Interdisciplinary Studies in the Humanities

Abstract This article adopts a non-reductive physicalist approach and employs an analytical–conceptual method, examines the cognitive processes underlying economic decision-making and their application in defining the consumption set in consumer choice theory. The study is grounded in the logic of interdisciplinary theoretical modeling, wherein models function not merely as empirical representations but as conceptual mediators between theory and phenomenon. Drawing on Lisa Feldman Barrett's predictive theory of constructed emotions, it argues that the brain, as a dynamic and adaptive system, constructs models of the environment through mechanisms such as prediction, error reduction, and conceptual categorization, which guide economic behavior. This framework demonstrates that the consumption set is not merely a reflection of fixed preferences but rather the result of complex interactions between predictions based on past experiences, interoception, and socio-cultural contexts. The findings highlight the crucial role of predictive error reduction in continuously updating consumption options and the cognitive flexibility of the brain in responding to new information. Nevertheless, the article maintains that although physicalism provides a powerful explanatory framework for the neural foundations of cognition, it faces philosophical limits in accounting for intentionality and the qualitative aspects of consciousness. Hence, the analysis should not be read as a defense of physicalism but as an effort to clarify its explanatory boundaries—boundaries whose transgression calls for the inclusion of the dimensions of soul and intellect within a tripartite model of the human being. In this sense, the study represents a first step toward reconstructing economic choice theory upon a multilayered understanding of the human person. Ultimately, this research proposes integrating cognitive science, neuroscience, and economics to develop more realistic economic models that better reflect the dynamic and multi-layered nature of human decision-making. This interdisciplinary approach offers a new perspective for behavioral economics and neuroeconomics, emphasizing the need to revise traditional assumptions of economic rationality.

Abstract Reuben Hersh, an American mathematician and philosopher, presented his humanistic perspective with a critical view of traditional schools of the philosophy of mathematics. This interdisciplinary perspective is considered among the valuable and influential viewpoints of late philosophy, contrasting dominant traditional philosophies. From the point of view of a philosopher of science, he endeavored to connect mathematics to the human world through his influential views. His innovation lies in presenting a picture of the mathematical life—a picture that is evidence that a humanist or social-historical account is truer to real life than traditional accounts. Since humanistic philosophy links mathematics with people, society, and history, the impact of this perspective will play a significant role in revising, refining, and transforming conventional traditional views of mathematics as a mere scientific tool. In this paper, through an analytical-descriptive approach, we aim to trace the footprint of a sociological theory by the American sociologist, Erving Goffman, within Hersh's humanistic perspective—an approach that has the capacity to create an interdisciplinary foundation. Mathematics, like other social institutions, has its "front" and "back. Acceptance of  the mathematical myths that Hersh unveils depends on whether one is located in the front or the  back of mathematics.

Abstract The phenomenon of migration, and in particular foreign emigration, is an important social, cultural and demographic issue that needs to be investigated. The purpose of this article is to investigate the views of the Supporters and Opponents of emigration among the Kurdish citizens of Sardasht city, which has been done using the theory of justification systems or regimes of action of Luc Boltanski and Laurent Thévenot, which is one of the prominent approaches in the field of cultural sociology. The use of Boltanski and Thévenot's perspectives in both the theoretical section and the interpretation of the interviewees' views, as well as the comparison of the views of the supporters and opponents of immigration, is an innovative aspect of this article. The research method is qualitative and based on a constructivist interpretive approach and an Abductive strategy, employing purposive and snowball sampling methods, and using semi-structured interviews with 26 citizens of Sardasht (13 residents of Sardasht and 13 residents of foreign countries). The findings of the research, based on the six worlds of Boltanski and Thévenot that describe the justification systems of the two groups' pros and cons of Emigration, consist of two distinct reasoning spectra based on six sites including: Inspired, domestic, civic, Fame, market, and industrial'. Ultimately, the rhetoric of the two groups pros and cons of immigration based on the mentioned six worlds can be summarised and categorized in a dialectical combination of "resistance-persistence".
action regimes, cultural sociology, demography, emigration, justification Systems 

Abstract Intercultural adaptation is a dynamic process of establishing effective communication in multicultural settings and holds particular importance due to its impact on all aspects of international students’ academic and social lives. Since the Asian student population currently constitutes the largest share of international students in universities across the world, understanding their experiences in host universities has become an increasing priority. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing intercultural adaptation among Asian students. Data for this study were systematically collected from 33 scholarly articles on Asian students' experience in host universities published between the years 2012 and 2024 and analyzed using qualitative content analysis. The findings identify two central components of the intercultural adaptation process: "perceived differences" by Asian international students and "unrecognized commonalities" by host institutions. By perceived differences, it is meant that international students are aware of the academic, linguistic, and cultural gaps in the host environment and that their effort at adapting is through the use of tolerance and flexibility. On the other hand, unrecognized commonalities mean the limited capacity of the host university to provide common spaces for meaningful interaction as manifest in discrimination, racism, bias, stereotyping, and stigmatization. These challenges culminate in making students feel like they do not belong, the invalidation of their identity, and ultimately, a reinforced sense of alterity and alienation which disrupts together the processes of effective mutual adaptation. Since intercultural adaptation is a two-way process, the effectiveness of such adaptation could be guaranteed only when there is a two-way engagement between international students and the host society. This study emphasized that a "third culture" is imperative-a shared environment from the initial cultural differences in which meaning will be constructed collaboratively by the two groups involved and for which mutual respect, openness, patience, and tolerance will form the basis. Strengthening this shared environment requires focused efforts toward the reduction of discrimination, stereotyping, and racism in host university.

Abstract This study employs a grounded theory approach to explain academic neglect among graduate students. The participants consisted of master’s and doctoral students at the University of Kurdistan, selected through purposive sampling, with 15 individuals ultimately included in the study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews and analyzed via open, axial, and selective coding. The findings indicate that academic neglect is a multidimensional and institutional phenomenon shaped through the interaction of causal factors—such as a sense of educational meaninglessness, weak student–supervisor interaction, limited research resources, and economic pressures—with contextual conditions including suspended academic identity, uncertainty in academic trajectories, and weakened institutional belonging. Moreover, dysfunctional educational structures, the absence of psychological support, and cultural discontinuities act as intervening conditions that intensify this phenomenon. Accordingly, strategies such as restructuring the institutional culture of universities, empowering faculty members as facilitators of academic growth, strengthening psychological and social support systems, and reforming motivational and reward structures are recommended. The consequences of academic neglect manifest at both positive (enhanced self-awareness and reflective capacity) and negative (academic isolation and reduced professional engagement) levels. Overall, the results suggest that academic neglect is not an individual deficit but a reflection of deeper structural and cultural gaps within higher education, underscoring the need to redefine the university’s role and its connection to students’ lifeworlds.

Abstract Electoral debates, their content, and the manner of their conduct have long attracted attention across various sectors of society, particularly among researchers, due to their lasting effects on the public. This study aims to identify psychological operations tactics and their deployment by candidates in Iran’s presidential election campaigns, employing an interdisciplinary approach. The central research question is: Which psychological operations tactics and methods did the candidates of the twelfth presidential election of Iran use against their rivals during the debates? To collect and analyze debate data, both qualitative and quantitative content analysis methods were employed. In this approach, data were purposefully gathered, categorized, and analyzed based on indicators derived from theoretical frameworks. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the topic, political psychology serves as the theoretical framework of the study. Findings indicate that the candidates employed 45 tactics, some of which constitute psychological operations. These tactics can be categorized under two main dimensions: first, defensive–offensive tactics, and second, explanatory–demonstrative tactics. Among these, the identification and conceptualization of new tactics—such as the “I’ll tell, I’ll tell!” tactic, threats of legal action, and the use of evidence or witnesses—represent the innovative contributions of this study. The results further suggest that the debate process comprises two content layers. The primary layer is guided by more experienced figures with significant executive responsibilities, while the secondary layer is generally represented by less experienced individuals without notable executive backgrounds.
Keywords: Iran, presidential elections, debate, psychological operations, interdisciplinary