The purpose of the article is to propose an outline of a new methodological theory for psychological explanations. Since (a) there is still no theory that explains how consciousness is produced from neurophysiological processes in the brain, and (b) a large part of behavior is endowed with consciousness, the following demand arises. One has to explain behavior with the aid of two types of explanations: mentalistic (based on conscious states and processes) and mechanistic (based on concepts used in the sciences). To realize this methodological requirement, the article develops a theoretical approach based on: (1) a mentalistic model of explanation, the {motivation, belief}; (2) a method that suggests which explanatory model to use: mentalistic or mechanistic, given a particular behavior; and (3) a theory that explains how a non-conscious state changes into a conscious one and vice versa. This theory is required to explain how concepts such as will/belief used by the mentalistic model of explanation are endowed with consciousness.

This article considers architect Christopher Alexander’s work in relation to a broader body of research and design focusing on phenomenologies of place and placemaking. The article begins by describing two contrasting ways of understanding wholeness—what are called analytic relationality and synergistic relationality. In analytic relationality, wholes are pictured as sets of arbitrary parts external to each other and among which are located linkages involving stronger and weaker connections and relationships. In contrast, synergistic relationality interprets wholes as dynamic, generative fields that sustain and are sustained by intensive parts that integrally belong to and support the whole. The argument is made that, in terms of synergistic relationality, places can be envisioned as interconnected fields of intertwined relationships gathering and gathered by a lived intimacy between people and world. The article illustrates how Alexander’s approach to wholeness assumes a synergistic relationality and contributes to understanding, envisioning, and making places that are whole, robust, and life-enhancing.

Africa is the most rapidly growing continent, and its growth (demographic, economic, cultural etc.) will inevitably influence the World System (and the further, the stronger). The growth of African societies will bring at the same time both challenges and opportunities. The authors discuss both of them in detail. They consider Africa as the main intrigue of demographic transformations in the twenty-first century. But they also think that this continent can constitute a very important intrigue in other respects (economic, political, ethnical etc.). No doubt, in the future, African countries will produce many surprises both positive and negative.

The greatest philosophical issue facing all sentient beings is one that seeks an answer to the eternal question “What happens to human consciousness at the point of death?” There is considerable anecdotal evidence and numerous conflicting theological and philosophical proposals, but none propose a model based on both known and theoretical science that reflects the anecdotal evidence. The model known as “Cheating the Ferryman” (CTF) attempts to present such a model. This paper gives a detailed analysis of the CTF model with a request for objective peer-analysis of the arguments presented.

In recent decades, improvements in cognitive studies have given rise to opportunities for technology to become involved in decision-making processes. Autonomous machines are mainly performing support actions that avoid distracting people from their primary tasks in the workplace. Nevertheless, there are already examples of machines that make decisions of greater responsibility. The text’s thesis is that technology has been empowered in organizations as a result of developments in artificial intelligence. This paper shows that both humans and technology can have autonomy in decision-making, defines techno-empowerment, and presents various examples of autonomous machines that are currently used in organizations.

The artisanal and small-scale gold mining site (ASGM) located in the forest of Suwawa Timur District, Bone Bolango Regency, was found to be host to a number of unique problems. To solve those problems, we, the researchers, seek to endorse the implementation of transdisciplinary communities of practice (TDCOP). Through dialogue and discussion amongst stakeholders, the concept of “The Health Resilience Village” was derived. Furthermore, in order to solve the problems, our project is leading to ongoing discussions in villages near mines, the development of methods to reduce mercury emissions, and the creation of livelihoods, through TDCOP.

The paper is a discussion of the original concept of Holism by Jan Christiaan Smuts. Summarizing the precepts of Holism is followed by critiques of various natural science writers. A holistic “thought experiment” offers an answer to the question: Can you remove anything from the universe, the whole? Conversely, social science writers are suggested to be unscientific and colloquial at best to their understanding of Holism, with a few exceptions. Discussion continues with new information of how Holism is a force of change. Examples are provided to include three applications. Conclusion suggests the utility of Holism for scientific inquiry.

Creativity is a central feature of educational processes that aim for an artistic communication of sustainability challenges in the city. The study reported in this article empirically explores the deployment of social creativity in cultural initiatives struggling with issues of (un)sustainable urban development in their city (Hanover, Germany). On the one hand, individual characteristics of creativity are explored. On the other hand, forms of collective creativity are of interest, as well as the synthesis of individual and collective creativity under the concept of social creativity.

The eco-city is seenas a major force in the overall transition toward a more sustainable urban development paradigm, acting as a set of exemplary techno-environmental solutions for social transformation. However, the scale and rate of urbanization fundamentally disrupt the challenges that eco-cities must contend with. This is coupled with the increased need to understand, plan, and manage eco-cities in new and innovative ways. On this account, transformative processes and practices within eco-cities are being highly responsive to a form of data-driven urbanism as a more effective way to address and overcome the kinds of challenges that eco-cities are designed to solve. That is, eco-cities are increasingly embracing and leveraging what smart cities have to offer in terms of data-driven technologies and applied solutions in an effort to monitor, evaluate, and improve their performance with respect to sustainability—under what has been termed “data-driven smart eco-cities.” The aim of this paper is to develop an integrated model for strategic sustainable urban development based on empirical research in the form of case studies. This model combines and integrates the leading global paradigms of urbanism—namely eco-cities, data–driven smart cities, and environmentally data-driven smart sustainable cities—in terms of their strategies and solutions. The main contribution of this study lies in providing an innovative way of building future models for sustainable urban development, as well as practical insights into developing strategic planning processes of transformative change toward sustainability based on integrated approaches. The proposed model serves to facilitate progress toward achieving the long-term goals of sustainability for those cities that are badging or regenerating themselves as eco-cities, or manifestly planning to be or become smart eco-cities in the era of big data.

It emerges from this article that the concept of worldviews has the potency of different applications for environmental law scholars. Firstly, it can serve as an excellent theoretical framework for environmental law research. Secondly, environmental law can be further improved. Thirdly, the concept draws attention to the importance of inner/subjective factors of environmental policy and legislation. Fourthly, the concept supports the importance of an authentic deep transformation in our societies, and the promotion of an integrative worldview in order to help this transformational process. Finally, while an integrative worldview is strengthened, basic human rights shall be respected.