On the Theoretical-methodological Consequences of Essentialism in Definition of Religion and Ethnic Community

Author(s):  
Din Kh. Dobrynin ◽  

The article reveals the theoretical-methodological problems of combining essen­tialist attitudes in the definitions of religion and ethnic community. Essentialism assumes that an ethnic community has an essence that should be reflected in the theoretical constructions of scientists. At the same time, one of the essen­tial features of an ethnic community is supposed to be the presence of a unique culture, including religion. The essentialist understanding of religion is based either on overly narrow or overly broad definitions of it. The author comes to the conclusion that the simultaneous appeal to essentialism in relation to eth­nic community and to narrow essentialist definitions of religion (which, for ex­ample, does not include Buddhism) leads to the fact that an ethnic community can be spoken of only when its culture includes a pronounced religious compo­nent. In essentialism, an ethnic community is defined through a number of essen­tial features, including religion. However, the latter is defined so broadly that it becomes indistinguishable from morality and, consequently, loses its essence. This leads to a methodological impasse – the essence of the phenomenon is re­vealed through an appeal to the non-essential theoretical construct.

2010 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
pp. 93-111 ◽  
Author(s):  
June McDaniel

This article describes the role of Hinduism in modern Indonesia and the ways in which it has been adapted to fit the government's definition of religion as a prophetic monotheism with revealed texts and a universal ethic. It gives a brief background on Indonesian history and analyzes the structure and theology of Agama Hindu Dharma Indonesia. It discusses whether a governmental reorganization of an ancient religion can be considered a new religious movement, and some approaches that might be useful from the field of religious studies. It suggests that the definition of new religious movement be changed to fit the case in which a modern religion considered to be a revealed religion also acts as a civil religion.


2020 ◽  
pp. 50-57
Author(s):  
Taras Kravets

The purpose of the article is to analyze the existing approaches to understanding the terms military sphere, military-industrial complex, defense-industrial complex, security and defense sector, military sector, determining the positioning of the military sphere and its position relative to other natural-geographical areas, joints and overlaps, identification of its functions and problems that interfere with proper functioning. Development of directions and prospects for the development of the military sphere and the Armed Forces of Ukraine in general. Method. The research was conducted on the basis of the analysis of available literature sources on this topic and the application of a spherical approach to the analysis of the positioning of the military sphere and the definition of its components. The available domestic and foreign literary sources and the ratio of these concepts within this literature are studied. Results. Theoretical and methodological problems of comparing concepts related to the military sphere and their interchangeability and interconnectedness are studied. The scheme of correlation of concepts of military sphere, defense-industrial complex and military-industrial complex is offered. Based on the spherical approach, we propose a scheme of the military sphere, which we consider as a sphere formed within the geosphere at the junction of social and natural spheres, at the intersection of demographic, informational, spiritual, environmental, technical, economic, political and social spheres. Within each oblast forming the sphere, three main sectors with the greatest influence on the military sphere are singled out. Six main functions of the sphere are singled out and arranged in order of importance on the basis of the proposed scheme. Scientific novelty. The need for this study is due to the fact that despite the fact that since 2014 and to date, fighting has been going on in the east of our country, in many universities the discipline of military geography and related disciplines is being stolen, the term military sphere has not been proposed. clear positioning of the military sphere among other social spheres. To date, the functions performed by the military sphere and the factors contributing to the improvement and development of this sphere have not been determined, which is what led to the implementation of this study. Practical meaning. Based on modeling and analysis, the main areas that affect the military sphere as such and to what extent are identified, the areas of greatest influence and sectors of influence within the regions are identified. The functions of the military sphere and the main factors influencing its development and transformation are highlighted, as well as what measures need to be implemented to improve the situation. The results of the research are developed for planning by the state structures of the program of development of the military sphere and for teaching the discipline "Military Geography". The geographical features of the military sphere are singled out, to which the greatest attention should be paid when analyzing the transformation of the military sphere.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-6
Author(s):  
Akshay R. Maggu ◽  
Tobias Overath

Purpose In the field of audiology, auditory processing disorder (APD) continues to be a topic of ongoing debate for clinicians and scientists alike, both in terms of theory and clinical practice. In the current viewpoint, we first lay out the main issues that are central to the controversy surrounding APD, and then suggest a framework toward their resolution. Method The current viewpoint is informed by reviewing existing studies in the field of APD to better understand the issues contributing to the controversies in APD. Results We found that, within the current definition of APD, the two main issues that make the APD diagnosis controversial are (a) comorbidity with other disorders and (b) the lack of domain specificity. These issues remain unresolved, especially with the use of the existing behavioral APD test batteries. In this viewpoint, we shed light on how they can be mitigated by implementing the administration of an objective, physiological test battery. Conclusions By administering an objective test battery, as proposed in this viewpoint, we believe that it will be possible to achieve a higher degree of specificity to the auditory domain that will not only contribute towards clinical practice but also contribute towards strengthening APD as a theoretical construct.


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