Books by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
A book that details career opportunities in recreational diving. Asking the interested reader the... more A book that details career opportunities in recreational diving. Asking the interested reader the questions to consider that will help guide them to a successful work life in scuba diving.
Presentations by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
QS Higher Ed Summit: Asia Pacific 2023. QS Higher Education Conferences 2023. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2023
"In the absence of collaborative programs with secondary schools, universities and colleges miss ... more "In the absence of collaborative programs with secondary schools, universities and colleges miss out on a multitude of opportunities that extend beyond mere student recruitment. They forfeit a targeted, efficient approach to identifying prospective students who are a good fit academically and culturally. This lack of early engagement often results in higher attrition rates, as students arrive less prepared for the challenges of higher education. Additionally, tertiary institutions lose valuable insights into curriculum development, foregoing the chance to align their programs with the actual skills and knowledge incoming students possess. By not sharing resources or building educational networks, they also pass up cost-saving and innovative solutions that could enrich their educational offerings. Ultimately, the lack of collaboration hampers community engagement, undermining the institution’s reputation and long-term success."
3rd International Conference on Leadership & Management, 2023
The present research ventures into the adoption ofLiljedahl's thinking classroom model across thr... more The present research ventures into the adoption ofLiljedahl's thinking classroom model across three divergent disciplines: Grade 7 Science, Grade 9 Social Studies, and Grade 12 Theory of Knowledge. As we plumbed the depths ofthis pedagogical model, notable components such as the vertical non-permanent surfaces, visibly random groupings, andrich, open tasks took centre stage. Employing a crafted survey with both Likert-scale items and expansive, open-ended prompts, our aim was to interpret students' self-articulated shifts in aspects like engagement, mutual cooperation, problem-solving approaches, attitude towards errors, and reliance on their instructor. Preliminary evidence presages a potential change in classroom dynamics, fostering an atmosphere that encourages investigative endeavours, bolsters peer interaction, and cultivates resilience. For school leaders seeking to usher in innovative pedagogical practices, the thinking classroom model emerges as a beacon of promise. It offersnot only a shift in student dynamics but also provides a concrete, adaptable framework for educators. This model's emphasis on fostering autonomy, encouraging exploration, andpromoting constructive discussions can serve as an invaluable tool for those leaders envisioning a rejuvenated, student-centric academic environment.
The 11th European Conference on Education (ECE2023), 2023
This study investigates the relationship between a school's enrollment percentage, business model... more This study investigates the relationship between a school's enrollment percentage, business model, and profitability within identified competitive groups of international schools in two metropolitan cities. The competitive groups were identified based on tuition levels, geographic proximity, curriculum offerings, and the ratio of expat teachers to local teachers, and were checked for matching the expectations of The Rule of Three, which suggests that three generalist competitors in a market, drive competition and establish market equilibrium. The groups consisted of a mix of non-profit and for-profit international schools managed by school management corporations, private land owner operators, or property developer-owned management companies and facilities. The hypotheses tested were that a school's enrollment as a percentage of total capacity is a predictor of the school's profitability or loss position, and that a school's business model is also an indicator of likely profitability. Non-parametric analyses were conducted, and the results provide evidence to support both hypotheses. The study found that a school's enrollment percentage discriminates between profitable and unprofitable schools at a significant level, and that the owner-operator model trended towards profitability. These findings have significant value for school leaders and managers who need to assess their competitive environment, engage in strategic planning, and implement change management initiatives. By understanding the factors that influence profitability in the international school sector and knowing the impact of The Rule of Three, school leaders and investors can make informed decisions to improve financial performance and better compete in their respective markets.
The 9th International Conference of Management Studies, 2023
This paper presents a case study of an international school that used an analytical model to deve... more This paper presents a case study of an international school that used an analytical model to develop a competitive change strategy. The model incorporates the Rule of Three, Resource-Based View (RBV), TOWS analysis, and Ansoff's Matrix to identify sources of competitive advantage and the most rewarding market strategy. The case study focused on one particular international school that faced significant competition in its market, with several other schools offering similar programs and services. Using the analytical model, the school identified several sources of competitive advantage based on its unique resources and capabilities. These sources were evaluated using TOWS analysis to determine their potential success in the existing competitive group. Ansoff's Matrix was then used to analyze the market conditions and determine the most rewarding market strategy. The results of the analysis showed that the school had several sources of competitive advantage that could be leveraged to increase its market share and profitability. The most rewarding market strategy involved increasing market share in the immediate residential vicinity and developing more depth in several educational programmes that would appeal to the interests of students with specialised skills and talents. The school implemented the recommended competitive change strategy, which involved expanding programme offerings in specific subject areas. The strategy was successful the student uptake, of the new offerings, as well as evidence of new student enrolments that can be specifically attributed to the new focus. The case study demonstrates the effectiveness of the analytical model in developing a competitive change strategy for international schools. By using the Rule of Three, RBV, TOWS, and Ansoff's Matrix, schools can identify their sources of competitive advantage and determine the most rewarding market strategy to achieve their business goals
The 9th Asian Conference on Education and International Development (ACEID2023), 2023
The international school market has grown almost exponentially over the past decade. To the point... more The international school market has grown almost exponentially over the past decade. To the point where in some metropolitan areas it has been observed in the press, that schools are not reaching a sustainable level of profitability. This has led to schools being sold off to international management companies, school chains having to rationalise operations through consolidation, wholesale changes in marketing strategy, to outright closure. The flow of red ink across balance sheets should be a harbinger, that there are severe financial risks in the international school market. In previous research of one metropolitan market, where more than fifty percent of the international schools were actually losing money, in the market analysis, it was found that the Rule of Three (Henderson, 1976, and extended by Sheth, Uslay, & Sisodia, 2020) was accurate in identifying segments of the market as well as anticipating the the losing position of schools languishing behind the top three earners within their strategic group. The author presents here the results a similar market analysis on a larger metropolitan area, with a larger population of international schools. The resulting collection of data illustrates the potential applicability of the Rule of Three in analysis of this industry. This research has value to existing schools’ management teams, as well as potential investors, in determining position, financial and competitive risk. Which with such forewarning and market knowledge, management teams and investors will be able to focus on strategic change, in search of sustained profitability.
The ‘Asian Century,’ will it rise to all that it could be? In order to answer this question one i... more The ‘Asian Century,’ will it rise to all that it could be? In order to answer this question one is required to take a look at the centuries of growth and development in the West, and then look back to the East and see if the right ‘environment’ herein exists, for Asia to achieve a preeminent place in the world order.
At this current moment, now solidly into the second decade of the third millennium in the CE, it would appear that the Asian Century is still lacking the structural (administrative), cultural, educational, nor political openness to develop a system where egalitarian opportunity is the norm rather than the exception.
Asia is still struggling. Disadvantaged with education systems, that after 2000 years are still dominated by teaching and examining students via rote methodologies. Constrained by bureaucracies and politics that are more nepotistic and corrupt, than transparent and merit based.
The current rise of Asia, has been built on the strength of economic demand in the West. Virtually all of the wealth that has been created in East has come from exporting to western markets.
A nation’s power, a region’s power, if based on the economic demand of others, is always tenuous at best. The countries that lead the world in education, in design, in medicine, in social development, they all have achieved this through a system that is primarily focused on the merit, and effort, of the individual. Not through family, political or monetary influences (corrupt practices).
If the Asian Century is to realise the inherent potential of the Asian peoples, we must look to the west, and recognise that an open, tolerant society, that eschews corruption, a system that champions the family and individual to achieve, solely based on effort, intrinsic creativity, is where a prosperous and benevolent future awaits Asia.
(Full text available on researchgate.net)
In this research paper, 15 international schools wer... more (Full text available on researchgate.net)
In this research paper, 15 international schools were identified, including the one of particular interest, Excelsior International School (now in the midst of an ownership/ management turnover to Repton International School). Eleven of the 15 schools opened their doors and commenced classes within the past ten years. Interestingly the four schools that were already operating prior to 2010, are all at or near full capacity, while seven of the eleven newcomers are share amongst themselves the oversupply of 7,000+ unoccupied student seats.
The author conducts a business analysis of Excelsior/Repton, using the Resource Based View approach, in order to look for ways that the school may improve it's market position, and work its way back to profitability.
WOU JBRC Seminar: Contemporary Issues in Marketing Management, Apr 2020
(Full text available on researchgate.net)
This research paper is looking at a private internat... more (Full text available on researchgate.net)
This research paper is looking at a private international school in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Using the business analysis process of Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning, to evaluate the school’s place in the market, to discover if the school’s marketing is effectively creating a competitive position in the minds of market consumers, or not. The school is priced in the upper range of the overall market segment. And is essentially in direct competition with three schools who are in close proximity, with another two school close in price range, but geographically distant.
Currently, the school has a relatively strong place based on price in relation to its proximal competitors, while having less than comparable facilities. There is however a looming risk, the supply of student places aggregated across the four schools, is far in excess of the current demand. Overall, less than 32% of the available student seats are occupied. Two schools have approximately 85% of the student population in this upscale geographic area. Leaving two schools to split the remaining 15%. The risk here is that the school under analysis, would be vulnerable, should these two under enrolled schools should decide to enter a pricing strategy. Without a strong Positioning, the school’s weaknesses would factor, in should a price war commence.
This paper through its analysis, suggests a market ‘Positioning’ that would give the school an immediate place as the leader in a particular niche of education, an area where the other three schools are not competitive, and would not be able to respond quickly.
WOU JBRC Seminar: Leadership and Change Management, Feb 2020
(Full text available on researchgate.net)
This report on Transformational Leadership, focuses ... more (Full text available on researchgate.net)
This report on Transformational Leadership, focuses on TL in the sphere of Educational organisations. Specifically a retrospective look at a Principal who exhibited TL in the management of a school that was sinking under the weight of political, curricular, HR troubles. The report includes observations of the Principal’s efforts and associates these actions with research in the field of TL. In addition to the literature review that informed the report, and the observations of the Author, an interview was conducted with the Principal that is the subject of this study. The data collected in this interview, aligned extremely well with the constructs of TL theory, as well as giving validity to TL’s aspirations, demonstrated by the outcomes of this Principal’s actions. Unknown to the Author, at the beginning of this report, and before the interview, was that this Principal had extensive training and experience in the use of TL, prior to his later leading the the school where the Author worked under the Principal as a teacher and Department Head.
International education is a fast developing industry, in particular one may note the exponential... more International education is a fast developing industry, in particular one may note the exponential growth in the number of international primary and secondary schools. This burgeoning sector of education, is contributing significantly to local and national economies, and yet at the same time, homogenizing the path towards tertiary institutions.
The vast majority of the schools follow one of three major curricular foci, the British, American, or International Baccalaureate systems, with a minority utilizing other western options such as the Singaporean, Canadian, or Australian curricula. In some countries such as Malaysia, the British IGCSE/A Levels, is the prominently chosen path to university. In this rush to offer educational programs that lead to university placement and a future career, overwhelming attention is paid to the science and math subjects, with English being the medium of instruction.
This paper argues that cultures and the individual will be losing out as the current and future generations are inculcated with the understanding that only math and science have monetary career value. The author suggests that it is the ethical responsibility of educational leaders and managers to address the growing gap in perceived value of science and math, as compared to: culture, the arts, and humanities.
If the future leaders of the world’s societies are coming from these new international schools, what will be of greater importance: economic and productivity gains, or the losses to humanity? In summary this article presents ideas for addressing the growing neglect of the metaphysical growth of the next generation.
Papers by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
Academia Letters, 2021
The article discusses the competitive situation of an international school, that is not financial... more The article discusses the competitive situation of an international school, that is not financially successful. Using the Resource Based View approach, the article discusses the school’s potential advantages through the lens of Marketing’s 7 P’s, TOWS, and VRIO. The argument is made that, given market conditions, this school should consider a strategic move to a different competitive segment of the market, where its resources would give an advantageous position in the different group of schools.
Academia Letters, 2021
This article is looking at this market, to see if Henderson’s The Rule of Three and Four (Henders... more This article is looking at this market, to see if Henderson’s The Rule of Three and Four (Henderson, 1976), and The Rule of Three (Sheth et al, 2002) are applicable. If these rules of the market are shown to fit, then there is a beginning point to start analyzing any particular school and develop a strategic business plan for the future.
Academia Letters, 2021
This case study into Transformational Leadership (TL), focuses on a Principal who exhibited TL in... more This case study into Transformational Leadership (TL), focuses on a Principal who exhibited TL in the management of a school. The study was based on observations of the Principal’s actions and decisions, and matched these actions with research in the field of TL. In addition to the literature review that informed the study, and the observations of the researcher, an interview was conducted with the Principal after the case observations were completed.
This article analyses the death of a student in training, during the entry level Open Water Diver... more This article analyses the death of a student in training, during the entry level Open Water Diver course. Specific attention is given to the responsibility of the various individuals involved directly and indirectly with the actual accident. Consideration is given to the ultimate responsibility of the Instructor and the Dive Centre.
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Books by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
Presentations by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
At this current moment, now solidly into the second decade of the third millennium in the CE, it would appear that the Asian Century is still lacking the structural (administrative), cultural, educational, nor political openness to develop a system where egalitarian opportunity is the norm rather than the exception.
Asia is still struggling. Disadvantaged with education systems, that after 2000 years are still dominated by teaching and examining students via rote methodologies. Constrained by bureaucracies and politics that are more nepotistic and corrupt, than transparent and merit based.
The current rise of Asia, has been built on the strength of economic demand in the West. Virtually all of the wealth that has been created in East has come from exporting to western markets.
A nation’s power, a region’s power, if based on the economic demand of others, is always tenuous at best. The countries that lead the world in education, in design, in medicine, in social development, they all have achieved this through a system that is primarily focused on the merit, and effort, of the individual. Not through family, political or monetary influences (corrupt practices).
If the Asian Century is to realise the inherent potential of the Asian peoples, we must look to the west, and recognise that an open, tolerant society, that eschews corruption, a system that champions the family and individual to achieve, solely based on effort, intrinsic creativity, is where a prosperous and benevolent future awaits Asia.
In this research paper, 15 international schools were identified, including the one of particular interest, Excelsior International School (now in the midst of an ownership/ management turnover to Repton International School). Eleven of the 15 schools opened their doors and commenced classes within the past ten years. Interestingly the four schools that were already operating prior to 2010, are all at or near full capacity, while seven of the eleven newcomers are share amongst themselves the oversupply of 7,000+ unoccupied student seats.
The author conducts a business analysis of Excelsior/Repton, using the Resource Based View approach, in order to look for ways that the school may improve it's market position, and work its way back to profitability.
This research paper is looking at a private international school in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Using the business analysis process of Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning, to evaluate the school’s place in the market, to discover if the school’s marketing is effectively creating a competitive position in the minds of market consumers, or not. The school is priced in the upper range of the overall market segment. And is essentially in direct competition with three schools who are in close proximity, with another two school close in price range, but geographically distant.
Currently, the school has a relatively strong place based on price in relation to its proximal competitors, while having less than comparable facilities. There is however a looming risk, the supply of student places aggregated across the four schools, is far in excess of the current demand. Overall, less than 32% of the available student seats are occupied. Two schools have approximately 85% of the student population in this upscale geographic area. Leaving two schools to split the remaining 15%. The risk here is that the school under analysis, would be vulnerable, should these two under enrolled schools should decide to enter a pricing strategy. Without a strong Positioning, the school’s weaknesses would factor, in should a price war commence.
This paper through its analysis, suggests a market ‘Positioning’ that would give the school an immediate place as the leader in a particular niche of education, an area where the other three schools are not competitive, and would not be able to respond quickly.
This report on Transformational Leadership, focuses on TL in the sphere of Educational organisations. Specifically a retrospective look at a Principal who exhibited TL in the management of a school that was sinking under the weight of political, curricular, HR troubles. The report includes observations of the Principal’s efforts and associates these actions with research in the field of TL. In addition to the literature review that informed the report, and the observations of the Author, an interview was conducted with the Principal that is the subject of this study. The data collected in this interview, aligned extremely well with the constructs of TL theory, as well as giving validity to TL’s aspirations, demonstrated by the outcomes of this Principal’s actions. Unknown to the Author, at the beginning of this report, and before the interview, was that this Principal had extensive training and experience in the use of TL, prior to his later leading the the school where the Author worked under the Principal as a teacher and Department Head.
The vast majority of the schools follow one of three major curricular foci, the British, American, or International Baccalaureate systems, with a minority utilizing other western options such as the Singaporean, Canadian, or Australian curricula. In some countries such as Malaysia, the British IGCSE/A Levels, is the prominently chosen path to university. In this rush to offer educational programs that lead to university placement and a future career, overwhelming attention is paid to the science and math subjects, with English being the medium of instruction.
This paper argues that cultures and the individual will be losing out as the current and future generations are inculcated with the understanding that only math and science have monetary career value. The author suggests that it is the ethical responsibility of educational leaders and managers to address the growing gap in perceived value of science and math, as compared to: culture, the arts, and humanities.
If the future leaders of the world’s societies are coming from these new international schools, what will be of greater importance: economic and productivity gains, or the losses to humanity? In summary this article presents ideas for addressing the growing neglect of the metaphysical growth of the next generation.
Papers by Kenneth Tuttle Wilhelm
At this current moment, now solidly into the second decade of the third millennium in the CE, it would appear that the Asian Century is still lacking the structural (administrative), cultural, educational, nor political openness to develop a system where egalitarian opportunity is the norm rather than the exception.
Asia is still struggling. Disadvantaged with education systems, that after 2000 years are still dominated by teaching and examining students via rote methodologies. Constrained by bureaucracies and politics that are more nepotistic and corrupt, than transparent and merit based.
The current rise of Asia, has been built on the strength of economic demand in the West. Virtually all of the wealth that has been created in East has come from exporting to western markets.
A nation’s power, a region’s power, if based on the economic demand of others, is always tenuous at best. The countries that lead the world in education, in design, in medicine, in social development, they all have achieved this through a system that is primarily focused on the merit, and effort, of the individual. Not through family, political or monetary influences (corrupt practices).
If the Asian Century is to realise the inherent potential of the Asian peoples, we must look to the west, and recognise that an open, tolerant society, that eschews corruption, a system that champions the family and individual to achieve, solely based on effort, intrinsic creativity, is where a prosperous and benevolent future awaits Asia.
In this research paper, 15 international schools were identified, including the one of particular interest, Excelsior International School (now in the midst of an ownership/ management turnover to Repton International School). Eleven of the 15 schools opened their doors and commenced classes within the past ten years. Interestingly the four schools that were already operating prior to 2010, are all at or near full capacity, while seven of the eleven newcomers are share amongst themselves the oversupply of 7,000+ unoccupied student seats.
The author conducts a business analysis of Excelsior/Repton, using the Resource Based View approach, in order to look for ways that the school may improve it's market position, and work its way back to profitability.
This research paper is looking at a private international school in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. Using the business analysis process of Segmentation, Targeting, and Positioning, to evaluate the school’s place in the market, to discover if the school’s marketing is effectively creating a competitive position in the minds of market consumers, or not. The school is priced in the upper range of the overall market segment. And is essentially in direct competition with three schools who are in close proximity, with another two school close in price range, but geographically distant.
Currently, the school has a relatively strong place based on price in relation to its proximal competitors, while having less than comparable facilities. There is however a looming risk, the supply of student places aggregated across the four schools, is far in excess of the current demand. Overall, less than 32% of the available student seats are occupied. Two schools have approximately 85% of the student population in this upscale geographic area. Leaving two schools to split the remaining 15%. The risk here is that the school under analysis, would be vulnerable, should these two under enrolled schools should decide to enter a pricing strategy. Without a strong Positioning, the school’s weaknesses would factor, in should a price war commence.
This paper through its analysis, suggests a market ‘Positioning’ that would give the school an immediate place as the leader in a particular niche of education, an area where the other three schools are not competitive, and would not be able to respond quickly.
This report on Transformational Leadership, focuses on TL in the sphere of Educational organisations. Specifically a retrospective look at a Principal who exhibited TL in the management of a school that was sinking under the weight of political, curricular, HR troubles. The report includes observations of the Principal’s efforts and associates these actions with research in the field of TL. In addition to the literature review that informed the report, and the observations of the Author, an interview was conducted with the Principal that is the subject of this study. The data collected in this interview, aligned extremely well with the constructs of TL theory, as well as giving validity to TL’s aspirations, demonstrated by the outcomes of this Principal’s actions. Unknown to the Author, at the beginning of this report, and before the interview, was that this Principal had extensive training and experience in the use of TL, prior to his later leading the the school where the Author worked under the Principal as a teacher and Department Head.
The vast majority of the schools follow one of three major curricular foci, the British, American, or International Baccalaureate systems, with a minority utilizing other western options such as the Singaporean, Canadian, or Australian curricula. In some countries such as Malaysia, the British IGCSE/A Levels, is the prominently chosen path to university. In this rush to offer educational programs that lead to university placement and a future career, overwhelming attention is paid to the science and math subjects, with English being the medium of instruction.
This paper argues that cultures and the individual will be losing out as the current and future generations are inculcated with the understanding that only math and science have monetary career value. The author suggests that it is the ethical responsibility of educational leaders and managers to address the growing gap in perceived value of science and math, as compared to: culture, the arts, and humanities.
If the future leaders of the world’s societies are coming from these new international schools, what will be of greater importance: economic and productivity gains, or the losses to humanity? In summary this article presents ideas for addressing the growing neglect of the metaphysical growth of the next generation.
Keywords:
sport, coaching, spiritual direction, spirituality, mindfulness, leadership, morals
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic the international inbound and local tourism market in Malaysia has been seriously damaged. In particular the scuba diving sector has seen a near total loss of revenue which has resulted in the loss of casual jobs throughout the scuba industry. This article discusses the ramifications, offers recommendations, and a conclusion.
Birgivi was intent with this book, and most of his life long efforts as well, to change the direction of the cultural life of the Ottoman peoples. This book that Birgivi wrote, took from the Koran (Qur'an) its wisdom and ideals and offers a very comprehensive and broad interpretation of traditional Islamic understanding of many topics that have relevance to the life of an 'everyday' man on the street, as well as, and actually more importantly, those in positions of wealth and power.
Birgivi illustrates in his writing that Islam is actually a theology of humanity at peace with itself and others, meaning that adherents of its truth are making peace within, and offering peace with others. He also aspired to inform readers that the Prophet Mohammad was in practice both esoteric and exoteric in his approach to life and teaching. Mohammad as presented by Birgivi could be construed as a 'pragmatic mystic' (my personal terminology placed here ;-)
Comments: Birgivi while being accepted as an 'orthodox' Islamic scholar, his writing shows a comfortable blend of his Sufi esoteric feeling with pragmatic attention to problems on the ground. He shows that Islamic theology is capable of flexibility and can be interpreted with relevance to the present times. In fact, without interpretation, taken literally, the Qur'an becomes no less, no more than when other theologies do the same with their own primary source texts.
This book by Loori is really a very complete and comprehensive exposition on Buddhist practice, the structure, and meaning of its belief system. Loori's work is very good at explaining the importance of the individual's need for not only practice, but the depth of their practice. Depth meaning just how much of one's actions and choices are being made from a spiritualized conceptualization of the Buddha's teachings, rather than simply acting by rote adherence to the precepts in a cognitive manner.
In Zen Buddhism there are the 'Three Pure Precepts', which are: Not creating evil, Practicing good, and Actualizing good for others. Loori explains these, and the related follow-on precepts that encompass the Zen tradition. The two additional sections of the book look at the study of Koans their relevance to issues and morality, and a selection questions and answers from an actual Monasterial program where numerous general life topics/dilemmas are discussed as to how Buddhism addresses or provides guidance to those who live in the temporal world.
Comments: Loori makes it very clear that Buddhism, and its theo-morality is based on an individual's adherence to the precepts and the spiritual depth to which the adherent has reached. The deeper an individual has reached in their spirituality, the more likely individual will simply do the 'right' thing, while being responsible for the Karma created.
In Keller's text, she essentially asks whether the actual naming of God (or attempts to quantify God's characteristics) is really just obfuscating the reality, if not potentially diminishing the truth of God. So this is quite in line with Augustine, in proposing that understanding God, any discussion of God by trying to leave an esoteric perspective, would be to fail from the outset.
Keller proposes that theology should be aimed at looking at the interrelationships and interactions between the divine and the temporal world. She asserts that language, or any type/form of language, is incapable of describing God, that God is only known to God. As a tenet of her process theology, Keller offers that God is love, and not simply that God loves. Thus God and love are one and the same, rather than God acts with love. This premise thus supports the concept that God exists in and within all relationships which is a facet of process theology.
Comments: Keller's presentation, her approach to God's being part of everything, in particular within, and between all relationships, and interactions between not only individuals (humans), but also between individuals and world around us that is non-human, is refreshing. And it gives a 'new' perspective on what it means to be with God in spirit.
Lindbeck's book, not only is suggested as his most well known work, it is probably his seminal piece of theological discussion. In it he offers that there are three types of theological doctrines: the first called Cognitive Propositional, the second Experiential Expressive, and thirdly Cultural Linguistic. His fundamental aim was to present a doctrine that could not only explain the different religions of the world but also to adequately prepare the theological structure for accepting the different religions as all having truth, while at the same time accounting for their differences. Lindbeck proposes that all religions and their differences can be analyzed and explained according to the cultural and linguistic features that were/are extant as the religion developed. It is clear that as he argues that religion and doctrine have developed as they have, due to the influence of the surrounding cultural and linguistic characteristics, that he is making for an debate that all religions have truth, and thus should be accorded respect and acceptance.
Comments: Lindbeck's effort is a strong advocate for an embracing of all religions, looking for the truths within each, allowing for a sincere and beneficent ecumenical dialogue.
This particular volume is a concise review of Kant's earlier written works in moral philosophy. Kant's writing follows a pattern, first he would write a very dense, lengthy, and often obscure treatise, which when not lauded in the philosophical community (and even less accepted in the educated public), some years later Kant would write a more succinct and far briefer critique of the earlier work.
Kant was part of the age of Enlightenment (albeit near the end), and certainly the most active and strident in the development of a moral system that depends on the individual to be his or her own philosopher. Interestingly, while Kant was all for the premise that the individual has complete freedom, and autonomy, he suggested that moral law (as he envisioned it) was absolute, and that there are no grey areas for interpretation. Basically, the individual has the choice to either follow the moral imperative strictly, or not, that this decision to be or act morally is an intrinsic choice based on the individual's own rational analysis.
Comments: It seems that philosophers who are opposed to the metaphysical, tend to write at length as if they are lawyers, with elaborate arguments, in order to achieve a 'scientific' proof of their theory. Unfortunately, this only serves to take most folks further from any theo-truth, by trying to argue all points metaphysical by using non-esoteric means (ie. the scientific method).
The intent of this book is solely focused on achieving two aims: one, to discredit the morality and ethics that have become the framework of modern society, the moral structures that have originated from the period of 'Enlightenment': and the second aim being to, assert that Aristotle's teleological approach to moral philosophy is the structural framework that is necessary to bring an ethical order to to the world's societies and cultures.
MacIntyre's main point about the moral structure that has developed since the 'Enlightenment', is that by placing morality into the hands of the individual (accepting that each individual has his or her own emotions, motivations, and the right to these), letting each individual set his own moral compass, has thus allowed the fabric of social morality that previously existed, to diminish and finally whither away.
On the other hand MacIntyre argues for Aristotle's fundamental assertion that morality and ethics are/should be, an integrated characteristic of society. That the motivation, for the moral choices to be made, is focused on what's good for the group, not the individual.
Comments: This book is sort of a missing link in reading MacIntyre, showing how his own philosophy shifted towards a deeply theocentric understanding from where he could debate morality in future writings, in particular in his later book on rival theories of morality.
Knitter's first model he calls The Replacement Model. This model would fit most groups or denominations of Christians that would be called 'fundamentalist'. This model postulates that no value exists in any other religion, only the Trinity of Christianity is the true path. His second model is called: The Fulfillment Model. In this model Knitter suggests that other religions do have valuable teachings and that Christianity calls for interfaith conversation. The third model called: The Mutuality Model, Knitter suggest that there are many religions that should be accepted as 'true', and that interfaith conversation is simply a natural expectation or outgrowth. The final model as Knitter called it, The Acceptance Model, is active in its desire to include other religions, that differences between the religions should precipitate open conversation, and that true understanding of one's personal beliefs is benefited by the comparisons to be made in learning about other belief systems.
Comments: Knitter it seems was/is ahead of his time. If anything in today's world we are seeing a retrenchment, and bunkering down, devolving backwards into fundamentalism. Knitter has spent virtually all of his theological career promoting a pluralistic view of religions, and interfaith tolerance. The most important value of this book is that some Christians might see in themselves, the rigidity of their beliefs, and recognize that maybe tolerance and acceptance is more surely the right Christian posture.
MacIntyre presents in this book a concise, but comprehensive explanation of three disparate methods for looking at and establishing moral/ethical systems (or philosophies). The first method, identified as Encyclopedia, is suggested to be a rigid, dogmatic system (a universal and rational standard) of rules that can and should be strictly applied to any and all cases of moral dilemma. The second method of moral philosophizing is called: Genealogy, which is the antithesis of Encyclopedia, in that it presumes there there is no universal standard. The third method which MacIntyre calls: Tradition, is based on the teachings of Thomas Aquinas and his use of Aristotle's type of analytical technique applied to ethics.
Comments: Not surprisingly, MacIntyre proposes that Tradition (with a Catholic foundation and robust style of argument/scientific method) is the most appropriate method of analysis to not only address inconsistencies and shortcomings of the the other two methods, (in establishing a moral code as it were) but really in its overarching ability to develop a moral code, or system, that takes into account not only society, and culture, but also the esoteric experience.
The key understanding of Lonergan's proposed methodology is that he has fashioned it to follow the scientific method as closely as possible. His levels and phases are designed in such a way that theological questions and discussions of God can be objectified as far as possible, leaving the proverbial 'leap of faith' until the last possible moment. The intent would appear to be that individuals who are in conversation, or contemplation over the inevitable points of debate and whether to believe or not to believe, will be so influenced by the development and overwhelming weight of the theological evidence, that through Lonergan's method have been objectively established, one could hardly then not accept the truth that is now only a small step of faith.
Comments: Lonergan was obviously influenced by the growth in importance of empirical science to the developing modern societies. This book was his presentation of a methodology that adapted the scientific method to become a theologian's tool, to effectively take someone, believer or non-believer, to the point of having no option but to accept the 'truth' of God. In essence attempting to remove as much esoteric consideration from the debate as possible.