ARADMAN: Multidisciplinary Research Journal
ARADMAN Multidisciplinary journal, which publishes research papers, case studies, review papers and other academic papers is hinged on the notion that research is needed to solve many, if not all, of the next decade’s major research challenges, thereby contribute to emerging trends and opportunities in interdisciplinary domains. This journal publishes semiannually every April and October.
Eastern Visayas State University - College of Arts and Sciences
About the Authors Christopher Ryan B. Maboloc, PhD, is an ASAP Global Justice Fellow at Yale University. He is Associate Professor of Philosophy at the Ateneo de Davao University and a Visiting Lecturer at Silliman University. He is also a Visiting Professor at the American University of Sovereign Nations. He finished his doctorate in philosophy, maxima cum laude, at the University of San Carlos. He obtained his Master’s in Applied Ethics from Linkoping University in Sweden and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim, Norway. He also completed his Master’s in Philosophy at Ateneo de Manila University. He was the Erasmus Mundus Program Representative for Applied Ethics, and was a delegate during the 2007 Erasmus Mundus General Assembly in Brussels, Belgium. Dr. Maboloc was also trained in Democracy and Governance at the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung in Bonn and Berlin, Germany. He is a member of The Society for Philosophy and Technology and the Universal Science Education Research Network (USERN). A Scholarum Awards Nominee for Best Newspaper Column, he has written more than 100 social and political commentaries for the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Dr. Maboloc was awarded the Public Intellectual Prize in 2020 by the Philosophical Association of the Philippines. He is the author of the book Radical Democracy in the Time of Duterte. Robert V. Panaguiton, PhD holds a doctorate in Anthropology, a Master of Arts in Teaching Philosophy, and a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Mathematics. His journal publications center on culture and spirituality. Having been in the academe for 28 years, he has served important administrative positions like deanship, directorship, and chairmanship. His field work and research experiences have sustained his passion for teaching both in the graduate and undergraduate levels. He is currently a faculty of the Philosophy Department of the College of Liberal Arts at Western Mindanao State University in Zamboanga City. Atty. Edwin Matura is a Community Development Officer holding the position of Division Chief at the Office for Settler Communities under the Office of the Chief Minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). He is a Senior Lecturer at Notre Dame University - College of Law since 2022. He was a faculty member of the Philosophy, Religious Studies and Peace Education Department of Notre Dame University from 2003 to 2019. He also served the same department as its Program Head from 2012-2014. Prior to becoming a full-time university educator, he served as a Technical Assistant at the NDU-Educational Media Center from 1997 to 2003. Atty. Matura has an extensive educational background. His academic journey is defined by a relentless pursuit of knowledge. He earned his Juris Doctor (JD) degree from Notre Dame University - College of Law in 2018. He was admitted to the legal profession in 2022. He completed a degree of Master of Educational Studies (MEdStud) in 2009 at The University of Newcastle in Australia under an Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) Scholarship. He also earned a degree of Master of Arts in Philosophy (MAPhilo) in 2007 at Ateneo de Davao University. Aldrin F. Quintero, Ph.D., is a professor of philosophy at Notre Dame of Marbel University in Koronadal City, Philippines. He holds a doctorate in philosophy specializing in Bioethics from the American University of Sovereign Nations in Arizona, USA. He obtained his Master of Arts in Philosophy from Ateneo de Davao University and also completed his Master’s in English from Notre Dame of Marbel University. In addition, he has a Postgraduate Certificate in Peacebuilding and Human Development from Hiroshima University, Japan. Dr. Quintero graduated AB Philosophy from the University of San Carlos in Cebu City. He was a PYLP Adult Representative and a delegate to PYLP 11 at Northern Illinois University, USA. He has presented papers at various conferences, including Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand; International Medical School Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and at Hiroshima University in Japan; the Asian Bioethics Association Conference; and the International Public Health Ambassador Conference of the American University of Sovereign Nations. He has published articles in international and local journals, such as the Social Ethics Society Journal and the Eubios Journal of Asian and International Bioethics. He was the former President of the Social Ethics Society (2016-2019). He recently passed the Level 2 Data Protection Officer National Certification. He is now the Data Protection Officer and the Chairman of Notre Dame of Marbel University Ethics Review Board. Lilian Caubalejo-Domingo, MA, hails from Cotabato City, where she resides with her husband and three children. Having spent a significant portion of her career in Notre Dame University, she is now in a new chapter with Catholic Relief Services (CRS). Bringing along with her a wealth of experience gleaned from her academic endeavors, Lilian is enthusiastic about embracing new challenges and learning opportunities particularly in building resilience in communities facing climate change challenges and experienced conflict. She earned the degree Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from Notre Dame University. She earned a Master of Arts in Theology major in Pastoral Ministry from St. Vincent School of Theology, Adamson University. Driven by a desire to delve deeper into the complexities of peace and conflict resolution, Lilian secured a prestigious scholarship through the Australia Awards. This opportunity allowed her to further her education at the University of Sydney, where she pursued Master of Peace and Conflict Studies. Maricar Feliciano graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Clothing Technology from the University of the Philippines Diliman in 2020. While interested in fashion, she found her passion in non-profit work. She is currently the Communications Head of Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), an international non-government organization advocating for world peace and cessation of war. She started as a volunteer writer in 2019, writing press releases and newsletters on the organization's peace initiatives covering peace education, interreligious dialogues, peace legislation, and volunteerism activities. Aya T. Gantala is a dedicated educator and a graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies at Southern Leyte State University- Tomas Oppus campus. As a licensed professional teacher, she is dedicated to shaping the minds of future generations. With a passion for exploration and discovery, Ms. Gantala enjoys engaging in fieldwork and has a keen interest in conducting research that will pave way for her community’s growth and prosperity. She believes that combining practical experiences with academic inquiry leads to a deeper understanding of the world and enriches the educational process. Committed to fostering critical thinking and lifelong learning, Ms. Gantala, strives to inspire curiosity and intellectual growth. Ms. Christine B. Layola is graduate of Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Social Studies. She earned her bachelor's degree in Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Campus and graduated as a Cum laude. As a social studies major and a future educator, she demonstrates a strong commitment in helping towards the development of their community and aspires to become an educator who instills knowledge, values, and critical thinking in the younger generation. Ms. Christine devotes her time and energy in tutoring young children in her community, recognizing the importance of providing support and guidance to those in need . Beth A. Infortuna is currently taking her undergraduate studies at Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus, pursuing a degree in Bachelor of Secondary Education with a specialization in Social Studies. She completed her senior high school education, attaining the distinction of high honors, at Bato School of Fisheries. As a fourth-year college student, she is undertaking her teaching internship at San Isidro National High School and Southern Leyte State University - Tomas Oppus Laboratory High School. Jesha D. Pusa completed her elementary education at Taylan Elementary School in 2014 and graduated with honors in secondary school at Matalom National High School. She is currently studying in her fourth year of Bachelor of Secondary Education, specializing in Social Studies at Southern Leyte State University – Tomas Oppus (SLSU-TO). Her involvement in various extracurricular activities speaks volumes about her passion for personal growth and community development. Notably, Jesha served as the treasurer of the Social Science Society at SLSU-TO during the academic year 2022-2023, contributing significantly to the organization's success and recognition with the Campus Integrity Crusaders Accreditation. Erwin Tulang Tampus is a 3rd year BSED- Social Studies major at Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus Campus. He is a former Vice President of the Social Science Society during Academic Year 2023-2024. He won awards as the Best Speaker during the In- Campus Debate held at Southern Leyte State University Tomas Oppus Mini Theater for the 2nd Argumentation and Debate forum. As a student and aspiring teacher , he wants to enhance his pedagogical skills through research and innovation. Vicente S. Betarmos, Jr., DMT has served as Associate Professor V at Southern Leyte State University-Tomas Oppus Campus in the government service since 1997. He earned his MAEd in Social Science at Tomas Oppus Normal College and a Ph.D. in Technology Management at Cebu Technological University Main Campus.With his long years of work experience, he has served various administrative designations like IGP Manager, BSEd Department Head, Sports Director, Board of Directors in the town’s Multi-Purpose Cooperative, and currently the Program Head for MAED/BSED Social Science. His research interests include economics, particularly financial literacy, cooperative management, governance, and social sciences. He teaches contemporary world, comparative economics, microeconomics, Asian studies, and comparative politics in college and graduate school. Max Teody T. Quimilat, PhD is a distinguished Associate Professor at Visayas State University, where he specializes in indigenous knowledge and local fishing communities. Holding a Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of San Carlos, Cebu City, Dr. Quimilat has carved a niche in understanding the nuanced interplay between culture and environment. His academic journey is further enriched by a Master of Arts in Education with a major in Social Sciences from Southern Leyte State University and an undergraduate degree in AB Classical Major in Philosophy from Sacred Heart Seminary, underscoring his deep-rooted foundation in social sciences and humanities. Renowned for his groundbreaking research and teaching, Dr. Quimilat's work sheds light on the intricate dynamics of indigenous practices and their symbiotic relationship with natural resources, particularly in fishing communities. At Visayas State University, his contributions go beyond academia, fostering a greater appreciation for cultural diversity and ecological sustainability. Through his rigorous scholarship and passionate advocacy, Dr. Quimilat continues to influence both the academic realm and community life, championing the integration of indigenous knowledge into broader societal and environmental discourses. Ericson D. Acebedo, MSIT is a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology graduate from Eastern Visayas State University in the year 2008. He also finished his master’s degree in Master of Science in Information Technology at the same university in 2019. He is also a Microsoft Education Ambassador who aims to create a sustainable community of passionate educators who advocate teaching with technology.
Learning Management System for Eastern Visayas State University College of Arts and Sciences
A learning management system (LMS) manages educational, training, and development programs in different learning institutions. With the world recently experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic, it is important that this kind of system be in place to continue the teaching-learning process in academes when catastrophes strike. The study developed a kind of Learning Management System for the College of Arts and Sciences of Eastern Visayas State University It investigated how important for the faculty, staff, and students to institutionalize it. The study employed the System Development Life Cycle (SDLC) model through prototyping, system flowcharts, block diagrams, and the fitted database schema from identified supportive software that examined the relational database management system. Descriptive statistical data analysis was used using frequency and percentages. Findings showed that a Learning Management System needs to be developed in the College of Arts and Sciences facilitating the teachers' core functions; a) online registration designation; b) computerized deadline messages of class evaluation, notifications, and grading system; c) provide needed information of less expense for users which evolves work processes. In conclusion, the Learning Management System needs to be institutionalized in the College of Arts and Sciences to grow along technological work procedures that benefit, train, maximize, and implement the use of online software giving an advantage as regards interconnecting both learners and experts into one classroom management. Finally, the College of Arts and Sciences needed to institutionalize a Learning Management System to benefit, train, maximize, and implement online software that connects both learners and experts into one classroom management.
An Ethical Development Framework for the Future of the Bangsamoro
This paper aims to provide an ethical perspective for the Bangsamoro as it pursues sustainable peace and development. While it agrees as crucial the need to address cultural as well as the historical injustices, the Bangsamoro requires a development framework that will enable it to be fully integrated in societal culture and the international community. Principled governance and democratic inclusion are viewed as critical to maintain the integrity of the region. But the problem of the Bangsamoro is not just political. It must prepare itself, as it does right now, towards a shared future where it can respond to the realities of a neoliberal economic order. It is argued that a human-centered approach to development is important to sustain the peace and social cohesion in the region.
Medicinal Plants: Their Roles to the Folk Healers (Tambalan) of Tomas Oppus
A folk healer is an indigenous medical practitioner who also uses medicinal plants to treat patients with common or ordinary ailments, as well as illnesses. This study aims to identify the role of medicinal plants in the folk healers of Tomas Oppus. The descriptive exploratory approach was conducted by face-to-face semi-structured interview with five identified folk healers through purposive sampling method. Results revealed that majority of the folk healers obtained their healing abilities, from their ancestors, but some claimed that it was through self-thought. Furthermore, the role of the medicinal plants to the folk healers of Tomas Oppus is for curing illnesses as well as for culture preservation because through traditional healing it helps pass the medical beliefs of our ancestors from generation to generation and still continue to use despite the rampancy of modern medicines that undergo scientific measures or clinical trials. Moreover, even though folk healers do not have the expertise of diagnosing illnesses and treating them with medicinal plants like doctors or any other medical practitioner, folk healers are still able to give good diagnoses and give the right medication because they already have knowledge about sickness and cure that they learned from their parents or ancestors. It is concluded that folk healers can cure various kinds of illnesses using different medical plants.
Chantal Mouffe’s Radical Democracy and Rodrigo Duterte’s Radical Politics: A Second Reply to Critics
This paper responds to the critics of radical democracy in the Philippines. Critics say that I misused Chantal Mouffe’s ideas on the subject. It is their contention that I misinterpreted radicalism to mean as a radical break from liberalism. Critics also suggest that my position is narrowly focused on the conflict between President Duterte and the elites, ignoring ordinary people or the demos as the essence of radical democracy. I believe that the claims they make are erroneous. Duterte’s rise to power in 2016 was a reaction to elite politics in the country and the failures of EDSA People Power I. In both instances, the clamor for true reform or change came from the people themselves. Critics suggest that I failed to explicate the theory of Mouffe’s agonism, which is at the heart of her radical democracy project. Duterte’s conflict with the political elites in the country is a testament to the agonism or struggle in Philippine society. By dismantling elitism in the country, the consolidation of our democracy takes a “radical turnâ€ and comes with the man who embodies the underrepresented voices in Philippine society. The point of the matter is that Duterte simply gave radical politics a substantive meaning. It is the same kind of radicalism that actually seeks a just, equal, and democratic way of life.
Edith Stein on Individual and Community: Critical Insights on a Philosophy of Inclusion
Discourses concerning “inclusivityâ€ in different facets of society, have recently gained attention in various disciplines. It is saddening to hear of news involving discrimination and exclusion in various forms still occurring in the world. Discussions on inclusivity should introduce and build on ideas that help the world be more inclusive. This paper argues that critical insights from Stein’s analyses of the individual and community can be relevant to discourses on philosophy of inclusion. A genuine community for Stein involves intersubjective relations between individuals that entail an open commitment to and “livingâ€ in the shared world with the community. Through the mental and sensate levels, the individual knows and experiences, respectively, the shared values and meanings of the community; and the shared lifepower of the community which shape the character of the community’s members. The idea of inclusivity should be a part of the shared values, meanings, and lifepower of the community that should be reiterated and practiced. If society is to be more inclusive, then its members need to strive to be more than just a mass of individuals but, a genuine community.
Traces of Enframing (Ge-Stell) in Digimodernism: The Possible Loss of Identity
In this paper, I present my reading of Heidegger’s “The Question Concerning Technology.â€ I then argue that while we appreciate and relish the utility and efficiency that modern technology offers, and in this study, the use of digital devices and platforms, there is an equally alarming threat to our attitudes and thus, could possibly, in Heideggerian parlance, hinder man to reveal its originary being and thus, could lead to enframing. This paper further claims that there are traces latent in our modern culture that could lead to this danger. By examining our modern society, I contend that there are three phenomena that could lead to what Heidegger calls enframing: First is the systematic sexualization or objectification in our culture that propels humanity to order the other merely as a standing-reserve (bestand) for sexual pleasure and consequently become ordered ourselves through our thinking. Second is through a form of intimacy or relationship that considers the other merely as a social capital in the realm of social comparison. And the third trace is the lack of rationality and questioning in the midst of what Aaron Lynch calls as thought contagion.
The Ubiquitous and Prudent Prince: Machiavelli's Political Strategy and Pragmatic Principles
This essay intends to shed some light and give a discerned understanding of Machiavelli's utility of violence and deception in politics despite his profound commitment and sincere loyalty to the republic in the context of the Prince. The thesis I would like to expound on is about the definitive instruction and teachings of “ethical valuesâ€ for political rulers who wish to protect their political status and maintain reverence among the citizens, while maintaining his deep love, respect, and commitment to the republic. In the Prince, he offered specific instruction to rulers as to what they must do to achieve their purpose in order to preserve and secure their power. Its significance for ethics lies precisely in the fact that Machiavelli's advice ignores the usual conventional rules of ethics. He elaborated on the Discourses on Livy (1531) and the Prince (1532) the inherent relationship of politics and violence. This instruction may not be useful for political rulers, but because we want to begin on the supreme goal and ideals of the republic, Machiavelli says emphatically that such instruction is pragmatic and would generate and preserve power for the Prince.
Edith Stein, a Philosopher, and a Saint: A Journey from God as a Being in the Consciousness to the God as a Real Being
St. Edith Stein or Sr. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross is a Philosopher and a Saint. She was a dedicated student and assistant of Edmund Husserl. This paper aims to present the journey of Edith Stein’s conversion from philosophy to Christianity while remaining a scholar of phenomenology. What Phenomenology pointed out to her was made concrete by Christian Philosophy, especially by her faith and love for the Cross of Jesus Christ. In 1921 after reading the “Book of Her Lifeâ€ by St. Teresa of Avila, she then confessed that “This is the Truthâ€. The religious crisis of Edith Stein has allowed her to search for Truth, that is, the Truth of Faith. Her “Finite and Eternal Being: An attempt and an Ascent to the Meaning Beingâ€ which she wrote during her Novitiate year as a Discalced Carmelite and together with her works on the relation between Husserlian Phenomenology and the Philosophy of St. Thomas Aquinas were the indications of the journey of her conversion. The science of phenomenology, the science of the saints and the science of the cross summarize the whole journey of the conversion of Edith Stein.
Race, Racism, and Immigration: A Critical Appraisal of Immigration Policies in the West
Human migration has never been as important a research topic as social scientists in today’s rapidly globalizing society considered it to be. Ever since the dawn of civilization, humans moved from one place to the other in search for food and security. In fact, driven by food shortage, as well as issues about national security and freedom, many people today from less developed countries are immigrating illegally to rich and developed counties. As a result, these rich and developed countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, tighten their immigration policies and border controls. As we can see, this recent political issue has triggered a lively debate among scholars and common citizens alike. For sure, central to this debate is the question of whether or not it is racist to limit immigration. In this paper, we will critically appraise the issues of racism and immigration in the West, particularly in Germany, United States, United Kingdom, and Canada. We will specifically address the question: Is it racist to limit immigration? Although local people in some countries in the West display racist attitude as can be seen in their reluctance to admit refugees and immigrants, this paper takes the position that in most cases the act of managing immigration through tighter policies is done primarily for socio-economic reasons. Hence, this paper argues that the attempt of any government to limit the admission of immigrants into its territory is not inherently racist.
Level of Development and Research Publication Productivity among State University and Colleges Faculty: A Predictive Model
This study aimed at developing a model for predicting research publication productivity among faculty members of state universities and colleges based on the domains specified in the VITAE Researcher Development Framework. Using the quantitative predictive cross-sectional design, a regression model on research publication productivity was developed and validated based on the research development needs of faculty. Research publication productivity was positively correlated with the four domains, namely: knowledge and intellectual abilities; personal effectiveness; research governance and organization; and engagement, influence, and impact. Multiple regression analysis with split-validation analyses were conducted to support the validity of the full model with the two domains found as significant predictors of research publication productivity, namely: Knowledge and Intellectual abilities, and Research Governance and Organization. The developed and validated regression model provides a predictive model of research publication productivity with 52.7% explanatory power, this indicates that there are still other factors to be accounted by the model to increase the research publication productivity of the faculty members
Philosophizing from the Farmer’s View: A Preliminary Investigation
In an attempt to contribute to the discussion of the philosophy of agriculture, this paper introduces a preliminary philosophical discourse on the views of the farmers of the Municipality of San Francisco, Southern Leyte. It seeks to philosophize from the vantage point of the farmers. It uses thematic analysis from the face-to-face interview with the selected farmers. Then, it purposefully integrates a method, which I call, “Philosophizing fromâ€ – a process of philosophical discourse that proceeds from the views of the participants. The result of inquiry leads to the recognition of the condition, challenges, and continuity in the life of the farmers. Thus, this preliminary investigation acknowledges the reality of agricultural life expressed from the farmer’s perspective.
Hermeneutics as an Approach in Teaching and Learning Literature
In the Philippines, hermeneutics is not a familiar concept and approach of teaching and learning literature among literature teachers and students. Indeed, there is a shortage of studies on hermeneutics in the teaching and learning literature in senior high school and higher education in the said country. With content analysis, this paper discusses hermeneutics as an approach to teaching and learning literature that serves as an additional and alternative approach and an overarching approach of education and learning literature among Filipino literature teachers and students. This paper discusses that hermeneutics is the science, theory, and art of interpretation. Since all forms of literature need interpretation and understanding to be taught and learned, the teaching and learning of literature require hermeneutics. Likewise, the paper shows that there are different ways of doing hermeneutics depending on the framework used. Thus, this paper discusses the hermeneutics of Friedrich Schleiermacher, Wilhelm Dilthey, Hans George Gadamer, Paul Ricoeur, and Jacques Derrida as approaches in teaching and learning literature.
The Story of the Image of the Sto. Niño de Tacloban: Challenges and Concerns
Two narratives have now become the major activities of present-day celebration of the Sto. Niño de Leyte Fiesta. The former refers to the “Balyuan Ritesâ€ and the latter, the narrative behind the June 30 Fiesta. Amid the conflating narratives of the Sto. Niño de Tacloban --the image that is presently enshrined at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño, Tacloban City-- this paper asserts the distinction between two narratives, one that still borders on the legend and folktale, and the other a purportedly historical one. But more than just drawing a line distinguishing the folktales from facts, or tradition from history, the paper’s thesis is that these Sto. Niño narratives stand further elaboration and inquiry. This paper opens up to a more engaging exchange of ideas and facts that will identify the sources which can usefully contribute to the production of more accurate accounts surrounding these lores about the Sto. Niño image. The challenge is more on scholarship and research -- to collect with care the popular traditional stories, to compare these stories about the Sto. Nino with one another, and determine their value in the light of other information scientifically acquired.
Positionality and Ethics in Doing Research
In this paper, I highlight the importance of adopting a greater sensitivity towards positionality in the process of doing research. Posi­tionality refers to the conditions surrounding one’s position in relation to the existing economic, political, cultural and social networks. These conditions inform how one sees the world, and also how one is seen by others. This is premised on the assumption that knowledge is imbued with the conditions underlying the standpoint of the knower. In connection, researchers are situated in concrete circumstances that affect how they choose their research agenda, environment, subjects, methodologies and frameworks. I claim that awareness on why and how a researcher comes up with these choices is a preliminary step in maintaining an ethical approach in conducting research. Thus, doing research is more than just following pre-established ethical guidelines, like ticking all the boxes in a manual. Rather, it involves a self-reflexive inquiry into the larger societal structures that implicitly inform and influence the entire research process from the determination of a problem up to the decision to publish the output. Through the methodological tools of reflexive thinking and conscious partiality, a researcher is enabled to take positionality seriously and resist a disinterested view from nowhere.
Above ground Carbon Storage and Species Diversity of Mangrove Stand in Leyte Island, Philippines
Mangroves are commonly found along sheltered coastlines in the tropics and sub-tropics, fulfilling essential socio-economic and environmental functions. However, because of Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013, the studied mangrove stand was severely affected. After three years, this study determined the current mangrove species diversity and the amount of carbon sequestered. The study employed a nondestructive quadrat technique to determine species composition and forest structure. An allometric equation was used in c-stocks estimation. Three (3) mangrove species were identified, namely, Rhizophora apiculata, Sonneratia alba, and Avicenna marina, in sixty-four plots with 10x10 m size. Results showed species frequency of 1.41, species density of 22.89, and diversity index of 1.245. R. apiculata rendered the highest IVI values (228.5%), followed by A. marina (49.3%) and S. alba (22.2%). The overall means of biomass, C-stocks and CO2eq of the mangrove stand in the whole research area of 6.46 ha were 10.89 MgB ha-1, 5.99 MgC ha-1, and 21.99 Mg ha-1 CO2eq, respectively. Such results are quite low compared to mangrove stands in Asia but indicated that it could sequester substantial atmospheric with intensified protection and conversation despite less species diversity.
Ang “Abkdâ€ ni Pepe: Isang Pundamental na Pagsusuri sa Diwang Pang-Edukasyon ng Pambansang Bayani
Malaki ang pagpapahalaga ni Gat Jose P. Rizal sa edukasyon bilang susi sa pagbabago ng lipunan at sa pagkakamit ng kalayaan ng sambayanan. Litaw ito sa mga isinulat niyang mga tula, sanaysay, liham, at mga nobela. Layunin ng saliksik na ito na suriin ang diwang pang-edukasyon ng pambansang bayani sa paraang payak at pundamental gamit ang akronim na “ABKDâ€ na kinakatawanan ng apat na mahahalagang konsepto: 1. A – para sa Asal ng mga mag-aaral, 2. B – para sa Buháy na kurikulum, 3. K – para sa Karapatan at Kalayaan at 4. D – para sa Dedikasyon at Dunong ng guro. Magsisilbing sandigan at balangkas ang apat na konseptong ito sa paglalatag at paghihimay ng diwang pang-edukasyon ng pambansang bayani na magmumula mismo sa kanyang mga piling akda at sa kanyang pagtatayo ng paaralan sa Talisay, Dapitan, Zamboanga del Norte sa Mindanao.
Jacques Maritain on the Morality of Art and Artists
This article offers a solution to the debate whether art is within the sphere and bound of morality. One extreme position argues that art is amoral and cannot be judged morally; the other extreme says that art is within the complete control of morality, religion or the state. Jacques Maritain acknowledges that art and morality are two autonomous worlds. There is no direct and intrinsic subordination between them. But while it is true that art and morality are distinct and separate, Maritain says they are extrinsically and indirectly related to each other. We may not have the right and reason to judge the morality of an art, we can certainly judge however the actions of the artist. In this article I argue that there is another way of looking at this issue. I agree with Maritain that the first responsibility of the artist is toward creating an excellent work of art. Here the artist has complete autonomy. But her/his first responsibility changes if and when she/he decides to exhibit her/his artwork. Exhibiting one’s artwork is no longer art. It is a human act. Therefore, it is now governed by the virtue of prudence. This is even more important when the artworks to be exhibited are malicious, irreverent and blasphemous to some religious and cultural sensibilities. We may not be able to judge morally an artwork, we can judge the morality of the decision on the part of the artist to exhibit offensive film, song, cartoon or any work of art for that matter.
What is the future of liberal equality? Liberty is the most important value in liberal theory. Understanding liberalism requires knowing why it remains under attack from the day it was reinvigorated by the publication of A Theory of Justice. The view of most conservatives is that it is wary that governments are burdened by overspending. Protectionist policies threaten the poor in developing countries. Internally, the middle class are too anxious about paying for social justice. Liberalism espouses the notion that the government exists to serve the worst off. The apparent gap between the rich and the poor is morally disturbing. Has liberalism failed as a model of justice? The paper explores several positions: the claims of libertarianism against the position of Rawls, the idea of utility versus the intuitive idea of justice as fairness, Amartya Sen and Thomas Pogge’s view on equality, and Derek Parfit’s critique of the levelling off theory. The idea of equality implies that each person must have equal opportunities. But what is more fundamental is that Rawlsian liberalism is not just about equality in terms of primary social goods, but more importantly, Rawls’s position supports the equal dignity of persons.