Patapas, Aleksandras

This essay introduces the concept of Socratic Intelligence (SI) and proposes five premises: (1) artificial and human agents learn through observation, interaction, and reflective examination of those interactions; (2) what is learned depends on metacognition and reinforcement; (3) SI comprises five interlocking dimensions: epistemic curiosity, critical self-awareness, assumption analysis, dialogical competence, and intellectual humility; (4) Generative SI, embedded in Intelligent Tutoring Systems (ITS) or Large Language Models (LLMs), can scaffold human learning; and (5) Generative SI can apply the Socratic method recursively to a system’s own computational processes as a form of internal epistemic self-regulation. We situate SI within several philosophical traditions: Plato’s elenchus and docta ignorantia, Aristotle’s phronesis, virtue epistemology on intellectual humility, Dreyfus’s critique of cognitivism, and recent epistemology of LLMs. We argue that SI construct gives the philosophy of AI a normative vocabulary that interfaces classical philosophy with current machine-learning practice.

The Institution of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) provides non-judicial protection of citizens, acting as one of the key mechanisms for responding to unlawful actions or inaction by government agencies. The purpose of this article is to compare the practice of the ombudsmen of Kazakhstan, Sweden and Georgia and to identify foreign experience for the development of the national model of this institution. To achieve this goal, comparative legal analysis, analysis of regulations, official reports of ombudsmen and statistics of citizens' appeals were used. The results of the study showed that despite the similarity of the basic functions, the actual influence of the ombudsmen varies significantly and is determined by the scope of the mandate, the instruments of influence, the level of parliamentary participation and the degree of publicity of the activities. Based on the results of the analysis, a number of recommendations were formulated to strengthen the role of the Commissioner for Human Rights in Kazakhstan, including the development of parliamentary control over the implementation of recommendations, the use of publicity potential and the exercise of powers to appeal to the Constitutional Court, which makes it possible to increase the effectiveness of human rights activities. Keywords: Commissioner for Human Rights, Ombudsman, human rights, powers, complaints.

Introduction – Previous studies have shown that children’s exposure to potentially traumatic events and their trauma−related symptoms may not always be consistently identified. This study aims to examine differences in trauma exposure and related psychological outcomes between clinical and non−clinical Lithuanian children. Methods – This cross-sectional study included 10–17−year−old children and adolescents recruited from a clinical inpatient setting (Vilnius University Hospital Santaros Klinikos) and general−education schools in Vilnius and nearby districts. After parental consent and child assent, participants completed a secure mobile assessment covering exposure to potentially traumatic events (CATS), dissociation (A−DES), mood and feeling (SMFQ), post−traumatic cognitions (CPTCI), PTSD symptoms (CATS; PCL−5 for convergent validation), and perceived social support (CASSS). Data were collected in 2023–2024. Group differences were examined using Welch’s t−tests (with Mann–Whitney U as robustness checks), and associations were assessed using Pearson correlations. Results – In the clinical sample over 40% of children experienced physical violence, while in the non−clinical sample 82.9% children reported exposure to multiple traumatic events. The clinical sample showed significantly higher dissociation, negative mood, and PTSD symptoms compared to the non−clinical sample. However, among children exposed to more than one traumatic event, differences in dissociation, PTSD symptoms, and close−friend support were not significant. Across both samples, exposure to potentially traumatic events was strongly associated with PTSD symptoms, dissociation, and post−traumatic cognitions, and moderately associated with mood symptoms. In the non−clinical sample, parental support showed moderate negative associations with dissociation, mood symptoms, post−traumatic cognitions, and PTSD symptoms. Discussion – This study identified between−sample differences in exposure to potentially traumatic events and trauma−related psychological outcomes among Lithuanian children in inpatient and community settings, highlighting the need for trauma−informed assessment and attention to social support within child mental health and welfare services.

Recent scholarly works in the field of organizational behavior highlight the critical importance of understanding the variables that contribute to employee flourishing. However, these variables are still under-researched while this information can contribute to the improvement of management practices. The purpose of this study was to explore the role of psychological capital as a moderator between personality traits and flourishing. The sample consisted of employees (n = 155) working full-time in various Lithuanian private organizations. The data were collected online through professional networks. Participants completed measures assessing the Big Five personality traits (BFI-2), psychological capital (self-efficacy, hope, optimism, resilience) (PCQ-24), and flourishing (FS). Correlation, multiple regression, and moderation analyses were conducted. Results demonstrated that extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and openness were positively associated with flourishing, whereas neuroticism was negatively associated. Together, these traits explained 68.5% of the variance in flourishing. Examining psychological capital, extraversion, agreeableness, and openness emerged as positive predictors, while neuroticism was a negative predictor, accounting for 47.9% of the variance. Within psychological capital, optimism, hope, and self-efficacy significantly predicted flourishing, explaining 59.4% of its variance; resilience, while correlated, was not a significant predictor. Notably, psychological capital moderated the relationship between extraversion and flourishing: individuals high in extraversion and psychological capital reported enhanced flourishing. From a management perspective, interventions that strengthen psychological capital may be especially beneficial for employees high in extraversion, potentially fostering greater well-being, work efficiency, and productivity.

The factors contributing to political and institutional trust in Europe are under-researched. This study aims to explore the links between political and institutional trust, subjective well-being, and satisfaction with the economy, national government, and democracy by applying data from the 11th round of the European Social Survey, conducted in 2023–2024. The age of the participants (n = 22,039) ranged from 15 to 90 (M = 51.88, SD = 18.728). The results reveal that in European countries, trust in politicians and political parties is consistently lower than trust in institutions such as the police, the legal system, and international organizations like the United Nations. The findings show that subjective well-being is significantly correlated with all forms of political and institutional trust, including trust in the country’s parliament, legal system, politicians, political parties, the European Parliament, and the United Nations, suggesting that institutional trust is a foundational component of societal well-being. However, the strongest correlation is observed between trust in the police and subjective well-being. Satisfaction with the economy, national government, and democracy show the strongest correlations with trust in the country’s parliament and politicians, positing that economic conditions and governmental performance are the primary determinants of political trust. Structural equation modeling reveals that subjective well-being does not directly translate into political and institutional trust, but political and economic satisfaction acts as a critical mediating variable. High levels of life satisfaction and happiness can enhance positive perceptions of economic and governmental performance, which in turn foster political and institutional trust.

While personality traits and early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) can affect an individual’s behavior and well-being, the links between these constructs are under-researched, especially in non-clinical samples. Aims: Two studies were conducted to address these links, intending to explore their specifics, as previous research evidenced various associations’ models. Methods: In Study 1, the sample consisted of 120 respondents (65.0% females) living in the UK and the USA. In Study 2, the sample consisted of 244 respondents (68.0% females) living in Lithuania. In both studies, most of the respondents were aged 18-25. The survey was administered online. Studies 1 and 2 applied the Big Five Inventory and Young Schema Questionnaire. Results: In Study 1, neuroticism was significantly positively associated with 17 EMSs. Extraversion stood significantly negatively related to 12 EMSs, conscientiousness was significantly negatively related to 15 EMSs, openmindedness stood significantly negatively related to 2 EMSs, but significantly positively related to admiration, and agreeableness appeared significantly negatively related to 9 EMSs. In Study 2, neuroticism was significantly positively associated with 16 EMSs. Extraversion stood significantly negatively related to 9 EMSs, conscientiousness was significantly negatively related to 12 EMSs, open-mindedness and agreeableness were significantly negatively related to 10 EMSs. Conclusions: Study 2 partly failed to replicate the results of Study 1, which implies that the model of links between EMSs and personality traits could be impacted by cultural factors, and needs further investigation.

Previous studies reported that acquiring computer programming skills is challenging and might result in high dropout rates. A quasi-experimental design was used to examine the role of different factors in dropping out of an e-based computer programming course. This study applied a knowledge in programming assessment test (20 multiple-choice questions covering the following topics: variables, loops, conditionals, functions, and general knowledge of Python), The Learning Motivating Factors Questionnaire, The Big Five-2, and The Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction & Frustration Scale. Ninety-four participants (38 males and 56 females) completed the course, while 305 participants started it. The mean age of e-learners was 29.96 years (SD 8.27), age range = 18 to 54. The results showed that e-learners who completed the course had higher initial knowledge assessment scores than those who dropped out after the first assessment. Reward and recognition as a motivator were significantly higher in males who completed the course than those who dropped out after the second knowledge assessment. Extraversion was significantly lower in females who completed the course than those who dropped after the first or second knowledge assessment test. Relatedness frustration was significantly higher in those who dropped out after the first knowledge assessment. Due to significant limitations of the sample size, cultural context, measures applied, and research design, the findings would preferably be regarded with caution.

The purpose of this research was to examine associations between subjective wellbeing and emotional intelligence in the Lithuanian youth sample. In the research, a simple random sample consisted of 556 respondents. The procedure was administered online and followed the General Data Protection Regulation guidelines. Before data gathering, this study was reviewed and approved by the research ethics board of the Institute of Management and Psychology. The study revealed strong positive associations between subjective wellbeing and emotional intelligence, and the fit of the model on associations between the variables of wellbeing and emotional intelligence was good. The theoretical significance of the study is that the paper reveals the essence of the existence of a latent factor of subjective well-being. The practical significance is that the results of the study can be used in the practice of psychological counseling and psychodiagnostics to assess the relationship between subjective well-being and emotional intelligence.

This study intended to explore which leisure preferences contribute to mindfulness, psychological capital, and life satisfaction and assess whether mindfulness, psychological capital, and life satisfaction are associated with different leisure preferences. This study applied the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), the Psychological Capital Questionnaire (PCQ-12), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the instrument to evaluate the prevalence of leisure preferences. A sample consisted of 586 participants, 104 males and 478 females. The mean age of participants was 42.06, SD = 13.29. The results show that respondents who did not spend free time watching television scored higher on life satisfaction, mindfulness, and psychological capital. Participants who preferred attending events scored higher on life satisfaction and psychological capital. Participants who preferred spending time with family as a leisure preference scored significantly higher on life satisfaction, mindfulness, and psychological capital, including PsyCap overall, PsyCap work, PsyCap relationship, and PsyCap health. The findings also reveal that time spent with family is significantly associated with life satisfaction. Besides, males’ life satisfaction was significantly associated with time spent in nature, while females’ satisfaction was associated with spending time with family and participating in events. Males’ mindfulness was significantly associated with book reading, and females’ mindfulness was associated with not watching television. Males’ psychological capital was significantly associated with spending time with family and book reading, and females’ psychological capital was associated with not watching television but spending time with family, participating in events, and spending time in nature. The findings also showed that mindfulness mediated the link between watching television and life satisfaction, and psychological capital mediated links between spending time with family, participating in events, and life satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that life satisfaction is also significantly associated with spending time with family as a leisure preference. This study also revealed a significant negative association between age and spending time with friends or family, evidencing the possible loneliness of elderly respondents. Due to limitations of this study, including sample size and characteristics, cultural context, and research design, the research findings would preferably be regarded thoughtfully.

This study aimed at identifying significant associations between stress, personality traits, and basic psychological needs' satisfaction and frustration. In the study, a simple random sample consisted of 245 employees (mean age = 39.6; SD = 10.82). 138 (57.5%) employees worked in the public sector, and 102 (42.5%) employees worked in the private sector. This study found no statistically significant differences between the private and public sector employees in the stress overload. Private sector employees demonstrated higher autonomy and relatedness satisfaction, while public sector employees demonstrated higher autonomy frustration. Public sector employees demonstrated higher scores on agreeableness and conscientiousness, but no significant differences between public and private sectors were found comparing the scores on extraversion, neuroticism, and open-mindedness. The SEM identified some significant associations between neuroticism, unsatisfied needs, and stress overload; conscientiousness, unsatisfied needs, and stress overload; basic psychological needs' satisfaction and four personality traits, namely, extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and open-mindedness.