Modern Sense Research Articles

‘Let us play a game of decadence…’

The article polemizes with V. Milchina’s paper that focused on the discussion of the problem of decadence and/or decay in French and Russian intellectual cultures. The author examines several texts that feature the general cultural concept of decay in its meaning of decadence as used in literature in close relation to the concepts of modernity and nihilism. Based on his reconstruction of C. Baudelaire’s polemic with the French writer Barbey d,Aurevilly, S. Fokin concludes that, thanks to their literary dispute, the French word décadence developed a new literary, political, psychological, social, and, most importantly, modern (in reference to modernity) sense, which separates this lexeme from its earlier historical and general cultural meaning of decay. Following an overview of Nietzsche’s latter reaction to Baudelaire’s work, the author emphasizes the concept of ‘the consciousness of decadence,’ which is supposed to reveal the problematic nature of the use of décadence as the name of a literary movement. It refers to a matter more substantial, but also fleeting, transient, and ephemeral — in other words, modern, and therefore, a phenomenon of literary fashion.

Nietzsche and the Politics of Nihilism

This essay aims to provide another perspective on how the problem of nihilism operates within Nietzsche’s works by reading him against the thought of Friedrich Heinrich Jacobi, one of the first philosophers to introduce the classical modern sense of nihilism. Since Nietzsche makes no mention of Jacobi, this essay reads Nietzsche’s analysis of nihilism as a silent reply to the founding problem of nihilism as Jacobi conceived it, namely the crisis of piety, and against the historical backdrop from which Nietzsche first truly encountered nihilism as a phenomenon, namely the 1881 assassination of Russian Tsar Alexander II. This essay will, additionally, briefly outline the various sources (historical, literary) Nietzsche had access to and contributed to his knowledge of nihilism.

Border-Crossings, Family, Friends, and Education: Pacific Islander Girls in Hawai‘i Writing their Lives

ABSTRACT This study examines the writing of adolescent Pacific Islander girls who, during a community-based workshop, drafted statements of purpose (SOP) for scholarship applications. Pacific Islander migrants are among the most marginalized residents in Hawai‘i. Our project engaged the girls in telling their own stories through writing. Following New Literacies Studies approaches, we designed a multi-week workshop where the girls reflected on their stories and drafted SOPs. We collected the texts and used qualitative content analysis to investigate how the girls presented their stories. Analyses reveal that the girls authored stories from their own lives, relating their migrations across cultural and geographic borders, accomplishments and challenges, and aspirations for the future. The younger girls represented themselves differently from the older girls. For this group of multilingual adolescent girls, writing their SOP in a familiar out-of-school setting allowed them to express their identities as transnational youth with both traditional and modern sensibilities.

The Doctrine of Exemplarism: A Symbolic Attempt to Escape the Pelagian Heresy

Heresies are intrinsically intertwined with the evolution and inner growth of the very religions that denounce them. They serve as theological junctures, challenging and thus refining the orthodoxy of religious beliefs. The Pelagian heresy touches on one of the central tenets of Christian theology: the question of salvation. Pelagianism posits that human beings retain freedom of the will and, more specifically, the capacity to earn salvation through their own merits rather than relying solely on the grace of God in Christ. This stands in contrast to the predominant Christian view that Original Sin fundamentally impaired man’s will and intellect. A central tenet of Christianity is that through His suffering and death on the Cross, Christ atoned for humanity’s Original Sin and paved the way for our redemption. But what exactly made this redemption possible through the suffering and death on the Cross? Unlike many of the answers offered, Abelard’s explanation, also referred to as exemplarism, resonates with modern sensibilities: Christ set an example to imitate, and through this imitation, man learns humility and love. However, this stance faced criticism and was condemned by Bernard of Clairvaux as having Pelagian tendencies because it suggests that Christ’s redemptive work might not inherently require Christ’s divine nature. This study will attempt to defend the exemplaristic approach while ensuring Christ’s essential role and addressing criticisms against the Pelagian heresy. This discussion is further enriched by an examination of the Eucharist, illuminating the theological tension between symbolic and realistic interpretations of religious rites.

Recenzió Fenyvesi Csaba–Herke Csongor–Tremmel Flórián (szerk.) Kriminalisztika című tankönyvéről

Although the prosecution of crimes dates back to the creation of the human society, the „science” of investigation in the modern sense, i.e. forensic science, appeared only in the 19th century, and the first comprehensive university textbook on forensic science was published in Hungary in 1965. In the 60 years since then, thanks to the explosion of scientific and technical knowledge, forensic science has undergone radical changes. Edited by Csaba Fenyvesi, Csongor Herke and Flórián Tremmel, the book on Forensic science provides a comprehensive introduction to the concepts of forensic science, the most important elements of criminal technique and criminal tactics. The book is a valuable contribution to the field of forensic science and provides a realistic picture of both the present and the possible future of forensic science. This book review discusses the importance of the book for forensic science, based on certain specific institutions of forensic science.

From Private Circles to Public Circulation: Aldus Manutius & the Emergence of the “Public Sphere” in Renaissance Italy

The establishment of the Aldine Press in 1494 marked a pivotal moment in the history of printing and publishing in Western Europe. The range of technological and typographical innovations introduced by Renaissance educator-turned-publisher Aldus Manutius (ca. 1451–1515), as well as their lasting impact on our cultural history, has been extensively documented. However, a key aspect of Aldus’s larger cultural and intellectual mission remains understudied and merits further attention: the cultivation of a “rational-critical” literary public through the printing and wide circulation of high-quality editions of classical works. Drawing from critical reformulations of Habermas’s theory of “the public sphere” (specifically as revisited by Michael Warner), this paper seeks to investigate and understand how, and to what extent, Aldus’s expansive *pedagogical* and *civic* project contributed to the development of a proto-form of public discourse, in the modern sense, by leveraging the potential of the printing press to reach wider publics, beyond private familial and scholarly circles.

Oryantalist Kur'an Araştırmaları Bir Müslüman İçin Ne İfade Eder?

The history of the Qur'an has been one of the most important and most studied areas of ori-entalist Islamic studies for the last two hundred years. Since it is the main source of Islam, the Qur'an has always attracted the attention of orientalists and they have conducted many studies on the Qur'an from various perspectives. Therefore, orientalists became the founders of the history of the Qur'an as a branch of science in its modern sense, and they were the first to determine the main research topics and methods of this field. In terms of their basic paradigms, they do not accept that the Qur'an is a divine revelation sent down to the Prophet Muhammad. The orientalists, who act with the presupposition that Muhammad wrote the Qur’an, or had it dictated, have researched the writing of the Qur'an from the beginning of Muhammad's prophethood to the present day and the stages it has gone through after being a Mushaf. In this direction, first, led by Abraham Geiger (d. 1874), they tried to determine the origin of the Islam and Qur'an, and sought the origin of Islam in the surrounding religions and cultures, especially in the monotheistic religions. Almost simultaneous-ly, by following the path opened by Theodor Nöldeke (d. 1930), who was accepted as the founder of the Qur'anic history in the modern period, they tried to reach the most authentic text and a critical Qur'anic text through studies on the Qur'an manuscripts. In addition to the history of the Qur'anic text, they were also interested in the inner structure of the Qur'an, and they also worked on the rela-tionship between the surahs and verses, in other words, the unity of the text, as well as the order of the surahs and verses. Muslims, on the other hand, entered the history of the Qur'an in its modern sense, after the orientalists, and generally wrote studies aimed at answering their claims. In this study, firstly, Western Qur'anic history literature is presented by considering the historical stages, studies, schools, names, works, basic claims and methods that the history of the Qur'an has gone through from the time it emerged in the modern period to the present day. After presenting the orientalist tradition and accumulation in this way, what all these means for Muslim researchers is discussed. While discussion this, the presuppositions and paradigm differences between the two worlds were taken into consideration.

Особенности индустрии экстремальной музыки на Ближнем Востоке

В статье проанализированы особенности индустрии экстремальной музыки в странах Ближнего Востока. Экстремальная индустрия этого региона не имеет широкого жанрового спектра как на Западе, но тем не менее хэви-метал сцена развита не хуже. Ближневосточный метал — особый региональный вид экстремальной музыки, сформированный на стыке западного секуляризма и противостоянии исламского догматизма с либеральными тенденциями. Для осмысления исламского либерализма в современном понимании был сделан краткий обзор мотивов и влияния «арабской весны» на регион. В качестве объекта исследования авторы решили воспользоваться наиболее распространенным списком стран Ближнего Востока. В статье охвачены самые яркие примеры творчества музыкальных коллективов из Туниса, Египта, Сирии и Ирака. Авторами был сделан глубинный анализ 4-х музыкальных треков, вместе с обложками альбомов и интервью участников. Культурная глобализация показывает быстро изменяющееся культурное пространство ближневосточного общества. Авторы пришли к выводу, что культурная глобализация имеет разные итоги в указанных выше странах. На это повлияло сохранение цензуры, войны и распространение идей либерализма через средства массовой информации. Данная тема не была исследована с религиоведческой точки зрения на постсоветском пространстве.

Понятие и сущность суверенитета государства в его историческом генезисе

Abstract: Introduction. The issue of protection of state sovereignty always remains relevant due to the constant presence of threats. At the same time, there are quite a lot of works in the legal literature devoted to the study of the essence and content of state sovereignty. The article considers some aspects that reveal the concept of sovereignty through historical events that influenced the formation of ideas about this concept. Attention is paid to the current state of understanding of state sovereignty.
 Methods. The methodological basis of the work is the dialectical method of cognition, which allowed us to trace the interrelationships between various facts and events. The author used general scientific methods, namely methods of analysis and synthesis of information, induction and deduction, as well as the possibility of methods of description and generalisation. The historical method played a significant role.
 Results. The results allowed us to definitely determine that the formation of the concept of «sovereignty» took place in the XVII century, and its further comprehension took place in the context of the formation in the states of the institution of rights and freedoms of the citizen, as well as the separation of powers.. At the same time, the study of state sovereignty in relation to the Eastern countries requires special attention.
 The study of the historical genesis of the concept of «sovereignty» allowed us to identify three stages for the Western world, the study of which is relevant in the context of this topic. The first period refers to antiquity, when Greek and Roman entities had signs of sovereignty. The second period is related to the Middle Ages and the existence of suzerainty-vassalage relations. The third period refers to the new and modern times and is associated with the comprehension of state sovereignty in its modern sense.

Exploring Folklore and Fantasy: Eudora Welty’s Interpretation of The Robber Bridegroom

Eudora Welty, a celebrated American novelist renowned for her deft literary touch, prominently positioned herself within literary tradition with her famous novella, The Robber Bridegroom, which was published in 1942. This work, uniquely situated within the cultural tapestry of Mississippi, integrates elements drawn from American mythology and historical figures of the American South, weaving them into the fascinating tale of the gentleman robber Jamie Lockhart. The present research paper embarks on an exploratory journey into the complex tapestry of The Robber Bridegroom, offering a multifaceted analysis that bridges the gap between folklore, fantasy, and reality. It investigates the peculiar confluence of wisdom, seriousness, mysterious wilderness, amusement, and disenchantment—ingredients often found in traditional fairy tales. This synthesis resonates with the timeless quality of myth and resonates with a contemporary audience. Central to this exploration is an analysis of Welty’s intricate character portrayals and her deft use of irony and humor. These literary devices, alongside her nuanced evocation of the setting, serve to underscore a profound reflection on the transient nature of human connections. Moreover, this paper delves into Welty’s portrayal of the Western civilization’s impact on the indigenous Natchez tribe, a theme that lends the story historical depth and sociocultural relevance. In examining the dualities that permeate the narrative, such as enlightenment and ignorance, civilization and wilderness, the study highlights Welty’s ability to transcend simple dichotomies, presenting a fairy tale-like narrative that also fosters critical inquiry into the development of writing skills and artistic expression. Furthermore, the paper provides insights into how Welty’s narrative functions as a metaphorical bridge, connecting historical realities with a broader human experience, thus reinvigorating classical motifs with modern sensibilities. The present research article reveals a rich and multifarious literary landscape that bears witness to Welty’s masterful command of her craft. The research contributes to a deeper understanding of her work, and by extension, the intricate web of cultural, historical, and personal relationships that define our collective human experience.

Information resources as an object of information security

Currently, information resources of public authorities in our country are one of the main sources of information about their activities. According to the forms of information presentation, organizational solutions, technologies used and other parameters, so far it has usually led to the fact that the problems of various types of information resources (open) are not always accessible to citizens. In addition, the interaction of various information resources in the course of their formation and use in solving various tasks of public administration, economic and social development is of great importance. A significant variety of types of information resources in terms of information presentation forms, organizational solutions, technologies used and other parameters has so far usually led to the fact that the problems of various types of information resources have been considered in isolation from each other. At the same time, many problems are common to the entire sphere of information resources, especially from the point of view of the strategy of state information policy. In addition, the interaction of various information resources in the course of their formation and use in solving various tasks of public administration, economic and social development is of great importance. It is clear that without an input (source) resource of the desired type and quality, it is impossible to obtain the required output resource or product. Without resources, in the modern sense, no activity in human society is possible. Since resources are not only consumed during the activity, but also created, theoretically, the activity can be represented as an organizational and production process. Resources can appear independently of a person or be created by a person. Obviously, information resources belong to the second type of resources. As created resources, they have a dual character both as a source and as a result. In this article, information resources are considered as an object of information security.

The early meteorological network of the Societas Meteorologica Palatina (1781–1792): foundation, organization, and reception

Abstract. The Societas Meteorologica Palatina arranged the first international meteorological network in a modern sense, being in operation between 1781 and 1792 during the last period of enlightenment. A total of 39 stations contributed observations. The original aim was to investigate influences of the moon and planets on the atmosphere. Instruments were provided free of charge; a physically very advanced instruction guaranteed reliable observational results, and the data collected at 3 different hours per day were printed at high cost in the Ephemerides Societatis Meteorologicae Palatinae (denoted Ephemerides hereafter) of Mannheim. This wealth of data has become a famous treasure trove for scientists and has been used later very often for climatic studies, for climatic comparisons of different locations in textbooks, for overcoming wrong but generally accepted or even outdated (e.g. scholastic) views; for finding new explanations for meteorological phenomena, and for studying extremes of meteorological parameters. Even in modern times, the data were evaluated and used to reconstruct historical weather maps. Although, meanwhile, some problems of the historical instruments have been recognized, most of the conclusions are still basically correct. The data were also used for verifying geomagnetic models or proxy data from tree-ring analysis. This network stimulated many scholars for special meteorological studies, and it was attractive for new stations to join the network. The early death of the meteorological secretary Johann Jakob Hemmer and the Napoleonic Wars brought about the end of the project. Nevertheless, many of the stations continued the observations using the available instruments.

Teaching as Learning: Etymological Investigation, Canonical Analysis, and Experiential Reflection in the Chinese Cultural Context

Purpose This study re-examines the relationship between jiao (lit. teaching) and xue (lit. learning)—the foundational education concepts in the traditional Chinese cultural context—to enlighten our contemporary understandings of education and educational research. Design/Approach/Methods This study first lays its foundation on an etymological investigation. It then integrates two mutually connected approaches— the classics and the self as method—to present a comprehensive analysis. Finally, it critically reviews the methodology used in this study. Findings The interdependency of xue and jiao has an etymological foundation, supported by canonical doctrines and verified by individualized experiences. The interpretation of xue as xiao (to imitate) describes the origin and process of education in which the junior imitated and followed the elder, while the extended interpretation of xue as jue (to awaken) stresses the effects and functions of education. In the classical Chinese context, greater significance was placed on xue—the keyword concurrently connoting the meaning of teaching and learning in the modern sense. It is misleading to narrowly render the originally meaningful word group xuexi as learning in modern English. Originality/Value This study consults sources in multiple languages and integrates both the classics and the self as method. Based on this, the etymological investigation, canonical analysis, and experiential reflection are collated to provide a rich and deep discussion. By focusing on the core characteristics and the concepts they imply, this study also touches on the key characteristics of the hieroglyphic system and the unique way of thinking it represents.

New mock theta functions and formulas for basic hypergeometric series

AbstractIn recent years, mock theta functions in the modern sense have received great attention to seek examples of q-hypergeometric series and find their alternative representations. In this paper, we discover some new mock theta functions and express them in terms of Hecke-type double sums based on some basic hypergeometric series identities given by Z.G. Liu.

Ta'zir (Punishment) at Islamic Boarding Schools; Between Tradition, Conception, and Shadows of Human Rights Violations

This article examines the practice of Ta'zir, a form of discretionary punishment, within the context of Islamic boarding schools. Ta'zir holds a significant place in Islamic jurisprudence, allowing authorities to determine penalties for offenses not explicitly addressed in religious texts. However, the application of Ta'zir has raised concerns, particularly in the context of Islamic boarding schools, where traditional practices intersect with modern notions of human rights. Drawing upon a multi-disciplinary approach, this study delves into the historical, cultural, and religious aspects of Ta'zir, elucidating its evolution from its inception to its current manifestations within Islamic boarding schools. By analyzing primary sources, legal texts, and case studies, the article underscores the diverse interpretations of Ta'zir and its malleability in adapting to contemporary circumstances. Furthermore, the article critically evaluates the potential conflicts between the traditional practice of Ta'zir and international human rights standards. It examines instances where Ta'zir punishments might be perceived as infringing upon human dignity, bodily integrity, and freedom from cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment. The study also explores the role of Islamic boarding schools in shaping and perpetuating these practices, considering the interplay between religious education, discipline, and the protection of children's rights. The findings of this research reveal a complex landscape where tradition clashes with modern sensibilities. The article advocates for a nuanced dialogue between religious scholars, educators, and human rights advocates to strike a balance between preserving cultural heritage and upholding universally recognized human rights. It highlights the importance of reinterpretation and contextualization of Ta'zir in line with the principles of justice, mercy, and human dignity as emphasized within Islamic teachings. In conclusion, this article contributes to the ongoing discourse on the compatibility of traditional Islamic practices with contemporary human rights frameworks. It calls for a thoughtful reevaluation of Ta'zir within Islamic boarding schools, promoting an inclusive approach that safeguards both religious heritage and fundamental human rights.

Solidarity as a Challenge and a Task

Towards the end of the 20th century, the word “solidarity” became one of the most important and famous words, not only in the sphere of Euro–Atlantic civilization but the word was also readily used in political milieus. In the religious sphere, and especially in the Judeo–Christian tradition, the anthropological, ethical as well as biblical sense of this important concept was emphasized. This sense was recalled in the postulate: Bear one another’s burdens. Never one against the other, but always one and the other, one together with the other. In this day and age, solidarity as a source of inter-human hope poses a real challenge and task for us because we are experiencing such great migrations of people who—for a variety of reasons, frequently very painful ones, and among them the devastating ravages of war—leave behind their places of residence and go into exile. In my study, I will try to show how, in the contemporary world of philosophy and socio-political changes, a modern sense of the concept of “solidarity” has been generated. In order to achieve this goal, I will refer to the anthropological and ethical thoughts of two Polish philosophers—Karol Wojtyła and Józef Tischner. It was these two thinkers who introduced us to the contemporary school of solidarity, reminding us that the fulfillment of solidarity still lies ahead of us.

Notes on the Historical Study of Corruption

Over the last fifteen years, the field of corruption studies underwent a historical turn. Social scientists added a historical dimension to their traditional concern with corruption and political and economic development. Historians joined the debates and brought a constructivist approach to the study of corruption, one that examines this phenomenon in its historical context. The present article examines the most important issues in the historical studies of corruption: the way in which the understanding of corruption transformed throughout the centuries, the precise moment the modern understanding emerged and the factors that triggered this transformation. Historians and social scientists tend to agree on the importance of the period around 1800 as the moment when corruption came to designate the abuse of the public office for private gain. At about the same time, various activities which were hitherto tolerated – gifts to officials, patronage, exploitation of the office for private gain – lost any legitimacy and became illicit, i.e., corruption in the modern sense. The factors which contributed to the change were the crises of the modernization process and the obsession with clear-cut categorization specific to the modern thought.

Women in Ancient Egypt: determination of legal status and peculiarities of marriage and family relations

The main factors that influenced the formation of the worldview of the ancient Egyptian woman have been investigated. The influence of religion on her understanding of the family, her place and purpose in society has been shown. The main criteria of social differentiation of women have been identified. The primary sources, in particular legal monuments, on the basis of which the legal status of women in Ancient Egypt is shown, have been analysed. The features of marriage and family relations have been characterised. The research is based on the principle of historicism. Historical and comparative as well as historical and genetic methods were used to study the peculiarities of marriage and family relations, normative and comparative and hermeneutical methods were used when working with primary sources. The gender approach has led to a comprehensive study of religious, political, legal norms and social institutions, such as the family, family, culture, and more.
 Generalisations and conclusions have been made, stating that it was in the religion of Ancient Egypt that the united cults of the divine couple with a son-infant appeared, which became a model for the Egyptians in creating their own family. They were the first among the ancient civilisations to consider the family as the basis of society, which gives us grounds to assert that the family in our modern sense emerged in Ancient Egypt. The social status of women was different. The highest were the ruler’s wives and priestesses, and the lowest were maids and slaves. They had no legal rights and were considered property. However, slaves had the right to personal belongings and to have a family. They faced punishment for ill-treatment. Under certain conditions, slaves could become free and receive the rights of an Egyptian woman. It has been noted that free ancient Egyptian women had almost equal legal rights with men, which distinguishes them from women of other ancient civilisations.
 It has been emphasized that the study of the status of women and the peculiarities of marriage and family relations in Ancient Egypt allows us to see the historical origins of gender inequality, to understand such basic human values as love, mutual respect, responsibility, tolerance, devotion, etc. which should become the basis for addressing modern gender issues.

How Averages Became Normal

Abstract Averages became a distinctive form of information in early modern European culture, first in commercial arithmetic, then in natural philosophy, demography, political economy, and eventually in eclectic social analysis. Averaging, in the modern sense of calculating an arithmetic mean by adding up the individual values of cases in a set and then dividing that total by the number of cases, provided an empirical and heuristic resource for understanding planetary orbits, fertility and mortality rates, experimental results in natural philosophy, fiscal resources, the return on stock market investments, the relative profitability of crops, incomes and the cost of living, and even the trivia of daily life. Averaging created a new class of fact—precisely typifying information that varied. By the Enlightenment, averages had become a respectable, readily deployed, form of fact, giving unity to the variety of experience and knowledge. Averages became a metaphor of credibility and normality.

ON FUTURES AND ENDINGS: NARRATOLOGICAL REFLECTIONS ON CONTEMPORARY FORMS OF CRISES*

ABSTRACTThe article examines the changing relationship of the present to the future from a narratological perspective. It argues that three dominant narrative schemas structure the contemporary experiences of temporality in the Western social imaginary: the modern crisis narrative, the apocalyptic narrative, and the chronic crisis narrative. In its first part, the article shows how the modern sense of crisis, which emerged in the late eighteenth century, sedimented into a powerful narrative template by knitting together the past, the present, and the future into a unified plot. The second part focuses on the resurgence of apocalyptic stories in the Western social imaginary and humanities discourse. The final part highlights the special contribution of aesthetics of precariousness to the Western imaginary of time and temporality. It argues that the “chronic crisis narrative” deflates the teleological narrative arc of the modern crisis paradigm while also shunning the end‐time discourse of the apocalyptic narrative.