title: Human-AI friendship: Rejecting the appropriate sentimentality criterion

authors: Weijers, Dan M.

subjects: AI

abstract: Most traditional philosophical views of friendship deny the possibility of human-AI friendship because they consider feeling love or something similar towards the other to be a requirement for genuine friendship. We call this the appropriate sentimentality criterion for friendship. Coupled with the claim that AI cannot and will not ever be able to feel what a friend should feel, the appropriate sentimentality criterion is the key to an argument that genuine human-AI friendship will never be possible. We argue against the requirement of appropriate sentimentality for friendship, suggesting that the feelings commonly associated with friendship are only a proxy for what really matters. We go on to present an inclusive account of friendship that requires only mutual positive intentions and a preponderance of rewarding interactions. We conclude that the appropriate sentimentality criterion for friendship should be rejected and that real human-AI friendships are currently possible.

text: Human-AI friendship: Rejecting the appropriate sentimentality criterion Most traditional philosophical views of friendship deny the possibility of human-AI friendship because they consider feeling love or something similar towards the other to be a requirement for genuine friendship. We call this the appropriate sentimentality criterion for friendship. Coupled with the claim that AI cannot and will not ever be able to feel what a friend should feel, the appropriate sentimentality criterion is the key to an argument that genuine human-AI friendship will never be possible. We argue against the requirement of appropriate sentimentality for friendship, suggesting that the feelings commonly associated with friendship are only a proxy for what really matters. We go on to present an inclusive account of friendship that requires only mutual positive intentions and a preponderance of rewarding interactions. We conclude that the appropriate sentimentality criterion for friendship should be rejected and that real human-AI friendships are currently possible.

year: 2022

title: Coaching, talent identification and talent development in Para sport: Developing the field

authors: Townsend, Robert C.

abstract: This chapter provides an overview of the role of the coach in talent identification and development environments in para sport. While interest in para sport continues to grow, particularly in coaching, we know very little about the role, function and practices of coaching in talent identification and development in para programmes. In this chapter we carefully examine coaching and talent identification through a disability lens, highlighting how coaches are implicated in ‘access work’, and questioning how coaches reconcile cultural understandings of disability with sport-specific conceptions of ‘talent’. In so doing we draw connections between coaching and disability studies, questioning the extent to which ableism may influence talent identification. Furthermore, we discuss coach and athlete development, illustrating the limits of ‘normative’ models of athlete development applied to para sport and the implications for coach education and development. Finally, we outline some key considerations for researchers and outline some productive lines of inquiry to develop the field.

text: Coaching, talent identification and talent development in Para sport: Developing the field This chapter provides an overview of the role of the coach in talent identification and development environments in para sport. While interest in para sport continues to grow, particularly in coaching, we know very little about the role, function and practices of coaching in talent identification and development in para programmes. In this chapter we carefully examine coaching and talent identification through a disability lens, highlighting how coaches are implicated in ‘access work’, and questioning how coaches reconcile cultural understandings of disability with sport-specific conceptions of ‘talent’. In so doing we draw connections between coaching and disability studies, questioning the extent to which ableism may influence talent identification. Furthermore, we discuss coach and athlete development, illustrating the limits of ‘normative’ models of athlete development applied to para sport and the implications for coach education and development. Finally, we outline some key considerations for researchers and outline some productive lines of inquiry to develop the field.

year: 2022

title: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens

authors: Tamuera Ariki, Paikea

abstract: Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

text: Taonga maioha: (Born this way) The in-depth stories of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens Who else has the right to define these, Queens? 

This thesis provides a vital platform for the voices of three Māori, Pasifika, and Indigenous Queens, allowing them to share their transformation stories in their own words. Their experiences and feelings about in their words “being born into the wrong bodies” highlight the complex realities of identity and the struggle for acceptance by others. 

These Queens are unified in their desire for dignity and respect. Dignity and respect underscore a fundamental human right. They seek recognition in all areas of their lives, from healthcare to education, housing, employment, and beyond. By articulating their needs, they advocate for themselves and all marginalized individuals, seeking fairness and understanding within systems that often overlook them. 

Focusing on their lived experiences is crucial for fostering empathy and promoting systemic change, as it brings attention to the disparities they face and the importance of inclusivity in society. By sharing their truths, these Queens contribute to a broader dialogue about identity, respect, and the pursuit of equality for all. 

This thesis aims to illuminate the transformation stories or pūrākau of ten Māori and Pasifika Queens, to foster understanding of their unique experiences. The focus on those who identify as wahine despite being born biologically male allows the reader to highlight the rich diversity of gender identity within these cultures and groups. 

The Māori Ethics Committee granted ethics approval for the study, thereby paving the way for the Queens to tell their stories or pūrākau from their truths and perspectives. 

Taonga Maioha details the in-depth transformation stories of three Māori-Pasifika Queens aged 60 plus, supported by a contextual and cultural analysis of their generation. The voices and stories of the Queens are central to this thesis. These stories are thematically analyzed to unpack the cultural and generational influences impacting their identities. The core identity constructs of whakapapa, tinana, hinengaro, and wairua are used to frame and organize their transformation stories according to their instructions. Above all, this thesis is anchored in their rights to define themselves on the premise that they have the mana to define themselves irrespective of others who define them from the sidelines of their lives. Their definitions are theirs alone. The storytellers call themselves Queen, Wahine, or women. This is based on the assertion that it is their right to be called a Queen. In certain contexts, they may refer to themselves as takatāpui and transgender for the sake of acceptance by others. This thesis is written to enhance the mana of the storytellers. These are their stories and their truths. 

The late Dame Georgina Beyer, was one of the original participants in this thesis. Many interviews were conducted with her. Instructed by Georgina before her passing to publish elements of her story as part of this thesis. Unfortunately, the Ethics Committee at Waikato University did not accept this due to her passing. Hence, the reason ‘First Lady’ was introduced, where Liz Roberts gives exclusive details of her change, both legally and physically.

year: 2024