https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/422 2026-04-13T09:38:29Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/135164 Title: Statement on defending democracy in Europe : addressing the threat of authoritarian populism and reinforcing democratic practice Authors: Biller-Andorno, Nikola; do Céu Patrão Neves, Maria; Laukyte, Migle; Łuków, Paweł; Mallia, Pierre; Molnár-Gábor, Fruzsina; Murphy, Thérèse; Nys, Herman; Palazzani, Laura; Prainsack, Barbara; Sahlin, Nils-Eric; Sharon, Tamar; van den Hoven, Jeroen; Veselská, Renata; Vidalis, Takis Abstract: Democracy is not merely a formal regime consisting of periodic free elections. It is committed to protecting and promoting fundamental rights and values, as well as practices of lived democracy. Our democratic ethos, situated in relations of reciprocity and solidarity among citizens, needs to be nurtured, through dialogue between politicians and citizens, and by strong and meaningful participation of citizens in civic and political life. Authoritarian populism is incompatible with this conception of democracy. It is characterised by antagonism against civil society organisations, media, and other entities that stand up for the rule of law and the interests of the people and minorities. We need an understanding of identity which is not defined by exclusionary categories such as territory, nation, ethnicity or religion – but which transcends these, appreciates plurality, and creates a sense of (transnational, European) belonging by building on values and their translation into civic practices. This could help to strengthen people’s participation in society and their appreciation of the European endeavour. We need a reorientation of Europe to its social roots – understood as a commitment to providing a dignified life for everyone, avoiding grave levels of social and economic inequality. This would also help to provide protection against the rise of far-right authoritarianism. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/135162 Title: Solar radiation modification : ethical perspectives Authors: Biller-Andorno, Nikola; do Céu Patrão Neves, Maria; Laukyte, Migle; Łuków, Paweł; Mallia, Pierre; Molnár-Gábor, Fruzsina; Murphy, Thérèse; Nys, Herman; Palazzani, Laura; Prainsack, Barbara; Sahlin, Nils-Eric; Sharon, Tamar; van den Hoven, Jeroen; Veselská, Renata; Vidalis, Takis Abstract: This Opinion covers research into, prospective deployment of and governance models for one of the most widely discussed geoengineering methods: solar radiation modification (SRM), sometimes simply referred to as solar geoengineering or solar radiation management. SRM comprises all methods and tools that intentionally alter the Earth’s atmosphere or surface to reflect more sunlight back into space, reducing the amount of solar radiation reaching the Earth’s surface or allowing more infrared radiation to escape into space, seeking to create a net cooling effect on the climate. Specifically, the SRM toolbox includes: i. stratospheric aerosol injection (SAI) – the most studied form of SRM – which involves techniques such as injecting precursor gas sulphur dioxide (SO2) into the stratosphere, mimicking the effect of large volcanic eruptions; ii. cloud modification, which involves either brightening clouds (usually marine clouds), thinning high clouds (usually cirrus clouds) or seeding mixed-phase clouds; and iii. surface brightening (albedo engineering), which includes a range of techniques from urban and agricultural modifications such as changing rooftops or selecting crops that reflect the sunlight more than others, to covering desert areas with highly reflective materials or whitening oceans with small glass spheres, foams or microbubbles. 2024-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/125521 Title: Your rights as a patient Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: There are innumerable books on patient rights published and there are innumerable charters. But whilst on the one hand the books are scholarly treatments of the subject, the charters provided to patients on the other hand, are usually pamphlets. There is hardly an available book dedicated towards the lay person wishing to know more about his or her rights as a patient. This small book will hopefully fill that gap for the local public. Conversely, whilst there are enough well written and referenced books for the student, there is no simple yet comprehensive work dedicated to introduce the undergraduate to the subject of patient rights. This is true for the medical student who is intensely absorbed in volumes of material and who therefore hardly has time for another book, and the law student who needs a comprehensive overview of a subject treated often in another module. [excerpt from the Preface] 2002-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/125387 Title: Ethical Issues and conflict in maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics Authors: Mallia, Pierre Abstract: George E. Moore, one of the founders of the analytic tradition in philosophy, defines ethics as what we ought and ought not to do. It is a deliberation and although feelings such as empathy come into most decision, ethics is not only a feeling but has to be supported by reason. In fact, saying that ethics is only a feeling or an intuition, not needing any reason, has to be supported by argument itself, annulling the very assertion. 2021-01-01T00:00:00Z