Sign in to use this feature.

Years

Between: -

Subjects

remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline
remove_circle_outline

Journals

Article Types

Countries / Regions

Search Results (119)

Search Parameters:
Keywords = academic dialogue

Order results
Result details
Results per page
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
25 pages, 2109 KiB  
Article
Designing Artificial Intelligence: Exploring Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Safety in Human-Centric Emerging Technologies
by Matteo Zallio, Chiara Bianca Ike and Camelia Chivăran
AI 2025, 6(7), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/ai6070143 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 791
Abstract
Background: The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal interdisciplinary challenge, creating new opportunities for sharing information, driving innovation, and transforming societal interactions with technology. While AI offers numerous benefits, its rapid evolution raises critical concerns about its impact on inclusion, [...] Read more.
Background: The implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) has become a pivotal interdisciplinary challenge, creating new opportunities for sharing information, driving innovation, and transforming societal interactions with technology. While AI offers numerous benefits, its rapid evolution raises critical concerns about its impact on inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility, and safety (IDEAS). Method: This pilot study aimed to explore these issues and identify ways to embed the IDEAS principles into AI design. A qualitative study was conducted with industrial and academic experts in the field. Semi-structured interviews gathered insights into the opportunities, challenges, and future implications of AI from diverse professional and cultural perspectives. Result: Findings highlight uncertainties in AI’s trajectory and its profound cross-sector influence. Key issues emerged, including bias, data privacy, transparency, and accessibility. Participants stressed the need for greater awareness and structured dialogue to integrate the IDEAS principles throughout the AI lifecycle. Conclusion: This study underscores the urgency of addressing AI’s ethical and societal impacts. Embedding the IDEAS principles into its development can help mitigate risks and foster more inclusive, equitable, and accessible technologies. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

18 pages, 276 KiB  
Article
The Graphic Interpretation of the Story of Ruth and Naomi in M. Finch’s The Book of Ruth
by Miren Junkal Guevara
Religions 2025, 16(6), 769; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16060769 - 13 Jun 2025
Viewed by 406
Abstract
In recent years, many academics have addressed the issue of the intersection of the fields of Biblical studies and Cultural studies. Many academic works have emphasized the importance of the Bible in the building of cultural narratives and the need to reflect on [...] Read more.
In recent years, many academics have addressed the issue of the intersection of the fields of Biblical studies and Cultural studies. Many academic works have emphasized the importance of the Bible in the building of cultural narratives and the need to reflect on those narratives through interpretation, placing biblical texts within originating cultural contexts. This article attempts to situate itself in that stream of work, exploring the graphic interpretation of the story of Ruth and Naomi in the graphic novel The Book of Ruth by Meredith Finch and Colin Dyer. It begins with an introduction to the characteristics of the graphic novel genre, highlighting how this medium has addressed religion and the Bible, including characters, narratives, and traditions. Subsequently, a comparative methodology is applied to examine the treatment of the biblical text in the graphic novel, contrasting the textual and graphic study conducted by Finch and Dyer. The aim is to demonstrate how the graphic novel serves as a contemporary mode of biblical text reception, creating a dialogue between the Bible and the current culture in which its texts are read. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Hebrew Bible: A Journey Through History and Literature)
21 pages, 422 KiB  
Article
Profiling Land Use Planning: Legislative Structures in Five European Nations
by Dimitrios Koumoulidis, Ioannis Varvaris, Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Marzia Gabriele, Raffaella Brumana, Ioannis Gitas, Nikos Georgopoulos, Azadeh Abdollahnejad, Eleni Gkounti, Dimitris Stavrakoudis, Donatella Caniani, Andriy Dorosh, Roman Derkulskyi, Oksana Sakal, Shamil Ibatullin, Yevhenii Khan, Oleksandr Melnyk, Anne Fromage Mariette, Marc Tondriaux, Andrzej Perkowski, Adam Sieczka, Mariusz Maciejczak, Chryssa Kopra, Georgia Kostaki and Paraskevi Chantziadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Land 2025, 14(6), 1261; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14061261 - 12 Jun 2025
Viewed by 1535
Abstract
Land use transformation, the longest-standing human-driven environmental alteration, is a pressing and complex issue that significantly impacts European landscapes and contributes to global environmental change. The urgency to act is reinforced by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which identifies industrial, commercial, and residential [...] Read more.
Land use transformation, the longest-standing human-driven environmental alteration, is a pressing and complex issue that significantly impacts European landscapes and contributes to global environmental change. The urgency to act is reinforced by the European Environment Agency (EEA), which identifies industrial, commercial, and residential development—particularly near major urban centers—as key contributors to land take. As the EU sets a vision for achieving zero net land take by 2050, assessing the readiness and coherence of national legislation becomes critical. This comprehensive study employs a comparative legal analysis across five European countries—Italy, Greece, Poland, France, and Ukraine—examining their laws, strategies, and commitments related to land degradation neutrality. Using a review of national legislation and policy documents, the research identifies systemic patterns, barriers, and opportunities within current legal frameworks. The present study aims to provide valuable insights for policymakers, planners, and academic institutions, fostering a comprehensive understanding of existing gaps, implementation, and inconsistencies in national land use legislation. Among the results, it has become evident that a typical “pathway” between the examined states in terms of the legislative framework on land use–land take is probably a utopia for the time being. The legislations in force, in several cases, are labyrinthine and multifaceted, highlighting the urgent and immediate need for simplification and standardization. The need for this action is further underscored by the fact that, in most cases, land use frameworks are characterized by complementary legislation and ongoing amendments. Ultimately, the research underscores the critical need for harmonized governance and transparent, enforceable policies, particularly in regions where deregulated land use planning persists. The diversity in legislative layers and the decentralized role of the authorities further compounds the complexity, reinforcing the importance of cross-country dialogue and EU-wide coordination in advancing sustainable land use development. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

29 pages, 1139 KiB  
Systematic Review
Evaluating the Framework of the Notion Entrepreneurial Intention and Resilience: A Prisma Approach
by Ayesha Yaseen, Raflis Bin Che Omar, Lokhman Hakim Osman and Roshayati Binti Abdul Hamid
Adm. Sci. 2025, 15(6), 224; https://doi.org/10.3390/admsci15060224 - 10 Jun 2025
Viewed by 736
Abstract
This study reviews various academic discussions utilising distinct interpretations of entrepreneurship and resilience. The inadequacies of contemporary literature are explored and avenues for subsequent studies are offered in light of these discussions. Notable shifts in literature across themes, eras, and contexts have been [...] Read more.
This study reviews various academic discussions utilising distinct interpretations of entrepreneurship and resilience. The inadequacies of contemporary literature are explored and avenues for subsequent studies are offered in light of these discussions. Notable shifts in literature across themes, eras, and contexts have been documented. The body of literature has been steadily expanding over time, with a significant portion of research included in this SLR published from 2010 to 2024, which was not considered in earlier SLRs. A methodical, multidisciplinary evaluation of 44 publications divided into multiple academic dialogues was conducted to lay the groundwork for critical examination of each field of study. Resilience in the modern era encompasses not only the power to bounce back from stressful situations and adjust to a changed environment but also the dynamic process to improve learning capacity and foster personal development through continuous self-improvement, the acquisition of novel experiences and a forward-leaping framework. These findings contribute to the clarification and critical analysis of the current state of entrepreneurial resilience which will have several policies implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Entrepreneurship for Economic Growth)
Show Figures

Figure 1

20 pages, 312 KiB  
Article
Plato Under Review: What Is Going Wrong in Academic Philosophical Writing
by Giacomo Pezzano
Humanities 2025, 14(6), 116; https://doi.org/10.3390/h14060116 - 29 May 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 758
Abstract
This paper addresses the problem of stylistic pluralism in philosophical writing, arguing that its progressive narrowing to the form of the paper is not just an esthetic issue but can also have negative effects on the development of academic research itself. The contribution [...] Read more.
This paper addresses the problem of stylistic pluralism in philosophical writing, arguing that its progressive narrowing to the form of the paper is not just an esthetic issue but can also have negative effects on the development of academic research itself. The contribution is divided into two parts (Sections 1–3 and 4–5). In the first part, after introducing the problem and outlining the main features of the philosophus academicus’s writing, two main forms of criticism of “paper-centrism” in academic philosophy are discussed—one more “anti-academic” and the other more “intra-academic”. In light of these criticisms, the issue of the relationship between form and content in philosophical writing is analyzed with particular respect to the problem of the sense of truth, arguing that style communicates philosophical values beyond content. In the second part, this thesis is illustrated by examining, as a case study, the specific sense of truth conveyed in Plato’s dialogues—first through a literary analysis of Platonic writing, and then through a thought experiment inspired by media theory. Finally, the ethical and epistemic concerns raised by the growing “mono-stylism” of philosophical writing are brought together into a unified framework, by proposing a preliminary sketch of an ethics of philosophical research and pointing to some possible examples of alternative research practices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Philosophy and Classics in the Humanities)
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

28 pages, 513 KiB  
Article
From India to China: Evolution of the Connotations of Extracanonical Buddhist Literature
by Zhongyue Guan and Siyao Wang
Religions 2025, 16(5), 572; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16050572 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 627
Abstract
This paper introduces the concept of “Extracanonical Buddhist Literature” and explores its origins and development in the two major Buddhist cultural spheres of India and China. It investigates the roles such texts played in religious practice, doctrinal interpretation, and cross-cultural transmission. In India, [...] Read more.
This paper introduces the concept of “Extracanonical Buddhist Literature” and explores its origins and development in the two major Buddhist cultural spheres of India and China. It investigates the roles such texts played in religious practice, doctrinal interpretation, and cross-cultural transmission. In India, extracanonical texts frequently remained outside the official canon due to factors such as sectarian divisions and geographic constraints, reflecting ongoing debates and dialogues with non-Buddhist thought. In China, the formation of these texts was influenced by indigenous cultural integration, political pressures, and translation practices, highlighting a distinct trajectory of Buddhist localization. By analyzing the complementary relationship between these extracanonical works and canonical scriptures, this study demonstrates that these texts not only supplement the canonical system but also offer critical insights into the diversity of Buddhist thought and cultural exchange. Ultimately, they hold significant academic and cultural value, shedding light on how Buddhist ideas were disseminated and adapted across diverse regional contexts. Full article
17 pages, 301 KiB  
Article
Overcoming Sexual Harassment at University: The Case of the Training Intervention in the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona
by Olga Serradell and Lidia Puigvert
Behav. Sci. 2025, 15(5), 596; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs15050596 - 29 Apr 2025
Viewed by 1397
Abstract
The social and behavioral sciences have contributed enormously to our understanding of societies and the relationships between individuals within them. Sexual harassment is a universal social problem that is reproduced in different contexts and societies. However, institutions such as universities have made it [...] Read more.
The social and behavioral sciences have contributed enormously to our understanding of societies and the relationships between individuals within them. Sexual harassment is a universal social problem that is reproduced in different contexts and societies. However, institutions such as universities have made it invisible, contributing to the impunity of harassers and the vulnerability of victims. This has been the case for decades in countries such as Spain. Today, universities are implementing training measures to prevent such behavior. This article analyzes, from a dialogic sociological perspective, one of these interventions in terms of its success and impact on the academic community: the “Training for the Prevention of Gender-Based Violence at the University”, implemented by the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (Spain) between 2021 and 2024. The article defines and analyzes its main characteristics: (1) the contents based on scientific evidence; (2) the human commitment of the trainers; and (3) the dialogue with the solidarity network World MeToo Universities. The article concludes that the positive impact of this pioneering intervention in the academic community constitutes a universal and transferable successful action to overcome gender-based violence in universities. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Perspectives on Violence and Sexual Harassment)
18 pages, 731 KiB  
Article
“Learn to Fly”: Nurturing Child Development, Intergenerational Connection, and Social Engagement
by Margarida Gaspar de Matos, Cátia Branquinho, Catarina Noronha, Bárbara Moraes and Tania Gaspar
Youth 2025, 5(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/youth5010032 - 19 Mar 2025
Viewed by 490
Abstract
Learn to Fly was developed between February 2022 and March 2023 with the goal of fostering greater social participation and intergenerational dialogue around the recognition and solution of pertinent social issues through the development of psychological flexibility and socioemotional competences in children at [...] Read more.
Learn to Fly was developed between February 2022 and March 2023 with the goal of fostering greater social participation and intergenerational dialogue around the recognition and solution of pertinent social issues through the development of psychological flexibility and socioemotional competences in children at the start of their academic careers. Based on a participatory methodology and the concepts of the third generation of Cognitive Behavioral Therapies (CBTs) and ACT (Acceptance Commitment Therapy), the target audience included children of ages 5 and 6 (pre-school and first grade), their teachers, and their families. The Learn to Fly pilot initiative was implemented in eight partner institutions on the Portuguese mainland with the participation of 289 children, their families, and 22 educators. Learn to Fly was evaluated after 12 weeks of implementation using a combination of methodologies, including interviews, focus groups, and pre- and post-tests. Teachers emphasized that the initiative brought families closer to the school, thereby strengthening connections between the school and the community, when analyzing the impact of the project on the school community. Positive changes were observed in the children’s behaviors, particularly with respect to hyperactivity, relationship problems with colleagues, prosocial behavior, socioemotional skills, their perceptions of their participation in various scenarios (their city and country), and intergenerational dialogue with their parents. In addition to the teachers’ preconceived notions about child participation, they became more aware of the possibility of children having a say in decision-making and discovered that the program promoted this aspect. Presently equipped with resources, it is envisaged that teachers trained to implement Learn to Fly will play a significant role in promoting positive child development and social engagement. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

22 pages, 1515 KiB  
Article
Religion and Ecology: A Study on the Religious Beliefs and Practices in Conserving Ecology and Adapting to Climate Change Among the Bishnois of the Thar Desert in Rajasthan, India
by Bikku Bikku
Religions 2025, 16(3), 380; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16030380 - 17 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2705
Abstract
Climate change is a global issue with diverse regional impacts threatening the survival of both human and non-human species. While the academic discourse on climate change predominantly focuses on macro-level studies, it often neglects the vital role of local environmental practices and the [...] Read more.
Climate change is a global issue with diverse regional impacts threatening the survival of both human and non-human species. While the academic discourse on climate change predominantly focuses on macro-level studies, it often neglects the vital role of local environmental practices and the perspectives of affected communities. This paper presents insights from ethnographic fieldwork conducted among the Bishnoi community in Khejarli Village, Jodhpur, in the Thar Desert of India. This study utilizes participant observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, and case studies to explore local environmental knowledge and practices aimed at mitigating and adapting to climate change. Findings reveal the Bishnois’ deep-rooted relationship with nature and the pivotal role of religious beliefs in shaping their conservation efforts. Since the 15th century, the Bishnois have been committed to protecting local species, such as plants and animals, which has been crucial for sustaining the desert ecosystem and combating climate change. Moreover, their religious teachings and principles have helped conserve values among younger generations, ensuring a lasting culture of environmental stewardship. This paper supports integrating micro-level ethnographic studies into global climate change dialogues, urging the recognition of local knowledge as an essential resource for addressing contemporary environmental challenges. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Climate Crisis and Religions/Spirituality)
Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 3191 KiB  
Article
Technology and Emotions: AI-Driven Software Prototyping for the Analysis of Emotional States and Early Detection of Risky Behaviors in University Students
by Alba Catherine Alves-Noreña, María-José Rodríguez-Conde, Juan Pablo Hernández-Ramos and José William Castro-Salgado
Educ. Sci. 2025, 15(3), 350; https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci15030350 - 11 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1247
Abstract
Technology-assisted emotion analysis opens new possibilities for the early identification of risk behaviors that may impact the well-being of university students, contributing to the creation of healthier, safer, and more proactive educational environments. This pilot study aimed to design and develop a technological [...] Read more.
Technology-assisted emotion analysis opens new possibilities for the early identification of risk behaviors that may impact the well-being of university students, contributing to the creation of healthier, safer, and more proactive educational environments. This pilot study aimed to design and develop a technological prototype capable of analyzing students’ emotional states and anticipating potential risk situations. A mixed-methods approach was adopted, employing qualitative methods in the ideation, design, and prototyping phases and quantitative methods for laboratory validation to assess the system’s accuracy. Additionally, mapping and meta-analysis techniques were applied and integrated into the chatbot’s responses. As a result, an educational technological innovation was developed, featuring a chatbot structured with a rule-based dialogue tree, complemented by an ontology for knowledge organization and a pre-trained artificial intelligence (AI) model, enhancing the accuracy and contextualization of user interactions. This solution has the potential to benefit the educational community and is also relevant to legislative stakeholders interested in education and student well-being, institutional leaders, academic and well-being coordinators, school counselors, teachers, and students. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 4123 KiB  
Article
Modern Comprehension of the Treaty of Lausanne (1923): Historical Documentary, Searching for Rodakis by Kerem Soyyilmaz
by Theodora Semertzian, Ifigeneia Vamvakidou, Theodore Koutroukis and Eleni Ivasina
Histories 2025, 5(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/histories5010010 - 3 Mar 2025
Viewed by 2045
Abstract
This study analyzes the award-winning documentary film Searching for Rodakis, directed by Kerem Soyyilmaz, produced in 2023. The aim of this study is the historic comprehension and analysis of this filmic narrative in the field of social–semiotic literacy and its utilization in [...] Read more.
This study analyzes the award-winning documentary film Searching for Rodakis, directed by Kerem Soyyilmaz, produced in 2023. The aim of this study is the historic comprehension and analysis of this filmic narrative in the field of social–semiotic literacy and its utilization in historical studies for approaching issues of conflict in modern history, otherness, collective experience and trauma, and collective memory. The research material is the documentary Searching for Rodakis (produced by Denmark, Turkey 2023; screenplay/director, Kerem Soyyilmaz; duration, 57’), which received the following awards: Adana Golden Boll FF 2023 Turkey | Best Documentary, Thessaloniki International Doc. Festival 2023 Greece, Greek Film Festival Los Angeles 2023 USA, and Istanbul Documentary Days 2023 Turkey. As regards the historic context, the year of production, 2023, coincides with the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Lausanne, where Turkey’s current borders were set and the “population exchange” legally sealed, i.e., the violent expulsion of 400,000 Muslims, citizens of Greece, many of whom spoke only Greek, and 200,000 Orthodox citizens of Turkey, who in the majority spoke Turkish. At the same time, the Treaty of Lausanne ratified and finalized the expulsion of approximately one million Orthodox who were forced to leave the Ottoman Empire, as well as 120,000 Muslims who had fled Greece since the beginning of the Balkan Wars (1912–1913). About two million people were deported and lost their citizenship and property, in the context of “national homogeneity” (which connotes an ethnic cleansing), with the official states ignoring the criticisms of lawyers and academics who spoke of violations of constitutional rights. Mohammedan Greeks, estimated at around 190,000 as early as 1914, based on ecclesiastical statistics in the Pontus region, did not receive attention from the provisions of the Treaty of Lausanne, even though linguistically and culturally (origin, customs, culture and traditions) they did not differ in any way from the Orthodox Greeks. In Turkey, there was general indifference to the thousands of desperate people who arrived, with the exception of a few academics and the Lausanne Exchange Foundation. The filmic scenario is as follows: as a Greek tombstone of unknown origin is discovered underneath the floorboards in an old village house in Turkey, an almost forgotten story from the country’s creation unravels—the forced population exchange between Greece and Turkey in 1923. The engraved Greek letters tell of a woman, Chrysoula Rodaki, who died in 1887. Thus the search for her descendants begins. It leads director Kerem Soyyilmaz to local archives, where his own family’s role in history is laid bare; to abandoned ghost towns, and through the memories of older villagers—all while Soyyilmaz meets massive support for his quest from Greeks on the other side of the border. The stone becomes a portal to the past—and for a while, the trauma becomes redeemed when the previous owners of the village house return. Searching for Rodakis is a movie that reconnects people, culture, and the stories that were discarded in order to build a strong, nationalist state—told through the director’s personal experiences. The research questions, as they arise from the cinematographic material itself, are as follows: How is the historical memory of traumatic events of the previous century, such as the exchange of populations according the Treaty of Lausanne, recorded in the cinematographic narrative? What are the historical sources? To what extent did the origin, ethnicity, and geographical location of the narrators as participants influence the preservation of historical memory and the historical research? What are the criteria of the approach of the creator, and what are the criteria of the participants? Methodologically, we apply historic and socio-semiotic analyses in the field of public and digital history. The results: The types of historical sources found in filmic public discourse include the oral narration of testimonies, of experiences and of memories, as well as the director’s historical research in state archives, the material cultural objects, and the director’s digital research. Thus, historic thematic categories occur, such as the specific persons and actions in Turkey/Greece, actions on-site and in online research, and the types of historical sources, such as oral testimonies, research in archives, and objects of material culture. Sub-themes such as childhood, localities and kinship also emerge. These cinematic recordings of biographical oral narratives as historical and sociological material help us understand the political ideologies of the specific period, between the years 1919 and 1923. The multimodal film material is analyzed to provide testimonies of oral and digital history; it is utilized to approach the historical reality of “otherness”, seeking dialogue in cross-border history in order to identify differences, but above all the historic and cultural similarities against sterile stereotypes. The historic era and the historic geography of the Greek and Turkish national histories concern us for research and teaching purposes a hundred years after the Treaty of Lausanne which set the official borders of the countries. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Cultural History)
Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1919 KiB  
Proceeding Paper
Insights Gained from Using AI to Produce Cases for Problem-Based Learning
by Enjy Abouzeid and Patricia Harris
Proceedings 2025, 114(1), 5; https://doi.org/10.3390/proceedings2025114005 - 27 Feb 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1418
Abstract
Ulster University’s School of Medicine embraces a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, yet crafting scenarios for this method poses challenges, requiring collaboration among medical and academic experts who are often difficult to convene. This obstacle can compromise scenario quality and ultimately impede students’ learning [...] Read more.
Ulster University’s School of Medicine embraces a problem-based learning (PBL) approach, yet crafting scenarios for this method poses challenges, requiring collaboration among medical and academic experts who are often difficult to convene. This obstacle can compromise scenario quality and ultimately impede students’ learning experiences. To address this issue, the school trialed the use of AI technology to develop a case scenario focusing on headaches caused by cerebral haemorrhage. The process involved a dialogue between a single “author” and ChatGPT, with their outputs combined into a complete clinical case adhering to the school’s standard template. Six experienced PBL tutors conducted quality checks on the scenario. The tutors did not immediately endorse its use, recommending further enhancements. Suggestions included updating terminology, names, spelling, and protocols to align with current best practices, providing additional explanations such as interventions and improvements post-initial stability, incorporating real scans instead of descriptions, reviewing symptoms and timelines for realism, and addressing comprehension issues by refraining from directly providing answers and including probing questions instead. From this trial, several valuable lessons were learned: AI can assist a single author in crafting medical scenarios, easing the challenges of organizing expert teams. However, the author’s role shifts to reviewing and enhancing depth, guided by a template, with clinician input crucial for authenticity. ChatGPT respects patient data privacy and confidentiality by abstaining from providing scanned images, and while AI can generate discussion questions for tutorials, it may require modification to enhance specificity and provoke critical thought. Furthermore, AI can generate multiple-choice questions and compile reading resources to support self-directed learning. Overall, adopting AI technology can improve efficiency in the case-writing process. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

11 pages, 200 KiB  
Article
Nonreligious Self-Transcendent Experiences Occurred in Religious Contexts: A Reflection on Religion, Science, and Human Potential
by Linh Thi Thuy Nguyen
Religions 2025, 16(3), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16030264 - 20 Feb 2025
Viewed by 747
Abstract
Self-transcendence has been extensively studied and discussed among scholars, both theoretically and empirically. However, further academic inquiry into self-transcendent experiences (STEs), particularly their nature, religious implications, and spiritual benefits, is still needed. This paper undertakes a qualitative exploration of the topic, phenomenologically analyzing [...] Read more.
Self-transcendence has been extensively studied and discussed among scholars, both theoretically and empirically. However, further academic inquiry into self-transcendent experiences (STEs), particularly their nature, religious implications, and spiritual benefits, is still needed. This paper undertakes a qualitative exploration of the topic, phenomenologically analyzing the author’s first-person STEs within Buddhist and Christian contexts. In addition to personal journals and reflections, the dataset includes email exchanges with and reports to supervisors, as well as comparative insights drawn from testimonies shared by individuals of various religious backgrounds. The findings suggest that while religion may sometimes inhibit its adherents from experiencing STEs, it can also serve as a catalyst for such experiences among nonreligious individuals. Furthermore, the universal nature of STEs, which transcends cultural and religious boundaries, has the potential to promote interfaith dialogue and provide a theoretical framework for fostering religious harmony. Data on STEs could also act as a bridge connecting science with other forms of human knowledge, enabling shared discourse and offering a complementary perspective for understanding the world. Finally, a proposed mechanism of STEs highlights their role in achieving lifelong peace by balancing physical and mental needs, while also offering insights to help individuals maximize their potential and lead fulfilling lives. Full article
19 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Bridging Doctrinal Divides: Analyzing Ecumenical Dialogue Between Catholics and Protestants in South Korea
by Eunsil Son
Religions 2025, 16(2), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020221 - 12 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1453
Abstract
The remarkable growth of Catholicism and Protestantism in Korea has garnered significant attention in the history of Asian missions. However, their relationship has predominantly been characterized by persistent conflicts and competition, with limited progress in ecumenical efforts. This study examines the ecumenical dialogue [...] Read more.
The remarkable growth of Catholicism and Protestantism in Korea has garnered significant attention in the history of Asian missions. However, their relationship has predominantly been characterized by persistent conflicts and competition, with limited progress in ecumenical efforts. This study examines the ecumenical dialogue between Catholics and Protestants in Korea, focusing on the doctrinal issues central to their divisions. The analysis reveals that many of these disputes stem from doctrinal controversies introduced by Western missionaries in the early 20th century. Through a detailed examination of dialogue documents, the study demonstrates that despite over two decades of concentrated ecumenical efforts since 2000—when serious discussions on doctrinal matters began—progress remains limited. This stagnation is attributed to the lack of rigorous academic inquiry, insufficient engagement with global ecumenical movements, and ineffective dialogue methodologies. Finally, the article provides suggestions for fostering the local adoption of global ecumenical initiatives and promoting greater unity among Christians. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Religious Conflict and Coexistence in Korea)
31 pages, 327 KiB  
Article
Al-Insāniyya by Sīdī Salāma al-Rāḍī: A Sufi Treatise Against Modernity
by Francesco Alfonso Leccese
Religions 2025, 16(2), 192; https://doi.org/10.3390/rel16020192 - 6 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1514
Abstract
The Sufi dimension is usually underestimated within the debate on Islam and modernity as well as in discussions about resistance to Western ideas within contemporary Islamic culture. In contrast, Islamic modernism is often defined as the result of a coherent process of modernization [...] Read more.
The Sufi dimension is usually underestimated within the debate on Islam and modernity as well as in discussions about resistance to Western ideas within contemporary Islamic culture. In contrast, Islamic modernism is often defined as the result of a coherent process of modernization and reform, which stems from cultural confrontation with European Western thought and is accelerated by certain key historical events between the 19th and 20th centuries. This modernization, in the last decades of the 19th century, led to the emergence of a cultural Arab renaissance, known as naḥḍa, and a religious reform, iṣlāḥ; both are strongly influenced by modern Western thought. At the opposite end of this current of thought is the perspective of Sīdī Salāma al-Rāḍī, who denounced the damage that the scientistic view of Western origin was doing to Egyptian culture. His most important work, from this point of view, is an untranslated book entitled al-Insāniyya (“Humanity”), in which the author criticizes, from a traditional perspective, the biochemical, medical, evolutionary, and spiritualist conceptions of the physical, psychic, and spiritual constitution of the human being. The general tenor of this work is highly critical of modern Western civilization and represents an attempt to propose a traditional Islamic viewpoint, which is of extreme interest due to its uniqueness. Al-Insāniyya highlights a topic rarely addressed in academic literature on early twentieth-century Sufism: the involvement of a Sufi master in the dialogue between Western modernity and the Sufi Islamic tradition. This reveals a historical framework in which the Sufis of Cairo’s cosmopolitan environment, while mastering scientistic themes, reject modernity in favor of a classical Sufi vision of evolution understood as an initiatory path of spiritual perfection. Full article
Back to TopTop