PhD Student in Sociology & Teaching Assistant, Department of Sociology, Social Work and Human Resources, Faculty of Philosophy and Social-Political Sciences @ UAIC Iași, România
Analele Universității din Craiova, Seria Filosofie, Dec 2023
The interpretation of written texts demands from the reader a certain hermeneutic methodology of ... more The interpretation of written texts demands from the reader a certain hermeneutic methodology of reading. In this paper we aim to propose the logic of question and answer constructed by the British philosopher Robin George Collingwood as such an instrument. We seek to demonstrate his thesis through the four objectives we set out in this paper, namely (1) to clarify the context in which the idea of such a logic arises; (2) to what extent it differs from ordinary logic as a discipline; (3) to examine whether Collingwood is a revolutionary in this field; and finally (4) to discuss the principles according to which this logic of question and answer operates. The manner in which we approach these issues is intended to make this paper an illustration for the discussion at hand. The consequences of such an approach are welcome as they are hermeneutical in nature, not only facilitating the interpretation of textual materials, but above all helping the reader in understanding them. Thus, the present study can be of value and is helpful to the reader interested in dealing with a wide range of texts, especially those in the [human] spiritual and social sciences.
Journal for the Study of Religion and Ideologies, 2023
In the present paper we propose a preliminary discussion on the narrative identity underlying the... more In the present paper we propose a preliminary discussion on the narrative identity underlying the constitution of the self in the thought of the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur by relating his hermeneutics of the self to philosophical counseling, which implies the need to discuss the respondent self in the face of sacred texts. The goal of selfunderstanding and thereby of (self-)counselling is the pursuit of a fulfilled life. Therefore, we provide an outline of how the IPAA method of philosophical counselling can be implemented in relation to religion's contribution to everyday life. In the light of these objectives, we substantiate the thesis that self-interpretation is in fact self-understanding, and this self-understanding is enhanced by 'putting' the self face to face with sacred texts. The main purpose of the present study is to illustrate how the IPAA method can be applied to existential problems, and thus to highlight the following practical implications: (1) a description of the existential or intellectual contribution that sacred texts bring to selfinterpretation, and ultimately to self-understanding; (2) an outline of how the IPAA method of philosophical counselling can be practically applied, and this we have done by observing that the role of the philosophical counsellor, when it comes to religious problems, can be readily assumed by a priest, a pastor, and so on, and hence its importance in counselling environments.
Journal of Intercultural Management and Ethics, 2023
This study explores the application of ethics in preventing and combating fake news by proposing ... more This study explores the application of ethics in preventing and combating fake news by proposing a so-called ethical way, which can be understood as a set of standards and principles by which different agents act and make decisions so that they are morally right and just. Thus, starting from a distinction structured on several levels (individual, societal, organisational, technological and normative), we have exposed the situations in which the ethical way could combat the fake news phenomenon. By promoting a set of ethical solutions, we can also discuss the implications of the present study, which can be foreseen among the actions that can contribute to the prevention of the fake news phenomenon and to the creation of a cultural and public climate that encourages truth and accuracy, at any of the levels discussed.
Starting from the four principles of Pólya's problem-solving method, by analogy, in this paper we... more Starting from the four principles of Pólya's problem-solving method, by analogy, in this paper we propose a new method of philosophical counseling. Thus, the objectives of this study are as follows: the review of several methods of philosophical counseling; justifying the need for a new method, which we called the IPAA method; developing the four principles – the principle of identification (I), the principle of planification (P), the principle of application (A) and the principle of assumption (A). In order to achieve these, we took into account the fact that the nature of the philosophical problems faced by the clients of the philosophical counselors, whether they are existential, moral or metaphysical, can be solved on their own. Therefore, we argued that if in the first instance, clients really need the input of the philosophical counselors, as long as the latter uses the IPAA method – a problem-solving method – they can offer clients the opportunity to selfcounsel. The novelty of the IPAA method consists in the fact that it offers the client, assisted and guided at the beginning by the counselor, the possibility to carry out the act of counseling outside the office, being empowered to apply the four methodical principles mentioned above. The present study is relevant in that the new IPAA method, a method focused on solving everyday problems, is a useful method for both philosophical counselors, as its application in the office helps them to train the clients in researching, understanding and assuming their own lives, as well as for the clients, because if they are assisted in the first instance by the counselor's expertise, they can independently clarify and solve their daily difficulties.
The aim of our study is to provide an overview of the concept of metaphysics as conceived by the ... more The aim of our study is to provide an overview of the concept of metaphysics as conceived by the British philosopher Robin George Collingwood and argue that his method still holds practical implications for contemporary philosophers. According to Collingwood, metaphysics is the science - that is, the knowledge - of the absolute presuppositions of an historical period. In other words, for him metaphysics is a historical science, albeit one which is not confounded with history. Thus, following the discussion concerning the constitution of Collingwood's metaphysics, and a brief framing of his thought within the history of metaphysics, we will make the case in favor of the thesis that understanding or knowing the absolute presuppositions or principles of a historical period provides the individual with a vision of that period. As such, we will also advocate that the duty of those philosophers who wish to explain our contemporary world is to identify these principles. In order to achieve the objectives outlined in our study, we have employed both the hermeneutic analysis and the phenomenological description as our methods of choice. The results of our investigation serve a practical purpose in contemporary philosophy, as the individual who succeeds in shaping the metaphysics of our current time period is in fact shaping his own vision - Weltanschauung - of the contemporary world, his own ideas, principles or beliefs. Therefore, our study can be of great benefit to the reader who is interested in the metaphysics of the present, and the social changes it entails, precisely because it provides the necessary tools for this particular process of knowledge.
Hermeneia: Journal of Hermeneutics, Art Theory and Criticism, Nov 2022
In this paper, we aim to demonstrate that Robin George Collingwood"s thesis on understanding the ... more In this paper, we aim to demonstrate that Robin George Collingwood"s thesis on understanding the past through rethinking has hermeneutical consequences that can be instrumental in approaching and understanding philosophical texts. We are concerned not only with understanding the historical past, but also with understanding the wider context in which certain philosophical writings were thought and penned. Therefore, the hermeneutic dimension of Collingwood"s thought leads to some methodological principles, which are contrary to constructivist or deconstructivist assumptions of approaching written texts. Consequently, proceeding from the assumption that for Collingwood history itself is hermeneutic, we try to fulfill our intended objectives by supplementing the phenomenological method with hermeneutic analysis. The findings of the following study are hermeneutically relevant in that the past is incapsulated within the present and this implies the cancellation of the past-present divide and at the same time the actuality of (past) philosophical texts. We therefore propose the ruling principle that we rather understand the past from the perspective of the present than the present from the perspective of the past.
Agathos: An International Review of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2022
Fake news concern has caught the attention of the researchers by the necessity to identify soluti... more Fake news concern has caught the attention of the researchers by the necessity to identify solutions in order to combat this phenomenon. Thus, intervention in the field of ethics could be a possible solution. Therefore, we propose to update, rethink and reformulate the imperative of responsibility of Hans Jonas in the era of fake news. In order to do this, we will start with some clarifications on fake news, arguing that the appeal to the responsibility of the actors involved in creating and spreading the phenomenon has a threefold responsibility: towards us, towards others and towards those from the future. This could lead to a better life; therefore, using the phenomenological method, we briefly describe the fake news phenomenon; and completing this method with the hermeneutic analysis, we propose a new imperative of responsibility that would respond to the actions and behaviour of people in the fake news era. The purpose of the present study is to suggest a new imperative of responsibility, which brings together critical reflection and commitment to self and otherness. Starting from this, a digital ethics can be developed based on the concept of responsibility.
Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 2022
This paper explores the books, articles and developments of philosophical counseling in the Roman... more This paper explores the books, articles and developments of philosophical counseling in the Romanian cultural space. To accomplish this, we first discussed some of the highlights of philosophical counseling and noted that it differs from other types of counseling. We also identified the main Romanian translations in this field in order to see how philosophical counseling was received in Romania. Next, we analyzed the contributions of Romanian authors to provide an overview, differentiating between books and articles, and we identified several topics of interest to them (fundamental philosophical counseling, ethical counseling, philosophical organizational and business counseling, etc.). In the last section of this paper we discussed the steps taken to institutionalize the profession of philosophical counselor in Romania. This paper is valuable because it describes the current state of knowledge in this field of philosophy in the Romanian cultural space. This overview leads to the facilitation of further developments, both in theoretical research in this field and in practice in the office of the philosophical counselor.
In this paper, we made a distinction between the concept of fake news and the phenomenon of fake ... more In this paper, we made a distinction between the concept of fake news and the phenomenon of fake news. Since there are several definitions of fake news, we noticed that the concept is often confused with the phenomenon. Using the philosophical method proposed by R.G. Collingwood, we proved that fake news can be approached as a philosophical concept. At the same time, we also analysed the fake news phenomenon, through which we highlighted its effects on daily life. In a first stage, we reviewed several definitions and theoretical aspects related to fake news, then we argued that this distinction leads to a second one: between combating and prevention. If in the case of the phenomenon we refer to a post-factum combat, then in the case of the concept, we can prevent the phenomenon following a good theoretical knowledge of it. The interdisciplinary approach we proposed in this paper with a focus on studying fake news has the advantage of opening the field of analysis, and the clarification we made can be a starting point in differentiating between theory and practice when the issue of fake news is studied.
Analele Universitatii din Craiova, Seria Filosofie, 2021
In this article, we proposed an ethical analysis of the actors involved in digital communication,... more In this article, we proposed an ethical analysis of the actors involved in digital communication, starting from the communication model developed by David Berlo. Thus, we identified the sources of transmission of a message, the characteristics of the message, the channels through which it is transmitted and which are the possible recipients, asking ourselves, through an exercise of applied ethics, what the responsibility of each one is. We argued that there are several ethical issues for each component of Berlo's model which can influence digital communication. Considering that 'digital ethics' is still a fairly narrow field, the transdisciplinary approach we proposed in this article has the advantage of opening up the area of applicability of ethics in the field of digital communication.
Scientific Annals of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iaşi. New Series SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK Section, 2021
Although the existence of fake news can be found in the last decade, this subject succeeded to im... more Although the existence of fake news can be found in the last decade, this subject succeeded to impose and gain coverage among the current research topics, becoming important through the harmful effects it can produce, but also through its continuous dynamics and evolution. Through this paper we aim to present some theoretical perspectives on the phenomenon of fake news, then we will aim to make the connection between fake news and trust in the media (in any of its type, mass-media or new media). Through the theoretical analysis we aim to develop some hypotheses and subjects which could lead to future research. Therefore, by the present analysis-which has as scope the exploration of the possible relations between the population's trust in the media and fake news-we focus on developing a theoretical framework, so that possible results could enhance a better knowledge and combatting the negative effects of this phenomenon.
Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov, 2020
This paper presents a new situation in terms of human relations. Nowadays, the new technology cha... more This paper presents a new situation in terms of human relations. Nowadays, the new technology changes our way of communicating and relating. UAICCrush is a Facebook page which exemplifies this kind of situation. Our research analysed the exchange of messages through this page. As a result, we developed a typology of the Internet users who send messages in order to be published on the page (the dreamer, the undecided, the sarcastic, the charming, the detached and the pragmatic). Also, we established a quantitative description of the page activity during the analysed period. This (micro)research opens future directions for scientists interested in the effects of virtual interactions between people.
Scientific Annals of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iaşi. New Series SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK Section, 2017
The personal development represents more than a simple literature genre, the implications of this... more The personal development represents more than a simple literature genre, the implications of this in diverse plans must be analysed. Starting from this assumption, through this research we have proposed an analysis of self development of the Romanian online space, using content analysis (quantitative and qualitative). So, through this approach, we identified a set of common characteristics, patterns, of the writings from this field of the Romanian online space: the using of lists, questions-answers rhetoric, the "what?", "why?", "how?" approach, the use of examples, the urge to experience and experientiality, the use of quotes and examples (both personal and from celebrities lives), also common subjects regarding success and failure, education, couple and interpersonal relationships, formal and informal education, career and work relationships. This paper could be in the area of interest of specialists from other fields for research the self development from other perspective.
Analele Universității din Craiova, Seria Filosofie, Dec 2023
The interpretation of written texts demands from the reader a certain hermeneutic methodology of ... more The interpretation of written texts demands from the reader a certain hermeneutic methodology of reading. In this paper we aim to propose the logic of question and answer constructed by the British philosopher Robin George Collingwood as such an instrument. We seek to demonstrate his thesis through the four objectives we set out in this paper, namely (1) to clarify the context in which the idea of such a logic arises; (2) to what extent it differs from ordinary logic as a discipline; (3) to examine whether Collingwood is a revolutionary in this field; and finally (4) to discuss the principles according to which this logic of question and answer operates. The manner in which we approach these issues is intended to make this paper an illustration for the discussion at hand. The consequences of such an approach are welcome as they are hermeneutical in nature, not only facilitating the interpretation of textual materials, but above all helping the reader in understanding them. Thus, the present study can be of value and is helpful to the reader interested in dealing with a wide range of texts, especially those in the [human] spiritual and social sciences.
Journal for the Study of Religion and Ideologies, 2023
In the present paper we propose a preliminary discussion on the narrative identity underlying the... more In the present paper we propose a preliminary discussion on the narrative identity underlying the constitution of the self in the thought of the French philosopher Paul Ricoeur by relating his hermeneutics of the self to philosophical counseling, which implies the need to discuss the respondent self in the face of sacred texts. The goal of selfunderstanding and thereby of (self-)counselling is the pursuit of a fulfilled life. Therefore, we provide an outline of how the IPAA method of philosophical counselling can be implemented in relation to religion's contribution to everyday life. In the light of these objectives, we substantiate the thesis that self-interpretation is in fact self-understanding, and this self-understanding is enhanced by 'putting' the self face to face with sacred texts. The main purpose of the present study is to illustrate how the IPAA method can be applied to existential problems, and thus to highlight the following practical implications: (1) a description of the existential or intellectual contribution that sacred texts bring to selfinterpretation, and ultimately to self-understanding; (2) an outline of how the IPAA method of philosophical counselling can be practically applied, and this we have done by observing that the role of the philosophical counsellor, when it comes to religious problems, can be readily assumed by a priest, a pastor, and so on, and hence its importance in counselling environments.
Journal of Intercultural Management and Ethics, 2023
This study explores the application of ethics in preventing and combating fake news by proposing ... more This study explores the application of ethics in preventing and combating fake news by proposing a so-called ethical way, which can be understood as a set of standards and principles by which different agents act and make decisions so that they are morally right and just. Thus, starting from a distinction structured on several levels (individual, societal, organisational, technological and normative), we have exposed the situations in which the ethical way could combat the fake news phenomenon. By promoting a set of ethical solutions, we can also discuss the implications of the present study, which can be foreseen among the actions that can contribute to the prevention of the fake news phenomenon and to the creation of a cultural and public climate that encourages truth and accuracy, at any of the levels discussed.
Starting from the four principles of Pólya's problem-solving method, by analogy, in this paper we... more Starting from the four principles of Pólya's problem-solving method, by analogy, in this paper we propose a new method of philosophical counseling. Thus, the objectives of this study are as follows: the review of several methods of philosophical counseling; justifying the need for a new method, which we called the IPAA method; developing the four principles – the principle of identification (I), the principle of planification (P), the principle of application (A) and the principle of assumption (A). In order to achieve these, we took into account the fact that the nature of the philosophical problems faced by the clients of the philosophical counselors, whether they are existential, moral or metaphysical, can be solved on their own. Therefore, we argued that if in the first instance, clients really need the input of the philosophical counselors, as long as the latter uses the IPAA method – a problem-solving method – they can offer clients the opportunity to selfcounsel. The novelty of the IPAA method consists in the fact that it offers the client, assisted and guided at the beginning by the counselor, the possibility to carry out the act of counseling outside the office, being empowered to apply the four methodical principles mentioned above. The present study is relevant in that the new IPAA method, a method focused on solving everyday problems, is a useful method for both philosophical counselors, as its application in the office helps them to train the clients in researching, understanding and assuming their own lives, as well as for the clients, because if they are assisted in the first instance by the counselor's expertise, they can independently clarify and solve their daily difficulties.
The aim of our study is to provide an overview of the concept of metaphysics as conceived by the ... more The aim of our study is to provide an overview of the concept of metaphysics as conceived by the British philosopher Robin George Collingwood and argue that his method still holds practical implications for contemporary philosophers. According to Collingwood, metaphysics is the science - that is, the knowledge - of the absolute presuppositions of an historical period. In other words, for him metaphysics is a historical science, albeit one which is not confounded with history. Thus, following the discussion concerning the constitution of Collingwood's metaphysics, and a brief framing of his thought within the history of metaphysics, we will make the case in favor of the thesis that understanding or knowing the absolute presuppositions or principles of a historical period provides the individual with a vision of that period. As such, we will also advocate that the duty of those philosophers who wish to explain our contemporary world is to identify these principles. In order to achieve the objectives outlined in our study, we have employed both the hermeneutic analysis and the phenomenological description as our methods of choice. The results of our investigation serve a practical purpose in contemporary philosophy, as the individual who succeeds in shaping the metaphysics of our current time period is in fact shaping his own vision - Weltanschauung - of the contemporary world, his own ideas, principles or beliefs. Therefore, our study can be of great benefit to the reader who is interested in the metaphysics of the present, and the social changes it entails, precisely because it provides the necessary tools for this particular process of knowledge.
Hermeneia: Journal of Hermeneutics, Art Theory and Criticism, Nov 2022
In this paper, we aim to demonstrate that Robin George Collingwood"s thesis on understanding the ... more In this paper, we aim to demonstrate that Robin George Collingwood"s thesis on understanding the past through rethinking has hermeneutical consequences that can be instrumental in approaching and understanding philosophical texts. We are concerned not only with understanding the historical past, but also with understanding the wider context in which certain philosophical writings were thought and penned. Therefore, the hermeneutic dimension of Collingwood"s thought leads to some methodological principles, which are contrary to constructivist or deconstructivist assumptions of approaching written texts. Consequently, proceeding from the assumption that for Collingwood history itself is hermeneutic, we try to fulfill our intended objectives by supplementing the phenomenological method with hermeneutic analysis. The findings of the following study are hermeneutically relevant in that the past is incapsulated within the present and this implies the cancellation of the past-present divide and at the same time the actuality of (past) philosophical texts. We therefore propose the ruling principle that we rather understand the past from the perspective of the present than the present from the perspective of the past.
Agathos: An International Review of the Humanities and Social Sciences, 2022
Fake news concern has caught the attention of the researchers by the necessity to identify soluti... more Fake news concern has caught the attention of the researchers by the necessity to identify solutions in order to combat this phenomenon. Thus, intervention in the field of ethics could be a possible solution. Therefore, we propose to update, rethink and reformulate the imperative of responsibility of Hans Jonas in the era of fake news. In order to do this, we will start with some clarifications on fake news, arguing that the appeal to the responsibility of the actors involved in creating and spreading the phenomenon has a threefold responsibility: towards us, towards others and towards those from the future. This could lead to a better life; therefore, using the phenomenological method, we briefly describe the fake news phenomenon; and completing this method with the hermeneutic analysis, we propose a new imperative of responsibility that would respond to the actions and behaviour of people in the fake news era. The purpose of the present study is to suggest a new imperative of responsibility, which brings together critical reflection and commitment to self and otherness. Starting from this, a digital ethics can be developed based on the concept of responsibility.
Journal for the Study of Religions and Ideologies, 2022
This paper explores the books, articles and developments of philosophical counseling in the Roman... more This paper explores the books, articles and developments of philosophical counseling in the Romanian cultural space. To accomplish this, we first discussed some of the highlights of philosophical counseling and noted that it differs from other types of counseling. We also identified the main Romanian translations in this field in order to see how philosophical counseling was received in Romania. Next, we analyzed the contributions of Romanian authors to provide an overview, differentiating between books and articles, and we identified several topics of interest to them (fundamental philosophical counseling, ethical counseling, philosophical organizational and business counseling, etc.). In the last section of this paper we discussed the steps taken to institutionalize the profession of philosophical counselor in Romania. This paper is valuable because it describes the current state of knowledge in this field of philosophy in the Romanian cultural space. This overview leads to the facilitation of further developments, both in theoretical research in this field and in practice in the office of the philosophical counselor.
In this paper, we made a distinction between the concept of fake news and the phenomenon of fake ... more In this paper, we made a distinction between the concept of fake news and the phenomenon of fake news. Since there are several definitions of fake news, we noticed that the concept is often confused with the phenomenon. Using the philosophical method proposed by R.G. Collingwood, we proved that fake news can be approached as a philosophical concept. At the same time, we also analysed the fake news phenomenon, through which we highlighted its effects on daily life. In a first stage, we reviewed several definitions and theoretical aspects related to fake news, then we argued that this distinction leads to a second one: between combating and prevention. If in the case of the phenomenon we refer to a post-factum combat, then in the case of the concept, we can prevent the phenomenon following a good theoretical knowledge of it. The interdisciplinary approach we proposed in this paper with a focus on studying fake news has the advantage of opening the field of analysis, and the clarification we made can be a starting point in differentiating between theory and practice when the issue of fake news is studied.
Analele Universitatii din Craiova, Seria Filosofie, 2021
In this article, we proposed an ethical analysis of the actors involved in digital communication,... more In this article, we proposed an ethical analysis of the actors involved in digital communication, starting from the communication model developed by David Berlo. Thus, we identified the sources of transmission of a message, the characteristics of the message, the channels through which it is transmitted and which are the possible recipients, asking ourselves, through an exercise of applied ethics, what the responsibility of each one is. We argued that there are several ethical issues for each component of Berlo's model which can influence digital communication. Considering that 'digital ethics' is still a fairly narrow field, the transdisciplinary approach we proposed in this article has the advantage of opening up the area of applicability of ethics in the field of digital communication.
Scientific Annals of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iaşi. New Series SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK Section, 2021
Although the existence of fake news can be found in the last decade, this subject succeeded to im... more Although the existence of fake news can be found in the last decade, this subject succeeded to impose and gain coverage among the current research topics, becoming important through the harmful effects it can produce, but also through its continuous dynamics and evolution. Through this paper we aim to present some theoretical perspectives on the phenomenon of fake news, then we will aim to make the connection between fake news and trust in the media (in any of its type, mass-media or new media). Through the theoretical analysis we aim to develop some hypotheses and subjects which could lead to future research. Therefore, by the present analysis-which has as scope the exploration of the possible relations between the population's trust in the media and fake news-we focus on developing a theoretical framework, so that possible results could enhance a better knowledge and combatting the negative effects of this phenomenon.
Bulletin of the Transilvania University of Braşov, 2020
This paper presents a new situation in terms of human relations. Nowadays, the new technology cha... more This paper presents a new situation in terms of human relations. Nowadays, the new technology changes our way of communicating and relating. UAICCrush is a Facebook page which exemplifies this kind of situation. Our research analysed the exchange of messages through this page. As a result, we developed a typology of the Internet users who send messages in order to be published on the page (the dreamer, the undecided, the sarcastic, the charming, the detached and the pragmatic). Also, we established a quantitative description of the page activity during the analysed period. This (micro)research opens future directions for scientists interested in the effects of virtual interactions between people.
Scientific Annals of the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University, Iaşi. New Series SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL WORK Section, 2017
The personal development represents more than a simple literature genre, the implications of this... more The personal development represents more than a simple literature genre, the implications of this in diverse plans must be analysed. Starting from this assumption, through this research we have proposed an analysis of self development of the Romanian online space, using content analysis (quantitative and qualitative). So, through this approach, we identified a set of common characteristics, patterns, of the writings from this field of the Romanian online space: the using of lists, questions-answers rhetoric, the "what?", "why?", "how?" approach, the use of examples, the urge to experience and experientiality, the use of quotes and examples (both personal and from celebrities lives), also common subjects regarding success and failure, education, couple and interpersonal relationships, formal and informal education, career and work relationships. This paper could be in the area of interest of specialists from other fields for research the self development from other perspective.
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