Moral Foundations Research Articles

A Political Radicalization Framework Based on Moral Foundations Theory

Moral foundations theory proposes that individuals with conflicting political views base their behavior on different principles chosen from a small group of universal moral foundations. This study proposes using a set of widely accepted moral foundations (fairness, in-group loyalty, authority, and purity) as proxies to determine the degree of radicalization of online communities. A fifth principle, care, is generally surpassed by others that are higher in the radicalized groups’ moral hierarchy. Moreover, the presented data-driven methodological framework proposes an alternative way to measure whether a community complies with a certain moral principle or foundation: not evaluating its speech, but its behavior through the interactions of its individuals, establishing a bridge between the structural features of the interaction network and the intensity of communities’ radicalization regarding the considered moral foundations. Two foundations were assessed using the network’s structural characteristics: in-group loyalty measured by group-level modularity, and authority evaluated using group domination, for detecting potential hierarchical substructures within the network. By analyzing a set of Pareto-optimal groups regarding a multidimensional moral relevance scale, the most radicalized communities were identified among those considered extreme in some of their attitudes or views. An application of the proposed framework is illustrated using real-world datasets. The radicalized communities’ behavior exhibited increasing isolation, and their authorities and leaders showed growing domination over their audience. Differences were also detected between users’ behavior and speech, showing that individuals tended to share more “extreme” in-group content than they publish: extreme views get more likes on social media.

Penerapan Program Sosialisasi Pendidikan Karakter di SDN Musir Kidul

Character education has become the primary focus in efforts to develop individuals with strong moral values and ethics. In the context of modern education, character education goes beyond teaching discipline or enforcing rules; it strengthens the core of good personality and fosters positive behaviors in daily life. This paper reviews character education from various perspectives, including the conceptual understanding, implementation approaches in educational institutions, and its impact on shaping a better future generation. By integrating values such as integrity, empathy, honesty, and responsibility, character education plays a crucial role in shaping individuals who are not only academically competent but also ethically sound and capable of making positive contributions to society. Through a profound understanding of these values, educational institutions can play a crucial role in laying a solid moral foundation for future generations.

Examining the Relationship Between Marital (and Parental) Status and Moral Foundations

Examining the Relationship Between Marital (and Parental) Status and Moral Foundations

Review on: Public Perception of Biotechnology on Genetically Modified Crops, Bio Policy and Intellectual Property Rights

Public discussion about genetically modified crops is strongly heavily influenced by debates over their risks and benefits. Supporters of biotechnology point to its potential to reduce hunger, prevent malnutrition, treat diseases, and improve overall health and quality of life. However, there is considerable opposition to biotechnology. Some critics argue that it poses risks to human health and the environment, while others oppose it on moral and ethical grounds. The transfer of genes between different species is often criticized as "playing God" or breaking the "Law of Nature." Biosafety on (GM) crops is a rapidly growing field that includes scientific research, ethical issues, and policy and regulatory frameworks to assess and manage risks to human and animal health, including food and feed safety, as well as environmental risks related to modern biotechnology products. Bio-policy refers to the rules, norms, and ethical considerations that govern the development, production, and use of biotechnology products. These policies differ by country and can be influenced by international agreements and organizations. A key international agreement (TRIPS) Agreement, which sets global standards for intellectual property protection. The Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement requires governments to issue patents in technological sectors, including modern biotechnology, to protect innovations in this field. This ensures that biotechnological advancements, including GM crops, are protected under intellectual property laws, aiding their development and commercialization while addressing ethical and safety concerns.

Emer de Vattel in context: the moral philosophical foundations of a natural law for states

ABSTRACT In line with its influence, Emer de Vattel’s Le droit des gens (1757) is most often conceptualised in terms of far-reaching political intentions and epochal intellectual developments. However, the core axioms of the work constitute a surprisingly exact application of Vattel’s philosophical premises, developed within the highly specific traditions of Swiss Calvinism and the école romande of natural law, integrating Leibnizian influences. The present article provides basic context for this claim by excavating two early debates that Vattel intervenes upon as an apologist for Leibniz: first, Vattel demonstrates an adherence to non-fatalist Leibnizian metaphysics when countering Swiss anti-Leibnizians in 1737–1741 and, second, in 1747 Vattel develops Leibnizian-Wolffian moral philosophy in response to Barbeyrac’s vindication of Pufendorfian voluntarism. These interventions point toward an evolving but systematic philosophical substratum, which I claim can also be found, mutatis mutandis, in Vattel’s account of the law of nations. Thus, whether applying natural law to people or states, Vattel considers both to be (moral) persons who naturally prioritise duties to themselves, this principle of self-interested utility conceived of as coterminous with altruistic virtue, and, by consequence, belonging to a universal society of moral actors.

Filming sex, language, and alienation in Morocco: the lens of Nabil Ayouch

Nabil Ayouch’s cinematic corpus has always been subject to vivid debates as his works target the sexual and linguistic status quo in Morocco, among other ideological patterns. The filmmaker’s distrust towards the hegemonic order is palpable in his corpus, as illustrated by Much Loved (2015) and Razzia (2017). Ayouch’s films offer an opaque questioning of the structural intersections between sex, socioeconomics, language, religion, and alienation. It could be argued that, in terms of opacity, Much Loved blurs the lines of identity and intimacy instead of simply pushing and widening cultural/ideological barriers. A few years later, Ayouch released Razzia , which not only escaped censorship, but was also a great success. However, the film fits well in the lineage of Ayouch’s productions as the director continued his momentum of subtle artistic subversion questioning of the foundations of morality in Morocco.

Rational Optimism

Optimistic beliefs have been criticized by philosophers as being irrational or epistemically deficient. This paper argues for the possibility of a rational optimism. We propose a novel four-fold taxonomy of optimistic beliefs and argue that people may hold optimistic beliefs rationally for at least two of the four types (resourced optimism and agentive optimism). These forms of rational optimism are grounded in facts about one’s resources and agency and may be epistemically justified under certain conditions. We argue that the fourth type of optimism in our taxonomy (perspectival optimism) is not subject to epistemic scrutiny in the same way. It is better evaluated on practical and moral grounds. This paper advances the discussion of optimism within both the philosophical and psychological literatures by providing a compelling and philosophically rich taxonomy of optimism that clarifies the sometimes-competing forms of optimism identified by psychologists. This advances the field by putting forward cases of epistemically justified optimism, in contrast with unrealistic optimism, that is sometimes justified for its instrumental or adaptive characteristics, and also by highlighting a form of optimism, perspectival optimism, that is not being considered in the mainstream optimism literature in psychology. The paper concludes by suggesting several avenues for future empirical and philosophical research.

L’impact environnemental peut-il être considéré comme une dimension du bon usage des médicaments ? Retour sur le 5e Forum de l’Association Bon Usage du Médicament

Through their footprint throughout their life cycle, from production to use, medicines have a significant impact on the environment. Reducing this impact is rarely considered from the perspective of the choices that healthcare professionals might have to make when prescribing or dispensing medicines. Should we consider environmental impact, alongside effectiveness and tolerance, one of the dimensions of the proper use of medicines? To address this question, the 5th Forum of the Association for the Proper Use of Medicines highlighted the main sources of pharmaceutical pollution: the carbon footprint linked to production, greenhouse gas emissions, the impact of residues on water and waste from packaging. While the eco-design of medicines should make it possible to limit their environmental impact upstream, there are still few initiatives aimed at their use. The Swedish "Hazard Score" assessment tool, which classifies compounds according to their potential to pollute the aquatic environment, was presented as a tool for guiding prescription choices. Through the exchanges between the various stakeholders (public authorities, doctors, pharmacists, manufacturers, patients) during this forum, recommendations were drawn up both on scientific and ethical grounds.

Unearthing the Foundations: Testing the Universality of Moral Foundations Theory in Three Non-Industrialised Populations [Conference Presentation Abstract

Unearthing the Foundations: Testing the Universality of Moral Foundations Theory in Three Non-Industrialised Populations [Conference Presentation Abstract

Kyai’s Leadership Model in Managing the Al-Khairat Islamic Boarding School, Gorontalo City

This study aims to examine the Kyai’s leadership model in the management of the Al-Khairat Islamic Boarding School in Gorontalo City. It also seeks to explore the impact of Kyai’s leadership approach on the administration of the Al-Khairat Islamic Boarding School in Gorontalo City. Employing field research, this investigation endeavors to delineate the realities of Kyai’s leadership model at the Al-Khairat Islamic Boarding School in Gorontalo. The research was conducted on-site at the Al-Khairat Islamic Boarding School, utilizing observational methods, interviews, and document analysis to gather data. The process involved the collection of diverse information, which was subsequently refined by sorting through the data to deduce conclusive findings. The research reveals that the Kyai’s management of the Al Khairat Islamic Boarding School in Gorontalo City is underpinned by a clear vision and mission to develop the institution. It emphasizes the importance of Ahlussunnah wal Jama’ah Islam as a foundation for ethics, morality, motivation and inspiration for the students. Furthermore, it cultivates Alkhlakul karimah in students, aspiring to nurture a generation steeped in Rabbani values. The study identifies several leadership models employed by the Kyai, including visionary, charismatic, situational, and participative leadership. Significantly, the Kyai’s leadership is found to have a beneficial impact on educating students to become the next generation of Muslims leaders, equipped to enlighten their religion as rahmatan lil alamin.

The Traces of Qur’anic Women’s Hakiki Justice Interpretation in KUPI's Fatwas

<p>Mainstream Islamic epistemologies are gender biased due to two primary reasons. First, women are often seen as men’s sexual tools and reproductive machinery, making them sexual objects. Second, legalistic interpretations of the Qur’an require formal interpretation. The Indonesian Women Ulama Congress (KUPI) proposes an alternative Qur'anic women's <em>Hakiki</em> Justice interpretation. In this context, women are respected as whole persons with physical, intellectual, and spiritual qualities deserving of respect as complete subjects. Islamic welfare ideals are shaped by their unique bodily and social human experiences. Islamic teaching system consists of vision, moral foundation, and method verses. As a process of transformation, the verses comprise the starting point, intermediate, and final goals verses. KUPI’s fatwas are examined for Qur'anic women's <em>hakiki</em> justice interpretation. The library research method is employed using credible books and online resources. The key texts are <em>Nalar Kritis Muslimah</em>, <em>Metodologi Fatwa KUPI </em>books, and KUPI's fatwas documents on the Kupipedia website. The results highlight that the traces of Qur'anic women's <em>hakiki</em> justice interpretation in KUPI's fatwas are indicated by how KUPI integrated women's bodily and social experiences in understanding the issues and the Qur'an. </p>

Tinjauan Hasil Evaluasi Pendidikan Karakter Anak dalam Pembelajaran PAI

Islamic Religious Education (PAI) has an important role in shaping the character of students, as a moral and ethical foundation in the education system. PAI not only teaches religious knowledge, but also focuses on developing students' attitudes and behavior in accordance with Islamic teachings. Thus, character education through PAI aims to create an intellectually intelligent generation, with high moral integrity, ready to contribute positively in a complex and dynamic society. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of children's character education in PAI learning by examining the teaching approaches used by educators, the methods applied, and the results achieved. The research method uses a qualitative approach. Data was collected through literature studies and in-depth interviews with PAI educators from various schools in Indonesia. Research findings show that the integration of character values ​​in PAI significantly improves students' morals and ethics. Students not only understand religious concepts cognitively but are also able to apply these values ​​in everyday life.

Historical Analysis of Criminalizing Homosexual Relationships in Nigeria: A Historical Approach

This paper aims basically at examining the menace and the criminalization of homo-sexual relationships in Nigerian society. Gay and lesbian couples are categorized as same-sex relationships. Though they are not easy to identify, they possess peculiar traits which set them apart from ordinary persons. Their activities are generally condemned by most countries on religious and moral grounds. This work has succinctly examined the various causes of homosexuality and its effects on our society. The study adopted a multi-disciplinary approach in its analysis. It employs a historical, expository, interpretative, and analytical method. A secondary source was extensively used in the course of this study. It also evaluates the role or views of different sections in society as regards the activities of homosexuality in our society. Besides, the concepts and analytical tools of economists, sociologists, and theologists were employed throughout the analysis. This ensured that the paradigmatic tool that was used melded perfectly into the overall body of the paper. This was adopted because of the historical nature of the study. It was discovered that homosexuality is largely due to the environment in which one is raised. In other words, homosexuality is induced by a disordered environment. People equally engaged in homosexuality as a result of freedom of association. They feel it is one of their fundamental human rights. To some of the practitioners, it is more economical. There is no fear of pregnancy and some other related expenses involved in a normal relationship.

Fundamentals of the Strategy of the State National Policy of the Russian Federation and Improving the Conceptual Framework for Regulating Interethnic Relations

An important aspect of the political history of post-Soviet Russia is the search for and formulation of the doctrinal foundations of state national policy. In this regard, the analysis of conceptual documents related to this area is of great importance. These include the Concept of State National Policy of the Russian Federation, adopted in 1996, and the Strategy of State National Policy of the Russian Federation for the period until 2025, approved in 2012. One of the key concepts in the latest document is the conception of “Russian nation”, meaning a community of all citizens of Russia, regardless of their ethnic origin. It seems important to consider the possible trends of evolution of this document, the adoption of which was an important milestone in the implementation of Russia’s nationality policy. Despite the civil, political and legal nature of the Russian nation, the ethnic Russian cultural core plays an important role in maintaining its unity. This circumstance was noted in the article “Russia: The National Question” (2012) written by V.V. Putin, many of the provisions of which formed the basis of the Strategy. In the future, it seems that the role of the ethnocultural factor in ensuring civil unity will be analyzed in more depth. A deeper study of the issue of the spiritual and moral foundations of a civil nation is also inevitable. The adoption of the Strategy has also become an important incentive for improving the institutional framework of state national policy, the development of which is given a large place in the program document.

EXPLORING THE ETHICAL DIMENSIONS OF FIQH: THE ROLE OF THE SOUL IN ACHIEVING MAQASID AL-SHARI'AH

This study delves into the ethical intricacies within Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh), with a particular focus on the integral role of the soul in realising the higher objectives of Islamic law, known as maqasid al-shariah. Drawing from classical Islamic jurisprudence and ethical philosophy, the research explores how fiqh goes beyond legal compliance to emphasise the cultivation of moral excellence, with the soul (nafs) serving as a fundamental element in this ethical pursuit. Through alignment with divine purpose, individuals contribute to justice, compassion, and societal well-being. The study offers a concise exploration of fiqh's ethical dimensions, highlighting the profound significance of the soul in the pursuit of maqasid al-shariah, which encompass the preservation of religion, life, intellect, progeny, and property. By shedding light on the ethical dimensions of fiqh and the centrality of the soul in Islamic ethical thought, this study aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of the moral foundations of Islamic law and jurisprudence, enriching contemporary discourses on ethics and jurisprudence within the Islamic tradition.

Effectiveness of the Prof. Tito Storybook in Enhancing Student Learning in Indonesian Language and Natural Science for Fifth Grade Elementary School Students

This research addresses the issue of unsuitable children's storybooks influencing elementary students' thinking patterns by mirroring adult behaviors, prompting the development of the modern children's storybook "Prof. Tito: Electric Bicycle Edition" to enhance literacy and science technology education. The specific aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of character-based and science technology-focused storybooks in improving Indonesian and natural sciences learning among fifth-grade students. "Prof. Tito, Electric Bike Edition" explores values like cooperation, mutual assistance, and knowledge of electric bicycles, offering a moral foundation for young readers. The study highlights the storybook's role in fostering empathy and focus, while educating readers about electric bicycles in the context of Indonesian language and science. Through student evaluations, the book's efficacy was tested, showing significant learning improvements. The findings reveal a 13.49% and 12.55% increase in learning outcomes, classifying the storybook as moderately effective in enhancing learning. Overall, the research concludes that the storybook significantly contributes to improving student learning outcomes, representing an original contribution to the field.

Pancasila Sebagai Sistem Filsafat

Pancasila, as the state foundation and ideology of the Indonesian nation, not only functions as a guide to national and state life, but also as a philosophical system that underlies the outlook on life, ideals and values ​​held by Indonesian society. As a philosophical system, Pancasila contains five interrelated principles and forms an integral framework for thinking. These five precepts reflect universal noble values ​​and contain moral principles that can be applied in various aspects of life. This study aims to analyze Pancasila as a philosophical system, explore the deep meaning of each principle, and understand its relevance and application in the context of modern life. Through a philosophical approach, it is hoped that this research can strengthen understanding of Pancasila as a moral and ethical foundation, as well as a guide in developing a just, prosperous and dignified society.

Kant’s Philosophy and the Idea of the Self-Made-Man

Purpose. The authors of this article set the main purpose of understanding the ideological potential of Kant’s philosophical heritage from the viewpoint of its influence on the spread and legitimization of the self-made man idea in the worldview transformations of the modern world. Theoretical basis. Historical, analytical, and hermeneutic methods became fundamental for achieving the goal. The study is based on Kant’s works, as well as on the works of modern researchers of his ideological heritage. Originality. The analysis shows that the idea of the Self-made-man, which originated in the ancient world and gradually spread in the Western culture of the Middle Ages, early Modernism, and especially the Enlightenment, receives significant additional impulses in the context of Kant’s rethinking of the metaphysical foundations in the theory of knowledge and morality. Perhaps, the systematic theoretical substantiation of people’s abilities to use their own mind, their intellectual, and therefore moral autonomy, and freedom of will as the fundamental principles of personal Self-determination and Self-realization became the most important consequence of this rethinking. This, in turn, became the theoretical and moral-legal basis for further legitimization in the modern and postmodern world of the ideal of a person who creates oneself. Conclusions. The importance of Kant’s philosophy in the context of idea generation of the self-made man is hard to overestimate. It is entirely imbued with a leitmotif appeal to the individual to have the courage to use his/her own mind, to be independent and self-sufficient in assessments, choices, and actions, and therefore also responsible for their consequences, in the end, to be primarily an end, not a means. Thanks to this, a person, according to Hegel, finds an unconditionally strong and stable center in oneself. In fact, by strengthening the position of human-centric philosophy, as well as the moral and legal foundations of liberal humanism, Kant’s ideas provided further ideological legitimation in the orientation of an objectively growing individual towards actively placing Self-reliance and Personal responsibility on one’s own destiny as the key principles of the Self-made-man concept.

К вопросу о педагогическом сопровождении формирования основ нравственной культуры дошкольника

The realities of the modern educational landscape are in constant interaction with complex challenges in the moral upbringing of preschool children, demanding a profound understanding of sociocultural and psychological aspects. Amid rapid technological advancements, changes in family structures, and cultural contexts, moral education and moral culture have become crucial aspects ensuring the holistic development of a child's personality. Educators are tasked with developing and implementing effective pedagogical support strategies that foster the formation of ethical values, social responsibility, and behavioral culture in children.Analyzing pedagogical strategies and methods in the realm of moral education for preschoolers allows the identification of optimal approaches that promote the development of their ethical values, responsibility, and social competence. These findings serve as the foundation for practical recommendations and methodological approaches aimed at enhancing the process of moral education in preschool institutions, encompassing innovative teaching methods, playful techniques, and pedagogical strategies that instill children with values and ethical skills. These methodologies, in our view, involve parental support and the engagement of the family institution, ensuring harmonious collaboration between educational institutions and parents in the moral development of preschoolers, instilling in them the necessary level of moral culture.The study of pedagogical support for the moral culture of preschoolers not only highlights the importance of shaping moral values in the early stages of life but also underscores the pivotal role of pedagogical strategies in this process. The development and implementation of innovative methodological approaches tailored to each child's individual needs represent an integral component in ensuring stable and harmonious moral development in educational settings. These research findings form the basis for further advancements in the field of education and upbringing, contributing to the establishment of ethical foundations for future generations.

Special Issue: Selected papers from the AIxIA 2023 Workshops

The 2023 edition of the AIxIA Conference, held in Rome, brought together a large number of researchers and practitioners to discuss the most recent and important advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). The conference featured 19 workshops, organized by 77 experts, attracting 248 submissions and resulting in 16 proceedings. This special issue presents extended versions of selected papers initially showcased at these workshops. Each paper underwent rigorous review and represents a diverse array of topics, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the Italian AI community. The topics covered include ethical foundations to symbiotic AI, symbolic knowledge extraction from black-box models, creative influence prediction using graph theory, AI approaches to multidimensional poverty prediction, an assessment of AI-based supports for informal caregivers, deep learning-based EEG denoising, AI-assisted board-game-based learning, large language models for assessment and feedback in higher education, geometric reasoning in the Traveling Salesperson Problem, defeasible reasoning in weighted knowledge bases, and conditional computation in neural networks. These contributions demonstrate the innovative and interdisciplinary research within the AI community, offering valuable insights and advancing the field.