Modern Interpretation Research Articles

The Moral Issue in Modern Interpretation -The Example of Ibn Ashur-

İslam düşüncesinde ahlâk meselesi, çeşitli boyutlarıyla pek çok ilim dalında ele alınmıştır. Ahlâk konusuna gösterilen teveccühte İslam’ın temel kaynağı olan Kur’an’ın konu ve hedef olarak ahlâka yer vermesinin payı büyüktür. Öncelikli olarak Kur’an’ın konularından biri olan ahlâk, insanın ıslahı amacıyla Kur’an’ın maksatları arasında yer almaktadır. Modernleşme ile birlikte pek çok alanda olduğu gibi sabitelerin değerini yitirmesiyle ahlâkî bir boşluk oluşmuştur. Bu sebeple İslam ahlâkına vurgular artmış ve bu konuda ortaya çıkan te’lifler artış göstermiştir. Özellikle ıslah hareketleri modern dönemde ortaya çıkan problemlerde çözümü hem ahlâkî hem de siyasî ıslah ile mümkün görmüştür. Bu çalışma İbn Âşur’un ahlâk içerikli ayetlere yaklaşımını konu edinmiştir. Modern dönemin önemli müfessirlerinden olan İbn Âşûr, çağdaşları arasında makâsıd konusuna katkısı ve ıslah fikri ile öne çıkmakta, müellifin fikirleri daha çok hukuk alanında incelenmektedir. Müfessirin hukuka zemin teşkil eden ahlâkî yaklaşımı hakkında yeterli çalışmanın olmadığı görülmektedir. Çalışmanın amacı, müfessirin ahlâk muhtevalı ayetlere yaklaşımı üzerinden akıl, fıtrat, ıslah ve ifsad kavramlarının ahlâk ile ilişkisine açıklık getirmektir. Son tahlilde müfessirin ahlâk konulu görüşlerinin ıslah fikrinden bağımsız olmadığı ve müfessirin fertten topluma yayılan ıslah fikrindeki tedriciliğin ahlâk yorumuna yansıdığı görülmektedir. İbn Âşur, ahlâk konulu yorumlarında küllî ilkelerin işlevselliğine dikkat çekmiştir. Bu bağlamda onun düşüncesinde adalet ve ihsan gibi küllî ilkeler, ahlâklı olma temel ilkesi altında yer almaktadır. Cüz’î ahlâkî ilkeler ise küllî ilkeler altında yorumlanmaktadır. Çalışmada müfessirin ilgili ayetler bağlamındaki yorumları tespit edilmiş, elde edilen veriler analiz edilerek müfessirin ahlâk konusuna yaklaşımı ortaya konulmuştur. Külli ilkelerin rehberliği hakkındaki görüşleri ve ahlâk konusuna hiyerarşik yaklaşımı infak örneği çerçevesinde analiz edilmiştir.

Weaving Modernity in Salafism

This study examines the parallels between Muhammadiyah, the oldest and largest modernist Islamic movement in Indonesia, and Jama’atu Izalatil Bid’a Wa Ikamatus Sunnah, also known as Izala, the most significant Islamic reformist movement in West Africa, which originated in northern Nigeria. Concurrently, these groups share a common focus on socio-religious reform and a commitment to puritan Islam. It is undeniable that various Islamic movements/groups have existed and continue to exist outside the Arab world, but relatively few studies have focused on Islamic groups operating in West Africa or Southeast Asia, for example. This study highlights the importance of examining Islamic movements in regions beyond the Arab world, particularly in West Africa and Southeast Asia. The large Muslim populations in Indonesia and Nigeria offer a rich context for exploring the dynamics of Islamic movements. The research reveals, despite the groups’ Salafi-inspired ideologies, they mediate socio-religious reform, indicating the modernising rather than conservative aspects of Indonesian and Nigerian Islam. Within their respective contexts, these groups represent forms of reconstructed alternative modernity, or distinctly Islamic interpretations of modernity, which they define through executing their reform activities within Islamic frameworks. They navigate the complexities of modernity by balancing adherence to traditional values with adaptation to contemporary developments. Notably, the study is driven by a belief that comparative studies across different Salafi-inspired groups in distinct contexts could provide broader understanding of the evolving relationship between Salafism and modernity.

일본 『小說神髓』의 논지를 통해 본 중국 신소설 담론 상의 문예론 형성 고찰

This article examines the formation of literary theory in Chinese new novel discourse through the 『Shosetsu Shinzui(小說神髓)』 thesis of Tsubouchi Shoyo(坪内逍遥) of Japan. To this end, this paper focuses on 『Shosetsu Shinzui』's ｢Introduction to Novel(小說總論)｣ and ｢Novel's Benefits(小說の裨益)｣, which are the core of literary theory, and discusses the following two issues. First, Shoyo's “Introduction to Novel” and Chinese scholars' discussion on the true meaning of novel, and second, the modern interpretation of novel=art and novel's benefits. Specifically, This article examines the arguments raised by Tsubouchi Shoyo in Introduction to Novel regarding the purpose and efficacy of art, including its main theme, and the related arguments of Chinese commentators such as Lishaojushi(蠡勺居士)·Liang Qichao(梁啓超)·Wang Guowei(王國維)·Huang Moxi(黃摩西)·Xu Nianci(徐念慈)-on the novel True Meaning(本義). In other words, this article examines the formation of literary theory in Chinese new novel discourse, starting with Lishaojushi's discourse on the novel's true meaning and then examining the subsequent development of the discussion on the novel's true meaning. Next, in relation to the issue of the utilitarianism of novels raised by Tsubouchi Shoyo in ｢Novel's Benefits｣, the relevant discourses in the Chinese new novel discourse are examined, and the juxtaposition of views on benefits by Shoyo and Chinese commentators is scrutinized.

Features of translation: A. Grin’s féerie “Scarlet Sails” in the Tatar language (based on the theatrical interpretation of the work)

Based on the theatrical interpretation of the work (the play of the same name by the G. Kariev Tatar Youth Theater), this article discusses the features of translation into the Tatar language of the story-féerie by A. Grin “Scarlet Sails”. The study reveals the specifics of the modern interpretation of the main storylines and the images – the characters from Grin’s work, presents the quotes with the original authorial translation (M. Khabutdinova), describes various techniques and means of theatrical art that make it possible to succinctly and expressively present the modern insights into the work that has celebrated its centennial anniversary. The article analyzes in detail the individual episodes of the play that have conceptual significance and the iconic mise en scene that receive a multi-aspect literary interpretation (in part due to the original translation of the text and its stage embodiment). The article characterizes all the components of the theatrical performance (its composition, choreography, musical accompaniment and the set design (scenery, stage costumes, props and furniture). Much attention is paid to the evaluation of the performers of both the main and supporting roles in the play, the nuances of the image interpretations by the actors of both casts (in particular, the images of Assol performed by Laysan Bolshova and Albina Nogmanova). The article focuses on the symbolic imagery in the production, thanks to which the traditional universal values, characteristic of A. Grin’s fairy tale, are organically embodied through the metaphor of the modern performance. The article rates the performance highly due to the efforts of the whole team of authors and actors who created a bright original play that is relevant for the modern youth audience.

THE PROBLEM OF RELIABILITY OF GEODESIC NETWORKS

Nowadays, the theory of reliability is widely used in the construction industry, and it is also used in the field of geodesy. By abstracting its position, it can be successfully transferred to systems that, it would seem, are not in a dynamic state. Let's take, for example, the points of the polygonal (leveling) network in the city. It would seem that such a network is in a static state, but over time it undergoes changes, that is, it is in imperceptible dynamics and its reliability gradually decreases.
 Reliability in the broadest sense of the word means the ability of a technical device (system, network) to operate without interruption (failure) for a given period of time under certain conditions. Such a period of time is usually determined by the time of execution of some task, which is carried out by the device or system and is part of the general operational task.
 Currently, the problem of reliability is becoming one of the central problems of engineering and management organization. Ensuring the reliable operation of all system elements is of primary importance.
 The modern interpretation of the term "reliability" in geodesy is associated with Baard's reliability theory, according to which reliability is defined as "the ability of the network to self-monitor against gross errors [1]. One of the indicators of reliability is the minimum amount of gross error that can be detected after statistical analysis of the corrections obtained after equalization. On this path, many difficulties arise, most of which remain unsolved, namely the impossibility of localizing a gross error, quantitative assessment of reliability, methods of designing reliable geodetic networks. The unsatisfactory state of reliability theory limits its practical application, but at the same time, the problem of product reliability is the main one in modern production and its importance is growing all the time. In this regard, there is an acute problem in highlighting new views on solutions to this problem in the field of designing and creating geodetic networks.
 A new scheme for constructing the theory of reliability of geodetic measurements is proposed. Its basis is a probabilistic determination of reliability, a system of tolerances, and methods of localizing gross errors. Reliability is defined as a probabilistic measure of the homogeneity of measurements that have passed control. Quantitative reliability is estimated by three indicators: differential, integral and the minimum gross error. The Neumann-Pearson criterion is recommended for establishing tolerance. This theory makes it possible to design geodetic networks with a given reliability.

Нартовский эпос в осетинской детской драматургии: специфика межжанрового взаимодействия

The paper studies Nart epic motifs in Ossetian children’s drama. The aim of the research is to identify the features of inter-genre synthesis in the plays of Ossetian authors written for children. The scientific novelty of the paper lies in the fact that Ossetian children’s drama has become the subject of scholarly reflection for the first time. The following works were introduced into scientific use: ‘Фын’ (‘Dream’, 1994) by R. Khubetsova, ‘Сырдоны хинтæ’ (‘Syrdon’s Machinations’, 1997) by T. Kokaev, ‘Гæдыныхæстæй асин’ (‘The Creation of the Creator’, 2005) by R. Ramonova. The research findings show that plays for children written at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries have significantly departed from the traditions laid down in the early and mid-20th century, when such plays were primarily represented by adaptations of folk tales or works in which the ideological component came to the fore (e.g., works about the life of the Pioneer movement members). Modern drama works addressed to the younger generation are characterized by a synthesis of genres, which contributes to the blurring of their strict canons, boundaries, as well as the expansion of the authors’ creative potential and ultimately leads to the generation of new literary forms. The data of the undertaken research were previously presented at a conference dedicated to the problems of the Nart epic (7th International Scientific Conference ‘Nart studies in the XXI century: Modern paradigms and interpretations’ (Vladikavkaz, October 26-27, 2023)).

Identifying Integration Barriers for Repatriated Young People in Armenia

The problem of repatriation is not new in the Armenian reality. Repatriation, as a process coordinated by the state (through official policy), with its periodicity and massiveness, draws special attention especially in the Soviet period of the Armenian history (in particular, in the case of the wave named "Great Repatriation" in 1946-1948 (Stepanyan, 2020)). Later, in the post-Soviet realities, although repatriation processes continue, they differ from previously organized manifestations, which creates the need for new studies reinterpreting the phenomenon. Along with the historical observations which provide important analytical perspectives, it is important to consider the conceptual foundations of the phenomenon of repatriation from a methodological point of view. In particular, according to distinct dictionary definitions of repatriation, it is the return from exile to the homeland, the return of prisoners of war and civilian population who are outside the borders of their homeland to their homeland as a result of military operations (Aghayan, 1976). Nevertheless, refraining from private definitions of the phenomenon, we will rely on the most general modern interpretations of repatriation, according to which repatriation is the process of returning to the country of departure or the ethnic homeland (regardless of the fact that sometimes the country of departure is not considered a homeland after generations (Barseghyan, 2019)). Moreover, it is important to study repatriation not only from the point of view of opportunities, but also from the point of view of the complex problems of the integration nature following the process. Turning to integration as a social phenomenon, we have used the approaches of Bosswick and Heckmann, according to which social integration is the inclusion of the immigrant in the context of the institutional relations of the host country, as well as in the context of social roles and statuses. The authors consider social integration at four interrelated levels: structural, cultural, interactive, and self-identification. In particular, at the structural level, the necessary rights and opportunities provided for immigrants to participate in the host country's social statuses and basic institutions (such as the economy and labor market, the education system, civic participatory processes, housing services) are considered. At the cultural level, the authors emphasize the inclusion of the immigrant in the cultural experiences of the host country, in which the acquisition of communication skills (i.e. language skills) about the host country's culture is of special importance. The interactive aspect of integration, in turn, implies the incorporation of the immigrant into the area of social networks and relationships of the host society. At the level of self-identification, Bosswick and Heckmann consider the immigrant's perceptions of self-identification and belonging to social groups in the host country (Bosswick, Heckmann, 2006). Together with all of this, in the context of the integration issue, we have highlighted the experience of young repatriates, in which risks of integrative nature, with their possible negative impact, can lead to irreversible consequences. Thus, from the point of view of the socialization process, young people are seen as a key stage of human development, during which a person transitions from childhood to adulthood, or, in other words, from a state of dependence to a state of independence or interdependence. It is during youth that the individual creates foundations for the roles of maturity with their decisions (moral, social, economic, cultural, civil) (UNICEF, 2011). Moreover, the problems characteristic of this stage are even more pronounced in the conditions of the migration experience of young people, which is accompanied by unique risk factors. Their short-term and long-term negative manifestations can have irreversible harmful consequences in an individual's life. In particular, at the personal level, these problems can be expressed by the loss of the possibility of full human development, and at the societal level, they can be seen by the waste of the social, economic and cultural development potential of both sending and host countries (IOM Glossary on Migration, 2019). Thus, within the framework of this article, the results of the analysis of the research data are presented, based on which the main features of the factors that serve as obstacles in the integration processes of the repatriated young people are identified. The article presents the heterogeneity of the mentioned factors (structural-institutional, social, cultural, identity), providing a multifaceted view of the current manifestations of repatriation.

ФУНКЦІЙНО-ГРАМАТИЧНИЙ АСПЕКТ СТРУКТУРИ РЕЧЕННЯ УКРАЇНСЬКОЇ МОВИ У МОВОЗНАВЧІЙ СПАДЩИНІ ІВАНА ОГІЄНКА

The article is devoted to the analysis of the sentence structure in the functional-grammatical aspect based on the scientifi c works of Ivan Ohiienko devoted to syntax (complex is a term from the works of a linguist). The main characteristics of the sen-tence – the completeness of the thought, the presence of intonation, word order, the fi xation of parts of speech for a certain syntactic role – are examined. The sentence structure is described as an invariant model in relation to the modern interpretation of the concept “sentence model”. It is proved that the predicate is the determinant in the structure of the sentence. An analysis of predicativeness in formal-grammatical, semantic-syntactic and communicative paradigms is carried out. Based on the research of I. Ohiienko, it was found out that the sentence expresses the speaker’s attitude to reality. Later, this process will be called «modality». One of the means of expressing modality is intonation, which a linguist speaks of as a rel-evant sentence characteristic without which the functioning of a sentence is not possible. Intonation determines the order of words in a sentence. The analysis of word order as an end-to-end syntactic concept will make it possible to fi nd out the peculiarities of the composition of sentences of the Ukrainian language according to thematic-rhematic division and the logical-content criterion; the syntactic role of those components of the sentence that have a dual meaning, that is, they can simultaneously answer the ques-tions of two members of the sentence; stylistic aspect of direct and inverted word order.It has been established that in the linguistic views of I. Ohiienko there is a recogni-tion of the insuffi cient grammatical possibilities of the formal-grammatical approach to the interpretation of the sentence structure, and, at the same time, there is an indication of the need to involve a communicative paradigm (of course, without terminology). It was this approach of the linguist that contributed to laying the foundations of corefer-ence of language units, i.e. the relationship between linguistic means denoting the same object, its properties or situation in general. Furthermore, there is such a concept as «intentions of the speaker». Prospects for further research can be seen in the analysis of the question of the stylistic aspect of the concept of «inversion» in the context of the works of I. Ohiienko. In addition, it is important to identify the relationship between the indirect word order and the communicative intention of the speaker.

Sources of influence on rendering biblical geographical names into Ukrainian. Part 2.

The article examines the coincidences and discrepancies in the rendering of geographical names in the most common translations of the Bible into Ukrainian. The material of the study comprised 172 geographical names from the text of the Old Testament (Genesis, Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy) in translations from the Hebrew original, as well as from the Synodical and English-language intermediary texts. For the purpose of this analysis, all 172 names were divided into six categories, depending on the degree of coincidence of their spelling in Ukrainian, where in category 1 the rendering of the proper name coincides in all versions of the translation, and in category 6 it does not coincide in any of its six versions. The other categories differed in the proportion of such matches. This article discusses the results of the analysis of the latter two categories, which allow to draw a preliminary conclusion that some of the studied translators were guided mainly by the Ukrainian tradition (initiated in the translations of I. Ohienko and I. Khomenko), even when they did not translate from the Hebrew original but from other intermediary texts, in particular, from the English-language (New World Bible). Filaret was mainly influenced by the synodal translation, only occasionally switching over to the Ukrainian tradition. On the other hand, O. Hyzha even translating from the synodal text, has a distinctly Ukrainian orientation, relying on the long tradition of national translation. Turkoniak’s translation stands apart, as he adheres to his own principles of rendering proper names, making his translation unlike any other tradition in this respect. Given the undoubted erudition and qualifications of this translator, it can be assumed that his innovations are the most valuable ones in the modern interpretation of the texts of Scripture.

ماحولیاتی تلوث پر فقہائے کرام کے تعزیری احکام تحفظِ ماحول پر اسلامی تعلیمات کی عصری معنویت

Concerning the alarming pace of environmental pollution globally, it is crucial to consider any points of view, especially faith-based perspectives, to tackle this complex situation. This research analyses the current consequences of Islamic environmental regulations, specifically examining jurists' views on ecological sustainability, private property, and penalties for individuals causing environmental damage. Scholars in the Islamic faith have expressed different judgments and concepts regarding environmental pollution. The instructions cover conserving the planet, securing private belongings, and outlining penalties for individuals harming their surroundings. The article analyses how jurists handle ecological problems within Islamic law by drawing from conventional Islamic legal texts and modern interpretations. The investigation uncovers a variety of legal decisions that highlight the significance of ecological preservation as a matter of faith and ethical need. Jurists emphasize the interdependence between humans and larger ecosystems and promote ethical handling of earth's resources. Moreover, they emphasize the concept of transparency, stating that people are responsible for the outcomes of their choices in their surroundings. This article aims to clarify the legal viewpoints on environmental pollution to enhance current debates on environmental ethics and policy development. The importance of Islamic jurisprudence in dealing with current environmental issues is highlighted, emphasizing the need for more focus on the moral aspects of protecting the environment in various cultures and religions. Eventually, it supports an integrated strategy that combines moral, legal, and theological factors in protecting the earth for subsequent generations.

Academicism in the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Mural Painting the Late 19th and Early 21st Centuries

The purpose of the article is to introduce into scientific circulation, to attribute modern compositions of the academic mural painting in the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, to study their genesis. The research methodology consists in the complex application of historical and cultural analysis, art study, diachronic ones, as well as empirical observation. The scientific novelty of the study. The materials of the survey and proposals for restoration (1998) the compositions of academic mural painting in the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra of the late 19th – early 20th centuries have been introduced into scientific circulation. The academic mural painting in the Dormition Cathedral, the 21st century, has been introduced into scientific circulation. Its attribution has been performed. The names of the artists have been introduced into scientific circulation and it has been detailed who among them is the author of the project, who painted the holy images and who painted the ornaments. The dating of the compositions in different compartments of the Cathedral and the technique of their performance have been determined. The main thematic and plot lines have been revealed. The thematic, plot, iconographic, decorative, coloristic connections of the modern academic mural painting with the murals of the late 19th – early 20th centuries and with visual records have been studied. The similarities and differences of the academic compositions of 1897–1901 and 2018–2022 have been analysed. The principle of forming the colouring of modern academic murals has been revealed. Conclusions. In the modern decoration of the Dormition Cathedral of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, the Academicism painting (1897–1901) is presented in the apse of the southern nave (diaconicon). In this compartment, authentic fragments of academic compositions have been restored, the painting system has been revived based on archival photos, and some new academic compositions have been introduced to it. Mural paintings have been performed by artists under the supervision of Oleksandr Pashkovskyi in 2018–2019. They also performed new murals in the academic tradition in the altar part of side-altar of the Saint Apostle Andrew the First Called in the southern part of choirs in 2020–2021. In the northern part of the choirs, paintings have been started and then suspended in 2022. In the new murals complex the artists cite in extenso or in part the compositions of the late 19th – early 20th centuries using archival photos. The murals have been performed in mixed techniques: holy images in oil, ornaments in acrylic paints. The composition ‘Glorification of Theotokos’ differs in the techniques; it is painted with oil on canvas. In the modern interpretation, the cited compositions can keep or change the primary location. The colouring of the new murals is formed on the basis of fragments of authentic compositions. A considerable part of the decoration is occupied by stylised ornaments as well as in murals of 1897–1901. The new and primary mural painting combine same academic principles of visual language, iconographic and colour principles, thematic and plot lines. Same general thematic lines are such as Theotokos theme, the theme of the Last Judgment, the Christianization of Ancient Rus, images of the saints of Ancient Rus and saints associated with the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra.
 Keywords: sacral culture, Orthodoxy, academic painting, mural painting, sacral painting, Ukrainian painting, Dormition Cathedral.

UNITING AGAINST THE COMMON ENEMY AS A FACTOR OF NATIONAL IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT OF UKRAINIAN YOUTH DURING 2021-2023

The scientific article highlights one of the modern interpretations of outreach work, which in the context of providing social and psychological services to internally displaced persons in Ukraine can be considered accessibility practices. The analysis of the domestic and foreign theory and practice of outreach work presented in the survey made it possible to identify its key taxa in the context of work with IDPs, namely: (1) initiation by service providers of interaction with clients, (2) convenience of receiving services by clients, (3) flexibility of assistance and its focus on meeting urgent social and psychological needs. The empirical data presented in the article indicate the feasibility of further development of the outreach work system, the value of which is measured in two planes: personal (empowerment, informational and personal contact, diagnosis of the real needs of IDPs) and social (community capacity, promotion of national and regional development).

Transforming interpretations of food security

The research shows the change in the concept of food security from the Malthusian approach to its modern interpretation, based on four aspects of food security - availability, access, use and stability. It is shown that the growing problems with all forms of food security in the world are due not only to the growing number of conflicts, extreme weather events and economic shocks, but also to the increasing spread of inequality, which reduces the chances of achieving food security in the long term. It is substantiated that the four-component approach to the interpretation of food security does not cover the entire range of aspects that are important for its provision. The concept of freedom of action for food security, or the concept of food sovereignty, which emphasizes the right of peoples to determine their own food systems to secure their own livelihoods and access to culturally acceptable food, is a necessary condition for food security. It is concluded that the inclusion in the concept of a wider number of aspects, including subjectivity, such as independence in decision-making regarding one’s own food security or food sovereignty and sustainability of food security in the long term will contribute to rethinking current strategies and practices in the field of food security.

Finnish-Estonian defence cooperation. Lessons of 1939-1940 for the USSR and their modern interpretation

The article focuses on the issues of bilateral relations between Estonia and Finland in the 1920s and 1930s in the context of modern foreign policy and military cooperation between two countries. The authors consider these relations in terms of modern threats to Russia's security in the northwest and Finland's entry into NATO. Close attention is given to the current military-political situation in the region. A set of methods of comparative studies in political and historical dimensions was implemented. The purpose of the study is to show the continuity of models of military-political cooperation in the Baltic region. The authors came to the conclusion that in the third decade of the 21st century the renewal of the previous model of cooperation between Estonia and Finland and its qualitative development in the context of the NATO strategy in the Baltic theatre are possible. Currently the only obstacle to deepening Finnish-Estonian cooperation in the military-political sphere is Russia's active position. The actualisation of discussions about historical experience of interactions with Russia will inevitably lead to drawing the lessons from 1939-1948 for Tallinn and Helsinki. This can provide the pragmatisation of interactions between Russia, Finland, and Estonia in the long term.

The role and impact of lobbying on society (as perceived by the people of the FRG)

The article considers the modern perception of the phenomenon of lobbyism, states the influence of interest groups on political processes in the countries of the European continent. The authors emphasize the relevance of the study of lobbyism, which is determined by the processes of political change and integration of the national and international economic space of the European Union and the Federal Republic of Germany. On the basis of secondary interpretation of sociological data the researchers reveal the problems of public assessment of lobbyism, its influence on political processes in the EU countries. Attention is emphasized on the importance of society's requirements to the transparency of interest groups and lobbying. The position of the respondents regarding the maintenance of a register of lobbyists at the level of Germany and the EU as a necessary tool of public control is seen as important. Based on the results of the research, a conclusion was made about the influence of interest groups on the lobbying process. The basis of modern interpretations of lobbying is not the theory of pluralism or corporatism, but the theory of network management. According to the respondents, industrial corporations and the leading sectors of the German and EU economy, rather than politicians and political parties, benefit more from lobbying in the Federal Republic of Germany. These surveys suggest a dominance of lobbyists from the economic sphere of the industrial sectors, which, according to the respondents, gain an economic advantage when working in markets. At the same time, it is the authorities that receive a positive effect from lobbying in terms of expert information support of political activity. The authors conclude that it is necessary to further study the influence of interest groups and lobbyists on political processes and further deepen the transparency of the lobbying process, more detailed disclosure of administrative and tax reporting in order to increase public confidence in politicians, business and government.

Why did Seneca the elder consider Gaius Asinius Pollio to be a founder of the first public recitations in Rome?

Gaius Asinius Pollio (c. 75 BC - 4 AD), Roman commander, politician, orator and writer is also known as the founder of public recitations in Rome. The reason for this was the following phrase from the Controversions by Seneca the Elder: “Pollio was the first of all the Romans to have read his works to the invited public” (Contr. IV. praef. 2). Nowadays it is accepted by scholars that Pollio did not introduce public recitations, however, there is still no consensus on what exactly this innovation was. In this article, the author considers modern interpretations of the fragment from the Controversions and offers her own interpretation, concluding that Pollio initiated the reading of works for a wider audience at a more formalized level.

How Translations of Ancient Texts Enables or Prevents Understanding: A Case Study of Translations of Daodejing

Given that the vast majority of readers cannot read an ancient text in its original language, translations may be their only source of understanding the meanings of the texts. While letting readers steal glances at the beauty of ancient knowledge, sometimes translations in fact prevent readers from interpreting the text correctly. This paper discusses a case of three different translations of Daodejing in detail. Based on a theoretical framework of the correct or proper interpretation of the text, the translations are evaluated accordingly. Two conclusions are drawn from a detailed etymological study that give rise to the best translation of the three. Firstly, interpreting the text in its original cultural context automatically prefers some modern interpretations over the others. Secondly, the problem is not limited to Daodejing. Many similar situations have been documented, and a potential systematic solution has recently been found.

Of Fernweh and Fleabites: German Female Journalists in Pursuit of Adventure, 1937–1942

AbstractThis article opens up new perspectives on gendered experiences of the Nazi era by exploring three individual women as case studies for subjective interpretations of German nationalism and modernity in the late 1930s and early 1940s. It focuses on Liselotte Purper, Ilse Steinhoff, and Margret Boveri, all of them journalists and photographers from Germany who sought adventure abroad and published books and articles about their trips back home. They were independent, hardworking, and pro-Nazi regime, though their professional and political principles played out differently. In tracing how these three women navigated and narrated their international journeys, I highlight that their quest for adventure, like those of others with a similar propensity for travel, involved primarily the pursuit of independence, individuality, and historical relevance. The range of their experiences and interpretations further draws attention to the complex relationship between collective identity and individual subjectivity under Nazism.

Культура вредна для нас? Современные тенденции осмысления социального функционирования искусства

The critical review of trends in modern sociological interpretations of the artistic culture problems in Western countries presented in this article is based on the analysis of scientific publications of the last two decades. It demonstrates the breadth of the subject field of the sociology of art, the diversity of the author’s concepts and trends in theoretical understanding of artistic life. Today, in the sociology of art, as in other social sciences, there is an obvious rejection of immutable truths and taboos, and the interpretation of empirical facts is often polemical. They increasingly reflect the personality of the author and their attitude to moral and ethical aspects that go beyond the framework of cultural life — social justice and inequality, racial, gender and other problems of modern society. The revision of axiological guidelines and the relativity of modern criteria of truth can give rise to doubts not only about the importance of the empirical study of artistic life, but also about the practical need for public support for art and even about the epistemological potential of science. The desire for absolute freedom of art from external influences, for universal equality in cultural consumption and social justice in the literal sense of the word, sometimes paradoxically turns into a denial of the humanistic essence of art and even leads to statements about the dangers of artistic culture for people. However, most scientists in the West still agree that in order to maintain the positive social role of art, we must continue the attempts to comprehend the challenges posed by the global trends of our time. In this regard, it is extremely important to find common ground for uniting the efforts of art-centric and empirical areas of the sociology of art.

Еще один важный шаг к осознанию русской цивилизационной многонародной национальной идеи (О книге Р.Р. Вахитова «Евразийство: Логос. Эйдос. Символ. Миф». СПб.: Владимир Даль, 2023. 239 с.)

The following text is a review-reflection on the monograph by R.R. Vakhitov “Eurasian­ism: Logos. Eidos. Symbol. Myth” [1]. This monograph, in our opinion, is topical one, be­cause it appeared at that moment in our history, when Russia is “returning to itself”. Now Russia acquires its true authentic existence, realizes itself as a historical and geopolitical “symphonic personality”. This process is expressed by such concept as “Civilization Em­pire”, “World-Civilization”, “State-Continent”, continent of “Russia-Eurasia”. The latter is the “Magic Name” for the “Place of Development” (“Mestorazvitie”) of the Russian World. The reflection about these ideas was launched by the authors of the classical Eurasianism. Despite the amount of literature devoted to it, there was not yet full aware­ness. But often, in the heat of polemics between supporters and opponents of the Eurasian concepts, the very subject of research disappears – Eurasianism as an integrity. It is impos­sible to answer the main question – what is the essence of the Eurasian doctrine itself. R.R. Vakhitov sets the task of revealing the essence of Eurasianism. The author recon­structs and rethinks the concepts of only two, but the most significant theorists of the movement – P.N. Savitsky and N.S. Trubetskoy. The book offers a “new assembly” of the subject. It expands the field of research by A.F. Losev’s dialectical analysis through a modern interpretation of the symbols that are embedded in the Eurasian “Myth”.