Monthly Archives: October 2023

AIs could soon run businesses – it’s an opportunity to ensure these ‘artificial persons’ follow the law

AIs could soon run businesses – it’s an opportunity to ensure these ‘artificial persons’ follow the law

Only “persons” can engage with the legal system – for example, by signing contracts or filing lawsuits. There are two main categories of persons: humans, termed “natural persons,” and creations of the law, termed “artificial persons.” These include corporations, nonprofit organizations and limited liability companies (LLCs). Up to now, artificial persons have served the purpose of helping humans […] … learn more→

Louisiana’s ‘In God We Trust’ law tests limits of religion in public schools

Louisiana’s ‘In God We Trust’ law tests limits of religion in public schools

When Louisiana passed a law in August 2023 requiring public schools to post “In God We Trust” in every classroom – from elementary school to college – the author of the bill claimed to be following a long-held tradition of displaying the national motto, most notably on U.S. currency. But even under recent Supreme Court precedents, the Louisiana […] … learn more→

They, them and them: why does inclusive language generate rejection?

They, them and them: why does inclusive language generate rejection?

Gender inclusive language, inclusive language, non-binary forms, gender inclusive… Surely you have heard of this at some point. The truth is that it can be called many things in different linguistic communities, but it always produces some controversy. What really is “inclusive language”? And why does it generate rejection ? It is advisable to start by remembering how gender morphology […] … learn more→

Global university rankings now include social impact: African universities are off to a strong start

Global university rankings now include social impact: African universities are off to a strong start

World university rankings are released towards the end of each year. Institutions globally scramble to see how they have fared. Have they risen or fallen? If so, by how much and in which rankings? Have they maintained their position in an increasingly competitive global higher education landscape? There have been some improvements in African universities’ performances. But […] … learn more→

To better understand addiction, students in this course take a close look at liquor in literature

To better understand addiction, students in this course take a close look at liquor in literature

Title of course: Alcohol in American Literature What prompted the idea for the course? I got the idea for the course when I was writing a chapter on the temperance movement in American literature for my doctoral dissertation. I ended up reading a lot of fiction and poetry about alcohol and the anti-alcohol movement. I […] … learn more→

The 'pandemic generation' starts school: what we should be aware of

The ‘pandemic generation’ starts school: what we should be aware of

The return to school in September 2020, and the 2020–2021 academic year, were marked by thermometers, masks, bubble groups, strict measures for entrances and exits, marked routes within educational centers, absence of exits and excursions, and safety distances in everything and for everything. A situation that, although the 2021–2022 academic year was somewhat calmer, required a […] … learn more→

Debate: Can pedagogy overturn sociology?

Debate: Can pedagogy overturn sociology?

The terrorist acts hitting teachers lead us to confront, among other things, the question of the functions and powers of the school. Against barbaric fanaticism, what can pedagogy really do? Teachers are expected to be a bulwark against obscurantism. But is this realistic, when schools seem incapable of fulfilling their primary mission of transmitting knowledge and ensuring the […] … learn more→

At school, learn to evaluate information in a digital world

At school, learn to evaluate information in a digital world

A relatively marginal subject around twenty years ago, the evaluation of information on the Internet is today a major issue for our society. The very large number of fraudulent, dubious or biased messages published every day on social networks and on the web in general makes everyone vulnerable to disinformation. We saw this with current topics such as vaccination […] … learn more→

This is how future architects use artificial intelligence

This is how future architects use artificial intelligence

In recent decades, architects have seen how CAD (computer-aided design software) tools have complemented and even replaced freehand drawing. Technology to create 2D plans, 3D modeling, render projects and edit images has become essential for architectural professionals, facilitating communication with colleagues and clients. Today, artificial intelligence in this field goes beyond aesthetics. Experts point out that AI will not […] … learn more→

Teens and screens: 7 ways tried-and-true parenting approaches can help navigate family conflict

Teens and screens: 7 ways tried-and-true parenting approaches can help navigate family conflict

Conflict is a normal and functional part of the parent-adolescent relationship, contributing to the development of social, emotional and problem-solving skills. However, when conflicts become stuck, rigid and persistent, they can hinder healthy emotional experiences. In today’s digital age, where screens and digital devices have become an integral part of daily life, parent-adolescent conflicts surrounding digital […] … learn more→