Freedom From Responsibility: Agent-Neutral Consequentialism and the Bodhisattva Ideal

This paper argues that influential Mahāyāna ethicists, such as Śāntideva, who allow for moral rules to be proscribed under the expediency of a compassionate aim, seriously compromise the very notion of moral responsibility. The central thesis is that moral responsibility is intelligible only in relation to conceptions of freedom and human dignity that reflect a participation in, and sharing of, interpersonal relationships. The central thesis of the paper is that revisionary strategies, which seek to explain agency in event-causal terms, set the stage for moral epiphenomenalism. On the view I defend here, an effective compatibilist solution to the problem of reconciling freedom of the will and determinism depends on expanding, rather than eliminating, the complex register of factors that underpin the experiential aspects of our moral life

MAINTAINING INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE THROUGH UNDERSTANDING THE PHILOSOPHY AND CULTURE

Overseas Chinese, as the third biggest tribe in Indonesia, and one of the big minority groups in other South East Asia countries, speak in various dialects in their daily life. Those dialects are their indigenous languages, based on their ancestors’. Most of them speak in Fukien (Hokkian) or Hakka dialects. Some of them even can speak in the both dialects. They prefer speak in those dialects to speak in Mandarin. The Chinese cultural value and philosophy which are taught by the parents and learned by the children continuously in the family take part in maintaining the indigenous language. Overseas Chinese are still using the language among their family and peer group who have the same cultural backgrounds. This paper will discuss in detail how and what efforts have been done by Overseas Chinese ‘Fukien’ and ‘Hakka’ society in Medan, in order to maintain their dialects, which strongly related and influenced by the Chinese philosophy and culture

Taijiquan the 'Taiji World' way: Towards a cosmopolitan vision of ecology.

In this article, we present a case study analysis of data gathered on the practice of the art of Taijiquan (Tai Chi Chuan) in one UK context. Our interest in looking at this physical culture was in exploring if/how physical cultures of shared embodied experience and practice may help “sow the seeds of environmental awareness”. In so doing, we illustrate certain affinities between this interpretation of the art and Beck’s idea of a “cosmopolitan vision of ecology”. We present an analysis of documentary and interview data of one English Taijiquan organisation and how it currently promotes the idea of interconnectedness, wellbeing and an alternative meta-narrative for living through the practice of Taijiquan. We conclude that, while further research is needed, there is evidence that a cosmopolitan vision for ecology is emerging in physical cultures such as Taijiquan

East–West Perspectives on Privacy, Ethical Pluralism and Global Information Ethics

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are both primary drivers and facilitating technologies of globalization—and thereby, of exponentially expanding possibilities of cross-cultural encounters. Currently, over one billion persons throughout the planet have access to the Web: of these, Asian users constitute 35.8% of the Web population, while Europeans make up 28.3 % of world users—and North Americans only 20.9% (Internet World Stats, 2007). Our histories teach us all too well that such encounters—especially concerning potentially global ethical norms—always run the risk of devolving into more destructive rather than emancipatory events. Speci?cally, these encounters risk pulling us into one of two contradictory positions. First of all, naïve ethnocentrisms too easily issue in imperialisms that remake “the Other” in one’s own image—precisely by eliminating the irreducible differences in norms and practices that de?ne distinctive cultures. Second, these imperialisms thereby inspire a relativistic turn to the sheerly local—precisely for the sake of preserving local identities and cultures. Hence the general problem: how we might foster a cross-cultural communication for a global ICE that steers between the two Manichean polarities of ethnocentric imperialism and fragmenting relativism

Crossing 21st and State: Marquette-Milwaukee Relations

This project delves into relations between Marquette University and the Milwaukee community, analyzes potential issues, and suggests proposals for continued change. Through field observations, multiple interviews, and wide scholarly research, I\u27ve ascertained that Marquette University, a school long-deemed isolationist and elite, is at a pivotal point in their community engagement. While Marquette shows efforts toward more meaningful community engagement, these efforts could fall short, especially if not continually cultivated. For Marquette to signal sustained and deep investment in community engagement, I propose an awareness campaign, more open and honest discussion about current tensions, and more purposeful actions of Marquette to truly become part of and integrated with Milwaukee.https://epublications.marquette.edu/english_3210ur/1040/thumbnail.jp

Becoming dislocated: On Bauman's subjective culture

Three of Zygmunt Bauman’s recent books are assessed to present insights into the recent development of his thought and the challenges it poses to the social sciences, humanities and the wider public. By reading Bauman’s recent work through the influence he takes from Georg Simmel, the former’s disparate recent work is understood as an attempt at the cultivation of critical and ethical engagement through the externalization and objectification of his own subjective culture. The more radical elements of Bauman’s work are emphasized in his attempts to stimulate a counter-culture through encouraging critical analysis of society. It is proposed that he achieves this through ‘polylogic’ discourse and engagement with the public. Sociology is presented as a tool of freedom through ‘defamiliarizing the familiar’ and Bauman’s most powerful tool in this is the demonstration of his particular critical view of the world. The broad-ranging engagement with diverse topics in his recent books enables him to place this critical perspective, rather than a particular topic or issue, at the centre of his work. The metaphorical and other literary devices used by Bauman to stimulate critique and in particular to spur on the radical potential of youth are highlighted as some of his most powerful contributions

What Do Buddhists Think about Free Will?

A critical overview to the bulk of extant Buddhist theories of free will

A Scientific and Socioecononic Review of Betel Nut Use in Taiwan with Bioethical Reflections

This article addresses the ethics of betel nut use in Taiwan. It first presents scientific facts about the betel quid and its consumption and the generally accepted negative health consequences associated with its use: oral and esophageal cancer, coronary artery disease, metabolic diseases, and adverse effects in pregnancy. It then analyzes the cultural background and economic factors contributing to its popularity in Asia. The governmental and institutional attempts to curb betel nut cultivation, distribution, and sales are also described. Finally, the article analyzes the bioethical implications of this often-ignored subject from the perspectives of human dignity, the good of health, vulnerable groups, cultural diversity, informed consent, and ethical blind spots

Information and Communication Technologies (ICTS) as a Tool for Intercultural Education. A collaborative experience in secondary education in Tlapa de Comonfort, Guerrero, Mexico

This paper discusses the collaborative experience of creating educational materials for a secondary school in Tlapa de Comonfort, Guerrero, México. In this school, students from Nahuatl, Tun savi, Me'phaa and Spanish speaking communities live and learn together. The intercultural context provides challenges for science education that we sought to address. The use of collaborative technologies in science classes has made visible the cultural diversity in the classroom, helping students and teachers recognize themselves as active agents in the construction of common knowledge and in sharing their\ud knowledge. This experience also shows the importance of ICTs as technologies of expression that reinforce individual and collective identity in intercultural contexts