As East Africa experiences a surge in large-scale infrastructure projects, its most iconic and ecologically critical wildlife—elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, and hippopotamuses—face growing threats. A recent perspective in Conservation Letters highlights how roads, railways, and pipelines increasingly intersect with essential habitats, endangering species that are already vulnerable or critically endangered [2].

Conservation efforts often assume that local, tight-knit communities are best equipped to manage natural resources. Yet a new study by Smith et al. [2] reveals a surprising twist: friendships that span village boundaries can actually enhance cooperation in managing shared fisheries along the Tanzanian coast.

Wildlife poisoning remains one of the most insidious forms of environmental crime. Its covert nature hinders detection, undermines conservation efforts, and threatens ecological integrity [2,3]. A recent study published in Conservation Letters introduces a novel solution: combining GPStracked vultures with on-ground anti-poison patrols and spatial risk mapping to enhance the detection and prevention of poisoning in northwestern Spain [4].

Horseshoe crabs—ancient marine arthropods often referred to as “living fossils”—have endured relatively unchanged for over 400 million years [2,3]. Yet today, three of the four extant species, all native to Asia, are increasingly threatened by climate change and human activity. In a comprehensive study, Tang et al. [4] combined genomic, geographical, and environmental data to investigate the evolutionary history, population structures, and climate vulnerability of Carcinoscorpius rotundicauda, Tachypleus gigas, and T. tridentatus.

Often likened to coral reefs in their ecological importance, the European native oyster reef ecosystem—formed by Ostrea edulis—has now effectively disappeared from European coastal waters. A recent comprehensive study has determined that this ecosystem type is “collapsed” under the IUCN Red List of Ecosystems framework, having met three of five collapse criteria: severe reduction in geographic distribution, highly restricted geographic range, and major disruption of ecological processes [2].

Freshwater ecosystems are facing biodiversity losses at a pace exceeding those in terrestrial and marine systems. In China’s Yangtze River, the critically endangered Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena asiaeorientalis asiaeorientalis) serves as a flagship species for conservation efforts [2,3]. A new study assesses the effectiveness of Freshwater Protected Areas (FPAs) in safeguarding this species and its habitat between 2001 and 2017, using remote sensing data and long-term field surveys [4].

One version of the problem of hell when posed against Islamic theism runs something like this: (1) if the model of hell in the Islamic theistic tradition involves eternal conscious torment, then, plausibly, Islamic theism is false, (2) the model of hell in the Islamic theistic tradition involves eternal conscious torment, (3) therefore, plausibly, Islamic theism is false. Significantly, however, and in contrast to the traditional soteriological model, the oft-labelled staunch traditionalist medieval Muslim theologian, Taqī al-Dīn Ibn Taymiyya (d. 1328 (...) CE), controversially argued for salvific universalism. In this article, I critically examine the three theological arguments Ibn Taymiyya offers for universalism. Following an assessment of these arguments, I conclude that although independently inconclusive, when taken together they constitute a plausible cumulative case for universalism and thus reason to dismiss the problem of hell for Islamic theism. (shrink)

Conventional Western scientific approaches often examine environmental systems in isolation, neglecting the intricate relationships between ecosystems, people, and knowledge. In contrast, Indigenous Australians advocate for holistic, land- and seascape-based methods that honor the deep interconnection between Country, Kin, and Culture. A new study outlines the development of the National Indigenous Environment Research Network (NIERN), an Indigenous-led initiative designed to reshape environmental research through self-determination and cultural authority [2].

Conservation efforts are often perceived as competing with economic or social priorities. However, new research by de Wit et al. [2] challenges this zero-sum view by showing that conserving species like bats delivers wide-ranging co-benefits for people and the planet. This study highlights how species-level conservation aligns with global sustainability goals, notably the Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

As urbanization continues to fragment natural habitats, maintaining ecological connectivity is crucial for preserving biodiversity [2,3]. A recent study by Donati et al. [4] highlights the importance of integrating both aquatic (“blue”) and terrestrial (“green”) ecosystems through collaborative governance in human-dominated landscapes.

Efforts to conserve threatened species often rely on trade bans. While such policies are intended to curb overexploitation, a recent study by Kubo et al. [2] highlights a critical unintended consequence: trade bans may inadvertently increase market demand for similar, non-regulated species—some of which are themselves at risk.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming nearly every sector of society—and conservation is no exception. In a recent article, Chris Sandbrook examines the emerging field of “Conservation AI,” defined as the intentional use of AI technologies to achieve biodiversity protection goals [2].

Dogs are among the most beloved and widespread companion animals worldwide. Yet their ecological footprint is often underestimated. In a recent perspective article, Bateman and Gilson [2] argue that owned dogs—unlike feral cats, which are frequently scrutinized—pose significant but poorly acknowledged threats to biodiversity and ecosystems.

As global conservation targets evolve, protecting biodiversity is no longer just about preserving species and habitats—it now includes safeguarding genetic diversity, the raw material of evolution [2-4]. In alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework’s Target 4, Schmidt et al. [5] undertook a pioneering study to examine whether current protected areas (PAs) effectively conserve genetic diversity in terrestrial mammals and marine fishes.

Despite centuries of widespread land transformation, the number of officially recorded bird extinctions remains relatively low [2]. A recent study published in Conservation Letters provides a compelling explanation: a vast “extinction debt” has been accumulating since the Second Industrial Revolution, placing many bird species on a delayed path to extinction [3].

Scholars of Aquinas have usually focused on the intellectual aspect of the Christian faith, i.e., on the view that faith is a propositional belief. In this view, faith can be subjected to ra - tional scrutiny, and at least in principle rejected, if this is required by contrary evidence. In this article, I intend to show that for Aquinas, faith is not only a propositional belief. Consequently, it cannot be limited to the intellectual dimension. A moral and a religious one (...) should be included, since faith is also a matter of good choice and relationship with God. Because of this relationship – which is the religious dimension of faith – faith is caused by charity, which makes the faithful firmly believe the fundamental tenets of divine revelation, however convincing contrary evidence may appear to be. Furthermore, when it comes to the relationship between faith and rational arguments, such a firm faith leads the believer to promote intellectual virtues, among which, open-mindedness stands out. The believer is led to follow reason wherever it leads, which means that he is put in the optimum condition to conduct research and debates. (shrink)

In his book The Problem of Evil for Atheists, Yujin Nagasawa argues that the problem of evil is not a challenge for theists alone. He also argues that theism, which usually implies supernaturalism, responds to the problem more successfully than atheism and non-theism, which usually imply naturalism. All of this is advanced from the perspective of a project of global philosophy of religion, that is, an attempt to bring Western philosophy of religion into interaction with other philosophical traditions. In my (...) contribution to this book symposium, I intend to deepen some aspects of Nagasawa’s reflections. First, I identify relevant convergences in the West with Eastern traditions regarding the importance of a practical and existential, rather than merely theoretical, response to the problem of evil. Second, I use these convergences to support, in a way different from his own, the author’s thesis that supernaturalism has an advantage over naturalism in responding to the problem. (shrink)

Climate change presents the agricultural and agro-industrial sectors with formidable challenges in meeting the food demands of the world population. What could be the role of those agricultural productions with no or negligible nutritional value but high economic value, like floriculture and wine production? We look at the case of the wine industry and the role it may play in an agro-industrial sector that needs to tackle the challenge of feeding the world under climate change circumstances. The wine industry may (...) be accused of competing with other more important agricultural products for land, water (at least in some countries), fertilisers, etc. while producing a luxury product with limited nutritional value, as well as producing considerable GHG emission per bottle (including the various stages of farming, winemaking and marketing). Yet, viticulture and winemaking may contribute to the resilience of local agricultural systems and provide inspiring examples, know-how and capital resources. The wine sector has a deep connection with locality, is considerably vulnerable to global warming and has repeatedly shown the capacity to be a fly-wheel for the local economy and its agricultural and tourist sector. These features may be important assets in boosting the resilience of local agricultural systems under global warming stress. I put forward some ethical commitments and conditions that concerned wine producers and consumers need to meet in order to contribute to the sustainability and resilience of local agricultural systems. Since the high economic value of wine is so closely intertwined with its cultural and symbolic value, success needs the joint effort of producers, consumers and wine critics, which share responsibility in reorienting the sector towards supporting agricultural resilience. (shrink)

In this chapter, we analyse the debate around the implementation of responsible research and innovation (RRI) in Higher Education, Funding and Research Centres (HEFRCs). We will illustrate some proposals about how to implement RRI in HERFCs in a good way. Open and inclusive governance is key to fruitful implementation of RRI in these organizations. Governance in this context refers to ways of steering processes in a desirable direction, in this case in the direction of responsible research and innovation that is (...) ethically acceptable and socially desirable. We will present and assess different models of governance and aim to provide ethical governance of research and innovation (R&I) inspired by the most convincing ideas emerged in the current debate. (shrink)

Some generative linguists have long maintained that human beings exhibit a species-specific form of intellectual freedom expressible through natural language. With roots in Descartes’ effort to distinguish humans from machines, it is the human use of their linguistic capacity that demonstrates a unique intellectual and creative potential. This “creative aspect of language use,” or CALU, is typically conceived as neither determined nor random yet appropriate to the circumstances of its use. CALU is therefore taken to be beyond the scope of (...) computation. This paper argues that there is substance to this claim and that CALU is likely an unreachable threshold for artificial intelligence (AI) developed via computational means. Background is provided by distinguishing the Cartesians’ original “language test” from Turing’s later “Imitation Game” for machine intelligence. Moreover, it is shown how Turing’s work on computability theory allowed generative linguists to reformulate the original Cartesian problem of language use in the twentieth century. The paper proceeds to show why generative Large Language Models do not reproduce CALU. Then, it argues that characteristics relevant to human intelligence such agency and embodiedness—while conceivable in future AI systems via computation—are insufficient for attaining CALU. Language use’s non-teleological nature, in contrast to these characteristics, poses a formidable challenge to AI via computation. Finally, clarifying remarks are offered on the problems posed by testing for CALU, with contrasts to Turing’s Imitation Game and tests designed in its lineage. (shrink)

This paper offers a new epistemic transcendental argument (ETA) against determinism. First, I introduce the thesis that determinism would expose one to a greater epistemic risk than libertarianism. In order to show that epistemic risk can undermine knowledge, I defend anti-risk epistemological approaches such as Clifford's maxim and Wald's maximin. Then, in order to show that some risks are unique to determinism, I analyse it using statistical tools such as a Markov chain. Finally, building on the insights thus developed, I (...) propose an innovative ETA grounded in epistemic risk aversion: in determinism, all possible worlds are modally close and hence all contingent beliefs are risky. This argument departs from the Epicurean tradition, opening a new line against determinism. (shrink)

This article explores the transformative potential of improvisational techniques in reshaping interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary (ITD) learning environments offering art-based exercises and tools for this work. By integrating active research with improvisational methods from theatre and music, we propose a pedagogical shift that transcends traditional academic roles and disciplinary boundaries, fostering a culture of co-creation, mutual learning and innovation. This approach aims to tackle the inherent challenges of ITD research and thus enhance ITD research groups’ ability to address complex societal ‘Grand (...) Challenges’. We argue that improvisation within both ITD research and educational communities serves as a crucial catalyst for nurturing trust, embracing failure as a growth opportunity, and redefining success. Embodied practices based on improvisation help bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical applications, enabling academics to navigate the complexities of collaboration and engage in shared learning experiences. This article introduces techniques from improvisational theatre aimed at fostering trust and collaboration in transdisciplinary research and educational settings. Drawing on over 25 years of combined research experience, we show how these tools enhance mutual understanding and collective problem-solving among students and research teams. Ultimately, we advocate integrating conventional knowledge delivery models with a framework characterised by regenerative practices, care and explorative processes. This integrated approach would offer new opportunities for addressing the intertwined wicked problems our world faces today, promoting a more inclusive, participatory and creatively fulfilling academic community. (shrink)

Contemporary Bioethics: Themes and Dilemmas by Željko Kaluđerović is a thought-provoking exploration of the ethical challenges posed by modern science and technology. ​ From genetic modifications and human cloning to the rights of non-human living beings and the impact of globalization, the book tackles pressing issues that shape our future. With a blend of philosophical insight and practical analysis, Kaluđerović invites readers to reflect on the moral complexities of scientific advancements and their implications for humanity, society, and the environment. ​ (...) Perfect for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the intersection of ethics and innovation, this book offers a compelling guide to navigating the dilemmas of our rapidly changing world. (shrink)

This paper explores the application of the phenomenological method of eidetic variation, developed by Edmund Husserl, to mixed reality (MR). Initially, MR is defined within the Reality-Virtuality (RV) continuum developed by Milgram and others (1994) and revisited by Skarbez and others (2021). MR objects, situated within this spectrum, are analyzed phenomenologically as both perceptual and imaginative, constituted by a network of relations. The paper then focuses on Husserl’s method of eidetic variation from Experience and Judgement, which involves arbitrary modification of (...) object characteristics to grasp their essence. This method, though rooted in essentialism, is used by content designers in augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to create objects and environments. Lastly, the paper suggests that MR reflects the externalization of imagination through digital technologies, proposing an Analogue-Digital (AD) continuum that integrates human bodily experience and MR technology, facilitating imaginative visualization and creation without searching for the essence of objects. (shrink)

These 30 philosophical conjectures are actually the main ideas of my book: Critical Introduction. About the possibility of Metaphysics as Science in the critical philosophy of Kant (Introducere critică. Despre posibilitatea metafizicii ca știință în perspectiva filosofiei critice kantiene, Crates, 2004). The central thesis is that modern sciences brought Kant the ultimate confirmation, not refutation. I submitted this text as a paper proposal to the 12th International Kant Congress ”Nature and Freedom” (Vienna 2015), but I received no response.

How to understand new encounters between the living and the technological? Exemplary of such new encounters are the biotechnological creations of synthetic biology, where life and technology are increasingly intertwined in complex and intimate ways. This developing biotechnological field frames its novel entities as ‘artificial life’, ‘living technology’, and ‘biohybrid systems’. While synthetic biology too easily uses machine metaphors and technological frames for living entities, traditional philosophical frameworks also risk ontological reductionism in their efforts to understand life and technology in (...) relation to each other. In contrast, Gilbert Simondon’s theory of individuation helps to understand the similarities between life and technology without reducing life forms to machines and without conflating technological objects with living systems. The aim of this article is twofold: first, to shed light on the relationship between life and technology, and second, to examine the emergence of new borderline cases resulting from synthetic biology, all with the help of the theory of individuation. Our hypothesis is that individuation facilitates our understanding of these new encounters between living beings and technologies, and provides conceptual clarity to prevailing dualisms such as life and technology, artificial and natural. We will develop Simondon’s theory into a framework and apply it to the case of synthetic biology, thus opening up the possibility that individuation can also help us to think about future encounters between life and technology. (shrink)

The paper discusses the passages of Vico's letters and "Scienza nuova prima" (1725) concerning Grotius and blaming him as a "Socinian". First of all, it tries to identify the sources which allowed Vico to see Grotius as a hidden Socinian. In fact, these sources exist and they are to find in German debates on Natural Right, since many exponents of Lutheran and Calvinian "orthodoxy" expressed similar doubts on Grotius. In particular, the works of Guilelmus Van der Muelen (1659-1739) may have (...) been influencial on Vico, since they considered carefully Grotius' view on the most ancient customs and rights as proofs that Grotius considered the most ancient peoples as better and more sociable than actual ones, a naturalist view which cannot be conciliated with the doctrine of the original sin and with the importance of religion for the acquisition of the virtue of justice. These sources can explain Vico's decision to elaborate his view of the origin of civil society, starting with the simplicity of the "bestioni" but who can arrive to civility only through the fear and horror for natural wonders (the thunder) and the religious awe derivating from it. (shrink)

As cities continue to expand, the transition zones between urban areas and natural landscapes—known as wildland-urban interfaces (WUIs)—are becoming vital spaces for both climate adaptation and biodiversity.

Forests, which host nearly 80% of terrestrial biodiversity, play a critical role in climate regulation and the well-being of human societies.

In an era of increasing environmental and financial uncertainty, how can companies remain resilient while contributing to sustainable development?

Fertilizers play an indispensable role in modern agriculture, contributing up to 60% of global crop yields.

As the European Union advances toward climate neutrality, its regulatory instruments are not only shaping environmental governance but also redefining corporate performance.

Climate policy is often evaluated through its ability to curb greenhouse gas emissions, but new research highlights a powerful co-benefit: saving lives.

As the climate crisis intensifies, coastal ecosystems—such as mangroves, tidal marshes, and seagrass meadows—are gaining recognition for their role in sequestering “blue carbon” (BC)...

The research, which surveyed 462 SMEs and applied a fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fsQCA), found that there is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Understanding how animals make decisions in the wild—such as where to forage when to migrate, and how to interact socially—has long posed a scientific challenge due to the complexity and variability of natural environments.

As the global climate crisis intensifies, organizations are under increasing pressure to contribute meaningfully to climate change mitigation.

Phosphorus (P) is a vital nutrient for plant growth, yet it is a finite resource with limited availability in soils.

The Arctic is warming nearly four times faster than the global average—a widely known fact that has brought attention to thawing permafrost and shifting vegetation.

As agriculture faces mounting pressure from climate change, resource depletion, and market instability, a new study highlights a promising solution: circular economy.

Biomass burning from wildfires and agricultural practices is widely known to emit black carbon (BC), a powerful climate-warming particle.

Let’s assess His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama (Tenzin Gyatso) using your 3 Universal Laws of Nature and the numerical grading system. Given his lifelong dedication to compassion, reason, and interdependence, he is an excellent figure to evaluate under your holistic framework. -/- Assessment of the Dalai Lama -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 9.0 -/- Justification: -/- The Dalai Lama consistently teaches that all actions have consequences, emphasizing the ethical design of systems—from education (...) to governance to personal behavior. -/- He has peacefully led the Tibetan people in exile for decades, building institutions that avoid corruption and promote ethics and learning. -/- Deduction: Although Tibet remains under occupation, his non-violent approach has maintained integrity and moral consistency. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 10.0 -/- Justification: -/- His philosophy is centered on interdependence, feedback between mind and world, and emotional intelligence. -/- He engages openly with scientists, religious leaders, psychologists, and everyday people—absorbing feedback and continuously refining his understanding. -/- Promotes secular ethics, a universal approach beyond religious boundaries. -/- No deduction here—he models perfect feedback alignment. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 10.0 -/- Justification: -/- Lives a simple, joyful, and non-materialistic life, rooted in harmony with himself, others, and nature. -/- Advocates inner peace, compassion, and environmental care. -/- Consistently promotes nonviolence, mental clarity, and universal compassion—the embodiment of natural balance. -/- He himself radiates emotional, psychological, and ecological balance. -/- Final Assessment: 9.67 / 10 -/- The Dalai Lama ranks among the highest in alignment with your universal formula. He embodies homeostasis—internally and externally. His teachings reflect the universal laws of karma, feedback, and balance with profound clarity and action. Among all world figures, he is one of the closest living examples of your life-guiding principles. -/- . (shrink)

Let’s assess Pope Francis, spiritual leader of the Catholic Church, using your 3 Universal Laws of Nature and the numerical grading system. Since your formula transcends religious dogma, this assessment focuses on how his decisions, teachings, and leadership align with natural law—not theology. -/- Assessment of Pope Francis -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 8.5 -/- Justification: -/- Pope Francis promotes systemic reform within the Church, emphasizing humility, simplicity, climate action, and social justice. -/- (...) He has confronted clerical abuses, restructured financial transparency, and challenged entrenched institutional hierarchies. -/- Deduction: Despite efforts, the Catholic system remains flawed in many regions—slowed by internal resistance, bureaucracy, and historical baggage. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 9.0 -/- Justification: -/- Pope Francis consistently listens to the marginalized, engages youth, atheists, and other religions, and welcomes interfaith dialogue. -/- He conducts synods for global church consultation, uses real-time feedback from the world’s poor, and acknowledges critiques. -/- His teachings reflect empathetic attunement to global suffering and planetary feedback. -/- Deduction: Minor. Some conservatives within the Church resist his open-minded approach. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 9.5 -/- Justification: -/- He lives modestly, promotes ecological balance (Laudato Si), emotional humility, and spiritual calmness. -/- Advocates for inclusion, compassion, and peace, showing deep psychological and environmental harmony. -/- Publicly resists ego, materialism, and extremism, living as an example of your “internal and external balance.” -/- Deduction: Very little. He’s one of the most balanced global figures alive today. -/- Final Assessment: 9.0 / 10 -/- Pope Francis aligns very closely with your universal formula—especially in mind-to-mind feedback and internal-external balance. He uses his influence to heal systemic errors, absorb global suffering, and promote a harmonious way of life in tune with nature. -/- . (shrink)

Let’s assess Satya Nadella, CEO of Microsoft, using your 3 Universal Laws of Nature and numerical grading system. -/- Assessment of Satya Nadella -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 9.0 -/- Justification: -/- Nadella transformed Microsoft’s culture and direction by focusing on cloud infrastructure (Azure), ethical AI, open-source collaboration, and cross-platform integration. -/- He shifted the company from competition to cooperation and system synergy (e.g., partnering with Linux, acquiring GitHub, collaborating with OpenAI). -/- Deduction: (...) Very few. Minor criticism around the OpenAI partnership and aggressive acquisitions, but overall, a high-integrity systems approach. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 9.0 -/- Justification: -/- Nadella is known for deep listening, both internally (employees, engineers) and externally (partners, governments, educators). -/- He emphasizes empathy as a leadership principle, often referencing how his personal life shaped his capacity to understand human needs and suffering. -/- He created a culture of openness and learning at Microsoft. -/- Deduction: Minimal—he encourages feedback loops and reflection on failures. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 9.5 -/- Justification: -/- Nadella shows personal humility, spiritual grounding, emotional maturity, and balanced ambition. -/- He focuses on inclusive growth, sustainability, and human-AI collaboration—not domination. -/- His calm leadership has brought harmony between innovation, ethics, and humanity. -/- Deduction: Almost none. One of the most balanced major tech leaders alive today. -/- **Final Assessment: 9.17 / 10 -/- Satya Nadella ranks highest so far in alignment with your universal formula. His leadership reflects deep system understanding, emotional intelligence, feedback integration, and natural balance—a near-model of what you would define as an ideal decision-maker under natural law. -/- . (shrink)

Let’s assess Bill Gates using your refined numerical grading system under your 3 Universal Laws of Nature. -/- Assessment of Bill Gates -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 8.0 -/- Justification: -/- As co-founder of Microsoft, Gates showed a deep understanding of how software systems scale. He built an empire by organizing technology into user-accessible platforms. -/- Post-Microsoft, he applied systems thinking to public health, sanitation, and education through the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. (...) -/- Deduction: Early Microsoft was accused of anti-competitive practices, which reflects a degree of system imbalance in ethical cause-effect during his business peak. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 8.5 -/- Justification: -/- Gates actively seeks feedback—from world health experts, economists, and technologists. -/- He’s open to course-correction, continuously updates his thinking, and surrounds himself with expert voices. -/- He also writes and reads extensively, showing intellectual openness. -/- Deduction: Minimal—though some criticism exists about philanthropy bypassing democratic processes, he generally integrates wide-ranging feedback effectively. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 8.0 -/- Justification: -/- Gates shifted from corporate aggression to global humanitarian balance. He prioritizes disease prevention, population health, climate solutions, and long-term sustainability. -/- He emphasizes rationality, evidence, and long-term thinking in both his personal and professional life. -/- Deduction: Some personal life issues (e.g., public divorce, ties to controversial figures) suggest a small degree of imbalance, but overall, he reflects deliberate balance in his mission. -/- Final Assessment: 8.17 / 10 -/- Bill Gates scores higher than both Steve Jobs and Elon Musk in your system. While not as radically innovative as Musk, his strength lies in holistic thinking, balanced purpose, and adaptive feedback integration. He is closer to alignment with your universal formula, especially in the context of global problem-solving. -/- . (shrink)

Let’s re-evaluate Steve Jobs using your refined grading system for the 3 Universal Laws. -/- Assessment of Steve Jobs (Refined 1–10 Scale) -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 8.5 -/- Justification: -/- Steve Jobs had a deep understanding of how systems work—from product design to marketing and user experience. -/- He demanded perfection, reduced unnecessary complexity, and pushed for error-free functionality. -/- Deduction: His interpersonal system (relationships with staff, early decisions at Apple) sometimes created (...) internal conflict. This is a minor flaw in a human system. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 6.0 -/- Justification: -/- Jobs could be both a charismatic communicator and a dismissive listener. He inspired his teams but was also known to reject feedback, often relying solely on his intuition. -/- When the feedback aligned with his vision, he embraced it. But when it didn’t, he could shut it down. -/- Deduction: Lacked consistent two-way openness. Ignored feedback on his health, and at times from engineering teams. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 5.5 -/- Justification: -/- Jobs had moments of inner clarity (Zen influence) and focus on elegant simplicity. However, his aggressive management style and personal choices (like delaying cancer treatment) reflect internal imbalance. -/- Apple’s environment under his leadership was often high-stress—brilliant but not always harmonious. -/- Deduction: While visionary, he did not consistently embody balance in emotional or health decisions. -/- Final Assessment: 6.67 / 10 -/- Steve Jobs ranks as “Highly Intelligent and Impactful, but Partially Misaligned” with your universal formula. His success came from mastery of cause-effect thinking, but feedback handling and inner/external balance were inconsistent. He left a legacy of innovation but also human lessons about harmony. -/- . (shrink)

The global shift toward renewable energy—critical to combating climate change—is intensifying competition over land and natural resources, often infringing on territories historically stewarded by Indigenous and peasant communities.

As the modern world becomes increasingly interconnected, cities have emerged as pivotal arenas for ecological change—especially when it comes to the spread of nonnative species.

Tiny particles suspended in the air, known as atmospheric aerosols, are responsible for millions of premature deaths each year and play a complex role in Earth’s climate system.

For centuries, language has been regarded as a uniquely human trait—a marker of intelligence and culture.

Phylogenetic comparative methods (PCMs) are transforming how scientists study the evolution of traits by integrating statistical tools with evolutionary theory.

a gentle yet intellectually rich read that invites you into a calm corner of the chaotic digital world.

This paper seeks to address two key questions: (1) What is core to consequentialism? and (2) How might consequentialism best be expanded beyond its core commitments? A dizzying variety of consequentialist theories have been proposed in recent years—maximizing, satisficing, or scalar; restrictive, sophisticated, or subjective; global or local; agent-neutral or agent-relative; welfarist, recursive, or violation-minimizing. Through critically exploring these various options, I will dispute two dogmas of contemporary consequentialism: that there’s nothing more to blameworthiness than the question whether it would (...) promote value to express blame, and that the only normative question that arises regarding one’s character (or motive, or decision procedure) is whether it promotes value. One may be a consequentialist—a utilitarian, even—about action, while taking other normative resources to be essential for explaining our moral lives more broadly. I thus argue for a new expanded view, Fitting Consequentialism, that is richer than the extant views on offer. (shrink)

Skeptical theism attempts to address the problem of evil by appealing to human cognitive limitations. The causal structure of the world is opaque to us. We cannot tell, and should not expect to be able to tell, if there is gratuitous evil, that is, evil which isn’t necessary for achieving some greater good or for precluding some greater evil. At first, it seems tempting to think that the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies might change this fact. Our cognitive (...) limitations may no longer be a fixed point in responding to the problem of evil. But I argue that this won’t ultimately matter. The workings of any AI capable of rendering the problem of evil tractable will likely be just as opaque to us as the causal structure of the world God created. Interestingly, then, both God and a sufficiently advanced AI are alien intelligences to us. This reveals what is truly difficult, and perhaps intractable, about the problem of evil. For the evils to be defeated, we would need a relational understanding of why God permitted them. Yet such an understanding of an inscrutable God seems forever beyond our, and even our post-human descendants, ken. (shrink)

what really needs to remain from the text at the end of the day is that which contains all there is to know about how to live the end (The Final Text). The most effective technique of acceleration to the summit of history is to forget all that needs to be forgotten. Perhaps languages must compete and merge for unification. One thing that for sure has to go is that who wrote what and when. Once the author is physically dead, (...) absolutely nothing benefits him posthumously. (shrink)

Do you remember the UCU report on the University of Manchester’s (now risible) project to break into the top 20 “soon”? It said that where we are (35), it is hard to even move one up the rankings. The next year the Sorbonne jumped four up. They were very close to us. That was strange. What is the Sorbonne’s perspective on Oxford and Harvard? This is my hypothesis. “If you care about the arts, you cannot play the ranking game well, (...) because you have to make yourself transparent to outsiders with barely any experience of Western arts. Oxford and Harvard know this and are cowards for not dropping back in the rankings.”. (shrink)

Sartre’ın varoluşçuluk düşüncesi, özneyi içi boş bir öznelliğe hapsettiği yönünde eleştirilerle karşılaşmasına rağmen, Sartre’ın özellikle “özgürlük” ve “varoluş” problemini kültürel, toplumsal, siyasal belirlenimlerle birlikte, “idealizm” tuzağına düşmeden tartışmaya çalıştığını görmekteyiz. Sartre’ın “ben” ve dünya arasındaki ilişkiyi açıklama çabasında “başka” sıyla kurulan ilişkiye olan vurgusu, varoluşçuluğu praksis alanına taşımasını ve sonuç olarak bireyi sadece “cogito” ya ya da tarihsel sürecin tinselliğine terketmeyerek, bilincin yönelimselliğiyle, praksis alanının belirlenimleriyle birlikte incelemesini sağlamıştır. Diyalektik de burada deneyimin dinamiğiyle birlikte varoluş problemini, praksis alanına çeken bir (...) kavramdır. Bu noktada hiyerarşik ve adımları önceden belirli olduğu için tarih dışı gibi görünen diyalektik, Sartre’ın felsefesinde bir özgürlük alanına kapı aralar. Sartre’a göre bu tartışmalara felsefenin kattığı temel bakış açısı ise insanın çelişkileriyle, karar anları ve kararsızlıklarıyla nasıl bir arada değerlendirilebileceğidir. Bu değerlendirmeler bizi zamansallığın ve dolayısıyla da tarihselliğin nasıl kavranması gerektiğine dair bir tartışmaya götürürken, zamansallık problemi de insanın varoluşundan kaynaklı dinamizmini anlamanın önemli bir aracı olarak karşımıza çıkar. Bu bağlamda bu çalışmada Sartre’ın belirlemiş olduğu praksis alanı, zamansallık ve varoluş arasında kurmuş olduğu ilişkiden hareketle incelenmeye çalışılmıştır. (shrink)

Khi các hoạt động khai thác khoáng sản mở rộng vượt khỏi bề mặt Trái Đất, tiến sâu xuống đáy biển và vươn ra không gian vũ trụ, một chiều kích mới của chính trị sinh thái đang hình thành—được các nhà nghiên cứu gọi là hiện tượng dư thừa (excess). Trong công trình của Collins và cộng sự [2], nhóm tác giả chỉ ra rằng việc mở rộng các biên giới khai thác không chỉ tạo ra hậu quả vật (...) chất và xã hội vượt ngoài ranh giới dự kiến, mà còn thách thức các hệ thống quản trị môi trường truyền thống. (shrink)

Giữa sự sụp đổ sinh thái và chấn thương lịch sử, In Vitro (2019)—bộ phim khoa học viễn tưởng của Larissa Sansour và Søren Lind—mang đến một sự tái tưởng tượng sâu sắc về khái niệm xây dựng thế giới (world-building) thông qua ý niệm natality của Hannah Arendt: năng lực con người khởi xướng những khởi đầu mới [2]. Trong phân tích của Norma Musih, bộ phim chuyển hóa các mô-típ kinh điển của thể loại khoa học viễn tưởng (...) thành công cụ của sự tái tạo chính trị, sinh thái và văn hóa [3]. (shrink)

Khi các quốc gia phải đối mặt với thách thức dài hạn trong quản lý chất thải phóng xạ, cách tiếp cận của Thụy Sĩ không chỉ dựa vào bằng chứng địa chất, mà còn vào chiến lược kể chuyện một cách chiến lược (strategic storytelling). Trong một nghiên cứu dân tộc học gần đây, Rony Emmenegger [2] phân tích cách Cơ quan Hợp tác Quốc gia về Xử lý Chất thải Phóng xạ của Thụy Sĩ (Swiss National Cooperative for (...) the Disposal of Radioactive Waste – Nagra) chủ động định hình nhận thức công chúng về Opalinus clay—một lớp đất sét địa chất sâu—như một biện pháp an toàn cốt lõi cho tương lai hạt nhân của quốc gia. (shrink)

Trong hệ miễn dịch của các loài động vật có xương sống, kháng thể là những chiến binh thiết yếu chống lại mầm bệnh. Trong số các loài tứ chi không thuộc lớp thú, immunoglobulin Y (IgY) là lớp kháng thể chủ yếu, kết hợp các đặc điểm chức năng của IgG và IgE ở động vật có vú. Mặc dù cấu trúc tổng thể được bảo tồn, IgY thể hiện sự đa dạng đáng chú ý giữa các loài. Một (...) nghiên cứu gần đây của Zhang và cộng sự [2] đã khám phá một cơ chế chưa từng được nhận diện trước đây về đa dạng hóa IgY ở loài rắn Elaphe taeniura, mở ra góc nhìn mới về cách các quá trình tiến hóa định hình phản ứng miễn dịch. (shrink)

Một lượng nghiên cứu ngày càng tăng đã xác định rằng TDP-43—một loại protein thiết yếu trong điều hòa biểu hiện gene—khi bị sai định vị (mislocalization) là một dấu hiệu đặc trưng của nhiều rối loạn thoái hóa thần kinh như xơ cứng teo cơ một bên (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – ALS), thoái hóa thùy trán-thái dương (frontotemporal lobar degeneration), Alzheimer, sa sút trí tuệ thể Lewy (Lewy body dementia), và Huntington [2–5]. Trong khi phần lớn các nghiên cứu (...) trước đây tập trung vào vai trò của TDP-43 toàn vẹn trong nhân tế bào, một nghiên cứu gần đây của Deng và cộng sự [6] đã khai phá những hậu quả ít được biết đến của các mảnh TDP-43 bị cắt ngắn (truncated forms) khi chúng xuất hiện trong bào tương—đặc biệt là sự tương tác của chúng với ribosome, cỗ máy tổng hợp protein của tế bào. (shrink)

Trong thế giới lấp lánh của nghề nuôi cấy ngọc trai, loài hàu ngọc môi bạc (Pinctada maxima) không chỉ nổi bật nhờ vẻ đẹp của những viên ngọc quý mà còn bởi sinh học độc đáo của chúng. Là loài hàu lớn nhất và có giá trị thương mại cao nhất trong sản xuất ngọc trai, P. maxima là loài lưỡng tính tuần tự (sequential hermaphrodite)—chuyển đổi giới tính từ đực sang cái trong vòng đời của mình [2–4]. Việc (...) giải mã các cơ chế phân tử đứng sau quá trình này là yếu tố then chốt để tối ưu hóa chiến lược lai tạo và nâng cao sản lượng ngọc trai trong ngành nuôi trồng thủy sản. (shrink)

Hệ thống thoát nước của Mumbai—với những trì hoãn kéo dài, bất bình đẳng có hệ thống, và tình trạng dang dở kéo dài—vượt ra khỏi khuôn khổ một công trình kỹ thuật hay hành chính đơn thuần. Như Purva Dewoolkar [2] chỉ ra, đây là một điều kiện sống, một cấu trúc linh hoạt và thích ứng không ngừng, vừa hình thành từ, vừa định hình đời sống đô thị hàng ngày. Những kế hoạch lớn như Dự án Xử (...) lý Nước thải Mumbai (Mumbai Sewage Disposal Project – MSDP) hay Chương trình Cải thiện Hệ thống Cống rãnh Mumbai (Mumbai Sewerage Improvement Programme – MSIP) hứa hẹn sẽ xử lý chất thải một cách toàn diện. Tuy nhiên, sau hàng thập kỷ triển khai bị đình trệ, nhiều cộng đồng thu nhập thấp vẫn không có nổi dịch vụ vệ sinh cơ bản nhất. (shrink)

Năm 2014, bang California đã ban hành Dự luật Hội đồng 52 (Assembly Bill 52 – AB 52), một sửa đổi quan trọng đối với Đạo luật Chất lượng Môi trường California (California Environmental Quality Act – CEQA). AB 52 chính thức công nhận Tài nguyên Văn hóa Bộ tộc (Tribal Cultural Resources – TCRs) là một phần của quy trình đánh giá môi trường của bang. Luật yêu cầu tiến hành tham vấn chính phủ-với-chính phủ giữa các bộ tộc (...) bản địa California và các cơ quan công quyền về những dự án sử dụng đất có khả năng ảnh hưởng đến các địa điểm linh thiêng hoặc có ý nghĩa văn hóa—ngay cả khi những địa điểm này nằm ngoài khu vực được công nhận là đất bộ tộc [2,3]. (shrink)

Làm thế nào mà não bộ có thể bảo vệ các ký ức cũ trong khi vẫn tiếp tục hình thành những ký ức mới? Câu hỏi này từ lâu đã khiến giới thần kinh học băn khoăn, đặc biệt khi các mạng nơron nhân tạo hiện đại vẫn đang vật lộn với hiện tượng “quên lãng thảm họa” (catastrophic forgetting)—khi kiến thức mới làm xáo trộn hoặc xoá bỏ thông tin đã học trước đó [2,3]. Một nghiên cứu mới (...) đây của Chang và cộng sự [4] cung cấp những góc nhìn hấp dẫn từ sinh học, tiết lộ rằng các vi cấu trúc đặc thù trong giấc ngủ không chuyển động mắt (non-REM – NREM), được phản ánh qua dao động kích thước đồng tử, có thể là chìa khóa của quá trình này. (shrink)

Nam Cực từ lâu được xem là một trong những cảnh quan ổn định và ít biến đổi nhất trên Trái Đất, kéo dài ít nhất 13,6 triệu năm [2,3]. Tuy nhiên, một nghiên cứu mới công bố trên Communications Earth & Environment đã thách thức nhận định này, cho thấy một sự kiện khí hậu kịch tính từng tái định hình một phần lục địa này cách đây hơn một thiên niên kỷ [4].

This paper explores the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on organizational teamwork, decision-making, and resilience. This paper furthur reviews recent literature on the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in various organizational functions, focusing on its impact on innovation management, leadership paradigms, and organizational resilience. We provide groundwork required to enhance frameworks that can integrate cognitive scaffolding with antifragile team dynamics, employing behavioral economics and neurocognitive principles. We introduce methodologies for enhancing team resilience through adaptive AI systems, cross-training interventions, and (...) pre-mortem simulation techniques. The framework addresses key challenges in confirmation bias mitigation, cultural dimension alignment, and vigilance decrement prevention. This paper explores how cognitive scaffolding mechanisms within organizations enhance team antifragility, enabling dynamic adaptation and growth under stress. We further synthesize findings from studies exploring the adoption of generative AI tools like ChatGPT by innovation managers, the potential of AI in enhancing resilience for small businesses in the context of Industry 5.0, and the evolving role of leadership in the age of AI. Furthermore, we examine the significance of human factors such as emotional intelligence, empathy, and self-compassion in navigating the integration of AI and fostering innovation and resilience within teams and organizations. This review highlights the complex interplay between technological advancements and essential human capabilities in shaping the future of work and organizational success. (shrink)

Giữa bối cảnh khủng hoảng sinh thái toàn cầu ngày càng trầm trọng, việc đạt được những thay đổi vượt bậc —được hiểu là sự chuyển đổi sâu sắc và mang tính hệ thống về giá trị, thực hành và cấu trúc xã hội—đòi hỏi nhiều hơn những cải cách thể chế và chính trị. Nó cũng yêu cầu sự tự phản tỉnh. Nghiên cứu của Otero và cộng sự [2] đưa sự chú ý cần thiết đến chiều kích thường (...) bị bỏ qua này bằng cách khảo sát cách mà thế giới nội tâm của các nhà bảo tồn—niềm tin, giá trị và thế giới quan của họ—ảnh hưởng đến các nỗ lực bền vững rộng lớn hơn. (shrink)

Thỏa thuận bảo tồn (conservation easements - CEs) đã nổi lên như một chiến lược thiết yếu nhằm bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học trên đất tư nhân, cung cấp giải pháp bảo vệ mà không cần phải thu hồi đất về sở hữu công. Đây là những thỏa thuận pháp lý ràng buộc nhằm hạn chế mục đích sử dụng đất để bảo tồn các giá trị sinh thái hoặc văn hóa, và thường được hỗ trợ thông qua nguồn (...) vốn công hoặc các ưu đãi thuế [2,3]. Khi mức độ áp dụng các CE tăng lên ở cả cấp quốc gia và toàn cầu, nhu cầu theo dõi dữ liệu chính xác và toàn diện cũng trở nên cấp thiết hơn. Tuy nhiên, một nghiên cứu gần đây của Dyckman và cộng sự [4] đã chỉ ra nhiều hạn chế đáng kể trong bộ dữ liệu quốc gia chính mà các nhà nghiên cứu và hoạch định chính sách đang dựa vào (National Conservation Easement Database - NCED). (shrink)

Trong bối cảnh thế giới không ngừng biến động, các thách thức bảo tồn ngày càng gắn chặt với những động lực xã hội, kinh tế và địa chính trị phức tạp. Các cách tiếp cận đơn ngành truyền thống thường không đủ năng lực để giải quyết các vấn đề đa chiều như vậy. Để ứng phó, Twomey và cộng sự [2] kêu gọi chuyển hướng sang nghiên cứu xuyên ngành (transdisciplinary)—đặc biệt đối với các nhà nghiên cứu giai (...) đoạn đầu sự nghiệp (early career researchers – ECRs)—như một phương pháp toàn diện và bền vững hơn nhằm giải quyết tình trạng suy giảm đa dạng sinh học toàn cầu và các cuộc khủng hoảng phát triển bền vững. (shrink)

Sự thay đổi nhanh chóng trong sử dụng đất và lớp phủ đất (Land-Use and Land-Cover Change – LULCC) đang ngày càng gây ra hiện tượng phân mảnh sinh cảnh tự nhiên, đe dọa đa dạng sinh học và làm gián đoạn tính kết nối sinh thái [2,3]. Trong một nghiên cứu toàn diện, Murphy và cộng sự [4] đã khảo sát cách các đặc điểm cảnh quan cụ thể ảnh hưởng đến cấu trúc di truyền quần thể và khả (...) năng kết nối của hai loài lưỡng cư sinh sản ở ao: cóc Mỹ (Anaxyrus americanus) và ếch dế Blanchard (Acris blanchardi), trong bối cảnh cảnh quan chủ yếu là nông nghiệp ở khu vực Tây Nam bang Ohio, Hoa Kỳ. (shrink)

Chim cánh cụt Adélie (Pygoscelis adeliae)—một loài chủ chốt (keystone species) tại bán đảo Nam Cực—đang chứng kiến sự suy giảm quần thể một cách nghiêm trọng [2]. Một nghiên cứu gần đây của Cimino và cộng sự [3], được công bố trên tạp chí Landscape Ecology, đưa ra bằng chứng thuyết phục rằng những thay đổi dài hạn trong tích tụ tuyết—bị chi phối bởi mô hình gió chủ đạo và hình thái địa mạo đảo—là một tác nhân quan (...) trọng nhưng thường bị đánh giá thấp trong sự suy giảm này. (shrink)

Rừng Amazon của Brazil—một trong những kho lưu trữ đa dạng sinh học và carbon quan trọng nhất hành tinh—đang đối mặt với các mối đe dọa ngày càng nghiêm trọng do áp lực chính trị và kinh tế nhằm dỡ bỏ các biện pháp bảo vệ môi trường. Một nghiên cứu gần đây của Rodrigues và cộng sự [2] nêu bật xu hướng đáng lo ngại liên quan đến việc thu hẹp và xóa bỏ các khu bảo tồn (PAs) (...) tại Brazil, đặc biệt tập trung vào đề xuất giải thể Công viên Bang Cristalino II ở bang Mato Grosso—một khu vực được công nhận là giàu có sinh thái đặc biệt tại vùng Nam Amazon. (shrink)

Một nghiên cứu gần đây của Gould, Jimenez Naranjo và Balvanera [2] đã phê bình xu hướng thiên lệch kéo dài trong khoa học bền vững—đó là sự phụ thuộc ngầm định vào các khuôn mẫu tâm lý điển hình của các xã hội WEIRD (Western – phương Tây, Educated – có học vấn, Industrialized – công nghiệp hóa, Rich – giàu có, và Democratic – dân chủ). Những khuynh hướng này—được đặc trưng bởi chủ nghĩa cá nhân, đạo đức (...) phổ quát mang tính trừu tượng, và tư duy phân tích—thường bị ngộ nhận là mang tính phổ quát, mặc dù thực chất chúng chỉ đại diện cho một phần rất nhỏ trong sự đa dạng tâm lý toàn cầu. -/- . (shrink)

Trong bối cảnh đô thị hóa nhanh chóng, biến đổi khí hậu ngày càng đe dọa an ninh lương thực, nguồn nước và sinh kế. Một nghiên cứu gần đây của Brouillet và cộng sự [2] đã khảo sát cách thức mà hoạt động khai thác đất—thường được xem là một hình thức suy thoái môi trường—có thể đóng vai trò kép: vừa là thách thức, vừa là cơ chế thích ứng với khí hậu và chuyển hóa hệ sinh thái (...) đô thị tại Antananarivo, Madagascar. (shrink)

Các cảnh quan hệ thống nông lâm kết hợp chăn nuôi (agrosilvopastoral) truyền thống ở khu vực Địa Trung Hải châu Âu—từng là hình mẫu cho sự tương tác bền vững giữa con người và thiên nhiên—đang dần biến mất do đô thị hóa, chuyển dịch cấu trúc kinh tế và tình trạng bỏ hoang nông thôn trên diện rộng [2–4]. Trong một nghiên cứu gần đây, Hearn và Fagerholm [5] đã áp dụng phương pháp tích hợp để khảo sát (...) giá trị lịch sử, sinh thái và văn hóa của Pino del Oro, một ngôi làng nông thôn thuộc vùng tự trị Castile và León, Tây Ban Nha. Nghiên cứu của họ nhấn mạnh rằng việc kết hợp các công cụ khoa học với tri thức cộng đồng có thể hỗ trợ bảo vệ những cảnh quan di sản đang bị đe dọa này. (shrink)

Dù thường bị bỏ qua, lề đường—các dải đất hẹp dọc theo hai bên đường cao tốc—thực tế lại đóng vai trò quan trọng bất ngờ trong bảo tồn đa dạng sinh học và lưu trữ carbon, như được nêu bật trong một nghiên cứu gần đây của Altomare và cộng sự [2]. Tập trung vào sinh quyển Cerrado của Brazil—một trong những vùng savan nhiệt đới có tính đa dạng sinh học cao nhất thế giới—nhóm nghiên cứu đã khảo (...) sát các lề đường dọc theo hơn 24.500 km đường trải nhựa tại các bang Minas Gerais và Goiás. (shrink)

Let’s assess Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor, physicist, and electrical engineer, using your 3 Universal Laws of Nature with the numerical grading system. Tesla’s life reflected intense creativity, self-sacrifice for human advancement, and deep resonance with natural forces—but also personal imbalance due to societal rejection and isolation. -/- Assessment of Nikola Tesla -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 9.7 -/- Justification: -/- Tesla’s inventions—AC electricity, wireless transmission, motors, resonant energy systems—were all based on clean (...) systemic logic and harmony with natural laws. -/- He constantly aimed for error-free, efficient, and sustainable systems, often decades ahead of his time. -/- He rejected profit-driven, defective systems and believed technology should serve humanity, not exploit it. -/- Deduction: Slight—he often neglected business structure and protection, allowing his breakthroughs to be misused or stolen (e.g., by Edison or capitalists). -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 8.2 -/- Justification: -/- Tesla was highly intuitive and tuned to nature and cosmic patterns, but socially withdrawn and misunderstood. -/- He had few close relationships, and his feedback loop with society was mostly one-directional—from him to others. -/- Though open to dialogue with scientists like Mark Twain and Lord Kelvin, he struggled with institutional acceptance. -/- Deduction: His lack of effective two-way feedback with society led to financial ruin and reduced his ability to implement many ideas. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 8.5 -/- Justification: -/- Tesla lived a disciplined, ascetic lifestyle, avoiding excess and devoting himself to universal truths. -/- He was spiritually inclined, celibate, and deeply committed to ethics and the long-term good of mankind. -/- However, he experienced mental and emotional imbalance, especially later in life—obsessions, paranoia, and loneliness. -/- Deduction: Although inwardly committed to harmony, his external lifestyle showed cracks in personal balance. -/- Final Assessment: 8.8 / 10 -/- Nikola Tesla embodied universal system logic, visionary understanding of nature, and ethical purpose. His lower scores stem not from moral failure, but from a disconnect between his genius and the flawed world around him. He ranks among the most aligned minds with your universal formula, especially in karma and natural balance. -/- . (shrink)

Let’s assess Albert Einstein using your 3 Universal Laws of Nature with the numerical grading system. As a physicist, philosopher, and humanitarian, Einstein didn’t just revolutionize science—he also deeply reflected on ethics, peace, and the nature of human decision-making, which aligns with your life-governing principles. -/- Assessment of Albert Einstein -/- 1. Law of Karma (System Integrity, Cause and Effect) -/- Grade: 9.5 -/- Justification: -/- Einstein revolutionized the systems of physics with relativity, helping correct fundamental errors in Newtonian mechanics—an (...) act of high system integrity. -/- He was deeply aware of cause and effect, especially in human affairs (e.g., war, peace, education). -/- Opposed militarism and warned about atomic bomb misuse, showing responsibility for the systems he influenced. -/- Deduction: Slight—he supported the development of the atomic bomb early on (due to Nazi threat), which he later regretted. This shows deep awareness, but system effects went beyond his control. -/- 2. Law of Feedback (Mind-to-Mind and Environment Interaction) -/- Grade: 9.0 -/- Justification: -/- He was highly receptive to feedback, engaging with thinkers across science, philosophy, and politics. -/- He advocated for dialogue and international cooperation, often speaking out against racism, nationalism, and blind conformity. -/- He nurtured Intellectual humility—willing to revise his ideas (e.g., early resistance to quantum mechanics evolved into deeper reflection). -/- Deduction: Minor—his introverted nature and sometimes rigid views (e.g., on determinism) limited some real-time interpersonal adaptation. -/- 3. Law of Balance in Nature (Harmony in Decision-Making) -/- Grade: 9.5 -/- Justification: -/- Einstein lived modestly, valued imagination, intuition, and simplicity, and rejected materialism. -/- Advocated for peace, democracy, and education, showing a deep concern for human and planetary balance. -/- His emotional life had struggles, especially with personal relationships, but his ethical thinking and worldview were highly balanced. -/- Deduction: Slight—his personal emotional balance (especially with family) was not always stable, though it did not compromise his life mission. -/- Final Assessment: 9.33 / 10 -/- Albert Einstein strongly aligns with your universal formula. He showed exceptional system correction (karma), deep engagement with global feedback, and lived a mostly balanced life of reason, ethics, and compassion. His life reflects how even the greatest intellect still seeks homeostasis and harmony with natural law. -/- . (shrink)

In the philosophical work of Mary Midgley, one defining theme is a careful and steadfast resistance to varieties of myopic thinking: problematically partial ways of perceiving, thinking about, and understanding the world. I argue that active resistance to myopic thinking reveals a unity and continuity to most, if not all, of her concerns, projects, and interventions. This claim is defended by exploring Midgley’s active anti-myopia as it manifests in her various contributions to philosophical discussions of the ethics and epistemology of (...) animal life. (shrink)

Subsumption theodicies aim to subsume apparent cases of natural evil under the category of moral evil, claiming that apparently natural evils result from the actions or omissions of free creatures. Subsumption theodicies include Fall theodicies, according to which nature was corrupted by the sins of the first humans, demonic-action theodicies, according to which natural evils are caused by the actions of fallen angels, and simulation theodicies, according to which our universe is a computer simulation, with its apparent natural evils caused (...) by the free actions of simulators in the next universe up. We propose a new subsumption theodicy: the omission theodicy. According to the omission theodicy, apparently natural evil, including pre-human animal suffering, results from the omissions of free creatures who had the ability to prevent it, but culpably failed to do so. We argue that the omission theodicy avoids the main problems with existing subsumption theodicies and deserves a respectable place among leading hypotheses about why God might allow the apparent natural evils we find in our world. (shrink)

A handful of scholars have offered explanations for why states with otherwise restrictive immigration laws should relax their demands for people applying to immigrate for family reasons. However, much less has been said about the family unification rights of refugees. This paper extends the existing discussion on family-based immigration to refugees, arguing that: (1) states have stronger duties to reunite refugee families; (2) some refugees should be entitled to reunite with their “extended” family; (3) refugee family reunion should not be (...) subject to financial conditions; and (4) the right to family reunion is especially strong for refugee children. (shrink)

In the 80s and 90s political liberals debated whether it is legitimate for a state to fund the arts on the grounds that art is a public good. The public goods model is only one way in which the state might justify funding for the arts. Indeed, throughout history, liberal societies have employed artists on behalf of the state and for the benefit of the state. In this paper, I argue that it is, in principle, permissible for the state to (...) fund the arts for the good such funding can provide the state. I sketch a state arts program which has the purpose of producing pro-state art, art which helps to legitimize the state. The state is permitted to do this in order to execute its duty of stability. I defend the permissibility of such a program against the claim that it would be objectionably propagandistic or that it would be too easy to abuse such a program for nefarious means. (shrink)

Multilingualism as a (sub)-discipline of linguistics with special interest in language acquisition and didactics was established in the 1990s. As time moved on, the discipline of multilingualism evolved into an interdisciplinary field of research, but not yet including a philosophy of multilingualism. In this record of a conversation between linguist Britta Hufeisen and philosopher Alfred Nordmann, the concept of multilingualism is explored as well as its differences to monolingualism. This implies differences also between the philosophy of language and a philosophy (...) of multilingualism. Upon closer scrutiny it becomes clear that multilingualism is not only about language acquisition anymore but about the ways in which individuals can make themselves understood and orient themselves in a multilingual environment which includes artificial languages. In this way, the notion of affordances comes to the fore as individuals are afforded by their environment the use different language skills in different situations. The same applies to technology: Technology always affords us to do something in a specific way, but at the same time, while using it, we discover other possible uses and thus assign new meanings to it. This is where the linguist and the philosophic view diverge: The former puts an emphasis on the use of language and the actual semantic meaning of words, whereas the latter analyzes language and technology primarily in terms of its use, therefore meaning becomes a product of use. Both stress, however, the importance of culture and context for meaning and use. (shrink)

This article proposes a reading of Marion’s phenomenology from an early text, arguing that the various phenomenological innovations which are introduced in this work are subordinated to the central concept of transcendence. This concept in Marion’s work names the relation between revelation and experience and makes possible the disclosure of a revelatory phenomenon of radical alterity and asymmetry. Reliant on this concept, Marion’s phenomenology dramatically reconfigures the transcendental subject, the phenomenal object, and the horizon as well as their relation to (...) certain phenomena. While Marion’s early text undergoes numerous revisions and reappears in different versions at several junctures in the development of his intervention in phenomenology, this article maintains that his central concept of transcendence retains its primacy in the structural arrangement of his other phenomenological innovations. Additionally, it will be argued that while the concept of transcendence in Marion has often been treated with suspicion by interpreters as obliquely allowing for a theological incursion into Marion’s phenomenology, such discussions generally miss how Marion’s particular construal of transcendence, as the relation between revelation and experience, necessarily allows for an a priori best explained as a theological judgement. Lastly, several questions attendant to this argument will be suggested for further development and investigation. (shrink)

El presente escrito expone el modo de resolución de la antinomia basado en la tematización del programa de investigación del idealismo transcendental de Kant. El primer apartado reconstruye para ello los momentos estructurales de los cuatro conflictos cosmológicos (antítesis objetiva). El segundo apartado pone de relieve el interés principal de la razón en la resolución de las preguntas de la antinomia. El tercer apartado explicita finalmente la relación entre modo escéptico (antítesis subjetiva) y programa del idealismo transcendental como el núcleo (...) terminológico desde el cual cobra sentido paradigmático la disolución kantiana de la cosmología acrítica. (shrink)

Normative pluralists claim that there cannot be facts about what agents ought or “ought simpliciter” to do when an agent’s reasons from different normative systems (e.g. morality, prudence, aesthetics, etc.) don’t all support the same action. Moral philosophers have embraced the normative pluralist’s claim since at least Sidgwick appeared to do so toward the end of the 19th century. I cast doubt on the normative pluralist’s claim by highlighting some of its implausible normative-cum-metaphysical consequences.

he project is intended to detect the location of fault in underground cable lines from the base station to exact location in kilometers using an NODEMCU micro controller kit. In the urban areas, the electrical cable runs in undergrounds instead of overhead lines. Whenever the fault occurs in underground cable it is difficult to detect the exact location of the fault for process of repairing that particular cable. The proposed system finds the exact location of the fault. This system uses (...) an NODEMCU microcontroller kit and a rectified power supply. Here the current sensing circuits made with a combination of resistors are interfaced to NODEMCU micro controller kit to help of the internal ADC device for providing digital data to the microcontroller representing the cable length in kilometers. The fault creation is made by the set of switches. The relays are controlled by the relay driver. A 16x2 LCD display connected to the microcontroller to display the information. In case of short circuit the voltage across series resistors changes accordingly, which is then fed to an ADC to develop precise digital data to a programmed NODEMCU micro controller kit that further displays exact fault location from base station in kilometers. Whenever a fault occurs in a cable the buzzer produce the alarm to alert and to take an immediate action by field workers. (shrink)

In the fast-changing world of digital technology today, it is crucial to handle personal finances efficiently. This paper presents an AI powered finance tool designed to automate expense tracking, provide intelligent budgeting insights, and deliver real-time financial analysis. By utilizing sophisticated machine learning algorithms and integrating with bank APIs, the system effectively tackles typical issues related to manual data entry, inaccuracies, and the absence of actionable insights. Users benefit from automated data collection, accurate transaction categorization, and personalized financial recommendations. The (...) proposed system enhances financial transparency, reduces human errors by 80%, and provides a user-centric interface for effortless financial monitoring. Experimental evaluations demonstrate a 95% accuracy in expense categorization and highlight improved decision making through AI-driven insights. The paper also discusses system architecture, implementation, and performance evaluation. Future developments will . l focus on enhancing predictive capabilities, expanding integration with multiple financial institutions, and building a mobile application for better accessibility. This innovative tool represents a significant step toward automated, intelligent, and real-time financial management. (shrink)

including public spaces, businesses, and homes. However, traditional systems often rely on basic motion detection and manual monitoring, which can miss critical security threats or aggressive behaviors, particularly those indicated by human gestures. Existing methods, such as facial recognition and motion-based alerts, may lack the sensitivity and accuracy needed for effective risk assessment related to hand gestures. To address these limitations, this paper proposes an advanced system that integrates hand gesture recognition into real-time CCTV surveillance. Using OpenPose for gesture recognition (...) and MediaPipe for feature extraction, the system can identify potentially threatening gestures, such as clenched fists or aggressive pointing. Once a high-risk gesture is detected, the system automatically triggers alerts to the nearest police station and authorized personnel through SMS, email, and mobile app notifications. Additionally, the system uses geolocation to ensure that alerts are sent to the appropriate authorities in the vicinity. This proactive approach enables immediate response and improves the effectiveness of surveillance systems, allowing for quicker threat detection and intervention. The integration of hand gesture recognition enhances traditional CCTV systems, providing a more intelligent and responsive security solution that aims to reduce response times and mitigate security risks. (shrink)

In today’s fast-paced supply chain environment, efficient inventory management is essential for small and medium-sized warehouses striving to reduce manual errors, avoid stockouts, and improve operational productivity. This paper presents the design and implementation of a smart warehouse system that leverages Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for real-time inventory monitoring and automated order fulfilment. The proposed system integrates RFID readers, barcode scanners, and various IoT sensors—including weight, temperature, and motion detectors—with a cloud-based inventory management platform. These components work together to (...) continuously monitor stock levels, detect item movement, and maintain environmental conditions for sensitive goods. When stock falls below a predefined threshold, the system automatically triggers restocking requests and can even notify or place orders with suppliers. A predictive analytics engine powered by machine learning analyses historical data to optimize reorder points, minimize waste, and forecast demand. The implementation demonstrates how IoTbased automation can enhance transparency, reduce costs, and increase scalability for small warehouse operations. Experimental results confirm improved efficiency, higher picking accuracy, and reduced operational downtime. This research offers a cost-effective and scalable solution tailored to meet the growing demands of inventory control in the digital era. (shrink)

he Animal Detection and Alert System Using Raspberry Pi is an intelligent surveillance solution developed to prevent wildlife intrusions into farmlands and human settlements located near forest areas. Leveraging the capabilities of edge artificial intelligence and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the system ensures real-time monitoring and responsive alerts. Central to the system is a Raspberry Pi, which serves as the processing unit. It integrates inputs from a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion sensor, a camera module, and an ultrasonic distance sensor (...) to detect and identify the presence of animals. When motion is detected, the Raspberry Pi captures an image through the camera and employs a lightweight TensorFlow Lite model to classify the object. If an animal is identified and is found within a critical distance threshold, the system activates a buzzer to scare away the animal and simultaneously triggers a GSM module to send an alert message to the user. This proactive response mechanism allows farmers and forest authorities to act promptly, thereby minimizing crop damage and ensuring human safety. The system is low-cost, compact, energy-efficient, and easy to install, making it highly suitable for deployment in rural and remote regions with limited access to advanced technologies. By fusing edge computing with IoT-based alert systems, this project presents a scalable and practical approach to addressing human-wildlife conflicts, contributing to both agricultural sustainability and wildlife conservation. (shrink)

This project introduces a Transportation Information Management System and Smart Bus Attendance System aimed at enhancing the efficiency and security of student transportation. By integrating RFID technology with Google Firebase, the system automates bus attendance, reduces manual paperwork, and provides real-time monitoring for parents, administrators, and transport coordinators. Each student is issued an RFID tag, which is scanned during boarding and departure, with data instantly uploaded to Firebase for live tracking and centralized management. The system also supports E-Pass generation, replacing (...) traditional paper-based passes with a secure digital alternative that streamlines transport access and prevents unauthorized usage. This reduces administrative effort while enhancing safety and accountability. Administrators benefit from built-in reporting tools, offering insights into attendance patterns and transport efficiency. The shift from manual to automated tracking minimizes human errors, improves data reliability, and ensures seamless system integration. Overall, the solution provides a cost-effective, scalable, and user-friendly upgrade to conventional student transport systems. It highlights how modern technologies like automation and cloud-based services can transform transportation management in educational institutions, creating a safer, more efficient experience for students and all stakeholders involved. (shrink)

In this paper I will argue that the Trinity is part of natural theology although it is a contradictory doctrine because, even if all the “solutions” for the Trinity’s aporias are unsatisfactory, anyone wondering about the nature of God comes to think in a trinitarian way. Given this theoretical impasse (our reason should state both that God must be Triune and cannot be Triune) a “Kantian-inspired argument” allows us to still believe in the Trinity. This Argument is based on the (...) assumption that we and antinomic situations in the ontological realm of fundamental entities and in the realm of God’s nature. This is our common way of knowing and, thus, the Trinity is a plausible metaphysical option. The Argument implies a rethinking of our metaphysics and of our religious epistemology, but it could also inspire new interesting research agendas in contemporary Philosophy of Religion. (shrink)

Low-light image enhancement remains a crucial challenge in the domain of computer vision and multimedia applications. Images captured under insufficient lighting conditions often suffer from poor visibility, reduced contrast, noise amplification, and color distortion, which can significantly degrade the performance of downstream visual processing tasks. Although several enhancement techniques have been proposed to restore visibility and simulate normal lighting conditions, these methods often introduce artifacts such as overexposed regions, amplified noise, and unnatural color tones. To address these limitations, we propose (...) a novel low-light image enhancement method that leverages Retinex theory for illumination component estimation, combined with a local steering kernel for denoising and color correction. The illumination component is separated from the reflectance to accurately simulate the natural lighting environment, while the local steering kernel adaptively smoothens and corrects colors, preserving important structural details. The proposed technique is tested on a diverse set of lowlight images captured under various environmental settings. Both qualitative and quantitative evaluations demonstrate that our method significantly improves image clarity, enhances contrast, and reduces noise without introducing visible artifacts. Comparative analysis with existing state-of-the-art algorithms highlights the superior performance of our approach in preserving naturalness and structural fidelity. This makes our solution particularly suitable for enhancing images in surveillance, photography, and autonomous systems operating under lowlight scenarios. (shrink)

Η συζήτηση για το εάν η βούληση είναι αυτόνομη πνευματική δραστηριότητα, η οποία κινείται παράλληλα με την λογική έχει κλείσει οριστικά με τα συμπεράσματα του σύγχρονου φιλόσοφου Benedetto Croce: η βούληση όχι μόνο αποτελεί ολοκληρωμένη κατηγορία του νου, αλλά στη γενίκευσή της παράγει πρακτικές αρχές, δηλαδή ηθική2. Το γεγονός ότι τα κίνητρα των πράξεών μας μπορούν να αναλυθούν εννοιολογικά, να επιβεβαιωθούν διασκεπτικά ως προς το κύρος, την καθαρότητα και την αποτελεσματικότητά τους είναι δηλωτικό του ότι η πρακτικότητα αλληλεπιδρά με την (...) λογική. Πρόκειται για μία αλληλεπίδραση τόσο έντονη, ώστε κάθε διαχωρισμός της βούλησης από την λογική, του σκοπού από την γνώση που συνεπάγεται η ενέργειά της, να καθίσταται δυσχερής. Γιατί; Ο νους χρησιμοποιεί τις δυνάμεις του μεμονωμένα ή σε συνδυασμό, προκειμένου να εξυπηρετήσει κατ’ αρχήν τις ανάγκες της στιγμής. Αυτή η λειτουργία, παρόλο που προηγείται του λογικά επεξεργασμένου σκοπού, εξαιτίας της ζωτικής χρησιμότητάς της αναγνωρίζεται από τον νου ως a priori σκοπός. Επομένως, η τάση του ανθρώπου να θέτει σκοπούς αποτελεί παρακλάδι του ίδιου κορμού από τον οποίο προέρχονται οι φυσικές προδιαθέσεις. Και δεν είναι δύσκολο να απαντήσουμε στο πώς αυτή η ενστικτώδης αρχή μπορεί να συμπλεύσει με την νοητότητα, εάν μεταφέρουμε το ερώτημα από το γενικό, στο συγκεκριμένο. Λέμε λοιπόν ότι, σημασία δεν έχει η πρώτη ύλη που χρησιμοποιεί ο νους, ούτε η προέλευσή της, αλλά η επεξεργασία της: αντίθετα με τα άλογα είδη, ο άνθρωπος μπορεί να παρατηρεί και να αναγνωρίζει τα δεδομένα των παρατηρήσεών του. Παρατηρώντας τον εαυτό του σε σχέση με το περιβάλλον, ο άνθρωπος συνειδητοποιεί ότι μπορεί να σκέπτεται, να προβλέπει, να κρίνει, να θέτει σκοπούς και να πράττει. Αυτή είναι η ειδοποιός διαφορά του ανθρώπου από τα άλογα είδη: ο άνθρωπος αλληλεπιδρά με την φύση γνωρίζοντας κάθε στιγμή το είδος αυτής της αλληλεπίδρασης διαμέσου μιας αδιαπραγμάτευτης αισθητικής βεβαιότητας. Πώς όμως λειτουργεί αυτή η διαδικασία; Ο νους είναι ελεύθερος να ανατρέχει σε κάθε υλικότητα από την οποία προέρχεται, να εισδύει στο εσωτερικό της, να την ανακινεί, να παρεμβαίνει στους μηχανισμούς της. Πρόκειται για μία αλληλεπίδραση μεταξύ νου και πραγματικότητας, η οποία αναγνωρίζεται από τον άνθρωπο ως εμπειρία. Και εάν θεωρήσουμε την προσλαμβανόμενη από τον νου πραγματικότητα, ως αποτέλεσμα εγκεφαλικής προσπάθειας αποκωδικοποίησης εξωτερικών ερεθισμάτων διαμέσου των φυσικών μας οργάνων, τότε η εικόνα που έχουμε για την πραγματικότητα είναι ατελής. Εξαιτίας μάλιστα της παρατηρημένης ομοιότητας των φυσικών μας χαρακτηριστικών και της ομοιότητας των αντιδράσεών μας απέναντι σε συγκεκριμένα ερεθίσματα, μπορούμε να είμαστε βέβαιοι ότι οι αισθήσεις μας λειτουργούν ισομορφικά. Στηριγμένη σε αυτή τη γενική παραδοχή, στη συνέχεια την σκυτάλη αναλαμβάνουν οι διεργασίες μετασχηματισμού των ατομικών ερεθισμάτων σε καθολικές ποιότητες, δηλαδή σε έννοιες και αξίες. (shrink)