Plurality Of Practices Research Articles

Pluralistic Approach of Snake Worship in Indian Literature

Ophiolatry, or snake worship, is a pluralistic practice that demonstrates geographical variances, religious syncretism, cultural significance, various ceremonies and offerings, as well as local beliefs and folk traditions in India (Saha, 2020). This highlights the coexistence of various cultures and traditions that add to the diverse range of religious practices in the nation, reflecting the inclusive aspect of Indian society. Indian literature vividly portrays the complex relationship between humans and snakes. This essay explores the intricate bond between snakes and deities, sages, demons, and ancestors, unraveling the essence of this relationship.Through their symbolism, these serpents represent the various cycles of life, death, and rebirth. By delving into the myths, tales, and folklore surrounding snake cults, the ecological, social, and spiritual dimensions of human-snake interactions are revealed. However, this exploration goes beyond surface-level analysis as it delves deep into the ethical and environmental concerns surrounding snake conservation in India.

Diffused Aesthetics or the Globalization of the Aesthetic

Diffused aesthetics is the formula by which the pervasiveness of aesthetic phenomena in the current scenario is summarized: having overcome the long phase of the exclusive dominance of art as the parameter of aesthetic values, contemporaneity has recognized itself in a plurality of practices in which even the non-aesthetic is thought and experienced as aesthetic. The essay aims to probe the theoretical aspects of this process in which material consumption and immaterial consumption converge into a single, everyday and pervasive scenario. This definition of a globalized aesthetics, in which the role of the aesthetic in consumer culture is fully activated, has configured first of all the opposition between the aestheticization and the aesthetics of the everyday, one approach ideological and critic and another more constrained to the aesthetic experience of the practices of the contemporary life-world.

Contexts: Research Articles Publisher's statement Methodological Pluralism in Practice: A systemic design approach for place-based sustainability transformations

To leverage the fullest potential of systemic design research in real-world contexts, more diverse and reflexive approaches are necessary. Especially for addressing the place-based and unpredictable nature of sustainability transformations, scholars across disciplines caution that standard research strategies and methods often fall short. While systemic design promotes concepts such as holism, plurality, and emergence, more insight is necessary for translating these ideas into practices for engaging in complex, real-world applications. Reflexivity is crucial to understanding these implications, and systemic design practice will benefit from a deeper discourse on the relationships between researchers, contexts, and methods. In this study, we offer an illustrated example of applying a diverse and reflexive systems oriented design approach that engaged three mountain communities undergoing sustainability transformations. Based on a longitudinal, comparative research project, a combination of methods from systemic design, social science, education, and embodied practices was developed and prototyped across three mountain regions: Ostana, Italy; Hemsedal, Norway; and Mammoth Lakes, California. The selection of these regions was influenced by the researchers’ varying levels of previous engagement. Reflexivity was used to explore how place-based relationships influenced the researchers’ interactions with each community. Different modes of reflexivity were used to analyze the contextual, relational, and boundary-related factors that shaped how the framing, format, and communication of each method and practice adapted over time. We discuss these findings through visualizations and narrative examples to translate abstract concepts like emergence and plurality into actionable insights. This study contributes to systemic design research by showing how a reflexive approach of weaving across different places, methods, and worldviews supports the critical facilitation processes needed to apply and advance methodological plurality in practice.

Building a Community of Inquiry for Pluralistic Practice

Pluralism offers a means of recognising the value of multiple voices and perspectives and has emerged as an increasingly significant guiding framework for making sense of the complexity and diversity of contemporary social life. Pluralistic Practice is an open access journal created with the intention of supporting the development of a global community of inquiry within which practitioners, communities, and citizens can share knowledge, experience, and evidence around the challenges and benefits of working pluralistically to facilitate individual and collective well-being, solidarity, and justice. The present article offers an introduction to how the journal will operate and what it hopes to achieve and extends an invitation to be part of this endeavour.

Rethinking Practices of Legal Pluralism in Latin America

Rethinking Practices of Legal Pluralism in Latin America

DATA REPRESENTATION AS EPISTEMOLOGICAL RESISTANCE

Over the last two decades quantitative data representation has moved from a specialization of the sciences, economics, and statistics, to becoming commonplace in settings of democratic governance and community decision making. The dominant norms of those fields of origin are not connected to the governance and activism settings data is now used in, where practices emphasize empowerment, efficacy, and engagement. This has created ongoing harms and exclusion in a variety of well-documented settings. In this paper I critique the singular way of knowing embodied and charts and graphs, and apply the theories of epistemological pluralism and extended epistemology to argue for a larger toolbox of data representation. Through three concrete case studies of data representations created by activists I argue that social justice movements can embrace a broader set of approaches, practicing creative data representation as epistemological resistance. Through learning from these ongoing examples the fields of data literacy, open data, and data visualization can help create a broader toolbox for data representation. This is necessary to create a pluralistic practice of bringing people together around data in social justice settings.

Sira Culture, Hadith and the Veneration of Muḥammad in the Later Middle Period: Ibn Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Dimašqī (d. 842/1438) as a Case Study

Abstract The article investigates the social and cultural practices of Sira production and consumption in the later Middle Period. It probes into the place held by Sira regarding the veneration of the Prophet, especially in relation to Hadith. Its first part shows that in the Middle Period Sira was intended as a vast literary repository characterized by fluidity of format, diverse social fruition, and plurality of practices in transmission and consumption. It was a literary field characterized by narrative malleability and creativity, for which there was popular demand and scholarly dedication. The life and work of the Šāfiʿī scholar and Hadith expert Ibn Nāṣir al-Dīn al-Dimašqī (d. 842/1438), in particular his Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār fī l-siyar wa-mawlid al-muḫtār (The Compilation of Traditions on the Life and Birth of the Chosen One) occupies the second part of the article. Here, Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār is taken as a written exemplification of the tight relationship between Sira, Hadith and devotion to the Prophet typical of the period, of 14th-15th century Damascus in particular. Overall, the article argues that the intended meaning and use of a text as rich as Ǧāmiʿ al-āṯār can be fully grasped only when we put it in close conversation with the Hadith culture and veneration for the Prophet of the time. It suggests the existence of a pervasive “Sira culture” binding people in a relationship of meaning to their shared memories of the life of the Prophet. Such culture was nurtured by remembrance of the Prophet’s excellency and life milestones. It aimed at cultivating salvific feelings of love for the Prophet that would assure believers a secure place in the Afterlife.

The Practice of Pluralism: How Ritual Strengthens Democratic Politics

Abstract This article argues that ritual can play a positive role in democratic politics in conditions of pluralism. It situates discussions of ritual and pluralism in the context of anthropological and social theory. It examines two insights scholars have made with regards to ritual that make it both compatible with and enabling of pluralism: ritual creates cohesion without agreement and a ‘subjunctive’ space for managing ambiguity. Finally, it develops an account of how these important social benefits of ritual are connected to a democratic pluralist politics, especially its formal, institutional dimensions. Drawing on the work of Luke Bretherton and Chantal Mouffe, it argues that ritual can strengthen the informal dimensions of citizenship and thus affective bonds toward the political community. The claim is also made that ritual constructs shared discourse by creating forms of life from which agreement can emerge in discursive political contexts.

Embodied, Everyday Systemic Design - A Pragmatist Perspective

Abstract Systemic design is gaining popularity as an emerging professional design practice that works to address complex societal problems. This elitist view of systemic design reinforces the difficulty of grappling with complexity and the need for specialized design knowledge, skills, and methods to do so. Such an understanding emphasizes the power of the designer, feeds the underlying business model through which systemic design is bought and sold in a capitalist market, and limits its transformative potential. Taking a pragmatist perspective of systemic design, this article brings forward an alternative view of systemic design as an embodied, everyday experience of shaping social structures amid communities. It repositions systemic design as a pervasive, mundane, and pluralistic practice central to autonomous communities. The article calls for an emphasis on cultivating the reflexivity of collectives so that people can continue to shape their own worlds in respectful relations with others.

Risk-Taking: Liquid Modernity and Extreme Outdoor Practitioners

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the number of extreme outdoor sports in the natural environment has increased significantly. It could be said that, nowadays, extreme outdoor sports are more popular than ever. Part of the explanation probably lies in the fact that we find ourselves in the socio-historical context that Zygmunt Bauman called liquid modernity, which has transformed several activities, previously considered as marginal and/or exclusive, into mainstream. The concept of liquid modernity illustrates how social structures and identities are characterized by unpredictability and change in contemporary societies, and among its consequences we find the pluralization of outdoor physical-sports practices. Through 18 semi-structured interviews, this study set out to better understand the impact liquid modernity has had on extreme outdoor practitioners. A hierarchical content analysis led to the identification of two main themes: (a) freedom and intensity, and (b) a plurality of practices. The paper concludes with a number of practical implications and suggestions for further research that would continue to shed light on the phenomenon of extreme outdoor sports and their practitioners.

The loci of Pluralism in a war-torn society

ABSTRACT The war in Ukraine is violently destroying the social, political, cultural and economic fabrics of society and questions regarding the resilience of ethnicity and pluralism is becoming increasingly relevant. The existing research frameworks on pluralism consider pluralism as an integrative concept based on the different social practices and governance institutions for diversity and the realization of the maximum potential of all individuals in society (S. Wolff). In order to deeply understand the issue, we structured our research around next questions: how social practices of pluralism are affected by war? In which way do the country’s governmental institutions, facing military aggression, respond to pluralistic values? And, finally, how Ukrainian war-triggered migration transfer existing practices of pluralism but also adopted practices in new locations? Relying on the present scholarship of pluralism during the crises, adapting data of national surveys and incorporating the most recent data from the agencies, tracing the democratic development and pluralism, this research aims to trace national institutions and transnational networks of pluralistic practices during the war.

Whither Economic Studies in China?

Abstract In socialist China today, neoliberal economics has actually come to wield institutionalized hegemonic power in academic evaluations of economic studies, while in neoliberal America, there is actually considerably more pluralism in the practice of academic evaluations of economic studies. The origins of this state of affairs lie not in just a simple matter of ideology or policy choices, but rather in different tendencies in the actual practices of two different systems of governance. While China leans strongly toward centralized bureaucratism, along with scientism and numericalism, the U.S. leans more toward multi-centered pluralistic practices. What scholarship needs is pluralistic contentions for sustained long-term development.

Whither Economics in China? A Comment on Professor Jia Genliang’s “Reflections on Economics Education in China and Suggestions for Its Reform”

In socialist China today, neoliberal economics has actually come to wield institutionalized hegemonic power in academic evaluations of economic studies, while in neoliberal America, there is ironically considerably more pluralism in the practice of academic evaluations of economic studies. The origins of this state of affairs lie not in just a simple matter of ideology or policy choices, but rather in different tendencies in the operative practices of two different systems of governance. While China leans strongly toward centralized bureaucratism, along with scientism and numericism, the United States leans more toward multicentered pluralistic practices. Regardless, what scholarship needs is pluralistic contention for sustained long-term development.

Indonesian Islam: History, Characteristics and Global Contribution

Abstract: Indonesia is the largest democracy in the world, as well as the country with the most followers of Islam. Orientalists consider Islam in Indonesia as Islam that departs from principles that are different from Islam in the Middle East. The persuasive style of Indonesian Islam is due to the process of Islamization that has been carried out. The process of Islamization in the archipelago merged with the local culture. In contrast to the process of Islamization in the Middle East which was dominated by military action. By analyzing various sources, this study concludes that Indonesian Islam is able to contribute to the global world. Indonesian Islam provides an example of the practice of religious pluralism and democracy that go hand in hand. This is because Indonesia made the legality of several religions. In the end, it gave birth to the term Islam Wasatiyah which is the result of the integration of Indonesian Islamic culture. This Islamic movement was initiated by a large Islamic organization in Indonesia. And continue to be introduced in the global realm as a contribution to world civilization.

Editorial

Welcome to the proceedings issue of the annual Interactive Film and Media Conference, where we celebrate the dynamic relationships between care, collaboration, and craft across new media platforms, practices, and theories. This issue showcases video presentations of the papers that delve into these interconnected themes, offering a diverse range of perspectives and insights.
 The nexus of care, collaboration, and craft is a fertile ground for exploring the crucial work of combatting polarization and embracing multiple voices, plural practices, and new ways of working together. In this fluid and adaptive landscape, the definitions and relationships of care, collaboration, and craft are not fixed but constantly evolving.
 At the onset of the conference, we shared some exciting editorial news that reflects the dynamic nature of the interactive film and media field. As this field rapidly evolves, outpacing the traditional academic publishing world, we are committed to ensuring our publication remains at the forefront of innovation and inclusivity. In light of this, we have significantly changed our publishing approach.

A Religious History of the American GI in World War II by G. Kurt Piehler

Reviewed by: A Religious History of the American GI in World War II by G. Kurt Piehler John Hannah A Religious History of the American GI in World War II. By G. Kurt Piehler. Lincoln: University of Nebraska Press, 2021. xv + 393 pp. A military chaplain must be able to listen carefully to members of his uniformed congregation regardless of their particular faith, their level of piety, or even lack thereof. G. Kurt Piehler models that skill very ably as he chronicles hundreds of oral histories from World War II. This book will enlighten anyone interested in what real GIs and real chaplains were thinking as they served their nation around the world. GI stands for "Government Issue" and is any soldier, marine, sailor, or airman. Piehler conveniently organizes his collection of quotations and anecdotes. He begins with President Roosevelt's effort to mobilize the nation for war by reference to religion. Next is the unprecedented [End Page 228] raising of twenty thousand volunteer chaplains from civilian clergy of America and the building of multi-faith chapels. He then covers all circumstances and conditions that chaplains and GIs faced: basic training, foreign deployment, ethical challenges, fear, wounds, dying, imprisonment, and dealing with former enemies following surrender. One chapter discusses race relations and another chapter concerns uniformed women. Segregation and patriarchy were the order of the day. President Truman's order to integrate the services would not come until 1948. Piehler believes that the GIs of World War II provided the prelude to the religious revival of the 1950s. He also believes that the pluralism and tolerance exercised by the chaplains then formed a foundation for American civil religion. On many occasions a chaplain substituted for an absent chaplain of a different faith, reinforcing acceptance of pluralism and tolerance. The Navy chaplaincy developed the widely accepted motto: "Cooperation without compromise." Serious piety was not universal and unanimous. Nor was facile pluralism. Piehler adduces quotations disputing any illusion of unanimity. Atheists and agnostics were not afraid to dissent. The practice of pluralism and tolerance was not perfect. Tensions between some elements arose. For example, some Roman Catholics were afraid that Protestant chaplains were proselytizing their flock. Likewise, many Protestants believed that Roman Catholic chaplains were favored, especially in the army where the chief of chaplains was Roman Catholic. Orthodox Jews were suspicious of Reform Jewish chaplains who seemed to predominate in the military rabbinate. Fundamentalist church bodies felt that the accession system was rigged against them due to education requirements. The general Protestant services were not satisfying to all. Latter Day Saints (Mormons) frequently held separate services. Although not mentioned by Piehler, Lutheran and Episcopalian chaplains often held supplementary eucharistic services for their respective coreligionists. Only a few Lutherans are quoted by Piehler. No specifically Lutheran archive appears in the lengthy bibliography, although it includes the official account of Army chaplains, "Report of the Army Chaplain in the European Theater" compiled by a team led [End Page 229] by Lutheran chaplain, Arthur Carl Piepkorn. Had Piehler included more quotations from Lutheran chaplains, they would likely have differed little from the range of attitudes among other chaplains. However, Lutheran chaplains typically served dual roles. In addition to serving as unit chaplains for all GIs and presiding at general Protestant services, they conducted Lutheran eucharistic celebrations for Lutheran GIs, embracing pluralism while upholding the integrity of Lutheran pastoral practice. Piehler notes that General Marshall, President Roosevelt's Army Chief of Staff, and other high officials held Roman Catholic chaplains in higher respect than their Protestant counterparts (306–08). Further research would find that Lutheran chaplains of the era were regarded with respect equal to Roman Catholics. Many, like Piepkorn, Storaasli, Scharlemann, Reiss, and Dreith, were promoted and assigned to the staffs of very senior commanders. All in all, this book is an excellent treatment of the character and religiosity of the Americans who served in World War II (the "greatest generation"). Like Ernie Pyle's cartoons from the front, Piehler paints a portrait of GIs who were displaced and under duress. We remember them for their valor. John Hannah U.S. Army Chaplain (Retired) The Bronx, New York Copyright © 2023 Johns Hopkins University Press...

The Gambia and the Right to Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Health Care: A Legal Commentary

Health rights are important fundamental human rights. But unfortunately missing in the Gambian 1997 Constitution. Besides, the right to health does not only pertain to the mainstream sector but extends to the practice of medical pluralism. In promoting medical pluralism in a country such as the Gambia, rights to health should also extend to access to traditional and alternative remedies. The provision of the attainable highest standard in the profession should be the hallmark of the Nation.
 Article 24 of the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples states: Indigenous peoples have the right to their traditional medicines and to maintain their health practices, including the conservation of their vital medicinal plants, animals, and minerals.
 The question is what is being done for the Indigenous Peoples in the Gambia to have access to their traditional and alternative medicines without any hindrances? In this legal commentary, I explore the constitutional provisions of the right to health in the Gambia and access to traditional, complementary, and alternative medicines.

The Dark Side of Religious Pluralism According to Alan Race’s Theory

Opposing religions can experience prolonged chaos due to conflicts arising from differences in beliefs. Therefore, it is a hope that religious pluralism will provide a fresh outlook on such inter-religious conflicts. Amid these conditions, religious pluralism offers a new approach to reducing and eliminating inter-religious conflicts. Religious pluralism brings in a solution that carries the concept that no religion is superior to the other. It eliminates the differences between each religion and unifies the similarities. However, it actually brings new problems. On the contrary, religious pluralism poses a threat to religions rather than providing relief. The understanding and practice of religious pluralism itself inform them that they bring a new threat to religious harmony and freedom. The purpose of this paper is to reveal the dark side of the notion of religious pluralism. This research is educational in nature to understand the effects of religious pluralism and for those who see religious pluralism as a peacemaker.

More Is Required of Us: Complicating an Ontology of Experience at the Heart of Community-Based Research

More Is Required of Us: Complicating an Ontology of Experience at the Heart of Community-Based Research

Value Pluralism in Practice: Integrating IPBES to Refine Ecosystem Services Assessments in South Africa

As global biodiversity loss continues to increase, effective valuation of natural capital is a prerequisite for effective environmental planning decisions. The introduction of Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (MA) in 2005 brought the concept of ecosystem services into the limelight. After that, The Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) mirrors the MA's original use of the term ecosystem services and goes further by openly embracing concepts from multiple worldviews on human-nature relationships and knowledge systems. The emergence of the latter promises to provide new and improved suggestions for existing assessment methods in many countries around the world. One such example is Natural Capital Accounting (NCA) in South Africa. By summarizing the current assessment methodology of the NCA in South Africa, this paper summarizes the current limitations of the NCA and suggests that the integration of the IPBES method into the NCA can effectively solve the above problems. The paper also analyses the first national form of IPBES organization, the Brazilian BPBES, to illustrate the need to tailor IPBES selectively to the specific problems of the country to achieve the best results. This paper is an attempt to optimize the methodology of the South African national-level ecosystem services assessment and an exploration of the application of IPBES, a conceptual framework linking nature and people.