Divergent Interpretations Research Articles

Alluring or Alarming? The Polarizing Effect of Forbidden Knowledge in Political Discourse.

"Forbidden knowledge" claims are central to conspiracy theories, yet they have received little systematic study. Forbidden knowledge claims imply that information is censored or suppressed. Theoretically, forbidden knowledge could be alluring or alarming, depending on alignment with recipients' political worldviews. In three studies (N = 2363, two preregistered), we examined censorship claims about (conservative-aligned) controversial COVID-19 topics. In Studies 1a and 2 participants read COVID-19 claims framed as censored or not. Conservatives reported more attraction to and belief in the claims, regardless of censorship condition, while liberals showed decreased interest and belief when information was presented as censored. Study 1b revealed divergent interpretations of suppression motives: liberals assumed censored information was harmful or false, whereas conservatives deemed it valuable and true. In Study 2, conservatives made more critical thinking errors in a vaccine risk reasoning task when information was framed as censored. Findings reveal the polarizing effects of forbidden knowledge frames.

O CÓDIGO DE PROCESSO CIVIL NA FORMAÇÃO DOS PRECEDENTES NO BRASIL

True precedent, the result of a scientific method of judgment, is adopted in countries with the Common Law legal system, which is based on customs. In line with global concepts that seek to converge the two main legal systems in the world – Common Law and Civil Law –, the Brazilian legislator included the use of precedents in article 926 of the 2015 Code of Civil Procedure. The objective is to promote legal certainty, standardize judicial decisions, reduce litigation and increase the credibility and efficiency of the Brazilian justice system. However, due to other provisions included in the Code of Civil Procedure and the divergent interpretation of the Judiciary in relation to the adopted system, Brazilian precedents have not yet fully achieved this purpose, requiring further study and possible adjustments by legal practitioners and the Legislature, whose intention is to discourage litigation.

Evolvement and use of stigmatized expressions in computer-mediated communication

Abstract A stigmatized expression is featured by its potentially discrediting attributes unwanted by community members. It is heavily context-dependent, especially in computer-mediated communication (CMC), which is text-based and features abbreviations, acronyms, and creative use of punctuation. The paper discusses the perception, judgment, and use of stigmatized expressions from the socio-cognitive approach (SCA) perspective. Our theory- and data-based analysis leads to the following conclusions. First, stigmatized expressions are considered pervasive and generally detrimental, thus worthy of continuous attention. Second, their emergence and recognition arise from the mutual effort of societal and individual factors, making them dynamic, ambiguous, context-dependent, and culture-specific. Third, the mechanism of generating stigmatized expression turns out to be spiral, while the circulation seems scarcely affected by its divergent interpretations. The sociocultural context serves as a trigger and an outcome in that it facilitates the processing of stigmatized expressions and is simultaneously modified.

Divergent interpretations of child abuse in legal judgments: perspectives from clinicians and forensic experts

BackgroundChild abuse in Taiwan is a major societal concern that severely affects the well-being of children. Despite the complexity in detecting abuse, reports of child abuse are increasing, evidenced by a rise in cases and heightened awareness. This study utilizes judicial judgments as a lens to understand the varied interpretations of child abuse by clinical and forensic experts and explores the broader epidemiological trends of such abuse within the declining youth population of Taiwan.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study by analyzing official court judgments on child abuse allegations judged from 2008 to 2022 from the online database of Judicial Yuan. Furthermore, the study analyzed demographic factors, injury patterns, and opinions from various experts.ResultsThe results reveal that severe criminal cases of child abuse predominantly involve biological fathers as the primary offenders and physical abuse as the most common form of maltreatment. Victims are typically aged less than 5 years, which frequently leads to an unfavorable prognosis. Analysis also highlights the TEN-4-FACESp acronym as a highly predictive indicator of child abuse and underscores the prevalence of abusive head trauma (AHT). Moreover, the findings emphasize ongoing disparities in opinions between forensic medical examiners and clinical physicians, especially in AHT cases, which potentially influences judicial decisions.ConclusionsIn summary, the study reveals ongoing disagreements between forensic medical examiners and clinical physicians, especially in cases of AHT, which may impact judicial decisions. Promoting consensus through interdisciplinary collaboration and improved communication can aid in revealing the truth in child abuse cases.

Mapping interpretations of the law in online content moderation in Germany

Content moderation is a vital condition that online platforms must facilitate, according to the law, to create suitable online environments for their users. By the law, we mean national or European laws that require the removal of content by online platforms, such as EU Regulation 2021/784, which addresses the dissemination of terrorist content online. Content moderation required by these national or European laws, summarised here as ‘the law’, is different from the moderation of pieces of content that is not directly required by law but instead is conducted voluntarily by the platforms. New regulatory requests create an additional layer of complexity of legal grounds for the moderation of content and are relevant to platforms’ daily decisions. The decisions made are either grounded in reasons stemming from different sources of law, such as international or national provisions, or can be based on contractual grounds, such as the platform's Terms of Service and Community Standards. However, how to empirically measure these essential aspects of content moderation remains unclear. Therefore, we ask the following research question: How do online platforms interpret the law when they moderate online content?To understand this complex interplay and empirically test the quality of a platform's content moderation claims, this article develops a methodology that facilitates empirical evidence of the individual decisions taken per piece of content while highlighting the subjective element of content classification by human moderators. We then apply this methodology to a single empirical case, an anonymous medium-sized German platform that provided us access to their content moderation decisions. With more knowledge of how platforms interpret the law, we can better understand the complex nature of content moderation, its regulation and compliance practices, and to what degree legal moderation might differ from moderation due to contractual reasons in dimensions such as the need for context, information, and time.Our results show considerable divergence between the platform's interpretation of the law and ours. We believe that a significant number of platform legal interpretations are incorrect due to divergent interpretations of the law and that platforms are removing legal content that they falsely believe to be illegal (‘overblocking’) while simultaneously not moderating illegal content (‘underblocking’). In conclusion, we provide recommendations for content moderation system design that takes (legal) human content moderation into account and creates new methodological ways to test its quality and effect on speech in online platforms.

Barter, Prostitution, Abuse? Reframing Experiences of Sexual Exchange during the Holocaust

ABSTRACT Early postwar narratives by Holocaust survivors contained many descriptions of sexual exchange, sexual coercion, and sexual violence. However, Holocaust scholars have hardly investigated these experiences until the mid-1990s. And although their inquiry has grown considerably since, the ways in which researchers deal with experiences of sexual exchange remain problematic. Well into the 1970s, sexual barter between women and men was generally thought of as either sexual promiscuity or as prostitution. To counter this, feminist scholars since the late 1980s have stressed the structural power imbalance present in such sexual exchanges. Yet while the assessment has shifted significantly, the issue remains complicated due to the often unclear and hierarchical nature of such transactional relationships, obscuring the line between sexual consent and coercion. This article discusses two challenges central for scholarship on sexual barter: how to conceive of consent and choice when survival is at stake, and how to reconcile divergent interpretations if the researcher’s assessment differs from that of the survivor. It does so by examining sex and sexual exchange in the works of two female survivors – Olga Lengyel’s Five Chimneys: The Story of Auschwitz and Molly Applebaum’s Buried Words. A consideration of sexual exchange in these two works and their respective reception, alongside scholarly work on sexual barter, allows for an analysis of the changes in the understanding of this subject and highlights the challenges that it continues to present.

Realizing Justice and Maṣlaḥah in E-Commerce: Fiqh Muamalah Insights and Challenges in Malaysia and Indonesia

This study explores how fiqh muamalah principles can realise justice and maṣlaḥah in e-commerce practices, focusing on the understanding and behavior of consumers and producers in Malaysia and Indonesia. The research investigates how these Islamic legal principles are integrated and practised within the digital marketplace. The primary data sources include e-commerce users from Malaysia and Indonesia, specifically consumers and producers. Data were collected through in-depth interviews with various e-commerce users, including consumers and producers. The results reveal that producers generally have a higher awareness of justice and ma maṣlaḥah in e-commerce, though their application of these principles varies. Consumers' experiences are inconsistent, often influenced by their educational background and exposure to Islamic commerce teachings. Key challenges include the lack of standardized guidelines and divergent interpretations of fiqh muamalah principles. The study underscores the need for more structured education and regulatory frameworks to ensure these principles' effective and consistent integration into e-commerce practices. Recommendations include developing comprehensive training programs and establishing clear guidelines to bridge the gap between understanding and practice, thereby aligning e-commerce practices in Malaysia and Indonesia with fiqh muamalah principles.

Unraveling stock exchange connections: an empirical study of India, US, Hong Kong, Germany, France and Amsterdam

PurposeThe current study immerses itself in the realm of diversification prospects within a select group of preeminent global stock exchanges. Specifically, the study casts its discerning gaze upon the financial hubs of the United States, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Amsterdam and India. In this expansive vista of international financial markets, the present analytical study aims to unravel the multifaceted opportunities that lie therein for astute portfolio management and strategic investment decisions.Design/methodology/approachThe study encompasses daily time series data spanning from 2019 to 2022. To assess the interconnectedness among these stock indices, advanced statistical techniques, including Johansen cointegration methods and vector autoregressive (VAR) models, have been applied.FindingsThe research outcomes reveal both unidirectional and bidirectional relationships between the Indian, Hong Kong and US stock exchanges, encompassing both short-term and long-term time frames. Interestingly, the empirical findings indicate the presence of diversification opportunities between the Indian stock exchange and the stock exchanges of Germany, France and Amsterdam.Research limitations/implicationsThese insights hold significant value for both Indian and international investors, including foreign institutional investors (FIIs), domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and retail investors, as they can utilize this knowledge to construct more effective and diversified investment portfolios by understanding the intricate interconnections between these prominent global stock exchanges.Originality/valueThis research undertaking aspires to bring coherence to a landscape rife with divergent interpretations and methodological divergences. We are poised to offer a comprehensive analysis, a beacon of clarity amidst the murkiness, to shed light on the intricate web of interconnections that underpin the world's stock exchanges. In so doing, we seek to contribute a seminal piece of scholarship that transcends the existing ambiguities and thus empowers the field with a deeper understanding of the multifaceted dynamics governing international stock markets.

A Broken Duet: Multistable Dynamics in Dyadic Interactions.

Misunderstandings in dyadic interactions often persist despite our best efforts, particularly between native and non-native speakers, resembling a broken duet that refuses to harmonise. This paper delves into the computational mechanisms underpinning these misunderstandings through the lens of the broken Lorenz system-a continuous dynamical model. By manipulating a specific parameter regime, we induce bistability within the Lorenz equations, thereby confining trajectories to distinct attractors based on initial conditions. This mirrors the persistence of divergent interpretations that often result in misunderstandings. Our simulations reveal that differing prior beliefs between interlocutors result in misaligned generative models, leading to stable yet divergent states of understanding when exposed to the same percept. Specifically, native speakers equipped with precise (i.e., overconfident) priors expect inputs to align closely with their internal models, thus struggling with unexpected variations. Conversely, non-native speakers with imprecise (i.e., less confident) priors exhibit a greater capacity to adjust and accommodate unforeseen inputs. Our results underscore the important role of generative models in facilitating mutual understanding (i.e., establishing a shared narrative) and highlight the necessity of accounting for multistable dynamics in dyadic interactions.

Don't Let Your Analysis Go to Seed: On the Impact of Random Seed on Machine Learning-based Causal Inference.

Machine learning techniques for causal effect estimation can enhance the reliability of epidemiologic analyses, reducing their dependence on correct model specifications. However, the stochastic nature of many machine learning algorithms implies that the results derived from such approaches may be influenced by the random seed that is set before model fitting. In this work, we highlight the substantial influence of random seeds on a popular approach for machine learning-based causal effect estimation, namely doubly robust estimators. We illustrate that varying seeds can yield divergent scientific interpretations of doubly robust estimates produced from the same dataset. We propose techniques for stabilizing results across random seeds and, through an extensive simulation study, demonstrate that these techniques effectively neutralize seed-related variability without compromising the statistical efficiency of the estimators. Based on these findings, we offer practical guidelines to minimize the influence of random seeds in real-world applications, and we encourage researchers to explore the variability due to random seeds when implementing any method that involves random steps.

Reconstruction of Marriage Law: Judges’ Progressive Reasoning Based on Maqāṣid in Addressing Divergent Interpretations in Indonesian Courts

Reconstruction of Marriage Law: Judges’ Progressive Reasoning Based on Maqāṣid in Addressing Divergent Interpretations in Indonesian Courts

Treading the Narrow Path – Rethinking Democratic Education in Times of Polarization

Abstract This essay examines the relationship between knowledge, politics, and education in the context of the global crisis of democracy and the growing prevalence of political polarization. Focusing on the issue of vaccine hesitancy, I explore how citizens’ reference to knowledge and values shapes their political judgements and argue for the importance of education in facilitating informed and reasoned decision-making. Drawing on Hannah Arendt’s dialectical account of politics and knowledge, I highlight the limitations of reducing political debates to a quest for ‘right knowledge’, arguing that it neglects the coordination of diverse values and interpretations that is essential to democratic processes. To do so, I discuss ‘educationalization’ of the political during the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein the dissemination of empirically grounded information became a strategy to generate public consent. However, my essay cautions against the hegemony of empirical knowledge, which can lead to despotic politics and the proliferation of misinformation. To ensure differentiated and reasonable judgements in uncertain situations and conflicts, I turn to Arendt’s concept of reflective and political judgement, emphasizing the ability to imagine others’ perspectives and construct general principles. The educational task, therefore, encompasses not only conveying factual knowledge but also nurturing reflective judgement that strikes a balance between factual truth and divergent interpretations, values, and interests.

Discurso populista y “nueva derecha”: el Partido Republicano chileno

Objective/context: This study aims to evaluate the relevance of the category of populism when characterizing a party of the “new right,” such as the Republican Party of Chile. Methodology: A discourse analysis of a corpus of texts representative of the ideology of the Republicans was carried out, considering four analytical dimensions: ideological description schemes, collective identification terms, populist statements, and the populist discursive style as embodied in the rhetorical ethos of the enunciator. Conclusions: Even though the Republican Party has been typified as radical, right-wing, and populist, neither the ideological schemes, the vocabulary, the utterances, nor the discursive style evidence a marked populism. In sum, other ideological frameworks better characterize the discourse of this party—in particular, conservative, authoritarian, neo-liberal, and neo-patriotic motives, framed with the signifier of a certain republicanism. Originality: The research allows a divergent interpretation of the parties of the new right, usually characterized as radical populist right.

Economic and Business Pathways Towards Sustainability: A Comprehensive Exploration

Sustainable and inclusive economic development constitutes a multifaceted and intricate domain, wherein economists grapple with divergent interpretations. The consensus remains elusive regarding the precise delineation of sustainability and inclusiveness within this context. However, it may be construed as the conscientious orchestration and execution of economic endeavours aimed at advancing prosperity and development while concurrently upholding the enduring equilibrium across economic, social, cultural, and environmental dimensions, not only for present individuals and societies in their entirety but also for the preservation of ecosystems and the perpetuation of environmental integrity for posterity. Present economic advancement often exacts tolls upon forthcoming generations. This exposition endeavours to delineate the dilemmas, quandaries, and hurdles confronting environmental sustainability and sustainable economic progression. Within the profit-driven capitalist paradigm, production mechanisms frequently exploit natural reservoirs deemed lucrative in the immediate term, with scant regard for long-term ramifications. Hence, the realization of sustainable economic development necessitates judicious policy frameworks aligned with the attainment of the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. The prime objective of this paper is to furnish a comprehensive overview of the foundational tenets, theoretical underpinnings, and pragmatic applications pertinent to sustainable and inclusive economic development. It delves into the theoretical constructs underpinning guiding principles, and delineates strategies for surmounting impediments to economic advancement, particularly against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic and prevailing global military conflicts. Moreover, it scrutinizes the repercussions of these phenomena on international trade, investment dynamics, and overall developmental trajectories. The paper accords particular emphasis to the dynamics of energy provision, sources of energy, ecological footprints, governmental stewardship, and methodologies for curbing pollution, drawing insights from contemporary scholarly contributions disseminated across various mediums including academic journals, newspapers, periodicals, doctoral dissertations, news agencies, online platforms such as YouTube, and webinars. The study proffers a compelling recommendation encapsulated in the imperative that economic development must be entrenched in sustainability, predicated upon the prudent utilization of extant natural endowments. Thus, it advocates for a harmonious equilibrium between the exigencies of the present epoch and the imperatives of future generations. Received: 28 March 2024 / Accepted: 26 June 2024 / Published: 8 July 2024

Navigating Pluralism in Islamic Jurisprudence: A Comparative Analysis of Mut'ah Marriage in Ja'fari and Sunni Schools of Thought

This study examines the differing views on mut'ah (temporary) marriage between the Ja'fari and Sunni schools of Islamic jurisprudence through a comparative analysis of their legal reasoning methodologies. Employing qualitative research methods including textual analysis of primary sources, historical examination, and comparative legal analysis, the study explores the origins of these divergent interpretations and their implications for contemporary Muslim societies. The findings reveal that differences in scriptural interpretation, hadith authentication, and legal principles contribute to the contrasting positions on mut'ah marriage. While the Ja'fari school considers it permissible based on Quranic verses and certain hadith, Sunni schools generally prohibit it, citing abrogation and potential social harms. The study highlights how these differing views reflect broader patterns of legal pluralism in Islamic jurisprudence and impact contemporary debates on gender, marriage, and religious authority in Muslim communities. By critically evaluating arguments from both traditions, this research contributes to a more nuanced understanding of Islamic legal diversity and its ongoing negotiation in modern contexts.

Evaluation of Age Estimates and Resulting Population Metrics Using Four Aging Methods from a Midwestern Blue Catfish Population

Abstract Lapillus otoliths and several preparations of pectoral fin spines have been used to age Blue Catfish Ictalurus furcatus; however, there are limited studies examining relative precision of age estimates. Further, comparisons of population characteristics (e.g., growth, mortality) resulting from age structure evaluations are needed to help fisheries managers balance resources needed to conduct investigations with quality of subsequent data. We examined sectioned Blue Catfish lapillus otoliths and sectioned pectoral spine articulating processes, basal recesses, and articulating surfaces to compare relative precision of age estimates. Additionally, dynamic rate functions and resulting population models were examined to determine if variation in age estimates resulted in divergent interpretation of population characteristics. Generally, aging precision was greatest for articulating surface and lapillus otolith sections. Although growth models generated from each aging structured differed, mortality estimates and conclusions drawn from harvest-regulated population modeling were similar across structures. These results demonstrate that although there is variability in precision and growth modeling among different Blue Catfish aging structures, estimates for key population parameters remain consistent.

Examining the Doctrine of Causation in Anti-Dumping Investigations: An Analysis of the EU Court of Justice Interpretations in Case C-638/11

This research paper assesses the interpretations of Article 3(7) of the basic regulation by the General Court and the EU Court of Justice in Case C-638/11. The study highlights that the broad and non-exhaustive nature of Article 3(7) has led to divergent interpretations by the two courts. The General Court’s approach, applying the ‘Mischief Rule’ of interpretation, suggests that institutions should distinguish between the injury caused by dumped imports and that caused by other known factors. The court further posits that the list of factors in Article 3(7) should be considered illustrative rather than definitive, thus necessitating an evaluation of all relevant factors, which can vary with each case. Conversely, the EU Court of Justice rejected the inclusion of legislative amendments, such as the grant of GSP status, as other known factors affecting the Union industry, arguing they should be assessed only in their impact on the dumped imports. The paper challenges this stance by asserting that legislative changes and GSP status should be recognized as significant factors under Article 3(7) because they directly impact the Union market. It is argued that the EU institutions should have conducted a non-attribution analysis considering these factors, given their known effect on trade dynamics. The findings reveal that the vague and broad language of Article 3(7) has led to inconsistent applications and interpretations. The paper concludes with a recommendation for a more detailed and comprehensive list of factors to enhance clarity and consistency in causal link analyses.

Peran Pancasila Terhadap Dinamika Sosial dan Komunikasi Masyarakat Indonesia dalam Pembangunan Yang Adil dan Berkelanjutan

This research explores the role of Pancasila in the social dynamics and communication of Indonesian society in the context of fair and sustainable development. Using a literature review approach, this study analyzes how the values of Pancasila influence communication patterns, social interactions, and national development. The findings indicate that Pancasila has a significant impact on shaping national identity, promoting dialogue and understanding, and strengthening principles of justice and participation in development. However, challenges such as divergent interpretations of Pancasila values, political polarization, and social inequality still affect the implementation of these values. Therefore, joint efforts from the government, civil society organizations, the private sector, and civil society are needed to enhance understanding, participation, and law enforcement regarding Pancasila values in order to create an inclusive, fair, and sustainable environment for all citizens.

Teaching the Middle Set: What Counts as Being ‘Able’ to Talk About a Character?

ABSTRACT This essay considers what happens in the English classroom when teaching the same lesson to two classes considered to be of different levels of ‘ability’. It explores what happens during a discussion about the fate of Eva Smith in An Inspector Calls when students’ reading of a text diverges. I consider what teachers do when students’ readings of a text goes against our expectations and accepted critical norms of both the teacher and the National Curriculum. Finally, I explore the potential problems with using retrieval practice as a way to manage divergent readings and interpretations in classroom discussion.

Обострение отношений Польши и ЕС: возможные варианты развития и решения дезинтеграционных процессов

The aim of this study is to analyze the aggravation of relations between Poland and the European Union from 2016 to 2023 and to identify potential development scenarios. The study identifies several forms of disintegration processes within Poland-EU relations, including challenges to the primacy of EU law, erosion of democratic norms, and disputes over national sovereignty. Key actions by both parties aimed at mitigating these processes include dialogue, negotiation, and institutional reform. However, the underlying issue of conflicting national values poses a significant obstacle to resolution. The tensions between Poland and the EU are rooted in divergent interpretations of democracy, the rule of law, and national sovereignty. The EU’s insistence on adherence to its legal and democratic standards clashes with Poland’s perceived defense of traditional national values. Resolving these tensions requires a delicate balance between respecting national sovereignty and upholding EU principles. The effective implementation of these reforms should be deemed satisfactory by the European Commission. Only after aligning Poland’s judicial system with EU standards will the country receive the majority of subsidies, grants, and funds from the European Union, which can then be directed towards supporting national agricultural producers. In conclusion, the aggravation of relations between Poland and the EU underscores the challenges facing European integration. Addressing disintegration processes within the union requires a concerted effort by both parties to reconcile conflicting interests and values. Poland’s commitment to aligning its judicial system with EU standards is essential for restoring trust and cooperation within the union.