-014%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/KUKCAA-5 _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):193-207. 2024This study investigates motive factors attracting people to community-based festivals characterized by culinary activities and underscore its contribution to sustaining tourism activities in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was adopted for sample selection. Kayo-Kayo Festival in the Epe area of Lagos State was purposively selected, purposive and availability sampling technique was used to select household head and one additional adult from 25 households respectively within the host community. Convenience sampling method was further used to select 100 festivals attendees, making a total of 150 respondents and a structured close-ended questionnaire was administered for data gathering. Analysis was done through the use of simple percentages, weighted mean, standard deviation and correlation analysis. Majority (79.3%) of the respondents were attracted to community-based festival because of their interest in supporting preservation of cultural heritage (M=2.63; SD=0.85). 48.6% were highly attracted by Culinary arts competition during the festival activities (M=2.41; SD=0.87). Also, most respondents opines that the festival has positive effects on the socio-cultural (M=2.45; SD=1.33) economy (M=2.43; SD= 1.49) and environment (M=3.35; SD=132) of the host community. The study found that there is a positive correlation (r= 0.356) between culinary arts and factors that motivate festival attendance. The study concludes that culinary arts motivates peoples’ attendance at festivals and therefore recommends sustaining the inclusion of culinary activities in other community-based festivals to promote attendance for the progress of the festivals and its sustainability. https://philarchive.org/rec/NWOTRO-3 _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):168-192. 2024This study investigates the causes and multifaceted impacts of single parenting on the socio-economic development of young adults in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. This context, often overlooked in global family dynamics research, is increasingly relevant as urbanization accelerates. A quantitative research design was employed, and data were collected from 399 respondents, including both academic and non-academic staff, through structured questionnaires. The study found that the primary drivers of single-parent households in the region are divorce (49.6%) and widowhood (40.1%).Young adults from single-parent families face significant challenges, including heightened risks of social stigma, economic hardship, and educational disparities. These challenges were reflected in clustered mean scores of 2.715 for social impact and 2.729 for economic impact. The study also highlighted gendered perceptions, revealing that social adjustment and career outcomes are shaped by both gender and family structure. Female respondents, in particular, reported greater difficulties in social integration and career progression. A unique aspect of this study is its localized focus on the dynamics of single-parenting in a rapidly urbanizing Nigerian city. The findings underscore the critical need for targeted interventions at both policy and community levels to address the specific challenges faced by young adults in these households. Recommendations include enhancing support networks, improving access to mental health services, and offering financial aid for educational advancement. The study emphasizes the importance of developing tailored interventions that foster resilience among young adults from single-parent households. By addressing systemic challenges, these interventions could play a vital role in promoting socio-economic inclusion and informing more inclusive policies in Nigeria’s rapidly changing socio-economic landscape.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=NWOTRO-3&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-012%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/UJAETE _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):152-167. 2024This review examines how personalized learning strategies affect Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges. Personalized learning is an adaptive instructional model that tailors educational experiences to meet the unique needs of each student. It has garnered significant attention for its potential to address the varied learning profiles of TVET learners. The review carefully evaluates existing literature to pinpoint key strategies, challenges, and outcomes related to personalized learning within the TVET context. A thorough methodology is employed to analyze peer-reviewed articles, conference proceedings, and pertinent grey literature from the past decade. Key areas of focus include the impact of personalized learning on student engagement, skill development, academic success, and job readiness. Furthermore, the review investigates the technological tools and teaching frameworks that facilitate personalized learning in TVET settings, while also considering obstacles such as limited resources, teacher preparedness, and policy issues. Initial findings indicate that personalized learning methods can boost student motivation, enhance learning results, and promote career readiness among a diverse group of TVET students. Nonetheless, the evidence is still scattered, highlighting the urgent need for more research on effective and sustainable implementation strategies. The primary goal of this review is to lay the groundwork for future studies.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=UJAETE&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-011%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/AMAAOC _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):140-151. 2024This study assessed Clothing and Teacher credibility among lecturers in Universities in South East, Nigeria. Three purposes guided the study while the study answered three research questions. The study covered a total population of 186 lecturers of Home Economics, Psychology and Fine and Applied Arts. Structured questionnaire was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by five experts. Data collection was done with the help of four research assistants. A total of 178 instrument was returned making it 96% total return rate. The data generated from research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. In decision making, scores above 2.5 were accepted while scores below 2.5 were rejected. Major findings include: Twenty-three (23) constituents of teacher credibility among lecturers in South East Nigeria which includes that lecturers should dress decently and professionally at all times among others, Seven (7) ways teachers’ clothing can affects learning including that students pay attention to lecturer’s clothing, students are interested in the subject areas taught by properly dresses lecturers among others. Twenty (20) ways the clothing of lecturers can enhance credibility in lecturers in South East, Nigeria including not overdressing to class, using harmonizing colours among others. It was therefore recommended that University lecturers should maintain good clothing practices, government should provide wardrobe allowance to university lecturers among others.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=AMAAOC&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-010%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NWAHTP _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):128-139. 2024This study was designed to develop snacks utilizing composite flour blends of African yam beans and African rice, focusing on their proximate composition and sensory qualities. Flours were produced from African yam beans and African rice grains. The composite flours of African yam bean and African rice were formulated using different ratios specified as BSA, BSB, BSC, BSD, BSE, DOA, DOB, DOC, DOD and DOE. The proximate composition and sensory properties of the flour samples were determined using standard methods. Proximate results showed significant (P< 0.05) increase in protein (9.50 – 11.52%), Fiber (0.88 – 1.75%), ash (1.94 – 5.00%) and Carbohydrate (73.71 – 79.08%) and significantly decrease (P<0.05) in fat ((8.00 – 2.19%), and moisture (7.40 – 3.97%) for biscuits. While an increase in protein (12.63 – 9.75%), fiber (0.48 – 2.10%) and carbohydrate (73.41 – 60.82%) but decrease in moisture (12.80 – 6.59%) ash (3.00 – 1.48%) and fat (12.00 – 8.02%) was observed in doughnut samples. Sensory results showed that the panelist liked the snacks prepared from the blends; however, the control snack samples were most preferred. To enhance consumer appeal, the composite snacks with lower ratings (BSB and DOD) needs improvement. In order to improve food security and support sustainable livelihoods in Nigeria, this study recommends employing these indigenous crops to make nutritious snack options.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=NWAHTP&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-009%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/NWOSAP _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):104-127. 2024This study explores the socio-economic and psychological factors that shape clothing consumption patterns among female undergraduate students at the University of Uyo, Nigeria. While existing research has extensively examined clothing preferences in various global contexts, limited attention has been given to the unique dynamics between financial constraints and psychological motivations in low-resource settings, particularly within Nigeria. Adopting a descriptive survey design, data were gathered from 389 respondents using a structured questionnaire. The findings highlight the pivotal roles of monthly allowances, the prevalence of second-hand shopping, and psychological influences such as self-esteem and peer pressure in shaping students' clothing choices. This study provides fresh insights by examining the coexistence of socio-economic limitations and identity-driven motivations in a cultural landscape marked by financial challenges and shifting social expectations. The results illuminate how young consumers navigate the interplay between affordability, self-expression, and the need for social acceptance. These findings offer valuable implications for stakeholders, including retailers, policymakers, and educators, by emphasizing the need for interventions that encourage affordable and sustainable fashion, foster financial literacy, and address the psychological effects of clothing consumption. https://philarchive.org/rec/AKIPHL _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):93-103. 2024The study examines healthy lifestyle strategies among 1,086,543 couples in Oyo State, Nigeria, focusing on feeding, physical well-being, and mental health. Data from 817 married respondents revealed that 73.6% prefer self-prepared meals, while 9.5% prefer fast food or processed food. Consumption of vegetables and fruits varied, with 55.4% following a balanced diet. The study reveals that people living in clean environments are generally satisfied with their living conditions, with a high percentage of those living in spacious, secure homes. Couples living in houses with cross ventilation are also satisfied. Physical exercise is also a significant factor. The study shows that 59.9% of respondents practice mindfulness and meditation, while 34.8% seek mental health advice. 21.7% are aware of local mental support services. Balancing work-life is a challenge, with 33.9% excelling and 37.3% good. Strong preferences for self-prepared meals and regular physical exercise support mental health. Healthy lifestyle can be encouraged through mindfulness, with secure communities and local mental support resources playing a key role. The results of the study will pave the way for new fields of research by providing material for health educators and educational researchers, as well as guidance on healthy lifestyles for individuals, couples, families, the government, and non-governmental organizations.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=AKIPHL&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-007%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/OLAEIN _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):76-92. 2024This study seeks to ascertain the role played by Internet in marketing the tourism sector in Nigeria, majorly highlighting Ikogosi Warm Spring in Ekiti state. Recognizing tourism's socio-economic benefits, the research explores whether digital marketing could enhance visibility and visitor numbers for under-promoted sites like Ikogosi. Key questions address internet usage, tourist behavior, and the challenges facing e-tourism in Nigeria. Survey data were collected from 100 participants (60 tourists and 40 stakeholders), with findings that 70% of all respondents agreed digital marketing strongly influences tourist decision-making. However, 52% indicated that limited Internet access in rural areas like Ikogosi hampers effective online promotion. Additionally, 60% identified inadequate content about Ikogosi online as a barrier to attracting tourists, while 45% cited poor infrastructure as a major impediment to digital outreach. Regarding online engagement, 78% of respondents suggested that a dedicated website and social media channels for Ikogosi could increase tourist interest, with 65% agreeing that social media campaigns are currently the most effective tool for tourism promotion. On content type, 72% expressed a preference for visuals (photos and videos) showcasing the site’s attractions and cultural elements, believing that such content would have the greatest impact on attracting tourists. In conclusion, the study emphasizes the Internet’s potential to transform tourism in Nigeria by enhancing site visibility and tourist attraction if infrastructural and content-related issues are addressed. These insights are particularly relevant for policymakers and stakeholders aiming to boost digital engagement and increase visitation to Ikogosi and similar destinations.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=OLAEIN&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-006%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/OGBSFE _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):63-75. 2024This study determined the strategies for enhancing home economics teachers’ service delivery in some selected public secondary schools in Yaba, Lagos State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Population for the study was 150 and the sample size was 50. Purposive sampling technique was adopted. Structured questionnaires were the instrument used for data collection. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that some of the factors that have negative impacts on Home Economics teachers service delivery are obsolete curriculum that are not in tune with current realities, lack of meaningful job schedule, lack of proper planning and provision of needed technological tools, facilities and equipment needed foreffective teaching and learning of home economics, lack of proper procedures for measuring the growth of each individual teacher and student performance, inability to make result driven evaluation that would help teachers appreciate their roles as home economist and lack of clear understanding of the subject matter. It was concluded that that employees provides favorable and satisfying working conditions, teachers should be an embodiment of a constant search for updated knowledge in their various fields. Amongst the recommendations made were that there should be training and re-training for teachers, increased remuneration so as to enhance their service delivery and only professionally trained Home Economist should be allowed to teach Home Economics as a subject.<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=OGBSFE&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-005%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/AZUNCO _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):42-62. 2024This study assessed the nutritional composition of stiff porridge made from carrots and eggplant flour and its nutritional benefit to elderly. The result revealed that significant differences existed in the proximate, mineral, vitamin and sensory attributes of the samples with moisture content of the stiff porridge ranging from 33.78 to 35.00%. Sample A (Stiff porridge from 100% eggplant) had the highest moisture content (38.00%) whereas sample C (Stiff porridge from 50% eggplant and 50% carrot) had the lowest moisture. Sample A (Stiff porridge from 100% eggplant) had the highest the calcium content (50.00%), Sample A (Stiff porridge from 100% eggplant) had the highest potassium (129.14 mg/100g) while sample C (Stiff porridge from 50% eggplant and 50% carrot) had the lowest value of potassium (98.15 mg/100g). However, Sample C (Stiff porridge from 50% eggplant and 50% carrot) had the highest mean score for general acceptability (7.20) whereas sample A (Stiff porridge from 100% eggplant) had the least mean score (6.00). This study concluded that the potentials of eggplant and carrot as useful alternatives in the production of stiff porridge for healthy family feeding in Umuahia North Local Government Area in Abia State. Based on this study, the following recommendations are made: Utilization of 100% eggplant in stiff porridge production is recommended especially to individuals that are mineral deficient since it had increased mineral content, in addition to proximate composition. The stiff porridges should not be kept for quite long before consumption since it possesses high moisture. Sensitization of the general populace on the potentials of eggplant and carrot blends in the production of stiff porridge will contribute to enhancing their utilization and health benefits especially to the elderly<div>(<a href="https://philarchive.org/go.pl?id=AZUNCO&amp;proxyId=&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ijhhr.org%2F-vol-3-issue-2%2F10-57012-ijhhr-v3n2-004%2F">direct link</a>)</div> https://philarchive.org/rec/ONYCCA _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):29-41. 2024The study accessed the chemical composition and sensory evaluation of products made from oat (Avena sativa) and unripe plantain (Musa paradisiaca). This research aimed to determine the chemical composition of food products made from unripe plantain and oat composite flours and evaluated the acceptability of such foods through sensory evaluation for the benefits of diabetics and obese persons. Proximate, minerals, and phytochemicals analysis were conducted to ascertain the concentration of essential nutrients composition, Unripe plantain and oats flours were mixed at 50:50, 70:30, and 80:20 in ratios of plantain and oats respectively to formulate the composite flours, and analysed to determine the most preferable and recommend ratio based on chemical composition and sensory properties. Composite flour mixes with 50:50 in ratio proved to be the most preferable in sensory evaluation, general acceptability, minerals composition, and the proximate; it is then recommended for the target population. Unripe plantain and oats composite flours when adopted as part of food varieties or food ingredients for diabetics and obese persons can be used to make foods whether as deserts or main meal components of their diets in form of puddings, dumplings, and swallows. https://philarchive.org/rec/NKADAP _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):12-28. 2024This study investigates the determinants and perceptions of incest in family relationships within Uyo, the capital city of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Despite strong cultural and legal taboos, incest persists, necessitating an exploration of its root causes and societal views. Using a cross-sectional survey of 800 respondents (382 males, 418 females), the research identifies key determinants of incest, including poverty (15%), depression (14%), and alcoholism (16%), as well as factors like single parenting (15%) and divorce/separation (20%). A factor analysis groups these causes into psychological, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors, revealing that emotional instability, financial hardship, and environmental vulnerabilities significantly increase the risk of incestuous behavior. Regarding perception, 51% of respondents strongly agreed that incest occurs frequently, with 50% specifically acknowledging its prevalence in Uyo Capital City. The study highlights the role of stigma, cultural sensitivity, and under-reporting as major barriers to addressing incest cases. Incest was perceived as particularly prevalent during periods of social or economic instability, such as the COVID-19 lockdown, with 50% of respondents strongly agreeing that cases increased during this time. The findings underscore the need for a multi-faceted intervention strategy involving community leaders, policymakers, and mental health professionals. This study provides a critical framework for developing policies aimed at preventing incest and promoting healthier family dynamics in Uyo and similar regions. https://philarchive.org/rec/NUNSFO _International Journal of Home Economics, Hospitality and Allied Research_ 3 (2):1-11. 2024In an effort to promote the development of skills among Vocational and Technical students of Colleges of Education (COEs) in Nigeria, this article focused on the evaluation of the most suitable means of financing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) amidst dwindling economy. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. Mean and standard deviation was used to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypothesis at.05 level of significance. The researcher solicited for data from six Head of Departments (HOD), 34 Lecturers and five Directors of Academic Planning (DAP) of five COEs to provide answers to the most suitable methods of funding TVET. The instrument for the data collection was a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Cronbach alpha method which yielded Cronbach alpha coefficient of.87. The findings revealed that poor funding of the TVET sector in the COEs in North Central Nigeria had compromised the delivery of quality TVET. Hence, Government grants and Provision of special TVET TETFund among others were identified as the suitable means of funding TVET in COEs. It was recommended that adopting a germane source of financing TVET as identified in the current study would go a long way in sustaining TVET toward efficient production of graduates for the world of work. The findings would positively contribute towards resolving a myriad of financing challenges that are ravaging COE training providers to change TVET systems to yield the desired developmental outcomes.