Climate change, urbanization, sedentarization, and dissipation of pastoral Fulani culture in Ghana

Abdulai Abubakari — Tue, 05 Nov 2024 00:00:00 +0300

While a lot of research has been conducted on the effects of climate change, urbanization, and sedentarization on pastoralism in Africa, empirical research that synchronizes the combined impact of these three monsters, especially how they conspire to deprive the pastoral Fulani of their beloved culture they strived to protect over the centuries. This study was conducted in Ghana among the Fulani ethnic group, who are notorious pastoralists. Using survey instruments and followed up with detailed interviews, the study found that the pastoralists are drifting towards sedentarization due to the effects of climate change and urbanization that make pastoralism difficult. The study found that pulaaku, which denotes a moral code of conduct that regulates the proper behavior of the Fulani ethnic group, is dissipated through sedentarization, intermarriages, and global impacts. The study concludes that to preserve their identity, the Fulani can form vibrant associations to promote their culture and identity.

Artificial intelligence and space exploration: A philosophical analysis of their intersection and implications

Hüseyin Can Coşkun — Wed, 14 May 2025 00:00:00 +0300

This article examines the philosophical intersections between artificial intelligence (AI), space exploration, and their conceptual frameworks. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into nearly all domains of human life, and space exploration advances toward potential habitable environments beyond Earth, philosophy becomes essential for interpreting these transformative developments. The paper investigates definitions, boundaries, and applications of AI while addressing philosophical discussions around habitable space environments and potential space societies. The research employs qualitative document analysis to examine the theoretical foundations of AI, from algorithmic processes to complex learning systems. It explores AI's fundamental limitations, particularly regarding consciousness and self-awareness, while reviewing existing space agreements and international legal frameworks. The analysis demonstrates that despite these important initiatives, no definitive conclusions have been reached regarding governance structures for habitable space. The study argues that political philosophy, which has historically provided robust frameworks for conceptualizing societies, will be crucial for developing ethical and just structures for potential space communities. As AI and space exploration converge, philosophical inquiry becomes indispensable for addressing fundamental questions about governance, ethics, consciousness, and human experience in these new domains. The implications extend to technology development, policy formation, education, and interdisciplinary research.

Frontiers in Research

Climate change, urbanization, sedentarization, and dissipation of pastoral Fulani culture in Ghana

Artificial intelligence and space exploration: A philosophical analysis of their intersection and implications