Broad Reflection Research Articles

The variance of word-forming suffixes in conversational person names based on external features

This article addresses the issue of quantitative and qualitative manifestations of variance of wordforming suffixes in the names of persons motivated by noun names of the body parts and adjective names of some of the external excessive corporeal markers. For the first time, the paper ascertains historically formed and the most complete composition of specific noun suffixes leading to the rise of the equivalent and mostly cognate names of persons with respect to actualized external features of their body. The author discusses the ability of all names of human body parts and some names of corporeal external qualitative features to be combined with the different number of word-forming suffixes within the common word-forming meaning which allows for forming six-, four-, three-, and two-variant series. In this paper, І determine the actualized feature each variant series is based on, indicate a number of its variant suffixes, and account for their ratio in terms of productivity and functional and stylistic use. The main hypothesis is that it is the stylistically reduced nature of variant names of persons based on appearance which led to their predominant use in the colloquial usage and language of Ukrainian fiction. As a necessary part of the account, we provide evidence from literary works in Ukrainian translations which attest to a noticeable intensification in the above-mentioned names use. A rather broad reflection of these variant appellatives in Ukrainian surnames shows a characteristic feature of Ukrainian mentality, namely the differentiation of the outside world subjects due to the preferred corporeal related markers. Keywords: variance of word-forming suffixes, names of persons by external features, variant series, common names, surnames

Reflections on the limited impact of the VGGT in sub saharan Africa and opportunities for its future with lessons from Nigeria and Sierra Leone

Despite the widely lauded and much needed adoption of the Voluntary Guidelines for the Responsible Governance of Tenure of Land, Fisheries and Forests (VGGT), along with numerous implementation guides, and complementary international, regional, and sector-specific instruments (e.g. the Framework and Guidelines for Land Policy in Africa, and, the Sustainable Development Goals), key outcomes like tenure security at scale have not been achieved. The literature documents some important impacts of the VGGT on reform processes and highlights illustrative or “one-off” results. Yet, too many individuals, families and communities in rural areas of African countries, for example, still do not have recognized or secure land rights. And where they do have rights recognized by law, too many have trouble defending and leveraging those rights for economic gain or to achieve food security. The reality that significant improvements in security of tenure at scale in rural Africa are still needed nearly a decade after the adoption of the VGGT suggests a need to explore its limitations and consider what it would take to realize its objectives. This paper contributes by considering three questions: (1) has the VGGT had a measurable impact on improving tenure at scale in Sub-Saharan Africa; (2) are there country-level cases of VGGT application that might be demonstrative of ways the VGGT could be used or revised to have desired impacts on tenure at scale; and (3) what lessons can be drawn from these cases contextualized with reflection on the development and negotiation of the VGGT, that could improve the VGGT and its application (or be applied to future UN Committee on World Food Security (CFS) products)? For Sub Saharan Africa, noting the lack of evidence to rigorously estimate the impact (or lack thereof) of the VGGT on tenure security, we analyze the available quantitative and qualitative information. This supports our observation that there has been little change in the outcome of tenure security and a widely held view that tenure insecurity persists. We illustrate innovative approaches to using the VGGT with case studies from Nigeria and Sierra Leone. This learning feeds into broader reflection on the VGGT process and critical thinking about how the VGGT might be better used going forward throughout Africa; considerations for how future international instruments are developed also emerge. We conclude that what is needed is revision of the VGGT, development of a VGGT 2.0 or other actions to address challenges and replicate successes.

Authigenic Phyllosilicates in Sand Layers from the Mudflats of Saline Lakes in the Northern Great Prairies, Saskatchewan

ABSTRACT The mudflats of saline lakes are amenable to authigenic clay formation due to the high ionic strength of the solutions driven by evaporative concentration and due to the fluctuating wet/dry cycles. However, the mudflats of saline lakes have received relatively little study given the challenges in sampling unstable sediments coupled with post-depositional alterations that make direct relationships to the climate difficult. In an effort to gain a better understanding of the authigenic phyllosilicates present, the mudflats of 17 sulfate-rich saline lake basins across southern Saskatchewan were sampled. The <2 μm fraction was separated from the sediments and analyzed utilizing X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, bulk chemical analysis via digestion and inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy, and visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. The mudflat sediments were characterized as highly variable and were classified based on particle size into sediment classes A (clay-rich), B (unsorted till), and C (sand). Despite the high variability in sorting and thickness of the sedimentary layers, the phyllosilicates were distinctive within each class independent of the basin. Phyllosilicates in sediment class A were characterized by well-crystalline dioctahedral (Al) clays similar to the surrounding soils with smectite > illite > kaolinite > chlorite. Phyllosilicates from sediment class B displayed highly variable characteristics ranging between classes A and C. Clays from sediment class C were dominated by illite with decreasing proportions of smectite, kaolinite, and chlorite. The illite in the sand lenses was poorly formed, with broad reflections in the XRD patterns indicative of small crystallite size or high disorder, which is consistent with an authigenic nature. The clays in class C were rich in iron (Fe) and magnesium (Mg) and displayed lath-like morphologies common with authigenic illite forming in sandy porous sediments. The sand lenses of mudflats represent viable targets for finding authigenic clay minerals in detrital-rich sediments to use in understanding past climates on Earth and Mars.

Conversos, Moriscos, and the Eucharist in Early Modern Spain: Some Reflections on Jewish Exceptionalism

Sacrilegious attitudes toward the Eucharistic host are one of the most commonplace accusations leveled against Jews in premodern Europe. Usually treated in Jewish historiography as an expression of anti-Judaism or antisemitism, they are considered a hallmark of Jewish powerlessness and persecution. In medieval and early modern Spain, however, Jews and conversos (Jewish converts to Christianity and their descendants) were not the only proclaimed enemies of the Eucharist. Reports about avoidance, rejection, criticism, and even ridicule and profanation of the consecrated host were similarly leveled against Muslims and moriscos (Muslim converts to Christianity). This essay seeks to assess the parallels and connections between the two groups through a comparative examination of accusations of sacrilegious behavior towards the host. The first part of the essay analyzes religious art, legal compendia, and inquisitorial trials records from the tribunals of Toledo and Cuenca in order to show some evident homologies between the two groups. The second part of the essay focuses on the analysis of the works of Jaime Bleda and Pedro Aznar y Cardona, two apologists of the expulsion of the moriscos, and draws direct connections between Jewish and morisco sacrilege. By exploring the similarities and differences between accusations against conversos and moriscos, this essay aims to offer a broader reflection on Jewish exceptionalism.

Novel Beam Scan Method of Fabry–Perot Cavity (FPC) Antennas

A new beam scanning method of a Fabry–Perot cavity (FPC) antenna is proposed. To obtain high gain in a target direction with a reduced sidelobe level (SLL), we devised a tapered partially reflective surface (PRS) as a superstrate. Moreover, to attain various beam scanning directions, a phase-controllable artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) ground plane with a broad reflection phase range and high reflection magnitudes was introduced. In the proposed method, a new formula to satisfy an FP resonance condition in a cavity for a scanned beam is also suggested. According to the formula, the FPC antenna can precisely scan the main beam in designed target directions with well-maintained high gain, which has been hardly achievable. In addition, our method demonstrates the potential of electrical beam-scanning antennas by employing active RF chips on the AMC cells. To validate the method, we fabricated a prototype FPC antenna for a scanned beam at θ = 30°. Furthermore, we conducted an additional simulation for a different beam scanning angle as well. Good agreement between the expected and experimental results verifies our design approach.

Compared to What? Menstruation, Pregnancy, and the Complexities of Comparison


 
 
 This piece explores the complexities of the comparative model as applied to sex discrimination claims that are connected to female biology. On the one hand, comparisons can be a useful and precise way to pinpoint discrimination. The notion that bandages and adult diapers are tax-exempt, while tampons and pads are not, brings the unfairness of the tampon tax into sharp relief: Why are those products for absorbing bodily fluids tax-free, when menstrual products are not? The same is true for a pregnant employee who can show that her request for a light-duty accommodation was denied while the identical light-duty request by another similarly-situated, non-pregnant employee was granted.
 But the model also contains two traps. First, almost no comparison is perfect. There is often some potential for distinguishing and line-drawing, some way to argue that the comparison does not fully hold up. Second, the comparative model is itself inherently limiting. The biological processes of menstruation and pregnancy (along with menopause and breastfeeding, which this piece does not address) are closely intertwined with female sex and have no obvious analogues. Indeed, these processes impose specific challenges and needs that are not borne equally across the sexes. Yet the comparative model reductively suggests that if no products receive tax-exempt status, or if no employees receive accommodations for their inability to work, there is no sex discrimination issue at all. Although advocates cannot escape the current comparative framework within which they must work—and indeed should use it to their advantage when possible—we should all remain mindful of the framework’s ultimate limitations.
 
 
 
 The piece begins by analyzing Young v. United Parcel Service, Inc., the 2015 Supreme Court case that grappled with how to apply the PDA’s comparison-based standard. I discuss how Young illustrates the complexities of comparison and unpack the compromise approach that emerged. I then consider the potential usefulness of the Young approach to the tampon tax cases, while acknowledging that they arise under the Equal Protection Clause rather than Title VII. I conclude with some broader reflections.
 
 
 
 
 

The Digitalization of Minority Language Newspapers

The aim of the present article is to analyse how selected minority language newspapers have been adopting to the challenges, as well as the opportunities linked to digitalization. This is approached in a long-term perspective, and thus also takes into account the most recent changes implemented as a response to the Covid-19 pandemic. The analysed outlets are Berria (a Basque language newspaper published in Spain), Der Nordschleswiger (a German language newspaper published in Denmark), Flensborg Avis (a Danish language newspaper published in Germany) and Nós Diario (a Galician language newspaper published in Spain). Each is characterized by a strong and multifaceted digital presence, in combination with the availability of a print edition albeit in varying frequency. The analysis is anchored in a broad theoretical reflection concerning the nexus between digitalization and minority language media, whereas methodologically it draws from three main sources: interviews with staff members of each newspaper, articles published by the newspapers in terms of self-reporting on the digitalization-related aspects, and available annual reports. With regard to the findings, the analysis paints a picture of the complex, long-term and continuous adaptation strategies of the considered newspapers to the digital context, with the pandemic period resulting in consolidation rather than in major modifications. Only in the case of Flensborg Avis can the issue of a relative deepening of the digital shift be mentioned, although this is also against the backdrop of previously initiated digitalization-related changes. Consequently, this comparative study offers a unique consideration of both kin and non- kin state situations, showing that certain trends can be observed in contrasting linguistic and institutional settings; however without identifying a clear best practice model.

Polariton condensation in an organic microcavity utilising a hybrid metal-DBR mirror

We have developed a simplified approach to fabricate high-reflectivity mirrors suitable for applications in a strongly-coupled organic-semiconductor microcavity. Such mirrors are based on a small number of quarter-wave dielectric pairs deposited on top of a thick silver film that combine high reflectivity and broad reflectivity bandwidth. Using this approach, we construct a microcavity containing the molecular dye BODIPY-Br in which the bottom cavity mirror is composed of a silver layer coated by a SiO2 and a Nb2O5 film, and show that this cavity undergoes polariton condensation at a similar threshold to that of a control cavity whose bottom mirror consists of ten quarter-wave dielectric pairs. We observe, however, that the roughness of the hybrid mirror—caused by limited adhesion between the silver and the dielectric pair—apparently prevents complete collapse of the population to the ground polariton state above the condensation threshold.

Modeling growth of total height using early data from forest inventories in fast growing Eucalyptus spp plantations

This work evaluated the growth trend represented by three biological models used for modeling forest growth and production (Schumacher; Chapman-Richards; Logistic). These curves were chosen because they are widely used by forest science professionals. The functions were adjusted under the hypothesis that there is influence of the initial, 6 and 12 month measurements on the shape of the production curves and, consequently, in the estimate of their parameters. The data that formed the adjustment basis were generated by the continuous monitoring performed at 6, 12, and 24 months and later at each 12 months in order to yield the growth patterns for the evaluated plantations. The results herein presented allow us to conclude that independently of the type of adjustment, the Chapman-Richards function was the one that exhibited the best statistics, with the BIAS values reduced in up to 30% when compared to the others. The Schumacher function presented the worst performance among the proposed criteria in this study. So, given the results obtained, we suggest a broader reflection about the growth and production issue, especially for the use of biometric models applied to forest production forecast, in which stability and adherence of the curves to the data are expected

Mirroring Life of Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes—An Outline of Key Aspects

Background: Studies have shown that adolescents find diabetes management difficult and struggle with incorporating diabetes management into their daily life. A focus on issues adolescents perceive as important is necessary when designing high quality interventions aimed at improving health outcomes for adolescents with T1D. The present study aimed to provide: (1) a broad comprehensive reflection on issues adolescents with diabetes perceive as important; (2) a basis for developing a ‘Family Mirror’, specifically designed to generate dialogue in families with an adolescent with T1D. Methods: The qualitative data originate from 11 workshops with a total of 47 adolescents with diabetes between 8 and 18 years of age. Data were systematically analyzed. Results: Seven overarching, empirical themes were identified that provided an outline of aspects important to adolescents living with T1D: (1) Support, (2) Understanding, (3) Worries, (4) Limitations, (5) Independence, (6) Perceptions, and (7) Management. Several empirical indicators elaborated on the themes, thus creating a comprehensive reflection of life with T1D during adolescence. Conclusions: Given our comprehensive and broad approach to uncovering key aspects adolescents with diabetes perceive as important, we trust that the findings can be used as a basis for designing interventions intended for adolescents with T1D.

Behind the Scenes of Deliveroo’s Algorithm: in the Blindness of “Frank” its Discriminatory Potential

This article addresses some of the main topics arising from the order issued by the Court of Bologna on 31 December 2020 which has declared the potentially discriminatory nature of the work sessions’ “self-service booking” system of the platform “Deliveroo”. In the first part, the question of the applicability of anti-discrimination law to cases of discrimination on trade union grounds is positively resolved, on the basis of domestic, European and international legislation and case law. In addition, noting the strategic nature of the lawsuit proposed, the hypothesis that anti-discrimination protection could be a more effective means of protection for those workers with a debated legal classification is outlined. In the second part, starting from the description of the discriminatory nature of the digital platform’s algorithm system, it concludes with a broader reflection on Artificial Intelligence, stimulated by the Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down harmonised rules on Artificial Intelligence (Artificial Intelligence Act).

Complex Permittivity and Permeability of Composite Materials Based on Carbonyl Iron Powder Over an Ultrawide Frequency Band

The complex electrical permittivity and magnetic permeability of composite materials made of a polymer binder filled with micron-scale carbonyl iron powder (CIP) are measured between 0.1 and 39 GHz. Permeability is measured in overlapping frequency subbands using two different techniques: a free-space method from 3 to 39 GHz and a coaxial impedance cell from 0.1 to 5 GHz. The dependence on filler concentration is studied for composites based on phosphated CIP R-100F-2. It is found that the static permittivity and permeability of the composites increase logarithmically with increasing percentage of CIP volume loading; this corresponds to Lichtenecker's law for a mixture of two components. It is demonstrated that by using the R-100F-2 type CIP it is possible to produce single-layer radar-absorbing materials with a relatively small thickness (less than 1.5 mm) and a deep and broad normal-incidence reflectivity minimum (less than \ensuremath{-}20 dB) from 10 to 30 GHz.

Preserving the heritage of limnology in Italy

This article is simultaneously a call for, a study of, and a contribution to the preservation of scientific heritage. Focusing on the heritage of a disciplinary niche like that of limnology, we take the specific heritage of the Istituto Italiano di Idrobiologia ‘Dr. Marco De Marchi’ (Istituto) as a case study to illustrate the present challenges and possibilities for the conservation and study of limnological scientific heritage. In particular, we highlight two different forms that this heritage takes at the Istituto: its ongoing scientific publication – the current Journal of Limnology, and its collection of scientific instruments – the Crypta Baldi. Showing both the limitations and potential of these collections, we offer insights into the history of limnology through the lens of the Istituto. Furthermore, we bring these insights to bear on broader reflections about the importance of preserving the scientific heritage that shaped and continues to shape our world, and holds the promise of helping us not to lose sight of the past as well as the future of a scientific field like limnology.

Insights into strain-induced solid mesophases in melt-spun polymer fibers

This article provides an overview of strain-induced solid mesophases in polymer fibers, melt-spun from amorphous (polycarbonate, cyclo-olefin polymer, copolyamide, polyethylene terephthalate glycol) and semi-crystalline materials (polyethylene terephthalate, poly-3-hydroxybutyrate). The discussed mesophases are made of stretched, conformationally disordered macromolecules that are highly oriented along the fiber axis, and that reveal variations in their lateral spacing. Fitting algorithms for respective wide-angle x-ray diffraction (WAXD) patterns are put forward, and are directly tested on fibers melt-drawn from amorphous as well as semi-crystalline polymers. Equatorial, meridional, off-axis and azimuthal profiles are extracted from WAXD patterns and are simultaneously fitted. Best fit parameters contain detailed structural information, and lead to simulated 2D WAXD patterns, which in turn can be used to quantify the phases that are present in the fibers. We postulate that mesophases, which lead to broad equatorial reflections in WAXD patterns, can be found in all types of drawn melt-spun polymer fibers.

Thinking Through Improvisation

As part of a larger research study investigating humour in music therapy with persons with dementia, this article details how music therapists perceive, embody and experience humour in their practice. Three focus groups with music therapists ( N = 9) were organised and resulting data analysed through arts-based reflexive methods.
 Building on Schenstead’s (2012) articulation of arts-based reflexivity, two distinct and overlapping forms of thinking through improvisation are highlighted; self-reflexivity and collaborative-reflexivity. Finlay’s (2011) phenomenological lifeworld-oriented questions are used to explicate dimensions of experiences of humour and frame broad thematic reflections. Particular correspondence between improvisation as a way of being and humour in music therapy are explored performatively through a group improvisation involving the first author.
 The findings from this synthesis offer insight into how music therapists conceive of humour in their work as supportive of relational bonding, and also experience humour as distancing and defensive behaviour. Along with the perceived risks of humour in relational therapeutic work, an intricate balance between playfulness and professionalism surfaced as part of a music therapy identity. Improvisation, while seemingly taken for granted as a part of spontaneous humour, is also problematised through the perceived seriousness of learning how to improvise as a music therapist aligning with a psychodynamic approach. The consequences of these findings are discussed in relation to music therapy pedagogy and practice along with methodological implications of thinking through improvisation.

Pourquoi l’évaluation structurée du risque de récidive violente et sexuelle est une pratique marginale en France ? Revue systématique de la littérature

IntroductionIn France, the recidivism of offenders (both sexual and non-sexual violence) is a national concern as evidenced by the media and the succession of laws relating to the prevention of recidivism. Risk assessment can be performed using unstructured professional judgment which is unreliable or by structured risk assessment which are more reliable. Abroad, this structured assessment is considerably developed. In France, it gives rise to two opposing positions: (i) encouragement by public authorities; and (ii) fear by a majority of professionals in the field. ObjectiveThis article offers a systematic literature review, meeting PRISMA criteria, on the perception and practice of standardized evaluation in France by the professionals concerned. MethodThe keywords “Risk assessment” AND “recurrence” AND “France” were searched in French and in English in the search engines Pubmed, PsycInfo, Cairn, and ScienceDirect. ResultsThe 23 articles obtained in the results highlighted: (a) fears and few advantages regarding the use of structured evaluation; (b) a possibility of a hybrid evaluation system in France; and (c) a report of some works already using scales of risk on French populations. This article focused mainly on the fears and perceived benefits of structured risk assessment. The reluctance has concerned both: (i) the French judicial system (fear of a new penology based only on the actuarial approach and its consequences); (ii) the professional valuers (fear of a confusion of professional's roles in health and justice fields); (iii) the persons assessed (fear of a risk of stigmatization of high-risk patients concerning violence); and (iv) the tools themselves (fear of a poor reliability of the risk assessment). Very few articles highlighted their advantages: reliability, simplicity of use, good inter-judge fidelity, guideline for care, and specially an ability to overcom the insufficient basis for the evaluation resulting from unstructured clinical judgment. Results also suggested the possibility of a hybrid evaluation system in France, which could rely on risk scales, without neglecting the interview and the qualitative collected information that have to respect precise steps and allow the management of offenders. Finally, this paper presented the few French studies using risk scales mainly focused both in sexual offenders’ risks and associated factors, and showing a better productivity of these scales than an unstructured professional judgment. Discussion and conclusionFears related to the structured risk assessments are important. However, these scales may also supply a better vision of offenders. They require skills of professionals from various fields and allow both a fairer assessment of the offender and a penal system more adjusted. This perceived reluctance seems to be due to a poor knowledge of structured assessment the risk scales and a lack of research studies using them in France, where it is necessary to have a broad reflection on their development in the future.

Social action in times of crises in the MENA region

As a tribute to the thinking of Jean-Claude Gillet, this article aims to make accessible in the English language some of the notions of sociocultural community development and its function developed by this author in relation to their testing during a recent training course on the theme of Social action in times of crises: sociocultural community development as a lever of social change in the Middle East and North Africa region. Based on the knowledge of the participants and faculty members, this paper proposes a broad reflection on sociocultural community development as it is currently experienced and desired in various countries (Yemen, Syria, Libya, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine). This reflection, co-constructed from contexts experienced by the participants and selected contributions in reference to inspiring authors such as Gillet, seems necessary today for the potential development of intervention and investigation tools supporting social change in the English-speaking Arab countries.

Broadband visible reflectors using Au and Ag elliptic cylinder pattern

Broadband terahertz reflector is suggested based on the shape of circular- and elliptic-cylinder metamaterials. We periodically arrange the structural pattern with gold and silver thin films on the FR4 substrate and optimize to operate in the wavelength range of 300–750 THz. Comparing the spectral responses of metamaterials with changes in shape and material, the ellipse shape greatly increased the reflection, and the silver pattern led to induce a broadening of the reflection band. Also, we identify the underlying physics necessary to design broadband reflector at any wavelength band of interest. Our results show that we can obtain broad reflection with 126 THz bandwidth at normal incidence, these results have high potential in large area photonic applications and can serve as reflectors in thin active film.

Graded buffer Bragg reflectors with high reflectivity and transparency for metamorphic optoelectronics

A graded buffer Bragg reflector (GBBR) is a bifunctional device component that provides the reflection of a distributed Bragg reflector and the adjustable lattice constant of a compositionally graded buffer. Prior work showed that these properties can be combined with low threading dislocation density and high reflectivity. Here, we design and demonstrate complex GBBRs for specific metamorphic solar cell applications. We design buffers that provide (1) high reflectivity over a narrow bandwidth, for quantum well solar cells, (2) reflectivity over a wide bandwidth, for optically thin solar cells, and (3) low sidelobe reflection, for multijunction devices that demand low out-of-band reflection. Apodized and triple GBBRs are demonstrated, and transparency is always considered, requiring designs with carefully engineered material combinations. A GBBR with a reflection of 99% is demonstrated, as well as a triple GBBR that has over 80% reflection for 100 nm of the spectrum around 800 nm. We also analyze potential deviations in a baseline GBBR from that of a perfect DBR using transmission electron microscopy to analyze imperfections in the material and modeling to analyze the impact of imperfect refractive index data for lattice-mismatched AlGaInAs. Minimal crosshatch roughness and unintentional thickness variation occur throughout the buffer, which likely influences reflection slightly. Small deviations between the calculated AlGaInAs and utilized AlGaAs refractive index exist, giving methods for future GBBR improvement. While the GBBR designs are intended for metamorphic solar cells, the broad and high reflection may also be useful for other optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes or lasers.

Cognitive Disability and the Hebrew Bible

Knowledge is a major theme in the Hebrew Bible, and raises both challenges and possibilities for theology and cognitive disability. This paper will focus on these issues with particular reference to disability theology, and the Psalter. Pervasive negative portrayals of ignorance and folly, of dullness of mind or heart, become problematic in light of cognitive disability. I will suggest that these negative construals pertain to willed ignorance, rather than those who live with cognitive disabilities. On the other hand, cognitive disability encourages broader reflections on YHWH’s care for those who are vulnerable and marginalized, whatever form that might take. In social conditions such as ours, where cognitive agency is so prized, those with cognitive disabilities are weak and vulnerable—orphaned, so to speak, by our institutions and practices. The Psalms, in particular, remind us that God cares for them—and so should we. Cognitive disability may also help us rethink our assumptions, and so gain fresh insight from biblical texts in relation to identity, vulnerability and agency (and its absence), and the need to name human brokenness and avail ourselves of the resources Scripture gives us to address it. Finally, dealing with people with cognitive disabilities requires that we reconsider our epistemology and the values inherent in it. If the knowledge of God is (fundamentally) relationship with God and not mere cognition, then we must consider both how people with cognitive disabilities might exemplify that knowledge, and how their patterns of knowing might contribute to the fullness of human knowing.