In the face of ever-worsening wealth inequality, one solution for Malta (or elsewhere) could be a tax on wealth. Jonathan Firbank speaks to Dr Charmaine Portelli about why this idea is flawed, and yet, why this flawed idea might still be necessary for today’s world.
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Stoicism, a philosophy that kept both a slave and an emperor sane, is embraced as a useful philosophy today, two and a half millennia after it first surfaced. Adding it to the educational syllabus via ethics classes can bring ample benefit to students’ lives, Luke Fenech tells THINK.
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Can women climb the academic ladder? In a society that equates men with leadership, THINK explores the career challenges faced by women, especially in academia, and how governments and institutions are fighting to promote gender equity.
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In the struggle for increased social and economic rights, it is easy to make the mistake of failing to grasp nuances and different perspectives. Dr Michael Briguglio challenges some of the preconceived notions which persist in modern political discourse, particularly lumping together movements and groups which have important distinctions. In this interview, Briguglio makes the case for liberal democracy and answers key questions on issues of representation and identity.
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For such a tiny nation, isolated on the periphery of many gargantuan nations and empires, the Maltese share an eventful and varied history. Dr Charles Xuereb, in his new book Decolonising the Maltese Mind: In Search of Identity, gives a fascinating account of the Maltese existence and how different peoples passing through the island nation have affected its culture across history.
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The ability to reason has been the hallmark of humanity for centuries. It has been used as the foundation for numerous ethical systems. Yet using reason as humanity’s signature feature ostracises those with severe to profound cognitive disabilities, giving moral philosophy ableist undertones. THINK speaks with Dr Kurt Borg and Prof. Anne-Marie Callus to discuss.
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The HR Strategy for Researchers (HRS4R) is an ongoing project aimed at improving the working conditions and recruitment processes for researchers, including resident academics and Research Support Officers (RSOs). THINK recently interviewed Dr Karen Cacciattolo to walk us through the work conducted by the HRS4R committee at the University of Malta (UM), the significance of this project, past actions taken, and upcoming plans.
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In today’s society, the pursuit of economic growth has become an unquestioned goal. Politicians and policymakers often use increasing GDP as a measure of progress without critically examining its implications. However, this prevailing approach needs reconsideration. Economic policies should prioritize serving societal interests rather than prioritizing growth for the sake of growth. It is time to redefine our understanding of well-being and explore alternative models that lead to a more sustainable and equitable future.
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Calling all nature enthusiasts. Are you alarmed by the rapid decline of critters which pollinate our plants? Do you want to have a positive impact on the world around you? Then consider signing up to become a citizen scientist in the Malta Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (MPOMS) today!
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The Maltese megalithic temples were built over 5,000 years ago. To find out how the people that built the temples saw the world, Dr Tore Lomsdalen conducted his PhD project on the worldview and cosmology of the prehistoric Maltese temple builders. He found that the temples were intentionally positioned to be intervisible and oriented towards certain stars that were significant for these ancient people.
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