Heidegger a novoveká metafyzika

E-book

Soňa Lovašová a kol.

Violence in the workplace has been a problem that has received attention for fifty years. Client violence is one of its forms. These are cases where the aggressor is a person coming to an institution to use its services. Client violence affects all helping professions. This monograph deals with the specifics of client violence in social work.

In addition to theoretical outputs, it also offers research results conducted on a sample of 1170 respondents, frontline workers in selected entities providing services in the social field in Slovakia. The monograph represents a summary of three years of work by eight experts. Each author contributed within their area of expertise and brought a different perspective to the issue. The main aim was to bring a variety of views on the issue and attempt to combine them into a cohesive whole. Thus, a monograph was created that contains interesting theoretical foundations included in six theoretical chapters, starting with the introductory chapter on the position of client violence in the area of workplace violence.

The following chapters address the risk and riskiness of social work, ethical aspects, the personality of the social worker, and risk areas of social work. The research chapter presents the research project to the reader and three subchapters of findings processed in tables and described in detail.

The final part of the monograph deals with prevention and group work. An important part is also the appendices, which include a questionnaire battery, a program implemented for social work students, and a proposed program for workers in the social field.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Eva Žiaková (ed.) 

The 5th edition of the Košice Days of Social Work

Proceedings of the scientific conference with international participation held on November 25, 2016, in Košice

The issue of re-education and resocialization is not new, but it is an increasingly urgent problem as various types of dependencies grow in both scope and content. It can be said that this issue represents one of the central themes of social work in its theoretical foundations as well as practical contexts.

This was the main reason for selecting this topic as the central theme of the 5th edition of the Košice Days of Social Work, which was the sixth continuation of the professional community’s gatherings to address social problems currently troubling our society. The presented proceedings include nearly three dozen contributions from more than twenty authors from Slovakia, as well as Poland and the Czech Republic. The content of the contributions deals not only with theoretical foundations and perspectives on the issue of resocialization and re-education but also with the consequences of these processes in various client social risk groups—whether it involves the addicted, aggressive, chronically ill, convicted, divorced, bullied, cyberbullied, etc.

I believe that such a wide range of contributions will enrich all those who work and study in the theoretical, research, and practical fields of social work.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Peter Getlík  (ed.)

Methodological Overlaps in Literary Research (15th – 16th April 2024 in Košice)

Proceedings of Extended Abstracts from the International Conference Allusions 2024: Methodological Overlaps in Literary Research (15th – 16th April 2024 in Košice) are being published in the final phase and last year of the APVV-19-0244 project, Methodological Procedures in Literary-Scholarship Research with an Impact on the Media Environment. The collection captures the mutual communication of several related disciplines. The authors of the abstracts present literary, translation, media, cultural, and other methodological approaches in their research on various topics, which are united by the theme of overlapping and connecting disciplines, methods, directions, or even the art works themselves, as hinted at by the playful term "allusions" in the conference title.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Katarína Šiňanská, Lucia Tóthová, Tomáš Šeďo

Každý človek má potreby – od tých najzákladnejších, ako je jedlo a bezpečie, až po potrebu lásky, uznania a sebarealizácie, teda rozvoja svojho potenciálu. Tieto potreby boli zoradené do tzv. Maslowovej pyramídy, kde na seba nadväzujú podľa toho, ako veľmi sú pre náš život nevyhnutné. Ak máme uspokojené základné potreby, začneme túžiť po tých vyšších – napríklad po blízkych vzťahoch, spolupatričnosti, rešpekte a možnosti rozvíjať sa.

Ľudia so zdravotným znevýhodnením majú rovnaké potreby ako ktokoľvek iný. Rozdiel je často len v tom, že ich naplnenie je pre nich náročnejšie – nie preto, že by ich menej chceli, ale preto, že im v tom často bránia vonkajšie prekážky. Chýbajúca podpora, bariéry v prostredí, nedostatok informácií či predsudky spoločnosti spôsobujú, že sa na ich potreby zabúda. Niektoré potreby sa potom stávajú „neviditeľné“ – nie preto, že by neexistovali, ale preto, že ich okolie nevníma.

Sociálne potreby, ako je láska, priateľské vzťahy, pocit spolupatričnosti, možnosť komunikovať a byť súčasťou komunity, sú pre ľudí kľúčové. Ak nie sú naplnené, vznikajú pocity samoty, smútku, bezmocnosti či frustrácie. Z výskumov vieme, že osamelosť alebo pocit odmietnutia môže bolieť rovnako ako fyzická bolesť. O to dôležitejšie je vnímať, že každý z nás túži po tom istom – po prijatí, rešpekte, priateľstve, láske.

Download the e-book for free (pdf.)

E-book

Ondrej Kalina

The publication provides a systematic overview of the core models of systemic therapy and its theoretical as well as practical foundations. The opening chapters of the textbook outline the historical development of psychotherapeutic approaches and the shift toward the systemic paradigm, which emphasizes the importance of relationships, context, and circularity in understanding psychological phenomena.

The core of the text focuses on the philosophical foundations of systemic therapy, particularly general systems theory, cybernetics, constructivism, and social constructionism, all of which have significantly shaped the understanding of reality, knowledge, and the therapeutic process. Subsequent chapters address biological and social foundations, including the concepts of autopoiesis, cognition, and communication, and their relevance to the functioning of social systems. The publication further elaborates on the practical implications of these theoretical frameworks, especially in relation to causality, language, and the construction of social reality. Systemic understanding of problems is presented as a dynamic and relational process maintained through interactional patterns within the system.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Marianna Sedláková - Marián Gladiš (eds.)

The content of the book publication Pavol Jozef Šafárik in Continuity consists of contributions from two events organized by the Department of Slovak Studies, Slavic Philologies, and Communication at the Faculty of Arts of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice during its short existence.

The first event was a scientific seminar held on the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the death of P. J. Šafárik, titled Pavol Jozef Šafárik – Scientist and Artist, which took place on January 27–28, 2012, in Košice and Kobeliarovo. The second event was an internal scientific seminar on the occasion of the 220th anniversary of Šafárik’s birth, held on December 15, 2015, under the title In the Quiet Home Circle. Symbolically—beginning with death and ending with birth (thus indicating the living continuity of Šafárik’s research legacy)—we aim to continue the study of Pavol Jozef Šafárik’s scientific work and increasingly involve the youngest generation of researchers (represented by doctoral students of the department in the field of literary studies). This is despite the fact that the literature on the life and work of this scholar and poet, who stood at the birth of Slavic studies, is very rich, and most of his works have already been scientifically analyzed. However, it appears that even seemingly outdated views of Šafárik still deserve scientific attention in the new context of humanities and natural sciences, as can be read in the contributions published in this volume.

Through the continuous publication of the Collected Works of Pavol Jozef Šafárik, both mentioned seminars, and the publication of this volume, the Faculty of Arts of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice has continued the activities of the Prešov Faculty of Arts from the time before its separation from the union of faculties of Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice in 1997. The selection and arrangement of contributions in the volume symbolize the "passing of the baton" in research and publishing activities related to Pavol Jozef Šafárik—a scientific personality of global stature, who in 1959 gave his name to our university.

Compiled by the editors.

Download the e-book for free  (pdf)

E-book

Ján Hvozdík

With great interest, I read the proposal for the reissue of the monograph by Prof. PhDr. Ján Hvozdík, DrSc., Základy školskej psychológie (Foundations of School Psychology). It was an honor for me to be part of the editorial board for the new edition of the textbook.

The reissue comes at a time when school psychology seems to be experiencing a renaissance in its application. This is no coincidence, as the professor’s conception of school psychology as a theoretical-applied and integrated psychological discipline strives not only directly but also indirectly, through the pedagogical practice of teachers, to influence specific situations in educational practice within the school environment. From my perspective, I also appreciate the attention given in the textbook to the ever-relevant topic of self-directed learning, that is, the autodidactics of pupils and students. School psychology has become a core subject, within which its specializations are also realized.

It is worth mentioning the fact that, under the conditions of totalitarianism, the professor was not a member of the Communist Party of Czechoslovakia, and yet he made significant contributions to the development of school counseling, both in theory and in practice, which commands respect and admiration. The reissue of the textbook is not an apology but rather a celebration of his positive contributions.

prof. PhDr. Ján Grác, DrSc.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Renáta Orosová - Michal Novocký - Katarína Petríková

An integral part of the process of becoming a teacher is the mentoring of student teachers by mentor teachers, serving as guidance and support for future teachers. Developing mentoring skills and fostering reflective mentoring practices are means of enhancing the practical training of student teachers, their professional development, and improving the quality of their future educational practice.

The foundation of the mentoring relationship between the mentor teacher as a mentor and the student teacher as a mentee is not to evaluate the student, but to analyse their learning and teaching and contemplate ways to enhance these processes. The university textbook represents a creative textual tool focused on innovations in strategies for supporting the development of mentoring abilities in mentors and mentees during professional practical training. This university textbook, intended for student teachers in the role of mentees and mentor teachers in the role of mentors, systematizes the theoretical foundations of mentoring, provides guidance and directives for mentoring in professional practical training. Furthermore, it offers the university teacher, in the role of supervising the student's teaching practice, an overview of techniques and methods pertaining to the mentoring relationship between mentor and mentee. It is applicable as a university textbook for student teachers, students pursuing supplementary pedagogical studies or advanced studies, as well as for mentor teachers in primary and secondary schools, and university educators involved in professional practical training.

Its English version provides opportunities for utilization during study stays of student teachers abroad and for foreign students in Slovakia.

Download the e-book for free  (pdf)

E-book

Martina Hurčalová - Sergej Sinicyn - Maroš Čupka (eds.)

Proceedings from the 13th International Scientific Conference of Students and Young Researchers, organized on May 16, 2024, by the Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Arts at Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, the Institute of Political Science and Public Administration of the Faculty of Political Science and Journalism at Maria Curie-Skłodowska University in Lublin, the Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Miskolc, the Institute of Social Studies of the Faculty of Regional Development and International Studies at Mendel University in Brno, the Faculty of Political Science and Diplomacy at Vytautas Magnus University in Kaunas, and the civic association Respublica.

The aim of the translated publication NEW EUROPE: Back to the Future is to reflect on the challenges in the fields of international security, the fight against climate change, and environmental protection, and to highlight selected global phenomena.

The proceedings consist of 12 contributions in Slovak, English, and Czech. The authors primarily addressed selected current issues from the international environment in the context of deteriorating international relations and global security.

The topics of the contributions mainly include questions of international security (for example, in Germany or Hungary), environmental issues and the fight against the climate crisis. Furthermore, the proceedings include topics such as the European Parliament elections, selected narratives related to the war in Ukraine, migration to Europe and its security aspects, self-reflection of the European political system, and public space and public discourse. The proceedings also include a part of an upcoming utopian novel.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Jozef Bavoľár - Ladislav Lovaš - Simona Ďurbisová

The process of achieving goals is one that has traditionally received significant attention in psychology. This attention is not only directed by researchers focused on motivation, with which the process of achieving goals is classically associated, but also from a wide range of other areas (e.g., emotions, personality). One aspect of goal-directed behavior that has received minimal, if not virtually no, attention is decision-making.

It is surprising to realize that various aspects of decision-making are present throughout the entire process of achieving goals - from evaluating different aspects of multiple alternative goals, through selecting among them, deciding on resource allocation (effort, time, finances, relationships...), continuously monitoring progress, to evaluating the outcome and its impact on future goal-directed behavior.

Even more surprising is that decision-making is directly addressed by one of the dominant theories explaining goal-directed behavior - the theory of mental action phases (mindset theory of action phases; Gollwitzer 1999, 2012). This theory distinguishes the pre-decisional and post-decisional phases as the first two phases of this behavior, separated precisely by the decision about which goal to pursue.

Download e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Soňa Lovašová - Veronika Bérešová (eds.)

Reviewed proceedings from the scientific conference with international participation held on December 1, 2023, in Košice.

This proceedings volume collects contributions from the 11th annual conference focused on adolescents, reflecting current interdisciplinary issues faced by this age group. It consists of 12 scholarly contributions addressing various aspects of adolescent life, including loneliness, risky behavior, and the phenomenon of radicalization. The contributions are organized into thematic sections, facilitating easier navigation for readers. Topics include prevention of radicalization, family factors, and mechanisms of cyberbullying. The proceedings offer both theoretical and practical insights valuable for professionals in social work, psychology, and other helping professions, aiming to enhance understanding of the current challenges faced by adolescents and propose effective solutions.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Ľubov Vladyková - Marián Bednár a kol.

The university textbook Ethics of Science and Technique (Selected Problems) is a collection of contributions by various authors who deal with selected problems and areas of science and technique. For the last hundred years, we can observe the rapid development of science and technique (technology). The transition of society in the 20th century into the information age and in the current 21st century into the digital age brings radical challenges and changes in all areas of human life, but especially in the moral field.

Ethical discussions, responding to the development of science and technique (technology), have stimulated the emergence of ethics of science and technique, which as a subdiscipline of applied ethics is a way out of the conflict between professional autonomy, social control and self-regulation of action and behaviour; not only in science and technique, but also in economy and politics. In the digital age, technique, technology and science are fundamentally changing our lives; from the way we work to the way we communicate, how we fight local and global problems, and how we try to solve societal problems.

These radical changes are not without controversy, and many provoke intense debates that are often polarized or associated with scientific ambiguities or dishonest demagoguery and ideology.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Tomáš Dvorský - Lucia Laczkó - Katarína Lörincová (eds.)

The collection of articles from the VIII. International Scientific Conference for Students and Young Scientists, organized by the Department of Political Science of the Faculty of Arts of the Pavol Jozef Šafárik University in Košice, in cooperation with the Res Publica Civic Association the Faculty of Social Sciences of the University of Saints Cyril and Methodius in Trnava, held on 16 May 2019 in Košice.

The aim of this publication, entitled Slovakia-Europe-World, is to point out a complex of diverse topics that are actual in the world, in Europe and in the Slovak republic.

The publication consists of 15 articles, which are primarily written in Slovak. The individual contributions deal with selected topics and aspects of national and foreign policy.

The topics of the articles are human rights, freedom of expression, the rise of religiously motivated nationalism, the issue of unemployment, parliamentary elections and election research. The publication also contains contributions focused on topics in the field of environmental policy, cultural policy or migration policy.

Download the e-book for free  (pdf)

E-book

Renáta Orosová - Zuzana Boberová - Emília Marcinová (eds.)

Proceedings of Abstracts from the International Scientific Conference, 12–13 September 2016

The international scientific conference is focused on issues of education and upbringing within primary, secondary, and higher education, as well as school institutions, from the perspective of the educator. Emphasis is placed on the current state and prospects of educators in educational practice, pedagogical and sociological aspects of upbringing in fundamental educational and upbringing institutions, as well as current aspects of pre-service teacher training.

The conference is intended for researchers, young university teachers, doctoral students, as well as professional and pedagogical staff, with the aim of presenting the educator-teacher, social pedagogue, and special pedagogue-from a contemporary perspective, highlighting their essential cooperation in relation to education, and stimulating discussion on current issues in the presented areas of upbringing and education within the context of the present situation in the school system.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Ján Kahan - Eva Žiaková

The monograph focuses on the issue of loneliness among substance-addicted people in the context of abstinence prospects and re/lapse prevention. In the monograph these phenomena, several theories were integrated and applied in the context of the ecosystem meta-framework of social work and practical contexts. The ecosystem meta-theory serves as a meta-construct with the ability to encompass the complexity of social phenomena as well as that of human beings within the structure of their living and social environment, formal and informal networks, and close intimate relationships.

In this monograph are presented research sample consisted of 235 respondents – hospitalised addicts undergoing urgent treatment, abstaining A-club members as well as members of psychotherapy and self-help groups. The research showed that abstainers were statistically less lonely than the hospitalised respondents. Quantitative data of research are complemented by qualitative data collected in four case studies; two of them focused on two long-term abstainers from alcohol and drugs, while the other two case studies dealt with two respondents in post-hoc treatment undergoing the resocialization process. The research also showed that respondents who broke abstinence felt lonelier than their successfully abstaining counterparts.

The results were supported also by the fact that a statistically significant inversely proportional relationship was identified between the duration of abstinence and loneliness rate. Gender differences were found between the hospitalised addicts in all loneliness dimensions. Naturally, the combined research was limited in certain aspects, mainly in terms of the size and proportional distribution of the research sample and its subgroups, test battery extent, and general nature of the population studied. Triangulation among quantitative and qualitative with the theoretical starting points confirmed the existence of a relationship among loneliness, addiction, and prospect of abstinence.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)

E-book

Adriana Jesenková

The ethics of care offers inspiring ways to think about the relationships and connections we are part of. It provides a new and unconventional reading and understanding of human relationships, thereby enabling us to respond in new and appropriate ways to certain empirical challenges (Pettersen 2011, p. 51).

Just twenty-five years ago, thinking about care was associated with women’s decisions in the private sphere concerning their personal dilemmas and problems. Over the last two decades, advocates of the ethics of care have demonstrated that the ideal of care has the potential to regulate not only private behavior but also human interactions in general.

Today, ideas about care have the power to change how we evaluate personal relationships, professional conduct, public policy, international relations, and global issues. The relevance of the ethics of care in such a wide range of areas of life, many of which are characterized by mutual incompatibilities and conflicting interests, is conditioned by several factors. However, one of the most significant is the creativity and fruitfulness of the thinking of the representatives of the ethics of care, who develop ethical concepts, models, and methods capable of grasping and analyzing human relationships in all their diversity (Pettersen 2011, p. 52).

Compared to traditional ethical concepts and theories in moral philosophy, the ethics of care introduces radically different sets of models and normative concepts. Today, it is precisely feminist ethics of care that offers a critical reflection on care within the realm of moral philosophy, ethics, and social philosophy. The aim of this publication is to identify the concept, subject, approach, philosophical foundations and starting points, as well as the possibilities for applying the ethics of care as a specific moral approach and, at the same time, as a specific moral theory in the field of social science and humanities research.

Download the e-book for free (pdf)