Theleologicae International Journal of Postmodern Studies

Review of the Volume “Organizational Culture and Educational Management”, authored by Daniel Terec-Vlad, Michaela Fomin, Oana Miruna Oprea and Loredana Terec-Vlad

Aurelia Ursăciuc — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The book Organizational Culture and Educational Management, published in 2021 by Etica Pro Expert Publishing House, provides a detailed analysis of the dynamics of contemporary organizations, with a particular focus on educational systems. Structured into eight chapters, the volume explores fundamental concepts such as organizational culture, communication, professional ethics, and academic integrity. Moreover, the authors address the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the lessons learned and the necessary directions for transformation in educational management. Through an interdisciplinary and practice-oriented approach, the book combines theoretical foundations with concrete examples, offering applicable solutions for the development of organizations and the improvement of the quality of educational processes.

Review of the volume “Logic: Theory and Exercises”, authored by Loredana Terec-Vlad and Corneliu-Vasile Oprea

Anamaria Popescu — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The volume Logic: Theory and Exercises, authored by Loredana Terec-Vlad and Corneliu-Vasile Oprea, constitutes a comprehensive introduction to the study of logic, combining theoretical exposition with practical applications. It provides readers with a clear understanding of essential concepts, ranging from the fundamental principles of traditional logic to syllogisms, inferences, and refutation techniques. The book is logically and progressively structured, with exercises that support the assimilation of knowledge. Through its applied nature, the work proves useful not only for students and educators but also for any person interested in developing analytical and critical thinking, being relevant across multiple fields.

From Barbarism to Freedom: Religious Discourse as Mediation between Theology and Philosophy

Lăcătuș Adrian-Neculai — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Speaking about barbarism is probably a cliché. Man, once expelled from Paradise, fell prey to his biological instincts, forgetting the condition he had before eating the apple from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. The expulsion from Eden, following the violation of God’s Word, marked the beginning of all the sufferings that man would endure throughout his life, until he returns to the earth from which he was made: “by the sweat of your face you will eat your bread, until you return to the earth from which you were taken; for you are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Patriarhia Română, 2018, Facerea 3, 19). This loss of the Edenic status was not merely a divine punishment, but rather a fundamental rupture between man and the sacred order of creation. Since then, human existence has unfolded in a tense plane between memory and forgetfulness, between the need for transcendence and the fall into the biological, between the aspiration toward good and the recurrence of evil. Barbarism is no longer defined solely by violent acts, but by the continual reactivation of a fallen nature that ignores the spiritual and moral-ontological coordinates of being. In this sense, the barbaric human is not a figure external to civilization, but one that dwells in the very heart of the human condition, ready to manifest itself whenever reason is overshadowed by instinct and conscience is reduced to mere reaction. Thus, the fall from Paradise is not a concluded event, but a repeatable paradigm in the history of humanity.

Social Competence as a Formative Process: from Psychological Aptitudes to Relational Performance

Oprea Oana Miruna — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Social competence is analyzed as a formative, dynamic process that involves the interaction between psychological predispositions, educational conditioning, and variable relational contexts. Far from being an innate trait, it is gradually shaped through formal and informal learning mechanisms, reflecting the individual’s ability to act effectively in the social environment. This approach emphasizes the need to reconceptualize the notion in procedural terms, not merely as a set of skills, but as a coherent expression of adaptation and self-regulation within diverse interpersonal contexts. Our inquiry highlights the differentiation between pre-existing psychological aptitudes and behavioral acquisitions gained through education. It focuses on the relationship between intrinsic motivation, emotional self-regulation, and communication styles as essential factors in the development of social competence. At the same time, the theoretical analysis proposes an interpretative framework in which social competences are not automatically transferable from one context to another, but require reconfigurations based on the expectations and norms specific to each interaction. Against this background, relational performance becomes an indicator of the degree to which these competences are integrated into everyday behavior. The emphasis is placed on the pragmatic dimension of social competence, highlighting its manifestation in educational, professional, and community contexts. Thus, a functional profile of the socially competent individual takes shape, characterized by the ability to manage conflicts, establish authentic relationships, and adapt to group dynamics. Social competence therefore emerges as a process with major formative significance in both personal and societal development.

The Recruitment of Human Resources as an Institutional Identity Filter: Between Operational Efficiency and Axiological Congruence

Anamaria Popescu — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The recruitment of human resources constitutes an essential moment in defining the institutional configuration, through which not only the professional profile of employees is shaped, but also their degree of compatibility with the values and symbolism of the organization. The selection of candidates is not reduced to a technical exercise, but involves a decision that reflects the axiological orientations of the institution and the manner in which these are conveyed and consolidated through each personnel integration. Within this paradigm, recruitment becomes a mechanism for maintaining identity coherence, allowing the filtering of individuals who are not only able to perform tasks, but also resonate with the collective ethos. In the context of performance demands in both the public and private sectors, a tension arises between the imperatives of efficiency and the need for value congruence, which requires a rigorous articulation between functional and identity-related criteria. An approach limited to competences ignores the symbolic dimension of organizational belonging, and the omission of this component may lead to adaptation dysfunctions, demotivation, and the erosion of the institutional climate. A recruitment process oriented towards axiological considerations entails the assumption of an extended responsibility, which is not exhausted by the validation of a professional profile, but aims at preserving cultural continuity. Within this conceptual framework, the selection process is understood as a filter through which the institution asserts its identity, stabilizes internal normative benchmarks, and projects a coherent image in the social space. By co-opting individuals who share the same principles, the fracture between explicit norms and informal practices is avoided, supporting an integrated organizational dynamic. Thus, recruitment becomes an expression of institutional intentionality and of its capacity to safeguard and reproduce its own model of functioning.

Interculturality as a Space of Convergence Between the Global and the Local: Identity, Dialogue, and Diversity

Daniela Simionovici — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Interculturality constitutes one of the most fertile themes of reflection in the contemporary world, situated at the intersection between globalization and the affirmation of local identities.

The phenomenon of globalization has produced a profound reconfiguration of cultural spaces, generating both tendencies toward homogenization and reactions aimed at reaffirming difference. In this context, identity becomes a fluid construct, engaged in a continuous process of negotiation between the personal and collective dimensions of existence. The present analysis explores the ways in which intercultural dialogue can function as a means of balancing local belonging and universal openness, between cultural specificity and the shared values of humanity. Interculturality is understood here not as the mere coexistence of differences, but as an active space of reflexive interaction and mutual recognition. From this perspective, cultural diversity ceases to be an obstacle and becomes a resource for knowledge and solidarity. At the normative and educational level, the discussion evokes principles that uphold equality, non-discrimination, and the protection of minority identities, with particular emphasis on the specific realities of the Romanian context. The text thus proposes a reading of interculturality as a civic and moral attitude, a foundation of social cohesion in a plural world marked by global transformations.

Hașdeu, the Ironic Narrator. “Duduca Mamuca” - Space of Breaking Conventions

Vasilica Simionovici — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The short story Duduca Mamuca, written by B. P. Hașdeu, stands out for its provocative and nonconformist character, both stylistically and ideologically. The text is notable for an unusual narrative freedom for Romanian literature from the mid-19th century, subverting the conventions of the era through a combination of humor, irony and parody. This freedom of construction is not arbitrary, but serves as an acid critique of emerging bourgeois values, class relations and social conveniences. Hașdeu deliberately loads the text with elements of theatricality, distorting reality to amplify the absurdity of situations and the superficiality of human relationships. The importance of the short story lies precisely in its ability to destabilize literary and moral boundaries, through an ambiguous but deeply ironic discourse, which reflects both the identity crisis of the characters and the confusion of an entire era in search of a balance between modernity and tradition. The present study proposes a critical reading of the text not only as social satire, but also as a lucid intervention on narrative mechanisms, revealing the modernity of Hasdei's vision. In the absence of an explicit moral, Duduca Mamuca forces the reader to navigate through tensions of meaning and fractures of logic, making ambiguity an aesthetic strategy and a means of cultural contestation.

Between Meaning and Mechanism: A Unified Approach to Social Phenomena

Loredana Terec-Vlad — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Comprehension and explanation are frequently presented as opposing methods in the analysis of social phenomena, although there exists a functional relationship of complementarity between them. The understanding of the meaning attributed by actors to their own actions and the identification of causal mechanisms that govern collective behaviors are not mutually exclusive undertakings, but components of a more nuanced and more effective approach. Avoiding methodological extremes requires the articulation of the two perspectives within a coherent construct capable of reflecting the complexity of social reality. Such integration enables not only the clarification of individual motivations, but also the identification of interdependencies and regularities at the systemic level. The mixed approach is supported as a mature epistemological solution, offering a balanced framework for the understanding and analysis of the social fact. It is thus argued that the traditional divisions between quantitative-explanatory orientations and qualitative-comprehensive ones should be overcome in favor of a unified endeavor adapted to the specificity of the analyzed object. The integration of comprehension and explanation does not represent a concession between two epistemological camps, but a necessity imposed by the profoundly ambivalent nature of the social fact. The dynamics of human interactions, imbued with meaning but also structured by external constraints, cannot be reduced either to subjective interpretations or to impersonal causalities. An approach that combines them offers a more faithful perspective on reality, avoiding both relativism and determinism. Through the articulation of the two dimensions, analysis becomes more nuanced, allowing for the understanding of the motives behind actions and, at the same time, the investigation of the way in which these actions fit into broader social logics.

Early Intervention in Interpersonal Conflict: Indicators, Thresholds, and Strategies for Relational Regulation

Loredana Terec-Vlad — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

Early intervention in interpersonal conflict entails the careful identification of subtle changes that foreshadow imbalances in direct relationships, before these manifest through explicit hostility or relational rupture. Relationships based on interdependence, frequently exposed to external pressures and internal incompatibilities, generate contexts conducive to the emergence of tensions. Therefore, conflict should not be approached as an isolated incident, but as a predictable manifestation of dysfunctions in communication, in the structuring of roles, and in the distribution of reciprocal influence. Within this framework, the emphasis shifts from delayed interventions to the development of early regulation mechanisms designed to prevent the escalation and entrenchment of tensions. Indicators signaling the onset of relational imbalance include changes in affective expressiveness, increased frequency of hostile interpretations, rigidification of mutual expectations, and the emergence of disproportionate reactions to minor stimuli. Sensitivity to these signs requires, on the part of those involved, a heightened level of emotional vigilance and a sustained capacity for self-observation. Moreover, tolerance thresholds play an essential role in triggering conflict, varying according to personality structure, relational history, and social context. In the absence of recognition of these limits, tensions may accumulate and irreversibly affect the quality of the relationship. Relational regulation strategies must combine interventions focused on reducing immediate tension with measures aimed at reconstructing the framework for cooperation. These include the clear delineation of misunderstandings, the redefinition of perceived intentions, and the restoration of balance in the expression of positions. It is essential for the expression of differences to occur within a structured framework that allows for the validation of viewpoints without devaluing the other. In this way, conflict becomes not an imminent danger, but an opportunity for relational reconfiguration, insofar as it is addressed at an early stage with appropriate instruments. The integration of early intervention strategies into the everyday repertoire of interpersonal relationship management can significantly contribute to reducing emotional costs and preventing chronic dysfunctions. The use of validated techniques adapted to the relational context enables not only the restoration of harmonious functioning, but also the development of durable mechanisms for cooperation. Consequently, approaching conflict from the perspective of early regulation not only facilitates the non-aggressive resolution of tensions, but also supports, in the long term, the balance and stability of social bonds.

Theories on Translation Criticism: Antoine Berman’s Project

Andreia Timoftei — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

This article analyzes Antoine Berman’s theoretical project regarding the criticism of literary translations. Positioned at the intersection between hermeneutics, philosophy of language, and literary theory, Berman’s thought aims to build a discipline that would legitimize the evaluation of translations on the basis of their textual, ethical, and historical fidelity. The focus is placed not on identifying translation errors in the traditional sense, but on identifying what Berman calls “deforming tendencies” - a series of systematic alterations that a text can suffer during the transfer from one language to another. These tendencies, such as rationalization, clarification, or the destruction of linguistic patterns, reveal the translator’s resistance to the foreignness of the original and are at the core of what Berman denounces as ethnocentric translation. Consequently, his critical model is closely connected to the idea of respecting the Other, of welcoming the foreign without reducing it to the familiar. This article also examines Berman’s reconfiguration of the notion of equivalence, proposing instead an ethical adherence to the letter of the text - not understood in a reductive or literalist manner, but as a form of dialogic fidelity. The discussion is illustrated with references to various literary texts, including those of John Donne, and is anchored in the broader context of translation ethics and hermeneutics. The conclusions underline the relevance of Berman’s approach for contemporary debates on translation quality and cultural representation. By refusing both the relativism of “everything is a valid translation” and the rigidity of prescriptive models, Berman opens the path for a responsible and nuanced critique that values both the linguistic singularity of the source and the creative agency of the translator. His project remains a fundamental reference for any theoretical or applied reflection on translation as an act of writing and reading across languages and cultures.

The Profile of the Poet-Translator - A Case Study on the Translation of the Poetic Work of Charles Baudelaire

Andreia Timoftei — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

This article explores the intersection between poetic creation and literary translation by focusing on a selection of translators who have engaged with the poetry of Charles Baudelaire. Rather than offering a historical overview, the study aims to examine how individual translator profiles - particularly those of poet-translators - shape the reception and reinterpretation of Baudelaire’s verse in another linguistic and cultural space. The discussion draws attention to the nuanced dynamics that emerge when a poet attempts to translate another poet: the interplay between fidelity and creative voice, the presence or absence of aesthetic affinity, and the ways in which a translator’s own poetic identity influences the act of translation. By analyzing case studies of Romanian translators who have contributed to the rendering of Baudelaire’s work, this article questions whether poetic sensibility is an asset or a hindrance in achieving effective translation. It also addresses the implications of assigning a major literary figure the task of translating another one, and whether such a pairing inevitably leads to interpretative transformation. Ultimately, the article considers how the translator’s dual role - as interpreter and creator - may alter both the translated text and the translator’s own poetic output. The study contributes to broader debates on poetic translatability, authorship, and the ethics of literary mediation.

Comparative Study of the Legal Grounds for Excluding the Criminal Nature of the Act

Mariana-Alina Zisu — Fri, 02 Dec 2022 00:00:00 +0200

The legal framework governing the causes that exclude criminal liability constitutes an essential safeguard within criminal law, ensuring that sanctions are imposed only when all legal and moral prerequisites for criminal responsibility are fulfilled. This paper offers a historical and comparative analysis of both justification and non-liability causes, tracing their development in Romanian criminal law from the 19th century to the current Criminal Code. It highlights that justification causes - such as self-defence and necessity - remove the unlawfulness of the act and operate in rem, while causes excluding criminal liability - such as mistake of fact, coercion (physical or moral), and fortuitous events - exclude culpability and generally produce effects in personam. The study pays particular attention to the distinction between typicity and unlawfulness, as well as the impact of recent codifications which provide a clearer demarcation between the subjective and objective elements of criminal liability. Using an analytical and comparative methodology, the article examines the conditions of applicability, scope, and legal consequences of self-defence, necessity, mistake, and fortuitous case, with a focus on their effects on both the offender and third parties. The conclusion stresses the importance of precise and coherent legislative drafting in this area, given the significant implications these causes have for the exercise of criminal prosecution. Proper recognition and application of these legal concepts are essential for upholding human dignity, the principle of legality, and the proportionality of criminal sanctions.