scholarly journals Spiritual Practices and the Language Problem

2016 ◽  
Vol 24 (5) ◽  
pp. 56-71
Author(s):  
P.S. Vasilyev
Keyword(s):  
Mystical Experience ◽  
Spiritual Practice ◽  
Spiritual Practices ◽  
Spiritual Exercises ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Language Problem ◽  
Spiritual Tradition ◽  
Definition Of

In this article a new approach to the interpretation of religious-mystical experience, which bases on a notion of “mystical practice” as specific underclass of spiritual practices, is being tried out. An analysis of anthropological concepts, in which the practices of constructing oneself are central, is being held (M. Foucault, P. Ado). A role of spiritual practices and spiritual exercises in constructing person’s consti- tution is being outlined. Problems of spiritual practice language, interconnections between apophatic and kataphatic interpretation of experience and of definition of spiritual tradition as a certain communicative dimension are being raised.

ZERO ENERGY GAUGE FIELDS AND THE PHASES OF A GAUGE THEORY

1990 ◽  
Vol 05 (14) ◽  
pp. 2783-2798 ◽  
Author(s):  
E.I. GUENDELMAN
Keyword(s):  
Gauge Theory ◽  
Gauge Fields ◽  
Zero Energy ◽  
Massless Particles ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Gauge Transformations ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Higgs Fields ◽  
Invariant Gauge

A new approach to the definition of the phases of a Poincare invariant gauge theory is developed. It is based on the role of gauge transformations that change the asymptotic value of the gauge fields from zero to a constant. In the context of theories without Higgs fields, this symmetry can be spontaneously broken when the gauge fields are massless particles, explicitly broken when the gauge fields develop a mass. Finally, the vacuum can be invariant under this transformation, this last case can be achieved when the theory has a violent infrared behavior, which in some theories can be connected to a confinement mechanism.

scholarly journals Modern Conceptions of Cities as Smart and Sustainable and Their Commonalities

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 2642 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anna D’Auria ◽  
Marco Tregua ◽  
Manuel Vallejo-Martos
Keyword(s):  
Smart City ◽  
Digital City ◽  
Sustainable City ◽  
New Approach ◽  
H Index ◽  
City Life ◽  
Modern Cities ◽  
Social Environmental ◽  
Definition Of

The present work aims to determine the existence of commonalities between two modern conceptions of cities, i.e., smart and sustainable. To accomplish this, the authors carried out a systematic review of the most-cited scientific contributions chosen by the scholars proposing conceptualisation of the two topics, according to the H-index determined by Web of Science. The findings show that the most important contributions representing the antecedents with respect to the concepts of a smart city and a sustainable city can be classified into three groups: labelled as what, how and with, and describing the definitions, the role of technology, and the pillars (in the case of a smart city); the groups labelled as what, how and with depicts definitions, change and challenges, and key features (in the case of a sustainable city). Starting from the conception of a smart city as the evolution of a digital city, the smart city concept not only considers aspects related to technology and innovation but adds the human features of city life. The sustainable city concept can be understood as a new approach through the filter of a new philosophy; it is an equitable and balanced setting of goals in line with the principles of sustainable development. Both concepts cannot be thought of as contrasting; in fact, they share many commonalities. This is because the attention focused on social, environmental and economic issues has framed the debate over sustainability and converged in the definition of a smart city and—obviously—in the notion of a sustainable city. The main contribution of this paper is in considering the smart city as mainly setting the guidelines of a transforming city, while the sustainable city is mostly thought as an approach and a philosophy to modern cities.

The definition of traditional sanctions: their scope and characteristics

2008 ◽  
Vol 90 (870) ◽  
pp. 249-257
Author(s):  
Emmanuel Decaux
Keyword(s):  
International Law ◽  
Case Law ◽  
Main Task ◽  
Humanitarian Law ◽  
Private Companies ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Criminal Sanctions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
International Law Commission

AbstractFor more than 30 years the codification of state responsibility has been the main task of the International Law Commission, which has placed greater emphasis on financial reparations than on criminal sanctions. Since the 1990s, however, the responsibility of individuals for gross violations of humanitarian law has been one of the main topics in international law. This new approach implies discrepancies between domestic practice and international case law in terms of the nature and scale of sanctions, the role of victims and also the accountability of non-state entities, including private companies and international organizations.

Reframing construction within the built environment sector

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 740-745 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gerard de Valence
Keyword(s):  
Built Environment ◽  
Construction Industry ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Professional Services ◽  
Special Role ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose Official statistics on the output of the construction industry capture on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors; however, the role of the industry linking suppliers of materials, machinery, products, services and other inputs is also widely recognised. These two views have been called broad and narrow, with the narrow industry defined as on-site work and the broad industry as the supply chain of materials, products and assemblies, and professional services. An argument is made for using the term “built environment sector” (BES) for the broad industry definition of construction. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach Construction industry statistics capture the on-site activities of contractors and sub-contractors. This paper reviews research that adds to construction output the contributions of suppliers of materials, machinery and equipment, products and components, professional services and other inputs required to deliver the buildings and structures that make up the built environment. Findings The same term, “construction”, has been used in a number of ways in different definitional studies of the narrow and broad industry. The term that best encompasses the large number and range of participants in the creation and maintenance of the built environment, from suppliers to end users, is the BES. Research limitations/implications Construction economics makes an important contribution to researching the macroeconomic role of the BES. There is also a special role for construction economics in researching both the boundaries of the BES and the data available on the industries that contribute to the BES. Practical implications Measuring the BES would improve the understanding of its macroeconomic role and significance. Social implications Measuring the BES would contribute to city policies and urban planning. Originality/value The paper proposes a new approach to defining and measuring the industries that contribute to the production, maintenance and management of the built environment. It introduces a new name for the combination of those industries.

scholarly journals David Lewis-Williams’s Cognitive Archeology: New Approach to Shamanism

2019 ◽  
pp. 92-97
Author(s):  
Aleksandra D. Belova ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Social Organization ◽  
David Lewis ◽  
Large Role ◽  
New Approach ◽  
History Of Religions ◽  
History Of ◽  
Rock Paintings ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Main Ideas

The article outlines the main ideas of the archaeologist David Lewis-Williams and his contribution to the study of shamanism and the analysis of rock paintings. Author examines the depicted scenes, the process of the painting, as well as artifacts and ethnographic evidences of the alleged rituals. The reconstruction of rituals is accompanied by the Lewis-Williams’s conception of the spectrum of consciousness and its various states. Universal mental images arising during ASCs played a large role in the genesis of shamanism, and their fixation in rock art allows one to reconstruct the inner state of the creators of images and the role of trance experiences. The author finds confirmation of his concept in the history of religions. The article also contains critical remarks on the Lewis-Williams’ theory, mainly related to the definition of symbolic activity and the insufficient attention of the author to social organization. The author of the article partially agrees with the criticism, and also brings auxiliary theories that remove some of the criticism. The article outlines the prospects for using the Lewis-Williams’ method in analyzing not only rock paintings, but also folklore sources.

scholarly journals Nudge/sludge symmetry: on the relationship between nudge and sludge and the resulting ontological, normative and transparency implications

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-24
Author(s):  
STUART MILLS
Keyword(s):  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Clear Definition ◽  
Complete Understanding ◽  
New Approach ◽  
Choice Architect ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
New Framework

Abstract A recent development within nudge theory is the concept of sludge, which imposes frictions on decision-making. Nascent literature adopts a normative interpretation of sludge: nudge good, sludge bad. However, this normative interpretation leaves much to be desired. A clear definition and treatment of sludge remains absent from this literature, as is a complete understanding of ‘frictions’. Furthermore, the relationship between nudges and sludges is unclear. This paper proposes the concept of nudge/sludge symmetry in an attempt to advance the conceptual understanding of sludge. Building from the definition of a nudge, three types of friction permissible under nudge theory are identified: hedonic, social and obscurant. Sludge is then positioned, in terms of frictions, relative to nudge: nudges decrease relative frictions, sludges increase relative frictions. A consequence of this proposition is nudge/sludge symmetry – where a nudge decreases the frictions associated with a specific option, sludge is simultaneously imposed on all other options available to a decision-maker. Nudge/sludge symmetry subsequently challenges the normative interpretation of sludge, and so a new framework drawing on the literature on nudges in the private sector is offered, with the choice architect placed at the centre. This new approach to sludge and emphasis on the role of the choice architect, in turn, reaffirms the importance of transparency in public policy interventions.

scholarly journals From the IJssel Valley to Paris and Rome via Montserrat

2021 ◽  
Vol 101 (1) ◽  
pp. 33-60
Author(s):  
Robert A. Maryks
Keyword(s):  
Direct Relationship ◽  
General Structure ◽  
Spiritual Exercises ◽  
Imitatio Christi ◽  
Imitation Of Christ ◽  
Five Senses ◽  
Ignatius Of Loyola ◽  
Definition Of

Abstract This essay aims to analyze the hitherto neglected (or deliberately avoided?) link between De spiritualibus ascentionibus (On spiritual ascents) by Zerbolt of Zutphen (1367–1398) and the Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola (c. 1491–1556). Indeed, there is a more direct relationship between these two texts than between Ignatius’s Spiritual Exercises and the Exercitatorio spiritual by Abbot García Jiménez de Cisneros (1455–1510) and the Imitatio Christi (Imitation of Christ) by Thomas à Kempis (c. 1380–1441), which has received much more attention in the existing literature. A careful synoptic reading of these works reveals not only an intriguing congruence between Zerbolt and Loyola in terms of the scope and definition of their works; the general structure and vocabulary; humanistic soteriology and optimistic anthropology of human will; the role of introspection in reforming inordinate affections and affective devotion; the role of examen of conscience (both daily and general); frequent sacramental confession and Communion; the role of spiritual guide; the use of the five senses and composition of place as meditative techniques and importance of methodical mental prayer; and the centrality of imitation of Christ’s humanity, but also direct textual reciprocity. Zerbolt’s Spiritual Ascents appears to be a blueprint for Loyola’s Exercises.

scholarly journals Archeosophy and experimental metaphysics of Palamidessi

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daniele Corradetti
Keyword(s):  
Spiritual Practice ◽  
Spiritual Practices ◽  
Spiritual Exercises ◽  
Spiritual Senses ◽  
The Awakening

The centre of the reflections of Tommaso Palamidessi (1915 1983), starting from the first writings of the 1940’s, is the providing of the spiritual techniques capable of carrying forward the study of the metaphysical reality to anexperimental plane. The f ull realization of his “experimental metaphysics” is constituted by Archeosophy, understood as the experimental way, presented by him in 1968 and developed in the following years. The concrete basis of every supersensible experimentation for Palamidessi is the awakening of those which are the centres of force, identified with the “spiritual senses” of the Fathers of Church, which as such allow the superior worlds to be rendered sensible. In the thought of Palamidessi therefore the possibility of an experimental metaphysics and of a spiritual practice become implementable once the techniques of awakening and of the development of these subtle centres are provided.While taking into account the thematic vastness of the various “asceses” proposed by Archeosophy, with the relative methods, experiments and exercises, in this study we synthetically present three orders of spiritual practices suggested by Palamidessi in his writings, and widely diffused among Archeosophers: the meditation on the centres of force, the spiritual exercises with the “rite of the eucharistia lucernaris ” and the Cardiognosis with the “prayer to the Sapience".

Challenges of Fear Conditioning Research in the Age of RDoC

2017 ◽  
Vol 225 (3) ◽  
pp. 189-199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tina B. Lonsdorf ◽  
Jan Richter
Keyword(s):  
Fear Conditioning ◽  
Clinical Diagnosis ◽  
Research Domain Criteria ◽  
Major Focus ◽  
The Future ◽  
Definition Of ◽  
Methodological Considerations ◽  
Research Domain

Abstract. As the criticism of the definition of the phenotype (i.e., clinical diagnosis) represents the major focus of the Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) initiative, it is somewhat surprising that discussions have not yet focused more on specific conceptual and procedural considerations of the suggested RDoC constructs, sub-constructs, and associated paradigms. We argue that we need more precise thinking as well as a conceptual and methodological discussion of RDoC domains and constructs, their interrelationships as well as their experimental operationalization and nomenclature. The present work is intended to start such a debate using fear conditioning as an example. Thereby, we aim to provide thought-provoking impulses on the role of fear conditioning in the age of RDoC as well as conceptual and methodological considerations and suggestions to guide RDoC-based fear conditioning research in the future.

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