title: Responsibility & reincarnation: A gaudiya vaishnava approach to compatibilism and sourcehood

authors: Fletcher, Kalindi

subjects: free will

abstract: This work explores the possible integration of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology to fortify the case of a compatibilist understanding of free will and determinism. As the debate surrounding moral responsibility persists, the compatibilist approach stands as a promising and popular position among philosophers, yet has not been able to successfully overcome its shortcomings concerning the ability to provide a satisfactory account of sourcehood that is required for the possession of moral responsibility for our actions. In response to the limitations of modern compatibilist theories, this work illuminates how adopting a few relevant Gaudiya Vaishnava metaphysical concepts – particularly, the beliefs of an eternal soul capable of reincarnation – enhances the compatibilist stance by offering a compelling account of sourcehood that preserves both our intuitions and rationality. Specifically, this work offers both a soft-line and hard-line reply to Derk Pereboom’s Four-Case Manipulation Argument, and a response to Galen Strawson’s Basic Argument. By tapping into the insights of Indian philosophy that is rooted in the Ancient Vedas, this study also demonstrates the significant value that non-Eurocentric philosophy can provide for our contemporary philosophical discourse.

text: Responsibility & reincarnation: A gaudiya vaishnava approach to compatibilism and sourcehood This work explores the possible integration of Gaudiya Vaishnava theology to fortify the case of a compatibilist understanding of free will and determinism. As the debate surrounding moral responsibility persists, the compatibilist approach stands as a promising and popular position among philosophers, yet has not been able to successfully overcome its shortcomings concerning the ability to provide a satisfactory account of sourcehood that is required for the possession of moral responsibility for our actions. In response to the limitations of modern compatibilist theories, this work illuminates how adopting a few relevant Gaudiya Vaishnava metaphysical concepts – particularly, the beliefs of an eternal soul capable of reincarnation – enhances the compatibilist stance by offering a compelling account of sourcehood that preserves both our intuitions and rationality. Specifically, this work offers both a soft-line and hard-line reply to Derk Pereboom’s Four-Case Manipulation Argument, and a response to Galen Strawson’s Basic Argument. By tapping into the insights of Indian philosophy that is rooted in the Ancient Vedas, this study also demonstrates the significant value that non-Eurocentric philosophy can provide for our contemporary philosophical discourse.

year: 2024

title: Watching for invasive species: public engagement

authors: Burton, Tracey

abstract: Invasive species continue to be one of the greatest threats to the Rotorua lakes and include not only water weeds and wallabies, but other organisms too. Invasive molluscs such as zebra and quagga mussels have the potential to cause wide spread devastation to our freshwater ecosystems and are just one example of other invasive aquatic species not yet found in our New Zealand lakes.
The management of invasive species is a shared problem that requires the cooperation and support of a diverse range of stakeholders, interest groups and members of the general public. The early detection of an invasive species is critical and may make the difference in being able to appropriately manage, control or eradiate a species before it has a chance to spread.
Anyone can help prevent the incursion and spread of invasive species into our lakes. In New Zealand, we can learn from the success of programmes in other countries where they are recruiting citizen scientists to look for anything new or unusual. Citizen science,
broadly defined as the involvement of volunteers in research, provides a means of combining research activities with environmental education and public engagement in science. Volunteers are able to increase their knowledge and understanding of the environment, learn more about local issues of importance, and contribute to science based recommendations. In addition, observations collected by citizen scientists can provide valuable records and knowledge that otherwise wouldn’t have been available.

text: Watching for invasive species: public engagement Invasive species continue to be one of the greatest threats to the Rotorua lakes and include not only water weeds and wallabies, but other organisms too. Invasive molluscs such as zebra and quagga mussels have the potential to cause wide spread devastation to our freshwater ecosystems and are just one example of other invasive aquatic species not yet found in our New Zealand lakes.
The management of invasive species is a shared problem that requires the cooperation and support of a diverse range of stakeholders, interest groups and members of the general public. The early detection of an invasive species is critical and may make the difference in being able to appropriately manage, control or eradiate a species before it has a chance to spread.
Anyone can help prevent the incursion and spread of invasive species into our lakes. In New Zealand, we can learn from the success of programmes in other countries where they are recruiting citizen scientists to look for anything new or unusual. Citizen science,
broadly defined as the involvement of volunteers in research, provides a means of combining research activities with environmental education and public engagement in science. Volunteers are able to increase their knowledge and understanding of the environment, learn more about local issues of importance, and contribute to science based recommendations. In addition, observations collected by citizen scientists can provide valuable records and knowledge that otherwise wouldn’t have been available.

year: 2015

title: Exploring the experiences of young Māori mothers

authors: Shepherd, Cindy-Joe Theresa Aroha

subjects: Young Māori mothers

abstract: This thesis explores the lived experiences of three young Māori mothers (aged 16 
years old) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focusing on their strengths, challenges, and resilience. 
By employing a Kaupapa Māori methodological framework, the research aims to reframe 
narratives about young Māori mothers towards a strengths-based perspective, advocating for 
protection and nurturing Māori whakapapa. Using qualitative methods, the study explores the 
pūrākau (stories) of three young Māori mothers attending a teen parent unit in Waikato. 
The study highlights how, by living within both individualistic and collective realms, 
these young mothers actively challenge stigma, assert their worth, and develop unique 
underlying strengths. The findings, structured around emergent themes from their collective 
experiences, reveal a dichotomy: these young mothers must navigate the individualistic 
pressures and high expectations of motherhood while also drawing strength from collective 
responsibilities upheld within their whānau and supportive community services. Despite 
facing significant societal stigma and systemic barriers, the mothers demonstrate immense 
strength. Their resilience is grounded in whānau connections, proactive self-care, and 
engagement with taiao, wairua, and tino rangatiratanga—processes that also support 
intergenerational healing. 
This research underscores the importance of culturally responsive support systems 
that honour Indigenous knowledge and collective well-being. It offers insights for reorienting 
policy and practice to empower young Māori mothers, recognising their tino rangatiratanga 
and transformative agency by embracing their multifaceted realities.

text: Exploring the experiences of young Māori mothers This thesis explores the lived experiences of three young Māori mothers (aged 16 
years old) in Aotearoa, New Zealand, focusing on their strengths, challenges, and resilience. 
By employing a Kaupapa Māori methodological framework, the research aims to reframe 
narratives about young Māori mothers towards a strengths-based perspective, advocating for 
protection and nurturing Māori whakapapa. Using qualitative methods, the study explores the 
pūrākau (stories) of three young Māori mothers attending a teen parent unit in Waikato. 
The study highlights how, by living within both individualistic and collective realms, 
these young mothers actively challenge stigma, assert their worth, and develop unique 
underlying strengths. The findings, structured around emergent themes from their collective 
experiences, reveal a dichotomy: these young mothers must navigate the individualistic 
pressures and high expectations of motherhood while also drawing strength from collective 
responsibilities upheld within their whānau and supportive community services. Despite 
facing significant societal stigma and systemic barriers, the mothers demonstrate immense 
strength. Their resilience is grounded in whānau connections, proactive self-care, and 
engagement with taiao, wairua, and tino rangatiratanga—processes that also support 
intergenerational healing. 
This research underscores the importance of culturally responsive support systems 
that honour Indigenous knowledge and collective well-being. It offers insights for reorienting 
policy and practice to empower young Māori mothers, recognising their tino rangatiratanga 
and transformative agency by embracing their multifaceted realities.

year: 2024-06-23