Philosophical Underpinnings Research Articles

Sobornost’: Dream or Reality?

This essay explores the concept of sobornost’ as a cornerstone of Orthodox ecclesiology, tracing its origins, theological implications, and philosophical underpinnings. Coined in the context of 19th-century Slavophile thought, sobornost’—often translated as “catholicity”—balances unity and freedom, offering a mystical vision of the Church as the Body of Christ. The paper examines the term’s adoption into Western theology, its early articulations by thinkers like Khomiakov, and its prominence in ecumenical dialogue, particularly through the Fellowship of St. Alban and St. Sergius. However, the ideal of sobornost’, emphasizing love and mutual prayer, is juxtaposed against the modern struggles of the Orthodox Church, highlighting tensions between spiritual ideals and political realities. The discussion concludes by questioning the contemporary relevance of sobornost’ amid ecclesiastical and geopolitical challenges. Article history: Received 10.11.2024; Revised 01.11.2024; Accepted 11.11.2024. Available online: 11.01.2025; Available print: 30.01.2025.

Unravelling Uncertainty Inception: When We Really Know That We Don't Know?

Through technical rationality, healthcare professionals address instrumental problems by applying the theory and technique arising from scientific knowledge. Nevertheless, the divergent situations of practice characterised by uncertainty, instability, and uniqueness place nurses in a positivist epistemological dilemma. Decision-making under uncertainty is a challenge that nurses face in clinical practice daily. Nurses anticipate critical events based on the interaction between (un)known factors of clinical reasoning, putting uncertainty tolerance into perspective. With undeniable epistemological relevance, few nursing researchers have addressed this issue. Based on the insights garnered from the panel held at the 26th International Nursing Philosophy Conference, this discussion paper examines the inception of uncertainty within nursing reasoning, intertwining introspection, abstraction, and the rich discussions from the conference. Accordingly, the philosophical underpinnings of the perceived experience of uncertainty will be briefly addressed, while framing the decision-making challenges faced by nurses. A compelling dimension of nursing care emerges when we delve into the inception of uncertainty, prompting a deeper examination of the interplay between its perception and consciousness in clinical practice, and the gravitation of uncertainty in the process of empirical reasoning. Navigating uncertainty involves varying individual responses, influenced by tolerance levels. Moral appropriateness is determined by their adaptability rather than solely their positivity or logical consistency, highlighting constancy as a quality demanding alignment with an understanding of challenges.

The Impact of Using the "Dr." Title: Personal, Philosophical, and Societal Considerations

The "Dr." title holds significant personal, philosophical, and societal implications, serving as a symbol of academic accomplishment, professional credibility, and intellectual authority. Originating in medieval European academia, the title has evolved into a global marker of expertise, encompassing diverse disciplines and cultural contexts. This paper examines the historical development, personal impact, and philosophical underpinnings of the "Dr." title while addressing societal challenges such as elitism, gender bias, and cultural misinterpretations. Through an analysis of existing literature, it explores how the title fosters individual identity, mitigates emotional exhaustion, and enhances inclusivity by empowering underrepresented groups. It also engages with critiques of hierarchical structures and considers the title's role in a democratizing and technologically advancing world. As society shifts towards valuing interdisciplinary contributions and equitable recognition, the "Dr." title continues to adapt, reflecting its enduring relevance in shaping professional and societal landscapes.

Portraying my Research Journey from Positivist to Post-Modernist

This paper delves into the philosophical underpinnings of various educational research paradigms, spanning from Positivism to Post-Modernism. Through an exploration of the researcher's pedagogical journey, it aims to elucidate the interconnections between epistemology, ontology, axiology, and methodology within each paradigm. Beginning with Positivism, characterized by its emphasis on empirical observation and objective truths, the paper navigates through the evolution towards Post-Positivism, which acknowledges the role of subjectivity and context in knowledge production. Interpretivism is examined next, highlighting its focus on understanding the subjective meanings and interpretations individuals attach to their experiences. Criticalism emerges as a paradigm that critiques power structures and seeks to empower marginalized voices in research. Finally, the paper delves into Post-Modernism, which challenges grand narratives and embraces pluralistic perspectives. Each paradigm is illustrated with examples from the researcher's own experiences, demonstrating how research within each framework is justified and legitimized. Through this exploration, the paper contributes to a deeper understanding of the diverse philosophical perspectives that inform educational research methodologies.

A Methodological Framework for Descriptive Phenomenological Research.

Descriptive phenomenological research is crucial in nursing for understanding individuals' experiences, perceptions, and relationships, which are essential for person-centered healthcare. However, a common critique is that researchers often use phenomenological methods without fully comprehending their historical and philosophical foundations. Existing literature highlights discrepancies in the application of phenomenological principles by nurse researchers, particularly in their presentation of philosophical underpinnings and methodological details. This article aims to provide a comprehensive methodological framework for descriptive phenomenological research in nursing, addressing both theoretical and practical aspects to guide novice researchers. This framework synthesizes existing scholarship on descriptive phenomenology. Starting from Husserl, this article provides a detailed overview of the history, foundations, and philosophical assumptions of the methodology. It also includes key terms and a comprehensive detailing of all aspects of the research process. This framework enriches existing scholarship by offering a streamlined, step-by-step methodological guide for researchers embarking on descriptive phenomenological studies. It emphasizes the importance of establishing minimum, yet critical criteria for publishing research employing this methodology. Future nurse researchers are encouraged to enhance methodological transparency in their descriptive phenomenological studies to facilitate rigorous evaluation of method effectiveness and study quality. This framework aims to alleviate potential apprehensions and provide clarity and structure to novice researchers in the field.

New Materialism(s) and Systemic Psychotherapy: Does it Matter? (PART 2)

AbstractThis is the second of a two‐part paper on New Materialisms (NMs) and systemic psychotherapy. The paper applies NMs concepts to the practice of systemic psychotherapy through the use of two composite practice examples. Continuing from the first part of the two‐part paper, we move the theoretical discussion from a conceptual to a practical level. Therefore, this paper aims to address some of the core elements of NMs and their relevance in systemic psychotherapy practice. It does not claim to take an exhaustive approach to implementing NMs in systemic psychotherapy. NMs can influence a new paradigm within the plurality of paradigms present in systemic psychotherapy. By and large, although NMs and systemic psychotherapy depart from different philosophical, ontological and epistemological underpinnings, we argue that they can be bridged not only at a theoretical but also at a practical level, as they both share a common potentiality as practices of freedom. By plugging in these two practices, new possibilities when it comes to understanding and creating change in our lives and the social situations in which we are situated unfold.

The transfer of land management rights (Public functions or private functions) in relation to the privatization of PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero)

In the Dutch East Indies, there were two different kinds of railway companies: staats spoorwegen and verenigde spoorwegen. This is when the history of PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) started. The operational goals of PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) changed from being socially focused to profit-oriented in 1998 as a result of the business's status change from public corporation to state-owned enterprise (BUMN). The BUMN Law, which established the idea of privatization, brought about this shift. As a result, PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) is also bound by the standards of sound corporate governance and business judgment, which causes a number of problems. These concerns include the form of the transfer of civil rights in the management of state land, the relationship between the privatization of PT. Kereta Api Indonesia (Persero) and the transfer of civil rights in the management of state land, and the renewal of the privatization concept in compliance with the 1945 Constitution and Pancasila. Using legislative, conceptual, historical, and case techniques, the research is prescriptive and combines normative and empirical legal research. Primary and secondary data are among the sources and methods used for data gathering. Fieldwork and literature reviews are used to gather data, which is then qualitatively examined. The agreement that forms the foundation for the transfer of PT. Kereta Api Indonesia's civil rights as the owner of management powers over the state makes the link between privatization and the transfer of civil rights very clear. The 1945 Constitution and Pancasila's philosophical and constitutional underpinnings, which place the goal of transferring civil rights in the management rights over state land on the basis of social justice for the greatest welfare of the Indonesian people, serve as the basis for the revision and harmonization of the privatization concept related to the transfer of civil rights in the management rights of PT.KAI.

Philosophical underpinnings in Jaun Elia's poetry: an exploration of coping mechanism in verses

ABSTRACT Jaun Elia, a prominent figure in Hindi and Urdu poetry, was a versatile personality known for his contributions as a poet and scholar. This article delves into the philosophical underpinnings of Jaun Elia's poetry, exploring themes of absurdism, alienation, and individualism as manifestations of his existential struggles. By employing thematic analysis, it delves into the intricate layers of thought within Elia's verses, revealing how poetry served as a coping mechanism for him amidst his perpetual anguish. Elia's work is examined as a testament to his resilience in the face of existential despair, shedding light on the ways in which he grappled with the inherent meaninglessness of existence. This study explains how Elia navigated his profound sense of isolation and pessimism, offering insights into the complex interplay between existential philosophy and poetic expression in his writings.

TECHNO-JAHILIYYAH: EXAMINING TRANSHUMANISM THROUGH THE ISLAMIC LENS

This paper explores the philosophical underpinnings of Transhumanism through the lens of the Islamic concept of Jahiliyyah. By examining the metanarratives of modernity that shape the transhumanist worldview, particularly those of autonomy, progress, and techno-salvationism, the paper argues that Transhumanism represents a form of secular enchantment. The analysis posits that Transhumanism emerges as a reaction to the crisis of meaning and purpose in modernity. Transhumanism's secular enchantment arises from its attempt to address the nihilistic implications of modernity. Applying the Qutbian framework of Jahiliyyah, the paper posits that Transhumanism is a manifestation of techno-jahiliyyah—a state of existential ignorance marked by an unwavering faith in science and technology as the exclusive means of transcendence and salvation. In response, the paper presents an Islamic counternarrative that emphasizes divine guidance, the integration of faith and reason, and the role of humans as Khalifah on earth.

Understanding hybridity governance in Africa: A theoretical framework for hybrid structures, policies, and practices

The amalgamation of traditional and modern governance systems represents a transformative advancement in contemporary African government. This study examines the concept of "hybridity governance" within the African context, providing a comprehensive theoretical framework that integrates modern institutional procedures with traditional governance systems. The paper examines the evolution of African governance from pre-colonial to post-colonial eras, illustrating the emergence of hybrid governance as a response to internal dynamics and external influences. It accomplishes this by utilising historical studies. The philosophical underpinnings are investigated, highlighting organisational and social concepts that elucidate the acceptance of hybrid models. The paper elucidates the applications, accomplishments, and challenges of hybrid government in several African nations through various empirical case studies. A critical examination examines the consequences of these governance paradigms for public administration in Africa. It underscores opportunities for innovation and enhanced flexibility, while also emphasising intrinsic challenges such as job ambiguity and conflict. The report concludes with forecasts regarding the future trajectory of hybrid governance in Africa, considering the interplay of local socio-political dynamics, global interconnectedness, and technological advancements. This article serves as a vital resource for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders interested in the evolving governance paradigm in Africa, providing valuable applications and recommendations.

Investigating EFL instructors’ approaches to classroom-based assessment culture: an explanatory sequential mixed-method approach

Based on sociocultural theory and pragmatism philosophical underpinnings, this study explores the classroom assessment practices of tertiary EFL practitioners, focusing on their alignment with contemporary constructivist assessment trends, methods, and approaches, rather than psychometrical assessments. The study extends knowledge on language teachers’ preparedness for implementing classroom assessment literacy. Participants were tertiary EFL instructors from four higher educational institutions in Saudi Arabia. Adopting an explanatory sequential mixed-methods research design, data were collected through self-reported questionnaires, classroom observations, and a review of assessment documents and artifacts. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis qualitative data. The dominance of traditional over alternative assessment methods was demonstrated, indicating gaps in teachers’ classroom assessment literacy. The findings highlight the contradiction, discrepancy, and complexity of the relationship between teachers’ articulated and exercised assessment practices. They provide baseline data for L2 classroom assessment policy, a classroom-based assessment framework, and a guide for teachers’ professional development in language assessment literacy.

Toward the logical structure of historical narrations. An interview with Paul A. Roth

ABSTRACT This interview with Paul A. Roth explores parts of his academic journey and his contributions to the philosophy of history, highlighting his engagement with analytical philosophy and the logical structure of historical explanation. Roth reflects on his educational background, influential mentors, and the evolution of his academic career. He discusses the challenges of bridging different philosophical audiences, the importance of narrative in historical explanation, and the interrelation of history and science. Roth’s work emphasizes the non-detachability, non-standardization, and non-aggregation of narrative explanations, advocating for a unified approach to understanding history as a science. Roth’s perspective offers a unique insight into the philosophical underpinnings of historical knowledge and its relevance to contemporary issues.

Философские кинопоэмы Годфри Реджио: поиск утраченной гармонии в фильме «Коянискацци»

This paper examines the philosophical underpinnings of Godfrey Reggio's documentary filmmaking, which presents a stark urban landscape of modern society and compels viewers to confront the impending threat of societal collapse. Reggio’s oeuvre functions as a series of manifestos, aiming to awaken humanity to the critical issue of survival. His films posit a path towards salvation, advocating for a responsible use of technology rather than a technologically-driven existence, and urging against the commodification of both humanity and the natural world. In “Koyaanisqazzi”, Reggio depicts an initial state of planetary harmony subsequently disrupted by technological advancement, resulting in an anthropogenically scarred and degraded Earth. Humanity, in this narrative, has lost its intrinsic values and equilibrium. The central conflict of the film lies in the disequilibrium between nature and modern society – life irrevocably thrown out of balance. By presenting viewers with an unrelenting stream of faces within the urban masses and visually depicting planetary degradation, Reggio prompts a critical re-evaluation of individual lifestyles and their associated values. The film serves as a potent catalyst for introspection and a reassessment of humanity’s relationship with its environment.

Optimising Malaysia’s power mix for a sustainable future: a multi-scenario modelling approach

PurposeThis study employs advanced modelling to assess the effectiveness of Malaysia’s current energy policies in achieving a low-carbon future. By optimising a 100% renewable energy mix, including energy storage, the research identifies pathways to decarbonise the power sector while minimising costs. These findings will inform the development of future policies.Design/methodology/approachThis study employs the Stockholm Environment Institute-developed Low Emissions Analysis Platform (LEAP) and Next Energy Modeling system for Optimization (NEMO) to construct and optimise a comprehensive Malaysian power sector model. The model encompasses both electricity supply, including diverse electricity generation sources and demand across key sectors. Three scenarios – existing policy, optimised existing policy and more ambitious policy (near-zero emissions) – are analysed.FindingsSolar photovoltaic (PV) is the dominant technology, but realising its full potential requires significant grid upgrades. While natural gas expansion underpins Malaysia’s decarbonisation strategy, solar and storage offer a cleaner and potentially cost-effective alternative. Rapid technological advancements in clean energy increase stranded asset risk for new gas power plants. Malaysia’s abundant bioenergy resources need more tapping. This can contribute to decarbonisation and rural development. Transitioning to a fully renewable grid necessitates substantial investments in energy storage and grid infrastructure. While falling battery costs and regional interconnection can mitigate costs, careful consideration of potential disruptions and cost fluctuations is essential for resilience.Research limitations/implicationsEnergy sector modelling results are inherently dependent on input assumptions, such as future technology costs, resource availability and fossil fuel prices. These factors can be highly uncertain. While this study did not conduct sensitivity analyses to explore how variations in these assumptions might affect the results (e.g. cost variations across scenarios, technology mix fluctuations), the core findings provide valuable insights into potential decarbonisation pathways for Malaysia’s power sector. Future studies could build upon this work by incorporating sensitivity analyses to provide a more comprehensive understanding of how key results might change under a wider range of future possibilities.Originality/valueThis study co-optimises a 100% renewable energy mix for Malaysia, incorporating a comprehensive range of renewable resources, battery and pumped hydro storage. The research also provides a unique perspective on the interplay of philosophical underpinnings, psychological maturity and energy policy.

Dopamine and Endorphins: A Study of Speed in Fashion as a Mechanism of Desire

This study delves into the contrasting mechanisms of fast fashion and slow fashion, examining how they operate as expressions of human desire driven by distinct neurological and philosophical underpinnings. Fast fashion, fueled by rapid production cycles and the influence of technology and capital, leverages dopamine-driven mechanisms to provide instant gratification. This model aligns with the short-term reward system, reinforcing consumer behaviors that lead to continuous purchases and cyclical consumption. However, this pursuit often results in environmental degradation, resource overuse, and psychological exhaustion among consumers. In contrast, slow fashion embodies a counter-narrative that emphasizes quality, sustainability, and long-term satisfaction, aligning with the endorphin-driven mechanisms. These endorphins, associated with deeper emotional fulfillment and resilience through challenges, promote a reflective, meaningful consumer experience. The philosophical analysis incorporates Schopenhauer’s concept of insatiable will, paralleling the endless desire perpetuated by fast fashion, and Nietzsche’s idea of the will to power, suggesting slow fashion as a creative and life-affirming response that embraces challenge and meaning. Ultimately, the article argues that while both fast and slow fashion engage human desire mechanisms, their impacts differ vastly in terms of sustainability, psychological well-being, and existential fulfillment. The study calls for a broader exploration of how technology, culture, and ethical considerations can reshape fashion consumption toward more sustainable and emotionally satisfying practices.

Exploring the Relational Commitments of Negotiating Narrative Accounts in Narrative Inquiry

The purpose of this article is to discuss and make clear the methodological commitments of co-composing and negotiating narrative accounts in narrative inquiry. The negotiation of interim texts is a widely used practice across a range of methodologies and paradigms (i.e., member checking, member validation, member reflections, and narrative accounting), yet there is little discussion on the varied philosophical underpinnings that shape the meaning and purpose of negotiating interim texts with participants. By drawing on the authors experiences of negotiating narrative accounts across projects this article will clarify the relational commitments that underpin this aspect of narrative inquiry as a move toward mutuality, co-composition, friendship, and ongoing attentiveness ordinary lived experience.

Systematic Literature Review of Ecological Discourse Analysis From 2014 to 2023

One of the crucial foci of contemporary linguistics is upon the complex human-nature relationship within the Anthropocene. An essential methodology of eco-linguistics is Ecological Discourse Analysis (EDA), a field which combines linguistics and ecology. The philosophical underpinning of EDA is rooted in an ecological thematic framework, emphasising the significance of biodiversity and sustainability in the natural world. Despite gaining attention over the past decade, EDA still lacks a comprehensive explanation to adequately and accurately explain the fundamental assertion of its philosophical framework: it gives undue prominence to language biodiversity and sustainability. This systematic literature review, conducted using the PRISMA 2020 paradigm, covers studies from 2014 to 2023. It examines 38 works on EDA across several genres. Further clues illustrate the application of EDA to various genres, often informed by theoretical frameworks associated with systemic functional linguistics, cognitive linguistics, and corpus linguistics. EDA research concentrates on ecological discourse and advocating for protection, exposing the lack of nomenclature, analytical framework, application domain, theoretical framework, and objectives. Furthermore, EDA faces challenges in effectively addressing ecological issues within discourse construction because it does not have a sound theoretical paradigm or enough systematicity. Furthermore, the texts analysed using EDA predominantly focus on ecological discourse, with only a few studies incorporating non-ecological literary texts. This underscores the necessity of expanding the scope of ecological linguistic research.

Philosophical and Ethical Underpinnings of the Medical Decision-Making Process: A Focus on Patient Values and Preferences.

Current clinical practice is based on the principles of evidence-based medicine (EBM) with clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) often serving as a source of information for the medical decision-making process. There are philosophical and ethical tenets underlying this process including those pertaining to patient values and preferences. Despite their importance, these tenets may receive less attention than the empirically derived recommendations in CPGs based on the principles of EBM. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of the philosophical and ethical underpinnings of the medical decision-making process with a focus on patient values and preferences so pharmacists and other clinicians can appreciate the interplay between science, philosophy and ethics when providing patient- or person-centered care. Appreciation of these discussions should help practitioners to recognize the limitations and challenges when attempting to incorporate population-based evidence into a patient-specific medical decision-making process that often necessitates reconciliation and negotiation between the clinician and patient when striving to provide optimal care.

The Dynamics of Kikuyu-Kalenjin Ethno-Political Relationships: The Run-up to 2013 Elections in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya

2007 Post Election Violence (PEV). Surprisingly, in the following immediate national elections held in 2013, the two major protagonist ethnics; the Kikuyu and Kalenjin, previously embroiled in the political violence of 2007, came together in a new political coalition in the fight for the position of president and vice president. The elections witnessed the political elite skillfully harness their cultural institutions to achieve political power. The main concern of this study, therefore, was to establish the role played by certain cultural aspects of ethnicity in restructuring the political engagements between the Kikuyu and Kalenjin in Uasin Gishu in the run-up to the 2013 elections. To this end, the study employed the lens of instrumentalist and primordial theories while employing the historical method with a duality of an interpretivism philosophical underpinning and a qualitative approach. Primary data was analysed thematically and corroborated with secondary data. The study posits that some cultural aspects of both the Kalenjin and Kikuyu were instrumentalised by the political elite in Uasin Gishu to coalesce their people for political expediency. By the use of the same reverse logic, the study advocates the use of traditional African cultural structures to inculcate peace and political tolerance among the residents of Uasin Gishu as this historical study has proved possible.

Demystifying Research Paradigms: Navigating Ontology, Epistemology, and Axiology in Research

A sound understanding of research paradigms is crucial for developing coherent and philosophically grounded research designs, particularly in the humanities and social sciences. This paper offers an accessible overview of the most common research paradigms: positivism, post-positivism, constructivism, social constructionism, interpretivism, pragmatism, and critical realism. These paradigms differ in their approaches to ontology (the nature of reality), epistemology (the nature of knowledge), and axiology (the role of values in research). The paper also discusses the methodological and ethical implications of these paradigms. Reflexivity and ethical responsibility are emphasised, where researchers must account for how their own biases and values influence their work. By exploring these paradigms and their philosophical foundations, this paper aims to help researchers identify the paradigm that best aligns with their views about the world, ultimately enabling them to coherently design studies that are methodologically sound, ethically informed, and practically relevant. This article contributes to academic discourse by offering a clear and practical guide to research paradigms, fostering a deeper understanding of the philosophical underpinnings that shape research practices across disciplines.