Pivotal Figure Research Articles (Page 1)

Emil Cioran’s work is marked by a tension between classical moralism and a radical questioning of subjective identity. This article explores the relationship between Cioran and the tradition of French moralists, from La Rochefoucauld and Chamfort to Joubert, highlighting their decisive role in shaping his writing and intellectual transformation. The transition from Romanian to French was not merely a stylistic exercise for Cioran but a true form of exile—a self-effacement that enabled him to develop a new ethical framework. Through an analysis of his statements and critical reception, this study demonstrates how Cioran, while adopting the formal rigor and psychological acuity of the moralists, ultimately forged an ethics of disillusionment that sets him apart from the tradition he inherited. Central to this reflection is his encounter with Benjamin Fondane, a tragic and pivotal figure in his intellectual journey, marking the final renunciation of ideological remnants and the embrace of a writing practice grounded in uprootedness and the suspension of judgment.

ABSTRACT This study examines Eleftherios Venizelos’ approach to the League of Nations as a reflection of the complex interplay between idealism and realism in the diplomacy of a small-state leader. Venizelos, Greece’s Prime Minister and a pivotal figure at the Paris Peace Conference, embraced the League’s principles, viewing it as a mechanism to promote both international stability and Greek national interests. The article explores Venizelos’ dual strategy of championing collective security while navigating the constraints of power politics, and reveals his pragmatic use of the League to secure international support for Greek territorial ambitions and stability. However, his vision was tempered by the League’s structural weaknesses, especially its inability to enforce decisions against major powers. The analysis extends to Venizelos’ efforts to balance regional alliances, particularly with Turkey, within the League’s framework, and his advocacy for initiatives like the Briand Plan for European integration. While the League ultimately failed to prevent World War II, this article underscores its role as a platform for small states to assert their agency and advance their objectives. Venizelos’ nuanced approach demonstrates the persistent tension between the ideals of collective security and the realities of geopolitical interests in the interwar period.

This research investigates the transformative influence of Internet of Things (IoT) technology on home care services for the elderly within the domain of social work. In light of the accelerating global trend of population aging, it is anticipated that by the year 2050, the number of individuals aged 65 and older will reach 2.1 billion, representing approximately 20% of the total global population. Traditional institutional care models encounter significant challenges, including high costs and a lack of personalized care. This study employs a mixed-methods approach, incorporating literature review, expert consultation via the Delphi method, and the analytic hierarchy process to develop a quality assessment indicator system for smart home care services. The findings indicate that IoT technology, through its capabilities of sensing, predicting, reminding, and responding, can effectively monitor the daily living conditions of elderly individuals and provide timely support, thereby significantly reducing hospitalization rates and improving overall quality of life. Family Nurse Practitioners (FNPs) are identified as pivotal figures in this innovative model, with an expanded scope of practice that encompasses personalized health assessments, disease diagnosis, medication prescriptions, and chronic disease management. This study advocates for an integrated smart home care model, offering novel solutions to the challenges posed by an aging population.

Social media influencers (SMIs) have emerged as pivotal figures in shaping consumer behavior, acting as vital intermediaries between brands and their audiences. While extensive research has explored the influence of SMIs on consumer brand interactions, the role of SMI authenticity remains under-explored. This study addresses this gap by demonstrating that SMI authenticity significantly enhances consumer engagement with endorsed brands, subsequently influencing brand attitudes. Furthermore, the research reveals that SMI authenticity cultivates parasocial relationships. Additionally, the study identifies product congruency as a moderating factor influencing the relationship between SMI authenticity and consumer brand engagement. From a theoretical perspective, this research contributes to Self-Determination Theory (SDT) by illustrating how authenticity, an essential component of intrinsic motivation, can enhance consumer engagement and loyalty. The findings underscore marketers’ need to prioritize authenticity in influencer partnerships. By encouraging SMIs to share relatable content, brands can enhance consumer trust and brand advocacy.

This article examines the significant contributions of Helga de Alvear as a gallerist, collector, and patron, a pivotal figure in the evolution of the Spanish and international contemporary art market. Her legacy is particularly notable through the establishment of the Helga de Alvear Museum in the city of Cáceres, intended to share her vast collection of over 3000 works and foster exhibition, research, conservation, and education. The study analyzes her art collection, highlighting its substantial international minimalist art component, contextualizing its development with her personal and professional journey. Furthermore, it explores the institutionalization of her legacy, from the Helga de Alvear Foundation to the creation and evolution of the museum, its innovative architecture and museography, and its impact on Cáceres’s urban landscape.

This article examines how Kendrick Lamar’s music serves as a powerful confronting and defeating racism against African Americans through his lyrical statements and artistic achievements. Focusing on several of his seminal albums including Section.80, good kid, m.A.A.d city, To Pimp a Butterfly, and DAMN.—the analysis highlights Lamar’s incisive critique of systemic and institutionalized racism, police brutality, and cultural marginalization. His work not only exposes the structural inequalities faced by Black communities but also explores themes of identity, resilience, and empowerment, offering a nuanced portrayal of African-American life in contemporary America. By unpacking key songs and their socio-political contexts, this study reveals how Lamar’s music transcends entertainment to become a form of cultural resistance and social activism. Moreover, the article discusses the broader impact of Lamar’s achievements, including his role in shaping public discourse on race and inspiring collective empowerment within and beyond the African-American community. Ultimately, this analysis situates Kendrick Lamar as a pivotal figure whose artistic contributions significantly advance the struggle against racism through the transformative power of music.

ABSTRACT The following is a paper which honors the legacy and contributions of Alex Gitterman, Andrew Malekoff and Charles Garvin to social group work theory, three pivotal figures in social group work who recently passed away. Through this paper I aim to highlight my unique introduction to social group work theory as a participant in an afterschool program- how I came to learn, appreciate and understand social group work by experiencing it as a young person, newly arrived in the United States of America. In reflecting on this introduction to social group work, I hope to demonstrate how it influenced my approach as a practitioner and educator, emphasizing the importance of consciously investing in experiential sources of learning within the social work profession and other human service fields.

Taming the Waves by Inksteady is a contemporary novel that explores the emotional journey of Elora Chin Valencia, a 19-year-old Psychology student who endures a toxic family environment and intense feelings of isolation. She often cast as the “black sheep” by her Christian family, and despite her academic excellence and obedience, she is disregarded by her mother, who favors her older sister, Heather. This constant emotional neglect fuels Elora’s internal turmoil and shapes her perception of herself as outsider. Troy Jefferson Dela Paz, a 19-year-old Civil Engineering student, becomes a pivotal figure in Elora’s life. He is characterized by his genuine kindness, patience, and unweaving loyalty. He offers her a sense of safety and acceptance. And his actions - such as kissing her forehead to silence her “loud thoughts” – symbolize the calming and grounding influence he has on her life. He is also not deterred by Elora’s emotional baggage or her “sharp parts”; instead, he embraces them, accepting the possibility of getting hurt in the process. This novel also highlights the importance of friendship and support systems outside of romantic relationships, with Elora’s best friend, Rovina, playing a significant role in her journey. The story ultimately presents a nuanced exploration of love, resilience and self-acceptance, with Troy and Elora’s relationship serving as a central narrative of hope and healing.

This study examines the life and work of Kim Bok-jin (pseudonym: Jeong-gwan), the first Korean sculptor to graduate from the Department of Sculpture at Tokyo University of the Arts in 1925, during the Japanese colonial period. He was also the first to introduce Western realist techniques into Korean sculpture. The paper explores national motifs in Kim’s work within the context of a historically challenging era and analyzes several of his lesser-known pieces through the lens of Korean studies. The primary focus is on his sculptures Standing Woman, Statue of Maitreya Buddha, Baek Hwa, Youth (Boy), and Old Man. From 1925 until his death in 1940, Kim Bok-jin consistently exhibited at the Joseon Art Exhibition. Beyond his artistic practice, he founded and directed the Art Research Institute, where he mentored emerging artists. He was also active as a journalist, critic, and political figure, serving as a member of the Joseon Communist Party. This study aims to reevaluate the legacy of Kim Bok-jin, a pivotal figure in Korean sculpture, who was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit for National Foundation in 1993.

This research examines the institutional evolution of FKIP Universitas Sriwijaya (1960-2024) within the conflict between centralized national education policy and local reactions. This research improves the study of Indonesian higher education by explaining how government actions, political factors, and local efforts have shaped the development of FKIPs. Historical methodology was systematically employed through four stages: heuristics, source criticism, interpretation, and historiography. Primary sources included institutional archives, governmental decrees, and interviews with pivotal figures. The results indicate that FKIP's structural modifications were not solely administrative but stemmed from a complex process of negotiation and contestation. This research enhances the comprehension of institutional dynamics in postcolonial higher education by emphasizing the interplay between central policies and local adaptations. FKIP Universitas Sriwijaya exemplifies the evolution of teacher education institutions in response to regulatory pressures while preserving their societal significance.

This scholarly paper presents a critical analysis of Swami Vivekananda (1863-1902) as a pivotal figure in the development of modern Hindu thought and intercultural religious dialogue. Drawing upon extensive archival research and contemporary theoretical frameworks, this study examines Vivekananda's philosophical synthesis through the lens of what I term "transformative neo-Vedanta": a dynamic reinterpretation of traditional metaphysics that enables both spiritual inquiry and social engagement. The paper contextualizes Vivekananda within the broader Indian Renaissance movement while analyzing his distinctive contributions to religious pluralism, educational philosophy, and national identity formation. Through careful examination of primary texts and historical reception, I argue that Vivekananda's philosophical framework represents not merely a revival of ancient wisdom but a creative reconstruction that responds to modernity's challenges while preserving the experiential core of Vedantic spirituality. This study reveals how Vivekananda's vision continues to offer substantive resources for addressing contemporary tensions between religious particularity and universal ethics, contemplative practice and social action, and cultural rootedness and global engagement.

Ali ibn Isa Al-Kahhal, a medieval Muslim ophthalmologist, remains an underappreciated yet pivotal figure in medical history. His seminal treatise, Tadhkirat al-Kahhalin (The Notebook of the Oculists), is one of the earliest and most comprehensive works on ophthalmology, detailing ocular anatomy, pathology, and surgical techniques. This paper critically examines existing literature on Ali ibn Isa, analyzing his contributions, methodological approaches, and the factors contributing to his relative obscurity in modern historiography. The review highlights his systematic classification of over 130 eye diseases, including pioneering descriptions of cataracts, trachoma, and optic nerve disorders. His surgical innovations, such as the couching technique for cataract removal, were groundbreaking for their time and laid the foundation for future advancements. Moreover, his emphasis on empirical observation and case-based diagnosis anticipated modern clinical methodologies. Despite these achievements, Ali ibn Isa’s legacy has been largely overshadowed by figures like Ibn Sina and Al-Razi. His limited recognition stems from Eurocentric biases in medical history, the fragmentation of Arabic medical manuscripts, and the specialized nature of his work, which may have constrained its broader impact. By re-evaluating his contributions, this study underscores the necessity of integrating non-Western medical traditions into global medical historiography. This paper argues that Ali ibn Isa’s work deserves greater scholarly attention for its historical significance and role in transmitting medical knowledge across cultures and periods. A more inclusive reassessment of medical history offers a richer understanding of the diverse intellectual traditions that have shaped contemporary medical practice.

This article explores the enduring relevance of Louis Althusser's dialectical materialism, particularly his theory of ideology and the philosophy of science in contemporary debates within social theory. Drawing on Althusser’s key works, including For Marx (1970) and Reading Capital (1970), as well as recent critical interpretations, this study examines how Althusser’s materialist philosophy provides a framework for understanding the production of knowledge and the role of ideology in shaping both scientific and social structures. The article argues that Althusser’s conceptualization of science as a “theoretical practice” is central to understanding the dynamics of scientific revolutions amd offers a materialist alternative to humanist interpretations of Marxism. By synthesizing Althusser’s work with contemporary discussions in the philosophy of science, the article highlights the applicability of Althusser’s dialectics to modern scientific and social theory. Additionally, it explores Althusser’s contributions to the understanding of class struggle and subjectivity in knowledge production and asserts that his ideas continue to inform critical theory’s engagement with the complex relationships between structure, agency, and ideology. This article ultimately seeks to reaffirm Althusser’s position as a pivotal figure in the development of Marxist theory and philosophy and offers a robust framework for analyzing the intersection of science, ideology, and social change.

Indian politics has been significantly shaped by caste and identity-based movements, with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy continuing to influence Dalit politics long after his death. Kanshiram, a pivotal figure in the post-independence period, carried forward Ambedkar’s vision through various socio-political organisations such as BAMCEF, DS4, and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). Kanshiram’s approach to Bahujan politics redefined social justice by focusing on caste identity and unity among Dalits, OBCs, and other marginalised communities. The emergence of the BSP, once a powerful force in Uttar Pradesh, marked a transformative phase in Indian politics, but internal fragmentation within the party led to its decline after 2012. This decline has given rise to several post-Kanshiram political organisations and movements across India, each attempting to reclaim and evolve his legacy. These include Waman Meshram’s BAMCEF and Bahujan Mukti Party (BMP), Prakash Ambedkar’s Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi (VBA), Shravan Kumar Nirala’s Ambedkar Jan Morcha (AJM), and Chandrashekhar Azad’s Bhim Army and Azad Samaj Party (ASP-K). This paper critically examines these new socio-political formations, assessing whether they can provide viable political alternatives for the Bahujan communities or whether they represent a fragmentation of the movement. By exploring their ideological differences, organisational strategies, and electoral impact, the paper seeks to understand the future trajectory of Bahujan politics in India and the potential for unity or further division within the movement for social justice.

ABSTRACT Drawing on selected works of children’s literature and visual culture in fin de siècle Spain, this article explores the ways in which girlhood was scripted and codified through doll play. Despite being popularised as pivotal figures for girls and their education in late- nineteenth-century Spain, dolls and their fictional representation remain understudied. This article adds to this body of work through a close examination of such stories and images, demonstrating how they sought to instil moral values, either by seeking to instruct girls in appropriate conduct or, conversely, by discouraging deviant behaviour. Whether serving as models of feminine propriety or as a vehicle for classed understandings of society, dolls in these stories played multiple roles as surrogates for daughter, mistress, best friend, or indeed as a site of curiosity, violence and repair. This article shows how such cultural representations of girls and dolls reveal an interplay of ideas about gender and childhood that was constitutive to the very definition of girlhood itself.

With the rapid advancement of China's internet, Chinese fantasy (Xuanhuan) novels have flourished as a distinctive literary genre, attracting domestic readers and gradually expanding overseas, generating considerable international influence. This phenomenon has drawn significant scholarly attention within Mainland China, prompting research into its origins, developments, and interdisciplinary integration. To systematically map the developmental trajectory of Xuanhuan fiction studies, this research employs the bibliometric analysis software CiteSpace. By analyzing publication quantity trends in core journals, author and institutional collaboration networks, and keyword clustering and evolution, this study reveals the research dynamics and developmental context of the field. Findings indicate that between 1994 and 2024, the total number of Xuanhuan fiction studies published in CNKI's core journals (AMI, CSSCI, and PKU Core) was relatively limited, totaling 145 articles. Publication counts showed phased fluctuations: an exploratory phase, rapid growth, volatility with a research peak, and eventual stabilization. Author collaboration networks highlight scholars such as Fang Xiaoli, Tang Zhesheng, Zhou Zhixiong, and Jin Zhen as pivotal figures, demonstrating their high research activity and significant academic impact. Frequent collaborations among these scholars formed interconnected groups, establishing a moderate-scale academic network. However, several independent research groups remain loosely connected, reflecting field dispersion. Institutional collaboration maps identify institutions such as Soochow University, Sichuan University, Jilin University, and Beijing Language and Culture University as core entities with notable academic influence, yet overall institutional cooperation is sparse. Keyword clustering and temporal evolution analyses indicate evolving research hotspots—from digital literary mechanisms and fantasy origins, through nonlinear narrative structures and ideological tensions, to cultural archetypes in cultivation systems and global dissemination via transmedia narratives. This research provides insights for future international comparative studies, facilitating Xuanhuan literature's shift toward global academic discourse.

"Atmosphere" constitutes a distinctive emotional space crafted by authors within artistic works—it inheres in specific material substrates while manifesting through corporeal perception. As one of the core elements of literary aesthetic experience, atmosphere profoundly influences readers' emotional resonance and the manifestation of textual significance. Regrettably, Gernot Böhme, a pivotal figure in facilitating the "atmospheric turn" in contemporary aesthetics, fails to provide explicit methodological guidance for atmosphere creation. Drawing upon Michel Henry's material phenomenology, this study systematically elucidates the internal logic and generative mechanisms of literary atmosphere. By examining how writers strategically deploy diverse material presences in literature—including perceptual materials, affective transmitters, and mnemonic devices—this paper reveals the techniques for constructing immersive atmospheres that deliver unforgettable emotional experiences to readers.

Yinyuan Longqi 隱元隆琦 was a pivotal figure in Sino–Japanese cultural exchange. His journey to Japan to propagate Buddhism, founding of the Ōbaku sect (Huangbo zong 黃檗宗), emphasis on the orthodoxy of his Zen teachings, and crafting of an “authentic” identity profoundly influenced Japanese Buddhism and culture. While existing studies have predominantly explored the socio–historical dimensions of Yinyuan’s construction of “authenticity” (benzhen 本真), his extensive corpus of Zen verses remains understudied. By tracing the “Huangbo” (Ōbaku) 黃檗 imagery in his writings, this study addresses how Yinyuan constructed “authenticity” through his poetic works. Before his journey to Japan, Yinyuan employed “Huangbo” imagery to articulate his personal situation and sentiment, elevating it into a symbolic representation of inner “authenticity”. In the early days after Yinyuan went to Japan, driven by the dual imperatives of promoting orthodox Zen and responding to Japanese expectations of Zen origins, he intricately intertwined “Huangbo” with Zen doctrines, transforming the imagery into a marker of “authenticity” that embodied both orthodox Zen philosophy and sectarian identity. Following the establishment of Kyoto’s Mount Huangbo, Yinyuan further reshaped the “Huangbo” imagery into a trans-geographical and cultural symbol of sectarian dharma lineage, thereby ensuring the spiritual continuity of “authenticity” across Chinese and Japanese Huangbo traditions. This process not only reflects the cross-cultural transmission of Buddhism from China to Japan but also serves as a critical lens for examining the interplay between globalization and localization in religious development.

Ernst Bloch, as a pivotal figure in early Western Marxism, constructed his philosophy of hope centered on the ontology of not-yet-being (noch-nicht-sein), offering a groundbreaking perspective for traditional philosophical systems. This study traces the conceptual history of his system, analyzes Bloch's original texts, and compares his thought with other Marxist scholars to reveal the uniqueness of his ontology: beyond the binary opposition of being and non-being, Bloch introduces not-yet-being' as a dynamic, processual concept, redefining existence as a perpetually unfolding and incomplete state. This ontology synthesizes the Left Aristotelian theory of potentiality, the openness of Hegelian dialectics, and Marxs historical materialism, forming a generative logic of nothingness-not-yet-all. Blochs system not only deconstructs ontological closure but also, through the concept of an open cosmos, interprets cultural phenomena as unfinished processes imbued with utopian impulses, endowing them with dual significance for both understanding and transforming the world. This paper argues that Blochs open system responds to the 20th-century crisis of spirit while providing methodological insights for contemporary systems research. By emphasizing indeterminacy and possibility, his philosophy pioneers a path for constructing autonomous knowledge systems beyond Euro-centrism, offering critical inspiration for transcending metaphysical constraints and engaging with multicultural realities.

This study examines the decolonization in the prophetic period of Muhammad SAW. Different analyses occur among historians, with some viewing Islam as supportive of colonialism and others as anti-colonialism. This study aims to answer how decolonization was practiced in the prophetic period. The study’s objective is to demonstrate that Prophet Muhammad SAW laid out the foundations of thoughts and actions of decolonization. The colonial enterprises undertaken during the subsequent caliphates, which some historians such as Philip K. Hitt assumed, differ fundamentally from the principles of governance in the prophetic era. This study employs a qualitative historical approach, utilizing the discourse analysis method to prove that the wars against the Eastern Romans waged by the Prophet Muhammad were for decolonization. The existing historical sources are collected from literary studies and then subjected to Michael Onyebuchi Eze’s theory, which asserts decolonization as an idea and practice transcending history. The study’s findings are as follows: (1) Roman colonialism in the Arabian Peninsula led to protracted conflicts between Arab tribes and transformed it into a theatre of proxy warfare against the Persian empire; (2) Prophet Muhammad SAW was a pivotal figure in decolonizing Roman influences on Arab(s). Prophet paved two primary steps, which were to unify the Arabs and to wrest control of the Arabian peninsula from Eastern Rome; and (3) the military campaigns led either directly or indirectly by Muhammad SAW were indisputable evidence of the prophetic practice and thought of decolonization.