https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112393 2026-04-27T01:45:46Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119713 Title: Complexity and autonomous agency : a philosophical study of the effects of complexity on personal autonomy in rationalised societies Description: Ph.D.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/119425 Title: ‘Daivavyapāśraya Cikitsā’ in Āyurveda and the philosophy underpinning an ancient system of healing Abstract: The pure being within all creatures is the perfection of creation. The purpose of healing in Ayurveda is to bring about that inner stability of perfection or true health, as symbolized by Dhanvantari, the Deity of Ayurveda, arising from the calm ocean holding herbs and the pot with the nectar of immortality. He also holds a conch shell of symbolic religious significance and book of knowledge of the scriptures. Prayers are offered to Dhanvantari to alleviate diseases and maintain health. Puja rituals are performed daily in Āyurveda Colleges and Hospitals. This thesis brings forth the value of subtle unseen interventions in the form of prayer, or inner determination (sankalpa) and spiritual exercises to maintain balance and health in the three levels of existence, physical body, mind, and inner being or soul. The immortal nature of the true ‘I’ sense experience is the real basis for health according to Indian philosophy. Ayurveda defines the goals of life and the right way of living, emphasizing that normalcy of both physical and mental health is of vital importance. The Sanskrit ‘Swasthā’ means, being established in the Self, (sva/self - sthā/standing) or knowledge of the true nature of pure being. Daiva pertains to divine origins or fate. When the real nature is denied, the original unity of ‘I’ becomes identified with forms in the world (akāra). The original feeling of existence, ‘I am’ (Aham) takes on the attachments and desires for sense objects in the field of creation as ego or identification as, ‘I am something’ (ahaṅkāra). This is the root of all disease according to the philosophy of Āyurveda. Whenever form (ākāra) is made personal, being is dependent on this ego sense (ahaṅkāra), thus imposing limitations on the immortal limitless. The inner being then becomes limited by individual innate habitual tendencies (Saṁskāra), determined by ‘fate’ (daivya) in the form of desires, emotions and mindsets, rules the life through egoism. Daivayāpasraya Cikitsa is an ancient treatment recommended in the Āyurvedic text of Caraka Samhita, a compendium of advice and remedies for health maintenance and disease prevention. The effects of divine or spiritual therapy are said to be ‘instantaneous’ in preference to other methods prescribing herbs and drugs. Vyāpaṣraya means taking refuge in the divine (daiva). The methods given will find resonance in global multi-faith religious practices and beliefs, but their foundations lie in the ancient philosophies of India, where freedom or salvation (mokṣa) is the goal for the health and happiness of humanity. The philosophically based treatments (cikitsā) give access to a different dimension of awareness, healing, and wellbeing, transforming inner and outer perceptions of life and the world. Ayurveda provides knowledge to achieve the human goals in life and methods for attaining this realization. This study explores the Śad (six) Darṣanas (auspicious seeing), known as the six orthodox philosophies underpinning Āyurvedic theory, which support the divine origins of the Vedas. These are Saṁkhya, Yoga, Vaiśeṣika, Nyāya, Purva-Mimāṁsa and Uttara-Mimāṁsa, sometimes known as Vedānta. Philosophy guides the enquiry not only into the attainment of health and happiness, but into the very nature and structure of human life itself based on Vedic insights. Philosophical questions are key to expounding Āyurvedic principles, explained through dialogues between sages (ṛṣis), attributed with realized insights of the philosophical disciplines and theory. The authors of the six philosophies are said to be of the highest intelligence, having attained that perfection through their own efforts. For example, the guru, Attreya teaches the disciple, Agniveśa, said to be the author of Caraka Samhitā, who presents many philosophical queries about health and disease. The philosophical reasoning of the sages is discussed with relevance to attaining wellbeing, stability and balance in life, or perfect health. This is in accordance with the modern-day definition of health by the Alliance for Integrative Medicine (A.I.M. 2017) where not only physical health is considered. Stability in mind and emotions, are required, along with good social functioning, clarity of thought and creative expression, and ability to express love with awareness of a continuing sense of spirituality. The most important element to healing in Āyurveda is consciousness. It is the source of life in a human being, and the underlying connection between individuals. It is often ignored in Western treatments, or unknown except as present or absent, as in a coma unconscious condition. There is more to health, happiness, and wellbeing than what appear as symptoms in the physical body. This thesis seeks to bring to light the knowledge of holistic healing, inspired by philosophy and practiced for centuries in India. The focus is balance and harmony between the mind, soul, and body as causative factors for maintaining health and preventing disease. The research questions of the thesis are firstly to consider whether Daivayapasraya Cikitsa (divine therapy) could be instrumental as a method for health and happiness? Then secondly if the philosophy behind this ancient healing system, would guide people in the West to attain well-being? This is a comprehensive and integral approach to investigate an ancient system of healing with roots in natural philosophic reasoning. […] Description: M.Phil.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112804 Title: An analysis of the question of whether nonhuman animals have moral status Abstract: The aim of this research is to understand why non-human animals are not given moral status and are not considered as being worthy of it. Nowadays there are many different associations and non-profit organisations that advocate for better non-human animal treatment and regard. An increasing number of people have decided to become vegetarians, vegans or are very careful that any non-human animal products consumed (for e.g. Eggs, milk, and cheeses) come from humane farms where the non-human animals are well treated and not exploited. With this shift towards better non-human animal regard, in this work I explore the different reasons why non-human animals are regarded as being lesser than humans. I also explore the meaning of moral status and whether non-human animals have a mind. Are they conscious and self-conscious? Why do humans consider non-human animals as being different than themselves? Does the relationship that certain non-human animals have with humans affect their status? What makes a human a person and is it possible to consider non-human animals as being so? These are some of the questions I intend to answer with this dissertation. Description: M.A.(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/112796 Title: Disenfranchising the elderly : a political investigation into voting and democracy Abstract: This paper investigates the possibility of removing the enfranchisement of the elderly population in an attempt to create a viable and fairer outcome in political elections. Universal enfranchisement is a relatively recent endeavour, even in the West, and should not be taken for granted. While it is of utmost importance to strive for political fairness and equality, it is essential to avoid creating a discourse which would include a large portion of the population, especially those who fought, tirelessly and courageously, to achieve such fundamental rights. In this paper, I will give a historical review of enfranchisement before delving into why disenfranchising the elderly would not result in a fairer outcome nor a viable solution in the long term, through the lenses of justice and equality. Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.) 2023-01-01T00:00:00Z