Philosophical Dialogue Research Articles

Finding their voice: how children experience philosophical dialogue as a path to liberation

ABSTRACT Philosophy for Children (P4C) is an educational approach centred on dialogue and Socratic discussion. Communities of Enquiries are used as a core strategy to explore questions developed by the children. The teacher's role is to facilitate a collaborative, critical, caring and creative dialogue through a staged response to the question. This study seeks to examine how children conceptualise this dialogue. Sixty 9-10 year olds from a UK school undertook P4C over a fifteen-week period. The children were then interviewed in small groups. Initially using Batkin's work on dialogism, a phenomenographic approach was used to capture the ‘essences’ of the dialogue. Not only did analysis identify that these were conceptualised as largely dialogic, using the work of Freire, 3 broader themes were identified indicating that philosophical dialogue was liberating. This supports the view that P4C is concerned with social justice where everybody has an equally valid participating voice.

Dialogical Aperture – Martin Buber’s Philosophy of Dialogue and Lu Nan’s Photography

Abstract This paper explores Martin Buber’s dialogical philosophy and its influence on Lu Nan’s 呂楠 photography. By comparing Lu Nan’s trilogy, which documents marginalized communities in China, with Tyagan Miller’s Covenant: Scenes from an African American Church, the study examines how Buber’s I-Thou concept shapes their practices. It highlights their efforts to transcend the subjectivity-objectivity divide in photography, as suggested by Susan Sontag. Through the “Dialogical Aperture” framework, this research provides insights into the ethical and aesthetic dimensions of documentary photography, proposing Buber’s philosophy as a pathway to more authentic representations of reality.

Physics as Political Theory in Imperial Roman Literature

Abstract This article examines the use of political metaphors and analogies in ancient discussions of Epicurean atomism, ranging from the philosophical dialogues of Cicero in the 1st century BC to Claudian’s epic invective In Rufinum in the 390s AD. Building on earlier scholarship that traces the emergence of monarchical and imperial analogies for the Greco-Roman pantheon in Post-Hellenistic philosophy, I argue that ancient critics of atomism shared a common tendency to depict Epicurean physics as the conceptual opposite of a well-ordered state. In particular, depictions of Epicurean theology as a form of divine ‘banishment’ and of atomic cosmology as a form of cosmic ‘democracy’ or ‘anarchy’ appear in texts by a wide range of Greek and Roman authors, revealing the great extent to which philosophical disagreements over atomic physics were influenced by political and social ideas.

Philosophical and Religious Dialogues in Post-World War II Japan: Implications for Comparative Studies with Nusantara's Religious Literature

The aftermath of World War II significantly impacted dialogue and understanding between cultures, educational perspectives, and religions in Japan. This period saw wides­pread destruction and psychological trauma, leading to a sense of powerlessness and discouraging Western settlement. This paper aims to reintroduce Plato's philosophy within the context of Japan's post-war dialogue (Risō/理想), highlighting the country's philoso­phical contributions and its openness to religious institutions, including the participation of Christian congregations in government. Using a quali­tative literature review of primary and secondary sources, this study finds that philosophical dialogue has positively influenced both the government and the populace. The intersection of various religions and Christianity in post-war Japan facilitated the survival and growth of Christianity, demonstrated by the enduring presence of the Way of the Cross and the pervasive influence of Christian values in Japan's religious, political, and cultural spheres.

Papi tra maggio e giugno 2024

The author presents a synthesis of his presentations at the Collegio Ghislieri in Pavia and the Casa della Cultura in Milan, focusing on the intellectual legacy of Fulvio Papi and his contributions to the journal "Materiali di Estetica." The author highlights Papi's philosophical dialogue across various disciplines, reflecting on Papi's approach that transcends traditional scholarly boundaries. He also delves into Papi's interpretation of existential and religious themes, particularly through the works of Franz Kafka, illustrating Papi’s engagement with the complexities of human existence and the philosophical exploration of justice and truth. The article emphasizes Papi's role in fostering a multidisciplinary dialogue that continues to influence contemporary philosophical discourse.

Being-in-the-world and Life

This article explores the philosophical dialogue and intersections between two prominent 20th-century thinkers: José Ortega y Gasset and Martin Heidegger. Despite their different cultural and linguistic contexts, their reflections converge on questions of human existence and engagement with the world. The study examines their central concepts, such as Heidegger’s “being-in-the-world” and Ortega’s “ideas and beliefs,” providing an in-depth look at how humans interpret and inhabit reality. The analysis highlights both differences and parallels in their approaches to examining the world and human existence. While Heidegger employs a terminology rich in philosophical neologisms, his analysis of Dasein and care (Sorge) resonates with Ortega’s concept of the “radical reality” of life. Conversely, Ortega emphasizes the necessity of engaging a broad audience and stresses the role of human imagination in constructing the world. The article also investigates the importance of cognition as a mode of “being-in-the-world” for both philosophers. Despite methodological differences, both thinkers conclude that the human being and the world they inhabit are inseparably linked. This work deepens the understanding of philosophical resonances between two intellectual traditions and offers new directions for further study.

Library as a space for inclusivity and dialogue: experience of transforming Polish libraries on the border of centuries

Objective. The research aims to analyze the transformations that took place in the Polish system of public libraries in the late 1980s – the early 2000s. Methods. Regarding methodology, the authors handle the concept of “the library” as “the meeting-place”, which presents an interpretation of conclusions made by Emmanuel Levinas, one of the classics of the philosophy of dialogue. Results. The results of the research evidence the concentration of efforts exerted by Polish librarians on the creation of pro-community libraries not meeting the community’s informational needs alone but being the hubs of dialogical interaction of various social groups. Conclusions. The conclusions outline the modern Polish libraries’ tending to expand the range of services provided for readers, taking into consideration severe competition among cultural institutions. The authors have proposed several promising strategies for further study of the problem range. These strategies are determined by the necessity of researching the title based on a broader background to the development of the librarianship theory in the countries of Western Europe and North America.

A cross-cultural comparison of Chinese and Western philosophical practice: exploring new paths for philosophical healing and social harmony

Philosophical practice applies philosophical insights and methods to help individuals explore and resolve intellectual, emotional, and existential dilemmas, enhancing self-understanding and mental well-being. This study employs CiteSpace to analyze global research trends and hotspots in philosophical practice using data from the Web of Science (WOS) and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases spanning from 2000 to 2024. By identifying key methodologies and applications, the study compares the development of philosophical practice in Western and Chinese contexts across theoretical culture, practical application, social impact, and professional development. The findings reveal that Western philosophical practice, rooted in ancient Greek philosophy and modern streams like existentialism and analytic philosophy, emphasizes individual autonomy, critical thinking, and personal growth. In contrast, Chinese philosophical practice draws from Confucianism, Daoism, and Buddhism, focusing on harmony between the individual and society, moral cultivation, and social cohesion. Despite these differences, both traditions share common goals of enhancing self-awareness, addressing ethical dilemmas, and improving mental health through philosophical dialogue. The study highlights the potential for integrating Chinese and Western philosophical practice, suggesting that a fusion of methodologies and ethical frameworks can provide a more holistic and culturally sensitive approach. This integration offers new perspectives for global philosophical dialogue, interdisciplinary collaboration, and practical applications in addressing contemporary challenges.

The Validity of the Dialogical Paradigm in the Context of Digital Technologies

Abstract The research aim of this article is to answer the question of the validity of the dialogical paradigm when confronted with the challenges posed by new digital technologies. The article is a synthetic and selective study of this issue. The research intention is realised in several points. The scope of considerations includes a brief presentation of the issue of paradigm as an important element in contemporary science, the presentation of key issues in the field of philosophy of dialogue and the significance of the dialogical approach for challenges that arise in the context of new technologies. The thesis of this article is that the way of understanding the phenomenon of encounter proposed by dialogicalists makes it possible to assess the directions of the development of new technologies in such aspects as: the experience of the subjectivity of the Other in technological mediation, personal authenticity versus mediality, the limitation of human autonomy. The next part of the article will be a discussion of selected digital technologies which, due to the effects produced on their users, pose a social challenge. In the article, I apply the critical-analytical method, there is also an attempt to reconstruct concepts and an application of own observations. The article ends with conclusions based on the analysis presented.

Spiritual Intelligence: A Vital Component of Consolation within Rehabilitation for Medical Social Workers

ABSTRACT This article aims to provide medical social workers with a discourse highlighting eight attributes within spiritual intelligence that may be drawn on to comfort persons with disability. This strengthens the medical social workers capacity to offer genuine solace through the disabled person’s rehabilitation process. The attributes are holisticness, authenticity, trustworthiness, intentionality, ethical-mindedness, compassion, empathy, and present-centeredness, which will be described in turn. Within these discourses, the paper draws upon Frankl’s logotherapy, Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, Buber’s dialogue philosophy, and the influence of mindfulness thought in relation to spiritual intelligence. These can all help medical social workers personally apply the eight attributes. This discourse is particularly relevant for medical social workers, as they dedicate their professional lives to helping persons with disabilities through their rehabilitation process.

The Logos of the Communicating Silence

The following thesis is an attempt to establish the communicative dimensions of silence. In it I put forward a thesis in the spirit of Martin Buber's philosophy of dialogue and Max Scheler's phenomenology of emotion , according to which true dialogue does not convey specific content, but modes of existence born of the experience of presence. This kind of normative transmission of existence makes communication a communion. Underlying tacit communication are various forms of affection , through which emotionality becomes one of the main dimensions of communicating silence.

The Teacher as Listener: A Theory of Pedagogical Listening in the Literature Classroom

ABSTRACT Getting students talking about a work of literature — sharing and interrogating their own and each other’s textual interpretations and responses — is vital for the teaching and learning of literature. If a classroom community of readers is constituted by such talking, then responsive teaching involves a lot of listening. What, precisely, might be the role(s) of the teacher as listener? Beginning with three classroom vignettes, and then drawing from psychoanalytic theory, pragmatist aesthetics, and philosophy of dialogue, this article theorises a distinctly pedagogical listening. One role of the teacher as a listener in the literature classroom can be interpreting and intervening in ‘textual problems’ that typically arise in moments of confusion or surprise — students’ and/or their teacher’s — throughout interpretive discussion. Such pedagogical listening can instantiate, among other qualities discussed in this article, a double consciousness or divided attention. This article concludes by suggesting specific classroom practices and conditions for pedagogical listening.

‘How are rainbows made?': profiles of early childhood teachers' beliefs and their associations with responses to young children's causal questions

ABSTRACT This study investigates how early childhood teachers in China respond to children’s causal questions and explores the relationship between their belief profiles and response patterns. Grounded in Martin Buber’s dialogic philosophy and complemented by constructivist theories, latent profile analysis revealed three distinct belief profiles: leaders, followers, and polyphonists. Multilevel logistic regression showed that leaders were more inclined to provide explanations, followers tended to encourage exploration and information seeking, and polyphonists used a balanced combination of response types. These findings highlight the complex interplay between beliefs and practices in early childhood education, reflecting the cross-cultural exchange, collision, and integration of global educational ideas. The study underscores the importance of fostering critical and creative thinking in teacher education to help navigate the complexities of education.

Philosophy in Dialogue with Other Sciences on the Example of Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas

Philosophy in Dialogue with Other Sciences on the Example of Albert the Great and Thomas Aquinas

Transhumanism and evolutionary psychology: a dialogue about the future of human nature

The article explores the philosophical dialogue between transhumanism and evolutionary psychology regarding the limits and consequences of the technological transformation of human nature. The growing relevance of this debate is analyzed in the context of the rapid development of genetics, nanotechnology and robotics, which open up unprecedented opportunities for changing human nature. The main provisions of transhumanism are considered, which, continuing the ideas of the Enlightenment, offers a radical vision of the future, where humanity can consciously direct its own evolution with the help of technology. The position of evolutionary psychology is highlighted, which, based on an understanding of the natural mechanisms of the development of the human species, warns against hasty intervention in a complex system of adaptive mechanisms that have been formed over millions of years. The paper analyzes in detail the works of leading representatives of both directions, including J. Huxley and Gr. Flow from the side of transhumanism, as well as critical views of F. Fukuyama and L. Kass. Special attention is paid to the research of evolutionary psychologists, who provide scientific justification for the concept of universal human nature and warn against the risks of “planned evolution”. A fundamental contradiction has been revealed between the views of transhumanists, who consider human nature as plastic and ready for technological changes, and evolutionary psychologists, who consider it a fixed reality formed by long evolution. It is emphasized that modern technologies create fundamentally new conditions for human existence that go beyond the traditional enlightened understanding of science. The study shows that although technological development of mankind has already changed our nature, further radical changes require careful consideration and study. The main problem of “planned evolution” is determined by the risk of uncontrolled acceleration of natural evolutionary processes without understanding all possible consequences.

The Position of Contemporary Hybrid Art Practices in Shaping Ethical Response to AI Vladan Joler and Kate Crawford – Case Study

The thesis of this paper rests on the premise that the role of contemporary hybrid art practices, employing technology as a means of expression, has extended to active engagement in the complexities of societal conflicts and shaping philosophical dialogue, which is evident in its subversive endeavors, that have become the points of intersection between power dynamics, technology, and ethics. Namely, the position of art has become the pragmatic and utilitarian one, and art aims at confronting society with the antagonisms of the mechanisms of power and the consequences of high technology development. With a view to support the thesis of this essay, I will analyze Vladan Joler's and Kate Crawford's art project “Anatomy of an AI System”. The aim of this essay is to show that the role of hybrid art is reflected in its contribution to the society, by helping it to anticipate and develop policies and systems of rules with a view to regulate behavior in borderline situations of advanced technology and ethics. Research methods applied in this paper are analysis, synthesis, observation, generalization, and comparative text analysis.

Albanian first-year university students’ knowledge and acceptance of evolution

Evolutionary theory provides the foundation for modern biology with evolution as a core concept and unifying principle. This research aimed to examine evolutionary knowledge and acceptance among first-year university students. The<b> </b>participants considered for analysis consisted of 87 students enrolled in the first-year bachelor’s in biology and biotechnology at the University of Tirana, Albania. The respondents’ average age was 18.95 ± 0.78 years, with a pronounced dominance of females (90.2%). The study used the standardized research instrument “evolution education questionnaire on acceptance and knowledge” to measure knowledge and acceptance about evolution in an international context. We employed descriptive statistics to analyze the collected data.<b> </b>The findings of research revealed that over half of the respondents, 61%, fall into the ‘<i>very low knowledge</i>’ category on evolution and none fall in the ‘<i>high knowledge</i>’ category. Only 60.9% accept evolution. The need for a revision of the evolutionary concepts and topics in the curricula, from primary school, is recommended coupled with the incorporation of philosophical dialogue into teaching practice.

TikTok Videos, Carnivalesque Provocations for Teachers: Political Responses to Populism’s Right-Wing

Abstract This article explores how TikTok videos, situated in a postdigital space and means of engagement, visibilise divergent responses to right-wing, populist political governments with anti-liberal, anti-socialist policies, offering video-based provocations for teachers. Even traditionally left-wing havens are shifting to right-wing populism, seemingly exemplified by the Aotearoa Coalition Government, implicating the prevalence of this phenomena. Due to education being an ideological battlefield, teachers are heavily implicated by such shifts, encouraging a visibilising of spaces and strategies for their responses. In this article, Mikhail Bakhtin’s dialogic philosophy, with special attention to his concept of carnivalesque, is brought into conversation with TikTok videos, facilitating a means to conceptualise and analyse this postdigital, divergent underground as a mirthing means of speaking back. These mocking, visual responses to right-wing governments are then signalled as provocations for teachers experiencing a rise of populist policies. This article concludes by suggesting how teachers may utilise TikTok videos to politically speak back in divergent ways to right-wing governments, encouraging creative and diverse engagements in this postdigital platform.

Martin Buber's Philosophical Anthropology and Philosophy of Dialogue (First of Two Parts)

Martin Buber's Philosophical Anthropology and Philosophy of Dialogue (First of Two Parts)

Rebirth of Socratic Origins of Philosophy in the Digital Era

It has been proven that philosophical dialogues and debates using digital information dissemination tools now play a leading role in popularizing philosophy beyond the academic community. It has been established that the main differences between oral dialogue and printed interviews are the degree of text editing, the possibility of changing the positions of dialogue participants, the presence of speech intonational and emotional colouring, and stylistic communication limitations. The perceptual advantages of oral dialogue lie in its accessibility to a wide range of people, deeper immersion in the communicative situation, and a better understanding of the personal traits of the communication participants.