Tag: politics

Freedom of Speech in the Land of the Loud

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In the United States, freedom of speech is protected by the Second Amendment. Just kidding. It’s the First Amendment. But if we’re honest, the line between speech and violence is thin in practice, if not in law.

Here’s the thing: freedom goes both ways. There’s the freedom to speak, and the freedom from being bombarded by whatever nonsense comes tumbling out of people’s mouths. And that’s where things get messy. The grand defence of speech, in all its uncensored glory, often ignores what we’re giving up—our freedom of peace. You know, that quiet space where we don’t have to listen to the verbal sewage spewed by the uninformed, the unhinged, or just the plain old wankers.

What about freedom of peace?

We’ve all heard the phrase: “Your freedom to swing your fist ends at my nose.” Simple. You can’t punch someone in the face and call it freedom. But what about words? There’s no shield for the nose of the mind. The stupid, the ignorant, the hateful—they get to swing their fists of idiocy without a single consequence. What about freedom of peace?

We’ve all been there. You’re minding your own business, and then—bam!—some blowhard pipes up with their unsolicited, half-baked opinion. And guess what? They’re free to do it. But where’s the balance between their freedom to spew nonsense and your right not to have to listen? Spoiler: it doesn’t exist.

Now, this isn’t an argument for censorship. Let’s not confuse it. No one’s saying we should start gagging people (tempting as it is sometimes). But the conversation around freedom of speech needs a reality check. We defend it like it’s a sacred cow, and in many ways, it is. But that defence is often blind to the other side of the coin. Freedom of speech without the freedom from a constant barrage of verbal rubbish? That’s not freedom. It’s a social endurance test.

Maybe it’s time to rethink what we mean by “freedom”—not to restrict speech, but to recognise the cost of living in a world where everyone gets to say whatever they want, whenever they want. The right to peace is real too, even if it’s less glamorous than the right to shout.

Why Democracy is Mathematically Impossible

Posted in maths, philosophy, politics, psychology, society, videoTagged , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

In this video, Veritacium discusses why democracy is mathematically impossible, invoking Arrow’s Impossibility Theorem which I’ve mentioned many times here and in other writings. I won’t summarise or comment further save to recommend the video. Let me know what you think if you’re so inclined.

Video: Why Democracy is Mathematically Impossible

Multiple Intelligences

Posted in intelligence, language, maths, music, nature, perception, philosophy, poetry, politics, power, psychology, societyTagged , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I engaged in a nice debate recently. Someone suggested that because some executives are smart, they can figure things out. Specifically, she posited that a CTO, Chief Technology Officer, should understand communication and diplomatic skills when interacting with a corporate board because they have the technical skills to get into their current C-level position. I disagreed based on the multiple intelligence theory.

Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory posits that intelligence isn’t a monolith, but rather a nine-dimensional construct:

1. Existential (philosophical pondering; questioning the questions of why we live and why we die)

2. Inter-personal (reading people; sensing people’s feelings and motives)

3. Intra-personal (self-awareness; understanding yourself, what you feel, and what you want)

4. Kinaesthetic (mind-body coordination; coordinating your mind with your body)

5. Linguistic (wordsmithing; finding the right word(s) to express what you mean)

6. Logical-Mathematical (quantifying and proving; quantifying things, making hypotheses, and proving them)

7. Musical (discerning sounds; their pitch, tone, rhythm, and timbre)

8. Naturalist (understanding nature; understanding living things and reading nature)

9. Spatial (3D/4D visualisation)

For a deep dive, check out Gardner’s Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Here’s the rub: a CTO with off-the-charts technical skills might be rubbish at diplomacy (interpersonal) or communication (linguistic). It’s like expecting every pro athlete to be a concert pianist – it’s not on.

Assuming every “intelligent” person can max out all intelligence dimensions is bollocks. It’s as likely as training every smart CTO to be the next Shakespeare or Machiavelli. Language and diplomacy are distinct skills, mate.

While we all love a Renaissance man (or woman), peaking in all these dimensions in one lifetime is a pipe dream. It’s not inherently bad, though. When building teams – be it a corporate board or an exploration party – ensure you’ve got a good mix of skills. I’m not saying you need a bard, a philosopher, and LeBron James on every team, but make sure you’ve covered the bases necessary for success.

If you think you don’t need a particular dimension, ask yourself: is it because you’re weak in that area and can’t see its importance? Don’t let your blind spots become your downfall.

In the end, it’s about recognising and respecting diverse intelligences. So, next time you’re tempted to think your brilliant CTO should just “learn to be diplomatic”, remember: they might be better off focusing on their strengths and leaving the smooth talking to someone else on the team.

Ne présumez pas

Posted in art, language, morality, philosophy, politics, power, societyTagged , , , , , , 1 Comment

As I was writing about the immorality of property rights, I began thinking about the distinction between legality and morality.

“Don’t assume that which is legal is moral nor that which is moral, legal.”

Il ne faut pas présumez que ce qui est légal et moral ni que ce qui est moral et légal.

I don’t have much to say on the subject, but I composed the cover image and wanted words to accompany it.

Private Property: A Liability, Not an Asset

Posted in anarchism, economics, equality, morality, nature, perception, philosophy, politics, power, property, psychology, societyTagged , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

In the modern Western world, private property is largely viewed as a cornerstone of economic stability and personal freedom. However, this article challenges this conventional wisdom by reevaluating private property ownership not as an asset, but as a significant liability. This perspective considers the broader implications of property ownership on the Earth and its inhabitants, questioning the sustainability and ethics of our current system.

In fact, all land is “stolen”.

Historical Context and Conceptual Foundation

The concept of ‘property’ did not exist in early human societies. It emerged only when the need arose to distinguish “mine” from “yours.” As human settlements expanded into territories, and later into cities and nations, what was once undivided land transformed into distinctly owned parcels. Initially, all land was communal—effectively belonging to everyone and no one simultaneously.

This shift from communal to private ownership marked a fundamental change in human relationships with the land and with each other. A striking historical example of this shift is the Enclosure Movement in England, beginning in the 16th century. This process converted communal lands into private property, significantly impacting rural communities and agricultural practices. It serves as a stark illustration of how the privatization of once-shared resources can dramatically alter societal structures and individual livelihoods.

The Liability Perspective

Applying the principles of double-entry bookkeeping to property ownership offers a unique lens: every recorded asset (property) must correspond to a liability. However, this liability does not accrue to another person but to the Earth itself. This accounting reveals a perpetual debt—not to previous or current landowners, but to all life that has, does, and will inhabit the Earth.

Consider the following:

  1. Environmental Impact: Private ownership often leads to the exploitation of resources without consideration for long-term sustainability. The World Wildlife Fund reports that about 30% of global forest cover has been cleared, with much of this due to private land use for agriculture and development.
  2. Social Exclusion: Property boundaries inherently exclude others from accessing once communal resources. This is exemplified by the concept of the “Tragedy of the Commons,” described by ecologist Garrett Hardin in 1968, where individual cattle herders, acting in self-interest, would overgraze and ultimately destroy shared pastureland.
  3. Intergenerational Inequity: Current property laws may deprive future generations of access to vital resources. This is evident in the concentration of land ownership. According to a 2020 UN report, 1% of the world’s farms operate more than 70% of the world’s farmland, highlighting extreme inequality in land distribution.

Moral and Ethical Implications

From an ethical standpoint, private property ownership imposes a series of unacknowledged moral debts. These debts arise from the exclusion of community and future generations from resources that were once common heritage. The immorality, then, stems from a system that prioritizes individual ownership over collective well-being and sustainable stewardship of the planet.

Key ethical considerations include:

  • Distributive Justice: How can we justify the unequal distribution of Earth’s resources?
  • Environmental Ethics: Does private ownership encourage responsible stewardship or exploitation?
  • Intergenerational Ethics: What obligations do we have to future generations regarding resource access?

Counterarguments and Rebuttals

Proponents of private property might argue that it drives economic growth, encourages maintenance of the property, and upholds individual liberties. However, these benefits must be weighed against the environmental degradation, social inequalities, and ethical dilemmas that private ownership perpetuates.

Argument for Private PropertyRebuttal
Drives economic growthGrowth at the expense of sustainability is ultimately detrimental
Encourages property maintenanceCommunal ownership can also incentivize maintenance through shared responsibility
Upholds individual libertiesIndividual liberties should not come at the cost of collective well-being

The real question is: can a system that inherently generates liabilities for the planet and its future residents be truly just and sustainable in the long term?

Alternative Models and Transition Strategies

Several alternative models of property ownership exist that emphasize community and sustainability:

  1. Community Land Trusts (CLTs): In Burlington, Vermont, the Champlain Housing Trust (a CLT) has helped over 1,000 families become homeowners while keeping housing permanently affordable.
  2. Ejidos in Mexico: This system of communal land ownership, despite challenges, has helped preserve indigenous communities and their traditional land management practices.
  3. Shared Economy Models: Companies like Airbnb and Uber have shown how shared resources can create new economic opportunities, potentially offering insights into larger-scale resource sharing.

Potential strategies for transitioning away from the current private property system include:

  1. Land Value Tax: Implementing a tax on the unimproved value of land, as proposed by economist Henry George, could discourage speculation and encourage more efficient land use.
  2. Gradual Expansion of Public Land Trusts: Cities like Amsterdam have been gradually buying back land to create a more equitable system, offering a model for transitioning away from private ownership.
  3. Universal Basic Income (UBI): While not directly related to property, UBI trials in places like Finland and Kenya suggest that providing a basic standard of living can lead to increased entrepreneurship and community well-being, potentially easing the transition to more communal forms of ownership.

Conclusion

Reevaluating private property as a liability encourages a shift in perspective—from individual entitlement to collective responsibility. It prompts us to question the long-term impacts of our current property laws and to explore more sustainable and equitable alternatives. This paradigm shift could lead to more responsible resource management and a more equitable society.

The challenge lies in balancing individual needs with collective responsibility and long-term sustainability. By engaging in public discourse on these alternatives and seriously considering transition strategies, we can pave the way for a more just and responsible approach to managing the Earth’s resources.

The Plague

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I happened upon my copy of The Plague by Camus. I had forgotten that I had read it—likely during the COVID-19 debacle, but perhaps earlier.

The Plague is basically a deep dive into a city gone mad with disease. It’s set in Oran, Algeria, where things kick off with a sinister dead rat and spiral into full-blown disaster as a plague locks the city down. This isn’t just a survival story; it’s a gritty look at how people cope when the world turns upside down.

The city becomes a pressure cooker. Through characters like Dr Rieux, the down-to-earth doc who’s all about getting things done; Tarrou, the outsider with a shady past; and Father Paneloux, who’s trying to square God’s plan with the chaos, Camus throws some heavy questions at us. What do you do when there’s no escape? How do you keep your humanity when life’s going off the rails?

Camus keeps his cool, writing with a detached style that makes the unfolding horror hit even harder. It’s like he’s telling us to face up to the absurdity of life without flinching. The plague is more than a disease in Oran—it’s a symbol of all the random, harsh stuff life throws at us.

The Plague is raw and real. It doesn’t offer cosy reassurances; instead, it challenges you to look disaster in the eye and ask yourself: when everything falls apart, who will you become? This book isn’t just a read; it’s a challenge—a call to fight against despair, even when the odds are stacked against you.

Individualism versus Collectivism

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I continue my AutoCrit analysis of the chapter that explores individualism and collectivism. As always, this is a work in progress and may change by publication.

Synopsis

The text delves into the philosophical debate between individualism and collectivism, exploring their implications for democratic outcomes. It begins by defining and contrasting these two worldviews, discussing key thinkers associated with each perspective. The narrative then expands to include non-Western perspectives on collectivism, such as Confucianism and Ubuntu philosophy. The text also analyses anthropologist David Graeber’s critiques of both ideologies before examining how cognitive biases shape individualistic and collectivistic beliefs. Political divides in the UK and the US are explored through the lens of these ideologies, highlighting policy differences between parties. The conclusion emphasizes finding a balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities for effective democratic governance.

Audience

The target audience for this text is likely academics, researchers, students studying political science or philosophy, policymakers, and individuals interested in sociopolitical theory. People unfamiliar with political theory or those seeking a light read may not be the intended audience. To make it more relevant to a broader readership, the author could simplify complex concepts using everyday language without compromising depth.

Structure and Organisation

The structure follows a logical order by introducing key concepts before delving into specific examples and applications. Each section flows seamlessly into the next, creating a cohesive narrative that builds upon previous discussions effectively.

Clarity

The author effectively conveys their point throughout the text. The concepts of individualism and collectivism are clearly defined, with key thinkers and ideologies presented in a straightforward manner. Complex ideas are explained in a structured way that aids comprehension for readers unfamiliar with these philosophical debates.

One potential area where additional clarification could assist reader understanding is in the section discussing cognitive biases and worldviews. While the text mentions confirmation bias and ingroup bias, it might be helpful to provide more concrete examples or case studies to illustrate how these biases manifest in shaping individualistic or collectivistic beliefs. This could enhance the reader’s grasp of how cognitive limitations impact ideological perspectives.

Overall, however, the author maintains a clear and coherent presentation of complex philosophical concepts related to individualism and collectivism without significant hindrances to comprehension.

Commentary

I discuss Cognitive Biases in an earlier chapter. One challenge with AutoCrit is evident when analysing individual chapters. AutoCrit can analyse entire books, but since this is incomplete and contains stub content, the results are not representative. I’d share these notes, but they are silly.

Tone

The tone is analytical and objective. The author presents a detailed examination of the philosophical debate between individualism and collectivism without overt emotional bias. While discussing contrasting worldviews and their implications for democratic outcomes, the text maintains a neutral stance, focusing on presenting information rather than evoking strong emotional responses from readers. The language used is academic and informative, aiming to provide a comprehensive understanding of the topic rather than appealing to emotions or personal beliefs. Overall, the tone conveys a sense of intellectual curiosity and critical analysis in exploring complex ideas related to individualism versus collectivism in various contexts.

Commentary

One goal of mine is to present a balanced perspective. My primary thesis is that people are not strong candidates for democratic governance, so this is already a polemic concept at the start.

Interest and Engagement

The text effectively engages the audience by presenting a well-structured and informative exploration of the philosophical debate between individualism and collectivism. The clear division into sections with defined subtopics helps maintain reader interest and facilitates understanding of complex concepts.

However, some sections may risk losing the audience’s attention due to their heavy theoretical content or lack of practical examples. For instance, Section 2 on Cognitive Limitations and Their Impact delves into cognitive biases without offering concrete real-world illustrations to make the concepts more relatable. To improve this section, the author could incorporate case studies or anecdotes that demonstrate how these biases manifest in political decision-making processes.

Similarly, in Section 4 on Systematic Problems in the US Government, while discussing Montesquieu’s Separation of Powers theory and Party Duopoly issues are crucial topics, they might come across as too abstract for general readers. To enhance engagement here, providing historical examples or current events that exemplify these problems would help readers grasp their significance better.

Overall, maintaining a balance between theoretical discussions and practical applications throughout the text will ensure sustained reader engagement. By incorporating relevant examples and real-world scenarios where possible, the author can bring life to abstract concepts and make them more compelling for a broader audience.

Argument and Persuasion

The text presents opinions favouring both individualistic and collectivistic viewpoints while highlighting limitations inherent in each ideology through references to works by influential philosophers such as Ayn Rand and Karl Marx. These opinions are supported by historical context but could be bolstered further with more empirical evidence or contemporary case studies.

Final Thoughts and Conclusions

The text concludes with a strong and satisfying summary of the philosophical debate between individualism and collectivism, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between individual rights and collective responsibilities for effective democratic outcomes. The call to action encourages policymakers, educators, and citizens to engage in efforts to reconcile these worldviews for the betterment of society. This final section effectively ties together the key points introduced throughout the work, leaving readers with a clear understanding of the overarching themes discussed.

References and Supporting Materials

Primary Texts

Hobbes, T. (1651). Leviathan

Locke, J. (1689). Two Treatises of Government

Marx, K., & Engels, F. (1848). The Communist Manifesto

Montesquieu, C. (1748). The Spirit of the Laws

Analytical Works

Dunn, J. (1984). Locke

Tuck, R. (1996). Hobbes

Hofstede, G. (1984). Culture’s Consequences: International Differences in Work-Related Values

Triandis, H. C. (1995). Individualism and Collectivism

Graeber, D. (2011). Debt: The First 5,000 Years

Graeber, D. (2015). The Utopia of Rules: On Technology, Stupidity, and the Secret Joys of Bureaucracy

Non-Western Perspectives

Confucius. (5th century BCE). Analects

Ramose, M. B. (1999). African Philosophy Through Ubuntu

Ura, K., Alkire, S., Zangmo, T., & Wangdi, K. (2012). A Short Guide to Gross National Happiness Index

AutoCrit is an AI-based editorial application. I am a member of their affiliate programme, so I gain minor financial benefits at no cost to you if you purchase through a link on this page.

The Tyranny of Order and the Freedom of Chaos

Posted in anarchism, identity, modernism, morality, nature, perception, philosophy, politics, psychology, religion, societyTagged , , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

I’m not happy with the summary review of The Blind Owl by Sadegh Hedayat. I liked the book, and the review was positive, but the summary was at too high of a level and didn’t convey how I experienced the reading. I’m tempted to try again at a lower level. That’s not the subject of this piece.

I happened on a short clip of Claudia de Rham pointing out that physicists (and scientists more generally) are not dismayed when their theories are disproven or someone finds a puzzle piece that doesn’t fit into their puzzle. The reaction she highlights is similar to reactions to Nihilism and Anarchy.

VIDEO: The Institute of Art and Ideas.

Here’s a longer (but still not full) version.

VIDEO: Can physics ever explain the universe? | Avshalom Elitzur debates Claudia de Rham

Most people, it seems, are incessantly grasping for order. A select few crave structure. But what truly fascinates me is the interplay of perception and expectations.

The ‘Orderlies’ – those fastidious devotees of tidiness – become apoplectic at the mere sight of disorder. They needn’t even experience it directly. “Oh, those physicists must return to the drawing board! Their model needs reassessment!” For fuck’s sake, it gives them purpose – a raison d’être, if you will.

This phenomenon extends to the habitual ‘Believers’ scrutinising nihilists. “Without belief, I’d embark on a murderous rampage,” they proclaim – though always directed at the world beyond themselves. Never them, of course, but those ‘other’ people. If not for God, who would maintain order? Evidently, these individuals don’t venture out much if they genuinely believe their deity is keeping things shipshape.

I frequently encounter notions that Nihilists must navigate life burdened by existential dread, their existence devoid of meaning, the universe an empty void. Speaking for myself, I require no such structure. Nothing is absent. There is no dread.

The religious perceive a void – a “God-sized hole,” as a mate once pontificated, that can only be filled by the divine. Naturally, he was moralising, declaring that sex, drugs, and other vices could never satiate this cosmic emptiness. But there is no hole. Perhaps they’re grappling with some psychological vacancy. I sympathise, truly, but stuffing a God-sized hole with imagination seems no more nourishing than consuming an imaginary sandwich. Sod it, I might as well gorge on an imaginary chateaubriand if we’re going all in. I’ll still need sustenance after this illusory feast.

Then there are those who yearn to be governed. They crave traditions and institutions, lacking the critical faculties to evaluate them. Whatever they possess must surely be superior to the worst they can conjure. I suspect they’re envisioning an alternate world populated by like-minded individuals. In fact, I ought to be terrified by such a prospect too.

In the end, perhaps the true freedom lies not in order or belief, but in embracing the beautiful chaos of existence. After all, in a universe of infinite possibilities, why constrain ourselves to imaginary feasts when we can savour the rich banquet of reality?

Rational Ignorance

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Using AutoCrit, I continue to share the review progress of my work in progress, Democracy: The Grand Illusion. In this chapter, I survey the topic of rational ignorance.

Synopsis

The text delves into the concepts of rational ignorance and unknown unknowns within the framework of democratic decision-making. It begins by defining rational ignorance as individuals choosing to remain uninformed due to the perceived high cost of acquiring information. The discussion then moves on to explore how this impacts voter behaviour, leading to decisions based on superficial understanding and susceptibility to misinformation. The concept of unknown unknowns is introduced as factors individuals are unaware of, influencing decision-making unpredictably.

The text concludes by emphasising the importance of addressing cognitive challenges through enhancing political literacy, promoting deliberative democracy, ensuring transparency, and leveraging technology. By doing so, it aims to create a more informed electorate and strengthen democratic systems.

Audience

The target audience for this text includes policymakers, educators, citizens interested in political science or governance issues, and those involved in civic engagement. Those not targeted may include casual readers looking for light reading material or individuals with no interest in politics. To make it more relevant, the author could simplify complex terms for lay audiences without compromising depth or provide real-world examples illustrating theoretical concepts.

Structure and Organisation

The text follows a logical order by first introducing key concepts like rational ignorance and unknown unknowns before exploring their implications on democratic decision-making. Each section flows seamlessly into the next without abrupt transitions or disconnection between ideas.

Tone

The tone throughout remains informative yet urgent about addressing cognitive challenges within democracies effectively. There’s a sense of responsibility conveyed towards improving civic engagement among readers.

Clarity

Overall clarity is strong; however, some sections could benefit from simplification for easier comprehension by all readers. For instance:

  • “Unknown Unknowns refer to factors that are completely outside individuals’ awareness…” – This could be rephrased more straightforwardly.
  • Complex sentences discussing cognitive biases might require additional clarification for better understanding.

Commentary

There is an entire section on cognitive biases earlier in the book as well as a note to directing the reader to it.

Argument and Persuasion

Opinions presented focus on mitigating effects of rational ignorance through enhanced education and transparency measures which are logically constructed with support from references such as Downs (1957) & Kahneman (2011). While persuasive elements are well-supported overall; further statistical data or case studies would enhance credibility.

Commentary

I’m not sure I’ll include more in this book, as I cite copious source material, noted below.

Interest and Engagement

While engaging overall due to its relevance in current socio-political contexts; sections detailing strategies like encouraging deliberative democracy may lose reader interest due to dense content presentation without breaks or interactive elements such as case studies or anecdotes involving citizen participation can improve engagement levels significantly

Final Thoughts & Conclusions

The text concludes with a strong and satisfying section that summarizes the concepts of rational ignorance and unknown unknowns, emphasizing their impact on democratic decision-making. It effectively ties together the key points discussed throughout the work and provides a clear call to action for addressing cognitive challenges in governance. The final thoughts and conclusions serve to underscore the importance of mitigating these challenges through improved education, deliberation, transparency, and technological advancements. The text ends conclusively by summarizing key points discussed earlier while offering actionable steps towards strengthening democratic systems amidst cognitive challenges faced today—providing a clear direction forward that ties together various themes explored throughout the narrative effectively.

References and Supporting Materials

Downs, A. (1957). An Economic Theory of Democracy. Harper & Row.

Kahneman, D. (2011). Thinking, Fast and Slow. Farrar, Straus and Giroux.

Caplan, B. (2007). The Myth of the Rational Voter: Why Democracies Choose Bad Policies. Princeton University Press.

Tetlock, P. E. (2005). Expert Political Judgment: How Good Is It? How Can We Know? Princeton University Press.

Sunstein, C. R. (2006). Infotopia: How Many Minds Produce Knowledge. Oxford University Press.

Lupia, A., & McCubbins, M. D. (1998). The Democratic Dilemma: Can Citizens Learn What They Need to Know? Cambridge University Press.

Akerlof, G. A., & Shiller, R. J. (2015). Phishing for Phools: The Economics of Manipulation and Deception. Princeton University Press.

Iyengar, S., & Kinder, D. R. (1987). News That Matters: Television and American Opinion. University of Chicago Press.

Gigerenzer, G., & Todd, P. M. (1999). Simple Heuristics That Make Us Smart. Oxford University Press.

Sunstein, C. R., & Thaler, R. H. (2008). Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness. Penguin Books.

AutoCrit is an AI-based editorial application. I am a member of their affiliate programme, so I gain minor financial benefits at no cost to you if you purchase through a link on this page.