{"results":[{"id":"ss_530dd368c45277cab5374b82dd70cd4c2de43daa","title":"Social Movements: Conceptual and Theoretical Perspectives","authors":[{"name":"Dr. Geetanjali Naik"}],"abstract":"Abstract A social movement is a collective effort in which diverse actors work together to challenge or change an existing social order. According to sociologist Mario Diani, social movements are characterised by dense informal networks, shared beliefs and collective identity, and sustained collective action on conflictual issues.  This paper reviews Diani’s concept of social movement alongside those of other scholars. It discusses social movements from the perspectives of collective behaviour, resource mobilisation, the political process, the environmental movement, and new social movement theory. Keywords: Social movements, Resource mobilisation, Environmental movement, Political process, and New social movement.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2026,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.55041/ijsrem55999","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/530dd368c45277cab5374b82dd70cd4c2de43daa","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":70},{"id":"ss_56502e83d2782eeae055099366c221b5caec23a1","title":"Far-right movements in the Western world: How media exposure relates to normative beliefs and attitudes toward the far-right","authors":[{"name":"H. Selvanathan"},{"name":"B. Leidner"},{"name":"S. Syropoulos"},{"name":"Winnifred Louis"},{"name":"Levi Adelman"},{"name":"Aphrodite Baka"},{"name":"Christina A. Bauer"},{"name":"M. Blikmans"},{"name":"M. Becker"},{"name":"Eszter Berán"},{"name":"Michał Bilewicz"},{"name":"Peggy Chekroun"},{"name":"Tobias Greitemeyer"},{"name":"B. Hannover"},{"name":"Inga Jasinskaja-Lahti"},{"name":"Péter Kardos"},{"name":"Mengyao Li"},{"name":"T. Lindholm"},{"name":"Steve Loughnan"},{"name":"Theresa Mros"},{"name":"M. Paladino"},{"name":"M. Papadopoulou"},{"name":"Daniel R. Rovenpor"},{"name":"K. Sadus"},{"name":"J. Vaes"},{"name":"Alain Van Hiel"},{"name":"Martijn van Zomeren"}],"abstract":"Considering the rise of far-right groups in Western countries, we examined whether exposure to media coverage on the far-right is associated with attitudes toward it, using surveys in 15 Western democratic countries (total N = 2,576). We hypothesized that greater media exposure to the far-right will be associated with greater perceived prevalence and acceptability of it, which will in turn be associated with divergent attitudes. On the one hand, greater perceived prevalence may be associated with more unfavorable attitudes toward the far-right (a threat response). On the other hand, greater perceived acceptability may be associated with more favorable attitudes toward the far-right (a normalization response). Overall, there was more evidence for a threat response than a normalization response: media exposure was consistently related to greater perceived prevalence (but not acceptability) of the far-right. This research underscores the importance of studying the consequences of the rise of the far-right.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2025,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.1177/13684302241309554","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/56502e83d2782eeae055099366c221b5caec23a1","is_open_access":true,"citations":4,"published_at":"","score":69.12},{"id":"ss_d8d662dfe763d5d1003b8a8e6f3417153554510c","title":"Fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with changes of back shape and function","authors":[{"name":"Nima Taheri"},{"name":"L. Becker"},{"name":"L. Fleig"},{"name":"K. Kołodziejczak"},{"name":"L. Cordes"},{"name":"Bernhard U Hoehl"},{"name":"U. Grittner"},{"name":"Lukas Mödl"},{"name":"Hendrik Schmidt"},{"name":"M. Pumberger"}],"abstract":"Supplemental Digital Content is Available in the Text. Fear-avoidance beliefs are associated with reduction of back movements. This implies their importance during chronification of pain and their potential for therapeutic approaches. Introduction: Psychosocial function in people with chronic low back pain (cLBP) is often impaired, indicating poor well-being. Fear-avoidance beliefs (FAB) are common concomitants of cLBP. Fear-avoidance beliefs are gaining attention as a potential prognostic factor for chronification and resulting disability in cLBP. This article aims to examine the associations of back function with FAB. Methods: This study presents data from a cohort study (DRKS00027907). In the present cross-sectional analyses, we included 914 participants (480 nonchronic LBP [ncLBP], 227 cLBP, 207 asymptomatic). Fear-avoidance beliefs were assessed using the fear-avoidance belief questionnaire (FABQ). The association between the FAB and clinical measures (Ott and Schober test, the sit-to-stand test [STS], and the finger-floor distance [FFD]) were analyzed. Back shape and function were also measured using a noninvasive device. The association between FABQ scores and clinical measures was assessed using age, body mass index, sex, and pain intensity–adjusted multiple linear regression models. Results: Associations between FAB and both clinical (Ott, Schober, STS, FFD) and noninvasive device measures were small. All relevant clinical measures were attenuated in individuals with elevated FAB. Discussion: We were able to demonstrate the association of both back shape and function in both clinical tests and noninvasive device measurements with self-reported fear-avoidance beliefs. However, the effect sizes were small. This may be attributed to the different assessment methods (objective vs self-report), resulting in reduced common method variance. In addition to the FAB, there may be other factors (eg, altered neuronal pathways; actual avoidance behavior such as reduced physical activity) that contribute to functional impairment.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2025,"language":"en","subjects":["Medicine"],"doi":"10.1097/PR9.0000000000001249","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/d8d662dfe763d5d1003b8a8e6f3417153554510c","is_open_access":true,"citations":4,"published_at":"","score":69.12},{"id":"ss_0eaae35ee1626ff3a13d5bff168fb86ba664f40b","title":"Us and Others: Turkish People’s Autochthony Beliefs and Views on Refugees","authors":[{"name":"Davut Gürel"}],"abstract":"This study aims to examine the autochthony beliefs of local people in Türkiye, which is at the center of migration movements, especially by Syrian refugees. Enrolling participants (N=1820) with different demographic characteristics from seven geographical regions of Türkiye, the study collected data using a survey method. Quantitative statistical methods were used to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed that the Turkish people’s overall scores on the autochthony beliefs survey were not affected by gender or age variables but were affected by geographical region and education level variables. In addition, as a result of the multiple linear regression analysis conducted to reveal how the perception of fear/threat from refugees, the tendency to act together against refugees, and the perception of global and national identity, which are thought to have an impact on autochthonous beliefs, predict the autochthonous beliefs of the Turkish people, it has been concluded that the perception of threat/fear, the tendency to act together and the perception of global and national identity have a significant relationship with autochthonous beliefs.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2025,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.29333/ejecs/1857","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/0eaae35ee1626ff3a13d5bff168fb86ba664f40b","is_open_access":true,"citations":1,"published_at":"","score":69.03},{"id":"crossref_10.1111/asap.12452","title":"Founder ownership and system‐justifying beliefs in relation to perception toward Black Lives Matter and other social movements","authors":[{"name":"Autumn Scarborough"},{"name":"Xiaowen Xu"}],"abstract":"AbstractIt is essential to understand the psychological mechanisms that help explain how people perceive, and why they participate in, social movements. Two psychological theories relevant to this endeavor are founder ownership and system justification beliefs. The current work examined how founder ownership and system‐justifying beliefs related to people's attitudes toward the Black Lives Matter movement (Studies 1 and 2) and other social movements (Study 2), as well as people's willingness to participate in collective action for these movements (Study 2). Across two studies, participants (total N = 1064) completed measures of founder ownership beliefs, system justifying beliefs, general political orientation, and attitudes and participation intentions toward different social movements. We found that, even after controlling for demographics, people higher in founder ownership and system justifying beliefs still held more negative attitudes toward social movements that challenged the status quo and were less willing to engage in collective action that supported these movements. The present findings highlight some important psychological processes that help explain why some people are more or less likely to support and engage in social change.","source":"CrossRef","year":2025,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.1111/asap.12452","url":"https://doi.org/10.1111/asap.12452","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"doaj_10.2218/ygv1f622","title":"The Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill: A Timely Appreciation","authors":[{"name":"Jane Pettegree"}],"abstract":"A remarkable project to record the Complete Songs of Robert Tannahill, the Paisley weaver-poet, has concluded with the 2024 release of a fifth and final disc, a fitting tribute marking the 250th anniversary of Tannahill’s birth. This review article discusses why Tannahill is an important and distinctive voice in the Scottish traditional song repertoire, and assesses the achievements of the recording project.","source":"DOAJ","year":2025,"language":"","subjects":["Other beliefs and movements","Music","Musical instruction and study"],"doi":"10.2218/ygv1f622","url":"https://open.journals.ed.ac.uk/ScottishStudies/article/view/151","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"doaj_10.2218/td6rr942","title":"Jock Duncan - The Man and his Songs: Traditional Songs and Bothy Ballads from the Repertoire of Jock Duncan of Fyvie and Pitlochry, Ed. Peter Shepheard","authors":[{"name":"Scott Gardiner"}],"abstract":"","source":"DOAJ","year":2025,"language":"","subjects":["Other beliefs and movements","Music","Musical instruction and study"],"doi":"10.2218/td6rr942","url":"https://open.journals.ed.ac.uk/ScottishStudies/article/view/157","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"ss_65fb7d265b7b2dcb22e6557103395d4f7f2e5845","title":"Exploring local community beliefs: Stakeholder perceptions of LGBTQI+ acceptance in Nigeria","authors":[{"name":"M. Omojemite"}],"abstract":"In the past few decades, the world has seen progressive and regressive movements in the acceptance of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, and intersex (LGBTQI+) persons as well as the acknowledgment of their rights. This study explores the perceptions of various stakeholders regarding LGBTQI+ acceptance in Nigeria. This study employs a descriptive research design of the survey type. The population of the study consisted of all stakeholders such as religious leaders, policy makers, health officials’ community leaders and law enforcement officials. The sample for the study consisted of 602 stakeholders selected through the use of multistage sampling procedure. A structured questionnaire, grounded in Social Identity Theory, was used to collect data on demographics, in-group identification, attitudes towards LGBTQI+ individuals, perceived group norms, and the influence of community leaders. Surveys was distributed both online and offline to maximize reach, with data collection facilitated by trained research assistants. The research questions raised were answered using frequency count, percentages and bar charts. The finding of the study revealed that prevailing attitudes towards LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria are predominantly negative, with significant resistance from religious leaders, cultural, religious, and social factors significantly shape attitudes towards LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria, there are a significant lack of recognition of constitutional protections and human rights provisions that could offer some level of protection, prevailing laws and policies in Nigeria, such as the Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act and sections of the Criminal Code, contribute significantly to the negative perception and treatment of LGBTQI+ individuals. To address the deeply entrenched negative attitudes towards LGBTQI+ individuals in Nigeria and promote greater acceptance, several recommendations are proposed. Legal reforms are essential; the Nigerian government should prioritize repealing discriminatory laws such as the Same-Sex Marriage Prohibition Act (SSMPA) and sections of the Criminal Code that criminalize LGBTQI+ identities and relationships. Enacting legal protections that ensure the rights and safety of LGBTQI+ individuals is crucial for reducing systemic discrimination and violence. Second, comprehensive public education campaigns are needed to combat misinformation and challenge negative stereotypes about LGBTQI+ individuals among others.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2025,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.4314/gab.v23i3.1","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/65fb7d265b7b2dcb22e6557103395d4f7f2e5845","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":69},{"id":"ss_2d3b6c89b8136d93f5f3d6e00341f51cc4b4094b","title":"Contemporary trends in psychological research on conspiracy beliefs. A systematic review","authors":[{"name":"I. Pilch"},{"name":"Agnieszka Turska-Kawa"},{"name":"Paulina Wardawy"},{"name":"Agata Olszanecka-Marmola"},{"name":"Wiktoria Smołkowska-Jędo"}],"abstract":"Background The number of psychological studies on conspiracy beliefs has been systematically growing for about a dozen years, but in recent years, the trend has intensified. We provided a review covering the psychological literature on conspiracy beliefs from 2018 to 2021. Halfway through this period, the COVID-19 pandemic broke out, accompanied by an explosion of movements based on conspiracy theories, intensifying researchers’ interest in this issue. Methods Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, the review systematically searched for relevant journal articles published between 2018 and 2021. A search was done on Scopus and Web of Science (only peer-reviewed journals). A study was included if it contained primary empirical data, if specific or general conspiracy belief(s) were measured and if its correlation with at least one other psychological variable was reported. All the studies were grouped for the descriptive analysis according to the methodology used, the participants’ characteristics, the continent of origin, the sample size, and the conspiracy beliefs measurement tools. Due to substantial methodological heterogeneity of the studies, narrative synthesis was performed. The five researchers were assigned specific roles at each stage of the analysis to ensure the highest quality of the research. Results Following the proposed methodology, 308 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility and 274 articles (417 studies) meeting the inclusion criteria were identified and included in the review. Almost half of the studies (49.6%) were conducted in European countries. The vast majority of the studies (85.7%) were carried out on samples of adult respondents. The research presents antecedents as well as (potential) consequences of conspiracy beliefs. We grouped the antecedents of conspiracy beliefs into six categories: cognitive (e.g., thinking style) motivational (e.g., uncertainty avoidance), personality (e.g., collective narcissism), psychopathology (e.g., Dark Triad traits), political (e.g., ideological orientation), and sociocultural factors (e.g., collectivism). Conclusion and limitations The research presents evidence on the links between conspiracy beliefs and a range of attitudes and behaviors considered unfavorable from the point of view of individuals and of the society at large. It turned out that different constructs of conspiracy thinking interact with each other. The limitations of the study are discussed in the last part of the article.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2023,"language":"en","subjects":["Medicine"],"doi":"10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1075779","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/2d3b6c89b8136d93f5f3d6e00341f51cc4b4094b","pdf_url":"https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1075779/pdf","is_open_access":true,"citations":47,"published_at":"","score":68.41},{"id":"ss_77f0a877da5cfb33c012f878ce22b86adbffcb7b","title":"The Religious Curricula of Moroccan Fundamentalist Movements: \"Justice and Spirituality\" and \"the Call to Quran and Sunnah\"","authors":[{"name":"Hicham Diouane"}],"abstract":"Moroccan fundamentalist movements employ distinct religious curricula as tools for indoctrinating their ideologies. While some subjects align with formal religious institutions, others are either adopted or omitted to adhere to the movements' beliefs and objectives. This article employs a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological and pedagogical approach to compare the religious curricula of two prominent religious agents: \"Justice and Spirituality\" and \"The Call to Quran and Sunnah.\" The study seeks to unveil the main aspects of their religious Curricula and understand the internal dynamics of Moroccan fundamentalist movements. Findings reveal that \"The Call to Quran and Sunnah\" prioritizes Islamic creed learning, employing a teacher-centered approach, while \"Justice and Spirituality\" encompasses not only religious matters but also addresses social and political issues through a learner-centered approach. Moreover, as both movements rely on social media and the internet to expand their educational program, some limitations affect the achievement of an ideal Islamic learning environment.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2024,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.23917/mier.v2i1.4797","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/77f0a877da5cfb33c012f878ce22b86adbffcb7b","pdf_url":"https://journals2.ums.ac.id/index.php/mier/article/download/4797/1415","is_open_access":true,"citations":6,"published_at":"","score":68.18},{"id":"doaj_10.22108/jhr.2025.142126.2672","title":". Historical Analysis of Imam Sajjad's Strategies for Reviving Shiism after the Ashura Event Based on Diffusion Theory","authors":[{"name":"Hamid reza Motahari"},{"name":"Mahmoud Bakhtiari"}],"abstract":"Abstract\nShiism experienced a significant crisis following the tragedy of Ashura characterized by oppression, fear, isolation, and the practice of taqiyyah. This study focused on the strategies employed by Imam Sajjad (A.S.) to revive Shiism in the aftermath of this event. Specifically, it addressed this question: How can we analyze Imam Sajjad’s strategies for revitalizing Shiism after the Ashura event? It appeared that Imam Sajjad (A.S.) utilized components of diffusion theory—namely, the destination of diffusion (environments that were both receptive and intolerant, along with political and cultural barriers), paths of diffusion (including displacement, contagious, and hierarchical diffusion), and timing of diffusion. By leveraging various tools, such as the community's reverence for the Prophet’s family, he transformed the emotional landscape created after Ashura, mitigating the effects of the oppressive Umayyad regime and countering the influence of pro-Umayyad scholars. Through initiatives like cadre building and promoting pilgrimage, he effectively revived Shiism after the Ashura event. This research elucidated Imam Sajjad's actions through the lens of diffusion theory, demonstrating how Shiism was revitalized in the wake of Ashura. Employing a historical methodology, the study analyzed Imam Sajjad's activities aimed at reviving Shiism, including cadre development, exposing Umayyad injustices, mobilizing the populace post-Karbala, challenging beliefs in predestination, elucidating the fundamental principles of Imamate, addressing key issues, and countering deviation through prayer and supplication.\n \nKeywords: Strategies of Imam Sajjad (A.S.), Revival of Shiism, Ashura Event, Diffusion Theory, Umayyad Era.\n \nIntroduction\nThe era of Imam Sajjad (A.S.), which commenced on Ashura in 61 AH, unfolded under exceptional circumstances. The oppressive measures of the Umayyads coupled with the suppression of dissenting movements and emergence of deviant intellectual currents underscored the urgent need for the revitalization of Shiite life. In light of the political, social, and cultural conditions of his time, Imam Sajjad (A.S.) adopted various approaches to articulate the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt, employing methods, such as prayer and pilgrimage. This study sought to analyze how Imam Sajjad (A.S.) revived Shiism following the Ashura event and identify the factors that influenced this revival. Several books and articles have been published regarding Imam Sajjad's role in the resurgence of Shiism. Notably, Seyyed Ja'far Shahidi's Life of Ali ibn al-Hussein (2001) examined and critiqued some well-known historical accounts of Imam Sajjad (A.S.). While this work shared common themes with the present research, it offered a new perspective by integrating theoretical frameworks. Additionally, Mohsen Ranjbar's Studying the Role of Imam Sajjad (A.S.) in Shiite Leadership after the Karbala Incident (2002) explored the cultural and political landscape of Imam Sajjad's era, focusing on his stance against the caliphate. However, this article distinguished itself by analyzing the environmental factors and components of diffusion theory relevant to Imam Sajjad's context. Another significant work was Madrasah Kalami Medinah from the Beginning to the Imamate of Imam Baqir (2024) written by Seyyed Ali Hussainizadeh from Khizrabad, which reviewed the history of Imamiyyah thought up to the end of Imam Sajjad's era through historical reports. Unlike the other two works, it did not provide an analysis of Imam Sajjad (A.S.) based on diffusion theory. Finally, Seyyed Gholam Hossein Hosseini's article, Headlines of the Political Movement of Imam Sajjad (A.S.) in the Karbala Movement (2002), touched upon similar themes; yet, it did not specifically apply diffusion theory, revealing a gap in independent research on this topic.\n \nMaterials \u0026 Methods\nDiffusion theory introduced by Swedish geographer Hagerstrand in 1935, explored how innovations, phenomena, ideas, and thoughts spread. Initially applied to agriculture and disease transmission, this theory has since found relevance in political science and international relations. It effectively explains the reasons behind the spread of various intellectual and physical innovations, detailing how they disseminate, the pathways they follow, and the factors that may halt or re-ignite their spread. Additionally, it accounts for the stability of certain trends and the decline of others. In the modern era, cultural elements and innovations cross borders at unprecedented speeds, akin to jet travel and satellite communication. Contagious and hierarchical diffusion represent two rapid forms of expansion diffusion, where ideas and concepts migrate from new sources without the need for physical relocation. When analyzing the impact of any political innovation through the lens of diffusion theory, key factors like origin and destination, timeframes, tools, and channels of dissemination are considered. Furthermore, diffusion barriers and competing waves serve as mitigating factors that must be addressed in the examination of the phenomenon and its diffusion.\n \nResearch Findings\nImam Zayn al-Abidin (A.S.) aimed to restore order in a society that had succumbed to misguidance and moral decay, striving to revive authentic Islam (Shi'a). Alongside the Sahifa al-Sajjadiyah, which encapsulates the principles and teachings of Islam, the Treatise on Rights outlines fundamental rights that govern human life and ensure its happiness. Indeed, religion and Sharia were revealed to uphold these rights. Through this guidance, the Imam demonstrated that only an Imam, intimately connected to the source of revelation, possesses the authority to enact progressive laws that resonate with the human spirit.\n \nDiscussion of Results \u0026 Conclusion\nThe continuation of Umayyad rule under Yazid and Abdul Malik ibn Marwan following the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (A.S.) coupled with the atmosphere of fear and repression that ensued after the Ashura event posed significant challenges for Imam Sajjad (A.S.) in his efforts to revive and expand Shiism. Despite these obstacles, Imam Sajjad (A.S.) emerged as a pivotal figure in this revival, leveraging the emotional climate following events, such as the incident of Hurra and the destruction of Kaaba by Yazid's forces, alongside the public’s growing interest in the Prophet's family. To navigate the unwelcoming environment, the Imam implemented several strategies: he focused on training and building a cadre of supporters, exposed the injustices of the Umayyad regime, and sought to awaken the populace in the aftermath of Karbala. He also challenged the legitimacy of predestination and clarified the fundamental principles of Imamate. Through prayers and invocations, he addressed key issues and countered deviations, significantly advancing his goals. Utilizing methods like prayer and pilgrimage (path of diffusion) and disseminating religious concepts through his students and trained followers (path of contagion), Imam Sajjad (A.S.) endeavored to revive Shiism even amid the oppressive rule of the most tyrannical Umayyad caliphs, including Yazid and Abdul Malik ibn Marwan. This period marked a crucial phase in the diffusion of Shiism.","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["History (General) and history of Europe","History of Asia"],"doi":"10.22108/jhr.2025.142126.2672","url":"https://jhr.ui.ac.ir/article_29200_3da0e2b94bdda9178f5f6e641a71f228.pdf","pdf_url":"https://jhr.ui.ac.ir/article_29200_3da0e2b94bdda9178f5f6e641a71f228.pdf","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"doaj_Chronological+Index%3A+Contents+of+Volumes+1-40","title":"Chronological Index: Contents of Volumes 1-40","authors":[{"name":"[Editor]"}],"abstract":"","source":"DOAJ","year":2024,"language":"","subjects":["Other beliefs and movements","Music","Musical instruction and study"],"url":"https://open.journals.ed.ac.uk/ScottishStudies/article/view/659","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":68},{"id":"ss_356a887c10c4bad328200897c202d0825639fa66","title":"Fieldwork in New Religious Movements","authors":[{"name":"George D. Chryssides"}],"abstract":"New religious movements are often described as bizarre and sinister. Direct acquaintance, however, often gives a different impression from media portrayals and even from some academic writing. After decades of undertaking fieldwork, the author George Chryssides discusses his experiences, as well as studies by other scholars, and the issues that fieldwork involves. How do one's personal beliefs and lifestyle impinge on field research? How involved should a participant–observer become? How should we assess what we are told by insiders and ex-members? What ethical problems does field research create? How should we engage in online fieldwork, arising from the increasing use of the Internet, accelerated by the Covid pandemic? These are among the issues which this Element explores, and which will be of interest both to field researchers and to those who read about the fieldwork of others.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2023,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.1017/9781009278713","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/356a887c10c4bad328200897c202d0825639fa66","is_open_access":true,"citations":7,"published_at":"","score":67.21000000000001},{"id":"ss_fc7135c3b55789c8ace36de0fd9dc2a87c558b4c","title":"Belief embodiment through eye movements facilitates memory-guided navigation","authors":[{"name":"Akis Stavropoulos"},{"name":"Kaushik J. Lakshminarasimhan"},{"name":"D. Angelaki"}],"abstract":"Neural network models optimized for task performance often excel at predicting neural activity but do not explain other properties such as the distributed representation across functionally distinct areas. Distributed representations may arise from animals’ strategies for resource utilization, however, fixation-based paradigms deprive animals of a vital resource: eye movements. During a naturalistic task in which humans use a joystick to steer and catch flashing fireflies in a virtual environment lacking position cues, subjects physically track the latent task variable with their gaze. We show this strategy to be true also during an inertial version of the task in the absence of optic flow and demonstrate that these task-relevant eye movements reflect an embodiment of the subjects’ dynamically evolving internal beliefs about the goal. A neural network model with tuned recurrent connectivity between oculomotor and evidence-integrating frontoparietal circuits accounted for this behavioral strategy. Critically, this model better explained neural data from monkeys’ posterior parietal cortex compared to task-optimized models unconstrained by such an oculomotor-based cognitive strategy. These results highlight the importance of unconstrained movement in working memory computations and establish a functional significance of oculomotor signals for evidence-integration and navigation computations via embodied cognition.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2023,"language":"en","subjects":["Medicine","Biology"],"doi":"10.1101/2023.08.21.554107","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/fc7135c3b55789c8ace36de0fd9dc2a87c558b4c","pdf_url":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10473632","is_open_access":true,"citations":4,"published_at":"","score":67.12},{"id":"ss_79b0be0d8d3527f1259a06313dd42857842974f9","title":"Islamic Caliphate: Conflict of Beliefs in the State System in Indonesia","authors":[{"name":"Ganes Harpendya"},{"name":"S. H. Sumantri"},{"name":"Bambang Wahyudi"},{"name":"Pujo Widodo"},{"name":"Herlina Juni"},{"name":"Risma Saragih"},{"name":"Peace"},{"name":"Conflict Resolution"}],"abstract":"This article aims to describe and discuss the conflict of Islamic beliefs within the state system, with a focus on the concept of the Islamic caliphate (khilafah). Religious conflicts often arise due to differences in interpretation and contextualization of the application of religious laws. The conflicts that arise can lead to negative radicalism, extremism, and terrorism. The emergence of radical movements and terrorism is triggered by beliefs in religion that are believed to be the will of God. The Islamic caliphate, as one form of such movement, has diverse views among Islamic intellectuals, including right-wing extremists, left-wing extremists, and moderates. In this study, a qualitative descriptive method was employed with data collection techniques through literature review. The results and discussion of the article explain that the caliphate is a governing institution in Islam led by a caliph. There are differing views on the obligation to establish the caliphate. Some groups argue that establishing the caliphate is a duty for Muslims, while others reject this view. The views of Nahdlatul Ulama and Muhammadiyah in Indonesia are that Islam does not explicitly require the establishment of an Islamic state or caliphate. Both organizations argue that Muslims have the authority to design a governance system in accordance with the demands of time and place. This article provides an understanding of conflicts in religious beliefs, particularly related to the Islamic caliphate. With a better understanding of these differing views, it is hoped that society can avoid extremism, radicalism, and terrorism, which can threaten the nation and state's well-being.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2023,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.55227/ijhess.v3i2.692","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/79b0be0d8d3527f1259a06313dd42857842974f9","pdf_url":"https://ijhess.com/index.php/ijhess/article/download/692/550","is_open_access":true,"citations":1,"published_at":"","score":67.03},{"id":"doaj_10.22103/jis/jis.2023.4122","title":"Examining the function of Ardavirafnameh in rebuilding the legitimacy of the Sassanid state based on Quentin Skinner`s hermeneutic approach","authors":[{"name":"seyyedhossein athari"},{"name":"Zahra Mohamadpour"}],"abstract":"Introduction The heart of any state or government's stability is its legitimacy, which confirms the validity of governmental decrees and ensures the continuity of governance. The Sassanid era is one historical period where the very foundations of the state's authority and political ideology were called into question in Iran. Challenges to the religious values, which were the mainstay of the government's legitimacy, led to both social and political upheaval. This was particularly evident following the emergence of new religions and rituals, which posed a threat and underscored the urgent need for the restoration of legitimacy. In response to this crisis, the ideological apparatus of the Sassanid state employed various strategies. Among these, the 'Ardavirafnameh' stands out as a cultural mechanism that articulated the principles, values, and ideals embodying the political ideology meant to reaffirm the state's legitimacy and ensure the survival of Sassanid rule. The research posits, through the application of Skinner's intentionalism hermeneutic framework, that the 'Ardavirafnameh' was written under specific conditions, within a particular context and intellectual milieu, with a definitive purpose. The hypothesis suggests that the text was crafted as an ideological instrument aimed at addressing the legitimacy crisis faced by the Sassanid government. The primary objective of the author in composing this text appears to have been to influence the political culture of the time, thereby reconstructing the foundational legitimacy of the Sassanid state. Methodology The research employs Quentin Skinner's internationalist interpretive methodology to delve into the underlying messages of the text. Skinner's approach underscores the importance of understanding the text's examination in conjunction with the author's intentions and the objective and intellectual circumstances under which it was produced. In the initial phase of applying Skinner's method, efforts are made to grasp the political issues and debates of the Ardaviraf era, as well as the responses and solutions that were proposed at the time. By reconstructing the socio-political climate and the intellectual milieu in which the 'Ardavirafnameh' was composed, we can illuminate the challenges that confronted the Zoroastrian Monads, under Ardaviraf leadership, allowing for a more accurate comprehension of how these issues influenced the author's thinking. Following this, the analysis aims to discern the unique language, meanings, concepts, and prevailing propositions employed in the 'Ardavirafnameh.' This step involves examining the traditions, norms, principles, and conventional rules that shaped the political arguments and discourse of the time. Suchan exploration is crucial for understanding the societal context of the period and the author's intent behind creating the text. Discussion The Sassanid government, during its four-century rule (224 to 651 AD), sought to establish legitimacy through various means to maintain public support. Their legitimacy was built on tradition by associating themselves with Parthian and Achaemenid kings. Additionally, the charismatic personality of the kings and the support of the people formed the basis of their authority. However, the most significant foundation of Sassanid legitimacy was Zoroastrianism. The king derived power from God, and Zoroastrian decrees became the official law of the state, shaping Iranian culture, politics, and ideological legitimacy. The authority of Sassanid clerics, the Mobdans, unified society around religion, unprecedented in pre-Islamic Iran. However, the collision of Zoroastrianism with other religions led to the emergence of religious heresies. Mani's religion, a blend of beliefs, aimed to end conflicts and class divides, subtly guiding followers to oppose the government. Similarly, Mazdak Bamadan's reinterpretation of the Avesta protested Sassanid laws and structures, advocating for equality and sparking socialist changes that led to the collapse of the state system and upheaval in the country. Mani's religion marked the first instance of sedition and religious heresy arising from conflicting beliefs. His teachings combined popular beliefs and religions of the time, aiming to end wars and social injustices by uniting different religions. He offered followers a path of peace and mystical isolation in response to nobles and pious individuals. Mani's religious doctrines concealed a political agenda, subtly guiding people's beliefs towards opposition to the government. Mazdak Bamadan, a prominent cleric of the Qobad era, initiated a social uprising by reinterpreting the Avesta in protest against Sassanian structures and laws. His movement sought to rectify the deviations caused by religious leaders, representing a protest against the Sassanid social and political system. Emphasizing the equality of all individuals, his teachings garnered numerous followers and led to revolutionary socialist changes in Iran. Those advocating fundamental societal changes pushed to extremes, resulting in the collapse of the state system and pushing the country to the brink of ruin.      In this way, the emergence of new religions led to people`s suspicion towards the country`s official religion and the threat of political power, which ultimately led to severe repression and the brutal killing of Mani and Mazdak and their followers. However, these religions did not disappear and even after the fall of the Sassanids, they also opposed the muslim religion in the form of social movements. The Sassanid era, which was the era of prosperity and influx of religious opinions and new thoughts, forsed the Zoroastrain rulers and priests as agents of the religious institution to take a stand and react against these new religions and religious opponents, and writing the Ardavirafnameh book as an ideological tool of confrontation. It is with these religions that he trais to define the framework of condition of political conflict and draw the legitimacy clamis of those in power according to the type of political regime and power structures based on cultural contexts. Conclusion Based on the explanation provided in this research, the Ardaviraf era's timeframe, transformations, and historical developments underscore the restoration of political legitimacy as the central concern of Zoroastrianism. The text Ardavirafnameh, portraying heaven and hell, serves as an exposition of Mobdans' thoughts led by Ardaviraf, aiming to influence the political culture of society. It is evident that the societal transformation is linked to changes in the ruling political culture, emphasizing the text's role in shaping this culture and sustaining the state's political legitimacy. Despite being a religious text, Ardavirafnameh reflects the ideology of the Sasanian government and Zoroastrian priests. The Mobdans, as the primary decision-makers and influencers in vital cultural aspects, established the idea that the perpetuation of the royal line depends on their resourcefulness and persistence, taking advantage of the kings' weaknesses for their own benefit. As the most influential class in Sassanid society, the Mobdans sought strategies for integrating and legitimizing political values, norms, and structures with a focus on the campaign. Consequently, this text, as a strategic choice by the political elite, underscores religious ideology's aspects, aiming to foster a sense of political unity, common values, norms, and shared political goals among society members. It serves to capture the minds of individuals and emphasizes the importance of religious and moral beliefs in accepting and obeying the king, religious values, and governmental requirements. Recognizing that political legitimacy hinges on societal beliefs and perceptions, religious leaders aim to leverage Ardavirafnameh as a political instrument to cultivate legitimacy among the people. Therefore, the document's purpose was to return to religious foundations, signifying a return to the basis of Sasanian state legitimacy.","source":"DOAJ","year":2023,"language":"","subjects":["Organizational behaviour, change and effectiveness. Corporate culture","Fine Arts"],"doi":"10.22103/jis/jis.2023.4122","url":"https://jis.uk.ac.ir/article_4122_a49aeb976018fbea3b97b94fc03b250a.pdf","pdf_url":"https://jis.uk.ac.ir/article_4122_a49aeb976018fbea3b97b94fc03b250a.pdf","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":67},{"id":"ss_5396bade66b25b91d3b3331295b32d9d4021a42e","title":"The theoretical research of voluntary beliefs","authors":[{"name":"Xintong Zheng"}],"abstract":"We use “voluntary” to describe actions, activities, movements, or other processes that are chosen and controlled by a person's free will to explore whether beliefs are voluntary. This paper will argue that although the involuntary nature of belief is to some extent rooted in the human biological system, a person's voluntary control can still affect the original belief system if there is science-based social intervention. So we need to invest more resources in scientific research, get everyone better educated, and get these helpful, correct ideas out in the public.","source":"Semantic Scholar","year":2023,"language":"en","subjects":null,"doi":"10.56028/aehssr.7.1.516.2023","url":"https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/5396bade66b25b91d3b3331295b32d9d4021a42e","pdf_url":"https://madison-proceedings.com/index.php/aehssr/article/download/1688/1677","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":67},{"id":"doaj_https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.10341","title":"Towards Ecumenical Dialogue between African Pentecostalism and Roman Catholic","authors":[{"name":"Mookgo Solomon Kgatle"},{"name":"Mokone Bruno Lephoto"}],"abstract":"There are undoubtedly differences between Roman Catholic and African Pentecostalism such as doctrinal issues and salvific conceptualisations. Besides non-Catholics, specifically Pentecostal churches have always been perceived as non-churches and lacking the real salvation by Roman Catholics. Thus, Roman Catholics have looked at Pentecostals with the eye of suspicion regardless of ecumenical efforts made to bring the two together. Similarly, Pentecostals have perceived Catholics as carrying a non-transformative doctrine, lacking the Spirit, and leaning towards political institutions and systems. Hence, the relationship between these two movements has been perceived as irreconcilable and incompatible with some leaders giving up on ecumenical engagements. However, a literature review on the relationship between Roman Catholic and African Pentecostalism reveals some similarities between the two movements through the ecumenical dialogue model. In other words, as much\r\nas the two movements do not see eye to eye, they have commonalities such as the use of sacramentals, common foundational beliefs, and salvation through Jesus. These similarities can be used as a starting point toward ecumenism and helping the two movements to move towards unity. ","source":"DOAJ","year":2022,"language":"","subjects":["Religion (General)","Religions of the world"],"doi":"https://doi.org/10.46222/pharosjot.10341","url":"https://www.pharosjot.com/uploads/7/1/6/3/7163688/article_41_vol_103_2022_unisa.pdf","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":66},{"id":"doaj_10.15581/003.35.2.299-311","title":"The difficulties in spreading housing rights discourse in the face of ‘right now’ pragmatism on Twitter","authors":[{"name":"Ezequiel Ramon-Pinat"}],"abstract":"\nSocial movements work in various overlapping dynamics: in the short term, trying to mobilize the largest number of sympathizers in their actions and in the long term, in a battle to change meanings and cognitive frameworks in a society. This article investigates how the Platform for Those Affected by Mortgages (PAH) uses Twitter in the two spheres above mentioned. The literature referring to collective mobilization explains activism in two complementary logics. A first one, rational, where participants only think about a concrete benefit, and a second, focusing on challenging established beliefs. As complex societies, the media and, more recently, social networks have gained in importance as a space where the legitimacy of these claims are discussed. In this analysis, frame theory has been applied to tweets referring to evictions published at the official account @LA_PAH. Twitter, unlike other social networks, allows quick mobilization to gather activists and stop evictions, a valuable and positive asset. However, it ends up giving a limited image, focused on avoiding evictions, instead of a message to establish housing access as a good that must be guaranteed, outside the market. The extreme cases, those about families including children and elderly, predominate in the posts. This visibility certainly generates empathy but leads to the false feeling that only the most vulnerable citizens are affected.\n","source":"DOAJ","year":2022,"language":"","subjects":["Communication. Mass media","Advertising"],"doi":"10.15581/003.35.2.299-311","url":"https://revistas.unav.edu/index.php/communication-and-society/article/view/41918","is_open_access":true,"published_at":"","score":66}],"total":797391,"page":1,"page_size":20,"sources":["CrossRef","DOAJ","Semantic Scholar"],"query":"Other beliefs and movements"}