Journal of Critical Realism in Socio-Economics (JOCRISE)

The Benefits of Belief in God in Mathematics

2024-10-15T10:14:41+07:00

In this paper, we revisit Blaise Pascal's famous wager and explore its implications for belief in God, particularly through the lens of probability theory. While Pascal's Wager has been widely discussed in philosophical and theological circles, we approach this challenge from a distinctly different perspective. Our backgrounds are in mathematical economics, finance, and computer science, with extensive experience applying mathematics—particularly probability theory—to real-world problems in financial markets, specifically in the domain of statistical arbitrage on Wall Street. Over the past 30 years, we have developed a deep understanding of probability not as an abstract mathematical tool, but as a concrete and practical method for managing uncertainty in financial systems. In this paper, we apply similar probabilistic reasoning to the question of belief in God. Our conclusion can be summarized by an adaptation of the logical principle: "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth." — Arthur Conan Doyle, The Sign of the Four

Assessment of Early Marriage and Domestic Violence Prevention Measures Case Study in Garut Regency, West Java

2024-10-12T14:07:37+07:00

This study investigates the effectiveness of socialization and education initiatives aimed at addressing early marriage (EM) and domestic violence (DV) prevention in Garut Regency. The socialization and education programs implemented successfully raised awareness and fostered dialogue on EM and DV prevention, evidenced by significant community engagement. The configuration of Perception, Participation, and Acceptability (PPA) scoring system facilitated a comprehensive understanding of community attitudes, backed by statistical analysis and social interpretation. Moreover, non-structured data acquisition enriched the research with qualitative insights, enhancing the credibility of evidence-based data. Quantitative figures revealed positive assessments of Maslahah, indicating substantial societal benefit from prevention efforts. This study provides valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to strengthen EM and DV prevention efforts in Garut Regency, underscoring the importance of evidence-based approaches and cross-sectoral collaboration in promoting societal well-being.

The Myth of a Normal Muslim: ‘Aql, Taklīf, and New Islamic Approaches to Neurodivergence

2024-10-10T10:13:11+07:00

This paper explores the intersection of Islamic concepts, such as ‘aql (intellect) and taklīf (legal responsibility), with the experiences of neurodivergent individuals, particularly those with autism. It argues for a re-evaluation of traditional Islamic understandings of disability to incorporate modern perspectives on neurodiversity. The research highlights that high-functioning autistic individuals possess the capacity to engage with religious obligations and that Islamic practices can be adapted to accommodate their unique needs. By advocating for an inclusive approach, the paper calls for a dialogue between classical Islamic jurisprudence and contemporary insights into neurodiversity, aiming to foster a supportive environment for neurodivergent Muslims within their communities. Ultimately, it seeks to provide a framework for understanding neurodiversity through an Islamic lens, promoting both spiritual engagement and social inclusion.

Project Free-B: how investigating the socio-economic metabolism of rentier capitalism holds the key to sustainable socio-ecological wellbeing

2024-10-13T10:04:30+07:00

The purpose of this paper, is to demonstrate how capitalism as a system, is not required for the real economy but in fact, constitutes a parasitic superstructure that is causing socio-ecological necrosis. Consequently, credible systemic solutions to our global social and ecological crises should integrate sound awareness of pathological structures that are detrimental to a healthy socio-economic metabolism. As critical realism results in ethical imperatives from these findings, prosocial orthosociology presents systemic solutions. Project Free-B offers the possibility for a global interest-free financial system, beyond the need for the BIS-central banking system. The current global interest-banking system under BIS-regulation should be abolished as an institutionalised criminal system. On scrutiny, it proves to be socio-ecologically destructive by design and hence, constitutes a systemic violation of human rights.