Syncretic Approach Research Articles

Sejarah Islam di Nusantara Pengaruh Kebudayaan Arab dan Persia Dalam Penyebaran Islam di Nusantara

This writing explores how Arab and Persian culture influenced the spread of Islam in the archipelago. Through an accommodative, acculturative and syncretic approach, Islam in Indonesia developed with the strong influence of these two cultures. The main focus of this writing is to look at the role of Arab and Persian culture in the Islamization process through trade routes, diplomatic relations, art, architecture and literature. The method used in this writing is a qualitative method with a literature study approach. Data was collected from various literature discussing the history and development of Islam in the archipelago, especially regarding the influence of Arab and Persian culture. The results show that Arab and Persian culture has a significant role in the spread of Islam in the archipelago. The discovery of the tombs of Persian ancestors from the 14th century AD such as Fatimah bint Maimun and Malik Ibrahim from Kasyan in Java is evidence of this influence. During the Umayyad and Abbasid caliphate, the Persian Empire had close ties with the Islamic world and played an important role in the spread of Islam to the archipelago through trade and diplomatic relations. The influence of Arab and Persian culture not only introduced Islamic teachings to the local population, but also shaped Islamic identity. in the archipelago. Trade and diplomatic relations are the main channels for the spread of Islamic teachings and practices, and it is concluded that Arab and Persian culture has a very important role in the Islamization process in the archipelago. The influence of these two cultures not only spread the religion of Islam, but also enriched and shaped Islamic cultural identity in Indonesia, making Islam an integral part of the lives of the people of the archipelago.

Construction of models and application of syncretic innovation project management in the era of artificial intelligence

The technological innovation landscape is rapidly evolving based on the convergence of knowledge and artificial intelligence. This creates unprecedented opportunities and challenges for managing innovative projects. The object of this study is the system of syncretic management of innovative projects in the era of the artificial intelligence explosion. The problem addressed is related to the application of principles, models, and methods of syncretic management of innovative projects in the context of integrating various elements, including interdisciplinary collaboration, artificial intelligence technologies, and adaptive methodologies, to optimize project outcomes. The result of the research is a system of syncretic management of innovative projects that encompasses various aspects of management, innovation, and integration with artificial intelligence systems. The essence of the results outlines the stages of managing the life cycles of innovative projects, emphasizing resource allocation, risk assessment, and adaptive strategies. In the field of innovation management, the model includes methodologies for idea generation, technological scouting, and open innovation, recognizing the role of artificial intelligence in shaping the innovation environment. A crucial aspect of the model is the integration of artificial intelligence technologies throughout the project. The syncretic approach emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, creating an environment where different disciplines contribute to project success seamlessly. The importance of the proposed approach is associated with the integration of syncretic control with artificial intelligence systems based on additional competencies. The effectiveness of the practical application of systems of integrated syncretic management of innovative projects was evaluated in the process of analyzing the situation and preparing solutions many times faster, with a quality that exceeds existing systems

The Localization of Integration of Harmony Category and Person Category

Since Matteo Ricci has entered China for missionary, systematic exchange and dialogue began and continued today, ZHANG Chunshen is a representative theologian in the meanwhile, he inherited and developed Ricci’s approach of localization. He established his own way that is to supplement Person Category with Harmony Category, and explored Chinese Catholic meditation spirituality. So this article tries to analysis the ZHANG’s syncretic approach between Person category and Harmony category under localization perspective, and introduces the Chinese Catholic meditation spirituality, and explores ZHANG’s contribution to localization.

Syncretic project management in the era of artificial intelligence explosion

As the technological landscape rapidly evolves, the convergence of innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for project management. This paper introduces a comprehensive mathematical model for the syncretic management of innovative projects in the age of the AI explosion. Syncretism in this context refers to the seamless integration of diverse elements, including interdisciplinary collaboration, AI technologies, and adaptive methodologies, to optimize project outcomes. The proposed model encompasses various facets of project management, innovation, and AI integration. It delineates stages of project lifecycle management, emphasizing resource allocation, risk assessment, and adaptive strategies. In the innovation management domain, the model incorporates methodologies for idea generation, technology scouting, and open innovation, recognizing AI's role in shaping the innovative landscape. A crucial aspect of the model lies in the integration of AI technologies throughout the project. This includes identifying relevant use cases, managing data effectively, selecting appropriate AI models, and establishing decision support systems. The syncretic approach emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, fostering an environment where different disciplines seamlessly contribute to project success. Resource optimization is a key focus, leveraging AI to allocate resources efficiently, predict maintenance needs, and enhance overall project performance. Ethical and legal considerations are embedded within the model to ensure responsible AI usage, and the paper outlines mechanisms for ongoing training and development to equip teams with the necessary skills. The model's effectiveness is evaluated through the lens of monitoring and evaluation, with defined key performance indicators, continuous monitoring, and feedback loops for iterative improvements. Communication and collaboration are underscored, utilizing modern tools to facilitate stakeholder engagement and effective teamwork. This paper contributes to the evolving discourse on project management by providing a robust framework that adapts to the dynamic nature of AI and innovation. It serves as a guide for project managers, interdisciplinary teams, and decision-makers navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the syncretic management of innovative projects in the era of the AI explosion.

Syncretic management of innovative projects in the age of ai explosion

As the technological landscape rapidly evolves, the convergence of innovation and artificial intelligence (AI) presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for project management. This paper introduces a comprehensive mathematical model for the syncretic management of innovative projects in the age of the AI explosion. Syncretism in this context refers to the seamless integration of diverse elements, including interdisciplinary collaboration, AI technologies, and adaptive methodologies, to optimize project outcomes. The proposed model encompasses various facets of project management, innovation, and AI integration. It delineates stages of project lifecycle management, emphasizing resource allocation, risk assessment, and adaptive strategies. In the innovation management domain, the model incorporates methodologies for idea generation, technology scouting, and open innovation, recognizing AI's role in shaping the innovative landscape. A crucial aspect of the model lies in the integration of AI technologies throughout the project. This includes identifying relevant use cases, managing data effectively, selecting appropriate AI models, and establishing decision support systems. The syncretic approach emphasizes cross-functional collaboration, fostering an environment where different disciplines seamlessly contribute to project success. Resource optimization is a key focus, leveraging AI to allocate resources efficiently, predict maintenance needs, and enhance overall project performance. Ethical and legal considerations are embedded within the model to ensure responsible AI usage, and the paper outlines mechanisms for ongoing training and development to equip teams with the necessary skills. The model's effectiveness is evaluated through the lens of monitoring and evaluation, with defined key performance indicators, continuous monitoring, and feedback loops for iterative improvements. Communication and collaboration are underscored, utilizing modern tools to facilitate stakeholder engagement and effective teamwork. This paper contributes to the evolving discourse on project management by providing a robust framework that adapts to the dynamic nature of AI and innovation. It serves as a guide for project managers, interdisciplinary teams, and decision-makers navigating the challenges and opportunities presented by the syncretic management of innovative projects in the era of the AI explosion.

“We didn’t know we were doing science”: Engaging with science and mathematics in an archaeology afterschool program

An extensive number of empirical research studies support the engagement of young children and youth in out-of-school science, technology, engineering, and/or mathematics learning experiences. In this case study, we add to this knowledge base through examining how rural middle school learners engage with science and math concepts and practices through an afterschool program that emphasized the development of STEM content, skills, and practices using the field of archaeology, as well as Indigenous knowledges, as mediums. Results highlighted how various syncretic approaches within the afterschool program afforded 61 middle school aged learners’ opportunities to engage with math and science concepts common to archaeologists and Indigenous peoples. We illustrate this through five “doings.” For example, learners engaged in similar science practices to Indigenous peoples through considering how local landscapes and the natural environment informed decisions regarding settlements. This study concludes with recommendations for professional archaeologists and educators to adapt and/or develop a similar afterschool program to support students’ participation as ARCH + STEM learners.

Infrastructure projects of road traffic management: management methodology selection

The implementation of projects in traffic organization requires the selection of a necessary methodology that will contribute to its success. Most commonly, traffic organization refers to the management of traffic flows, but this is not entirely accurate. Traffic organization is defined as a set of measures aimed at ensuring safety and comfort conditions for traffic. Given the modern context and trends, we can talk about supporting the principles of sustainable development and ensuring national defense capability and security. Such activity consists of several stages, some of which can be implemented as a chain of sequential steps, while others can be introduced step by step with feedback and the implementation of current improvements. The proposed research results focused on selecting the necessary methodology for implementing infrastructure projects on traffic organization, taking into account the subject area. Based on a detailed analysis of the subject area and existing project management methods, approaches, principles, and frameworks, a syncretic approach was proposed for implementing these projects. This approach includes the use of a waterfall model and a combination of Scrum principles and Kanban agile development methods. The research is one of the initial outcomes of the scientific research project 'Methodology of Project Management for Modernization of Traffic Organization in the Military and Post-War Reconstruction of Territorial Communities,' registered under number 0123U101943, and is funded by the state budget of Ukraine. The results of this research will form the basis for further studies related to the exploration of the fundamental principles of sustainable development in the context of traffic organization and the development of a project management methodology for the modernization of traffic organization in the military and the post-war reconstruction of territorial communities.

A Harmonious Synthesis of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in the Matrix of Chinese Culture: An Overview

This paper proposes a process of synthesis based on Chinese socio-historical context in order to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the synthesis of three major religious traditions of East Asia such as Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. At the same time, to be considered is the syncretic approach through which these religions have attained popularity throughout all Eastern and Far Eastern parts of Asia. Thus, in order to make a reasonable justification for the current study, an attempt is made to explore how these religions have appeared to be more or less similar to each other in case of their beliefs and practices. The purpose of the current paper is to decipher the points where and how these three religions interact with each other in terms of belief and practice that is based on a cultural bridge between China and other East Asian countries. This paper offers an overview of the harmonious synthesis of Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism in the matrix of Chinese culture. In conclusion, it points out a new mode of syncretism which can be called "Hybridization"- a new insight into the process of synthesis. Journal of the Asiatic Society of Bangladesh (Hum.), Vol. 68(2), 2023, pp. 207-218

Galen on the Stoic-Peripatetic Controversy about Mixtures: Qualities or Bodies?

Abstract Galen’s elemental mixture of fire, air, water and earth (and of the corresponding primary qualities, hot, cold, dry and wet) is primarily a physical process, in which primary elements mix and give rise to all compounded physical bodies, inanimate and animate. As such, the concrete, physical process of mixture is an essential basis for a thorough understanding of Galen’s physical system. In this article I pursued a twofold aim. First, I showed Galen’s syncretic approach while expounding his theory of mixture (insofar as he attributes that theory equally to ‘Hippocrates’, Aristotle and the Stoics) and illustrated the reasons behind this approach. Second, and more importantly, I addressed Galen’s epistemological position concerning mixture’s constituents and answered the question of whether, according to Galen, are the qualities alone, conceived more Aristotelico as conceptually distinct from the body itself, to mix or if Galen viewed mixture, as the Stoics did, as a coextension of bodies. As we argue, Galen assigns the epistemological status of πιθανόν to the Aristotelian and Peripatetic doctrines. This indicates that, to a certain extent, he joins this historical debate and is more closely aligned with Aristotle and the Peripatetics than with the Stoics. By resorting to what is πιθανόν Galen obtains two results: (1) does not expose himself to accusations of dogmatism but, at the same time and in his method, enters the ongoing controversy about qualities and bodies without taking a definitive position, and (2) he preserves his syncretic theoretical structure which finds its linchpin in the defence of a medical-cum-philosophical continuism.

Responses to CAT at 50: Reflections on accommodation from a sociolinguist

Communication accommodation theory (CAT) has shown remarkable staying power. To what can we attribute this? I suggest several reasons: first, the general phenomenon of accommodation has been long recognised by researchers and skilled practitioners of language, hence a systematic approach predicated on clear principles and experimental methods was attractive to the fields of linguistics, social psychology of language and communication. Second, CAT researchers have adopted a syncretic approach to changes in focus and methods, building on and not rejecting previous stages of CAT. Third, CAT has proven amenable to both qualitative and quantitative methods. This last attribute has, I suggest, enabled it to be incorporated into sociolinguistic research on perception. I conclude with some reflections on how the social psychology of language and sociolinguistics differ in their objects of enquiry, and I look ahead to possible areas of synergies between the fields based on principles of accommodation theory.

The Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way as the Foundations of a New Regionalism

Narratives are essential for organizations and states to provide a framework for their decision-making processes and organizational structure and bolster their legitimacy by appealing to shared values and worldviews. These narratives will play a greater role in a multipolar world characterized by a diversity of worldviews and values that shape the internal and external perceptions of international actors. The authors compare the critical narratives forwarded by the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), namely the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way. Drawing on scientific works dedicated to explicating the worldview, values, and norms espoused by the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way, the authors use syncretic approaches to show how these concepts are applied in these narratives. The Shanghai Spirit is based on mutual trust, mutual benefit, quality, respect for the diversity of civilizations, and the pursuit of common development. Similarly, the ASEAN Way is based on non-interference, non-confrontation, non-use of force, and consensus-based decision-making. The Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way have notable similarities, such as an emphasis on preserving sovereignty, a pragmatic approach to regionalism, and a flexible, non-binding application. Although they also have significant differences, such as the rationale behind them, different preferred means of cooperation, and an emphasis on state security versus human security. The article argues that the unique features of the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way, which promote loose regionalism, combined with the state-centric Westphalian features of the contemporary international system, result in a new form of regionalism that is open yet preserves and reinforces the individual sovereignty of states. In this sense, the Shanghai Spirit and the ASEAN Way may provide the intellectual basis for a new form of regionalism and international relations that can better respond to the emerging challenges of a multipolar world.

Organizing for transformative innovation policies: The role of social enterprises. Theoretical insights and evidence from Italy

Transformative innovation policies can provide systemic solutions to socio-environmental challenges because of their “experimental”, “reflexive” and “inclusive” character. We contend that social enterprises can act as catalysts for transformative innovation for the geographically and socially marginalized. Thus, including social enterprises in transformative innovation policies can mitigate the negative effects of innovation-based growth, making policies more socially and geographically inclusive. Following a syncretic approach to the literatures on transformative innovation policies and social entrepreneurship, this paper identifies the key dimensions of social enterprises' transformative innovation potential: directionality (i.e., social goals as the purpose of innovation); social and geographical inclusiveness (i.e., the inclusion of marginalized areas and individuals in the provision of goods or services); reflexivity (in terms of participatory governance and monitoring the achievement of goals); and experimental character (in terms of establishing partnerships with heterogeneous actors). We then assess this capacity through an exploratory cluster analysis of Italian social enterprises. We identify three distinct groups that suggest a range of entrepreneurial approaches from largely transformative to not at all. The transformative innovation readiness of social enterprises has implications for policymakers seeking to undertake pilot schemes and implement actions that support an appropriately transformative innovation ecosystem.

Embracing Oneness: Exploring Ramkrishna’s Syncretic Philosophy and its Role in Shaping a Universal Religion for the Modern World

This research paper delves into the profound philosophy of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, a revered mystic and spiritual luminary of 19th-century India, known for his message of universal harmony and spiritual oneness. The paper examines the syncretic nature of Ramakrishna’s teachings, which seamlessly integrated various religious traditions, emphasizing the underlying unity of all faiths. Through an exploration of Ramakrishna’s life, spiritual practices, and encounters with diverse religious paths, this study seeks to elucidate the essence of his philosophy and its relevance in shaping a universal religion for the modern world. By analysing key aspects of Ramakrishna’s syncretic approach, such as his belief in the essential unity of all religions, his experiential realization of the divine through multiple spiritual paths, and his advocacy for tolerance and acceptance of diverse faith traditions, this paper aims to underscore the transformative potential of his teachings in fostering interfaith understanding and global unity. Furthermore, it investigates the practical implications of Ramakrishna’s philosophy in addressing contemporary challenges of religious intolerance, cultural divisions, and spiritual alienation in the modern world. Through a comprehensive examination of primary sources, scholarly interpretations, and comparative religious studies, this research paper strives to illuminate the enduring significance of Ramakrishna’s syncretic philosophy as a beacon of hope and inspiration for building a more inclusive, harmonious, and interconnected world. By embracing the profound wisdom of oneness advocated by Sri Ramakrishna, this study envisions a vision of a universal religion that transcends boundaries, fosters mutual respect, and nurtures a deep sense of spiritual interconnectedness among all beings.

Legitimacy, Syncretism, and Bangsamoro Jihad: Discourses of Struggle and Community within the Moro Islamic Liberation Front

Abstract Islam’s influence in nationalism and political legitimacy is frequently studied, but diversity across the umma warrants continued investigation into how Islamic tradition shapes its style, content, and potency. Investigating the discourse of 1980s Mindanao’s Moro Islamic Liberation Front, this article adopts a syncretic approach for understanding encounters between Islamic traditions, particularly jihad, and nationalist symbols. Through discourse analysis, this article creates a textured understanding of the power of Islamic-nationalism, focusing on both intellectual genealogy and textual practice. It concludes that in this instance, Islamic-nationalism can be an inherently legitimising phenomenon, animated by the uniquely moral, temporal drive of jihadi tradition.

Social Enterprises: Organizations for Transformative Innovation

Transformative innovation policies aim at providing systemic solutions to socio-environmental challenges thanks to their “experimental”, “reflexive” and “inclusive” character. In this context, we contend that social enterprises could be catalysts for transformative innovation towards less developed territories and socially-marginalized groups. We argue that including social enterprises in transformative innovation policies mitigates negative effects of innovation-based growth, making policies more socially and territorially inclusive. Following a syncretic approach between the literature on transformative innovation policies and on social enterprises, this paper identifies key dimensions capturing the transformative innovation potential of these enterprises: from distributed territorial patterns, to a directional social inclusiveness, reflexivity in terms of participatory governance and goals’ monitoring capacity, and experimental character in terms of establishing partnerships with heterogeneous actors. We assess this capacity through an explorative cluster analysis on Italian social enterprises. The results show three distinct groups within the realm of context, suggesting a variety of entrepreneurial approaches going from fully to slightly transformative. The transformative readiness of social enterprises suggests that policymakers can advance piloting experiments and that actions supporting an appropriate innovation ecosystem for these organizations are required.

Works of National Painting in the Development of Educational Programs of Pedagogical Specialties

The article actualizes the idea of developing system-modeling approaches to the development of technologies by students of pedagogical universities that ensure the use of works of domestic painting in the educational process. Within the framework of the project «Didactic potential of national painting in the implementation of the program of spiritual revival of the nation», a study is being conducted aimed at meaningful and didactic provision of work with the works of Kazakhstani artists in strict adherence to the program of spiritual revival, the methodological aspect of which is set out in the patriotic act "Tugan Zher". The relevance of the work on the introduction of national painting into the educational process is dictated by modern requirements in a number of scientific studies devoted to various types of Kazakh national art and the use of its potential in the spiritual revival of the nation, the appeal to the works of national painting is considered as an effective means of teaching. The project participants objectify the idea of a syncretic approach to the use of this tool: putting the knowledge paradigm to the fore and taking into account the possibilities of painting as an art form, it is necessary to consider the didactic aspect of using the works of domestic artists in the educational process. The scientific significance of the Project «Didactic potential of national painting in the implementation of the program of spiritual revival of the nation» considers the national spirit of this type of national creativity among the folklore, literary, theatrical, musical heritage of the Kazakh people for use as one of the effective forms of presentation of ethno-cultural views of the Kazakh people. The novelty of the project lies in the fact that it presents a system-modeled description of the work on the spiritual formation of secondary school students through the training of future teachers in the conditions of modern pedagogical universities. The importance of this kind of training is proved by the materials of the conducted experiments, in which both the performers declared in the Project and teachers of different types of schools took part. The selection, verification and description of innovative technologies in working with paintings are focused both on activating the emotional perception of students, and on instilling in them the skills of creative analysis of paintings, and on generalizing theoretical provisions that contribute to the development of the spiritual heritage of the people. The article is an analytical study of those areas of work that should be carried out at the second stage of the study, which determines the relevance and features of the formation of teachers' skills with students of secondary schools within the framework of the «Tugan Zher» program.

The Condensation of Islam and Nusantara’s Culture

Islam in Nusantara has a unique character, which is the result of a long-term interaction process between religion and culture. Such condensation is crystallized in idea, conduct, and path. This article tries to elucidate the mixture process underwent in the light of cultural anthropology by relying on data contained in historical, social, and cultural sources. This study concludes that Islam-Nusantara condensation appeared in the form of politics, education, and culture, which is the result of the Islamization process. The manifestation of political condensation takes form in Islamic-Javanese kingship produced by Islamization efforts using power authority and Islamic theocracy. The appearance of educational condensation can be mirrored in santri community with its orthopraxy trend brought about by the enlightenment of ‘ulemas with their stronger religious orientation. The last is the cultural condensation identified in kejawen society which is caused by the syncretic approach of Islamization that combines Islamic Sufism and Javanese mysticism.

Beowulf’s Monster Discourse Now: Grendel in Twenty-First-Century Film

ABSTRACT Drawing on Monster Studies, this paper develops its own syncretic theoretical approach to focus on recent transformations of Beowulf’s archetypal plot of the Hero Overcoming the Monster in film discourse, as part of the broad popularity that Beowulf still enjoys in different art forms. Significantly preceded by McTiernan’s The 13th Warrior (1999), an attempt to adapt Michael Crichton’s literary ambition to make Beowulf’s story appealing to modern audiences, the new century opens with a revisionist approach to it in Hartley’s No Such Thing (2001), whose heroine empathises with the monster. While crude adaptations such as Lyon’s Grendel and McCain’s Outlander (2008) still abound, Gunnarson’s Beowulf & Grendel (2005) and Zemeckis’s Beowulf (2007) enhance the story by focalising it from Grendel’s mother’s perspective without renouncing its grotesque and sublime elements. Similar elements are likewise present in monster movies which are not ostensibly Beowulf adaptations, such as Ridley Scott’s Prometheus (2012), Bayona’s A Monster Calls (2016), and del Toro’s The Shape of Water (2017), yet whose monster discourse is sustained by ingredients ultimately deriving from the Anglo-Saxon poem: the monster as a tester of moral fibre, the cultural syncretism which gives sociohistorical meaning to the alien entity, and its human kinship.

No longer an imaginary case: Community, plans, and actions in canoeing rapids

ABSTRACT Background: We investigate the nature of planning the canoeing of rapids and its reasoning processes, while at the same time advancing a syncretic approach to cognitive and situative theories of learning. Building upon the work of Lucy Suchman, we examine how canoers plan to run rapids and how plans serve as resources for action. Methods: In ethnographically-informed manner, we followed a team of canoers across various contexts of rapid scouting and running. By mounting video cameras on canoeing dyads’ helmets, we captured the team’s discursive construction of plans, how canoe partners took up the collective production of plans to elaborate their own plans, and how plans seemed to function as resources for canoeing action. Findings: Through the analysis of three episodes of rapid running, we articulate detailed descriptions of reasoning processes at the collective, canoeing dyad and individual levels, and draw relationships between them to explain observed canoeing performance in its full complexity. Contribution: We show that drawing on intersections, affinities, and complementarities between principles and theoretical constructs from both cognitive and situative theories of learning may achieve a more holistic, multi-level, and fine-grained description of knowing and learning as ongoing, at once collective and individual achievements.

Shakespeare Relocated: Studies in Historical Psychology by Hugh Macrae Richmond

MLR, .,   gave up. Vine has done the intellectual history of the early modern world a great service. N U J R Shakespeare Relocated: Studies in Historical Psychology. By H M R- . New York: Peter Lang. . viii+ pp. £. ISBN ––– –. Historical psychology, the key concept in the subtitle of this engagingly written and learned book, has defined Hugh Macrae Richmond’s scholarship for a long time. Although he borrows the term from Zevedei Barbu’s Problems of Historical Psychology (New York: Grove Press, ), Macrae Richmond first used it in e School of Love: e Evolution of the Stuart Love Lyric (Princeton: Princeton University Press, ). Over time, he has employed it in most of his other monographs on Shakespeare, on comparative Renaissance literature, and on Shakespeare’s political drama and his comedy of sex. is book collects his published essays and unpublished conference papers, in which the author formulates his wish ‘to consolidate these multiple presentations into a new more or less sequential pattern of argument’ (p. ). Historical psychology, which he calls an ‘intellectual discipline’ (p. ), is a syncretic approach to literary study rather than a formalized discipline. He uses it to explain attitudes to religion, politics, and sexuality in Reformation England and to examine how the interaction of these cultural fields shapes the psychology of the literary subject. is concept also traces the progression of modern attitudes towards politics, morality, and sexuality. e intellectual armature that supports the readings produced by historical psychology is writing by cultural theorists from the first half of the twentieth century, such as the Swiss cultural theorist Denis de Rougemont, whose writing about ‘the genetically advantageous practice of exogamy [. . .] intrinsic to the European tradition of romantic love’ (p. ) helped Macrae Richmond relocate Shakespeare’s writing about love into the realm of the global. Both the framing concept of historical psychology and the example of the cultural critic, which the author uses to extend the work of this concept in literary analysis, point to a crucial aspect of this book—its opposition to New Historicism. Macrae Richmond’s version of historicism ‘diverges markedly’ (p. ) from the New Historicism promoted by Stephen Greenblatt, Macrae Richmond’s erstwhile colleague at Berkeley. e book’s aim is to ‘contribute perhaps more accurately and yet less narrowly’ than both the New Historicism and other ‘anachronistic-isms’ to an examination of the historical conditions and traditions that shaped literature and drama in the early modern period (p. ). It takes up feminism, studies of globalism in literature, gender and sexuality studies, and studies of ethnicity. It shows how comparative readings of cultural criticism and Renaissance texts from French, Italian, and Spanish literature provide a historically more accurate connection with English texts by pointing to ‘social and psychological circumstances’ (p. ) that shaped Shakespeare’s texts. Connections are based on generic, thematic, and formal  Reviews affiliations between literary texts. Queer early modern critics, for instance, can find much that is stimulating in the chapter on gay performances of Shakespeare, including comparative readings of Shakespeare, Giovanni Battista Girald Cinthio, and Lope de Vega; but they can also read how theory and the author’s own practice as a director of plays work together. e author also dismisses New Criticism’s neglect of a historicist method as a ‘Humanist Fallacy’ (p. vii). e chapters vary in length: some are three pages long, another is a -page reprint of an article from the PMLA. e book is refreshing because it does not belong to a specific critical trend or orientation. It comes out at a time when early modern studies and the historicisms it favours have moved on, and one wonders whether these capacious, provocative, clear, and inspiring thought-experiments will find their readers. e book deserves them. Its strength oen lies in details of analysis rather than in a bigger conceptual picture, and in the breadth of topics that it covers, such as Richard III and his sadistic rhetoric, John Donne and young Shakespeare, Andrew Marvell’s poem ‘e Gallery’, the psychology of Falstaff, the Mediterranean in Shakespeare, seduction in Milton, Ronsard, Lope de Vega, and Shakespeare. Relocating Shakespeare means also refocusing one’s own critical lens to relocate an ideological perspective of reading...