The Art of Deferral: Ethics and the Other in the Fiction of J. M. Coetzee

A literary text, as a work of art, presents itself as an attempt to convey a story based on an author’s subjective representation of things and events. It is regarded as a vehicle to arrive at meanings or elicit messages. This thesis, however, embarks on a deconstructive reading of J. M. Coetzee’s texts that seeks to pursue a transgressive vision of the expectation of a literary text by highlighting the self-cancelling nature of Coetzee’s literary texts. Drawing on both cognitive theory and Levinasian ethics, this thesis develops the concept of a deferral of meaning that brings the cognitive and the ethical together in the demesne of imaginative art. Applying some key concepts of Levinasian ethics together with theories of cognitive science, it aims at demonstrating how such an approach effectively destabilises the rigid framework that the relationship between text-meaning, text-reader, text-author and accordingly self-Other, human-animal and bodymind has been built on. The thesis also challenges conventional perspectives on the concepts of certainty, absolute truth, and closure by reconceptualizing the concepts of uncertainty, the Other, and infinity. Approaching Coetzee’s writing through a framework of Levinasian ethics and contemporary cognitive theory, the thesis explores the capacity of J. M. Coetzee’s literary texts in eluding hermeneutics by rejecting the notions of absolute meaning and finite understanding. Finally, the thesis, in cancelling the concepts of certainty and absolute meaning, and in demonstrating Coetzee’s metareflective performance of such cancellation, seeks a redress for the failed recognition of the possibility of the encounter with the literary text as an encounter with the Other, the infinite

Augustine's Confessions and Christian Practice

This study offers a sustained treatment of the contributions Augustine’s Confessions offers to Christian practice. In recent decades, contemporary theology has elevated the formative potential of Christian practice, in part thanks to the theological project of Stanley Hauerwas. However, a problem I chart across Hauerwas’s work is a lack of interior description that addresses questions of theological agency. In response, I turn to Augustine to chart how his theological development of the will culminated in the Confessions with a theological depiction of interior agency. Specifically, Augustine’s account charts sin and grace as they effect the will, as well as a complex treatment of the problems created for the will by memory, time and new creation. As a whole, the Confessions thus provides a theological account of interior agency that is missing from Hauerwas’s project and has relevance for addressing the formative potential of Christian practice today

Intergenerational Dialogue with Young People on Spirituality in Churches: A Participatory Case Study

This research uses intergenerational dialogue as an approach to explore ways to increase young people’s agency within a church community. This case study builds on theoretical and professional discourse in the fields of youth work and Christian youth work and sits amidst contemporary discussions about changing trends in religion and belief in the UK. ‘Spirituality’ is discussed with reference to theoretical perspectives on the theme, which recognise it as a complex term that many academics still consider worth exploring, despite difficulties in defining it. This research design combines Participatory Action Research (PAR) and Collaborative Inquiry (CI) methodologies, using an innovative approach of action and reflection with intergenerational dialogue to offer Dialogical Participatory Action Research as a new approach to research. Participants formed a Dialogue Group which identified social and structural obstacles which had prevented young people from being able to participate fully in their context. These participants developed creative practices which were designed to facilitate new ways for young people to participate in and contribute to intergenerational church meetings. Their reflections on the successes and challenges of the research year have informed my data analysis in relationship with theoretical analysis. As well as a new research model this thesis contributes findings which demonstrate the usefulness of intergenerational dialogue as an approach for developing young people’s agency within a church community. Young people experienced greater agency and participation and found this experience positive to their sense of self and to their outlook on their church. Participants found that not only young people benefitted from this new paradigm, but that their positive and particular contributions could develop new church practices and spiritual insights. The changes this church community underwent to create space for the increased agency of young people demonstrated the potential for greater inclusivity and spiritual formation of the wider congregation

The Other Side of the Limit: Nonsense and Therapy from Hume and Kant to Wittgenstein

“What is nonsense?” is one of the most fundamental questions in philosophy and has been implicit since the subject’s origins. This thesis explores the role of nonsense in the work of Wittgenstein, the philosopher perhaps most critical of philosophy itself. Wittgenstein’s work, alongside that of Hume and Kant, is emblematic of the critical impulse in philosophy. This approach does not build philosophical systems or offer answers to philosophical questions. Rather, it interrogates whether the very questions asked are valid, useful, or clear. Though most philosophers are critical to an extent, some make especially broad critiques and distance themselves from other philosophical practices. Broad philosophical critiques, such as those found in Hume, Kant or Wittgenstein require a notion of nonsense with which to frame other philosophy. Through critical comparison, I argue that Wittgenstein’s notion of nonsense is more concrete than Hume's or Kant's, as is his method for addressing philosophical nonsense as it emerges. I argue that Wittgenstein’s understanding of nonsense emerges in response to his biggest influences: Russell and Frege. Wittgenstein’s approach emerges from a reply to Russell’s language-adjacent philosophy and incorporates Frege’s understanding of sense. I argue that the early and later Wittgenstein have distinct methods but share a conception of nonsense as something which cannot have meaning. The later Wittgenstein’s therapeutic approach emerges from his dissatisfaction with the Tractatus’ response to nonsense. Understanding the later work requires engagement with the earlier. Finally, taking seriously Wittgenstein’s comparisons between psychotherapy, particularly psychoanalysis, I argue that Wittgenstein’s therapeutic approach uses arguments to dissolve philosophical problems. Further, appropriately incorporating Freud into my interpretation shows that Wittgenstein’s method does not put an end to philosophy – rather it creates a productive, reflective role for philosophical nonsense

Exploring Factors Behind the Delay in Adopting Sustainable Supply Chain Management Practices in Firms [Quality Management]

The purpose of this thesis is to comprehensively explore the adoption of sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) practices and the factors that influence the timing of such adoption in firms. This research employs a rigorous approach involving a thorough literature review and empirical case studies. The study's findings emphasise the critical significance of key factors influencing firms' decisions regarding SSCM practices. Significantly, this research highlights the paramount role of awareness and knowledge enhancement within firms. A lack of information and understanding acts as a substantial barrier to SSCM adoption, emphasising the need for educational and training programs to equip employees with the essential skills and knowledge for sustainable practices. Collaborative efforts with supply chain partners and suppliers emerge as a valuable strategy for promoting sustainability and innovation within the supply chain. The study also underscores the importance of rigorous financial considerations, including costbenefit analyses, in informed decision-making and resource allocation. Addressing the risks and disruptions associated with unsustainable practices is deemed crucial for building resilient and sustainable supply chains. This research's originality lies in its comprehensive approach to understanding SSCM adoption by integrating empirical evidence from diverse case studies. It offers industry-specific insights into challenges and opportunities, rooted in real-world contexts, revealing the intricate dynamics that influence the timing, that influence firms' adoption decisions. The study places particular emphasis on the timing of adopting sustainable practices, highlighting how delays and early actions shape outcomes and strategies. By focusing on the role of education and training programs as critical tools for overcoming adoption barriers, the research contributes a unique dimension to the field. Furthermore, this study advances theoretical discourse while providing actionable insights aligned with industry demands. While these findings constitute a significant contribution to existing knowledge, it is essential to acknowledge certain limitations. These encompass issues related to generalisability, the exploration of alternative strategies, the need to distinguish between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and larger corporations, and the potential for more in-depth examinations of stakeholder dynamics. Nonetheless, this research lays a robust foundation for insights into the complexities of sustainable practice adoption and offers valuable directions for future research and practical applications

A quantitative-minded God: balance and judgement in the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries

This thesis examines how biblical references to weights and measures were interpreted by medieval thinkers in relation to penitential theology. Chapter One explores the evolving role of ‘balance’ in twelfth-century eschatology, transitioning from a virtue linked to Benedictine values of moderation and salvation to a concept associated with divine judgment after death, reflecting a shift toward a quantitative understanding of holiness. Chapter Two analyses the phrase pondus et pondus from Proverbs 20:10, tracing its rise in prominence during the late twelfth and early thirteenth centuries. It explores the phrase’s connection to fraud, particularly in commercial contexts, and examines how this idea of precise measurement in commerce was linked to divine judgment and individual punishment. Chapter Three investigates the analogy between penance, purgatory, and debt repayment, considering whether this analogy was merely a rhetorical tool or if it influenced the development of doctrinal concepts of penance and purgatory. These chapters collectively reveal how penitential theology was reimagined in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries, with judgment framed as a balancing of sin and good deeds. This theological shift coincided with economic growth and expanding mercantile practices. Though a tenuous link, drawing on Jacques Le Goff’s work on purgatory, it could be suggested that the reimagining of sin through a quantitative lens may have influenced the development of the doctrine of purgatory

Synthesis of Fe-SSZ-13 using a ferrocene-based structure directing agent for the NH3 -SCR reaction

Nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions from industrial processes and transportation continues to cause harm to both the environment and human health through the production of acid rain, depleting the ozone layer and causing cardiovascular and respiratory problems in humans. Over the past 50 years selective catalytic reduction of NOX by ammonia (NH3-SCR) has been successfully used to limit NOx emissions. Iron and copper zeolite catalysts have been extensively used for NH3-SCR due to their high activity, high selectivity to N2 and low N2O formation. While Cu-based zeolites are favoured for NH3-SCR application due to their excellent activity and stability at lower temperatures, Fe-zeolites have shown greater stability at higher temperatures typical of diesel exhausts and produce less N2O. Improving the lower temperature activity of Fe-Zeolites is of great interest to industry. This thesis outlines the use of (Ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide (FMTMA OH) as a template in a one-pot method to produce a chabazite with homogenously distributed Fe species. The original idea for the use of (Ferrocenylmethyl)trimethylammonium hydroxide (FMTMA OH) as a template came from Raul Lobo during a previous Johnson Matthey sponsored project. This thesis details the development work done to find suitable conditions for the synthesis of FMTMA OH, evaluation of calcination conditions on the Fe species in the final material and finally testing of fresh and aged catalysts under standard NH3-SCR conditions against a benchmark material made using incipient wetness impregnation. Analysis of the fresh Fe chabazite synthesised with FMTMA OH (Fc-SSZ-13) samples showed they contained homogenously distributed Fe, mainly isolated and dimeric species, regardless of the calcination conditions. Conversely, the fresh benchmark sample contained a wide range of Fe species and significant agglomeration of Fe was seen in these samples. Catalytic testing of the Fc-SSZ-13 showed comparable NOx conversion to the benchmark sample although, aged samples showed much greater deactivation compared the benchmark. Analysis of the aged samples showed significantly more Fe clusters seen in Fc-SSZ-13 than in the benchmark sample, indicating that sintering of the Fe in Fc-SSZ-13 was much more prevalent

A Theology of Friendship in a Digital Age

Friendship has been a subject of theological study for many years – being viewed as both an earthly blessing and a heavenly virtue. In recent years friendship has become a topic of interest in the social sciences and within popular culture. This thesis aims to bring the theological roots of friendship into conversation with modern scholarship. This is of particular interest due to the introduction and impact of technology on friendship making and keeping. The primary question this thesis engages with is: To what extent does friendship, as practiced in a world saturated by digital technology, reflect biblical and classical ideals of friendship? This question may be answered both positively (areas of continuity) and negatively (areas of divergence). The research approach combines theory (ancient and modern literature) and practice (empirical data). This approach reflects how friendship can be studied in a theoretical manner or within the scope of lived practice. Beginning with the theory in the form of a literature review which encompasses Biblical, classical, historic, and modern sources, these were used to create frameworks of thought and interview questions for semi-structured interviews for the empirical research. Interpreting the empirical data in consideration of the literature along with particular attention to the roles of theology and modern technology, brings about new understandings concerning the relationship between the theory and practice of friendship. This thesis consists of seven chapters, the first chapter providing an introduction while the remaining six make up three partitions. Chapters 2 and 3 cover the ancient world addressing friendship in the Bible, ancient Greco-Roman philosophy, and church history up to the Reformation. Chapter 4 and 5 take friendship from theory towards practice focusing on value and technological changes in the modern world. The final chapters (6 and 7) contain empirical research and the conclusion

Simulating AGN Feedback by Line-driven Winds in Idealized Disc Galaxies

Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) feedback plays a crucial role in galaxy formation and evolution. AGN-driven winds, with large kinetic luminosities found observationally, could significantly impact the galaxies hosting the AGN. Radiation pressure on UV absorption lines is a promising mechanism for driving these winds, whose feedback effect remains to be explored. In this thesis, I explore how AGN feedback influences the galaxy properties using a state-of-the-art cosmological hydrodynamical code – SWIFT with COLIBRE subgrid physics. I implement a new subgrid model for AGN feedback that couples feedback efficiency with the Eddington ratio by a power-law, based on scaling relations for line-driven winds from the analytical model Qwind. I simulated idelized Milky Way-like galaxies incorporating a black hole (BH), cold gas disc, stellar disc, and hot circumgalactic medium (CGMs) within a static dark matter halo potential. The black hole is assumed to accrete gas at the Bondi rate. I explore the effects of varying BH masses, the slope and the normalization in new coupling efficiency model. I find that higher BH masses result in greater cumulative AGN energy injection, higher AGN energy injection rates, which in turn lead to lower star formation rates (SFR) and cold gas masses but higher gas outflow rates. When comparing fiducial variable coupling efficiency model with default constant coupling efficiency model, the former one produces weaker AGN feedback, characterized by reduced cumulative AGN energy injection, lower AGN energy injection rates, and significantly smaller coupling efficiencies, but higher accretion rates. This results in faster BH growth, larger SFR and cold gas masses, and lower gas outflow rates, while enhancing BH self-regulation. These effects are due to the coupling effeciency typically being lower in the variable efficiency model. Compared to some previous simulations, our results exhibit weaker AGN feedback and less suppression of SFR

Detection thresholds for large to great paleoseismic subduction earthquakes in south-central Alaska from coastal marsh records.

Coastal paleoseismic evidence currently provide records of the recurrence of great earthquakes in the Prince William Sound section, Alaska, with widespread evidence of vertical surface displacement ≥ 1 m during seven great earthquakes in the past 4000 years. The established criteria for detecting land level changes ≥ 1 m relies heavily on identifying and tracing abrupt changes in sediment stratigraphy, peat-silt couplets which indicate ≥ Mw 8 earthquake produced subsidence. While methods are well developed for identifying displacement of ≥ 1 m, very little is known about the lower detection limit of vertical land displacement. Briggs and Barnhart (2017) suggest that subduction earthquakes < Mw 8 displace the coast by < 0.3 m and likely leave no geologic evidence in coastal marshes. However, recent studies suggest that a detection limit of ~0.1 to 0.2 m is possible within vegetated marsh environments. Consequently, this thesis aims to identify the lower detection limits of co-seismic vertical deformation in coastal marshes of Prince William Sound to reveal large (Mw 7-7.9) to great (≥ Mw 8) earthquakes, which may have occurred between the 1964 CE and the preceding earthquake (~771 cal yr BP). The sampling design of previous studies looking at ≥ 1 m subsidence focuses on marsh-front locations, which may not detect smaller earthquakes. Thus, fieldwork was undertaken in Alaska to test a new methodology which focuses on high marsh environments; peat forming communities where the most precise quantitative estimates of deformation can be reconstructed. The stratigraphic contact of the 771 ± 10 cal yr BP earthquake was traced inland where it is expressed as a peat-to-peat contact. AMS dating, shifts in diatom assemblages, and a pronounced fall in PMSE at the contact provide evidence of the ~771 cal yr BP earthquake. However, I argue that the magnitude of this subsidence is dependent on training set selection. Furthermore, I suggest that using a regional peat only training set provides the lowest detection limit (< 0.1 m) for the ~771 cal yr BP earthquake whilst still providing a suitable number of analogues. No additional earthquakes were identified in the peat at Girdwood, raising questions about the suitability of diatom transfer functions for detecting smaller seismic events in high marsh environments