Astrobiology’s Intra-Active Aliens

2020 ◽  
pp. 32-45
Author(s):  
Adam Pryor
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Theological Anthropology ◽  
Human Existence ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Human Individual

This chapter lays a conceptual foundation by introducing how the intra-active quality of astrobiological phenomena provides a distinctive context for framing what constitutes meaningful human existence, because the scale of these phenomena is so vast. To think astrobiologically requires that we imagine significant ontological units beyond the human individual and her agency that accord with the more general theory of living-systems that astrobiology is beginning to articulate. It explores how the interdisciplinary discoveries of astrobiology proffer a particular transdisciplinary vision of the cosmos with significance for theological anthropology and environmental thinking about the Anthropocene.

Anthropological Aspects of Security Culture Analyses within the Context of Selected Elements of Threat and Security Typology

2019 ◽  
Vol 32 (32) ◽  
pp. 108-126
Author(s):  
Juliusz Piwowarski ◽  
Łukasz Trzciński
Keyword(s):  
International Organizations ◽  
Human Security ◽  
Scientific Basis ◽  
The State ◽  
Human Existence ◽  
Security Studies ◽  
Social Construct ◽  
Security Culture ◽  
Human Individual

Both security sciences and security studies have traditionally mainly focused on the state as the most important security subject; however, as anthropology of security and the idea of human security assert, it is the security of a human individual that should be highlighted as well. The authors start from discussing the typologies of threat and security. This leads them to focusing on the idea of human security, a concept first proposed by researchers and then taken up by international organizations. The concept of human security, combined with anthropology of security, constitutes a scientific basis for the shift from the state-centric to the anthropocentric approach to security. The authors corroborate this stance by discussing a range of definitions of the concept of security, which focus on either more general or more specific aspects of security. They favour the more universal understanding of the concept and conclude that security, being the same type of anthropological social construct as other humane values such as beauty, happiness, love, etc., and a phenomenon relating to a great extent to the quality of human existence, should possess its universal essence.

scholarly journals Perspectives pour la linguistique : de la linguistique descriptive à la linguistique explicative

2021 ◽  
Vol 33 ◽  
pp. 1-29
Author(s):  
Wiesław Banyś
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Point Of View ◽  
Primitive Elements ◽  
Aim Of Science ◽  
The Difference ◽  
Main Components ◽  
General Linguistic ◽  
Object Of Study ◽  
Comprehensive Study

The text deals with one of the challenges of linguistics, which is to effectively combine description and explanation in linguistics.It is necessary that linguistic theories are not only capable of adequately describing their object of study within their framework, but they must also have a suitable explanatory power.Linguistics centred around the explanation of the why of the system is called here ‘explanatory’ or ‘non-autonomous’, in contrast to ‘descriptive’ or ‘autonomous’ linguistics, which is focused on the description of the system, the distinction being based on the difference in the objects of study, the goals and the descriptive and explanatory possibilities of the theories.From the point of view presented here, a comprehensive study of language has three main components: a general theory of what language is, a resulting theory and description, which is a function of this theory, of how language is organised, functions and has evolved in the human brain, and an explanation of the properties of language found.The explanatory value of a general linguistic theory is a function of various elements, among others, the quantity of the primitive elements of the theory adopted and the effectiveness of Ockham’s razor principle of simplicity. It is also a function of the quality of those elements which can be drawn not only from within the system, but also from outside the system becoming in this situation logically prior to the object under study.In science, in linguistics, one naturally needs two types of approach, two types of linguistics, descriptive/autonomous and explanatory/non-autonomous, one must first describe reality in order to explain it. But it is also certain that since the aim of science is to explain in order to reach that higher level of scientificity above pure description, it is necessary that this aim be realized in different linguistic theories within different research programs, uniting descriptivist and explanatory approaches.

A general theory of generic modelling and paradigm shifts: part 3 – the extension

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 311-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice Yolles ◽  
Gerhard Fink
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Agency Theory ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Paradigm Shifts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simplex Model ◽  
Complex Phenomena ◽  
Cultural Agency ◽  
Simplex Models

Purpose – Anticipating behaviour and responding to the needs of complexity and problematic issues requires modelling to facilitate analysis and diagnosis. Using arguments of anticipation as an imperative for inquiry, the purpose of this paper is to introduce generic modelling for living systems theory, and assigns the number of generic constructs to orders of simplex modelling. An nth simplex order rests in an nth order simplex cybernetic space. A general modelling theory of higher orders of simplexity is given, where each higher order responds to every generic construct involved, the properties of which determining the rules of the complex system being that is represented. Higher orders of simplexity also explain greater degrees of complexity relatively simply, and give rise to the development of new paradigms that are better able to explain perceived complex phenomena. Design/methodology/approach – This is Part 3 of three linked papers. Using principles that arise from Schwarz’s living systems set within a framework provided by cultural agency theory, and with a rationale provided by Rosen’s and Dubois’ concepts of anticipation, the papers develop a general modelling theory of simplex orders. They show that with the development of new higher orders, paradigm shifts can occur that become responsible for new ways of seeing and resolving stubborn problematic issues. Part 1 established the fundamentals for a theory of modelling associated with cybernetic orders. Using this, in this Part 2 the authors established the principles of cybernetic orders using simplex modelling. This included a general theory of generic modelling. In this Part 3 the authors extend this, developing a fourth order simplex model, and exploring the potential for higher orders using recursive techniques through cultural agency theory. The authors also explore various forms of emergence. Findings – Cultural agency theory can be used to generate higher simplex through principles of recursion, and hence to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms. The idea of conceptual emergence is also tied to the rise of new paradigms. Research limitations/implications – The use of higher order simplex models to represent complex situations provides the ability to condense explanation concerning the development of particular system behaviours, and hence simplify the way in which the authors analyse, diagnose and anticipate behaviour in complex situations. Illustration is also given showing how the theory can explain the emergence of new paradigms. Practical implications – Cultural agency can be used to structure problem issues that may otherwise be problematic, within both a top-down and bottom-up approach. It may also be used to assist in establishing behavioural anticipation given an appropriate modelling approach. It may also be used to improve and compress explanation of complex situations. Originality/value – A new theory of simplex orders arises from the new concept of generic modelling, illustrating cybernetic order. This permits the possibility of improved analysis and diagnosis of problematic situations belonging to complex situations through the use of higher order simplex models, and facilitates improvement in behavioural anticipation.

Educational restoration: a foundational model inspired by ecological restoration

2019 ◽  
Vol 33 (6) ◽  
pp. 1198-1218
Author(s):  
Lisa A.W. Kensler ◽  
Cynthia L. Uline
Keyword(s):  
School Leadership ◽  
Ecological Restoration ◽  
Educational Practice ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Educational Systems ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Whole School ◽  
Systems Model

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to articulate, and advocate for, a deep shift in how the authors conceptualize and enact school leadership and reform. The authors challenge fundamental conceptions regarding educational systems and call for a dramatic shift from the factory model to a living systems model of schooling. The authors call is not a metaphorical call. The authors propose embracing assumptions grounded in the basic human nature as living systems. Green school leaders, practicing whole school sustainability, provide emerging examples of educational restoration. Design/methodology/approach School reform models have implicitly and even explicitly embraced industrialized assumptions about students and learning. Shifting from the factory model of education to a living systems model of whole school sustainability requires transformational strategies more associated with nature and life than machines. Ecological restoration provides the basis for the model of educational restoration. Findings Educational restoration, as proposed here, makes nature a central player in the conversations about ecologies of learning, both to improve the quality of learning for students and to better align educational practice with social, economic and environmental needs of the time. Educational leaders at all levels of the educational system have critical roles to play in deconstructing factory model schooling and reform. The proposed framework for educational restoration raises new questions and makes these opportunities visible. Discussion of this framework begins with ecological circumstances and then addresses, values, commitment and judgments. Practical implications Educational restoration will affect every aspect of teaching, learning and leading. It will demand new approaches to leadership preparation. This new landscape of educational practice is wide open for innovative approaches to research, preparation and practice across the field of educational leadership. Originality/value The model of educational restoration provides a conceptual foundation for future research and leadership practice.

scholarly journals The goal of Christian virtue ethics: From ontological foundation and covenant relationship to the Kingdom of God

2013 ◽  
Vol 47 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Solomon Yiu ◽  
Koos Vorster
Keyword(s):  
Virtue Ethics ◽  
Kingdom Of God ◽  
Human Existence ◽  
Moral Life ◽  
Paul Tillich ◽  
Human Beings ◽  
Divine Presence ◽  
Final Good ◽  
The Right

This article examined what constitutes Christian virtue ethics and its goal of highest human good. Christian virtue is a reality that is ontologically rooted in the grace of God through the atonement of Christ to envision the final good of creation. This view is drawn on the tripartite division of faith, hope and love as well as Paul Tillich’s ontological focus on the acclaimed quality of the virtue of love in relation to, and unity with, the virtues of power and justice as the ultimate reality in the divine ground for human existence. Christian believers must reunite the virtues which are received from God and by which Christians transformed in reality as new beings in the pursuit of the supreme goodness. Michael Horton’s covenantal model revealed a human being’s encounter with God, not only meeting, but recognising a stranger (a genuine ‘otherness’) under a covenant that was initiated by the grace of God with an awareness of his presence that was always immanent. A covenantal approach is used to describe the divine ‘presence’ and ‘absence’ as ethical and relational in getting the right conception and direction for our purpose from God. It also deals with the question of how our moral life is related to God and fellow humans toward the final goodness which is the highest good of the Kingdom of God. This article concluded with the coming rule of God’s imminent Kingdom as the true ultimate end of human beings and the eschatological fulfilment of humanity in goodness. The emphasis of the eschatological ethics lays on the theocentric futurity of the Kingdom directing Christians to the goal of the ultimate ideal and shaping the present existence of a Christian life.Hierdie artikel ondersoek Christelike deugde-etiek en die doelwit van die hoogste menslike heil. Christelike deug is ’n realiteitsontologie wat veranker is in God se genade deur die versoening van Christus om sodoende die uiteindelike heil van die skepping te visualiseer. Die siening is gebaseer op die drieledige verdeling van geloof, hoop en liefde. Verder is dit gebaseer op Paul Tillich se ontologiese fokus op die prysenswaardige deug van liefde in verhouding en in eenheid met die deugde van mag en geregtigheid as die uiteindelike realiteit van die mens se bestaan. Christen-gelowiges moet die deugde wat hulle van God ontvang en waardeur hulle vernuwe word, versoen met die realiteit as nuwe wesens wat na die hoogste heil soek. Michael Horton se verbondsmodel wys dat die menslike konfrontasie met God nie net ’n ontmoeting is nie, maar ook die herkenning van ’n vreemdeling, ’n gans Andere, binne ’n verbond wat deur die genade van God geïnisieer word. Daar bly ’n bewustheid van sy teenwoordigheid wat altyd immanent is. ’n Verbondsbenadering beskryf die goddelike ‘teenwoordigheid’ en ‘afwesigheid’ as eties en relasioneel tot die verkryging van die regte verstaan van God self. Die verbondsbenadering gee ook ’n begrip van hoe ons morele lewe tot God en ons medemens verbind is tot die finale heil wat uiteindelik die heil van die Koninkryk van God inhou. Die artikel sluit af met die toekomstige regering van God se immanente Koninkryk as die ware uiteinde van die mens en die eskatologiese verwesenliking van goedheid. Die klem van eskatologiese etiek lê in die teosentriese toekomsgerigtheid van die Koninkryk − wat vir Christene die rigting na die doel van die uiteindelike ideaal aandui en wat die huidige bestaan van ’n Christen bepaal.

A general theory of generic modelling and paradigm shifts: part 1 – the fundamentals

Kybernetes ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 44 (2) ◽  
pp. 283-298 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maurice Yolles ◽  
Gerhard Fink
Keyword(s):  
General Theory ◽  
Agency Theory ◽  
Higher Order ◽  
Living Systems ◽  
Paradigm Shifts ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Simplex Model ◽  
Complex Phenomena ◽  
Cultural Agency ◽  
Simplex Models

Purpose – Anticipating behaviour and responding to the needs of complexity and the problematic issues that they can generate requires modelling to facilitate analysis and diagnosis. Using arguments of anticipation as an imperative for inquiry, the purpose of this paper is to introduce generic modelling for living systems theory, and assigns the number of generic constructs to orders of simplex modelling. An nth simplex order rests in an nth order simplex cybernetic space. A general modelling theory of higher orders of simplexity is given, where each higher order responds to every generic construct involved, the properties of which determining the rules of the complex system being that is represented. Higher orders of simplexity also explain greater degrees of complexity relatively simply, and give rise to the development of new paradigms that are better able to explain perceived complex phenomena. Design/methodology/approach – This is part 1 of three linked papers. Using principles that arise from Schwarz’s living systems set within a framework provided by cultural agency theory, and with a rationale provided by Rosen’s and Dubois’ concepts of anticipation, the papers develops a general modelling theory of simplex orders. It shows that with the development of new higher orders, paradigm shifts can occur that become responsible for new ways of seeing and resolving stubborn problematic issues. The paper is composed of two parts. Part 1 establishes the fundamentals for a theory of modelling associated with cybernetic orders. Using this, part 2 establishes the principles of cybernetic orders using simplex modelling. This will include a general theory of generic modelling. Part 3 extends this, developing a fourth order simplex model, and exploring the potential for higher orders using recursive techniques through cultural agency theory. Findings – Cultural agency theory can be used to generate higher simplex through principles of recursion, and hence to create a potential for the generation of families of new paradigms. The idea of conceptual emergence is also tied to the rise of new paradigms. Research limitations/implications – The use of higher order simplex models to represent complex situations provides the ability to condense explanation concerning the development of particular system behaviours, and hence simplify the way in which the authors analyse, diagnose and anticipate behaviour in complex situations. Illustration is also given showing how the theory can explain the emergence of new paradigms. Practical implications – Cultural agency can be used to structure problem issues that may otherwise be problematic, within both a top-down and bottom up approach. It may also be used to assist in establishing behavioural anticipation given an appropriate modelling approach. It may also be used to improve and compress explanation of complex situations. Originality/value – A new theory of simplex orders arises from the new concept of generic modelling, illustrating cybernetic order. This permits the possibility of improved analysis and diagnosis of problematic situations belonging to complex situations through the use of higher order simplex models, and facilitates improvement in behavioural anticipation.

scholarly journals Manajemen Evaluasi Program Supervisi Pendidikan Dalam Meningkatkan Mutu Pendidikan

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-104
Author(s):  
Abd. Wahib
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Education ◽  
Conceptual Basis ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Educational Supervision

This paper will describe the conceptual foundation for evaluation management of educational supervision programs. The evaluation management of the educational supervision program is one of the keys to improving the quality of education in terms of quality which will give a characteristic to the evaluation of education itself, the background of the need for management of evaluation of the education supervision program, the objectives of the evaluation of the educational supervision program, the principles of evaluation of the educational supervision program the process of evaluating the educational supervision program. Strengthening evaluation management must have a conceptual basis to understand the evaluation of educational supervision programs both macro and micro in order to improve the quality of education itself.

Conceptualizing e-government service quality under credence based settings

2014 ◽  
Vol 31 (7) ◽  
pp. 764-787 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amritesh ◽  
Subhas C. Misra ◽  
Jayanta Chatterjee
Keyword(s):  
Service Quality ◽  
Quality Assessment ◽  
Third Party ◽  
Government Service ◽  
Conceptual Foundation ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Service Setting ◽  
Service Interaction ◽  
Service Environments

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to acknowledge the potential complexities in conventional notions of e-government service environments, which have earlier been conceptualized as a two party interaction system where the government is the service provider and other entities such as businesses, citizens, etc. are the service recipients. In this regard, the authors extend their attention to a core service context and identify the existence of “credence-based” service setting that may involve more than two parties such as government, citizens, and third-party institutions (TPIs). Design/methodology/approach – An in-depth literature review is performed to build a conceptual foundation for the proposed service environment. A case of an Indian context is exemplified to understand the credence-based service setting and advocate the suitability of broader dimensions of service quality assessment, and propose a preliminary model of service quality assessment in the given context. The case study approach is adopted for gathering and analyzing the data. The data are collected from government web sites, semi-structured interviews with government officials, and students. Findings – The paper finds that the existence of TPIs changes the nature of normal government to citizen (G2C) service interaction. Service quality conceptualization for this particular kind of e-government setting is bi-dimensional in nature which involves two separate but interdependent constructs quality of information, and quality of service Interaction that collectively contributes to service quality and empowerment of the recipients. Originality/value – The present work attempts to differentiate the service context of credence-based e-government setting with the traditional conceptualizations of e-government service environments.

A Philosophy for Human Existence

2020 ◽  
pp. 37-55
Author(s):  
Jennifer Anna Gosetti-Ferencei
Keyword(s):  
Point Of View ◽  
Human Existence ◽  
Phenomenological Reduction ◽  
Human Being ◽  
Human Individual ◽  
Abstract Ideas ◽  
Being There ◽  
Being And Becoming

This chapter identifies the classical philosophical concepts with which existentialism is concerned—being, non-being, and becoming, existence, and essence. It shows how existentialist philosophers transform these abstract ideas to consider the concrete existence of the human individual from a subjective point of view. Starting from Whitman’s recognition of the here and now, and proceeding through Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, Sartre, and Beauvoir, it is demonstrated how traditional philosophical categories first conceived by ancient philosophers echo through the existentialist movement. Kierkegaard’s rejection of idealist rationalism, Nietzsche’s retrieval of Heraclitus’s theory of becoming, Heidegger’s understanding of the human being as Dasein or “being there,” Sartre’s notion of “existence precedes essence,” and Beauvoir’s comparison of existentialist conversion to the phenomenological reduction are discussed in light of existentialist affirmation of the transience and particularity of the human self.

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