The study assessed qualitatively, the implementation strategies of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Policy in Nigeria. In order to provide insights into the topic, terms were clarified accordingly. The Universal Basic Education goals were stated as contained in the policy statement of the National Policy on Education. The proposed strategies for the realization of the goals of UBE were stated and analysed accordingly. Relevant literatures were cited to provide understanding of the issues involved. (...) A critique was carried out on the implementation of the stated strategies in order to x-ray the strengths and weaknesses underlying the implementation of UBE policy. It was discovered that the formulated policy of the UBE was very good including the strategies documented to attain stated objectives of the programme. It was also observed that the programme has witness some setback at its implementation phase. Based on these problems, five critical questions were asked to serve as a blueprint for judging whether the UBE programme has achieved its objectives or not. Based on these, recommendations and conclusion were made for policy implementation reform. (shrink)

The main objective of this paper was to examine the relationship between management of educational support services and the attainment of Universal Basic Education goals in Cross River State. Three null hypotheses were formulated in this study. The study adopted correlational research design. Census technique was employed in selecting the entire population of 2,078 primary school administrators in the state. The instruments used for data collection were “Management of Educational Support Services Questionnaire (MESSQ); and Attainment of (...) class='Hi'>Universal Basic Education Goals Questionnaire (AUBEGQ)” respectively. The data collected were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while the null hypotheses were all tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Analysis at .05 alpha levels. The results from the study revealed that; management of guidance/counselling services, staff development services, and ICT services are significantly related to the attainment of Universal Basic Education goals respectively. Based on these results, it was recommended among others that; the ministry of education should ensure that there is adequate provision of professional guidance counsellors to every primary school in Cross River State in order to help address the psychological and persona-social needs of the pupils. Contribution/Originality:. (shrink)

This article discusses the process of universalization of education in Brazil the count from a specific spatiality - the places on the edge of the Transmazonica highway. There being no need toquestion the scope and effectiveness of expanding access to basic education, given its wide acceptance in the country - we start from the principle of geographical connectivity/connection to problematize such educational universalization. We aim to reflect on the scope of basic education, its conditions and (...) ability to potentiate or not the diversity of the territory. Methodologically grounded in a dialogue between phenomenology and existentialism, we conduct a literature review taking as starting point the preliminary empirical research data. We conclude that the universalization of education is configured as extermination argument that effective the urbanocentric vision and one connectedness between places and territory, produces disconnection of the places themselves, removing their ability to communicative action that jeopardizes not only education the local, but regional and national. (shrink)

Introduction. Higher education plays a particularly important role in the development of a country. The goal of the article is to describe the development of concepts about education in general and higher education in particular to explain the role of education in social life. Humboldt sees higher education as a process toward freedom and the search for true truth. Humboldt's philosophy of higher education is an indispensable requirement in the context of people struggling to (...) escape the influence of the state and church forces. The purpose is to find out the content and principles of higher education, especially meaningful suggestions for building an autonomous education in Vietnam today. Materials and Methods. The article uses materialist dialectic to analyze Humboldt's philosophy of higher education. In addition, the article also uses methods of analysis, synthesis, comparison and contrast to clarify views on education in the history of human thought from ancient, medieval, modern and modern times, from which to draw the basic contents and principles in the philosophy of higher education of Humboldt. Results and Discussion. Humboldt is the founder of the University of Berlin - known as the mother of modern universities. It is a new university model based on the philosophy of upholding freedom in learning and teaching, upholding the scientific spirit to seek and discover the truth, and at the same time, combining teaching with scientific research. His liberal education philosophy has contributed to affirming the strength and position of universities. He criticized state intervention in university institutions. Based on the anthropological foundation of emphasizing human diversity, Humboldt's higher education philosophy is truly liberating when it comes to bold views. Humboldt believes that a university is a pure place of science and research, so it is not influenced by any outside force, even from the state. A university is where academic freedom, scientific freedom and other autonomy are guaranteed so that the institution can run smoothly. Universities must have unity between research and teaching. However, Humboldt's philosophy of higher education still contains many issues that need to be considered thoroughly. Specifically, the promotion of internal self-determination requires financial autonomy while the state's investment capital in universities is still quite large; Calling for education to be privatized is still inadequate. The elitist spirit in the Humboldt model is no longer fully relevant in the context of a market economy that tends to lead to the pursuit of targets, which are often related to quality. Practical significance. Humboldt's liberal philosophy of higher education has a strong influence, dominates and becomes a reality in many countries with advanced education. For Vietnam, Humboldt's higher education philosophy is a meaningful suggestion to build an autonomous education under the country's socio-historical conditions. (shrink)

Using a quantitative approach employing a descriptive survey research design, 150 Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED) alumni of the Davao Oriental State University – Cateel Extension Campus (DORSU-CEC) from the classes of 2013-2021 were surveyed for to conduct this tracer study. Results revealed that most of graduates were females, single, employed regular or permanent basic education teachers within Davao Oriental under public or government organizations. Parents or relatives were very influential in their choice of program in college. (...) Their main employer was the Department of Education (DepEd), and they occupied professional, technical or supervisory job level positions in their first and present employment. Further, graduates acquired their first job within 1 to 6 months after graduating in college, and earned a monthly income of almost ₱27,500 in their first and present employment. Moreover, graduates perceived that the curriculum offered to them in college was relevant in their first and present employment. They believed that communication skills and discipline that they learned in college are the most useful competency and core values on their employment. Additionally, the courses in the campus can be strengthened further if the library and laboratory are provided with more resources, equipment, and facilities that can aid the students in their studies, and if the campus offers more number of optional subjects. (shrink)

The main thesis of this article is that Newman’s famous Idea of a University cannot be fully appreciated without the background of the educational programmes popularized in the first half of the 19th century, which have their matrix in the utilitarian philosophy of Jeremy Bentham. The comparison of these two thinkers shows that Newman built his system of education and arrived at its basic principles precisely by refuting the principles of utilitarianism and liberalism of his time. From this (...) perspective, his work on education no longer remains a quiet prose, but can be seen as a moral and cultural struggle over fundamental values. (shrink)

All humans share a universal, evolutionarily ancient approximate number system (ANS) that estimates and combines the numbers of objects in sets with ratio-limited precision. Interindividual variability in the acuity of the ANS correlates with mathematical achievement, but the causes of this correlation have never been established. We acquired psychophysical measures of ANS acuity in child and adult members of an indigene group in the Amazon, the Mundurucú, who have a very restricted numerical lexicon and highly variable access to mathematics (...) education. By comparing Mundurucú subjects with and without access to schooling, we found that education significantly enhances the acuity with which sets of concrete objects are estimated. These results indicate that culture and education have an important effect on basic number perception. We hypothesize that symbolic and nonsymbolic numerical thinking mutually enhance one another over the course of mathematics instruction. (shrink)

The concept and the main stakeholders of E-learning ecosystem are investigated at the article. University is regarded as a center of such ecosystem due to skilled knowledge providers and technical equipment availability. Studying different cases authors prove that higher educational institution plays a driver role in different projects, especially social start-up projects. Different models of partnership between universities and other stakeholders are considered. In authors’ opinion, one of the most perspective collaborative projects are in frame of “students – schoolchildren” due (...) to effective knowledge transfer. Such kind of cooperation can fill the gap between school and university education. Particularly the framework of e-learning project in financial literacy for orphans totally prepared and executed by students is considered. The ICT tools are very actively used in these initiatives aiming to develop high demanded skills as critical thinking, creativity and complex problem solving. As a result, schoolchildren are receiving a toolkit for basic data analysis, developing own business plan and adopting evidencebased decisions. The authors prove that E-learning projects are able to improve both information and financial literacy and also increase the level of inclusivity into education of weak and socially unprotected children from orphanages. The article will be useful for the representatives from universities, orphanages, companies who eager to boost the level of their social responsibility. The aim of the research is to reveal different types of cooperation under social projects between higher educational institutions and other stakeholders, using wide range of ICT e-learning tools as well. In addition, to develop a set of recommendations to the universities of collaboration roadmap. (shrink)

Part of education as interactive exercise is related to a community of practitioners, a dialogue based philosophy of morals which supposes ethical normative characteristics of the discourse. This normative layer can be interpreted either in relation to the lifeworld, i. e. to the understanding of the good life. Alternatively, it can be realized in relation to some cultural rights, since a mutual recognition based ethics, aiming at highlighting culture as necessary feature of human dignity, can explain an ultimate goal (...) of higher education as global and universal education. Since the whole set of human rights should be seen as an indivisible system of basic limits to individual and collective freedom, a right based approach would be the other main perspective, certainly relevant in the context of the African continent, as it is worldwide. Furthermore a right based understanding is a much ignored aspect of human rights, although intimately related to basic interests of the higher education system from either the point of view of the national education systems, or as private universities and it is also related to non-governmental organisations understanding of the general aim of higher education development, where international organizations could help in the implementation of these cultural rights based good practices. In the first section we first develop briefly a normative ethical model of education based on the transformative model of the ethics of discourse compared to other possible classical models based on merit, then we will present cultural rights, reminding us some aspects of cultural rights related to higher education, and address the relevance for the African context of a contextual reflection on these rights. (shrink)

The article is devoted to one of the crucial aspects of sustainable development, with the example of analyzing the possibilities for the development of environmental education in the Russian Federation. The article analyzes the possibilities of the current Russian Federal State Educational Standard for general and higher education in implementing the ideas of education in the interests of sustainable development. The methodological principles and philosophical foundations of environmental education are considered to designate the worldview guideline of (...) ecological thinking. The tasks of the state educational policy of the Russian Federation in the field of environmental education and the implementation of the concept of sustainable development are considered. The article describes the representation of the concept of sustainable development in the state policy of the Russian Federation, in the field of environmental education in the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard for various subject areas and training courses related to the topic of environmental development in school and university education. The strategic goal of environmental education in Russia is the formation and development of an environmental outlook among students of all ages, which is based on scientific knowledge, environmental culture, and ethics. The continuity, basic principles, and trends of the implementation of environmental education in the Russian Federation are shown. (shrink)

-/- A Framework for Global Education and Leadership Implementation -/- By Angelito Malicse -/- This model expands on the Universal Law of Balance by integrating it into a global education system and leadership strategy that ensures its practical application. The goal is to eliminate dependence on overpopulation for economic growth, shift toward a knowledge-based and technology-driven economy, and establish a sustainable, balanced civilization. -/- I. THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF BALANCE AS A GOVERNING PRINCIPLE -/- 1. Balance (...) as the Foundation of Decision-Making -/- Every economic, political, and social policy must align with the Universal Law of Balance. -/- Governments, businesses, and individuals must make decisions based on long-term sustainability, not short-term gain. -/- 2. Leadership Based on Balance and Scientific Rationality -/- Leaders must understand and apply the Universal Law of Balance in governance, economic planning, and resource management. -/- Education programs must ensure leaders are trained in scientific thinking, ethics, and sustainability rather than relying on outdated ideologies. -/- Policy decisions must be based on measurable balance indicators (resource consumption, economic stability, environmental impact). -/- II. EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR A BALANCED SOCIETY -/- 1. Reforming Global Education to Prioritize Balance and Critical Thinking -/- Replace outdated education systems that promote consumerism and economic growth at any cost. -/- Focus on systems thinking, ethics, resource management, AI governance, and environmental sustainability. -/- Teach decision-making based on the Universal Law of Balance, ensuring all individuals make choices that maintain stability. -/- 2. Educating for a Knowledge-Based and AI-Assisted Economy -/- Transition away from education focused on mass labor for industrial jobs. -/- Train people in critical thinking, advanced problem-solving, AI development, sustainable technology, and ethical leadership. -/- Encourage lifelong learning to adapt to evolving technology and scientific advancements. -/- III. A BALANCED ECONOMIC MODEL WITHOUT POPULATION GROWTH -/- 1. Economic Structure Based on Efficiency, Not Endless Expansion -/- Current Flawed Model: More population → More jobs → More economic growth (unsustainable). -/- Balanced Model: Stable population → AI productivity → Sustainable wealth distribution. -/- 2. AI, Automation, and the Post-Labor Economy -/- AI and automation replace repetitive jobs, allowing humans to focus on creativity, research, and governance. -/- Productivity increases while reducing the need for human labor, ensuring economic stability without population growth. -/- 3. Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Wealth Redistribution -/- UBI ensures economic security without relying on job creation through population growth. -/- Funded by taxation on AI-driven industries, natural resource extraction, and automation profits. -/- UBI allows people to focus on innovation, education, and personal development. -/- IV. GLOBAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT BASED ON BALANCE -/- 1. Intelligent Resource Allocation Using AI -/- AI-driven planning ensures resource consumption stays within environmental limits. -/- Policies regulate mining, energy use, food production, and industrial activity to prevent resource exhaustion. -/- 2. Circular Economy: Eliminating Waste and Overproduction -/- Move away from the disposable consumer economy and promote durable, recyclable, and modular products. -/- Implement global regulations for responsible manufacturing, energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. -/- 3. Governance Systems to Enforce Balance -/- Leaders must follow strict sustainability policies rather than prioritize profit-driven growth. -/- Global cooperation to enforce environmental protection and fair resource distribution. -/- V. IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGY FOR LEADERSHIP AND POLICY CHANGE -/- 1. Educating World Leaders in the Universal Law of Balance -/- Leadership training programs must include principles of balance, sustainability, and rational decision-making. -/- Future politicians, corporate executives, and policymakers must pass competency tests based on these principles. -/- 2. Reforming Political and Economic Institutions -/- Shift from profit-driven governance to balance-based governance. -/- Economic policies must be evaluated by scientific sustainability models before being approved. -/- Limit corporate influence over policy decisions to prevent environmental and economic imbalance. -/- 3. Global Collaboration for Sustainable Policies -/- Encourage international agreements that regulate population, technology use, and environmental protection. -/- Develop a global standard for resource consumption, ensuring fair distribution among nations. -/- VI. LONG-TERM GOALS AND THE FUTURE OF HUMAN CIVILIZATION -/- By following the Universal Law of Balance, humanity can achieve: -/- 1. A Stable Population – No longer relying on growth for economic survival. -/- 2. A Knowledge-Based Society – AI and automation free humans to focus on creativity and ethical decision-making. -/- 3. Sustainable Resource Use – Intelligent management prevents environmental collapse. -/- 4. Balanced Leadership – Governments prioritize stability over short-term economic gain. -/- 5. True Economic Equality – UBI and wealth redistribution prevent extreme poverty. -/- Final Vision: A Future Where Human Intelligence Aligns with Natural Balance -/- Civilization will no longer be trapped in cycles of boom and collapse due to overpopulation, overconsumption, and economic instability. -/- Science, ethics, and balanced governance will guide the future of human progress in alignment with nature’s equilibrium. -/- . (shrink)

In this paper, following Rahel Jaeggi’s critique of forms of life, I contend that to identify genuine critical thinking we should start from an analysis of the normative nature of forms of life as the basic constituents of the social world. In this view, critical thinking can be seen as a critical behaviour. While genuine forms of life can recognize and consider the variety of concrete and diverse situations, on the contrary non-functioning forms of life’s critical rationality understands the (...) norm as applied from outside of the form of life. In this case the norm, erroneously understood as a neutral and universally applicable principle, such as economic rationality, is not able to consider the particularity of forms of life as goods in themselves. I defend the meaning that an education in critical thinking must have, as a genuine and functional rationality characterising human beings in a social world. -/- . (shrink)

We face grave global problems. One might think universities are doing all they can to help solve these problems. But universities, in successfully pursuing scientific knowledge and technological know-how in a way that is dissociated from a more fundamental concern with problems of living, have actually made possible the genesis of all our current global problems. Modern science and technology have led to modern industry and agriculture, modern medicine and hygiene, modern armaments, which in turn have led to much that (...) is good, but also to habitat destruction, extinction of species, population growth, the lethal character of modern war, and the impending disasters of climate change. We urgently need to bring about a revolution in universities so that they put problems of living at the heart of the academic enterprise and take, as their basic task, to help humanity learn how to make progress towards as good a world as possible. (shrink)

The Future of Humanity with the Full Implementation of the Universal Formula -/- Humanity has long grappled with fundamental questions about free will, decision-making, and the nature of societal progress. Over centuries, countless philosophical, scientific, and religious perspectives have sought to explain the forces driving human behavior and the challenges we face as a global society. The development of a universal formula that solves the problem of free will, grounded in natural laws like the law of balance and (...) the law of karma, presents a transformative opportunity for human civilization. If fully implemented, this universal formula has the potential to reshape humanity’s future, fostering a world marked by balance, sustainability, and reduced suffering. -/- 1. A Holistic Educational System for Critical Thinking -/- The first and most immediate change from the universal formula’s implementation would be seen in education. Current educational systems often prioritize rote memorization and narrow specializations, neglecting the foundational principles of natural law that govern human behavior. By introducing the universal law of balance and the principles of cause and effect (karma) into basic education, students would learn to view decision-making through the lens of natural, universal laws. -/- A holistic educational system, as envisioned by the formula, would emphasize critical thinking, systemic thinking, and the understanding of interdependence among individuals, societies, and the environment. This educational approach would equip future generations to make decisions that prioritize societal well-being, environmental sustainability, and global cooperation. As a result, the widespread ignorance and misinformation that often fuel societal conflict and poor decision-making would diminish. -/- 2. Ethical Leadership and Governance Based on Natural Laws -/- Leaders who understand and apply the universal formula’s principles would adopt a more balanced and ethical approach to governance. The formula asserts that decision-making processes, whether individual or collective, must align with natural laws to avoid imbalance and societal dysfunction. If implemented, policies across nations would shift from short-term gains toward long-term stability, fairness, and sustainability. -/- The law of karma, whichh highlights the necessity for defect-free systems, would guide governance structures to prioritize integrity, transparency, and accountability. Corruption, misinformation, and ideologically driven policies would decline as societies embrace natural laws as their guiding principles. With this shift, government policies on resource management, social welfare, and economic growth would aim for balance rather than unchecked expansion, minimizing societal inequalities and systemic failures. -/- 3. Global Cooperation and Environmental Sustainability -/- The universal law of balance stresses that human systems, like natural ecosystems, must remain in equilibrium to function properly. In an era of climate change, resource depletion, and geopolitical tensions, applying this law globally could unify countries in their efforts to address shared challenges. -/- Nations would move beyond competition and exploitation, understanding that the Earth’s resources are finite and that environmental degradation affects all societies. Policies on population control, economic growth, and environmental conservation would be guided by scientific data and natural principles, ensuring that human activity does not disrupt the delicate balance necessary for life’s continuity. The concept of continuous economic growth, currently dominant in global economics, would be replaced by a sustainable, balanced model that prioritizes ecological and societal well-being over profit. -/- 4. Technological Advancement Aligned with Human Well-Being -/- The development of artificial general intelligence (AGI) presents both opportunities and risks for humanity. If programmed with the universal formula, AGI could become a powerful tool for societal improvement. The law of balance would serve as a guiding framework for AGI, ensuring that its decisions promote human welfare, ethical practices, and environmental harmony. -/- For AGI to function effectively, as suggested by the formula, it must integrate a complete sensor system capable of perceiving and responding to the complexities of human and environmental feedback mechanisms. By doing so, AGI could assist in real-time governance, economic planning, and social development while minimizing the risks associated with unregulated AI development. -/- 5. Reduction of Human Suffering and Societal Conflicts -/- Human suffering, in many cases, stems from ignorance, misinformation, and decisions that disrupt natural balance. The universal formula posits that decisions violating natural laws—whether influenced by false beliefs, propaganda, or systemic defects—create internal and external imbalances that manifest as societal problems. -/- By embedding the principles of natural balance into education, governance, and societal structures, the formula offers a pathway to reduce suffering. Conflicts arising from ideological, religious, or political differences could diminish as people collectively recognize the universal principles governing human behavior. Religious beliefs, rather than being sources of division, would coexist harmoniously with scientific understanding, fostering mutual respect and shared values centered around balance and well-being. -/- 6. Balanced Population Growth and Resource Management -/- One of the most critical challenges facing humanity is the unchecked growth of populations and the overconsumption of resources. The universal formula emphasizes the need for societies to understand and respect the natural carrying capacities of their environments. -/- Policies promoting balanced population growth, informed by scientific research and natural laws, would help ensure resource availability for future generations. Societies would transition from pursuing limitless economic expansion to developing sustainable, self-regulating systems that maintain equilibrium with the natural world. -/- Conclusion: A New Era of Balanced, Sustainable Humanity -/- The full implementation of the universal formula to solve the problem of free will could herald a transformative era for humanity. Through a holistic educational system, ethical governance, environmental sustainability, responsible technological development, and a shared commitment to natural laws, societies could achieve unprecedented levels of harmony, stability, and well-being. -/- While the formula’s success would depend on global cooperation and genuine societal commitment, its principles—rooted in the natural laws governing decision-making—offer a clear, practical pathway to a more balanced and prosperous future. If embraced and applied worldwide, humanity could finally overcome many of its longstanding challenges and move toward a future defined by wisdom, balance, and sustainable progress. -/- . (shrink)

The question of how the university can relate to the world is centuries old. The poles of the debate can be characterized by the plea for an increasing instrumentalization of the university as a producer and provider of useful knowledge on the one hand (cf. the knowledge factory), and the defense of the university as an autonomous space for free inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge for knowledge’s sake on the other hand (cf. the ivory tower). Our current global predicament, (...) however, forces us to rethink the relation between university and world. Indeed, an easy nstrumentalization of the university for the purposes of society is no longer possible in troubled times when the future of society itself seems to be at stake. Nevertheless, urgent societal concerns do need to be addressed by the university. Hence, the disinterested position seems a highly irresponsible option. The aim of this dissertation is to reconsider the relation between the university and the world from an educational perspective by addressing the question “How to situate study in the relation between university and society?” The dissertation consists of three parts. In Part One, the existing literature on the relation between university and society will be discussed. The first chapter discerns two main approaches to this issue, namely the transcendental-philosophical approach (cf. the idea of the university) and the critical-sociological approach (cf. academic capitalism) that conceive of the university, respectively, as an idea and as an organization. By means of an excursus on the emergence of the university in the Middle Ages, the case is made for an ecological approach to the university. In the second chapter, the work of two authors who have recently adopted such an ecological approach is briefly presented. Whereas Ronald Barnett’s theory of the ecological university is situated more in the transcendental-philosophical tradition, Susan Wright’s investigations of the university in the knowledge ecology can be placed in the critical-sociological tradition. Both conceptions, however, are hinged on an institutional understanding of the university. In line with recent developments in social theory, namely the focus on practices, it is proposed to work towards an ecology of study practices. Part Two presents Isabelle Stengers’ idea of the ecology of practices. The third chapter elucidates Stengers’ work on scientific practices by first situating it within the so-called Science Wars, which provided the impetus to elaborate a theoretical framework for a civilized dialogue between scientists and the broader public. The basic tenets and concepts of her approach, such as the understanding of practice as a set of requirements and obligations, are presented, explained, and discussed. In the fourth chapter, the focus shifts from scientific practices to study practices. Assisted by Stengers’ writings on Whitehead’s speculative philosophy, this chapter aims to flesh out Whitehead’s description of the university as a ‘home of adventures’ in order to come to an educational understanding of the study practices of the university. A conceptual inquiry into how study practices activate certain worldly problems and turn them into matters of study is presented. Part Three develops the conceptual work on study practices further in relation to the activities of the Palestinian experimental university Campus in Camps. Chapter Five presents the work of Campus in Camps and explains how it relates to the theoretical discussion offered in the second part. On the basis of Stengers’ conception of practice, which discerns requirements and obligations as vital ingredients, this chapter argues that life in exile is what drives the study practices of Campus in Camps, and hence, that it is the issue of life in exile that participants are obligated to when they study. Whereas Chapter Five is focused on what is being studied in Campus in Camps, Chapter Six inquires in to the specific requirements its activities need to fulfill in order to be study practices; in other words, how the participants study. Four requirements are discerned that, taken together, seem indispensable to understand the study practices of Campus in Camps; namely, storytelling, comparing, mapmaking, and using. The concluding chapter returns to the research question and again takes up the main ideas developed in the dissertation, such as the adventure of study and the cohabitation of scientific and study practices in the university. The last two sections of the conclusion deal with two remaining issues of a more practical nature; namely, how to relate to institutionalization when working from a practice-theoretical point of view, and lastly the question of what can be done. In all, and returning to the initial problem, the dissertation asks what it means to conceive of the university as situated by and engaged with worldly questions. (shrink)

The Sustainable Economic Model Based on the Universal Law of Balance -/- By Angelito Malicse -/- This model builds on the Universal Law of Balance, integrating sustainable population management, economic stability, technological progress, and environmental harmony. It presents a framework for a balanced civilization, where society no longer depends on endless population growth to sustain economic systems. Instead, human progress is guided by equilibrium between resources, technology, and well-being. -/- I. THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF BALANCE AS A (...) FOUNDATION -/- The Universal Law of Balance states that all systems, including the human mind, societies, economies, and ecosystems, operate within a natural equilibrium. Any imbalance—whether it be population excess, economic exploitation, or environmental destruction—leads to instability and collapse. -/- To ensure long-term stability, human decision-making must follow the universal principle of balance, where every system maintains harmony with its external and internal conditions. -/- II. A BALANCED ECONOMY WITHOUT OVERPOPULATION -/- 1. Population Stability: Aligning Growth with Resources -/- Instead of uncontrolled population growth, society must: -/- Determine an optimal population size based on available natural resources, infrastructure, and economic capacity. -/- Educate people about sustainable birth rates, using incentives to encourage population stability rather than forced expansion. -/- Balance age distribution to prevent economic collapse due to an aging society. -/- Integrate automation and AI to replace traditional labor needs, reducing dependence on a large workforce. -/- This replaces the flawed system where economies depend on more births to maintain economic expansion. -/- 2. Economic Productivity Without Population Growth -/- A sustainable economy should be driven by innovation and efficiency, not just population expansion. Key strategies include: -/- A. Shift to a Knowledge and Automation-Based Economy -/- Develop high-productivity sectors, such as AI, robotics, biotechnology, and clean energy. -/- Reduce reliance on labor-intensive industries by using automated systems for repetitive work. -/- Prioritize creativity, innovation, and strategic thinking, where humans contribute beyond manual labor. -/- B. Ending the “Growth at All Costs” Mentality -/- GDP-based economic growth is an outdated metric that promotes overproduction and waste. -/- Instead, measure economic success by sustainability, well-being, and resource efficiency. -/- Implement circular economies, where waste is minimized, and materials are continuously recycled. -/- 3. Universal Basic Income (UBI) and Economic Security -/- As automation takes over traditional jobs, society must shift towards economic security without forced labor growth. -/- A. Funding a Sustainable UBI -/- UBI should be funded by: -/- Taxing automation and AI-driven industries (ensuring technological wealth benefits society). -/- Regulating natural resource extraction (charging industries for environmental costs). -/- Eliminating extreme wealth hoarding, redistributing wealth for economic balance. -/- B. UBI as a Means to Reduce Inequality -/- UBI will allow people to focus on education, entrepreneurship, and innovation, rather than struggling in low-paying jobs. -/- It removes the need for a growing labor force, ensuring economic security even with a smaller population. -/- 4. Resource-Based Economy: Efficiency Over Consumption -/- Instead of economies based on infinite consumption, the resource-based economy aligns production with environmental limits. -/- A. Smart Resource Allocation -/- Use AI-driven economic planning to balance supply and demand efficiently. -/- Implement energy-efficient, waste-reducing production methods to preserve natural resources. -/- Shift to clean, renewable energy and eliminate reliance on finite fossil fuels. -/- B. Ending the Disposable Economy -/- Products should be designed to last, reducing overproduction. -/- Industries should be regulated to prevent unnecessary waste and environmental damage. -/- Governments should support recycling, renewable energy, and sustainable agriculture as the new standard. -/- 5. Lifelong Learning & Human Development -/- Instead of linking education to job creation, learning should be a lifelong process focused on balance, ethics, and sustainability. -/- A. Education for Balance and Critical Thinking -/- Integrate the Universal Law of Balance into all educational systems. -/- Shift focus from traditional jobs to systems thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. -/- Encourage scientific research into sustainability, AI ethics, and post-scarcity solutions. -/- B. Automation as a Tool for Human Growth -/- With fewer labor demands, people should focus on creativity, philosophy, and technological advancements. -/- The economy must be structured to allow individuals to pursue innovation without financial survival pressure. -/- III. HOW THIS MODEL SOLVES HUMANITY’S CRISIS -/- 1. Eliminating Economic Dependence on Overpopulation -/- Current Model: More people = More jobs = More demand = More economic activity (unsustainable). -/- Balanced Model: Stable population + AI-driven productivity + UBI + resource efficiency (sustainable). -/- 2. Ending the Cycle of Wealth Inequality -/- Current Model: Wealth is concentrated in a few, creating social imbalance. -/- Balanced Model: Technological wealth is shared through UBI and economic planning. -/- 3. Environmental Sustainability & Resource Conservation -/- Current Model: Resources are exploited for short-term profit, leading to climate collapse. -/- Balanced Model: AI-driven resource management aligns consumption with environmental limits. -/- 4. Human Progress Without Labor Exploitation -/- Current Model: People are forced to work for survival, even in degrading conditions. -/- Balanced Model: AI and automation provide economic security, allowing people to focus on meaningful pursuits. -/- IV. THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY UNDER THIS MODEL -/- By following the Universal Law of Balance, this model ensures that humanity reaches a state of equilibrium between economy, technology, and environment. -/- 1. Stable Population – No need for forced growth, ensuring quality of life. -/- 2. Resource Efficiency – No excessive waste, preserving the planet. -/- 3. Economic Security – AI-driven economies provide prosperity without exploitation. -/- 4. Sustainable Innovation – Science and technology focus on long-term human progress, not just profit. -/- Final Thought -/- This model breaks the outdated cycle of using overpopulation as an economic tool. Instead, it creates a civilization where human intelligence, automation, and resource management align in perfect balance, ensuring a future where progress is driven by wisdom, not unsustainable growth. -/- . (shrink)

Comprehensive Implementation of a Holistic Educational System in the Philippines -/- To implement a holistic educational system in the Philippines, we need a step-by-step national strategy that integrates the universal law of balance in nature, critical thinking, and systems-based learning into the foundational education system. Below is a detailed plan tailored for the Philippine context. -/- 1. Reforming the Curriculum -/- A. Core Subjects with Integrated Holistic Principles -/- Science & Systems Thinking – Teach students how natural and (...) societal systems function, focusing on cause and effect, sustainability, and error-free systems. -/- Critical Thinking & Problem-Solving – Introduce logic, reasoning, and debate at all levels to counter misinformation and propaganda. -/- Ethics & Social Responsibility – Teach the law of karma (cause-effect in human actions) and how leadership decisions affect societal balance. -/- Environmental Sustainability & Population Awareness – Integrate lessons on balancing economic growth, resource management, and population control. -/- Technology & AI Integration – Prepare students for the future by teaching responsible AI use and its role in governance and decision-making. -/- 2. Teacher Training & Development -/- A. Nationwide Teacher Retraining Program -/- Establish Holistic Education Training Centers to retrain teachers in systems thinking, natural law applications, and balanced decision-making. -/- Partner with universities and global educational organizations to update teaching methodologies. -/- B. Leadership Development for School Administrators -/- Require school principals and education policymakers to undergo holistic leadership training. -/- Train them in scientific governance, ethical decision-making, and educational reform strategies. -/- 3. Multi-Level Educational Implementation -/- A. Basic Education (K-12) -/- Elementary Level: Focus on curiosity-driven learning, emotional intelligence, and early understanding of natural laws. -/- High School Level: Introduce systems thinking, governance studies, and practical applications of ethics in leadership. -/- B. Tertiary Level -/- Modify university curricula to incorporate holistic education principles into business, medicine, law, and politics. -/- Establish a Holistic Governance Degree to train future leaders in error-free decision-making based on natural laws. -/- 4. Policy Integration & Government Support -/- A. National Education Reform Bill -/- Propose legislation that mandates holistic education principles in DepEd and CHED curricula. -/- Require all government officials and policymakers to undergo holistic education training. -/- B. Integration with National Development Plans -/- Align holistic education with the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) to ensure sustainable governance. -/- Establish a National Holistic Education Advisory Council under DepEd, CHED, and NEDA. -/- 5. Public Awareness & Societal Involvement -/- A. Media & Community Engagement -/- Launch a nationwide information campaign via TV, radio, and social media to educate the public. -/- Encourage barangay-level seminars to help communities understand and apply holistic education. -/- B. Collaboration with Religious & Cultural Institutions -/- Work with Catholic, Muslim, and Indigenous leaders to align holistic education with ethical teachings without contradicting faith. -/- Encourage churches and mosques to support holistic education as a moral responsibility. -/- 6. AI & Technology Integration -/- A. AI-Powered Learning Tools -/- Develop adaptive AI tutors that help students understand complex systems and real-world decision-making. -/- Integrate AI-driven educational simulations to teach governance, economics, and environmental balance. -/- B. AI for Governance Monitoring -/- Use AI-assisted analysis to monitor government policies and detect potential societal imbalances before they escalate. -/- Train policymakers in data-driven decision-making using holistic education principles. -/- 7. Continuous Evaluation & Feedback -/- A. National Research & Development Program -/- Establish a Philippine Holistic Education Research Institute to study the long-term impact of the program. -/- Implement feedback mechanisms where students, teachers, and communities report inefficiencies and suggest improvements. -/- 8. Pilot Implementation & Nationwide Rollout -/- A. Phase 1: Pilot Program (Years 1-3) -/- Implement holistic education in select regions (Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao) as test sites. -/- Assess effectiveness before nationwide expansion. -/- B. Phase 2: Expansion (Years 4-6) -/- Gradually integrate holistic principles into all public and private schools. -/- Launch teacher retraining programs nationwide. -/- C. Phase 3: Full Implementation (Years 7-10) -/- Make holistic education mandatory across all educational institutions. -/- Implement AI-driven policy monitoring to ensure governance aligns with holistic principles. -/- Conclusion: The Future of Philippine Education -/- By implementing this comprehensive holistic educational system, the Philippines can transform its governance, economy, and societal well-being. This approach will ensure that future generations make decisions based on natural laws, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility—ultimately leading to a more stable and prosperous nation. -/- . (shrink)

In order to make progress towards a better world we need to learn how to do it. And for that we need institutions of learning rationally designed and devoted to helping us solve our global problems, make progress towards a better world. It is just this that we lack at present. Our universities pursue knowledge. They are neither designed nor devoted to helping humanity learn how to tackle global problems — problems of living — in more intelligent, humane and effective (...) ways. That, this book argues, is the key disaster of our times, the crisis behind all the others: our failure to have developed our institutions of learning so that they are rationally organized to help us solve our problems of living — above all, our global problems. Having universities devoted almost exclusively to the pursuit of knowledge is a recipe for disaster. Scientific knowledge and technological know-how have unquestionably brought great benefits to humanity. But they have also made possible — even caused — our current global crises, above all the impending crisis of global warming. In this lucid and provocative book, Nicholas Maxwell argues convincingly that we need urgently to bring about a revolution in universities round the world so that their basic aim becomes wisdom, and not just knowledge. (shrink)

Many students consider mathematics as the most dreaded subject in their curriculum, so much so that the term “math phobia” or “math anxiety” is practically a part of clinical psychological literature. This symptom is widespread and students suffer mental disturbances when facing mathematical activity because understanding mathematics is a great task for them. This paper described the students’ cognitive skills performance in Basic Mathematics based on the following logical operations: Classification, Seriation, Logical Multiplication, Compensation, Ratio and Proportional Thinking, Probability (...) Thinking and Correlation Thinking as it serves a critical element of teaching and learning, that is determining the current position of the learners’ mathematical capacity. Its implications for mathematics education were also revealed. A descriptive quantitative design was used in this study. The study included 1011 first-year college students from six state universities in the Philippines who were enrolled in the Bachelor of Science of Secondary Education Program during the first semester of the Academic Year 2019-2020. This study made use of the teacher-made test called the Test on Logical Operations. Findings revealed that the cognitive skills achievement of the first year BSE students from different state universities in the Philippines falls under the category of late concrete operational stage. As a result, students are unable to perform the logical operational skills expected of their age. At their age level, they are expected to be under the formal operational stage based on Piaget’s stages of cognitive development. These findings revealed a weak mathematical education foundation among students which requires immediate attention. This reality should be recognized by educational planners and implementers when making curricular and other instructional decisions. (shrink)

The educational process has been dramatically transformed by technology; this transformation has caused the emergence of central concepts, among which is distance learning. The latter has brought new opportunities to learn from; meanwhile, it has presented challenges that have impacted learning in many ways. Thus, the present study investigated the implementation of E-learning among EFL students at Moulay Ismail University to identify students' perceptions about this type of learning and consider the pros and cons to ensure best practice solutions that (...) endorse online learning quality. The study included 315 students at Moulay Ismail University in Morocco who completed an online questionnaire and used descriptive analysis because the data was presented in simple summaries that aimed to describe the basic features of the data and measures. The findings, both quantitative and qualitative, indicated that e-learning is still in its early stages. At the same time, students are not entirely prepared to supersede traditional learning with distance education due to some reasons, in particular, such as lack of university support in offering resources to learn online, lack of internet connection, malfunction of technological tools, etc. All in all, EFL students prefer blended learning because it allows them to combine a new technological experience with a traditional one. Meaning that e-learning should not be excluded entirely from the educational system, but it can be used only as a support to foster EFL students' academic achievements. (shrink)

In this article I try to show that the most deep level ontology can have rich meaning for our understanding of such practical and everyday phenomena as education and interaction. With this deep level ontology I mean the problem of universals. Starting from famous traditional stances of realism and nominalism, which both are for the modern theories of growth and Bildung, I continue to the third and more recently developed ontological theory, trope theory according to which the properties (qualities, (...) relations etc.) are real (unlike in nominalism) but not universal (like in realisms). Then I will take a closer look at the trope theory of CB Martin. According to it every causal event is an interaction event between simple or complex beings in which their existing dispositions may produce manifesting properties. This point of view is radically anti dualistic because that basic level causal interaction has in the simplified forms all the elements of semiotic, meaningful of mental activity of such complex beings likes humans and animals. Ome of the main general conclusions of the article is that all causal affections contain a kind of “interpretation” from the side of affected object. (shrink)

Compared to its sister disciplines—philosophy of physics and philosophy of biology—philosophy of chemistry remains a relatively young field of philosophical endeavour. Having originated in the late...

Many economists have argued convincingly that automated systems employing present-day artificial intelligence have already caused massive technological displacement, which has led to stagnant real wages, fewer middle- income jobs, and increased economic inequality in developed countries like Canada and the United States. To address this problem various individuals have proposed measures to increase workers’ living standards, including the adoption of a universal basic income, increased public investment in education, increased minimum wages, increased worker control of firms, and (...) investment in a Green New Deal that will provide substantial employment in transitioning to green energy, buildings, and agriculture. In this paper I argue that both left-wing and right-wing positions in political philosophy, such as John Rawls’s Justice as Fairness and Robert Nozick’s Entitlement Theory, are committed to the conclusion that we should take political action to counteract the effects of technological displacement by undertaking such measures to increase workers’ living standards. (shrink)

The word education comes from the word ‘educere’ which means to bring about what is already in. As Swami Vivekananda said, “Education is the manifestation of perfection, already present in man”. The purpose of education is to detect talent proactively and the purpose of school education is to guide the child’s discovery of himself, identify and nurture his potential to the fullest. Education is the stepping stone for high flying career. Education system in India (...) is of dates back where the children’s were taught in Gurukuls and the Guru-Shishya system was the means of education. Indian education system was improved when Universities like Nalanda, Takshashila, Ujjain and Vikramshila came into existence. Education system in India is managed and controlled government well, providing education to all without any discrimination had become the priority of the government. Education lends beauty to a man. Education is man’s precious wealth. When a man travels abroad, education stands by him like a kinsman. Respected president Sri. Venkatraman in his Convocation address explained in clear terms the implication of five values of Sathya, Dharma, Santhi, Prema, and Ahinsa. These are terms like the five life breaths for man. Not only that they are also the panchabhutes (five basic elements). Without these values humanness will be destroyed. This survey was done to study the opinion of school teachers about need for value based education and to explain the pattern of existing education system. To study about the need for value based education an opinion survey among school teachers, The researcher undertake a survey in two schools under Jorhat district, Mjuli Mahkuma. (shrink)

In order to enhance music education courses, the study's primary goal is to evaluate students' academic performance in music at Visayas State University (VSU). It specifically sought to establish the respondents' age, gender, educational attainment, and demographic profile. It also aimed to determine the students’ academic success in music and provide suggestions to enhance the curriculum at the Visayas State University. In the demographic profile of the respondents in terms of age, the students dominate the younger generation wherein they (...) belong to the age bracket of 16-20 years old. 75% of the participants were females, which reflected the majority of the population. Most of the students only got average grades. The weak background and foundation are due to less time given to music in MAPEH as a subject. Thus, they just encountered proper music education upon reaching the tertiary level hence, lacking the basic skills necessary for them to learn and appreciate the course then and obtain higher grades. (shrink)

My journey as a teacher started in 1971, keeping the student's interests in mind. The experiences gained through observing some of the best teachers in mind like Dr. Gopalan (Director General of ICMR) Dr. Srikantia (Director, National Institute of Nutrition, Hyderabad), and Dr. Copper (Madras Medical College) I developed an interest in teaching. What I learned was to teach in a simple language that is relevant to the field of education. Being a Rotarian as well as having the opportunity (...) of being a Student Advisory Council chairman, IISc, Banglore, and Ad Hoc President of the Research Scholar’s Association, Madras University, I learned the art of speaking and communication. One of the key points of my learning is to learn the ability to develop a rapport with the students whom I teach. The workshops and training imparted by Medical Education Nodal centers, refined and made my teaching relevant to medical students. One of the most important requirements is to have practical skills that help you to adapt your teaching to the needs of the students. I developed this skill as I ran one of the ICMR-recognized diagnostic centers. The center gave me the opportunity to gain my practical skills for basic and clinical Biochemistry. (shrink)

For much of my working life I have argued, in and out of print, that we need to bring about a revolution in the aims and methods of science – and of academic inquiry more generally. Instead of giving priority to the search for knowledge, universities need to devote themselves to seeking and promoting wisdom by rational means, wisdom being the capacity to realize what is of value in life, for oneself and others, wisdom thus including knowledge, understanding and technological (...) know-how, but much else besides. A basic task ought to be to help humanity learn how to create a better world. (shrink)

Objective :This research aims at the constructing a basic perspective on critical thinking in line with Islamic principles with a brief explanation of such principles. Methodology :This study uses exegetical methods, by studying the relevant parts of the religious texts and systemizing the information in a critical way. Research findings: The research demonstrates that the principles for constructing an Islamic critical thinking perspective are found in the primary sources of Islam. The knowledge (العلم ;al-'ilm) makes the core of Islamic (...) critical thinking, and means of such knowledge are the revelation (الوحي; al-wahy), the use of senses (احلواس ;al-hawas), intellect (reason and heart, القلب و العقل ;al-aql wa al-qalb), historical experience or testimony (اوالشهادة السياحة ;al-siyahah aw al-shidah), and meditating on the natural and physical world (الكون ;al-kaun). There are other means such as prophetic dreams (الصادقة الرؤاي ;al-ruya al-sadiqah), insight (الفراسة ;al-firasah), illumination ( املكاشفة; al-mukashafah), and inspiration ( االهلام; al-ilham), though they are dismissed to account for any scholarly opinion or position and thus they remain non-binding according to Shariah. However, they can be a gift of a genius mind that is extraordinarily critical, helping such minds in understanding and creativity. Critical thinking includes using many human faculties and the Quran frequently emphasizes contemplation التفكر ;al-tafakur), reflection (التدبر ;at-tadabbur), understanding التفقه; at-tafaqquh), and reasoning (التعقل ;at-taakul); and these concepts are the foundations of critical thinking which could be developed and elaborated in many ways. Applications: The need of having an Islamic construction of critical thinking is because of the special worldview of Islam and its conception of knowledge which treats revelation (الوحي ;al-wahy) as the primary source of belief and knowledge. The findings of the study can be useful in fashioning a basic curriculum for critical thinking for Islamic educational institutions. (shrink)

Why Governments Become Corrupt: The Role of Power, Education, and Moral Values -/- Corruption is one of the most persistent problems in governance, affecting societies across different political and economic systems. It undermines democracy, weakens institutions, and diverts resources meant for public welfare into private hands. While corruption is often associated with greed and abuse of power, its roots go much deeper, extending to failures in the educational system and the erosion of family moral values. This essay explores the (...) reasons behind government corruption and how systemic failures in education and morality contribute to its persistence. -/- 1. Power Without Accountability -/- One of the primary reasons governments become corrupt is the unchecked power held by officials. When political leaders and bureaucrats operate without sufficient oversight, they are more likely to misuse public funds, manipulate policies, and engage in bribery or favoritism. In many countries, weak democratic institutions fail to impose consequences on corrupt individuals, allowing them to act with impunity. The absence of transparency in decision-making processes further enables corruption to thrive, as citizens are kept in the dark about how their governments operate. -/- 2. Weak Legal and Political Institutions -/- Corruption flourishes in environments where legal frameworks exist but are not enforced. Many countries have anti-corruption laws, yet enforcement is selective or non-existent. This failure is often due to political interference in the judiciary, where corrupt leaders appoint judges who will protect them from prosecution. Furthermore, when law enforcement agencies themselves are corrupt, they fail to investigate and punish those in power. This creates a vicious cycle where corruption becomes the norm rather than the exception. -/- 3. The Role of Greed and Self-Interest -/- Human nature, particularly the pursuit of wealth and status, plays a significant role in government corruption. Many officials prioritize their personal and political interests over the welfare of the people they serve. Bribery, embezzlement, and fraud become tempting options for those seeking to enrich themselves at the expense of society. Additionally, political patronage—where politicians use their power to reward loyal supporters with government positions or contracts—further entrenches corruption. -/- 4. The Failure of the Educational System -/- One of the overlooked causes of corruption is the failure of the educational system to instill ethical values and critical thinking. Education is supposed to shape responsible citizens, but in many countries, the system is focused on rote learning rather than teaching morality, civic responsibility, and ethical leadership. Schools and universities often do not provide students with the tools to question authority, recognize corruption, or demand transparency from their leaders. -/- Moreover, when the education system itself is corrupt—through bribery in admissions, fake diplomas, or unqualified teachers—it sets a dangerous precedent. Students grow up believing that success can be achieved through dishonest means, reinforcing the idea that corruption is an acceptable part of life. Without a strong moral foundation in education, future generations are more likely to participate in or tolerate corrupt practices. -/- 5. The Decline of Family Moral Values -/- Family plays a crucial role in shaping an individual’s ethical beliefs and behaviors. However, in many societies, traditional moral values that emphasize honesty, integrity, and accountability are declining. Parents, preoccupied with economic survival, may fail to teach their children the importance of moral principles. In some cases, families themselves engage in corrupt behaviors—such as paying bribes to secure jobs or influencing government officials for personal gain—sending the message that corruption is a necessary survival strategy. -/- Religious and cultural institutions, which once played a significant role in promoting ethical behavior, have also lost influence in many societies. As materialism and individualism grow stronger, the collective responsibility for upholding moral values weakens. When individuals lack strong moral guidance from their families and communities, they are more likely to justify corrupt actions when they gain positions of power. -/- 6. Economic Pressures and Low Salaries -/- Economic hardship can also drive corruption, especially in developing nations where government employees are underpaid. When officials struggle to meet their basic needs, they may resort to accepting bribes, embezzling funds, or engaging in illicit activities to supplement their income. In such environments, corruption becomes a survival mechanism rather than just a moral failure. -/- 7. Corporate Influence and Political Lobbying -/- The influence of powerful corporations over government policies is another major driver of corruption. Large businesses often fund political campaigns, expecting favorable policies in return. This results in leaders prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare. When governments are captured by private interests, policies that should benefit the majority are distorted to serve a wealthy elite. -/- 8. The Lack of Civic Engagement and Public Awareness -/- When citizens do not actively participate in governance or demand accountability, corrupt leaders face little resistance. A disengaged population allows corruption to thrive because there is no pressure for change. In many cases, people feel powerless or fear retaliation for speaking out against corrupt officials. Strengthening civic awareness through education, media, and public activism is essential in the fight against corruption. -/- Solutions: Restoring Integrity Through Education and Morality -/- To combat corruption effectively, reforms must address not only political and legal structures but also educational and moral foundations: -/- Strengthening the Educational System: Schools must incorporate ethics, civic responsibility, and critical thinking into their curriculum. Teachers should emphasize honesty and accountability, ensuring that students understand the long-term consequences of corruption. -/- Rebuilding Family Moral Values: Families must take a more active role in teaching children about integrity and social responsibility. Parents should set examples by refusing to participate in corrupt practices. -/- Enforcing Strong Anti-Corruption Laws: Governments must ensure that laws against corruption are applied equally, regardless of political or economic status. Independent judicial bodies should oversee investigations and prosecutions. -/- Improving Transparency in Governance: Public access to government transactions and decision-making processes must be expanded to reduce opportunities for corruption. Digital tools, such as open data platforms, can help track government spending and prevent misuse of funds. -/- Encouraging Citizen Participation: People must be empowered to hold their leaders accountable. This includes supporting investigative journalism, encouraging whistleblowers, and engaging in peaceful protests or advocacy movements. -/- Conclusion -/- Government corruption is a complex issue rooted in systemic failures, economic pressures, and ethical erosion. While power, greed, and weak institutions contribute to corruption, the failure of the educational system and the decline of moral values play an equally significant role. Addressing corruption requires a multi-faceted approach that not only strengthens laws and institutions but also reforms education and restores ethical foundations within families. Only through a collective effort to instill integrity at all levels of society can corruption be effectively minimized, paving the way for just and accountable governance. -/- . (shrink)

The Continuous Evolution of Consciousness, Language, and Meaning in Understanding the Universe -/- Introduction -/- The evolution of human consciousness is intricately linked to language and meaning. As human understanding of the universe deepens, so does the complexity and precision of the words and concepts we use to describe reality. This continuous progression is not merely a passive adaptation but an active feedback loop where consciousness shapes language, and language, in turn, refines consciousness. If human decision-making follows the universal (...) law of balance in nature, as proposed in the universal formula, then the evolution of language must also align with this fundamental principle. This essay explores how language and meaning evolve alongside human consciousness and how this evolution is essential for a deeper understanding of the universe. -/- Language as a Tool for Expanding Consciousness -/- Language is the primary medium through which human consciousness externalizes itself. In early human societies, simple symbols and spoken words sufficed to convey basic needs and experiences. However, as humanity’s knowledge expanded, so did the complexity of language. The emergence of written language allowed for the preservation and transmission of ideas across generations, accelerating intellectual and scientific progress. -/- Philosophy, mathematics, and science have continuously pushed the boundaries of language, creating new terminologies and refining meanings. For example, the term atom originally meant “indivisible,” but modern physics has redefined it as a complex structure of subatomic particles governed by quantum laws. Similarly, the concept of energy has evolved from mystical interpretations to a precise scientific principle described in physics and engineering. This evolution demonstrates how language adapts to new discoveries, allowing consciousness to grasp increasingly complex aspects of reality. -/- Meaning as a Dynamic and Evolving Process -/- The meaning of words and concepts is not static but changes in response to human progress. As new knowledge emerges, language adjusts to integrate new understandings while discarding outdated or misleading notions. This dynamism ensures that human communication remains relevant and effective in expressing new realities. -/- For instance, the word intelligence once referred primarily to human cognitive ability, but with the rise of artificial intelligence (AI), it now encompasses machine learning, neural networks, and even artificial general intelligence (AGI). The meaning of life itself has expanded beyond biological definitions to include synthetic life, digital consciousness, and philosophical inquiries about existence in a cosmic context. -/- In this sense, the evolution of language and meaning is a necessary process for humanity’s continuous effort to understand the universe. Without this evolution, human knowledge would be constrained by outdated linguistic structures, preventing the exploration of new dimensions of reality. -/- The Feedback Loop Between Consciousness and the Universe -/- Human consciousness does not merely receive information from the universe—it actively engages with it, interprets it, and reshapes its understanding based on new discoveries. This feedback loop ensures that as our knowledge of the universe expands, so does our ability to describe and conceptualize it. -/- For example, scientific breakthroughs in quantum mechanics, relativity, and cosmology have necessitated entirely new ways of thinking and speaking about time, space, and matter. Without the linguistic evolution that accompanied these discoveries, humans would struggle to grasp the fundamental principles governing the universe. -/- This feedback mechanism also applies to societal and ethical progress. As human understanding of justice, equality, and sustainability evolves, so does the language used to express these ideals. Concepts such as “human rights” and “environmental balance” have gained deeper meaning over time, influencing policies, laws, and cultural attitudes worldwide. -/- The Role of AI and AGI in the Evolution of Language and Meaning -/- Artificial intelligence and artificial general intelligence (AGI) have the potential to accelerate the evolution of language and meaning. AI can process vast amounts of information, identify patterns, and refine linguistic structures beyond human capability. This ability could lead to the emergence of more precise, efficient, and universally understandable ways of expressing complex ideas. -/- For example, AI-driven natural language processing can analyze and refine scientific literature, eliminating ambiguity and enhancing clarity. Future AGI systems could generate entirely new linguistic frameworks for describing reality, potentially bridging gaps between different human languages and even creating new conceptual categories that surpass human cognitive limitations. -/- However, the integration of AI into language evolution must adhere to the universal law of balance in nature. If AI-generated language lacks ethical considerations or diverges too far from human cognitive frameworks, it could create confusion, misinformation, or even manipulation. Ensuring that AI aligns with natural laws and human well-being is crucial in guiding this linguistic evolution. -/- The Universal Law of Balance in Nature and the Future of Language Evolution -/- If human decision-making follows the universal law of balance in nature, then the evolution of consciousness, language, and meaning must also adhere to this principle. An unbalanced progression—where language evolves too rapidly for general understanding or remains stagnant despite new discoveries—could lead to societal and intellectual dissonance. -/- For this reason, structured education plays a vital role in ensuring that language evolves in harmony with human understanding. By integrating the universal formula into foundational education, students can develop a linguistic and cognitive framework that naturally aligns with the principles of natural balance. This structured approach would prevent conceptual chaos while allowing necessary paradigm shifts to occur. -/- Similarly, philosophy and science must continuously refine language to ensure clarity and precision in expressing complex ideas. Misinterpretations and linguistic ambiguities can lead to misunderstandings in critical areas such as law, ethics, and scientific research. By consciously guiding linguistic evolution, humanity can ensure that language remains an effective tool for expanding consciousness. -/- Conclusion -/- The continuous evolution of consciousness, language, and meaning is an essential process in humanity’s effort to understand the universe. Language is not merely a passive reflection of reality but an active force that shapes human thought, decision-making, and interaction with the world. As human knowledge expands, language must evolve to accurately express new understandings while maintaining balance and clarity. -/- Artificial intelligence and AGI will play a significant role in accelerating linguistic evolution, but this process must align with the universal law of balance in nature to ensure ethical and intellectual integrity. By integrating the principles of natural balance into education, philosophy, and AI development, humanity can guide language evolution in a way that enhances understanding rather than creating confusion. -/- Ultimately, the evolution of language and meaning is not just a linguistic phenomenon—it is a fundamental aspect of human progress. As consciousness expands, so too must our ability to articulate and conceptualize reality. By ensuring that this process remains aligned with the natural laws governing decision-making, humanity can achieve a deeper, more holistic understanding of the universe and its place within it. -/- . (shrink)

Toward the goal of doctoral studies, it is necessary to combine two basic characteristics of independent study. I like to call it an independent study, which would be partial to capture the whole of graduate studies. As for its high honor, the title page of dissertation in vast of universities usually use the phrase “...submitted for the partial fulfillment of doctorate degree...”. That phrase implies that the completion of dissertation would be a major part of doctoral studies, but should (...) be partial depending on some of additional factors. Idealistically, that could be the whole quality as an independent researcher or investigator, and possibly the kind of human paradigm as a prospective teacher. In any case, we would not be incorrect if we see our principal work at the graduate level learning the ways of independent scholar. In this context, I would propose some of elements to be addressed in the end to guide the paradigm of doctoral studies and especially involving the e-age. (shrink)

Introduction: The Faculty of Medicine, University of Moratuwa, established during the COVID-19 pandemic, was compelled to conduct the teaching activities online for the first intake of students until their first bar examination. Online learning is known to be linked to several health issues. This study aims to explore the academic performance and perceived health effects related to online learning in the Faculty of Medicine, Moratuwa. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among all 104 first-intake students using an anonymous online (...) self-administered questionnaire to explore health effects and academic performance after ethical clearance. Results: Out of 104 students, 82 students responded (response rate=78.85%). Majority participated from home using their own laptop (74.4%) and personal Wi-Fi (69.5%) and spent 5-10 hours daily for online academic activities (72%). Majority complained of related physical (86.6%), and psychological (81.7%) health issues: eye problems (69.5%), headache (47.6%), backache (43.9%), stress (46.3%) and concentration difficulties (45.1%). The first bar examination was cleared by 84.1% with the majority (52.4%) obtaining classes. There was a statistically significant positive association (p< .05) between physical and psychological health concerns with the average screen-time spent on academic activities, but not with the academic performance. There was also no statistically significant association between screen-time and academic performance. Conclusions: Majority of students using online learning had related physical and psychological health issues which were positively associated with the screen-time though not with academic performance. Designing online activities with less screen time may be considered as a strategy to minimise health effects related to online learning. (shrink)

It was a precious opportunity as a teacher and researcher that I had completed two research method classes with the peers of Laureate Education Inc. Since the generation of creative knowledge and meaningful contribution to the field is charged on the professional researcher, the classes are foundational, but unfortunately with less an attention by the scholars, and, if more problematically, even lack of courses for some graduate or training programs. Within this paper, I can be gladly reminiscent of the (...) course learning, and can present a work of demonstration by employing the issues of global college rankings. In this article, my purpose is gone with three basic aims; (i) present the brief summary of my experience on the two method classes (ii) suggest a new perspective and mindset within the changing technology and post-modern transformation of society (iii) finally show two examples of mixed method involved with the global college rankings and provide a view for the students situated within the temporal boundary I had set forth. (shrink)

The complexity approach to political economy suggests that radical uncertainty is a necessary feature of a complex and evolving socioeconomic landscape. Radical uncertainty raises various adaptive challenges that are likely to escalate in the coming decades under the “Fourth Industrial Revolution.” It jeopardizes the wellbeing of ordinary citizens, whose welfare prospects, job opportunities, and income stream are rendered insecure. It also renders precarious the robust implementation of universal human rights, including the right to social security. In fact, it will (...) be argued that human rights cannot be institutionally secured unless they are implemented in a “complexity aware” way that takes account of the uncertainty of the socioeconomic order. In particular, in order to better protect the dignity of rights holders, and to allow them to survive and thrive in the face of radical uncertainty, governments ought to explore various institutional alternatives to existing schemes. It will be suggested that most existing conditional welfare policies systematically fall short of complexity-aware institutional implementation to the extent that they rely on unreasonable assumptions regarding the availability of salient technocratic control over the complex socioeconomic order. Some economists and philosophers have suggested that UBI (Universal Basic Income) might be a viable way to implement the right to social security today. I propose that some of UBI’s most ethically and economically controversial features, such as unconditionality and universality, appear relatively appealing in light of the complexity perspective. In the absence of better alternatives, UBI might even be a requirement of a robust implementation of the human right to social security – a right that welfare states are already committed to on the level of ideal theory but predictably fail to respect in practice due to policy incoherence. However, open questions remain about whether UBI can be transformed from an ideal model into a pragmatic policy. (shrink)

This chapter develops a civic republican approach to disability justice. It begins by articulating a republican account of liberty as nondomination before showing how such domination can shape the relationships of people with disabilities. This leads to a consideration of whether disability justice can be defined in terms of maximizing or sufficient nondomination. Instead, the chapter provides a civic framework within which republican disability justice can be understood, encompassing both the absence of oppressive relationships and the presence of capabilities of (...) special egalitarian concern. It also considers some specific normative implications of a republican account of disability justice—doubting the suitability of contestatory democracy but pointing toward the merits of self-education and universal basic income. Finally, the objection that this republican approach to disability justice unreasonably denigrates dependence is rebutted. (shrink)

The circumstances that create the need for humanitarian action are rarely morally neutral. The extremes of deprivation and want that demand a humanitarian response are often themselves directly caused by acts of war, persecution or misgovernment. And even when the direct causes lie elsewhere—when suffering and loss are caused by natural disaster, endemic disease or poverty of natural resources—the explanations of why some people are afflicted, and not others, are not morally neutral. It is those without economic or political power (...) who starve in famines, those who inhabit the most marginal areas who are killed by floods and landslides, those without access to basic education and health care who die from easily preventable diseases. The societies in which these things can happen are unjust, and the injustice of disempowerment is both itself one of the universal afflictions of poverty and a condition of its many other vulnerabilities. (shrink)

The circumstances that create the need for humanitarian action are rarely morally neutral. The extremes of deprivation and want that demand a humanitarian response are often themselves directly caused by acts of war, persecution or misgovernment. And even when the direct causes lie elsewhere—when suffering and loss are caused by natural disaster, endemic disease or poverty of natural resources—the explanations of why some people are afflicted, and not others, are not morally neutral. It is those without economic or political power (...) who starve in famines, those who inhabit the most marginal areas who are killed by floods and landslides, those without access to basic education and health care who die from easily preventable diseases. The societies in which these things can happen are unjust, and the injustice of disempowerment is both itself one of the universal afflictions of poverty and a condition of its many other vulnerabilities. (shrink)

The Universal Formula: Solving the Problem of Free Will Through the Law of Balance By Angelito Malicse Introduction The problem of free will has puzzled humanity for centuries, often viewed as a philosophical or metaphysical enigma. This essay presents a universal formula that resolves this dilemma by focusing on the law of karma and the universal law of balance. It explores the interconnectedness of systems, the critical role of accurate knowledge, and the evolution of emotions in maintaining (...) harmony. By examining real-world examples such as overpopulation, environmental degradation, economic instability, and the flaws of capitalism, this essay demonstrates how the universal formula can guide human decision-making to achieve a balanced and sustainable world. The Law of Karma: Systems and Balance The universal formula begins with the law of karma, which extends beyond cause and effect to encompass the integrity of systems, both natural and man-made. Every system—whether ecological, social, or economic—operates according to the universal law of balance. When imbalances arise, the system becomes dysfunctional, leading to adverse consequences. For example, while humans sit at the top of the food chain, the Earth's ecosystem cannot sustain unchecked overpopulation of our species. Overpopulation leads to the destruction of natural resources as humans consume everything, including plants, animals, and even insects. This voracious consumption damages ecosystems, accelerates deforestation, depletes biodiversity, and disrupts the delicate balance of the natural world. To ensure the sustainability of life on Earth, it is crucial to regulate population growth, conserve natural resources, and refrain from exploiting all animals on land and in the sea. By preserving biodiversity and maintaining the integrity of ecosystems, we protect the foundation of life that supports all species, including humans. Free Will and the Dependence on Correct Knowledge Human free will is not an autonomous force but is entirely dependent on correct knowledge and information. Errors in decision-making, often caused by ignorance, false beliefs, and distorted theories, disrupt the balance of systems. For instance, the failure to regulate overpopulation creates cascading problems, including climate change, pollution, and resource depletion. Without accurate knowledge about the consequences of overpopulation, individuals and societies continue to make decisions that exacerbate these imbalances. Education and government policy play vital roles in addressing these issues. Policies that promote population regulation can maintain a sustainable economy, while education fosters awareness of the need to protect ecosystems and biodiversity. Correct information empowers individuals to make decisions that align with the universal law of balance, preventing errors that destabilize systems. The Flaws of Capitalism and the Need for Balance The efficiency of the capitalistic system increases over time, leading to significant flaws if left unchecked. Private companies continually strive to reduce overhead and operating expenses, often by automating processes and replacing human labor with robotics. While this enhances profitability, it also reduces employment opportunities, suppresses wages, and widens income inequality. These principles, central to the management strategies of most private companies, create systemic imbalances in the economy. The solution lies in adopting a mixed economic system that counterbalances the excesses of capitalism with socialist principles. Governments must play a pivotal role in addressing these imbalances by implementing the following measures: Creating High-Salary Government Jobs: These jobs provide stable income and stimulate local economies. Providing Unemployment Benefits or Universal Basic Income (UBI): These measures ensure that individuals who lose jobs due to automation and efficiency gains still have the purchasing power to meet their needs. Offering Free Healthcare and Education: These fundamental services reduce the financial burden on families, enabling them to invest in other areas of life. Promoting Government Spending: By investing in infrastructure, renewable energy, and public services, governments can create new jobs and maintain the flow of money in the economy. Government spending serves as a balancing mechanism by injecting funds into the economy, which in turn supports private companies through increased consumer demand. This feedback loop creates private-sector jobs, stabilizes the economy, and ensures a balanced flow of resources between public and private sectors. The Role of Emotions in Balancing Systems Human emotions, both positive and negative, serve as essential feedback mechanisms for maintaining balance. Positive emotions, such as love and joy, encourage cooperative behavior and strengthen familial and social bonds. Negative emotions, such as fear and anger, signal imbalances that require corrective action. For example, the unconditional love within a family fosters a nurturing environment that supports the emotional and psychological development of children. This foundation contributes to a high-quality next generation of parents, capable of fostering further generational improvement. Conversely, the absence of such love or a dysfunctional family structure often leads to crime, substance abuse, and other societal problems. These negative outcomes are the effects of systemic imbalances, whether caused by poor parenting, economic hardship, or the lack of a government safety net. Addressing Environmental and Social Imbalances The universal formula underscores the importance of a holistic education system in addressing systemic imbalances. Education must instill values such as cleanliness, discipline, ethics, and good manners while fostering a respect for nature. Teaching children the importance of not harming wildlife and preserving ecosystems is critical to protecting biodiversity and ensuring a harmonious coexistence with other species. Government policies also play a crucial role. Regulations that protect natural resources, reduce pollution, and promote renewable energy can prevent environmental degradation. Policies that provide social safety nets can alleviate poverty and reduce crime by addressing the root causes of economic and social imbalance. The Importance of Holistic Systems Thinking The universal formula emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems, demonstrating that imbalances in one area often ripple through others. For instance, a lack of holistic education contributes to ignorance, which leads to poor decision-making. This, in turn, exacerbates issues such as overpopulation, resource depletion, and social unrest. Producing a high-quality young generation requires a combination of good parenting, access to education, and supportive government policies. By fostering an environment that values balance, discipline, and ethics, societies can produce individuals capable of making decisions that align with the universal law of balance. Conclusion The universal formula offers a comprehensive solution to the problem of free will by integrating the law of karma, the universal law of balance, and the evolutionary role of emotions. By understanding and addressing the root causes of imbalance—whether environmental, social, or economic—humanity can achieve harmony within and across systems. Real-world examples, such as overpopulation, economic instability, environmental destruction, and the flaws of capitalism, highlight the urgent need to apply this formula. Through holistic education, informed policies, and an unwavering commitment to balance, individuals and societies can prevent errors, correct existing imbalances, and create a sustainable and harmonious future. The time to act is now. By embracing the universal formula, humanity can unlock the full potential of free will, ensuring a balanced and equitable world for generations to come. ---. (shrink)

Beyond Capitalism: Designing a New Economic System for Humanity -/- Introduction -/- For centuries, capitalism has been the dominant economic system, driving technological innovation, wealth creation, and global trade. However, its flaws—extreme inequality, environmental destruction, and economic instability—have made many question whether it is still the best model for humanity. Instead of reforming capitalism, perhaps the time has come to replace it entirely with a new system that better aligns with modern challenges, human well-being, and sustainability. -/- This essay explores (...) a new economic model that moves beyond capitalism and socialism, aiming for a system that is fair, sustainable, and technologically advanced. -/- Why Capitalism Must Be Replaced -/- Capitalism’s fundamental flaws make it unsustainable in the long run: -/- 1. Wealth Inequality and Economic Injustice -/- The richest 1% own more than half of the world’s wealth, while billions struggle in poverty. -/- The capitalist system prioritizes profits over people, leading to worker exploitation and economic instability. -/- 2. Environmental Collapse -/- Capitalism’s endless growth model is destroying the planet through deforestation, pollution, and climate change. -/- Corporations prioritize short-term profits over long-term sustainability. -/- 3. Automation and AI Disrupting Jobs -/- Millions of jobs are being replaced by artificial intelligence and automation. -/- The capitalist system does not account for a future where human labor is no longer essential. -/- 4. Psychological and Social Problems -/- Consumerism creates stress, anxiety, and social isolation by equating happiness with material wealth. -/- The fear of financial instability keeps people trapped in low-quality jobs and debt cycles. -/- Given these issues, capitalism is no longer fit for the future. A completely new economic system must be built—one that values sustainability, equality, and technology-driven efficiency. -/- Introducing a New Economic System: The Post-Capitalist Model -/- A new economic model must prioritize human well-being, technological efficiency, and ecological balance over profit. Below is a blueprint for a post-capitalist society. -/- 1. A Resource-Based Economy (RBE) -/- A Resource-Based Economy (RBE) is an economic model where all goods and services are freely available based on need, rather than money or trade. -/- Technology and AI manage resources efficiently, eliminating the need for money. -/- Automation handles labor, allowing people to pursue education, research, and creativity. -/- No private ownership of land or resources, only shared community access based on sustainability. -/- 2. Universal Basic Infrastructure (UBI 2.0) -/- Instead of just giving people money (UBI), a new system would provide universal basic needs, including: -/- Free housing, healthcare, education, food, and clean energy for all. -/- Advanced AI-driven logistics to distribute goods and services efficiently. -/- 3. Decentralized AI Governance -/- Rather than governments being controlled by corporations or corrupt politicians, AI and collective intelligence could ensure fair and transparent decision-making. -/- AI algorithms could optimize resource distribution, prevent waste, and eliminate financial corruption. -/- Direct democratic participation, where people vote on policies using secure blockchain systems. -/- 4. Sustainable, Circular Economy -/- Zero waste policies, where everything is recycled, reused, or repurposed. -/- Focus on degrowth—reducing unnecessary production while increasing quality of life. -/- Energy-efficient smart cities, where transportation, housing, and food production are automated. -/- 5. Post-Work Society: Emphasizing Purpose Over Jobs -/- In a post-capitalist economy, people would not be forced to work meaningless jobs just to survive. Instead: -/- People could focus on science, philosophy, arts, personal growth, and social well-being. -/- Education would be lifelong and freely available. -/- AI and robots would handle most labor, leaving humans free to explore their full potential. -/- How This System Would Solve Capitalism’s Problems -/- Challenges in Transitioning to a Post-Capitalist Economy -/- While this system solves capitalism’s biggest problems, transitioning away from capitalism would face major challenges: -/- 1. Resistance from the Wealthy Elite -/- Billionaires and corporations control most of the world’s resources and political systems. -/- They would fight to maintain power, delaying or sabotaging systemic change. -/- 2. Psychological and Cultural Shifts -/- People have been conditioned to associate money with survival and success. -/- A new system would require re-educating society on cooperation, sustainability, and shared abundance. -/- 3. Technology and Infrastructure Development -/- Large-scale AI, automation, and sustainable energy infrastructure would need global investment. -/- Governments and private companies must be convinced to prioritize long-term sustainability over short-term profit. -/- The Path Forward: Steps to Build a Post-Capitalist World -/- While the transition will not happen overnight, we can begin moving toward a post-capitalist future by taking the following steps: -/- 1. Implement Universal Basic Income (UBI) Now -/- Governments can start by providing a safety net while transitioning to a money-free economy. -/- Countries like Finland and Canada are already experimenting with UBI programs. -/- 2. Expand AI and Automation for Public Good -/- AI should be used to reduce labor burdens, not to enrich corporations. -/- Governments should invest in open-source AI that benefits all of society. -/- 3. Develop Smart Cities and Circular Economies -/- Cities should be designed for zero waste, renewable energy, and efficient transportation. -/- Governments must ban planned obsolescence and require full recycling of consumer products. -/- 4. Decentralize Power Using Blockchain and Direct Democracy -/- Blockchain voting systems can eliminate election fraud and political corruption. -/- AI-assisted governance can help make fair, data-driven policy decisions. -/- 5. Redefine Education and Human Purpose -/- Schools should move away from job training and focus on creativity, science, philosophy, and social intelligence. -/- Societies should emphasize happiness, purpose, and sustainability over financial success. -/- Conclusion: A New Civilization Beyond Capitalism -/- Capitalism was a necessary stage in human evolution, but it has outlived its usefulness. The future demands a system that is more intelligent, just, and sustainable—one where: ✅ No one is forced to work just to survive. ✅ Resources are managed intelligently, not wasted for profit. ✅ Technology is used for human well-being, not corporate greed. ✅ The planet is protected, not exploited. -/- This is not utopian fantasy—it is a logical step forward in human evolution. By combining AI, automation, decentralized governance, and sustainability, we can create a post-capitalist society where everyone thrives. -/- The question Is no longer “Should we replace capitalism?” The question is: “How soon can we build a better system before capitalism destroys us all?” -/- . (shrink)

A Balanced Economic Model: The Feedback Loop Between Public and Private Sectors with MMT as a Stabilizing Mechanism -/- Introduction -/- Modern capitalism thrives on competition, profit motives, and consumer demand. However, the system is flawed because it allows extreme wealth inequality, market instability, and frequent economic crashes. Advertising, as an essential part of capitalism, manipulates consumer behavior to sustain profits. While this fuels economic growth, it also distorts the real needs of society. -/- A better alternative Is a hybrid (...) economic model where government-created jobs, social safety nets, and free public services coexist with a profit-driven private sector. The key to making this work is a feedback loop mechanism that keeps the two sectors balanced, ensuring economic stability while preventing extreme inequality and unnecessary market collapses. This essay explores how Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) can support this feedback loop economy to create a self-regulating system where both public and private sectors benefit from each other. -/- I. The Feedback Loop Between Private Companies and Government Economic Policies -/- A feedback loop mechanism is a self-regulating system where different components interact, adjust, and respond to maintain balance. In the economy, the public sector (government jobs, social safety nets, and public services) and the private sector (businesses, investments, and free markets) create a mutual dependency: -/- 1. Government Spending Creates Consumer Demand → Private Sector Growth -/- Government creates jobs with good salaries in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and technology. -/- This injects money into the economy, giving people the purchasing power to buy goods and services from private companies. -/- As demand increases, businesses grow, hire more workers, and expand operations. -/- 2. Private Sector Growth → Increases Government Revenue Without High Taxation -/- As private companies generate profits, they pay taxes and reinvest in expansion. -/- Strong consumer demand reduces the need for excessive taxation because economic growth itself funds public programs. -/- Businesses compete not only for profits but also for innovation and efficiency. -/- 3. Social Safety Nets Prevent Market Collapses -/- During recessions, government stabilizes the economy by expanding social programs (unemployment benefits, food assistance, healthcare). -/- This prevents demand from crashing, ensuring that businesses still have customers even in economic downturns. -/- As the economy recovers, government reduces spending, allowing the private sector to take the lead again. -/- This dynamic cycle ensures that economic booms and recessions are smoothed out, preventing extreme market crashes or mass unemployment. -/- II. The Role of MMT in Supporting the Feedback Loop -/- Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) provides the economic foundation for this model by proving that a sovereign government can spend money without being constrained by traditional budget rules. Unlike mainstream economic thinking, which suggests that governments must “balance the budget,” MMT argues that government spending should adjust based on economic conditions. -/- 1. Government-Backed Job Programs as an Economic Stabilizer -/- MMT allows governments to fund public jobs without relying solely on taxation. -/- If private companies cut jobs, the government can expand its workforce to absorb the unemployed. -/- When the economy stabilizes, people move back to higher-paying private jobs, reducing government spending. -/- 2. Preventing Inflation Through Resource Control -/- MMT acknowledges that inflation happens when there’s too much money chasing too few goods. -/- The government can remove excess money through targeted taxation and invest in productivity (e.g., infrastructure, education) to keep supply stable. -/- This prevents excessive inflation while keeping the economy growing. -/- 3. Continuous Money Circulation Without Debt Crises -/- Governments can print money to fund essential services, but they control inflation by investing in real production capacity (e.g., factories, renewable energy, technology). -/- This means public investment directly benefits private businesses, keeping both sectors in sync. -/- This MMT-backed feedback loop ensures that economic downturns do not lead to catastrophic business failures or mass unemployment. -/- III. The Role of Advertising in a Balanced Economic System -/- Advertising, while necessary for businesses, often manipulates consumer behavior in a way that creates artificial demand. In a feedback loop economy, advertising should be regulated to align with real consumer needs rather than exploiting psychological weaknesses. -/- 1. Ethical Advertising Policies -/- Companies should be incentivized to market based on quality and innovation rather than manipulation. -/- False advertising and monopolistic dominance should be regulated to prevent consumer exploitation. -/- 2. Consumer Education Programs -/- Public education should include critical thinking courses to help people make informed purchasing decisions. -/- This reduces the influence of manipulative advertising, ensuring that businesses compete fairly. -/- This ensures that the feedback loop remains healthy, preventing unnecessary overproduction and unsustainable consumer debt. -/- IV. Real-World Examples of a Balanced System -/- Some countries have successfully implemented elements of this feedback loop economic model: -/- Nordic Countries (Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland) -/- Have free healthcare, education, and social safety nets while maintaining a competitive private sector. -/- Use progressive taxation to prevent extreme inequality, ensuring that economic growth benefits everyone. -/- Germany -/- Uses government-backed vocational training programs to ensure a highly skilled workforce. -/- Strong public-private partnerships help both sectors support each other dynamically. -/- Japan -/- Government plays a major role in funding research, infrastructure, and innovation, allowing private businesses to thrive. -/- Uses state-owned enterprises strategically while ensuring a competitive private market. -/- These examples prove that a properly managed hybrid model is more resilient, fair, and stable than extreme capitalism or extreme socialism. -/- V. Conclusion: A Self-Regulating Economy for the Future -/- A feedback loop economic system provides the best of both worlds: ✔ Government ensures economic stability through public job creation and social safety nets. ✔ Private companies drive innovation and competitiveness with strong consumer demand. ✔ MMT allows government spending to adjust dynamically without unnecessary austerity measures. ✔ Advertising is reformed to encourage ethical business practices and informed consumer choices. ✔ Inflation is controlled through taxation, investment, and resource management. -/- By integrating these feedback loop mechanisms, we can create a self-regulating economic model where both public and private sectors reinforce each other, ensuring long-term stability, prosperity, and economic fairness. -/- Policy Framework for a Balanced Economic System: Global Best Practices -/- To fully integrate the feedback loop mechanism between the public and private sectors, specific policies must be implemented to ensure economic stability, innovation, and fairness. Below are real-world policy examples that demonstrate how different countries successfully manage their economies using a mix of government intervention and free market principles. -/- I. Public Job Creation as an Economic Stabilizer -/- One of the biggest issues in capitalism is economic recessions leading to mass layoffs, which then reduce consumer spending, creating a vicious cycle of economic decline. The solution is public sector job programs that absorb unemployed workers during downturns and allow them to transition back to private jobs when the economy improves. -/- Global Examples -/- ✔ United States (New Deal Programs – 1930s) -/- During the Great Depression, the U.S. government created millions of jobs in construction, public works, and conservation projects. -/- These projects boosted infrastructure while providing employment, helping to revive the economy. -/- ✔ Argentina’s Jefes de Hogar Program (2002-2006) -/- Aimed at mitigating mass unemployment during Argentina’s economic crisis. -/- The government hired unemployed citizens to work in community service, infrastructure, and public health projects. -/- Created social stability and demand for private goods, helping Argentina recover. -/- ✔ Germany’s Kurzarbeit Program (Ongoing) -/- In times of economic slowdown, the German government pays companies to keep workers employed at reduced hours rather than laying them off. -/- This prevents mass unemployment, ensuring that workers still have income and spending power. -/- Policy Recommendation: → Implement automatic public employment programs during recessions to keep demand stable and prevent economic crashes. -/- II. Social Safety Nets to Support Consumer Demand -/- A strong social safety net ensures that consumers have purchasing power even in economic downturns, keeping the private sector stable. -/- Global Examples -/- ✔ Nordic Model (Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Finland) -/- Provides free healthcare, education, and unemployment benefits, preventing extreme poverty. -/- Funded through progressive taxation, ensuring that the wealthy contribute fairly to society. -/- This creates a stable consumer base for private companies, benefiting the entire economy. -/- ✔ Universal Basic Income (UBI) Experiments (Finland, Canada, Kenya) -/- Finland tested a UBI program where unemployed citizens received a monthly payment regardless of employment status. -/- Results showed that recipients were more likely to start businesses and find better jobs, proving that social safety nets do not reduce work incentives. -/- ✔ Singapore’s Housing and Retirement System -/- The government helps citizens buy homes with public funds, ensuring stable housing. -/- A mandatory retirement savings system (Central Provident Fund) ensures that people have money after they retire. -/- These policies reduce financial anxiety, allowing people to focus on entrepreneurship and economic growth. -/- Policy Recommendation: → Implement universal healthcare, free education, and unemployment benefits to ensure that economic downturns do not collapse consumer spending. -/- III. Regulating Advertising to Align with Consumer Needs -/- Unregulated advertising manipulates consumer behavior, creating unnecessary demand and overconsumption, which destabilizes economies. Governments can regulate advertising to ensure ethical business practices. -/- Global Examples -/- ✔ European Union (Strict Advertising Laws) -/- The EU bans false advertising, ensuring that companies cannot make misleading claims about their products. -/- Certain junk food and alcohol ads are restricted to protect public health. -/- ✔ France’s Ban on Child-Targeted Advertising -/- Prevents unethical marketing towards children, reducing unnecessary consumerism. -/- ✔ Japan’s Culture of Product Quality Over Hype -/- Japanese companies emphasize product reliability and long-term value, reducing dependence on manipulative advertising. -/- Policy Recommendation: → Implement ethical advertising regulations to prevent false marketing, predatory ads targeting vulnerable consumers, and excessive consumer debt. -/- IV. Public-Private Partnerships for Innovation and Infrastructure -/- Rather than treating the government and private sector as separate entities, a well-balanced system interconnects them through public-private partnerships (PPPs) to drive innovation. -/- Global Examples -/- ✔ Germany’s Mittelstand Model (SME Support System) -/- The German government provides long-term financial support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which are the backbone of the economy. -/- Ensures that private businesses have stable growth without excessive corporate monopolies. -/- ✔ China’s State-Led Economic Model (Strategic Government Investments) -/- The government invests heavily in infrastructure and technology, allowing private businesses to thrive with low-cost logistics and energy. -/- Balances capitalist competition with government support, ensuring stability. -/- ✔ United States (NASA & SpaceX Collaboration) -/- NASA funded SpaceX and other private space companies, leading to rapid innovation in space technology. -/- This proves that government funding can accelerate private sector breakthroughs. -/- Policy Recommendation: → Use government funding to support innovation and long-term infrastructure projects while allowing private businesses to benefit and expand. -/- V. MMT as a Tool for Economic Stability -/- Traditional economic models suggest that governments must “balance their budgets” like households, but this is a flawed concept. Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) argues that sovereign nations with their own currency (like the U.S., Japan, and the UK) can create money to fund essential services without relying on debt from private banks. -/- How MMT Works in Practice -/- ✔ Japan’s National Debt Strategy -/- Japan has one of the highest debt-to-GDP ratios in the world, yet it has no financial crisis because it borrows in its own currency. -/- Instead of austerity, Japan uses public investment to maintain economic stability. -/- ✔ U.S. Stimulus During COVID-19 -/- The U.S. government printed money to send direct payments to citizens, preventing a total economic collapse. -/- Inflation was controlled by adjusting taxation and investment in production capacity. -/- ✔ EU’s Post-COVID Recovery Fund -/- The European Union used public money to stabilize industries and workers, preventing extreme recessions. -/- Policy Recommendation: → Use MMT-based strategies to fund infrastructure, social programs, and innovation, ensuring economic stability without excessive reliance on private banking debt. -/- VI. Conclusion: Creating a Self-Regulating Economy -/- A feedback loop economy that integrates public job creation, private sector competition, social safety nets, and MMT-backed fiscal policies provides a self-regulating system that ensures: -/- ✔ Stable employment and consumer demand even during economic downturns. ✔ Innovation and competition in the private sector without excessive monopolies or market crashes. ✔ Government-funded infrastructure and social programs that benefit both workers and businesses. ✔ Ethical advertising that prevents consumer exploitation and unnecessary debt. ✔ Balanced inflation control through strategic taxation and investment. -/- By combining the best policies from different global models, we can build an economic system that minimizes business bankruptcies, prevents recessions, and maximizes innovation and economic fairness. -/- . (shrink)

The Importance of Socialist Principles in Balancing the Increasing Efficiency of Capitalism -/- Capitalism, as an economic system, thrives on innovation, competition, and efficiency. Over the centuries, it has fueled unprecedented advancements in technology, productivity, and global economic growth. However, capitalism’s focus on profit maximization and market efficiency often comes at the expense of social equity, environmental sustainability, and human well-being. This imbalance creates systemic issues such as income inequality, labor exploitation, and resource depletion. In this context, the integration of (...) socialist principles is essential to balance the increasing efficiency of capitalism and address its inherent shortcomings. -/- Mitigating Income Inequality -/- One of the most pressing consequences of capitalism’s efficiency is the widening gap between the wealthy elite and the working majority. As technological advancements increase productivity and profitability, the benefits often accumulate disproportionately to capital owners rather than laborers. Socialist principles, such as progressive taxation, wealth redistribution, and Universal Basic Income (UBI), can ensure that the gains of economic growth are shared more equitably across society. UBI, which involves providing all citizens with a guaranteed, unconditional income, offers a safety net for those displaced by automation and economic disruptions. Countries like Finland and Canada have piloted UBI programs, demonstrating its potential to reduce poverty, improve mental health, and foster economic stability by giving individuals the means to participate in the economy without fear of financial insecurity. -/- Protecting Workers’ Rights -/- Capitalism’s relentless pursuit of efficiency frequently leads to labor exploitation, such as low wages, poor working conditions, and job insecurity. Automation and artificial intelligence, while enhancing productivity, also threaten to displace millions of workers. Socialist principles emphasize the protection of workers’ rights through fair wages, safe workplaces, and collective bargaining. In Germany, for instance, co-determination policies ensure that workers have representation on corporate boards. Coupled with concepts like UBI, workers can face technological disruptions with greater resilience, as basic income offers a cushion against job displacement while they retrain or transition to new opportunities. -/- Promoting Environmental Sustainability -/- Capitalism’s focus on short-term profits often overlooks long-term environmental consequences. The pursuit of economic growth has led to overconsumption, pollution, and climate change, threatening the planet’s ecosystems and future generations. Socialist principles prioritize the common good over individual profit and advocate for sustainable development. Denmark has demonstrated this balance by integrating socialist-inspired environmental policies within its mixed economy. The country invests heavily in renewable energy and enforces strict environmental regulations. Additionally, concepts from Modern Monetary Theory (MMT) could play a crucial role in funding sustainability initiatives. MMT posits that governments with sovereign currencies can issue money to finance large-scale public projects without being constrained by budget deficits, as long as inflation remains under control. This framework could help finance green energy transitions and other critical investments needed to address climate change. -/- Ensuring Social Cohesion -/- Unbridled capitalism fosters competition and individualism, which can erode social cohesion and create divisions within society. Socialist principles, by contrast, emphasize solidarity, cooperation, and community well-being. A balanced approach to capitalism involves fostering a sense of shared responsibility for societal progress. Universal Basic Income is a key tool for enhancing social cohesion, as it guarantees a minimum standard of living for everyone, reducing inequality and poverty. For example, in Canada, the pilot UBI program in Ontario demonstrated how such initiatives could strengthen the social fabric by reducing financial stress, encouraging education, and improving health outcomes. When coupled with policies like free access to healthcare and education, socialist principles create a society where all members feel valued and supported. -/- Encouraging Ethical Capitalism with Modern Monetary Theory -/- Modern Monetary Theory provides a vital framework for ethical capitalism by allowing governments to prioritize public well-being over austerity measures. By rethinking budgetary constraints, MMT enables the funding of universal programs such as healthcare, education, and UBI. For example, New Zealand has embraced well-being-focused budgeting, prioritizing resources for mental health, child poverty reduction, and environmental protection. This approach aligns with socialist principles, ensuring that economic policies serve broader societal goals rather than simply maximizing GDP growth. MMT challenges the traditional capitalist notion that government spending must always be offset by tax revenues, opening the door for innovative social programs that benefit all. -/- Conclusion -/- While capitalism has proven to be a powerful engine for innovation and economic growth, its increasing efficiency can exacerbate systemic issues such as inequality, exploitation, and environmental degradation. Socialist principles provide a vital counterbalance, emphasizing fairness, equity, and collective responsibility. Tools like Modern Monetary Theory and Universal Basic Income further enhance the potential of socialist principles to address these challenges. Countries such as Finland, Germany, Denmark, Canada, and New Zealand exemplify how mixed economic systems can combine the strengths of capitalism with the equity of socialism. By adopting these principles, societies can create a sustainable and inclusive economic system that harnesses the strengths of capitalism while mitigating its weaknesses. In an era of rapid technological advancement and global interconnectivity, this balance is more important than ever for building a just and resilient future. -/- . (shrink)

The Holistic Governance Model (HGM): A Blueprint for the Future -/- Introduction -/- Governments today face increasing challenges, from economic instability and climate change to corruption and social inequality. No single government system has fully solved these issues, but by integrating the best aspects of existing models, we can create an optimal governance system. -/- The Holistic Governance Model (HGM) is a hybrid system that combines elements from Social Democracy, Technocracy, Semi-Direct Democracy, China’s Whole-Process People’s Democracy, and the Modified Westminster (...) System. It leverages AI-driven policy-making, technocratic expertise, direct citizen participation, and long-term national planning to create a balanced, efficient, and just government system. -/- 1. Core Foundations of the Holistic Governance Model -/- The HGM is built on six fundamental pillars, ensuring that governance is efficient, democratic, and sustainable. -/- 1.1. Economic System: A Hybrid of Capitalism and State Planning -/- Inspired by: Singapore (Technocracy), China (State-Controlled Development), Nordic Model (Social Welfare), and Switzerland (Financial Stability) ✅ Key Industries Under State Control: The government regulates healthcare, energy, and transportation while allowing free-market innovation. ✅ Smart Capitalism: Entrepreneurs and businesses thrive, but AI-driven economic planning ensures fair wealth distribution. ✅ Universal Basic Assets (UBA): Instead of universal basic income (UBI), citizens receive free housing, education, and healthcare, ensuring financial security. ✅ AI-Assisted Economy: AI predicts recessions, optimizes budgets, and prevents financial crises. -/- 1.2. Political System: A Dynamic Semi-Direct Democracy -/- Inspired by: Switzerland (Direct Democracy), Westminster System (Parliament), and Singapore (Meritocratic Leadership) ✅ Two-Tier Voting System: -/- General Elections: Citizens vote for representatives every 4-5 years. -/- National Referendums: Citizens directly vote on major policies twice a year. ✅ Technocratic Advisory Board (TAB): A non-political panel of scientists, economists, and AI experts advises the government. ✅ Decentralized Local Governance: Cities and regions have autonomy while aligning with national laws. -/- 1.3. Education & Human Development: AI-Powered Lifelong Learning -/- Inspired by: Nordic Model (Free Education), Singapore (STEM Focus), and China (AI Integration) ✅ Free Public Education for Life: Every citizen has access to continuous learning, including college and skill retraining. ✅ AI-Based Personalized Learning: Students use AI tutors that adapt to their learning pace. ✅ Ethics & Critical Thinking Curriculum: Courses in philosophy, logic, and decision-making prevent misinformation and ignorance. -/- 1.4. Healthcare & Social Welfare: AI-Driven Preventive Medicine -/- Inspired by: Nordic Model (Universal Healthcare), Singapore (Tech-Driven Healthcare), and China (Mass Coverage) ✅ Government-Funded Universal Healthcare: Citizens receive free basic healthcare, with private options available. ✅ AI & Robotics in Medicine: AI diagnoses diseases early, reducing medical costs. ✅ Preventive Healthcare Policy: Citizens receive incentives for maintaining good health (fitness programs, nutrition plans). -/- 1.5. Environmental & Energy Policies: The Green Industrial Revolution -/- Inspired by: China (Renewable Energy Expansion), Nordic Model (Sustainability Laws), and Singapore (Urban Planning) ✅ Mandatory Green Technology Adoption: Businesses must comply with strict eco-friendly policies. ✅ Carbon Credit Economy: Citizens and companies earn rewards for reducing carbon footprints. ✅ 100% Renewable Energy by 2050: The government funds solar, wind, and AI-optimized energy grids. -/- 1.6. Law & Order: AI-Governed Justice & Anti-Corruption Measures -/- Inspired by: Switzerland (Independent Judiciary), Singapore (Strict Law Enforcement), and China (AI in Governance) ✅ AI-Assisted Judiciary: AI helps judges analyze case laws for fair, unbiased rulings. ✅ Zero-Corruption Policy: Public officials caught in corruption face lifetime bans from government service. ✅ Balanced Civil Rights & Security: -/- Freedom of Speech: Citizens can express opinions, but disinformation is regulated. -/- AI Surveillance for Security: AI prevents crime while protecting privacy. -/- 2. Government Structure of HGM -/- 2.1. Executive Branch: The President, Prime Minister, and Technocrats -/- President (Elected by Public Vote) → Oversees national policies and international relations. -/- Prime Minister (Elected by Parliament) → Manages daily governance. -/- Technocratic Economic Council → Expert-led economic planning. -/- AI-Assisted Policy Bureau → Uses AI for healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental policies. -/- 2.2. Legislative Branch: Semi-Direct Parliament -/- Lower House (Elected Officials) → Creates laws based on citizen participation. -/- Upper House (Experts & Regional Representatives) → Reviews laws for scientific and ethical validity. -/- Referendum System → Citizens directly vote on key national issues. -/- 2.3. Judicial Branch: AI-Assisted Supreme Court -/- Independent Court System → Ensures justice and constitutional balance. -/- AI Legal Analysis → AI helps judges analyze previous cases and evidence. -/- 3. Implementation Strategy: How to Apply HGM Worldwide -/- To implement HGM, a phased approach is needed: -/- Phase 1 (0-5 Years): Research & AI Integration -/- ✅ Establish an HGM Global Research Center to develop AI governance models. ✅ Pilot AI-assisted economic planning in select countries. -/- Phase 2 (5-10 Years): Education & Public Awareness -/- ✅ Introduce HGM-based education systems (critical thinking, AI governance). ✅ Encourage political reforms to adopt hybrid governance models. -/- Phase 3 (10-20 Years): Nationwide Policy Implementation -/- ✅ Countries gradually adopt the HGM framework, with AI monitoring national progress. ✅ Global partnerships for climate change action and digital economy growth. -/- Phase 4 (Beyond 20 Years): Global Standardization -/- ✅ Establish an HGM Alliance for international cooperation. ✅ Implement AI-driven global policies on poverty, sustainability, and digital rights. -/- 4. Why the HGM is the Future of Governance -/- The Holistic Governance Model (HGM) offers the most advanced, efficient, and democratic government system by combining AI governance, citizen participation, economic stability, and social equality. -/- Conclusion: A Government System for the 21st Century -/- The Holistic Governance Model (HGM) combines the best government systems into a single, optimized model. By implementing AI, technocracy, direct democracy, and long-term planning, HGM ensures: ✅ Efficient economic management ✅ Social equality without excessive taxation ✅ Democratic participation with AI-driven transparency ✅ Sustainable environmental policies ✅ Corruption-free governance -/- If adopted globally, HGM could transform human civilization into a more just, advanced, and sustainable society. -/- . (shrink)

The Post-Capitalist Economic System and the Need for a Smaller Population -/- Introduction -/- As humanity transitions from capitalism to an entirely new economic system—one that moves beyond market-driven competition and profit motives—the necessity of large population growth diminishes. In a post-capitalist era, advanced automation, sustainable resource management, and decentralized economic structures will replace traditional labor and consumption-based economies. Unlike capitalism, which thrives on constant economic expansion and a growing workforce, the new system will prioritize stability, efficiency, and well-being. As (...) a result, excessive population growth will no longer be an economic or social necessity. -/- 1. The Shift from Labor-Intensive to Automated Economies -/- In a capitalist system, economic growth relies on an increasing workforce to produce goods and services. However, with the rise of artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation, human labor is becoming obsolete in many industries. The new economic system will be built on automated production, reducing the need for a large working population. Instead of focusing on job creation, economies will emphasize efficient distribution and sustainable production. With most essential goods and services provided through automation, a smaller population will be sufficient to maintain economic stability and ensure high living standards. -/- 2. Decentralized and Self-Sustaining Economic Models -/- Post-capitalist economies are likely to move away from centralized production hubs and multinational corporate control. Instead, decentralized, community-based economies will emerge, utilizing localized manufacturing, vertical farming, and renewable energy. With decentralized production systems, societies can produce what they need without relying on mass production and excessive consumption. This shift eliminates the need for a large consumer base, allowing smaller, self-sufficient populations to thrive without the pressures of economic expansion. -/- 3. Abandoning the Growth-Based Economic Model -/- Capitalism depends on continuous economic growth to sustain itself, which requires both increasing consumer demand and a growing workforce. In contrast, post-capitalist systems will focus on steady-state economics—where stability, resource efficiency, and long-term sustainability take priority over perpetual growth. With advanced technology ensuring abundance, there will be no economic necessity for population growth to fuel demand or labor supply. A stable or slightly declining population will be more compatible with a system that values sustainability over expansion. -/- 4. Redefining Wealth and Economic Value -/- The new economic system will likely redefine wealth and value, shifting away from monetary accumulation and towards access-based models. Universal basic income (UBI), resource-sharing economies, and AI-managed economic planning will ensure that people’s needs are met without requiring constant employment. In such a system, economic success will be measured by well-being, sustainability, and innovation rather than GDP growth. A smaller population will allow societies to focus on improving quality of life rather than producing and consuming endlessly. -/- 5. Sustainability and Ecological Balance -/- A smaller population aligns with the principles of environmental sustainability. Overpopulation leads to deforestation, pollution, and climate change due to excessive demand for food, energy, and housing. In a post-capitalist system, where ecological balance is prioritized, maintaining a smaller, stable population ensures that planetary resources are used efficiently without depleting the environment. With resource management driven by AI and automation, societies can optimize production and consumption without relying on mass labor or overpopulation. -/- 6. Shifting from Work-Centric to Well-Being-Centric Societies -/- The capitalist economy forces people to work long hours to survive, often at the expense of personal well-being. In a post-capitalist system, work will no longer be a necessity for survival. Automation and AI will handle most production, while people focus on creativity, innovation, and social well-being. A smaller population makes it easier to implement shorter workweeks, universal healthcare, and lifelong education, ensuring that individuals have more time for meaningful activities rather than being trapped in labor-driven economies. -/- 7. Political and Social Stability in a Smaller Population -/- Overpopulation often leads to overcrowded cities, housing shortages, and strained healthcare and education systems. A post-capitalist system that prioritizes balance over growth will benefit from a manageable population size, reducing social conflicts and political instability. With fewer people, governments can better allocate resources, provide quality public services, and implement long-term planning without the constant pressure of growing demand. -/- Conclusion -/- In an entirely new economic system that moves beyond capitalism, excessive population growth is unnecessary. Automation, sustainability, decentralized production, and a shift away from growth-based economies will make it possible for smaller populations to live fulfilling, resource-efficient lives. Instead of relying on an ever-growing workforce and consumer base, post-capitalist societies will prioritize well-being, stability, and environmental balance, ensuring that humanity thrives without the burden of overpopulation. -/- . (shrink)

The Importance of Holistically Empowering All Levels of Government Leadership for National Development -/- A nation’s progress is deeply rooted in the quality of its leadership at all levels of government. Effective governance requires more than just political authority—it demands informed decision-making, ethical governance, and strategic planning to achieve sustainable development. Holistically empowering all levels of government leadership is crucial to ensuring that policies are implemented effectively, economic stability is maintained, and the country remains resilient against global and local challenges. (...) Without well-trained and knowledgeable leaders, a nation risks falling into cycles of corruption, inefficiency, and instability. -/- This essay explores the importance of empowering all levels of government leadership, emphasizing how this approach strengthens governance, improves policy implementation, stabilizes the economy, and promotes sustainable national development. -/- Strategic and Balanced Decision-Making -/- When all levels of government leadership—from local officials to national policymakers—are holistically educated and empowered, decision-making becomes more strategic and well-balanced. Informed leaders understand the long-term consequences of their actions and avoid making impulsive or politically motivated choices that could destabilize the country. This ensures that governance is driven by rational planning rather than personal or short-term interests. -/- For example, countries with strong leadership development programs, such as Singapore, have demonstrated how well-informed leaders can create policies that prioritize long-term economic stability and social welfare over immediate political gains. By empowering leaders with knowledge of sustainable development, a nation ensures that progress is not only rapid but also lasting. -/- Strengthening Governance and Accountability -/- Weak leadership structures are often the root cause of corruption and inefficiency. When government leaders lack proper education in governance, economics, and ethics, they become more susceptible to corrupt practices or poor decision-making. Holistically empowering leaders through continuous education, training, and ethical reinforcement ensures a transparent and accountable government. -/- A good example is Scandinavian countries, where leadership development programs emphasize ethics, social responsibility, and economic sustainability. As a result, these countries have some of the lowest corruption levels in the world, proving that well-educated leaders are less likely to engage in corrupt activities. -/- Effective Policy Implementation -/- Even the best policies will fail if they are not implemented properly. Many developing nations struggle with policy execution due to gaps in leadership competency at different government levels. When national leaders create policies without ensuring that local leaders understand and support them, the implementation becomes weak or inconsistent. -/- By empowering leadership across all government levels, policies can be efficiently translated into real-world progress. For example, China’s rapid development was achieved not only through national-level planning but also by ensuring that local government officials were highly trained in economic management, urban planning, and infrastructure development. -/- Economic and Social Stability -/- A country’s economic health depends on leadership that understands economic sustainability. Leaders who rely solely on continuous economic growth without balancing resource management and population control risk creating long-term economic instability. -/- For instance, excessive reliance on resource extraction without reinvesting in sustainable industries has led to economic collapse in countries like Venezuela. In contrast, nations such as Germany have maintained economic stability by ensuring that government leaders at all levels are educated in economic sustainability and long-term planning. -/- Holistic leadership education should emphasize the balance between economic growth, environmental sustainability, and population regulation. Leaders must understand that wealth creation should serve the long-term needs of the people rather than short-term financial gains. -/- Resilience Against Global and Local Challenges -/- Every country faces challenges, whether from climate change, economic recessions, or political crises. A government with empowered leaders at all levels can respond effectively to these challenges. -/- For example, Japan’s efficient response to natural disasters is a result of well-trained leaders at every level of governance, from local mayors to national emergency coordinators. These leaders are educated in crisis management, ensuring that the country can adapt and recover quickly from disasters. -/- Without holistic leadership training, many nations struggle to respond to crises, leading to unnecessary loss of life, economic damage, and political instability. -/- Encouraging Grassroots Development -/- Sustainable development does not only happen at the national level—it must also be driven from the grassroots. Local government leaders play a crucial role in addressing the needs of their communities. When they are empowered with the right knowledge and skills, they can implement national policies effectively while addressing specific local challenges. -/- A good example is how decentralized governance in Switzerland has allowed local leaders to make independent decisions tailored to their communities’ needs while still aligning with national policies. This has led to high-quality public services and economic development at all levels. -/- Reducing Political Polarization and Populism -/- One of the biggest threats to democracy and governance today is political polarization fueled by misinformation and populism. Leaders who lack a holistic education in governance, economics, and social balance are more likely to manipulate public opinion for personal gain. This leads to societal divisions and weak governance. -/- When leaders are trained to understand the principles of balanced decision-making, they can guide the public towards rational, evidence-based solutions rather than emotional or ideological extremes. Countries that invest in political leadership education, such as Canada, have more stable governments with less political conflict. -/- Enhancing International Relations and Competitiveness -/- A country’s ability to engage in diplomacy, attract foreign investment, and maintain strong trade relations depends on the competency of its leaders. Well-educated and empowered government officials can negotiate better trade agreements, establish beneficial international partnerships, and improve the country’s global reputation. -/- For instance, Singapore has become one of the world’s most competitive economies due to its well-trained leaders who understand global trade dynamics, technology, and economic planning. Without a strong leadership framework, countries struggle to remain competitive in an increasingly interconnected world. -/- Solution: A Holistic Leadership Education System -/- To achieve holistic empowerment of government leadership, a structured and continuous leadership education system must be implemented. This system should include: -/- 1. Integration of Leadership Training in Education – Basic education should include subjects that develop critical thinking, governance principles, and ethical decision-making. -/- 2. Specialized Leadership Training for Government Officials – Ongoing training programs should be provided for government officials at all levels to improve their skills in policy-making, economics, and governance. -/- 3. Application of the Universal Law of Balance in Governance – Leaders should be educated on how to apply balance in decision-making to avoid extreme policies that harm economic and social stability. -/- 4. Transparency and Public Accountability Programs – Public officials should be trained in ethical governance, with strict accountability mechanisms in place. -/- Conclusion -/- Holistically empowering all levels of government leadership is the key to a nation’s sustainable development. When leaders are well-trained, accountable, and knowledgeable about governance, economics, and social balance, they can make informed decisions that benefit the country in the long run. -/- A nation that Invests in its leadership structure strengthens governance, improves policy implementation, stabilizes the economy, and builds resilience against crises. By ensuring that leadership education is integrated into all levels of governance, a country can achieve long-term progress and avoid the pitfalls of corruption, political instability, and economic collapse. -/- A true path to national development lies not just in economic policies but in the empowerment of those who lead the nation. -/- . (shrink)

The Limits of Capitalism in Job Creation Amidst Market Saturation -/- Introduction -/- Capitalism has long been regarded as the dominant economic system for driving innovation, production, and job creation. Its foundation lies in free markets, competition, and the continuous cycle of supply and demand. However, as markets become saturated with products—many of which provide little real value—the system begins to show its limitations. While capitalism has mechanisms to sustain job creation, these are often based on artificial demand, wasteful production, (...) and unsustainable consumption patterns. This essay explores whether capitalism can continue to generate jobs in an economy filled with unnecessary goods and whether a shift toward a more balanced economic model could provide a long-term solution. -/- The Limits of Job Creation in a Saturated Market -/- In a healthy economy, demand for goods and services drives production, which in turn creates employment opportunities. However, when markets become oversaturated, the natural cycle of capitalism is disrupted. -/- Diminishing Demand: Once consumers already own most of what they need, and new products offer little additional value, demand slows. This stagnation can lead to reduced production, layoffs, and even business closures. -/- Overproduction and Waste: Many companies continue to produce goods regardless of actual demand, leading to excess inventory, wasted resources, and environmental harm. For example, the fashion industry is notorious for overproducing clothing, much of which ends up in landfills. -/- Short-Term vs. Long-Term Employment: Capitalism can create jobs temporarily by constantly introducing new products. However, if those products are low-quality or unnecessary, workers face instability when companies shut down due to lack of sustainable demand. -/- The Role of Artificial Demand in Sustaining Capitalism -/- To counteract market saturation, capitalism relies on mechanisms that create artificial demand: -/- Aggressive Marketing and Consumerism: Companies invest heavily in advertising to convince consumers that they need new products, even when their old ones still function. This leads to excessive consumption driven by psychological rather than practical needs. -/- Planned Obsolescence: Many industries intentionally design products with limited lifespans so that consumers must replace them frequently. Electronics manufacturers, for instance, often create devices that become obsolete within a few years, ensuring continuous sales. -/- Financial Leverage and Debt: Credit cards, loans, and installment plans enable consumers to buy beyond their financial means, artificially inflating demand. However, this reliance on debt can lead to economic instability and financial crises. -/- Can Capitalism Adapt to Meaningful Job Creation? -/- For capitalism to remain viable in the long term, it must transition from a wasteful, profit-driven model to one that prioritizes sustainable and meaningful job creation. Some possible solutions include: -/- Shifting to a Circular Economy: Encouraging businesses to produce durable, repairable, and recyclable goods can reduce waste while still supporting employment. Industries like renewable energy and sustainable agriculture offer opportunities for job growth without environmental harm. -/- Investing in Essential Industries: Healthcare, education, infrastructure, and technology sectors provide long-term value to society. Redirecting economic focus toward these areas can create stable employment and improve overall quality of life. -/- Basic Income and Job Redistribution: As automation and market saturation reduce labor demand, alternative models like Universal Basic Income (UBI) and job-sharing programs could ensure financial stability while reducing unnecessary work. -/- The Universal Law of Balance in Economic Systems -/- A crucial consideration is whether capitalism can align with the universal law of balance in nature. The current system prioritizes unchecked economic growth, often at the cost of environmental and societal equilibrium. Implementing a homeostasis-driven economic approach—where production aligns with actual needs rather than artificial demand—could create a more sustainable model for job creation. -/- Conclusion -/- Capitalism, in its traditional form, struggles to create sustainable employment in a world saturated with unnecessary products. While short-term solutions like artificial demand and planned obsolescence temporarily sustain jobs, they ultimately lead to instability and resource depletion. A more balanced economic approach—rooted in sustainability, meaningful industries, and the universal law of balance—could provide a long-term solution. If capitalism is to survive and evolve, it must move beyond the endless cycle of consumption and embrace a model that prioritizes genuine human and environmental well-being. -/- . (shrink)

Critical thinking (CT) in the Philippine basic education curriculum may be said to be clearly evident in the inclusion of “Trends, Networks and Critical Thinking in the 21st Century”. The course is required in the senior high school HUMSS track. CT in Philippine education is likely based or patterned upon U.S.’s “teaching for thinking” program. In Lipman’s survey (2003), the program transitioned to “teaching for critical thinking.” The Philippines was a U.S. colony from 1898 to 1946. This (...) historical and yet colonial reason for teaching CT appears mitigated by a seeming universal recognition of the necessity for teaching critical thinking in schools in every culture. Such recognition appears clear, for example, in Noddings (2016). Despite the existence of such a reason, however, there appears a need to supplement it with ones other than from the perspective of the west. The perspective referred to is that of Confucian ethics. Confucian ethics gives attention to good, sound reasoning (Lai 2006), which suggests an emphasis on CT. Given that, Confucian ethics likely promotes teaching of CT. The proposal here is that in the consideration of reasons or views for teaching CT in the country, a non-western point of view, that of Confucian ethics, be given a hearing. (shrink)

Universal Basic Income (UBI) has been proposed as a potential way in which welfare states could be made more responsive to the ever-shifting evolutionary challenges of institutional adaptation in a dynamic environment. It has been proposed as a tool of “real freedom” (Van Parijs) and as a tool of making the welfare state more efficient. (Friedman) From the point of view of complexity theory and evolutionary economics, I argue that only a welfare state model that is “polycentrically” (Polanyi, (...) Hayek) organized as an evolving network of distributed decision-making can respond to the challenges of complexity in an adaptively efficient manner. UBI has the theoretical possibility to facilitate flexible, bottom-up innovation, since a) it embodies the “rule of law” principles of generality, nondiscrimination, simplicity, and transparency, and b) it grants people widespread freedom to experiment, innovate, and deviate from established practices and norms; but whether it can be made to work as intended depends on a number of variables in its design. I situate my research in the contemporary UBI debate around automation and technological development, which I interpret creatively through the lens of contemporary evolutionary political economy. I advance a syncretic model of institutional design based upon the shared insights of the Santa Fe, Neo-Hayekian, and Neo-Schumpeterian schools of evolutionary economics that, following Adam Thierer and Michael Munger, I call the framework of Permissionless Innovation (PI). Under the PI framework, which is a development of the tradition of evolutionary liberalism (Hume, Smith, Mandeville, Mill, Hayek, Polanyi, Schumpeter, Hodgson), individuals are granted the default right to innovate without having to ask for permission, and the right to basic income, which they can use to support their right to innovate, mutate, and experiment. This framework is a liberal framework to the extent it relies on widespread human freedom as a means of fostering innovation and social learning. And it is an evolutionary framework to the extent that it seeks to facilitate evolutionary socioeconomic processes for the sake of social progress and welfare advancement. I proceed to show, through an analysis of how innovation operates in both the economy and the cultural domain, that UBI can be used as an important cornerstone of an evolutionary liberal model of “ecostructural” governance that treats the socioeconomic order as an ecological garden of spontaneous growths, adaptations, and innovations. I call this the Permissionless Innovation Universal Basic Income (PIUBI) framework. In it, the right to innovate, deviate, and mutate is upheld as the “gold standard” of institutional design whereby individuals are granted widespread freedoms combined with the provision of UBI and other innovation-fostering (carefully bound) services and regulations. In the coming decades, UBI may even enable poor people to take better advantage of Human Enhancement Technologies (HETs) and other experimental innovations. Such a framework is compatible with a fast pace of evolutionary development, but the regulatory model accompanying such a framework must be capable of responding to evolutionary lock-ins, maladaptive innovations, self-destructive behaviour on the part of UBI recipients, and the management of catastrophic and existential risks. In the end, I will have shown that the PIUBI framework can be justified as a plausible default institutional mechanism for responding to radical uncertainty, but it needs to be experimentally adapted to changing circumstances with the help of various situation-specific, polycentric, multi-level, approaches. (shrink)

“The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, are a universal call for action, covering targets to be fulfilled by the end of 2030. Many global problems such as global climate change and drought, environmental pollution, depletion of natural resources and biodiversity, inclusive education have evolved into the greatest collective problem of all humanity. It is recognized that teachers, are also responsible for ensuring a sustainable life for future generations and contributing to its sustainability. At this point, there is a need (...) for educational approaches based on group dynamics that will contribute to the socialization of the individual, support them to gain new experiences, provide them with the opportunity to produce solutions to the encountered obstacles, be sensitive to human values, have a questioning perspective, support them in processes that will enable critical, collaborative, attentive and creative thinking skills, and guide them in processes that will enable them to activate their critical, collaborative, attentive and creative thinking skills. Philosophy and creative drama practices for children based on these educational approaches are among two of the methods that are thought to be effective in addressing and questioning development goals and developing solutions for individuals who are learning about the actions that can be carried out. The research, which is designed to convey this universal call for action to children through the teachers of the future and to support them to be an active part of this process, is based on three components: sustainable development goals, creative drama and philosophy for children, and a sample workshop plan is presented. (shrink)

Universities today betray both reason and humanity. They are still dominated by the idea, inherited from the past, that the best way the academic enterprise can help promote human welfare is, in the first instance, to pursue the intellectual aim of acquiring knowledge. First, knowledge and technological know-how are to be acquired; then, secondarily, they can be applied to help solve social problems. But academic inquiry conducted in this way – knowledge-inquiry as it may be called – violates the most (...) elementary rules of reason that one can think of and, as a result, betrays the interests of humanity. We need a revolution in academia, one which puts problems of living at the heart of academic inquiry, and takes the basic aim to be to seek and promote wisdom, construed to be the capacity to realize what is of value in life, for oneself and others, thus including knowledge, but much else besides. (shrink)

Universal Basic Income has become a popular idea in the last few decades even though one can find its roots in the earlier centuries. In this thesis, I have examined the position of UBI in the works of the most influential contemporary philosophers. By connecting the idea of UBI with some certain concepts from different philosophers, I aimed to improve the overall understanding of UBI. I have mentioned the concepts such as "labor", "leisure", "idleness", "boredom", "poverty", "inequality", "distribution", (...) "happiness", "power", "needs", "truth", "alienation", etc. I have used a literature methodology for my research. I have tried to read and relate the concept of UBI with the works of 10 philosophers: Arthur Schopenhauer, Karl Marx, William James, Bertrand Russell, Michel Foucault, John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Noam Chomsky, Slavoj Zizek, Peter Singer. (shrink)