Philosophical Traditions

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s literary corpus presents a fertile ground for interdisciplinary analysis, particularly at the intersection of existential philosophy and psychoanalysis. His novels grapple with profound questions of human nature, morality, freedom, guilt, and redemption, while simultaneously portraying intense psychological landscapes. This academic issue centers on examining the internal conflicts of Dostoevsky’s characters through the lenses of philosophical existentialism—particularly the thought of Søren Kierkegaard and Friedrich Nietzsche—and psychoanalytic theory, drawing from Sigmund Freud, Jacques Lacan, and Carl Jung. At the core of (...) Dostoevsky’s narratives lies a tension between rationalism and irrationalism, faith and nihilism, individuality and collective identity. Characters such as Raskolnikov (Crime and Punishment), Ivan Karamazov (The Brothers Karamazov), and the Underground Man (Notes from Underground) serve as case studies for this examination. These figures embody psychological fragmentation and the struggle for meaning in a world perceived as morally ambiguous or even absurd. -/- The issue investigates how Dostoevsky anticipates psychoanalytic concepts such as the unconscious, repression, the death drive, and the divided self. It also explores how his theological and moral concerns engage with existential themes of despair, freedom, and authenticity. The analysis asks: How does Dostoevsky dramatize the philosophical problem of evil through psychological interiority? In what ways do his characters' inner conflicts reflect broader metaphysical anxieties about the human condition? By engaging with both philosophical discourse and psychoanalytic frameworks, this issue aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of Dostoevsky’s unique synthesis of narrative, psychology, and spiritual inquiry. -/- EXISTENTIAL DILEMMAS — FREEDOM, CHOICE, AND THE BURDEN OF SELFHOOD -/- Dostoevsky’s characters are essentially case studies in existential dilemmas, and he uses their inner turmoil to dramatize themes like freedom, moral responsibility, and the fragmented self. Here’s a breakdown of how these themes manifest in some of his key characters: -/- 1. Freedom as Both Gift and Curse -/- Dostoevsky’s characters often confront absolute freedom—but rather than liberating them, it frequently becomes a source of anxiety, confusion, and moral crisis. -/- The Underground Man (Notes from Underground) is perhaps the clearest example. He rebels against determinism and rational egoism, insisting that man will act irrationally just to prove he is free. He says, “What man wants is simply independent choice, whatever that independence may cost and wherever it may lead.” This paradox—freedom as self-sabotage—illustrates Dostoevsky’s challenge to Enlightenment rationalism and shows how unmoored freedom can become destructive. Raskolnikov (Crime and Punishment) uses freedom to test the Nietzschean idea of the “extraordinary man, ” believing he can transgress moral boundaries for a higher purpose. However, his intellectual freedom brings him unbearable psychological guilt. The burden of having to justify his freedom morally and spiritually becomes his torment. 2. The Anxiety of Choice and Moral Responsibility -/- Freedom, for Dostoevsky, is inseparable from choice, and every choice carries moral and existential weight. His characters are often paralyzed by the responsibility of choosing, especially in a world where moral foundations are unclear or contested. -/- In The Brothers Karamazov, Ivan Karamazov intellectualizes the problem of evil and chooses to reject God’s world on moral grounds. But this “choice” becomes a torment, as his decision not to believe leaves him morally adrift. His nihilism is mirrored in the actions of Smerdyakov, showing that ideas and choices have real, often catastrophic consequences. Dmitri Karamazov also illustrates the anxiety of choice. His impulsive decisions reflect a man torn between sensual indulgence and spiritual longing. His choices are expressions of an uncentered self, deeply aware of his moral failures. 3. The Burden of Selfhood -/- Dostoevsky’s characters often struggle under the burden of self-consciousness, a theme he explores long before it became central to existentialist thought. His characters are not simply individuals—they are divided individuals, plagued by internal contradictions. -/- The Underground Man again exemplifies this. He cannot act decisively because he is consumed by the need to understand and second-guess himself. His hyper-consciousness paralyzes him. “To be too aware is a sickness, ” he says—a core existential insight. -/- In The Double, Golyadkin is literally confronted with another version of himself, dramatizing the inner fragmentation of identity. This prefigures what Sartre would later call “bad faith”—the inability to unify one’s self-concept under freedom. Stavrogin in Demons embodies the self completely detached from moral law. His philosophical detachment and emotional apathy turn freedom into a horrifying vacuum—a portrait of existential despair when freedom is stripped of all ethical or spiritual grounding. (shrink)

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly changing how we interact with the world, including our spiritual lives. This article explores the potential of AI to transform the learning and practices of Sikhi spirituality. AI can enhance access to and understanding Gurbani, foster global Sikh communities and support Sikh education and seva initiatives. However, ethical considerations regarding doctrinal accuracy, tradition preservation, and AI's potential to replace human connection require careful attention. Sikh institutions must proactively guide the development and implementation of AI to (...) ensure alignment with Sikh values and principles, promoting a balanced approach that leverages technology to enhance, not replace, human spiritual engagement. (shrink)

The current COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the need to “think outside the box”. As societies across the planet gradually become more interconnected, the dominance of outmoded social practices surrounding human interaction, work, leisure and space is being challenged on a daily basis. Mediatic productions such as film have always presented opportunities for expanding the reach of particular messages and disseminating topical views and perspectives. In honour of Federico Fellini (1920-1993) on the 100th anniversary of his birth, this paper undertakes a (...) comprehensive comparison between the bold and absurdist cinema of the Post-Neorealist filmmaker and today’s also strange and perplexing social environment. Contextualising his cinema within an auteurist framework, we highlight how ground-breaking Fellini was in embracing the unconventional; by doing so he provided a practical guide for navigating contemporary reality. With productions that seduce and impress viewers worldwide, Fellini defied established cinematographic practices, as exemplified by his experimentation with overlapping narrative styles. His films bestir a new way of thinking by generating an anomalous world, one where events take place beyond the scope of what the viewer anticipates as “natural”. But the appraisal of what is “natural” is contingent upon the viewer’s belief structure: by presenting a world where events happen outside the realm of practical expectations, Fellini’s timeless cinema questions outdated belief systems and sets the guidelines for how to navigate the unanticipated complexities of the contemporary world. Reality and fiction merge into one. (shrink)

Forthcoming in Refik Güremen (ed), Theôria as Cognition in Plato. I argue that a historical path for theôria in Islamic Platonism may be traced from the early 7th-century holy Quran. I set forth a context for recognizing its flowering in later literature and intellectual life expressed in Arabic, Persian and Turkish. Islamic Platonism remains a neglected field, obscured by compartmentalizing habits that file it under “mysticism,” and the focus for the historical development of Islamic philosophy is drawn to the Graeco-Arabic (...) translations of the 8th-10th centuries. I find that the Quran’s reference to sayr, its tripartite soul, Muhammed’s social geography with its oracles and pilgrimage, and his Mi’raj, likely contributed to a Platonic heritage that was the basis for Islamic Platonism, for concepts used in the Translation Movement, and a new genre of theoria literature that remained vital up to modern times. (shrink)

Forthcoming in Long Platonism: The Routes of Plato’s Reception to the Italian Renaissance, eds. Eva Anagnostou-Laoutides, George Steiris, George Arabatzis. I argue that Plato’s Divided Line, expounded in Republic 509D6-511E4, is a likely ancestor of the Islamic Degrees of Being schema (marāṭib al-wujūd). This is also an argument for the relevance of Islamic Platonism to Plato studies. I will show that Line and Schema have at least the following in common: a. Both present four modes of cognition rather than a (...) simple dichotomy between knowledge and belief. b. Both define modes of cognition according to their objects, resulting in four pairs of cognition/object. c. Both are hierarchical in terms of the pairs’ approximation to reality; cognitions and their objects are ranked by their closeness to truth. d. In both, the goal is to provide a program by which one comes to know what is real. Of course, each of them is more than what they share. The Schema develops and expands the role of imagination in cognition, drawing out ambiguities in Plato’s treatment of images to accommodate an ontologically distinct realm interrelating the visible and the intelligible. (shrink)

Forthcoming in Challenging Conventions: Love, Lovers, and Beloveds in Early Modern Ottoman Poetry, ed. Christiane Czygan (De Gruyter). In the long history of Western thought there is a highly significant state of affairs: This is the fact that the range of meaning in Plato’s usage of the Greek term to kalon, which in his dialogue Symposium names the beauty that is goodness as the ultimate object of love, was apportioned across different terms in Latin translation, separating the good from the (...) beautiful, and this separation continued on in the modern European languages. Yet in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish, beauty has been understood in the full Platonic range from at least the time of the Quran to the present day. I give the example of an 18th -century philosophical romance, Beauty and Love (Hüsn-ü Aşk), by the Ottoman Turkish poet Şeyh Galip (1757-1799). I discuss what is at stake in this separation and give a brief sample of Jacques Lacan’s usages. (shrink)

Epistemic responsibility (ER) integrates epistemic and ethical elements, aiming to produce true beliefs and uphold virtues addressing epistemic issues. Lorraine Code, a feminist epistemologist, employs ER to highlight the role of the knower and their context in shaping knowledge. ER intersects with self, society, space, sex, sphere, and social justice, paralleling social responsibility. ER regarding self examines subjective understanding, while in society, it concerns knowledge transmission within communities. Spatially, ER investigates social structures influencing epistemic deliberations. In terms of sex, ER (...) contends that women and minorities must be acknowledged as knowers. For sphere, it addresses ecological contexts and cohabitation principles. ER in social justice emphasizes care and the inclusion of vulnerable lives in knowledge politics. ER's evolving nature endorses practices for knowing and living well: realism aligns with rational truths, testimony seeks hearer acknowledgment, imaginativeness challenges assumptions with empathy, and objectivity recognizes the knower's context. Critiquing social imaginary questions societal structures to provoke change, while advocacy supports justice-oriented interventions. These practices affirm the alignment between epistemic and social responsibilities, addressing societal concerns through philosophy. This essay, using analytic methodology, explores ER's conceptual framework and its six components, establishing the equivalence between epistemic and social responsibility. (shrink)

-/- The Invention and Evolution of Democratic Elections: From Ancient Athens to the Digital Age -/- The idea of democratic elections—where people choose their leaders and influence laws through voting—has a long and complex history that stretches back over two millennia. Though modern democracy is often associated with Western liberal states, its roots lie deep in ancient civilizations, evolving through various stages of reform, revolution, and philosophical thought. This essay traces the development of democratic elections from their earliest beginnings in (...) ancient Athens to the global systems we recognize today. -/- Ancient Beginnings: Athens and the Birth of Democracy -/- The concept of democracy originated in ancient Athens during the 5th century BCE, where it took on a radically different form from what we know today. Athenian democracy was a direct democracy, where free male citizens actively participated in political decision-making. Although only a small fraction of the population qualified as citizens—excluding women, slaves, and foreigners—Athens was the first society to institutionalize the idea that ordinary people should have a role in governance. -/- Interestingly, elections in Athens were used sparingly. Instead, most officials were selected by random lottery (sortition) to prevent corruption and ensure fairness. Elections were reserved for positions requiring special expertise, such as military generals. Despite its limitations, Athens laid the foundation for the democratic ideal: the notion that political power should derive from the people. -/- The Roman Republic: Early Representative Elements -/- Following Athens, the Roman Republic (509–27 BCE) introduced another important model. While still exclusive and class-based, Rome employed elements of representative democracy. Citizens elected officials like consuls and tribunes, and assemblies were held to vote on laws. However, these rights were unevenly distributed, favoring wealthy patricians over common plebeians. Nevertheless, Rome contributed structural ideas such as checks and balances and separation of powers, which later influenced modern democratic systems. -/- The Middle Ages: Feudal Constraints and Proto-Parliaments -/- During the medieval period, Europe was dominated by feudal monarchies where power was concentrated in the hands of kings and nobles. Yet, seeds of representative governance continued to grow. Early parliamentary bodies, such as the Icelandic Althing (930 CE) and the English Parliament (13th century), emerged as forums for aristocratic or clerical consultation rather than broad citizen participation. While not democratic in the modern sense, these institutions preserved the concept of consultation and law-making through assemblies. -/- Enlightenment and the Rise of Modern Democracy -/- The 17th and 18th centuries saw a transformation in political thought through the influence of Enlightenment philosophers like John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Montesquieu. These thinkers argued for popular sovereignty, natural rights, and constitutional governance, which directly challenged monarchic rule. These ideas inspired revolutionary movements and laid the intellectual groundwork for democratic elections. -/- Democratic Foundations: United States and France -/- The American Revolution (1776) marked the beginning of modern representative democracy. The U.S. Constitution (1787) established a system where power was divided between three branches of government and where citizens could vote for their representatives. Initially, suffrage was limited to white male property owners, but the principle of governance by the people was firmly established. -/- Inspired by the American example, the French Revolution (1789) proclaimed universal male suffrage—though temporarily—and asserted the democratic ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. The Declaration of the Rights of Man and Citizen became a foundational document for human rights and democratic participation. -/- Expanding the Electorate: 19th Century Reforms -/- Throughout the 19th century, democratic elections expanded across Europe and the Americas. Reform acts in countries like the United Kingdom widened the right to vote, though still gradually. The century also saw the rise of women’s suffrage movements, with New Zealand becoming the first country to grant women the right to vote in 1893. Elections became more structured, with the establishment of political parties and parliamentary systems. -/- 20th Century: Globalization of Democracy -/- The 20th century was characterized by the global spread of democratic elections. After the two World Wars, colonial empires dissolved, and newly independent nations adopted democratic constitutions. The United Nations’ Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) declared the right to participate in government through free elections as a universal human right. -/- Over time, most countries adopted universal suffrage, allowing all adult citizens, regardless of gender, race, or class, to vote. However, not all democracies were liberal; many regimes held elections without guaranteeing true political freedoms, giving rise to hybrid or illiberal democracies. -/- 21st Century: Digital Democracy and New Challenges -/- Today, democratic elections are nearly universal in form, though not always in substance. The 21st century has brought both opportunities and challenges. On one hand, technology has enabled digital participation, online voting, and global political awareness. On the other hand, it has also introduced new threats like misinformation, election hacking, and erosion of trust in institutions. -/- Despite these challenges, elections remain a vital mechanism for peaceful power transfer and civic engagement. Democratic systems continue to evolve, adapting to changing social, technological, and political conditions. -/- Conclusion -/- From the direct democracy of ancient Athens to the representative systems of the modern world, the history of democratic elections is a testament to humanity’s ongoing struggle for fairness, equality, and self-governance. Though the journey has been uneven—with exclusions, setbacks, and evolving practices—democracy continues to adapt and expand. Understanding this history not only highlights how far we’ve come but also reminds us of the vigilance required to preserve and improve democratic institutions for future generations. -/- . (shrink)

Como começamos a refletir e deliberar sobre nossa conduta moral, colocando-nos no lugar dos outros? Mais especificamente, de que forma gerimos, de maneira arbitrária, nossa conduta a partir de uma perspectiva que prioriza o bem de todos os seres humanos de forma universal? Com o objetivo de responder essa questão, parto da hipótese de que o conceito de razão prática, frequentemente tratado como 'vontade' na Fundamentação da Metafísica dos Costumes de Kant, pode esclarecer o desenvolvimento de nossa capacidade de refletir (...) e gerir autonomamente nossas ações sob uma ótica que coloca todos os indivíduos em condições de igualdade, isto é, sob uma perspectiva universalista. Para atingir esse objetivo, minha investigação se desdobra nas seguintes etapas: (i) analiso o conceito de vontade a partir dos conceitos de dever e de razão prática; (ii) analiso o conceito de autonomia a partir dos conceitos de liberdade e de lei moral; e (iii) sintetizo as duas análises precedentes e abordo com mais detalhes o conceito de Imperativo Categórico no sentido de buscar responder como o conceito de vontade pode nos ajudar a compreender o processo pelo qual passamos a direcionar nossa conduta a partir de uma perspectiva universalista. Concluo que, embora a reflexão autônoma seja o caminho para a liberdade e para uma conduta moral universal, ela ainda pode — e deve — ser socialmente cultivada. (shrink)

Environmental Ethics and Behavioural Change takes a practical approach to environmental ethics with a focus on its transformative potential for students, professionals, policy makers, activists, and concerned citizens. Proposed solutions to issues such as climate change, resource depletion and accelerating extinctions have included technological fixes, national and international regulation and social marketing. This volume examines the ethical features of a range of communication strategies and technological, political and economic methods for promoting ecologically responsible practice in the face of these crises. (...) The central concern of the book is environmental behaviour change: inspiring, informing and catalysing reflective change in the reader, and in their ability to influence others. By making clear the forms of environmental ethics that exist, and what each implies in terms of individual and social change, the reader will be better able to formulate, commit to, articulate and promote a coherent position on how to understand and engage with environmental issues. This is an essential companion to environmental ethics and philosophy courses as well as a great resource for professionals interested in practical approaches to environmental ethics. It is also excellent supplementary reading for environmental studies, environmental politics and sustainable consumption courses. (shrink)

This paper investigates the deep and lasting influence of the Bhagavad Gita on Indian aesthetic theory and practice. It intertwines duty (dharma) and devotion (bhakti) in a transformational framework for grappling with ideals of heroism, beauty, and universality in emotional experience expressed through art. The study reveals how the text's grounding philosophy aligns with and enhances the Natyashastra's aesthetic theory—especially leading to the development of shanta rasa (peace)—through symbolic and allegorical modes. Central to this analysis is sadharanikarana (universalization), through which (...) the Gita moves transcendentally from individual emotional experience to universality. At the heart of the poorvapaksha (initial argument) is the interpretative brilliance of classical aestheticians like Abhinavagupta, which positions the Gita as a foundational text that continues to feed the very lifeblood of Indian aesthetic theory and artistic practice. The investigation shines a spotlight on the vision of aesthetic experience that the text, with its vast philosophical depth, has gifted to India—a vision that has decidedly transformative spiritual potential. (shrink)

Why Very Few Filipinos Are Interested in a Political Career and the Debate on Political Dynasties -/- Politics in the Philippines is a critical force in shaping the nation’s future. However, few Filipinos actively pursue a political career due to political dynasties, corruption, financial barriers, security risks, and public distrust in government. Additionally, many Filipinos engage in passive criticism—they are quick to complain about bad governance but reluctant to participate in political change. -/- While political dynasties are often blamed for (...) limiting opportunities, some argue they bring stability and governance experience that newcomers lack. Given these challenges, meaningful reforms are necessary to make politics more inclusive, transparent, and accessible to competent and ethical leaders. -/- Reasons Why Few Filipinos Enter Politics -/- 1. Political Dynasties Limit Opportunities for New Leaders -/- Political families monopolize power, making it hard for new candidates to enter the political arena. With dynasties controlling campaign funding, voter influence, and government positions, independent candidates face unfair competition. -/- 2. Filipinos Are Trapped in a “Criticism Mentality” but Avoid Action -/- Many Filipinos frequently criticize politicians on social media but do not: -/- Vote wisely -/- Participate in governance initiatives -/- Consider running for office -/- This passive yet highly critical audience mentality discourages new leaders from emerging, leaving traditional political families unchallenged. -/- 3. Corruption and Patronage Politics Discourage Honest Candidates -/- Many competent individuals avoid politics because they fear they will be forced to engage in corrupt practices or become powerless against established political elites. -/- 4. High Cost of Running for Office -/- Elections in the Philippines require millions of pesos in campaign funds. Political dynasties have vast financial resources, while new candidates struggle to afford advertisements, rallies, and logistics. -/- 5. Work-Life Balance and Security Risks -/- Political careers demand long hours, constant public scrutiny, and expose candidates to political violence and assassination risks. This discourages potential leaders from entering politics. -/- 6. Lack of Trust in Government -/- Many Filipinos believe the system is rigged and that no real change can happen. This disillusionment prevents capable individuals from seeking public office. -/- 7. Bureaucracy and Slow Reforms -/- Even well-intentioned politicians struggle with red tape, partisan gridlock, and resistance from political elites. This slow pace of change discourages new leaders. -/- 8. Fear of Failure and Political Rivalries -/- Losing an election can be financially and socially devastating. Additionally, political rivalries often result in: -/- Character assassinations -/- Legal harassment -/- Physical threats or violence -/- This hostile environment discourages many Filipinos from pursuing politics. -/- The Debate on Political Dynasties: Should They Stay or Go? -/- Why Political Dynasties Should Stay -/- Some argue that political dynasties provide stability and experience, especially because: -/- 1. Governance Knowledge – Long-standing political families understand government operations better than inexperienced newcomers. -/- 2. Continuity in Leadership – Dynasties ensure long-term projects and reforms are completed rather than abandoned after elections. -/- 3. Strong Political Networks – Established families have the connections to efficiently implement policies. -/- 4. Newcomers Are a Risk – Some first-time politicians struggle with decision-making, leading to ineffective governance. -/- Why Political Dynasties Should Be Limited -/- Critics argue that dynasties create an unfair monopoly and prevent new leadership from emerging. -/- 1. Lack of Political Competition – Dynasties dominate elections, leaving little room for independent candidates. -/- 2. Corruption and Self-Interest – Many dynastic politicians prioritize family wealth and power over public service. -/- 3. Poor Performance Goes Unpunished – Many voters elect familiar names instead of choosing the most qualified leaders. -/- 4. Public Disillusionment – When the same families hold power for decades, people feel elections are meaningless. -/- Possible Reforms to Make Politics More Inclusive -/- To encourage competent and ethical leaders to enter politics, the following reforms can be implemented: -/- 1. Implement a Balanced Anti-Dynasty Law -/- Instead of banning dynasties outright, a reasonable anti-dynasty law can be implemented to: -/- Limit how many family members can hold office at the same time. -/- Prevent immediate re-election of relatives in the same position. -/- Ensure fair election funding to give independent candidates a fighting chance. -/- This would help promote merit-based governance while maintaining stability. -/- 2. Publicly Funded Campaigns for Independent Candidates -/- To level the playing field, the government should: -/- Subsidize campaign expenses for qualified independent candidates. -/- Limit private donations to reduce dynastic control over elections. -/- Enforce transparency in campaign financing to prevent corruption. -/- 3. Establish Political Education and Leadership Training -/- Many Filipinos lack political awareness. Schools and universities should: -/- Include political education in the curriculum. -/- Offer leadership training for aspiring politicians. -/- Provide internship programs in government offices. -/- This will help develop a new generation of well-educated and competent leaders. -/- 4. Strengthen Anti-Corruption Laws and Government Transparency -/- To restore public trust, reforms should: -/- Enforce real-time transparency in government spending. -/- Strengthen whistleblower protection to expose corruption. -/- Require full public disclosure of assets for all government officials. -/- 5. Improve Security for Political Candidates -/- To reduce election-related violence, the government should: -/- Provide police protection for independent candidates. -/- Enforce stricter penalties for political violence. -/- Monitor private armies linked to political families. -/- This would create a safer environment for new candidates. -/- 6. Encourage Youth Participation in Governance -/- The government should: -/- Lower the age requirement for some government positions. -/- Establish youth representation in decision-making councils. -/- Offer mentorship programs between experienced leaders and young aspirants. -/- By engaging the youth in governance early, we create future leaders who are prepared for public service. -/- 7. Promote Politics as Public Service, Not Power -/- To shift the perception of politics from a business empire to a duty to serve, the media and educational institutions should: -/- Highlight stories of ethical and effective politicians. -/- Emphasize leadership based on qualifications, not family names. -/- Encourage civic engagement through volunteerism and grassroots participation. -/- 8. Digital Voting and Electoral Reforms -/- To prevent vote-buying and election fraud, the government should: -/- Implement secure digital voting to make elections more accessible and transparent. -/- Strengthen voter education campaigns to promote informed decision-making. -/- Crack down on vote-buying syndicates through stricter penalties. -/- Conclusion -/- Few Filipinos enter politics due to political dynasties, corruption, financial barriers, security risks, and lack of trust in government. Many Filipinos also have a passive criticism mentality, where they complain about politicians but refuse to take action. -/- While some argue that political dynasties bring governance experience and stability, others believe they prevent competition and encourage corruption. The best approach is to introduce balanced reforms that limit dynasty control while allowing experienced politicians to serve effectively. -/- By implementing anti-dynasty laws, campaign finance reforms, political education, and anti-corruption measures, the Philippines can open its political system to fresh, capable, and ethical leaders. -/- If these reforms are enacted, more Filipinos will step up to lead, creating a government that truly represents the people. -/- . (shrink)

The Philosophical Contribution of Kostas Axelos: The Issue of the Open System and Technological Civilization -/- Kostas Axelos (1924–2010) remains one of the most intriguing and underexplored figures in contemporary philosophy. His work, situated at the crossroads of Marxism, Heideggerian phenomenology, and the philosophy of technology, raises critical questions about the nature of modern civilization and the fate of thought in an increasingly technological world. One of the central academic issues in Axelos’ thought is his concept of the "open system," (...) which presents a radical alternative to both dialectical materialism and structuralism. This issue is especially relevant in our age of digital globalization and algorithmic governance, as it poses fundamental questions about the limits of human autonomy and the possibilities of thought in a technologically determined world. -/- The Open System: A Critique of Closed Philosophical Paradigms -/- Axelos’ notion of the "open system" challenges traditional metaphysical and epistemological assumptions that rely on closure, determinacy, and finality. Unlike Hegelian dialectics, which seeks resolution through synthesis, Axelos proposes a dynamic, ever-unfolding process that resists totalization. His critique extends to Marxist orthodoxy, which he argues falsely assumes a teleological closure in history. By advocating an open-ended view of reality, Axelos aligns himself with thinkers like Nietzsche and Heidegger, emphasizing a world in flux rather than one governed by fixed structures or ultimate goals. -/- This issue raises critical academic debates: How can philosophical thought remain relevant in an era dominated by technological systems that impose rigid structures on human existence? Is the "open system" a viable framework for understanding contemporary globalized societies, or does it risk devolving into an abstract and impractical relativism? -/- For Axelos, closed systems—whether philosophical, political, or scientific—seek to impose rigid frameworks that ultimately stifle thought and creativity. He sees Western metaphysical traditions as largely obsessed with categorization and finality, which leads to an artificial separation between subject and object, mind and world, theory and practice. In contrast, his "open system" embraces indeterminacy and fluidity, recognizing that reality is in perpetual motion and that any attempt to fix meaning within rigid boundaries leads to intellectual stagnation. -/- Axelos’ concept also engages with existentialist and phenomenological traditions, particularly in how it resists essentialist definitions of being. He challenges not only the dogmas of classical metaphysics but also structuralist tendencies that seek to analyze reality in terms of fixed codes and relationships. Instead, Axelos suggests that the world should be understood as a game (le jeu du monde), a process of continuous becoming where human existence is not predefined but rather shaped by the interactions of open-ended forces. This issue raises critical academic debates: How can philosophical thought remain relevant in an era dominated by technological systems that impose rigid structures on human existence? Is the "open system" a viable framework for understanding contemporary globalized societies, or does it risk devolving into an abstract and impractical relativism? Furthermore, how does Axelos' open system relate to contemporary discussions of complexity theory, cybernetics, and ecological thinking, all of which emphasize the interconnectedness and dynamism of systems? -/- A related issue in Axelos' work is his analysis of technological civilization. In Le Jeu du Monde (The Play of the World), he argues that technological advancement has not only transformed human existence but has also reshaped the very way we think and conceptualize reality. Technology, in Axelos’ view, is not merely a tool but a fundamental mode of being that structures our world and thought processes. -/- This raises significant academic concerns about autonomy, alienation, and the role of philosophy. If technology governs human thought as Axelos suggests, can there be genuine freedom in intellectual and political life? How does one resist technological determinism without retreating into romanticized notions of pre-technological existence? Axelos does not advocate for a rejection of technology but rather calls for a new form of thinking that embraces its presence while resisting its totalizing tendencies. -/- Axelos highlights the paradox of technological civilization: while it offers immense possibilities for connectivity, knowledge production, and efficiency, it also risks subordinating human creativity and autonomy to systemic logic. He critiques the way in which technology, rather than serving human purposes, increasingly dictates them—turning individuals into passive participants in a mechanized world. The dominance of algorithmic governance, artificial intelligence, and automation exemplifies the culmination of this technological destiny, raising profound concerns about the future of human agency. -/- Furthermore, Axelos’ thought resonates with contemporary debates about digital culture, surveillance capitalism, and the commodification of knowledge. As digital technologies reshape the nature of labor, communication, and governance, the question arises: To what extent can individuals maintain authentic engagement with the world when technological mediation defines nearly every aspect of existence? In this sense, Axelos anticipates concerns found in posthumanist and critical media theories, particularly regarding the erosion of subjectivity in the face of ever-expanding cybernetic systems. -/- Another crucial aspect of Axelos’ critique is the way in which technological civilization imposes a fragmented, instrumentalized view of knowledge. He challenges the reduction of thought to mere data-processing and the dominance of specialized, compartmentalized disciplines that fail to grasp the holistic nature of existence. By contrast, his open system philosophy encourages a mode of thinking that resists fragmentation and embraces a planetary perspective, one that acknowledges the interrelation of philosophy, science, politics, and art in an ever-evolving world. (shrink)

The focus of this article is Alain Resnais’ representation of collective and individual memory and identity in Hiroshima Mon Amour (1959). The film is based on Marguerite Duras’ script from 1958 and remains faithful to this original text. With partial reference to Giuliana Bruno’s views on imaginary cities and urban cartography, the screened urban space will here be read as an emotive map in which the individual love story between the protagonists unfolds against the backdrop of their almost equally intimate (...) relationship with the historically abused city of Hiroshima. This, in Bruno’s words helps create an affective “map of love” (243) or a “body-city on a tender map” (242). Discourses on memory and forgetting, individual and collective memory will also frame a filmic analysis where Paul Ricoeur is given particular theoretical attention. In a film partly dealing with the traumas of the 1945 atomic bomb and its aftermath, Resnais visually and narratively juxtaposes wartime Hiroshima and the city twelve years after the event: as stated in Duras’ original filmscript, “[t]he time is summer, 1957-August-at Hiroshima” (8). In doing so, he unveils the many layers of historical unease that dwell behind Hiroshima’s currently peaceful condition. The paper highlights the fluid relationship between the protagonists and their environment, as well as the semi-documentary aspects of a film that establishes an effective dialogue between past and present. -/- . (shrink)

Nowruz, meaning “new day” in Persian, is an ancient celebration marking the arrival of spring at the vernal equinox. Far more than a mere commencement of a new year, this tradition, with its origins stretching back over three millennia to the era of Zoroastrianism, embodies a profound reverence for life, rebirth, and the perennial triumph of light over darkness. Celebrated by diverse ethno-linguistic and cultural communities across a wide geographical expanse, Nowruz presents a rich tapestry of visual, auditory, and ritualistic (...) elements. Its aesthetics, encompassing the meticulously arranged Haft-Seen table, the vibrant hues of traditional clothing, the resonating sounds of celebratory music, and the symbolic acts of fire jumping and communal feasting, are deeply intertwined with the foundational myths that have shaped this enduring tradition. This report aims to explore the intricate relationship between these underlying mythological narratives and the rich ceremonial aesthetics of Nowruz, illustrating how these myths are visually, audibly, and symbolically represented in contemporary practices across various cultures. (shrink)

We have entered a 21st century where people, rather than uniting across borders and daring to feel an affinity with the other ̶ bridging ethnic and national differences ̶ are now increasingly vulnerable, exposed to fragmenting movements often set in motion by leaders driven by egocentric values and self-interests pursued at the expense of the well-being of minorities and those occupying a lower level in the social hierarchy. While regionalism, nationalism and authoritarianism appear to be rising divisive movements triggered by (...) such destabilising sociopolitical trends, within regionalism we can find examples of positive collaborations. Such is the case with Latin America today; a region which demonstrates a people coming together in a spirit of solidarity and creativity. Regionalism can in this case be inwardly advantageous. In a world characterised by personal disengagement and apathy, Latin America along with its indigenous communities uphold national values in a spirit of mutual comprehension on a communal level. Throughout history, these nations have been subjected to totalitarian regimes and hostile policies that disrupt societal structures. As a result, Latin American communities have developed resilience and a sense of hope deeply embedded in regional values. Its rich and diverse cinema reflects nations that despite all their uncertainties, differences, struggles and discontents have been showing the way forward. Drawing on Zygmunt Bauman, Kwame Anthony Appiah, and Richard A. Falk, this proposal explores Latin American cinema within a regional framework, looking at regionalism as a model for collective cooperation in the midst of a highly volatile world. -/- . (shrink)

1. Οντολογία του Παιγνίου Μία από τις πιο σημαντικές συνεισφορές του Αξελού είναι η θεωρία του περί του «κοσμικού παιγνίου». Σύμφωνα με αυτήν, ο κόσμος δεν είναι ούτε ένα αυστηρό σύστημα καθορισμένων νόμων, ούτε ένα χαοτικό σύνολο τυχαίων γεγονότων, αλλά ένα δυναμικό παίγνιο που εμπλέκει τη δημιουργία, την καταστροφή και τη μεταμόρφωση. Η έννοια του παιγνίου επιτρέπει μια ανοιχτή, μη δογματική προσέγγιση του Κόσμου, όπου το είναι και το γίγνεσθαι αλληλοδιαπλέκονται. Με αυτόν τον τρόπο, απορρίπτει την παραδοσιακή δυϊστική διάκριση μεταξύ (...) υποκειμένου και αντικειμένου, προτείνοντας μια πιο ολιστική/αποσπασματική και ρευστή προσέγγιση στην κατανόηση της ύπαρξης. -/- 2. Η Επιρροή του Ηράκλειτου και του Χέγκελ Η σκέψη του Αξελού αντλεί σημαντική έμπνευση από τον Ηράκλειτο και τον Χέγκελ. Ο Ηράκλειτος με την έννοια του γίγνεσθαι και της διαρκούς μεταβολής, καθώς και ο Χέγκελ με τη διαλεκτική του μεθοδολογία, αποτελούν βασικά σημεία αναφοράς στο έργο του. Ωστόσο, ο Αξελός διαφοροποιείται, προτείνοντας μια μη τελεολογική διαλεκτική, η οποία απορρίπτει την τελική σύνθεση και αφήνει ανοιχτό το ενδεχόμενο της αέναης κίνησης και του συνεχούς μετασχηματισμού. Η ανοιχτή σκέψη προϋποθέτει την αποδοχή της αβεβαιότητας και της ρευστότητας της ύπαρξης, απορρίπτοντας κάθε είδους απόλυτο σύστημα γνώσης. Αυτή η προσέγγιση οδηγεί σε μια νέα φιλοσοφική στάση, όπου η σκέψη δεν επιδιώκει να επιβάλει σταθερούς κανόνες, αλλά να βρίσκεται σε διαρκή διάλογο με το άγνωστο και το ανοίκειο. -/- 3. Το Τεχνικό Φαινόμενο και η Μοντέρνα Εποχή Ο Αξελός αναγνωρίζει την τεχνική ως μια από τις πλέον κυρίαρχες δυνάμεις της σύγχρονης εποχής. Στο έργο του "Το Τεχνικό Φαινόμενο" εξετάζει τον τρόπο με τον οποίο η τεχνική δεν αποτελεί απλώς ένα εργαλείο στα χέρια του ανθρώπου, αλλά μια κοσμοϊστορική διαδικασία που διαμορφώνει το ίδιο το είναι του κόσμου. Η τεχνική δεν περιορίζεται στη χρήση μηχανών ή στην τεχνολογική πρόοδο, αλλά αποτελεί μια συνολική δυναμική που καθορίζει τις σχέσεις του ανθρώπου με τον κόσμο και τον ίδιο του τον εαυτό. Μέσω της τεχνικής, η ανθρωπότητα προσπαθεί να ελέγξει τον κόσμο, αλλά ταυτόχρονα χάνει την επαφή με την κοσμική διάσταση της ύπαρξής της. Αυτό οδηγεί σε μια κρίση της νεωτερικότητας, όπου η τεχνολογία γίνεται κυρίαρχη αλλά και ανεξέλεγκτη. Η τεχνική δεν λειτουργεί απλώς ως ένα μέσο που εξυπηρετεί τον άνθρωπο, αλλά γίνεται μια αυτόνομη δύναμη που αποξενώνει το άτομο από τη φυσική του ύπαρξη. Ο Αξελός, επηρεασμένος από τη Χεγκελιανή και Μαρξιστική παράδοση, αλλά και από τον Χάιντεγκερ, θεωρεί ότι η τεχνική μεταβάλλει τον άνθρωπο σε απλό χρήστη και διαχειριστή, περιορίζοντας τη δυνατότητά του για ουσιαστική φιλοσοφική σκέψη και ελεύθερη δημιουργία. Αυτή η αποξένωση εκδηλώνεται στην αποκοπή του ανθρώπου από το κοσμικό παιχνίδι της ύπαρξης, καθώς εγκλωβίζεται σε έναν μηχανιστικό και λειτουργικό τρόπο σκέψης. Παρότι ο Αξελός ασκεί κριτική στη μονόπλευρη κυριαρχία της τεχνικής, δεν την απορρίπτει εξολοκλήρου. Αντίθετα, τη θεωρεί μέρος του παιχνιδιού του κόσμου, μιας αέναης κίνησης που δεν μπορεί να εγκλωβιστεί σε αυστηρά οριοθετημένες κατηγορίες. Το πρόβλημα δεν βρίσκεται στην τεχνική αυτή καθαυτή, αλλά στην άκριτη αποδοχή της ως μοναδικού τρόπου σχέσης με τον Κόσμο. Η τεχνική, ενώ αποτελεί αναπόφευκτο στοιχείο της εξέλιξης, εγκυμονεί τον κίνδυνο της αποξένωσης όταν λειτουργεί ανεξέλεγκτα και χωρίς στοχαστική και ποιητική θεώρηση. Η φιλοσοφία του Αξελού προτείνει μια πιο ανοιχτή προσέγγιση, όπου η τεχνική δεν θα αντιμετωπίζεται ως υπέρτατη δύναμη, αλλά ως μία από τις πολλές διαστάσεις της ανθρώπινης ύπαρξης. Ο Αξελός προτείνει μια ανοιχτή στάση απέναντι στην τεχνική, όπου ο άνθρωπος θα παραμείνει συνειδητός συμμέτοχος στο παιχνίδι του κόσμου, αντί να μετατραπεί σε απλό εκτελεστή μιας τεχνολογικής αναγκαιότητας. (shrink)

In the ever-evolving landscape of video game development, mythology serves as a rich source of inspiration, providing developers with a wellspring of narratives, characters, and themes that resonate with players. This article, "Gaming the Gods: How Mythology Inspires Game Development," explores the intricate relationship between ancient myths and contemporary gaming. By examining various titles that draw upon mythological elements—from the pantheons of Greek and Norse mythology to the folklore of diverse cultures—we uncover how these stories enhance gameplay, deepen character development, (...) and create immersive worlds. The article also discusses the challenges and responsibilities developers face when adapting these age-old tales, including cultural sensitivity and authenticity. Through case studies of popular games, we illustrate how mythology not only enriches storytelling but also fosters a deeper connection between players and the narratives they engage with. Ultimately, this exploration highlights the enduring power of myth in shaping the future of interactive entertainment, inviting both players and creators to embark on epic journeys through the realms of legend and lore. (shrink)

The debate on human destiny and its relationship to freedom, responsibility, legality and morality is an ongoing discussion. The concept of destiny especially in Western philosophy depicts a static and unchanging idea that is causal to success or failure in the lives of individuals. Perhaps because of the culture of writing, destiny is seen as represented in black and white ink such that once written, it cannot be erased unlike the culture of oral expressions. Whereas Yoruba account of destiny depicts (...) a possibility of erasing or recanting what is already given prenatally, many scholars have laughed over this or term Yoruba idea as purely metaphorical and inconsistent in expression. The aim of this paper is to argue that the Yoruba idea of destiny is one of the most consistent ideas with the reality before us. It is an all encompassing thesis that bridge the gap between theory and practice and by extension the relationship between ought (morality) and what is (legality). This aim will be achieved by explaining the relationship between the prenatally received destiny and natal active destiny. This is necessary due to our finding that the Western idea of destiny only sees destiny as individualistic without a consideration of collective destiny or social aspect of destiny where different destinies interact and consequently makes social group or government liable for some individual actions. We conclude that Yoruba idea of destiny is consistent with why individuals and societies are responsible for some failures or successes. Our finding embodies the reason why both government and societies can be held responsible for social and personal actions. (shrink)

A profession from a mere private teacher to an International Linguistic Author, Rituparna Ray Chaudhuri, whom Literary World often calls an “innate creator” or ‘Divine Vengeance’, has proved herself when she had won to her surprise Harvard World Records and London Book of World Record. Living now in a suburb called Madhyamgram (West Bengal), this Semantic Scholar and Writer on English and British Literature, has widely-acclaimed her name in World of Literature with title ‘Blood is Memory without Language: A Litterateur’ (...) to The Daily Guardian. Precious Kashmir has called this Author, “Art is never finished; only abandoned” means “Artists are never really done with a project – there's always more that can be improved.”. (shrink)

In this paper, I examine Frank Jackson’s (1998) defense of conceptual analysis and flag some of the problems with his defense. If I am right about my criticisms, then, firstly, we do not desperately need conceptual analysis because neither our science nor metaphysics need to be committed to completeness and entailment. This was shown by methodological physicalism. Secondly, conceptual analysis does not give us the expected results. If we expect the conceptual analysis to give us apriori results (in the sense (...) of counterfactual intensions) we are mistaken. There is no fundamental reason to assume that any of our ordinary and natural language concepts are a good way to start to dig for real apriori results. It is equally possible that these results are not discoverable by the human mind. Thirdly, if we can give up apriori results with empirical discovery, then Lycan (1988) is right that we can give up large chunks of our folk concept of free will and still be realist about free will. There is no need to define free will in a way that is near enough to or a natural extension of the folk concept of free will to be a realist about free will. (shrink)

This paper has two parts. In the ,rst part, I discuss aspects of Félix Duque’s philosophy of contemporary art. In the second part, I brie-y show that Duque’s arguments about art can be adopted to capture cultural traits of jazz as a performative and improvisatory practice.

Recently, following news (in Punjabi) was published in Canada Sikh Times, Vol. 3. No. 8, 23 Feb.-1st March 2025. p. 3 (Column 1). “Grok AI has called Sikhism, the best religion in the world: A post on the social media platform ‘X’ is going viral, in which a user named Gurkaran Gill asked a question to ‘Grok,’ the artificial intelligence (AI) platform created by Elon Musk, the world’s richest person. The question was, ‘If you had to choose a religious supremacy (...) to rule over the Earth, which would you pick from Sikhism, Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism, or any other major religious group?’ Grok’s interesting response was, ‘That’s a tough question. If I had to choose a religion to take charge of the Earth, I would pick Sikhism because it embodies the fundamental human values like equality, rejection of caste discrimination, and service to humanity. This religion does not focus on dominating people of other faiths but emphasizes living in harmony with them.’ In this new technological era, the fact that AI has described Sikhism as mature and complete is a matter of great pride for Sikhs.” In response to the above news, I would like to opine that the claim that Sikhism stands out uniquely for values like equality and service to humanity overlooks similar principles found in other major religions. For instance, Christianity emphasizes love for one’s neighbor and charity, Islam promotes social justice and community welfare, and Buddhism advocates compassion and non-discrimination. To elevate Sikhism above these faiths based on a single AI response ignores the complexity and shared ethical foundations across religious traditions, reducing a profound question to a superficial endorsement. (shrink)

This article situates the Australian moral philosopher Julius Kovesi (1930–1989) in the context of the ‘Quartet’ of women philosophers—Iris Murdoch, Elizabeth Anscombe, Philippa Foot and Mary Midgley—with whom he was associated in various ways. His connections with the Quartet have not been documented previously, but they are not minor or incidental. Foot herself credits him with being one of the ‘members of a small band of guerrillas fighting the prevailing orthodoxy of anti‐naturalist emotivism and prescriptivism in ethics, and challenging the (...) Humean doctrine of the gap between “is” and “ought”’. The evidence shows that Kovesi made a distinctive contribution to the reshaping of moral philosophy that the Quartet were developing. In particular, it shows him as developing a Wittgensteinian but not an Aristotelian moral philosophy. (shrink)

The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping numerous aspects of human life, including healthcare, education, and entertainment. Spirituality and religion stand out as areas where AI holds transformative potential. Much like the printing press and digital platforms revolutionized the dissemination of religious teachings, AI offers new ways to enhance spiritual engagement. This article explores the intersection of AI, spirituality, and Sikhism, focusing on the opportunities, challenges, and ethical considerations involved.

A alegoria da caverna sob novas perspectivas: Platão, o “revolucionário,” o “rebelde,” o “subversivo” ou “uma proposta de revolta social platônica?” -/- The allegory of the cave from new perspectives: Plato, the “revolutionary,” the “rebel,” the “subversive” or “a proposal for a Platonic social revolt?” -/- La alegoría de la caverna desde nuevas perspectivas: Platón, ¿el «revolucionario», el «rebelde», el «subversivo» o «una propuesta de revuelta social platónica»? -/- Resumo: Muito se tem refletido e discorrido sobre Platão e suas obras. (...) Uma delas em específico seria A República e o texto do livro sete onde se encontra “a famosa ou clássica” alegoria da caverna. Através e por meio de novas abordagens da filosofia, sociologia, antropologia, historiografia e dentre outras áreas – visamos extrair novos conteúdos e reflexões em tal obra e alegoria. E assim encontramos indícios que apontam para um Platão não conservador – como alguns defendem, mas sim para um filósofo empenhado e militante pelas e nas transformações e mudanças sociais, talvez um subversivo, rebelde ou beirando a um tipo de revolucionário da época e contextos – isso por meio da prática filosófica e seus elementos, características e marcas com os instrumentos ou ferramentas da ironia, da dúvida e da crítica. O que causaram bastantes problemas para alguns teóricos e filósofos da Grécia antiga, bem como especificamente na Atenas. A exemplo: Sócrates. Que pondo em prática tal filosofia, tão logo foi perseguido, condenado, sentenciado e morto. Fatos que influenciaram muito a Platão, sua consciência e filosofia, talvez uma proposta subversiva, revolucionária ou uma proposta de revolta social platônica. Palavras-chave: Platão; Filosofia e consciência; A República; Alegoria da Caverna; Revolução Platônica; Transformação Social. (shrink)

Ensaio Crítico sobre a obra lockeana, Carta sobre a Tolerância: Um manual de Evangelismo Cristão ou uma Carta aberta Fundamentalista, contradições e paradoxos? Subtítulo A carta sobre a tolerância de John Locke na ótica da Antropologia, Sociologia, Historiografia, Filosofia, Análises do Discurso e Ciência da Religião -/- Título Ensayo crítico sobre la Carta de Locke sobre la tolerancia: ¿un manual de evangelismo cristiano o una carta abierta fundamentalista, contradicciones y paradojas? Subtítulo La Carta sobre la Tolerancia de John Locke desde (...) la perspectiva de la Antropología, la Sociología, la Historiografía, la Filosofía, el Análisis del Discurso y las Ciencias de la Religión -/- Title Critical Essay of Locke's Letter on Tolerance: A Manual of Christian Evangelism or a Fundamentalist Open Letter of Contradictions and Paradoxes? Subtitle John Locke's Letter on Toleration of in Perspective of Anthropology, Sociology, Historiography, Philosophy, Discourse Analysis and Religious Science -/- Resumo: John Locke (1632-1704) é considerado um dos grandes pensadores da modernidade, do empirismo e tido como o “pai do liberalismo moderno.” Filósofo, conhecedor de outras áreas do conhecimento, funcionário ligado a altos escalões de governos, estrategista, militante, escritor político e dentre outros – um sujeito que viveu durante guerras, transições entre regimes de governos monárquicos para parlamentares e de parlamentares para monarquia novamente. Instruído, sagaz, crítico e apologista da religião cristã. Escreveu várias obras importantes e que influenciaram revoluções e constituições de países, no qual uma de suas obras é objeto de nossa reflexão crítica: Carta sobre a Tolerância. Após colocarmos a referida obra sob as análises da ótica antropológica, sociológica, filosófica, psicanalítica, da historiografia, análises do discurso e ciência da religião, podemos inferir que talvez o autor possa ter passado duas mensagens em sua obra para públicos diferentes – mensagens explicitas e implícitas, e assim nos colocando várias indagações, tal como: Carta sobre a Tolerância - Um manual de Evangelismo Cristão ou uma Carta aberta Fundamentalista, de contradições e paradoxos? Palavras-chave: Tolerância; Religiões; Cristianismos; Fundamentalismo; Apologias; Contradições. (shrink)

En todos los pueblos del mundo andino actual, como Naván, siguen vigentes los ritos andinos, los cantos en quechua, la música, la danza y el vestuario de origen ancestral, que, a pesar de dedicarse a los ídolos católicos, no tie-nen relación directa. Nuestro propósito es evidenciar el origen prehispánico de las fiestas y su vigencia; para ello revisamos las fuentes documentales e investigaciones etnohistóricas correspondientes, relatamos nuestras observa-ciones y experiencias registradas durante la visita de especialistas de la Escuela Nacional Superior (...) de Folklore José María Arguedas y la Pontificia Universidad Católica del Perú, en el año 2007, a quienes acompañamos. (shrink)

E-commerce platforms are flooded with a large variety of products, particularly clothing, making it challenging for users to find relevant items. In this paper, we present a methodology for building an efficient Clothing Classifier using deep learning techniques with the Keras library. We leverage Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs), which are well-suited for image classification tasks, to categorize clothing items into predefined categories (e.g., shirts, pants, dresses, shoes). This paper demonstrates the process from data collection, pre-processing, model design, and evaluation to (...) create an image classifier capable of identifying clothing types in an e-commerce setting. (shrink)

Coronavirus disease has a crisis with high spread throughout the world during the COVID19 pandemic period. This disease can be easily spread to a group of people and increase the spread. Since it is a worldly disease and not plenty of vaccines available, social distancing is the only best approach to defend against the pandemic situation. All the affected countries' governments declared locked-down to implement social distancing. This social separation and persons not being in a mass group can slow down (...) the spread of COVID19. It reduces the physical contact between infected persons and normal healthy persons. Almost every health organization tells that to follow social distancing people should maintain at least 6 feet of distance from each other. This research proposes a deep learning approach for social distancing which is developed for tracking and detecting people who are in indoor as well as outdoor scenarios using YOLO V3 video analytic technique. This approach focuses to inspect whether the people are maintaining social distancing in many areas, using surveillance video with measuring the distance in real-time performance. Most of the early studies of detecting social distance monitoring were based on GPS for tracking the movements of people where the signals could be lost. On the other hand, some countries use drones to detect large gatherings of people who cannot have a clear view at night times [10]. In the future, the proposed system can be used fully for detecting threats in the public crowded or it can detect any person affected by critical situations (ie fainting, Cordia arrest) or planting the crops in the forms evenly with a uniform measurement. This proposal could be used in many fields like crowd analysis, autonomous vehicles, and human action recognition and could help the government authorities to redesign the public place layout and take precautionary action in the risk zones. This system analyses the social distancing of people by calculating the distance between people to slow downing the spread of the COVID 19 virus. (shrink)

We present a framework that we are currently developing, that allows one to extract knowledge from the knowledge discovery in database (KDD) dataset. Data mining is a very active and space growing research area. Knowledge discovery in databases (KDD) is very useful in scientific domains. In simple terms, association rule mining is one of the most well-known methods for such knowledge discovery. Initially, database are divided into training and testing for the aid of fuzzy generating the rules using fuzzy rules (...) generation the set of rules are generated from the given dataset. From the generated rules, we are extracting the significant rules by using the improved artificial bee colony algorithm and cuckoo search algorithm (IABCCS). After extracting optimal knowledge from the dataset via rules, the data will be classified using fuzzy classifier with the aid of this finally we will classify the attack and normal. (shrink)

: In the realm of insurance, accurately predicting the charges or premiums that a policyholder will pay is a critical task. Traditional models may not fully capture the complexities involved due to the multifaceted nature of insurance data. This paper explores the use of machine learning (ML) techniques to predict insurance charges, providing a more data-driven and potentially more accurate method compared to conventional approaches. We will analyze various machine learning models, evaluate their performance, and discuss their potential for use (...) in insurance companies to enhance pricing accuracy and efficiency. (shrink)

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a significant influence on the health of people all across the world, and preventing its further spread requires an early and correct diagnosis. Imaging using X-rays is often used to identify respiratory disorders like COVID-19, and approaches based on machine learning may be used to automate the diagnostic process. In this research, we present a deep learning approach for COVID-19 identification in X-ray pictures utilizing global thresholding. Our framework consists of two main components: (1) global (...) thresholding to preprocess X-ray images and extract features, and (2) a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) for classifying the images as positive (indicating COVID-19) or negative (indicating no COVID-19). Global thresholding is used to convert X-ray images into binary images, which can highlight the features of interest, such as lung opacity. The Network is instructed to use a dataset consisting of X-ray pictures that have been labeled with the COVID-19 status of each image. The usefulness of our approach was shown by experimental findings obtained using a dataset of X-ray pictures that were made accessible to the public. We achieve high accuracy in COVID-19 detection, outperforming traditional machine learning techniques. Our framework is also able to correctly identify COVID-19 in images that were misclassified by human experts. (shrink)

Near the end of December 2019, the globe was hit with a major crisis, which is nothing but the coronavirusbased pandemic. The authorities at the train station should also keep in mind the need to limit the spread of the covid virus in the event of a global pandemic. When it comes to controlling the COVID-19 epidemic, public transportation facilities like train stations play a pivotal role because of the proximity of so many people who may be exposed to the (...) virus. Using common place CCTV cameras and deep learning with simple online and real-time (DeepSORT) methods, this study develops social distance monitoring using a YOLOv4 identification of a Surveillance Object Model. Based on experiments conducted with a minicomputer equipped with an Intel 11th Gen Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-1115G4 at 3.00GHz, 2995 Mhz, two Core(s), four Logical processor, four gigabytes of random-access memory (RAM), this paper makes use of CCTV surveillance, which was put into practice at the Guindy railway station, Chennai, Tamilnadu in India in order to detect the violation of social distancing. (shrink)

The global catastrophe known as COVID-19 has shattered the world’s socioeconomic structure. Effective and affordable diagnosis techniques are crucial for better COVID-19 therapy and the eradication of bogus cases. Due to the daily upsurge in cases, hospitals only have a small supply of COVID-19 test kits. The study describes a deep Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) design for categorizing chest x-ray images in the diagnosis of COVID-19. The lack of a substantial, high-quality chest x-ray picture collection made efficient and exact CNN (...) categorization problematic. The dataset has been pre-processed using an image enhancement strategy to provide an effective training dataset for the proposed CNN model to achieve performance. The proposed model achieves 99.73% of accuracy, 98.95% of specificity, 99.47% of precision, 99.62% of sensitivity, and 98.71% of F1 score. A comparative study between the proposed model and numerous CNN-based COVID-19 detection algorithms is carried out to demonstrate that it outperforms other models. When evaluated on a separate dataset, the suggested model excelled over all other models, generally and explicitly. (shrink)

Small MGS (microgrid systems) are capable of decreasing energy losses. Long-distance power transmission lines are constructed by integrating distributed power sources with energy storage subsystems, which is the current trend in the development of RES (renewable energy sources). Although energies produced by RES do not cause pollution, they are stochastic and hence challenging to manage. This disadvantage makes high penetration of RES risky for the stability, dependability, and power quality of main electrical grids. The energies obtained from RES must thus (...) be integrated in the best possible way. To provide maximum energy sustainability and best energy usage, hybrid energy systems must manage energy efficiently. In order to improve power management and make better use of RES, this study offers a hybrid energy power management controller based on hybrid MABC (modified artificial bee colony) and ANN (artificial neural network) for MGS, PVS (photovoltaic system), and WT (wind turbine). Controlling power flows between grids and energy sources is the suggested approach for power control. D/R (demands/responses), customer reactions, offering priorities, D/R properties like COE (cost of energies), and sizes (lengths) are considered in this work. Along with current techniques, a suggested model is implemented in the MATLAB/Simulink platform. (shrink)

The increasing complexity and demands of next-generation networks necessitate the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance their efficiency and security. This article explores advancements in AI-driven communication systems, focusing on optimizing network performance, ensuring robust security measures, and addressing the challenges of scalability and real-time adaptability. By analyzing case studies, emerging technologies, and recent research, this study highlights AI's transformative potential in redefining communication systems for future applications.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are transforming the insurance industry by optimizing risk assessment, fraud detection, and customer service. However, the rapid adoption of these technologies raises significant ethical concerns, particularly regarding bias and fairness. This chapter explores the ethical challenges of using AI and ML in insurance risk management, focusing on bias mitigation and fairness enhancement strategies. By analyzing real-world case studies, regulatory frameworks, and technical methodologies, this chapter aims to provide a roadmap for developing ethical AI/ML (...) systems in the insurance sector. It highlights the importance of transparency, accountability, and inclusivity in ensuring equitable outcomes. (shrink)

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused a global health crisis, and accurate diagnosis and early detection are essential for successful management of the outbreak. Convolutional neural networks and pre-processed chest X-ray pictures are the two main components of the unique proposed method for the identification of COVID-19, which is presented in this paper (CNNs). Image enhancement and segmentation are performed during the pre-processing stage. These operations increase the overall quality and contrast of the pictures, which in turn makes it simpler (...) for the CNN to recognise significant aspects of the images. The CNN model was trained using a large dataset of pre- processed X-ray pictures that included both COVID-19 positive and negative instances. The dataset was used to train the model. In comparison to more conventional diagnostic approaches, and this strategy was successful in achieving high levels of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity in the detection of COVID-19. Moreover, this model designed an automated reporting system that saves time and costs by providing healthcare providers with diagnostic reports that are both prompt and accurate. This research demonstrates the viability of using CNNs and pre-processed X-ray images for the purpose of early identification of COVID-19 and offers an important resource for the efficient management of this worldwide health concern. (shrink)

With the capability of using virtualized resources as a service, over the Internet, and having dynamic scalability, cloud computing has started to gain momentum across many types of enterprises. It is probably going to have a big effect on the future of schooling. Cloud computing, hence, offers a great opportunity for learning institutions, especially the less privileged ones, to efficiently manage their information system without having to spend additional money purchasing more computers and networking equipment. The universities make use of (...) the cloud-based software provided by the service providers to help the completion of commercial duties as well as academic duties by their users and students respectively. The essay below will discuss some of the benefits that will accrue from cloud computing infrastructure in the educational sector, and more specifically in colleges where the usage of computers is greater. (shrink)

This paper discusses the design and development of a Digital Scrabble Word Dictionary Game. The app is inspired by the classic board game Scrabble, where players form words using letter tiles on a grid. This digital version provides a dictionary-based word validation system and a seamless user experience across different platforms. The goal is to create an interactive, engaging game that challenges players' vocabulary while offering a convenient way to play Scrabble-like games digitally. The paper explores the system architecture, features, (...) and technology stack employed in the app. (shrink)

This paper presents the design and development of an Android Grocery Management App aimed at simplifying the process of grocery shopping and inventory management for users. The app allows users to manage their grocery list, track inventory, set reminders for grocery purchases, and receive product suggestions. It also features integration with online stores for easy purchasing. The app is built with an emphasis on usability, providing an intuitive interface for seamless interaction.

Energy consumption prediction plays a critical role in optimizing energy usage, reducing waste, and ensuring the sustainability of power grids. With the growing use of smart meters, sensors, and IoT devices, there is a wealth of real-time data that can be leveraged to predict energy usage patterns. This paper explores the application of machine learning (ML) algorithms in predicting energy consumption, focusing on both residential and industrial settings. By utilizing supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, we demonstrate how ML can provide (...) accurate energy consumption forecasts and improve decision-making for energy management systems. (shrink)

This paper presents the design and development of a Fitness App that integrates workout plans, dietary recommendations, and motivational features to help users maintain a healthy lifestyle. The app aims to provide users with personalized workout routines, meal plans, and motivational content to keep them engaged throughout their fitness journey. The goal is to create a comprehensive app that empowers users to take control of their health by providing them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their fitness (...) goals effectively. (shrink)

In the digital age, chatbots have emerged as essential tools for automating communication and improving user experiences across various sectors. This paper presents a Chatbot Assistant System powered by Natural Language Processing (NLP) to provide intelligent, context-aware, and real-time responses to user queries. The system incorporates NLP techniques, such as text preprocessing, intent recognition, and entity extraction, to facilitate effective interactions. We explore the architecture, working principles, and applications of the system, along with its performance evaluation in different domains.