Providence
OOC: Meant University of Providence in the post above, my mistake
International Institute of Philosophy (IPP) officially established
Lodamun has announced today that it will officially establish the International Institute of Philosophy with headquarters in Saint Martin. The pick of city was an attempt at diversifying the location of important institutions, as Saint Martin is a quiet, beautiful and renown for it's pristine beaches and antique city center. Some people have compared it to more exotic and islandic cities. In this location, the brand new IIP will work with other international organizations, institutions and governments to promote philosophical thought, organize events related to philosophy and be a massive international library/register for all kind of philosophical thoughts and thinkers throughout eras and nations. Although the Institution is still in it's infancy, with few members, it is already being ambitious in goals, planning a vast array of programs in researching ancient philosophical texts and uncovering past historical school of thoughts and pioneers. Alongside this, the IIP proposes to popularize and coordinate efforts of aspiring writers. For this, the IIP has invited alongside Lodamese philosophers such as Justin Baar, Eva Hall or Nataniel Pop to name a few, foreign thinkers and renown writers to showcase the diversity and the promotion of different school of thoughts, and foresee further cooperation with various governments in research and translating philosophical texts, books and coming to a better conclusion on the nature of things, especially in circles of debate. Thanks to Lodamese funds, the IIP can for now as well in limited manner host international philosophical competitions and scouting for young and aspiring writers to be subsidized and helped, given access to international bibliography and chance to have the best guardians/teachers. This idea is reinforcing Lodamese focus on being the leading philosophical force reflected in serious efforts in the domain.
At the first "Congress" or meeting with international organizations, institutions and philosophers of 4891 concluded with Lodamese representatives such as Eva Hall, as well other representatives from Aldegar, Deltaria and Jelbania. Milan Dobrovodský for example, it is a renown professor in social policy, being renown back home for his many important works. Aged 57 and with alma mater at the Čachtice State University, Dobrovodský has excelled, presenting at the IIP conference his new book, Why authoritarianism and oppression are incompatible with human nature, offering detailed analysis on why humans are freedom-loving creatures. This has been well received by other academics, especially by Lodamese who have a libertarian branch of thought that is dominating academic circles. Aged 74, Grand Shaman Aldrkai Juhnsrmko Vrn is the next representative and important thinker, this time from Jelbania, graduating at Royal College of Shamans, specialized in Reincarnation alongside spirit exorcising. He wrote and presented a controversial essay, called Why Evil Spirits Always Return As Bitter Soinsters and Effeminate Men. This has left academics surprised by the originality and the unique writing style, but as well many have had a negative reaction, many discarding it as prejudiced and of bad taste, especially among Lodamese representatives. Next up is Aldegar, who had came with two philosophers, great thinkers each of them. Ms. Mehraveh Kashkouli, aged 49, alma mater being University of Hikirena, is a fledgling female thinker, that is interested in combination of ethics, international politics and theology, developing an account that applies the principles of Ahadism to the international domain, which was well received, even of the Quaderite origins of the arguments (Lodamese society is deeply paganic and is historically acknowledged for dislike for Quaderite religions). Mehraveh Kashkouli is currently professor and researcher at the Yazdean Academy of Light. Mr. Bijan Shakibaii was the second representative, who has studied at University of Aldegaria, where he still professes. Aged 64, Shakibaii is renown for his extensive work on an Aldegarian communitarian account of personhood in contrast to "atomistic" Western accounts. Personal identity and ethics is his main domains, offering veritable views over personhood, a problem which was mostly omitted by Lodamese philosophers who are renown for their work on epistemology in contrast with the lack of attention to other domains. The meeting undergone well overall, with everyone being happy of the early progresses as the IIP is working diligently to make their goals achievable. The IIP also invites other nations' great thinkers alike to join the IIP efforts for coordinating efforts in philosophy.
Major funds for universities, shows promising results
Lodamun is renown already of their philosophical school of thoughts and extensive education, dating back 100 years ago to Libertarian Communist Party's legacy. Their efforts alongside other parties to modernization and establishment of a proper curriculum and improving schooling had lead to Lodamese schools be on the top. Following latency and degradation of Lodamese society, this has been lost. Though despite all negativity, Lodamese society did not went even worse like under EAPP governments that would had preferred a medieval and anti intellectual curricula.
Knowing that, PSEI, has started work again on revamping the state educational system, in long overdue need for reforms and improvements. The almost 100 old programme, alongside steady cuts and mismanagement in schools lead to generations of Lodamese unable to think critically or be prepared for life. Alongside conservative bias found often in the curriculum and politicization of teachers and important positions. Lack of democracy in schools, alongside chaotic decentralization lead to schools being ineffective. Serious revamp was needed as soon as possible. Lodamese ministry of education Mika Hirst has been behind the major educational reforms happened in the last decade now. Under his administration, Lodamese schools have been built, many were renovated, modernized and had furniture and class structure changed, with safer benches, better lighting, heat systems, smaller classes, compact as well repair deteriorating walls and ceilings. This was part of the first reforms, mainly focused on elementary and lower education. A new system of classes were established, with 4 elementary grades focusing on basics, such as learning Lodamese language, mathematics, getting in contact with history and arts, sports and science. In the Secondary grades, 5-8, Lodamese children are thought of religions of the world, basic philosophical concepts and philosophers, logic, literature, history and biology, physics etc. For High School, four years will see students learning at their choice. All this came under the PSEI-22 Educational Reform that sought to revamp education completely. 10 billion LODs were funneled into education, as per part with the massive modernization efforts of lower and medium education, reaching even the most isolated parts of Lodamun like Kregonese villages. Under the 5 year project, reforms like improved conditions for students, less homework, harsher punishments for abusing students, alongside student committees and school democracy being implemented. Schools also received funds to maintain school trips and group projects alongside adequate laboratory activity via new equipment for chemistry classes. The projects also saw subsidies for scientific forums and businesses, thing which gave rise to young generations of IT workers and engineers who had showed promising progress in robotics or computing. Lodamun has greatly benefitted from these reforms and projects.
This was not the only one. Lodamese lawmakers have passed a second bill that yet again has offered prosperity and a renown educational system. First of all, under the new bill passed by PSEI, the government has officially ensured that education is free and accessible to the Lodamese citizens, from elementary to college. Alongside compulsory schooling till 18 years (finishing highschool), all artists and NGOs, groups with aim at renovating and maintaining cultural artefacts and museums, alongside various institutions will get generous government grands for their promising work, ensuring thus support for Lodamese aspiring vibrant and innovative culture. Our artists will be supported to perform and show the world Lodamese art. With this bill, reform to highschool curricula was also introduced, with a dual system, of compulsory subjects like philosophy, sociology or literature, alongside optional subjects. Of course the obligatory subjects for profiles that are focused on hard sciences are less emphasized on and all efforts are made to make it easier for students, with new textbooks that are more student friendly alongside courses to teach Lodamese about practical skills such as acquiring the right information, memory practices, health and sex education etc.
Under PSEI-31 Educational Projects, Lodamun will allow for student exchanges with foreign universities, as well support these with proper funding and grants for students from foreign nations selected to study in Lodamun, alongside with grants for our college students willing to explore foreign cultures and study in another nation. With this law, politicization and incompetence in the universities were annihilated, not only through mere measures, but with swift action and revamps to make sure that councilors and chancellors in position of power over their schools actually do their job. Furthermore, teachers are harder tested and have improved courses in becoming brilliant educators. The support for Lodamese technological development and culture was reiterated strongly under this law, while universities finally got their long deserved revamp, with new equipment, vast libraries and professional teachers. The curricula was adapted as well, with each university having its specific domains, dominating ones being in the humanities. as well rising prominent medical schools. Lodamun had spent on this project additional 10 billion LODs to ensure that renovations continue alongside efforts to make educational system completely free and accessible, even if that means a higher burden on the taxpayers.
University of Providence wins prize as best university, specializes
University of Providence, a major university located in Providence, the heart of Lodamun, has been known for their graduates who had shocked the world with inspiring and sophisticated philosophical schools and artists, from painters to writers, to sculptors. Sociology and political theory are also important sections. Alongside other universities, they had represented veritable alma matters for many of our cultural elites. However, in order to ensure and rank the professionalism of each university, a contest was made by Lodamese authorities under which with help from international forums and experts has completed a new list posted here under which the various Lodamese universities have succeeded to come to. The 8 major universities located in various provinces have given results, with U Providence ranking number 1 on many of the these polls, tests and classifications from international forums, resulting in University of Providence being as well considered top 20 global universities by several rankings done by polling international universities together, making Lodamun renown thus for professionalism and emphasys on cultural development of our students. The new rankings of Lodamese universities also clarified margins, meaning, that the ranks have helped determine universities specialize in certain domains, in order to ensure varied focuses and offer students plenty of choices. University of Providence won thanks to many variables included. It's democratic and student friendly environment, along with amenities such as basketball and football pitches, as well other sport facilities, pools, and recreational areas. Libraries also were ranked as highly comprehensive and vast, as well that University of Providence has shown significant progress in philosophical research, reflected in the new schools of thought. Other domains such as sociology and arts are important, with top of the state artists and writers offering advice and seminaries, as well proper modern equipment for holding classes. Sociological studies are renown, with emphasis seen on studying revolutions and gender studies. Lastly, the university was compared to fellow ones in same domains and with foreign unis, resulting yet again outstanding results. Back to philosophical domain, the faculty offers detailed programs and classes in history of philosophy, epistemology, metaphysics, hermeneutics and methodology.
New philosophical waves and thinkers
One could see the dominance of Ethicism and the new metaphysical wave as forever lasting and dominant in all academic fields. He would not be wrong, although recent times have shown an increased interest in new philosophical thoughts, spread around shyly in academic circles and in day-to-day society. Same situation has been found in PSEI, where internal turmoil is caused by aspiring intellectual elites wishing to propose new metaphysical systems and come with improved ideas of Ethicism. PSEI has passed through such changes, but this time is more than mere amendments to classical values. Lodamese emerging thinker, Justin Baar, who has served in the World Congress, was candidate to the Security Council, has it's alma mater at the University of Providence and has led numerous research teams in the domain of epistemology. Justin Baar has revealed often his plans for revolutionizing ideals, often being in opposition with the dominating PSEI factions such as Ethicists and Ezicists. Baar has presented existentialist and deontological tendencies, being interested in getting rid of classical metaphysics entirely and solely refocus on metaphilosophy, logic and epistemology. He has announced that he will work on a brand new essay that will have huge impact, one that may shatter the old beliefs and philosophical schools and move toward a new school of thought. Justin Baar is self proclaimed new-wave individualist, believing in the older and fresher doctrines and ideas found in the deceased Rutanian thinkers. Other notable works of his are over homosexuality and the relation between nationalist expression and environment, trying to lead to econationalism and how cultures can integrate better human and natural elements in a peaceful coexistence.
But Baar is not the only worrying thinker in PSEI that threatens leadership. Minor philosophers are also posing threat with various works and essays, as well their growing numbers. Nihilism, radical skepticism or fatalism are fervently debated as clear indicator of their emerging to relevancy in contrast to the old idealist, realist and structuralist ideas dominating Lodamese cultural debates. John Swingston has expressed such views, calling for a materialist and reductionist view on philosophy and political practice, fervent supporter of complete liberty and abolishment of many moral based restrictions. Other currents were also found, such as spread by Mika Hirst, who distorted Ethicism into a new wave called Neo-Perennialism or Philosophical Unitarism. This was derived from the fact that Ethicists supported the Theory of Classification which argued for that value in a classification is in what is being classified and not how it is classified. Mika Hirst combined this with monist views on Universe and own semiotics to conclude that our life is a game of naming the same thing many things, going as far as saying that there is a unitary Truth that is being segmented and thus people fight over how to name the Truth rather actually searching for truth. Perspectivism is seen as well as a fringe philosophical thought, which supports that the Truth cannot be known thanks to the fact that everything is subjective as it starts from point A and concludes in other points B. Thus Truth can only be known through the eyes of the Truth, invalidating any attempts of humans in knowing the Truth, as the Truth, often seen monist equal to the Universe, it is possibly accessed only through the eyes of himself (the Truth). This is a representation in predominant in semiotics and hermeneutics.
Many other waves exist and competing for recognition and influence, however for now Ethicism remains dominant however many speculate it's impending collapse, as New Wave Individualists and various minor factions are working on improved works. It is yet to be seen what direction will Lodamun steer toward to.
[Justin Baar at 41 wearing his glasses]
Hosianism and other Quaderite religions are losing ground
In the background of these new philosophical and religious waves like neo paganism or ethicism, Lodamese classical and old Quaderite religions have taken another hit, both in urban environments and in rural areas. The Quaderite (Abrahamic) past religions such as Hosianism (Christianity), Ahmadism (Islam) or Yeudism (Mozaism) have all seen sharp declines in popularity and numbers throughout the recent years and especially last decade. Various philosophical waves and cultural currents, reflected in the literature alongside with the rediscovery of paganism as viable alternative to other materialist and pro-life religions have been major factors that led to present day, when this pro-paganic stance of Lodamun may materialize with the controversial bill proposed in the Preisidum called "Questionably Non-Secular Sanction Act of 4895" that would give beneficial status to paganism. While it has no direct discriminatory law regulating other religions, thus allowing freedom of religion, it is clearly a favoritist bill seeking to back the further development of paganism and a clear preference for such religious movements above the older Quaderite ones who have already registered large decline in membership, with Providence for example having less than 10% Hosians, which in the past was renown for having large Hosian populations. Atheism and Agnosticism have also grew big thanks to philosophy being promoted in schools as per part in training people in being critical of surroundings, especially in the coastal urbanite cities and towns. Al-Paqa,for example, is a small majoritarian Majatran community that is renown for their atheism, having the town population be 63% atheist, alongside general irreligiousity at 10%. The rest is general Ahmadic branches alongside pagans around 1%.
What causing this decline? Many great Lodamese sociologists attempted at explaining the phenomenon. The classical arguments threw around is that Lodamese citizens given to their anti-materialist and anti-life/pro-death beliefs were a strong reason to distrust and reject older religions such as Hosianism. While this is generally accepted, it is often complemented with theories relating the freshness and structure of paganism, as a welcoming soul healing wave, whereas Hosianism or Ahmadism have became more like a protocol, more about practices and Church, rather about the people and their communities. Some more fancy theories float around Lodamese culture being anti-Quaderite by it's own nature and way of being historically rather of the goals of Lodamese citizens. Whatever is, many see Hosianism and other Quaderite religions as rejected by Lodamese citizens and seen on the brink of extinction by the end of this millennia. Followers of Ezic Star have been particularly successful in spreading once again, especially in the urbanite environment among stressed and alienated workers and lower classes, representing a new refuge from the failures of material world in satisfying people. Other minor neo pagan religions such as Heart of Jal and Daizoni have been reported in coastal cities. They are more in line with existentialist and absurdist waves hitting Lodamun lately.
Other interesting things to read:
Turmoil in the PSEI
Lodamun in top tourist attractions last year
Foreign Policy
Hosians protests to demolition of a church ends in pagan counter protests
