In _The Eudaimonist Ethics of al-Fārābī and Avicenna_, Janne Mattila provides the first comprehensive account of the ethical thought of al-Fārābī and Avicenna.

The foundations of AI design discourse are worth analyzing. Here, attention is paid to the nature of theory languages used in designing new AI technologies because the limits of these languages can clarify some fundamental questions in the development of AI. We discuss three types of theory language used in designing AI products: formal, computational, and natural. Formal languages, such as mathematics, logic, and programming languages, have fixed meanings and no actual-world semantics. They are context- and practically content-free. Computational languages (...) use terms referring to the actual world, i.e., to entities, events, and thoughts. Thus, computational languages have actual-world references and semantics. They are thus no longer context- or content-free. However, computational languages always have fixed meanings and, for this reason, limited domains of reference. Finally, unlike formal and computational languages, natural languages are creative, dynamic, and productive. Consequently, they can refer to an unlimited number of objects and their attributes in an unlimited number of domains. The differences between the three theory languages enable us to reflect on the traditional problems of strong and weak AI. (shrink)

'This is a smart and compelling book. Difficult ideas are presented in an accessible manner, with plenty of supporting illustrations…Students will enjoy the research material and other supporting material. A definite winner!'- Professor Jay Gubrium, University of Missouri This book gets to the heart of what the social sciences really know about the elusive and contradictory object of research: human reality. Drawing on a wide range of international examples and scenarios, Social Theory and Human Reality examines key sociological concepts that (...) we use to understand human behaviour such as: norms, rules and meanings; language and discourse; ritual; and personality and identity construction. Alasuutari clearly and convincingly demonstrates: - The constant interplay between routines and reflexivity that grounds social order - how the body and our bodily experiences mediate our social reality - that language plays a multi-faceted role as it describes, reflects and constructs human reality Building on the work started by Berger and Luckmann in The Social Construction of Reality, this book is a lucid and contemporary analysis of the premises shared across the social sciences, and of the kaleidoscope of 'human reality'. This important book will be welcomed by students and scholars alike in the fields of Cultural Studies, Sociology and Anthropology. (shrink)

The current issue of Approaching Religion includes articles based on conference papers presented at the Fifth Finnish Colloquium on the Middle East and North Africa Studies, which was organised by the Finnish Institute in the Middle East, the University of Eastern Finland, Faculty of Theology, and the University of Helsinki, including the Academy of Finland Centre of Excellence Changes in Sacred Texts and Trad-itions, in Joensuu, 29–31 May 2017. The theme of the conference was ‘Transformations of Identity and Space in (...) the Middle East and North Africa’, and it explored the construction and transformation of identity in space, whether geographical, mental or virtual. (shrink)

: The main contribution of this paper to current philosophical and sociological studies on modeling is to analyze modeling as an object-oriented interdisciplinary activity and thus to bring new insights into the wide, heterogeneous discourse on tools, forms and organization of interdisciplinary research. A detailed analysis of interdisciplinarity in the making of models is presented, focusing on long-standing interdisciplinary collaboration between specialists in infectious diseases, mathematicians and computer scientists. The analysis introduces a novel way of studying the elements of the (...) models as carriers of interdisciplinarity. These elements, being functionally interdependent building blocks, evolve during the modeling work and carry the disciplinary tensions in the process. This shows how the long and challenging process of defining and reformulating the object of research is crucial for understanding the dynamics of interdisciplinarity in the making. (shrink)

Max Weber was a decathlonist of the human sciences. Today he has a reputation of first rank classic in several academic fields. If we imagine, however, Weber resurging from his grave today, he would not recongize himself in the textbook-Weber or in the popular use of Weberian formulas, such as charisma or rationality. The Weber studies in two recent decades have dis-embalmed Weber from the ex-post-classifications, such as sociologist or theorist of bureaucracy. Weber's political and intellectual context, the specific points (...) he intended to make and his tacit but systematic revisions of central concepts are given a closer attention. Contemporary scholars can use their freedon of imagination to construct new perspectives on Weber's work. This volume illustrates some trends in newer Weber studies. A number of scholars with different gackgrounds, working especially in the fields political and administration studies, construct their own modes of reading Weber. Some of them deconstruct the received views, others, rather, take a fresh look to some Weverian concepts and problemToday Weber has a reputation of a first rank classic in several academic fields. If we imagine, however, Weber resurging from his grave today, he would not recognize himself in the textbook-Weber or in the popular use of Weberian formulas, such as charisma or rationality. (shrink)

We expect Big Data methods to contribute to research with results that are not inferior to those attained in other ways but possibly better, or hard or impossible to generate in other ways. Those who apply these methods may also aspire to augment the arsenal of research methods, offer surrogates for existing research designs, and re-orient research. Moreover, we can critically examine the institutional, societal and political effects of the Big Data methods and the conditions for the solid institutionalization of (...) these methods in social and political research. To reach its primary objective, this article elaborates conclusions on how Big Data methods, not only by means of their ‘social life’ but also by their ‘political life’, may influence the institutionalization of social and political research. To reach its secondary objective, the article re-examines a study of budgetary legislation in 13 countries carried out by means of Big Data methods to draw conclusions concerning the augmentation of the arsenal of research methods, the surrogation of existing research designs, and the re-orientation of research. (shrink)

Afin de mettre en exergue la spécificité de la jurilinguistique, le présent article examine une des particularités du langage du droit, l’utilisation des abréviations dans les textes juridiques, sur laquelle il est, je pense, essentiel de faire des recherches comparatives. Dans ce contexte, ma tâche est d’expliciter la nécessité d’une étude comparative en jurilinguistique en prenant pour appui des travaux que notre groupe de recherche a réalisés sur les abréviations juridiques finlandaises. (Ce groupe de recherche comprenait Anne Jussila, licenciée ès-lettres, (...) Outi Kaltio, licenciée ès-lettres, et l’auteur de ces pages.). (shrink)

This article reviews Hestenes' work on the Dirac theory, where his main achievement is a real formulation of the theory within thereal Clifford algebra Cl 1,3 ≃ M2 (H). Hestenes invented first in 1966 hisideal spinors $\phi \in Cl_{1,3 _2}^1 (1 - \gamma _{03} )$ and later 1967/75 he recognized the importance of hisoperator spinors ψ ∈ Cl 1,3 + ≃ M2 (C).This article starts from the conventional Dirac equation as presented with matrices by Bjorken-Drell. Explicit mappings are given for (...) a passage between Hestenes' operator spinors and Dirac's column spinors. Hestenes' operator spinors are seen to be multiples of even parts of real parts of Dirac spinors (real part in the decompositionC ⊗ Cl 1,3 andnot inC ⊗ M4 (R)=M4 (C)). It will become apparent that the standard matrix formulation contains superfluous parts, which ought to be cut out by Occam's razor.Fierz identities of bilinear covariants are known to be sufficient to study the non-null case but are seen to be insufficient for the null case ψ†γ0ψ=0, ψ†γ0γ0123ψ=0. The null case is thoroughly scrutinized for the first time with a new concept calledboomerang. This permits a new intrinsically geometric classification of spinors. This in turn reveals a new class of spinors which has not been discussed before. This class supplements the spinors of Dirac, Weyl, and Majorana; it describes neither the electron nor the neutron; it is awaiting a physical interpretation and a possible observation.Projection operators P±, Σ± are resettled among their new relatives in End(Cl 1,3 ). Finally, a new mapping, calledtilt, is introduced to enable a transition from Cl 1,3 to the (graded) opposite algebra Cl 3,1 without resorting to complex numbers, that is, not using a replacement γμ →iγμ. (shrink)

The automorphism groups of scalar products of spinors are determined. Spinors are considered as elements of minimal left ideals of Clifford algebras on quadratic modules, e.g., on orthogonal spaces. Orthogonal spaces of any dimension and arbitrary signature are discussed. For example, the automorphism groups of scalar products of Pauli spinors and Dirac spinors are, respectively, isomorphic to the matrix groups U(2) and U(2, 2). It is found that there are, in general, 32 different types or similarity classes of such automorphism (...) groups, if one considers real orthogonal spaces of arbitrary dimension and arbitrary signature. On a more abstract level this means that the Brauer-Wall group of the real field R, consisting of graded central simple algebras over R, can be extended from the cyclic group of 8 elements to an abelian group with32 elements. This extended Brauer-Wall group is seen to be isomorphic with the group (Z 8 × Z 8 )/Z 2 and it consists of real Clifford algebras with antiinvolutions. Moreover, the subgroup determined by the antiinvolution is isomorphic to the automorphism group of scalar products of spinors. (shrink)

Previous research on consumers’ willingness to choose a green hotel has yielded mixed results, with some studies indicating a positive relationship with the hotel’s CSR initiatives, while others suggesting that there is no booking advantage for hotels going green. The present research seeks to understand the social nature of green hotel booking decisions and proposes a conceptual framework elucidating three primary factors that underlie consumers’ propensity to choose a green hotel. The study findings indicate that, importantly, a consumer’s social relationship (...) situation with other consumers, self-affirmation, and the option popularity jointly influence consumers’ willingness to choose a green hotel. The authors adopt a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial experimental design to test the proposed hypotheses. Theoretical and managerial implications are discussed. (shrink)

This article analyzes the distribution of benefits from Fair Trade between producing and consuming countries. Fair Trade and conventional coffee production and trade were examined in Nicaragua in 2005-2006 and 2008. Consumption of the respective coffees was assessed in Finland in 2006-2009. The results indicate that consumers paid considerably more for Fair Trade-certified coffee than for the other alternatives available. Although Fair Trade provided price premiums to producer organizations, a larger share of the retail prices remained in the consuming country (...) relative to conventional coffee trade. Paradoxically, along with the certified farmers and cooperatives, Fair Trade empowers roasters and retailers. (shrink)

SUMMARYThis article provides the first comprehensive and historically genuine analysis of Heinrich Ludwig von Hess's pamphlet Der Republickaner. Hess was an important figure in both the German and Swedish eighteenth-century political context. Firstly, I will show that the proper historiographical context for Hess's pamphlet is Sweden. In previous historiography on the subject it has been argued that Der Republickaner was a comment on the constitutional reality of Hamburg. My article demonstrates that the original context of Hess's pamphlet was the power (...) struggle between King Adolf Frederick of Sweden and the council of the realm. Secondly, I argue that Hess's pamphlet is the most elaborate defence of aristocratic republicanism written in Sweden in the Age of Liberty. As a result, Hess's pamphlet is the fiercest attack on absolutism written in German in the eighteenth century. (shrink)

While a circular economy (CE) paradigm shift has gained significant momentum among academics, practitioners, and policymakers, theory regarding its social aspects remains scant, especially theory based on an ethical, micro-level perspective. Circular consumption, referring to those consumption practices that aim to extend the lifetimes of objects and materials, involves ethical considerations. However, everyday circular consumption and its ethics have not gained a foothold in the CE literature. This article builds on the existing circular consumption literature by drawing insights from the (...) posthuman feminist theorising of care, shifting the focus of care from humans to the complex relations between humans and nonhumans and conceptualising circular consumption practices as matters of care. This conceptualisation, which follows a thinking-with-theory approach, is based on empirical material constructed in two research projects focusing on frontrunner consumers in terms of circular consumption in Finland: food waste reduction and circular clothing consumption. We identify circular consumption as care by introducing three distinct perspectives: care as tinkering, care as affective practices, and care as ethico-political action. We show that approaching circular consumption practices as matters of care, while not always easy or straightforward, is an attempt to make consumption better: more attentive, inclusive, durable, and enjoyable. Our findings emphasise the interconnected nature of circular practices, the constant performativity of circular consumption, and nonhumans as crucial stakeholders in care relations. Consequently, we offer an alternative to technocentric CE perspectives and a way to promote a sustainable world through care. (shrink)

PurposeExisting research suggests that the competitive advantage provided by technological development depends to a large extent on the speed and coordination of the technology’s implementation, and on how adoptable the technological applications are considered. While accepting this argument, the authors consider the explanatory model to be inadequate. This study aims to contribute to the theoretical discussion by analysing institutionalised industrial relations and other organisation-level factors, which are important for workplace restructuring and societal change.Design/methodology/approachThe analysis is based on a representative nation-wide (...) work and working conditions survey (N= 4,100) from Finland, which includes a variety of themes, including practices, changes and well-being at work. Changes are understood as organisational changes, focusing on modern technologies such as robotisation and digitalisation.FindingsThe results indicate that occupational division at workplace (low-skilled vs high-skilled occupations) affects job insecurity and acceptance of technologies at work. The characteristics of workplaces, such as the employees’ participation and involvement in the development of the organisation, play a significant part in both the acceptance and the implementation and outcomes of the technological transformations in the workplace.Practical implicationsThe research provides new and interesting insights into working life practices. Furthermore, it reveals how technology acceptance and employment perspectives relate to working conditions and lessons learned from past reforms.Originality/valueThe authors consider current theories such as technology acceptance model at the micro level and that way rationalise the need for this study. This study shows the importance of individual, organisational and wider contextual factors in technology acceptance. (shrink)

The Eudaimonist Ethics of al-Fārābī and Avicenna adlı kitabın değerlendirmesi.

Janne Mattila’s _The Eudaimonist Ethics of al-Farabi and Avicenna_ offers a systematic exploration of how al-Farabi and Avicenna, two prominent figures in classical Islamic philosophy, developed distinct ethical frameworks grounded in the concept of eudaimonia. This book examines how both thinkers navigated classical Greek influences, especially those of Aristotle and Plato, while integrating Islamic philosophical principles to develop unique ethical systems. The work addresses the relative lack of focused scholarship on these philosophers’ ethical thought, emphasizing that their ethics extend (...) beyond a mere synthesis of Greek philosophy into original contributions grounded in psychology, cosmology, and metaphysics. This book is divided into two major sections: happiness and virtue. It first delves into happiness as the final end for human existence, presenting how al-Farabi and Avicenna interpreted Aristotle’s function argument and contemplative pleasure. Mattila argues that for both thinkers, human flourishing lies in intellectual activity, particularly theoretical contemplation, a stance rooted in their metaphysical, cosmological, and psychological views. The second section investigates virtue, focusing on how both philosophers define virtues not just as traits of moderation but as pathways toward intellectual and spiritual perfection. These ethical ideals are explored through a variety of primary sources, many of which also engage with political philosophy, further demonstrating the interdisciplinary nature of their thought. One of the book’s strengths is its reconstruction of ethical theories from fragmented texts, offering new perspectives on al-Farabi and Avicenna’s moral philosophy. The book reveals an interesting tension in their works between the Aristotelian concept of virtue as moderation of bodily passions (_metriopatheia_)—which can also be found in Plato's _Republic_—and the ideal of liberation from bodily passions (_apatheia_), as exemplified in the Stoa and Neoplatonism and prefigured in Plato's _Phaedo_. Mattila convincingly argues that both al-Farabi and Avicenna resolved this tension by positioning intellectual and moral virtues within a framework of philosophical progression. Despite the depth of analysis, the book raises questions about the accessibility and application of such ethical ideals in modern contexts. Some sections might benefit from further elaboration, particularly regarding potential inconsistencies in these thinkers’ views on virtue. However, Mattila succeeds in demonstrating the relevance of the ethical thought of al-Farabi and Avicenna for contemporary discussions on human flourishing, virtue ethics, and the philosophy of happiness. This work is a valuable contribution to the field of Islamic ethics and philosophy, appealing to scholars interested in the intersection of classical Greek philosophy and Islamic thought, as well as those exploring the metaphysical foundations of ethics. By shedding light on lesser-studied dimensions of the intellectual legacies of these two philosophers, the book invites readers to consider the richness and originality of medieval Islamic philosophy. (shrink)

Encountering the North. Cultural Geography, International Relations and Northern Landscapes. Edited by Frank Möller and Samu Pehkonen, xiii + 294 pp. $89.95/50.00 cloth. The Nordic Peace. Edited by Clive Archer and Pertti Joenniemi, x + 217 pp. $79.95/46.50 cloth. Sweden and the “Third Way”: A Macroeconomic Evaluation. By Philip Whyman, xi + 251 pp. $94.95/52.50 cloth.

Au-delà des frontières des langues, des cultures juridiques et systèmes de droit, conciliant synchronie et diachronie, le Professeur Mattila nous offre une oeuvre riche en couleurs, rencontres illustres et cas d’espèce. Nul doute qu’il s’agit là d’un ouvrage de référence, à la fois au regard de l’introduction d’une approche heuristique et de la cartographie d’un champ de connaissances commun au juriste et au linguiste. Sa vaste étude des interactions terminologiques et conceptuelles des langues et traditions juridiques européennes propose un (...) tableau minutieux, systématique et argumenté de la situation du langage juridique dans cinq langues. Elle offre une réflexion sur le développement de ces langues, notamment sur le plan international. Travail herculéen s’il en est, il ne pouvait être réalisé que par un humaniste accompli. Heikki Mattila, professeur émérite de jurilinguistique à l’Université de Lapland en Finlande, est juriste, spécialiste multilingue du langage juridique, linguiste .. (shrink)

L’édition spéciale que le lecteur tient entre ses mains est la toute première édition de la Revue Internationale de Sémiotique Juridique en langue française. Elle lui propose un éventail d’analyses représentatives des différentes conceptions de la linguistique juridique ou jurilinguistique comme la dénomme nos collègues canadiens. Elle est dédiée au Doyen Cornu, qui fut, comme l’indique le Professeur Beauchard dans son hommage, une des personnalités juridiques les plus reconnues en France pour ses travaux dans le domaine de la langue et (...) du droit. Les articles sélectionnés dégagent l’essentiel de la linguistique juridique: ils soulignent certains aspects de recherches déjà avancées (Gémar, Goltzeberg) et d’autres débats encore peu explorés (Mattila, Lenoble-Pinson), permettant ainsi au lecteur de situer les enjeux actuels de la linguistique juridique tout en lui révélant les perspectives à venir. (shrink)