The Trump swerve
aldo 10.000+, DeepDipThe emergence of Trumpism with Donald Trump's candidacy led to a significant shift in political discourse and international relations. Trump's jingoism and attack on established norms have widened the scope of political possibilities, making the world a more fragile place. The Trump swerve has potential global and national consequences, challenging existing systems and institutions, and setting a precedent that could be followed by future leaders, ultimately impacting the stability of the political landscape.
What is virtue?
aldo 10.000+, DeepDipThe message delves into the concept of virtue, tracing its origins from Confucian teachings to its presence in philosophical works by Plato, Aristotle, and stoicism. The text emphasizes that virtue is not a clearly defined concept but rather a practice that emerges through experience, defying straightforward definition. An example of an 800-year-old bonsai tree is used to illustrate the intricacies of virtue, highlighting the importance of harmony, respect for uniqueness, and the complex, multi-layered process that leads to a unique outcome. The writer advocates for embracing the complexities of individual judgment rather than rigid categorical or universal principles in understanding virtue.
Of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction
aldo 10.000+, DeepDipThe text discusses the use of nudges, path-dependent outcomes, and niche construction. Nudges are favored for their soft approach in influencing behavior, particularly in scenarios where predictability is key. In contrast, incentives trigger niche construction, leading to unpredictable outcomes as individuals seek optimization. The text emphasizes that agents don't always respond as intended to incentives. An example is proposed where the state could become the default legatee in estate planning. The author questions the ethical implications of such a measure and highlights the deliberate nature of estate planning, which involves niche construction rather than nudges.
A brain made transparent
aldo 5.000-, DeepDip BlogsThe 21st century will involve a deep understanding of humanity and society. A computer program called Program allows researchers to visualize the brain's complexity. With 9 billion brains capable of understanding each other, our social reality surpasses the brain's complexity. Language and philosophical tools like Intuition Pumps help us navigate this intricate social world. Philosophy aims to grasp the interconnectedness of everything. By using such tools, we can enhance our thinking and create a more transparent world.
Piercing the fog of ambiguities
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDipThe text delves into the complexities of disambiguation in anthropology and the evolution of morals, cautioning against projecting present understanding onto the past. It warns that disambiguation may not lead to truth but rather to contingent outcomes based on accepted opinions. The process is described as a continual challenge to common sense and can lead to a deeper but more complex understanding, rather than an absolute truth. The author also critiques the practice of searching for predetermined answers in historical texts, emphasizing the ambiguity of the past over its authenticity.
The uncertain future of national borders
aldo 5.000-, DeepDip BlogsThe text discusses the historical creation of national borders and the challenges they pose, particularly in the Middle East with the case of the Kurds and Turkey's evolving role. It highlights Turkey's ambition to become a regional power and influence neighboring countries like Iraq and Syria. The text concludes that while national boundaries may persist, their relevance could fade over time.
Taking the long view on Balochistan
aldo 5.000-, DeepDip BlogsA lengthy report on the politics of Balochistan, a region in Pakistan, has been published by the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. The report emphasizes the importance of in-depth analysis and highlights the interplay between regionalism, religion, and external influences. It warns against repeating past mistakes and underscores the need for transparency in fostering a national political process.
Climate-change refugees: A misleading analogy
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDip BlogsAnalogies are powerful but may lead to misleading conclusions. An analogy comparing climate-change refugees to war refugees raises questions about entitlements, complexities, and distinctions. The concept of climate change refugees is scrutinized, touching on settlement issues, distinguishing genuine need, anthropogenic vs. natural causes, and economic impacts. The writer cautions against solely relying on analogies, as they can oversimplify intricate issues. The emotional response to analogies can cloud rational analysis, making it crucial to balance emotional and logical considerations when addressing complex problems stemming from climate change.
Is “proportionality in war” OK?
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDipA landmark document called the Tallinn Manual on Cyber Warfare sets rules for international cyberwarfare based on existing laws of conventional war. It emphasizes the importance of proportionality to avoid unnecessary loss of life, drawing parallels with economic concepts like efficiency. The focus on proportionality has become prominent in modern warfare discussions, shifting from seeking peace to prioritizing proportional actions. There is a concern that concentrating on proportionality as "second best" may not be ideal, and war has become commodified, lacking historical and contextual depth. The message advocates for addressing each war uniquely to find a way forward towards peace.
Trent: the first multilateral negotiation
aldo 5-10.000, DeepDipThe Council of Trent (1545-1563) was likely the first multilateral negotiation, involving the Pope, Bishops, and representatives of major rulers to address Catholic doctrine and reform. Despite debates and disagreements, the Council established unifying canons but failed to reconcile with the Reformation fully. The assembly created procedural structures familiar in modern multilateral relations. While earlier councils condemned heretics, Trent used indirect approaches, akin to modern conflict resolution strategies. The Council's outcomes were notable for what was left undecided. The post-Council period saw varied reactions to its mandates, with ongoing efforts towards Church reform.
