According to the commonsense view of civic virtue, the places to exercise civic virtue are largely restricted to politics. In this article, I argue for a more expansive view of civic virtue, and argue that one can exercise civic virtue equally well through working for or running a for-profit business. I argue that this conclusion follows from four relatively uncontroversial premises: (1) the consensus definition of “civic virtue”, (2) the standard, most popular theory of virtuous activity, (3) a conception (...) of the common good widely shared by liberal political philosophers, and (4) the mainstream economic theory of for-profit business. (shrink)

The Profit Motive: A Reality or an Illusion of Capitalism? -/- Introduction -/- The profit motive has long been considered a fundamental driver of economic activity, particularly in capitalist societies. It is the principle that businesses, individuals, and economies are primarily motivated by financial gain. However, when examined through the lens of capitalism and fiat currency, an important question arises: Is the profit motive a genuine economic force, or is it an illusion created by the artificial value (...) of money? This essay explores the nature of the profit motive, its connection to capitalism, and the potential illusory aspects of wealth accumulation within a fiat currency system. -/- The Role of the Profit Motive in Capitalism -/- Capitalism institutionalizes the profit motive by making financial success the key measure of progress. In a capitalist system, individuals and businesses seek to maximize their earnings through innovation, efficiency, and strategic decision-making. The promise of financial gain incentivizes entrepreneurs to take risks, develop new products, and improve services. -/- Supporters of capitalism argue that the profit motive leads to economic growth, job creation, and technological advancements. Competition in the marketplace forces companies to innovate and provide better goods and services at lower costs. Additionally, businesses that generate profits attract investments, which allows them to expand and create more economic opportunities. Thus, the profit motive serves as a crucial mechanism in capitalist economies. -/- However, the pursuit of profit can also lead to negative consequences, such as wealth inequality and environmental degradation. Those who control financial and industrial resources often accumulate disproportionate amounts of wealth, while lower-income individuals may struggle to compete. This raises ethical questions about whether the profit motive truly benefits society or if it primarily serves the interests of the elite. -/- Fiat Currency and the Illusion of Wealth -/- The concept of fiat currency further complicates the understanding of the profit motive. Unlike commodity-backed money (such as gold or silver), fiat currency derives its value from government regulation and public trust rather than intrinsic worth. Since money in modern economies is created through banking systems and debt, its value is largely based on collective belief rather than tangible assets. -/- This raises concerns about whether financial profits are an illusion rather than a reflection of real wealth. If money itself has no intrinsic value, then the pursuit of profit—measured in fiat currency—could be seen as chasing a fabricated metric rather than achieving real economic progress. Inflation, economic crises, and financial bubbles reveal the vulnerabilities of a system that relies on fiat currency, making profits unstable and sometimes illusory. -/- Furthermore, the constant need for economic growth in a fiat-based system pressures businesses and individuals to continuously accumulate more wealth, regardless of actual resource availability. This dynamic fosters consumerism, financial speculation, and debt-driven economies, which can lead to economic instability and artificial booms and busts. -/- Is the Profit Motive an Illusion? -/- The debate over whether the profit motive is an illusion depends on perspective. From a practical standpoint, profit is necessary for businesses to survive and grow. It determines purchasing power, access to resources, and overall economic influence. In this sense, profit is not an illusion but a real force shaping human behavior and societal structures. -/- However, from a philosophical and systemic perspective, the profit motive can be seen as a social construct rather than an absolute reality. The value of money is dictated by economic policies and collective agreements, meaning that financial wealth is only meaningful as long as society recognizes it. If fiat currency were to collapse, the illusionary nature of profit would become evident, as material goods and essential resources would become the true determinants of wealth. -/- Alternative Perspectives on Success -/- While capitalism promotes profit as the primary measure of success, alternative economic models suggest different ways of defining progress. Some propose prioritizing sustainability, resource-based economies, or social well-being rather than monetary accumulation. Economic models like cooperative businesses, universal basic income, and post-scarcity societies challenge the traditional view that profit is the ultimate goal. -/- In such systems, success is defined not by financial gain but by factors such as quality of life, environmental balance, and social equity. This perspective aligns with the idea that the profit motive may not be the only—or even the best—way to drive human progress. -/- Conclusion -/- The profit motive is both a reality and a construct shaped by the economic system in which it operates. In capitalism, it serves as a driving force for innovation, competition, and economic growth. However, its dependence on fiat currency introduces elements of illusion, as financial wealth is largely based on societal belief rather than intrinsic value. While profit remains a central force in modern economies, reconsidering its role in defining success may open pathways to more sustainable and equitable economic models. Ultimately, the question is not just whether profit is an illusion, but whether society should continue prioritizing it as the primary measure of success. -/- . (shrink)

-/- Restructuring Profit-Oriented Social Media to Align with the Three Universal Laws of Nature -/- By Angelito Malicse -/- In today’s world, social media platforms have become powerful tools for shaping thought, behavior, and society itself. However, the dominance of profit-oriented models in these platforms has led to widespread harm—ranging from misinformation and emotional manipulation to mental health crises and societal division. When assessed through the lens of my Three Universal Laws of Nature—the Law of Karma, the Law (...) of Feedback, and the Law of Balance—it becomes clear that the current structure of these platforms is deeply flawed. If we are to use technology for the benefit of all, these platforms must be restructured in accordance with natural law. -/- I. Violation and Restoration of the Law of Karma: System Integrity and Cause-Effect -/- Violation: Profit-driven social media platforms prioritize engagement metrics—clicks, views, shares—regardless of content quality or truth. Sensationalism, fake news, and emotionally charged posts dominate feeds, encouraging addictive behavior and eroding trust. Moreover, these systems exploit user data without transparency, creating cause-effect chains that result in individual suffering and social disorder. -/- Restoration Path: -/- 1. Algorithmic Integrity: Redesign algorithms to promote verified, constructive, and educational content over sensational or divisive material. -/- 2. Accountability Mechanisms: Implement fact-checking, content quality metrics, and platform accountability for misinformation. -/- 3. Transparent Data Ethics: Respect user privacy by clearly explaining how data is collected and used, allowing users to opt out of unnecessary surveillance. -/- This ensures the cause (algorithm and system design) leads to positive and intended effects (user well-being, social harmony), upholding the law of karma in its systemic form. -/- II. Violation and Restoration of the Law of Feedback: Mutual Influence and Learning -/- Violation: Instead of fostering meaningful dialogue, social media creates echo chambers. Feedback systems (likes, shares, comments) are manipulated to maximize emotional extremes—anger, fear, outrage—rather than thoughtful exchange. Users are rewarded for triggering reactions, not for encouraging reflection or empathy. -/- Restoration Path: -/- 1. Reform Feedback Loops: Replace superficial metrics with systems that reward thoughtful discourse, critical thinking, and empathy. -/- 2. Encourage Diversity of Thought: Algorithms must expose users to differing viewpoints to foster intellectual humility and societal tolerance. -/- 3. Balance Emotional Engagement: Prioritize content that promotes psychological well-being and reduces toxic interactions. -/- By enabling healthy, reciprocal influence between users and content, platforms become tools for collective wisdom, not division. -/- III. Violation and Restoration of the Law of Balance: Homeostasis in Individual and Collective Experience -/- Violation: Excessive screen time, comparison culture, and the constant pursuit of attention disturb the mental, emotional, and even physiological balance of users. Social media has led to increased anxiety, depression, addiction, and cognitive fatigue. At a societal level, it promotes imbalance by amplifying extremes, creating instability in public opinion and behavior. -/- Restoration Path: -/- 1. Digital Well-being Tools: Introduce features that limit addictive usage, promote breaks, and encourage offline reflection. -/- 2. Mental Health Support Integration: Incorporate wellness resources like guided meditation, calming prompts, and emotional check-ins after intense content exposure. -/- 3. Balanced Content Curation: Provide a mix of uplifting, informative, and reflective content to restore inner equilibrium. -/- Platforms should evolve from being sources of imbalance to becoming instruments of holistic well-being, mirroring nature’s homeostasis. -/- Actionable Implementation Strategies -/- To fully bring social media into harmony with the Three Universal Laws, the following actionable reforms are essential: -/- User Control Dashboards: Give users deeper control over what content they see based on psychological needs and ethical preferences. -/- Content Credibility Scores: Rate creators and posts based on truthfulness, depth, and positive contribution to societal discourse. -/- Incentives for Balance: Reward users and creators who engage in ethical, empathetic, and thoughtful behavior. -/- Conclusion: Building Ethical Technology for a Balanced Future -/- Profit-oriented social media, in its current form, violates the natural laws that govern healthy systems. It distorts cause-effect relationships, undermines constructive feedback, and throws individuals and societies into imbalance. However, if restructured based on the Three Universal Laws of Nature, these platforms can evolve into transformative forces for truth, compassion, and equilibrium. -/- Only by restoring harmony between technology and natural law can we create a future where human flourishing, not profit, is the measure of success. -/- . (shrink)

In 2006 we awoke, in Europe at least, to the odd situation in which twitchers – obsessive birdwatchers who spend much of their leisure time on the far-flung edges of countries – are being reinvented as the eyes and ears of the state, helping warn of new border incursions. These incursions are posited as taking an avian form that may bring with it very unwelcome pathogens. Everyday avian observations and knowledges of migratory routes are being reinvented as a kind of (...) border patrol, a first line of veterinary surveillance. (shrink)

We vindicate the widespread intuition that there is something morally problematic with for-profit corporations providing care to young children and elders. But instead of putting forward an empirical argument showing that for-profit corporations score worse than not-for-profits when it comes to meeting the basic needs of these vulnerable groups, we develop a philosophical argument about the nature of the relationship between a care organisation, its role-occupants, and care recipients. We argue that the correlation between profit and lower-quality (...) care is a result of intrinsic features of a for-profit model, combined with conceptual features of meaningful caring relationships, such that non-profits are the most reliable institutional providers of adequate care. Our claim is that care requires a kind of commitment that for-profit institutions are constituted to avoid, and that non-profit institutions are constituted to embrace. (shrink)

The diversity in agronomic practices being used by sugarcane producers in Brazil determines differences in economic performance and cost structure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the cost of six systems of agronomic practices using fixed or variable rates for soil amendment, fertilizer, and defensive applications and assess the profitability of these systems at three scales of sugarcane production. We then describe the data sample related to the 2019–2020 harvest season and collected from fifty-five sugarcane producers in the (...) central-south region of Brazil. Thereafter, using a quantitative approach, a cost analysis was performed, and the cumulative frequency of the net revenue for the three scales of production (small, medium, and large), was calculated using a Monte Carlo simulation. The cost analysis indicated that fertilizer had the highest cost considering the agronomic practices adopted at the three scales of production analyzed. The cumulative frequency analysis results from the Monte Carlo simulation showed the highest net revenue per hectare for medium sugarcane producers. In addition, the presence of economies of scale was not confirmed because the lowest cost was found in small-scale sugarcane producers and the highest net revenue was obtained by medium-scale sugarcane producers. (shrink)

Today’s world cloud computing becoming so popular because of an effective and efficient way to provide computing resources and services to customers on demand. Cloud computing being an information technology paradigm enables access to shared pools of configurable system resources and higher-level services often over the Internet. The objective of providers is to maximize profits by their price schemes, while the main purpose of clients is to have quality of services for a reasonable price. Thus the vital aim is to (...) maximize the profit for service providers & get quality of service at best price for the client. In this we are going to allocate resources to the users dynamically, so that free space is also used by the broker. In this way also profit of our broker is also get maximized. Because of cloud computing development, choosing cloud services can be complicated & time-consuming for customers. To facilitate cloud service delivery, the authors propose a cloud service broker who provides automated selection of suitable cloud services, & assure the best performance, reliability, & cost efficiency. (shrink)

How the Profit Motive Influences Media’s Role in Politics and Product Innovation -/- Introduction -/- Media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, influencing political discourse, and driving consumer behavior. Ideally, journalism should serve as a watchdog, holding power accountable and informing the public with accurate, unbiased information. Similarly, the media’s role in promoting products should focus on genuine innovation that benefits society. However, the profit motive has significantly altered these dynamics. Instead of prioritizing public welfare, media (...) institutions often focus on financial gain, leading to political bias, misinformation, and consumer culture driven by unnecessary product upgrades rather than true innovation. -/- Despite these challenges, the profit motive remains essential in sustaining economic growth, creating jobs, and driving technological progress. Businesses, including media and technology firms, must continue to generate profit to support their employees, invest in innovation, and maintain financial stability. This essay explores how media’s pursuit of profit has shaped politics and product innovation—sometimes leading to manipulation and overconsumption—while also highlighting the necessity of profit for economic stability and job creation. -/- The Profit Motive In Political Influence -/- Media companies operate as businesses, and their financial survival depends on maximizing profits. This has led to the prioritization of sensationalism, bias, and political influence over objective journalism. -/- 1. Sensationalism and Misinformation -/- To attract more viewers, readers, and online engagement, media companies rely on dramatic headlines, fear-mongering, and emotionally charged content. Instead of presenting balanced perspectives, media outlets choose narratives that generate more engagement, regardless of accuracy. -/- Example: During election cycles, media outlets often focus on scandals and controversies rather than discussing real policy issues. In the 2016 U.S. presidential election, much of the media coverage fixated on the “Clinton emails” rather than substantive discussions about economic policy, healthcare, or climate change. -/- 2. Corporate Ownership and Political Bias -/- Many mainstream media companies are owned by large corporations with vested interests in certain political outcomes. This ownership structure influences editorial decisions, leading to biased reporting that serves corporate and elite interests rather than public welfare. -/- Example: Billionaire-owned media companies, such as The Washington Post (owned by Jeff Bezos) and Fox News (controlled by Rupert Murdoch), have been accused of pushing narratives that align with their owners' political and business interests. -/- 3. Political Advertising and Pay-to-Play Journalism -/- Political campaigns and corporations pay large sums to media companies for favorable coverage. This financial dependency can lead to biased reporting or the suppression of critical stories. -/- Example: In the Philippines, politicians often use paid news segments and political ads disguised as news reports, creating the illusion of widespread public support while suppressing dissenting voices. -/- 4. Media-Driven Political Polarization -/- To maximize audience loyalty, many media organizations take strong partisan positions, reinforcing ideological divisions. This leads to echo chambers where people only consume content that aligns with their preexisting beliefs, further polarizing society. -/- Example: In the U.S., Fox News caters primarily to conservative audiences, while MSNBC leans toward liberal perspectives. This divide reinforces political tribalism, making constructive dialogue difficult. -/- The Profit Motive In Product Innovation -/- Beyond politics, media also plays a significant role in shaping consumer behavior and perceptions of innovation. While technological advancements and new products can improve lives, media-driven marketing often prioritizes unnecessary upgrades and exaggerated benefits over true innovation. -/- 1. The Role of Media in Shaping Consumer Demand -/- Since advertising revenue is a primary income source for most media companies, they prioritize content that appeals to advertisers rather than educating or informing the public. this leads to an emphasis on promoting new products, sometimes regardless of their necessity or actual innovation. -/- Example: Tech companies use media partnerships to generate excitement about new product releases, even when the changes are minimal. A major smartphone manufacturer, for instance, may introduce minor camera improvements or design tweaks and market them as groundbreaking innovations. -/- 2. Social Media and Influencer-Driven Product Hype -/- The rise of social media has intensified product marketing, making influencers a key force in driving demand. Many influencers, backed by corporate sponsors, promote products without critically evaluating their real impact or necessity. -/- Example: Luxury brands and smartphone companies pay influencers to showcase their products as status symbols. This creates an artificial perception of exclusivity and necessity, leading consumers to purchase items they might not truly need. -/- 3. The Illusion of Innovation Through Frequent Upgrades -/- Many industries, particularly technology and fashion, rely on planned obsolescence—introducing frequent but minor updates to create the illusion of innovation. This strategy encourages consumers to upgrade their products regularly, even when older models remain functional. -/- Example: A leading electronics company releases new smartphone models annually, often with only minor feature enhancements. Many devices slow down over time due to software updates, subtly pressuring users to replace their devices sooner than necessary. -/- 4. Psychological Manipulation in Advertising -/- Media uses psychological tactics to influence consumer behavior. Limited-time offers, aspirational advertising, and fear-based marketing create artificial demand for new products. -/- Example: Beauty magazines and social media ads promote anti-aging products by associating youth with success and attractiveness. This fosters insecurity, encouraging unnecessary spending on skincare and cosmetic treatments. -/- Why the Profit Motive Must Continue -/- Despite these challenges, the profit motive remains essential to economic stability, job creation, and continuous innovation. Businesses, including media companies, rely on profits to sustain their operations and support employees. -/- 1. Job Creation and Economic Growth -/- Profitable businesses provide stable employment, allowing workers to earn wages, support their families, and contribute to economic growth. Media companies, for example, employ journalists, editors, graphic designers, marketers, and IT professionals. The same is true for product innovation, where research and development teams, factory workers, and sales professionals all benefit from profitable enterprises. -/- Example: The global tech industry supports millions of jobs, from engineers developing new products to retail workers selling them. Without profit incentives, companies would have little motivation to expand, invest, and hire more employees. -/- 2. Funding for Innovation and Technological Advancements -/- Profit enables companies to invest in research and development, leading to technological breakthroughs that improve quality of life. Whether in medicine, transportation, or communication, businesses reinvest earnings into innovation that benefits society. -/- Example: The telecommunications industry continually advances due to profits that fund research into faster internet speeds, better security features, and more efficient network infrastructure. -/- 3. Stability and Business Sustainability -/- Without profit, businesses cannot survive in the long term. Media companies, for instance, require revenue to pay journalists and produce high-quality content. Similarly, manufacturers must generate income to continue developing new products. A balanced approach—where profitability coexists with ethical responsibility—ensures economic stability while minimizing harm. -/- Conclusion -/- The profit motive has significantly shaped the media’s role in both politics and product innovation. While it sometimes leads to sensationalism, misinformation, and excessive consumerism, it remains essential for job creation, economic stability, and technological progress. The key challenge is finding a balance—ensuring that media and businesses remain profitable while also prioritizing truth, sustainability, and genuine innovation. Addressing these issues requires policy reforms, media literacy education, and a shift toward more responsible journalism and marketing practices. By fostering ethical profit-driven growth, society can benefit from stable incomes, continuous innovation, and an informed public. -/- . (shrink)

The principle of noncombatant immunity prohibits warring parties from intentionally targeting noncombatants. I explicate the moral version of this view and its criticisms by reductive individualists; they argue that certain civilians on the unjust side are morally liable to be lethally targeted to forestall substantial contributions to that war. I then argue that reductivists are mistaken in thinking that causally contributing to an unjust war is a necessary condition for moral liability. Certain noncontributing civilians—notably, war-profiteers—can be morally liable to be (...) lethally targeted. Thus, the principle of noncombatant immunity is mistaken as a moral (though not necessarily as a legal) doctrine, not just because some civilians contribute substantially, but because some unjustly enriched civilians culpably fail to discharge their restitutionary duties to those whose victimization made the unjust enrichment possible. Consequently, the moral criterion for lethal liability in war is even broader than reductive individualists have argued. (shrink)

Continuing his series of books on the mathematics of gambling, the author shows how a simple-rule game such as roulette is suited to a complex mathematical model whose applications generate improved betting systems that take into account a player's personal playing criteria. The book is both practical and theoretical, but is mainly devoted to the application of theory. About two-thirds of the content is lists of categories and sub-categories of improved betting systems, along with all the parameters that might stand (...) as the main objective criteria in a personal strategy - odds, profits and losses. The work contains new and original material not published before. The mathematical chapter describes complex bets, the profit function, the equivalence between bets and all their properties. All theoretical results are accompanied by suggestive concrete examples and can be followed by anyone with a minimal mathematical background because they involve only basic algebraic skills and set theory basics. The reader may also choose to skip the math and go directly to the sections containing applications, where he or she can pick desired numerical results from tables. The book offers no new so-called winning strategies, although it discusses them from a mathematical point of view. It does, however, offer improved betting systems and helps to organize a player's choices in roulette betting, according to mathematical facts and personal strategies. It is a must-have roulette handbook to be studied before placing your bets on the turn of either a European or American roulette wheel. (shrink)

This paper investigates strategic planning to understand managers’ perception of its benefits to Non- Profit Organisations (NPOs). The investigation was preceded by a review and repertoire of theoretical evidence of NPOs integration of strategic planning in support of management function: a management tool designed for and used mainly by businesses. The study was based on the application of quantitative data collection and analysis to understand respondents’ perceptions. The paper found considerable increase and popularity in the usage of strategic planning (...) by NPOs having learned about its benefits from prior working experience in businesses. Even though, there is an increase in NPOs’ usage of strategic planning because of envisaged benefit, other NPOs’ Managers simply do not have enough time, skills and resources to deploy them in their respective NPOs. With limited and competitive funding, the use of strategic planning becomes competitive imperatives for NPOs seeking to attract the much-needed funds to support and promote their operations in South Africa. (shrink)

It is important to note that these are just two perspectives on the issue. There are many other factors to consider, and it is likely that the impact of AI on writers will vary depending on the specific circumstances.

The principle of noncombatant immunity prohibits warring parties from intentionally targeting noncombatants. I explicate the moral version of this view and its criticisms by reductive individualists; they argue that certain civilians on the unjust side are morally liable to be lethally targeted to forestall substantial contributions to that war. I then argue that reductivists are mistaken in thinking that causally contributing to an unjust war is a necessary condition for moral liability. Certain noncontributing civilians—notably, war-profiteers—can be morally liable to be (...) lethally targeted. Thus, the principle of noncombatant immunity is mistaken as a moral (though not necessarily as a legal) doctrine, not just because some civilians contribute substantially, but because some unjustly enriched civilians culpably fail to discharge their restitutionary duties to those whose victimization made the unjust enrichment possible. Consequently, the moral criterion for lethal liability in war is even broader than reductive individualists have argued. (shrink)

: Background: In responsible research and innovation (RRI), innovation is seen as a way in which humankind finds solutions for societal issues. However, studies on commercial innovation show that firms respond in a different manner and at a different speed to the same societal issue. This study investigates what role organizational motives play in the product innovation processes of firms when aiming for socially responsible outcomes. Methods: This multiple-case study investigates the motives of food firms for healthier product innovation by (...) interviewing firms about the organizational motives behind product reformulation and innovation. Results: This study highlights the importance of having both instrumental and moral motives in the innovation process when aiming for socially responsible outcomes, and how both these motives interact and contribute to responsible innovation in industry. Furthermore, the study results question the nature of relational motives as a separate category from the other two categories of motives, as suggested by corporate social responsibility (CSR) scholars. Conclusions: If commercial innovation needs to contribute to solutions for societal issues, the importance of moral motives has to be stressed without annihilating the instrumental objectives of firms. Both motives contribute to the success factors of responsible product innovation in industry. (shrink)

A review of Boudewijn de Bruin's book, "Ethics and the Global Financial Crisis - Why incompetence is worse than greed".

The recent trend toward privately owned and operated prisons calls attention to a variety of issues involving human rights. The growing number of corporatized correctional institutions is especially notable in the United States, but it is also a global phenomenon in many countries. The reasons cited for privatizing prisons are usually economic; the opportunity to outsource prison services enables local political leaders to save tax revenue, and local communities are promised a chance to create new jobs and bring in a (...) new industry. This article will address the history of prisons and the recent trend toward privatizing prisons and the perception of prisons as a for-profit enterprise. This new economic order brings with it a set of human rights concerns, including the relationship of for-profit prisons to increased numbers of incarcerated persons and increased sentences, racism and classism. The contractual relationship between political leaders and prison corporations will be addressed, noting that conditions of liability frequently mean that prison administrations lack motivation to safeguard the human rights of prisoners. The human rights issues often extend outside of the private prison itself, having a negative effect on the local community. (shrink)

In this article, we critically reflect on the responsibilities that the food industry has for public health. Although food companies are often significant contributors to public health problems, the mere possibility of corporate responsibility for public health seems to be excluded in the academic public health discourse. We argue that the behavior of several food companies reflects a split corporate personality, as they contribute to public health problems and simultaneously engage in activities to prevent them. By understanding responsibility for population (...) health as a shared responsibility, we reassess the moral role of the food industry from a forward-looking perspective on responsibility and ask what food companies can and should do to promote health. (shrink)

As the European Union advances toward climate neutrality, its regulatory instruments are not only shaping environmental governance but also redefining corporate performance.

Publishers are signing transformative agreements with different research institutions and funding bodies across the world. These agreements establish that the institution or funder makes a block payment in exchange for an annual quota of OA papers allowing their affiliated authors to publish OA in an agreed list of journals, at no extra cost to the individual author. This is a step towards the transformation of these journals into a Gold (commercial) Open Access regime. -/- In January 2023, the members of (...) the OA working group contacted the editors of the 27 journals listed as relevant for the field of philosophy of science on the website of the Philosophy of Science Association. We asked the editors-in-chief two questions: 1) Did your publishers discuss any plans to transition to gold open access exclusively with you? If so, how would it work? 2) If the publishers did contact you regarding this matter, what is your view on the project? -/- We collected 22 answers. The executive summary is: 10 of the 27 journals have started the transition to Gold Open Access, although many editors are not aware of this shift, but they wouldn’t support it, and many are actively against it. (shrink)

Most Americans and many residents of other democratic countries hold public schools to the social and political goal of preparing children to be good citizens. This goal is being challenged by some new forms of schooling promoted through popular education reform movements, especially in the US. This article reveals potentially insurmountable conflicts between the beliefs and practices of one of those forms of schools, for-profit charter schools, and their public task of educating for citizenship. This study begins by exploring (...) the public nature and purposes of public schools, especially their role in creating particular types of citizens. This understanding of public schooling and good citizenship, then, becomes the theoretical lens for analysing the practices of for-profit charter schools. A critical discourse analysis was conducted of school materials such as websites, curricula, investor relation materials, proposals for new charter schools, and interviews with charter school founders. That analysis was used to indicate aspects of support for and incompatibility with quality citizenship education and to assess the overall likelihood that for-profit schools can educate citizens well. (shrink)

-/- The Paradox of Internet Innovation: Driven by Advertising Profits -/- The internet was originally designed as a tool for sharing information and enhancing communication. However, in the modern era, the driving force behind its rapid technological innovation is not purely knowledge sharing or connectivity—it is profit from digital advertising. The world’s largest internet companies, including Google, Meta (Facebook), and TikTok, generate the majority of their revenue from advertisements. This has created a paradox: technological advancements in AI, search engines, (...) cloud computing, and social media are often dictated not by the most beneficial innovations for users but by what maximizes advertising revenue. -/- This reality is puzzling. The internet, which many see as a global platform for education, communication, and empowerment, is largely shaped by the need to capture user attention for ad revenue. This essay explores how advertising fuels internet innovation, the unintended consequences of this model, and potential alternatives for sustaining technological progress. -/- How Advertising Fuels Internet Innovation -/- Advertising has become the financial backbone of the internet, funding platforms and services that billions of people use daily. Companies continuously invest in technology to enhance ad targeting, user engagement, and content delivery. Some of the most significant areas of innovation driven by advertising include: -/- 1. Data Collection and Artificial Intelligence (AI) -/- To optimize advertisements, companies use advanced AI and machine learning algorithms to analyze user behavior. These systems refine targeted advertising, making ads more relevant to individuals. This has led to breakthroughs in AI capabilities, from natural language processing to image recognition. AI, originally developed to improve user experience, is now primarily focused on predicting what ads users will click on. -/- 2. User Engagement and Experience -/- Social media platforms, search engines, and entertainment services are designed to maximize user time spent online. Algorithms are constantly improved to recommend content that keeps users engaged. While this enhances user experience, it also raises concerns about addiction, echo chambers, and the spread of misinformation. Many companies optimize their platforms for engagement rather than truth, as more time spent online means more ad exposure. -/- 3. Infrastructure and Speed -/- The need for efficient ad delivery has led to innovations in cloud computing, high-speed networks, and data centers. Companies like Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Google Cloud have built vast infrastructures, initially to support ad-driven businesses, but later benefiting other industries, including healthcare, finance, and education. Without advertising revenue, many of these advancements might not have been possible, but it also means that technological priorities are shaped by commercial interests rather than societal needs. -/- 4. New Business Models and the Digital Economy -/- The advertising-driven internet has given rise to influencer marketing, programmatic ad buying, and personalized promotions. These innovations have reshaped how businesses reach consumers, making the internet a major economic force. However, this also means that content creators, journalists, and even educational platforms are pressured to produce material that attracts views rather than informs or educates. -/- The Paradox: Is Innovation Being Misguided? -/- While advertising has undeniably fueled technological progress, it has also created a paradox. The internet’s evolution is largely dictated by what generates the most revenue for advertisers rather than what is most beneficial for society. This raises several key concerns: -/- Prioritizing Engagement Over Truth: Social media algorithms are optimized to keep users engaged, sometimes at the cost of promoting sensational or misleading content. Viral misinformation can spread rapidly because controversy attracts more clicks. -/- Privacy and Surveillance Issues: To refine ad targeting, companies collect vast amounts of personal data, raising ethical concerns about surveillance and data misuse. Many users are unaware of how much data is being collected and monetized. -/- Monopolization of the Internet: A few major corporations control most digital ad revenue, leading to concerns about market competition, censorship, and corporate influence over information. Smaller platforms struggle to compete with advertising giants like Google and Meta. -/- Without the overwhelming influence of advertising, would the internet have evolved differently? If revenue came primarily from subscriptions, public funding, or decentralized models, innovation might have been more focused on user privacy, open knowledge, and ethical technology development. -/- Can Advertising Sustain Long-Term Innovation? -/- Advertising has certainly accelerated technological progress, but its sustainability as the primary driver of innovation is questionable. The over-reliance on ad revenue has led to problems such as ad fatigue, declining user trust, and regulatory crackdowns on data privacy. As awareness of these issues grows, companies are being pressured to rethink their business models. -/- Potential alternatives to the advertising-driven internet include: -/- Subscription-Based Models: Platforms like Netflix, Patreon, and paid versions of YouTube show that users are willing to pay for ad-free, high-quality content. This model could reduce reliance on surveillance-driven advertising. -/- Publicly Funded Internet Initiatives: Governments or non-profits could fund essential digital services, reducing dependence on commercial advertising. A state-funded search engine or social media network could prioritize unbiased information over engagement metrics. -/- Decentralized and Open-Source Systems: Blockchain technology and decentralized platforms could allow users to control their own data and revenue generation. These technologies could create a more equitable internet economy. -/- However, these alternatives come with their own challenges. Subscription models may create inequality, where only those who can afford to pay get the best experience. Public funding could lead to government control and censorship. Decentralization, while promising, requires mass adoption and significant changes in internet infrastructure. -/- Conclusion -/- The internet’s rapid innovation, largely fueled by advertising profits, has created both opportunities and challenges. While advertising has driven advancements in AI, cloud computing, and user engagement, it has also led to privacy concerns, monopolization, and the prioritization of engagement over truth. This paradox raises the question of whether internet innovation is being guided in the right direction. -/- Ultimately, the future of internet innovation may depend on whether society can balance profit incentives with the broader interests of humanity. If advertising continues to dominate, innovation will likely remain focused on engagement and consumerism. But if alternative funding models gain traction, the internet could evolve in a way that prioritizes user well-being, ethical technology, and the pursuit of knowledge. -/- The internet is a reflection of the incentives that shape it. If we want an internet that serves humanity rather than just advertisers, we must rethink how it is funded and who controls its future. -/- . (shrink)

This thesis was shaped from Action 13 of the recent Base Erosion and Profit Shifting (BEPS) project adopted by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and G20 countries to prevent profit shifting by multinational enterprises (MNEs). In response to the BEPS Action 13, New Zealand and Vietnam have recently introduced new transfer pricing rules. As little research has been done to examine the effects of the BEPS Action 13 on the transfer pricing landscape of respective countries, (...) the main objective of this study is to understand how the New Zealand and Vietnamese governments have reacted to and adapted the BEPS Action 13 and what tax consultants and taxpayers in both countries think about the new transfer pricing regulations. This study is exploratory in nature. As such, a qualitative case study approach has been adopted using institutional theory as a theoretical framework. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with two tax officers and ten transfer pricing consultants in both countries to identify the differences and similarities, and to draw conclusions. Other sources of publicly available data were also used to support the study. (shrink)

-/- The Negative Effects of the Profit Motive in the Media Business and Social Media Platforms -/- In a democratic society, the media plays a vital role as a watchdog, educator, and link between the public and the truth. However, the increasing dominance of the profit motive in the media industry—both traditional and digital—has distorted this role, leading to harmful consequences. When financial gain becomes the primary objective, journalistic integrity and public responsibility are often compromised. This paper examines (...) how the pursuit of profit results in sensationalism, misinformation, political bias, underreporting of important issues, and ethical erosion, not only in traditional media but also in internet-based platforms and social media applications. -/- One of the most evident effects of the profit motive is the prioritization of sensational content over substantive reporting. To attract viewers and generate advertising revenue, both television and online platforms often focus on emotionally charged or dramatic stories, even when they lack context or accuracy. This was exemplified during the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, when CNN and Fox News released unverified and inaccurate reports in their race to be first. The need to dominate ratings took precedence over the obligation to deliver factual information, resulting in public confusion and distress. -/- Closely tied to sensationalism is the spread of misinformation and clickbait, which has become rampant with the rise of social media apps such as Facebook, YouTube, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter). These platforms rely heavily on engagement-based algorithms to maximize ad revenue. The more shares, likes, and comments a post receives, the more visible it becomes—regardless of its truthfulness. During the 2016 U.S. presidential election, for example, Facebook’s algorithm amplified fake news stories that generated high engagement. A viral article falsely claiming that Pope Francis endorsed Donald Trump reached millions of users. Although entirely fabricated, it influenced public opinion and demonstrated the immense power of profit-driven disinformation on social media. -/- The profit motive also fuels political bias and societal polarization. Many traditional and digital media outlets cater to specific ideological views to build a loyal following and secure advertising deals. Fox News is known for its conservative leanings, while MSNBC presents more liberal viewpoints. In the digital space, YouTube’s recommendation system has been criticized for leading users down ideological rabbit holes, reinforcing existing beliefs and isolating individuals from alternative perspectives. This segmentation creates echo chambers and hinders critical thinking, ultimately weakening the quality of democratic discourse. -/- Another serious consequence of profit-driven media is the underreporting of important but less commercially appealing issues. Complex topics like climate change, wealth inequality, and global health often receive minimal coverage because they do not attract as many clicks or viewers as celebrity gossip, crime stories, or political scandals. For years, climate change was underrepresented in both mainstream media and on digital platforms, despite being one of the most urgent global challenges. This neglect delays public understanding and action, with long-term consequences for society and the planet. -/- Finally, the pursuit of profit can lead to unethical behavior and a disregard for privacy and public trust. A notorious case was the 2011 News of the World phone hacking scandal in the UK, where journalists illegally accessed voicemails to obtain exclusive stories. In the realm of digital media, companies such as Facebook (now Meta) have faced criticism for mishandling user data, most notably in the Cambridge Analytica scandal. In that case, data from millions of users were harvested without consent and used for political advertising, revealing how the monetization of personal information can lead to serious breaches of privacy and democratic ethics. -/- In conclusion, while generating revenue is essential for sustaining media operations, an overemphasis on profit can undermine the media’s core responsibilities to inform, educate, and uphold truth. Whether in traditional news outlets or on global social media platforms, sensationalism, misinformation, polarization, underreporting, and ethical violations are byproducts of a profit-first approach. To safeguard democracy and public well-being, media organizations and digital platforms must strike a balance between economic sustainability and a commitment to journalistic integrity, public accountability, and responsible information sharing. -/- . (shrink)

The post-pandemic economy in South Africa has exacerbated significant economic challenges, due to increasing unemployment, political corruption, inflation, and rising poverty, which have worsened the struggles of many (see Francis & Webster 2019:789–791; Arndt et al. 2020:16–22; van Papendorp, Packirisamy & Masike 2024:1-4). However, amid this turmoil, Christian megachurches (especially those promoting prosperity theology), have continued to flourish. Prominent South African pastors continue to espouse that financial success is a sign of divine favour, encouraging congregants to tithe faithfully, in exchange (...) for promised wealth (Barron 2022:88-94). Such doctrine aligns with broader religious narratives that intertwine material prosperity with inter alia spiritual blessings. Despite its increasing prevalence in the global South, most scholarly engagements with prosperity theology in South Africa have explored the topic through decolonial Afrocentric theological and ecclesiological lenses; often neglecting the socio-economic impact of whiteness in these post-colonial religious manifestations (Niemandt 2017:204-206; Andrew 2021:13-17; Adamo 2021:1-10; Barron 2022:88-100; Resane 2022:1-9; Khanyile 2023:101-125; Mkhize 2024:1-9). In contrast, this paper therefore adopts a critical religious studies perspective examining how mega-churches vis-à-vis “Big Religion,” through their commercialisation of the Bible, contribute to economic disparities in South Africa. This explores prosperity theology as a problematic religious ideology that reinforces economic inequity through promoting uncritical worldviews. By investigating case studies of influential South African mega-churches, this paper critiques the ways in which religion has become commodified: positioning ‘celebrity pastors’ as both spiritual, political, and financial influences. In addition to how the rise of 'big religion'—defined as the fusion of religion with commercial enterprise—poses significant challenges to extant socio-economic inequalities within the country, as it reinforces the theological legitimisation of wealth accumulation and a monopoly over status functions, at the expense of the working class. -/- . (shrink)

A review of Katy Barnett, Accounting for Profit for Breach of Contract (Hart Publishing, 2012).

As the number of satellites orbiting Earth increases, so too does the risk of collisions—producing hazardous debris that threatens the long-term sustainability of outer space. Recently, Rao & Rondina (2025) developed a dynamic model that integrates physics and economics to explore the conditions under which such collisions may escalate into Kessler syndrome—a catastrophic cascade of self-perpetuating debris growth that could render valuable orbital regions unusable.

Health tourism occurs when people around the world travel across international borders to access various health and wellness treatment and at the same time touring the country they are visiting. It is one of the growing industries in South Africa, as people are constantly coming to South Africa in search of health care services. Health tourism is imperative for economic growth and development and has recently assumed the status of one of the most important contributors to employment, infrastructural and services (...) development, and generating an economic return. Due to these significant contributions, it is vital to have sustainable health care services in countries attracting health tourists. Making use of the traditional literature method, this paper presents an overview of health tourism, the importance of healthcare in South Africa, discussing the sustainability issues faced by health care providers and the impact thereof to health tourism. More importantly, we drew lessons from the three overlapping circle model as well as the four capital model. to further the discussion on sustainable strategies for health tourism NPOs. (shrink)

A private, for-profit company has recently opened a pair of plasma donation centres in Canada, at which donors can be compensated up to $50 for their plasma. This has sparked a nation-wide debate around the ethics of paying plasma donors. Our aim in this paper is to shift the terms of the current debate away from the question of whether plasma donors should be paid and toward the question of who should be paying them. We consider arguments against paying (...) plasma donors grounded in concerns about exploitation, commodification, and the introduction of a profit motive. We find them all to be normatively inconclusive, but also overbroad in light of Canada’s persistent reliance on plasma from paid donors in the United States. While we believe that there are good reasons to oppose allowing a private company to profit from Canada’s blood supply, these concerns can be addressed if payment is dispensed instead by a public, not-for-profit agency. In short, we reject profiting from plasma while we endorse paying for plasma; we therefore conclude in favour of a new Canadian regime of public sector plasma collection and compensation. (shrink)

This paper explores the level of obligation called for by Milton Friedman’s classic essay “The Social Responsibility of Business is to Increase Profits.” Several scholars have argued that Friedman asserts that businesses have no or minimal social duties beyond compliance with the law. This paper argues that this reading of Friedman does not give adequate weight to some claims that he makes and to their logical extensions. Throughout his article, Friedman emphasizes the values of freedom, respect for law, and duty. (...) The principle that a business professional should not infringe upon the liberty of other members of society can be used by business ethicists to ground a vigorous line of ethical analysis. Any practice, which has a negative externality that requires another party to take a significant loss without consent or compensation, can be seen as unethical. With Friedman’s framework, we can see how ethics can be seen as arising from the nature of business practice itself. Business involves an ethics in which we consider, work with, and respect strangers who are outside of traditional in-groups. (shrink)

In 1937 Joan Robinson proposed that “when capitalism is rightly understood, the rate of interest will be set at zero and the major evils of capitalism will disappear”. A permanent zero rate would abolish capitalist profit except in limited cases, leaving nearly all output to be claimed by labour as wages. It would allow capital to be allocated on the basis of prospective social benefit rather than short-term profitability and a collateral basis that favours the wealthy. It would remove (...) some of the economic pressure to use resources unsustainably. So why not do this? I argue that the few available philosophical arguments for positive interest rates are unsatisfactory. Those who want a just and sustainable form of capitalism should target net zero for the interest rate. (shrink)

A logic path between moral principles of social organization of religious rules and the economiy of belief in industrial societies. I argue that some lifes may be like currency, a Good and a Bad Side, due to the dilema betwee profit and spiritual reasons.

How can a business institution function as an ethical institution within a wider system if the context of the wider system is inherently unethical? If the primary goal of an institution, no matter how ethical it sets out to be, is to function successfully within a market system, how can it reconcile making a profit and keeping its ethical goals intact? While it has been argued that some ethical businesses do exist, e.g., Johnson and Johnson, the argument I would (...) like to put forth is that no matter how ethical a business institution is, or how ethical its goals are, its capacity to act in an ethical manner is restricted by the wider system in which it must operate, the market system. Unless there is a fundamental change in the notion of the market system itself, the capacity for individual businesses to act in an ethical manner will always be restricted. My argument is divided into two parts. The first part is to show the inherent bias towards unethical outcomes that is inherent in the market system. The second part is to suggest how to reorient the general economic framework in order to make ethical institutions more possible. The question then becomes, how to define economic behavior in terms other than competition for profit. (shrink)

RESUMO -/- Este estudo aborda a análise econômica e zootécnica de um sistema de criação de gado de corte implementado na Fazenda Escola Lagoa do Sino (FELS), localizada em Buri - SP. O estudo baseou-se em um extenso levantamento de dados obtidos ao longo do ciclo produtivo que se estendeu do final de 2022 até janeiro de 2024. A FELS, com uma área de aproximadamente 21 hectares de pastagens destinada a esta pesquisa, emprega um sistema de manejo composto por dois (...) funcionários. O rebanho, constituído por 14 vacas ½ Nelore e ½ Angus, juntamente com um touro registrado PO da raça taurina Senepol, é alimentado exclusivamente por pastagens de Brachiaria decumbens, complementada por suplementação mineral. A avaliação econômica foi conduzida considerando custos operacionais, resultando em um déficit significativo no primeiro ciclo produtivo, principalmente devido a investimentos iniciais como a aquisição de animais. No entanto, uma análise mais profunda indicou que a otimização dos custos operacionais, especialmente relacionados à mão de obra, poderia reduzir esse déficit para um patamar mais gerenciável, sinalizando uma trajetória de aprimoramento nos ciclos subsequentes. Os índices zootécnicos desempenharam um papel crucial na análise da viabilidade econômica, os resultados foram comparados a benchmarks nacionais e estudos anteriores, revelando pontos fortes, como a taxa de fertilidade das vacas, que superou a média nacional. No entanto, foi identificado um desvio significativo no valor da carne produzida por hectare, indicando a necessidade de uma investigação mais detalhada sobre variáveis específicas do sistema. Diante dos desafios iniciais, a pesquisa conclui que a continuidade do estudo, aliada à implementação de estratégias identificadas para aprimoramento, é essencial para consolidar um sistema eficiente e economicamente viável. A busca contínua por eficiência, revisão de insumos na alimentação, aprimoramento do manejo nutricional e estratégias de gestão de recursos humanos são destacadas como áreas-chave para aprimorar a rentabilidade nos ciclos subsequentes. Sendo assim, a pesquisa contribui não apenas para a compreensão do desempenho econômico do sistema, mas também para a identificação de estratégias práticas que podem ser implementadas para aprimorar a eficiência e a rentabilidade na produção de gado de corte. Palavras-chave: Gado de corte. Viabilidade econômica. Índices zootécnicos. Rentabilidade. Estratégias de gestão. Benchmarking. ABSTRACT This study addresses the economic and zootechnical analysis of a beef cattle farming system implemented at the Lagoa do Sino School Farm (FELS), located in Buri - SP. The study was based on an extensive data collection carried out throughout the productive cycle, spanning from late 2022 to January 2024. FELS, with an area of approximately 21 hectares of pastures dedicated to this research, employs a management system consisting of two employees. The herd, comprised of 14 ½ Nelore and ½ Angus cows, along with a registered Senepol PO breed bull, is exclusively fed on Brachiaria decumbens pastures, supplemented with mineral supplementation. The economic evaluation was conducted considering operational costs, resulting in a significant deficit in the first productive cycle, mainly due to initial investments such as the acquisition of animals. However, a deeper analysis indicated that the optimization of operational costs, especially related to labor, could reduce this deficit to a more manageable level, signaling an improvement trajectory in subsequent cycles. Zootechnical indices played a crucial role in the analysis of economic viability, and the results were compared to national benchmarks and previous studies, revealing strengths such as the fertility rate of cows, which exceeded the national average. However, a significant deviation was identified in the value of meat produced per hectare, indicating the need for a more detailed investigation into specific variables of the system. Facing initial challenges, the research concludes that the continuity of the study, coupled with the implementation of identified improvement strategies, is essential to consolidate an efficient and economically viable system. The ongoing pursuit of efficiency, the review of inputs in feed, improvement of nutritional management, and human resource management strategies are highlighted as key areas to enhance profitability in subsequent cycles. Thus, the research contributes not only to understanding the economic performance of the system but also to identifying practical strategies that can be implemented to improve efficiency and profitability in beef cattle production. Keywords: Beef cattle. Economic viability. Zootechnical indices. Profitability. Management strategies. Benchmarking. -/- REFERÊNCIAS BIBLIOGRÁFICAS -/- COSTA, Fernando Paim et al. Indicadores de desempenho na pecuária de corte: uma revisão no contexto da Plataforma+ Precoce. 2018. COSTA, João Pedro Silva. Avaliação Econômica do Uso de Suplementos Para Novilhos de Corte em Pastejo no Período da Seca. 2023. CRESPOLINI, M. Recorde de abate de novilhas: como isto pode afetar o mercado de reposição? SCOT CONSULTORIA. DA SILVA, Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro. Fertilidade em Vacas Leiteiras: Fisiologia e Manejo. 2022. DA SILVA, Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro. Fisiologia da Reprodução de Bovinos Leiteiros: Aspectos Básicos e Clínicos. Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro da Silva, 2022. DA SILVA, Emanuel Isaque Cordeiro. Manejo Reprodutivo e Índices Zootécnicos em Gado de Leite. 2023. DBO, Portal. Gerar Corte reporta taxa de prenhez média de 51,5% na última estação de monta. 2022. DE ANDRADE, C. M. S. et al. Padrões de desempenho e produtividade animal para recria-engorda de bovinos de corte no Acre. 2005. DE FREITAS, Michel Pedro Vieira; DA COSTA, Caroline Pereira. Diferencial de peso de bezerros desmamas Nelore Convencional e Senepol. Revista JRG de Estudos Acadêmicos, v. 6, n. 13, p. 2396- 2407, 2023. (shrink)

Most public and non-profit organisations that fund health research provide the majority of their funding in the form of grants. The calls for grant applications are often untargeted, such that a wide variety of applications may compete for the same funding. The grant review process therefore plays a critical role in determining how limited research resources are allocated. Despite this, little attention has been paid to whether grant review criteria align with widely endorsed ethical criteria for allocating health research (...) resources. Here, we analyse the criteria and processes that ten of the largest public and non-profit research funders use to choose between competing grant applications. Our data suggest that research funders rarely instruct reviewers to consider disease burden or to prioritise research for sicker or more disadvantaged populations, and typically only include scientists in the review processes. This is liable to undermine efforts to link research funding to health needs. (shrink)

Is there a possible profit from the loss of the sense of reality? The loss of the sense of reality is a mental disorder that needs treatment, otherwise the person concerned will suffer harm in the short term. We cannot imagine that therefrom a profit could result. Don Quixote gives an example of a loss of reality in a slightly different sense. He is no longer committed to the banal, everyday reality, in this area he fails completely. But (...) he has another field, as it were, a higher reality, where he wins. A similar case is told to us by Plato in the story of Thales, who falls into the well while observing the stars, and is therefore laughed at by a Thracian maid. But for Plato, Thales is a positive example. The philosopher is less concerned with the reality that lies just before his feet than with what is generally true and real. Plato himself devalues what can be experienced around us in favour of the ideas. These are not perceptible, but nevertheless they are what actually exists. (shrink)

As the world’s population grows and urbanization continues, the global waste crisis is becoming more severe, especially in developing countries. Without proper waste management, they may encounter various environmental and health risks. Biological technologies are regarded as promising waste management and recycling approaches in developing countries due to their cost-effectiveness and capability to handle diverse waste categories. One prominent technology in this aspect is the vermicomposting of organic waste utilizing the black soldier fly larvae. Nevertheless, significant financial resources are still (...) necessary to advance and expand biological waste treatment, which requires the participation of businesses. By examining waste management companies listed on the Vietnamese stock market, we highlight two challenges that hinder the adoption and scaling of the waste treatment system using black soldier flies and potentially other biological technologies in Vietnam. Specifically, the business regards the environmental services they offer primarily as a means to generate profit rather than as a genuine commitment to environmental preservation, and the values of companies operating in the environmental sector, particularly in waste management, have been significantly undervalued by the Vietnamese investing public. Therefore, we advocate for societal shifts toward the eco-surplus culture and apply the semiconducting principle of monetary and environmental values exchange to address the problem. (shrink)

The JSTOR Archive is a trusted digital repository providing for long-term preservation and access to leading academic journals and scholarly literature from around the world. The Archive is supported by libraries, scholarly societies, publishers, and foundations. It is an initiative of JSTOR, a not-for-profit organization with a mission to help the scholarly community take advantage of advances in technology. For more information regarding JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.

Many people now recognize that the challenges of climate change and biodiversity loss are rooted in how and to what extent humans consume goods in the Anthropocene era. Consumerism has driven natural resource exploitation to its peak, and resource depletion is becoming more common. The beauty and personal care industry has an enormous market and substantial profitability, particularly in the high-income category. However, this benefit comes with the risk of being scrutinized, investigated, and criticized by civil society groups, environmental activists, (...) and consumers. More than anyone else, the industry is aware of the risks of negative society appraisals, notably the consequences of consumer-led boycott activities. In this paper, we suggest that, given the current situation, global beauty firms need to play a proactive role in directing resources toward the development of sustainable uses of biodiversity and agriculture methods. This includes advocating for the wider use of environmentally conscious sourcing of raw materials, avoiding excessive and wasteful packaging, and devoting resources to research and innovation in environmentally friendly manufacturing procedures. The proactiveness would allow them to demonstrate their environmental commitment and actively give customers persuasive evidence of their social responsibility through emission reduction and biodiversity protection actions, gradually building an environmental-healing culture in the beauty industry. (shrink)

Today, many people have realized that the climate change and biodiversity loss issues lie in how and to what extent humans consume products for their lives in the Anthropocene era. Consumerism has pushed natural resource exploitation to its peak, and the depletion of resources is becoming increasingly prevalent. The beauty and personal care industry has a large market and high profits, especially in the high-income segment. However, this advantage also carries the risk of facing scrutiny, investigations, and criticism from civil (...) society organizations, environmental activists, and consumers. More than anyone else, the industry is vulnerable to the perils of unfavourable societal assessments, particularly the repercussions of consumer-led boycott actions. In this discourse, we suggest that, given the current circumstances, it is imperative for multinational beauty corporations to take a proactive role in allocating resources towards the development of sustainable agriculture practices. This entails not only advocating for the widespread adoption of environmentally conscious production methods but also dedicating efforts towards conducting research and innovation in the area of nature-friendly manufacturing techniques. Doing so will help demonstrate their commitment to the environment and actively provide convincing evidence to consumers of their social responsibility through emission reduction and biodiversity conservation activities. (shrink)

This paper seeks to show how MacIntyre’s concept of a practice can survive a series of ‘scope problems’ which threaten to render the concept inapplicable to business ethics. I begin by outlining MacIntyre’s concept of a practice before arguing that, despite an asymmetry between productive and non-productive practices, the elasticity of the concept of a practice allows us to accommodate productive and profitable activities. This elasticity of practices allows us to sidestep the problem of adjudicating between practitioners and non-practitioners as (...) well as the problem of generic activities. I conclude by suggesting that the contemporary tendency to regard work as an object of consumption, rather than undermining MacIntyre’s account of practices, serves to demonstrate the potential breadth of its applicability. (shrink)

Market crises amplify fear, disrupting rational decision-making of stock investment. This study examines the relationship between investors’ information priorities—such as intuition, company performance, technical analysis, and other factors—and their fear responses (freeze, flight, and hiding) during market crashes. Using the Bayesian Mindsponge Framework (BMF) to analyze data from 1,526 investors in China and Vietnam, the findings reveal complex dynamics. We found positive associations between investors’ prioritization of social influence and intuition for investment decision-making with being freeze (i.e., not knowing what (...) to do with the owned stock), between prioritization of professionals’ evaluation and intuition with fleeing (i.e. giving up stock investment permanently), and between prioritization of professionals’ evaluation and social influence with hiding (i.e., stopping investing in stock for a while). In contrast, prioritization of companies’ performance metrics (e.g., net profit, debt, etc.) was negatively associated with being freeze, fleeing, and hiding. Meanwhile, prioritization of professionals’ evaluation, technical analysis, and liquidity was negatively associated with being freeze, fleeing, and hiding, respectively. The study highlights the importance of disseminating transparent, accurate information through government and media channels, along with implementing financial education programs, to promote rational investment decisions and reduce fear-driven behaviors. (shrink)

The project of a 'naive physics' has been the subject of attention in recent years above all in the artificial intelligence field, in connection with work on common-sense reasoning, perceptual representation and robotics. The idea of a theory of the common-sense world is however much older than this, having its roots not least in the work of phenomenologists and Gestalt psychologists such as K hler, Husserl, Schapp and Gibson. This paper seeks to show how contemporary naive physicists can profit (...) from a knowledge of these historical roots of their discipline, which are shown to imply above alla critique of the set-theory-based models of reality typically presupposed by contemporary work in common-sense ontology [1]. (shrink)

Tourism education plays a key role in shaping students’ engagement with sustainability by providing them with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges and encouraging them to promote sustainable practices in the industry. This study explores how four years of tourism education at Prince of Songkla University in Phuket, Thailand, influence students’ knowledge, attitudes, and intentions toward sustainability. Despite gaining theoretical knowledge of sustainability principles, the findings reveal a decline in students’ willingness to adopt environmental sustainability practices as their (...) years of education increase. This may reflect a disconnect between classroom lessons and practical application, potentially due to limited practical learning experiences and the prevalent “eco-deficit culture” within the tourism industry, which often prioritizes profit over environmental responsibility. As a result, students may filter out information regarding environmental sustainability despite their sustainability education at the university. To support long-term engagement in sustainability, the paper recommends revising curricula to include more experiential learning opportunities, interdisciplinary collaboration, and stronger partnerships with industry stakeholders. (shrink)

Recent theories of remembering and of reference (or singular thought) have de-emphasised the role causation was thought to play in mid- to late-twentieth century theorising. According to postcausal theories of remembering, such as simulationism, instances of the psychofunctional kind _remembering_ are not, in principle, dependent on appropriate causal chains running from some event(s) remembered to the occurrence of remembering. Instead they depend only on the reliability, or proper functioning, of the cognitive system responsible for their production. According to broadly reliabilist (...) accounts of _singular thought_, such thought is not, in principle, dependent on causal chains running from the object(s) of thought to the occurrence of thinking. Despite this common trend, accounts of the two phenomena have been pursued separately. In this paper, we argue that the two lines of research can profitably converge to address a neglected question: what enables occurrences of remembering to _refer_ to particular events, and what determines _which_ event a given occurrence of remembering refers to? We motivate and present a reliabilist account of reference-fixing for postcausal theories of remembering, focusing in particular on simulationism. We then show that this account draws attention to the possibility of _referential mnemic confabulation:_ cases where the reliability requirement for reference is met despite the improper functioning of the episodic construction system. We suggest that this makes sense of some underdiscussed phenomena described in the empirical literature on confabulation and argue that our reliabilist account of mnemic reference-fixing accommodates these more naturally than could causal theories of remembering. (shrink)

Ensuring agricultural profitability is a vital issue in developing countries like India, where over a third of the population earns their income directly or indirectly through agriculture. Estimating and evaluating crop yields is done globally to achieve high yields and appropriate pricing. However, there is no accurate procedure in place to provide farmers with insights on which crops should be grown. This project aims to predict crop prices by analysing historical data, such as precipitation, temperature, market prices, land area, and (...) crop yield, using supervised machine learning models. We have focused on crops from the Rabi and Kharif seasons and applied models like Decision Trees, Random Forest, and Support Vector Regression to develop a robust system for predicting crop prices, providing farmers with data-driven insights for decision-making. (shrink)

For most of their respective existences, reliabilism and evidentialism (that is, process reliabilism and mentalist evidentialism) have been rivals. They are generally viewed as incompatible, even antithetical, theories of justification.1 But a few people are beginning to re-think this notion. Perhaps an ideal theory would be a hybrid of the two, combining the best elements of each theory. Juan Comesana (forthcoming) takes this point of view and constructs a position called “Evidentialist Reliabilism.” He tries to show how each theory can (...) profit by borrowing elements from the other. Comesana concentrates on reliabilism’s problems and how it might be improved by infusions from evidentialism. This paper follows a similar tack. My emphasis, however, is the reverse of Comesana’s. I highlight problems for evidentialism and show how it could benefit by incorporating reliabilist themes. I am not sanguine that evidentialists will see it my way. They might even view my proposals as an insidious attempt to convert evidentialists to reliabilism. Well, I won’t debate the best way to formulate this paper’s recipe. At any rate, it began with the idea (which anteceded my reading of Comesana) of creating a synthesis of reliabilism and evidentialism. It retains significant strands of that idea, although the synthesis theme does not pervade the entire paper. What is mentalist evidentialism? Its original formulation was succinct. (shrink)

On 6 January 1795, the twenty-year-old Schelling—still a student at the Tübinger Stift—wrote to his friend and former roommate, Hegel: “Now I am working on an Ethics à la Spinoza. It is designed to establish the highest principles of all philosophy, in which theoretical and practical reason are united”. A month later, he announced in another letter to Hegel: “I have become a Spinozist! Don’t be astonished. You will soon hear how”. At this period in his philosophical development, Schelling had (...) been deeply under the spell of Fichte’s new philosophy and the Wissenschaftslehre. The text Schelling was writing at the time was the early Vom Ich als Prinzip der Philosophie, though his characterization of this text would much better fit the somewhat later work which is the focus of the current paper: Schelling’s 1801 Darstellung meines System der Philosophie (hereafter: Presentation). The Presentation is a text written more geometrico, following the style of Spinoza’s Ethics. While Spinoza’s influence and inspiration is stated explicitly and unmistakably in Schelling’s preface, the content of this composition might seem quite foreign to Spinoza’s philosophy, so much so, in fact, that Michael Vater—the astute translator and editor of the recent English translation of the text—has contended that “despite the formal similarities between Spinoza’s geometrical method and Schelling’s numbered mathematical-geometrical constructions, Schelling’s direct debts to Spinoza are few”. The Presentation is an extremely dense and difficult text, and while I agree that at first glance Schelling’s engagement with the concept of reason (Vernunft) and the identity formula ‘A=A’ seems to have little if anything to do with Spinoza (especially since Spinoza’s key terminology of ‘God’, ‘causa sui’, ‘substance’, ‘attribute’, and ‘mode’ is barely mentioned in the Presentation), I suspect that at a deeper level Schelling is attempting to transform Spinoza’s system by replacing God, Spinoza’s ultimate reality, with reason. Though this might at first seem bizarre, I believe it can be profitably motivated and explained upon further reflection. It is this transformation of Spinoza’s God into (the early) Schelling’s reason that is the primary subject of this study. I develop this paper in the following order. In the first part I provide a very brief overview of Schelling’s lifelong engagement with Spinoza’s philosophy, which will prepare us for my study of the 1801 Presentation. In the second part, I consider the formal structure and rhetoric of the Presentation against the background of Spinoza’s Ethics, and show how Schelling regularly imitates Spinoza’s tiniest rhetorical gestures. In the third and final part I turn to the opening of the Presentation, and argue that Schelling attempts there to distance himself from Fichte by developing a conception of reason as the absolute, or the identity of the subject and object, just as the thinking substance and the extended substance are identified in Spinoza’s God. (shrink)