Search Results (32)

When an individual A is accused of having committed a morally impermissible action X, it is generally accepted that they may invoke three types of defenses to mitigate, or even eliminate, their moral responsibility (or at least the fittingness of blame): justifications, excuses, and exemptions. However, another consideration—one that does not prima facie fall under any of these three types of defenses—also appears capable of influencing moral responsibility: the passage of time. A might argue that, although they did indeed commit the morally impermissible action X, the fact that it occurred twenty years ago partially absolves them from responsibility. This idea, which underlies several legal principles—such as statutes of limitations, rehabilitation, and sentence reduction—raises underexplored philosophical issues. In this paper, we argue that the passage of time does not constitute an autonomous moral defense. Rather, it is morally relevant only insofar as it makes possible certain transformations—including psychological reform, repentance, and processes of moral repair—capable of modifying the normative conditions under which it is appropriate to hold an agent to account. Accordingly, the attenuation of diachronic responsibility is best understood not as a direct consequence of temporal distance itself, but as a consequence of changes in those normative conditions. Full article

Despite near-global legal reforms to tackle voyeurism and upskirting offences (VUs), such behaviours remain prevalent in Singapore—an under-reached population for empirical research in the niche of image-based sexual abuse and one where conservative views and sex-related taboos persist. This study consists of interviews with ten young adult Singaporean nationals about their understanding of VUs, victim-survivors thereof, and how such views interact with Singaporean culture and societal norms. Reflective thematic analysis was used to delineate the two predominant themes of the (1) Unaccountability of Perpetrators, wherein VUs are minimised and excused at both societal (Technological and Institutional Affordances) and individual levels (Sexual Deviancy & Pornography), and (2) Burden of Victimisation, which explored perceptions of victim-survivors as a gendered experience (Gendered Vulnerability), where norms around modesty impacted victim-blaming (Moralised Modesty & Responsibility), resulting in harm minimisation (Harm Awareness & Minimisation). Findings have implications for how legislators, law enforcement, and educational institutions address the minimisation of gender-based violence through shifts in social narratives, awareness, and responses. Full article

Dating violence (DV) is an increasingly prevalent phenomenon among emerging adults (aged 18–25 years), and the relationship between awareness and behavior remains poorly understood. This study explores emerging adults’ attitudes and beliefs toward DV and summarizes recommendations for designing prevention programs. A qualitative study using three focus groups (n = 16 emerging adults aged 18–25; 56% female) was conducted. Data were collected via semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. Three main themes emerged: (1) gender roles, (2) healthy intimate relationships, and (3) dating violence. Participants demonstrated high awareness of DV types, severity, and prevalence. However, they also exhibited an attitude–behavior inconsistency, reflected in the normalization and excusing of violence, and difficulty recognizing violent situations in their own relationships. Myths of romantic love and cognitive dissonance between general knowledge and personal experience create barriers to recognizing abuse—particularly psychological abuse, which is often confused with concern. Participants suggested integrating prevention strategies into schools and communities, with interventions tailored to their interests and realities (e.g., mobile applications, games and social media awareness campaigns). This study reveals that awareness and knowledge alone are insufficient for prevention. Efforts should shift from a knowledge-focused to a behavior-change approach, promoting emotional regulation, interpersonal skills, and addressing social and gender norms. Relevant implications for practice and preventive intervention design are discussed. Full article

Today, on the island of Gran Canaria, conventional photovoltaic installations are being implemented on the ground, with the excuse that electricity production must be decarbonized. This is located on a highly populated island, with a shortage of flat land, and a high dependence on food, in a biodiversity hot spot on the planet. We would like to point out that agrivoltaics could provide a double solution and allow the carbon footprint of this human settlement to be further reduced. In addition, it provides greater resilience to climate change, and by reducing dependence on the outside, it would minimize the effects suffered by pandemics such as SARS-CoV-2. It would also help mitigate water stress in one area facing serious water shortage problems. The reduction of local CO₂ emissions would be achieved in four ways: production of clean electricity, reduction of the transport of fuel for electricity generation, reduction of the transport of food goods from abroad, and the absorption of CO₂ together with the emission of O₂ by the planted crops. It would also lead to greater job creation, a remedy against great soil desertification, stopping agricultural abandonment, and life in rural inland areas. This study analyzes two possible agrivoltaic installation configurations of equal power in a potato field: one with a vertical bifacial (VB) configuration and another with an optimum angle (OA). The monthly production is examined and, specifically, the economic income in the event of pouring all the production into the grid. All this takes into account the reality of the chosen place, the island of Gran Canaria (Spain). Full article

This study explores legitimising beliefs about intimate partner violence (IPV) among Portuguese forensic cases. Using the ECVC scale, data from 45 assessed individuals revealed that IPV offenders—particularly men, those with lower education levels, and certain occupational groups—endorse beliefs that justify, minimise, or excuse violence. The most prevalent were trivialising minor violence and protecting family privacy. These findings align with the literature on the influence of patriarchal norms and social inequalities in sustaining IPV. These results highlight the importance of addressing underlying gender ideologies in prevention and intervention efforts, especially in forensic and justice-related psychological practice. Full article

Traditionally, formal education has favored boys, while girls, in the past, were relegated to the domestic sphere. This has been the case for centuries, without considering the possible specific cognitive needs of girls, which have been ignored. In Western countries, this has generated significant educational problems, especially in the learning of more technical subjects, with which girls not only do not identify but also often exclude themselves with the excuse that “it is not for them” (i.e., they tend to display a strong stereotype, a false belief, regarding these disciplines). The consequences have not been long in coming. Currently, in many Western countries, the low percentage of women in technical careers (such as Physics, Engineering, and Computer Science) is alarming. Is it possible to change stereotypes? This article addresses this complex issue, placing particular emphasis on the learning of spatial abilities, so important in all STEM careers (i.e., science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This study concludes with examples of other stereotypes (mainly cultural) that have been eliminated or significantly reduced thanks to virtual reality (VR) and the help of artificial intelligence (AI). Could the same be achieved in the spatial domain? Full article

Considerable amounts of research have discussed “No Excuses” charter schools preparing traditionally disadvantaged students for higher education. Yet, no scholarly work has identified or investigated U.S. academically intensive charter schools (AICS) that were founded to enable students to excel academically as much as their abilities and efforts allow. Here, we offer an exploratory study of AICS, defining them, describing the lived experience of an AICS principal, presenting the first national data comparing AICS campus and student characteristics to those of other charter schools, and assessing whether, nationally, AICS succeed on their own terms, with relatively high academic achievements. The data indicate that AICS resemble other charter schools in terms of measurable campus and student characteristics. Standardized, NAEP-adjusted Z-scores reveal that AICS consistently outperform other charter and district schools in literacy and mathematics across demographic groups, with differences expanding after the COVID-19 pandemic. We end with limitations and suggestions for future research. Full article

Physical inactivity among university students remains a global health concern, especially in semi-rural settings where unique barriers such as limited facilities, cultural norms, and inadequate transportation persist. This study aimed to identify the primary motivations and barriers to physical activity participation among students at a semi-rural university, providing insights for tailored interventions. A mixed-methods explanatory sequential design was used. In the quantitative phase, 414 questionnaires were distributed across four faculties, with 328 completed responses analysed using t-tests and factor analysis. The qualitative phase involved semi-structured interviews with 23 students, analysed through conventional content analysis. The quantitative findings revealed key motivators for physical activity, which included enjoyment (mean = 4.51, p < 0.001), social interaction (mean = 3.99, p < 0.001), and health benefits (mean = 3.27, p = 0.001). However, for barriers, heavy academic workload reached statistical significance (mean = 3.88, p < 0.001). In contrast, qualitative data uncovered additional barriers such as insufficient facilities and poor communication, which were not captured in the quantitative phase. Factor analysis identified four constructs for motivations (e.g., coaching, social, health, enjoyment) and barriers (e.g., club processes, excuses, external factors, lack of interest). Qualitative data corroborated these findings, highlighting issues such as insufficient visibility of physical activity programs, time barriers, and inconsistent coaching quality. This study underscores the importance of addressing structural barriers, such as upgrading facilities, improving communication strategies, and enhancing coaching quality, to increase physical activity participation. By implementing strategic interventions, universities can foster inclusive environments that better support students’ well-being and engagement, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles among university populations. Full article

Understanding the dynamics of sexually violent behavior is essential for developing effective interventions and policies that promote safe and respectful sexual relationships. An important area of research in this context is examining the influence of pornography on sexual behavior, which can inform these efforts. This study explores how sexually permissive attitudes and acceptance of the sexual double standard mediate the relationship between pornography consumption and engagement in violent sexual practices among a sample of the general population in Castilla-La Mancha, Spain (N = 1003; 50.7% men). The sexual double standard refers to the societal belief that men and women should be judged differently for the same sexual behaviors, with men often praised or excused for promiscuity, while women face stigma and shame. The findings reveal gender differences in engagement in sexually violent practices during sexual relationships. Men are more likely to perpetrate these behaviors, while women are more likely to experience them. Importantly, both lifetime and last year pornography consumption are associated with an increased involvement in such practices. This relationship is partially mediated by sexually permissive attitudes, with a stronger mediation effect observed in men. Practitioners can leverage these insights to develop comprehensive strategies that mitigate the risks associated with pornography consumption. Full article

Africa is vulnerable to a perfect storm which comprises a burgeoning youthful population, insufficient infrastructure, benign donor neglect and more malign foreign interference, much of which can be traced to decades of weak economic performance. African excuses for such failure have focused largely on external factors. But countries from similar domestic environments and in the same world order across Asia, Europe and Latin America have developed in leaps and bounds. This would suggest that, for at least some countries, Africa is poor because its leaders have chosen the wrong path. This essay provides a reappraisal of globalisation vis-à-vis Africa, arguing that the continent does not have too much globalisation, but too little in the form of open competition for business and markets, and that politics, not economics, is the principal development impediment. Examples on the continent (Somaliland) and elsewhere (Singapore) illustrate what impact effective politics can have, highlighting that a major challenge for Africa is an inability to create regional exemplars of prosperity that other states can emulate and feed off in a positive cycle of development. To this end, getting the (democratic) politics right in Africa makes good development sense. Full article

Obstetric violence during pregnancy and childbirth is unfortunately a major problem throughout the world. Neuroleptanalgesia is a classic form of analgesia which consists in administering analgesics and neuroleptics, such as haloperidol, simultaneously. Haloperidol is still occasionally used during childbirth and, in most cases, without informed consent in Spain. It is used with the excuse of being an antiemetic, but the reality is that it is a form of obstetric violence called chemical submission. The combination of haloperidol with opioids leads to a potentiation of the sedative effects of both drugs, which may lead to multiplied risks for both mother and baby. At present, the use of haloperidol during childbirth is a practice exclusive to Spain. In fact, the association El Parto es Nuestro (Birth Is Ours) launched an awareness campaign in February 2021 aimed at eradicating the use of haloperidol during childbirth without informed consent. The present essay aims to bring awareness about the ongoing practice of using haloperidol. It is of great importance to eradicate this practice that is so harmful to mothers and their babies, as well as educate health personnel regarding this situation. Full article

Digitalisation has redefined both media events and monarchical communication by enabling the diverse and critical participation of journalists and citizens. Media events that were once dominated by official narratives are now subject to multiple real-time transformations, with competing storylines emerging. This study examines the treatment of two monarchical figures (Queen Elizabeth II and King Juan Carlos I) during “the first major state funeral in the digital age” when the official invitation to Juan Carlos I generated a debate about his status and sparked curiosity about a potential photo. From an initial collection of 100,000 tweets and 1520 news articles, 187 pieces simultaneously mentioning both monarchs were selected and analysed to compare their treatment. In contrast to the British portrayal linked to professionalism and tradition, the Spanish media—and especially the social networks—immerse Juan Carlos I in controversy. A planned event in which strategic institutional messages were launched serves as an excuse for criticism and polarisation around the monarchy. This confirms that digitalisation has not only altered the way people access and participate but has also redefined the narratives of even the most traditional events. These transformations pose significant challenges to the image management of institutions such as the monarchy. Full article

People often offer an excuse or an apology after they do something wrong in an attempt to mitigate any potential negative consequences. In this paper, we examine how individuals employ social accounts when explaining their interpersonal transgression of meeting lateness to others in actual work settings. We examined the different combinations of social accounts and the social outcomes (forgiveness, helping behaviors, and intentions to continue interaction) of being late to a meeting. Across two studies using complementary experimental and survey methods, we found that a majority of late arrivers’ explanations included remorse and that including remorse significantly influences helping behaviors. Furthermore, we found no interaction between excuses and offering remorse. Implications of these findings and future directions are discussed. Full article

Cardiac rehabilitation (CR) utilization is low, particularly in Arabic-speaking countries. This study aimed to translate and psychometrically validate the CR Barriers Scale in Arabic (CRBS-A), as well as strategies to mitigate them. The CRBS was translated by two bilingual health professionals independently, followed by back-translation. Next, 19 healthcare providers, followed by 19 patients rated the face and content validity (CV) of the pre-final versions, providing input to improve cross-cultural applicability. Then, 207 patients from Saudi Arabia and Jordan completed the CRBS-A, and factor structure, internal consistency, construct, and criterion validity were assessed. Helpfulness of mitigation strategies was also assessed. For experts, item and scale CV indices were 0.8–1.0 and 0.9, respectively. For patients, item clarity and mitigation helpfulness scores were 4.5 ± 0.1 and 4.3 ± 0.1/5, respectively. Minor edits were made. For the test of structural validity, four factors were extracted: time conflicts/lack of perceived need and excuses; preference to self-manage; logistical problems; and health system issues and comorbidities. Total CRBS-A α was 0.90. Construct validity was supported by a trend for an association of total CRBS with financial insecurity regarding healthcare. Total CRBS-A scores were significantly lower in patients who were referred to CR (2.8 ± 0.6) vs. those who were not (3.6 ± 0.8), confirming criterion validity (p = 0.04). Mitigation strategies were considered very helpful (mean = 4.2 ± 0.8/5). The CRBS-A is reliable and valid. It can support identification of top barriers to CR participation at multiple levels, and then strategies for mitigating them can be implemented. Full article