Category: Uncategorized
-
Cooling Down Communication: Embracing the Power of the Cold Medium
Cold Medium in 10 Technologies The lockdowns imposed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic have disrupted our daily routines and forced us to confront the reality of isolation and social distancing. For many people, this has been a difficult and challenging time, but for some, it has provided an opportunity for self-reflection and creative exploration.…
-
Persuasion Technology
The development of behavioral technologies intended for military-grade persuasion in cyber-operations has its roots in a particular perspective on human beings. This perspective views individuals as manipulable subjects rather than rational agents, which is at odds with the way they should be viewed in democratic societies. As a result, the use of these technologies raises…
-
The Problem With Incrementalism
The problem with Incrementalism: Unless the trick is to dabble incrementalism as an infinite series 1 + 1/2 + 1/4 + 1/8 + 1/16 + 1/32 + … where “…” means keep going. What is supposed to add up is 2 ends up in the Zeno’s paradox, the arrow sneaks on his victim, Achilles sneaks…
-
Government Is the Entertainment Division of the Military-Industrial Complex
The phrase “Government as the Entertainment division of the military-industrial complex” is a play on a quote from musician Frank Zappa, who said, “Politics is the entertainment division of the military-industrial complex.” Zappa was known for his satirical and critical views of American politics and society, and this quote is often cited as an example…
-
Weapons of the Weak
Weapons of the weak are a concept coined by political scientist James C. Scott, referring to the methods employed by the disadvantaged and oppressed in society to resist authority and assert their rights. These weapons are often non-violent and symbolic, yet they can still be effective in challenging the status quo. In many societies, the…
-
The Death Star and the Atomic Bomb
The development and use of the atomic bomb was a highly controversial and deeply troubling concept for many reasons. The power and destructive potential of such a weapon had never been seen before, and it was clear that regardless of whether it was used for war or peace, the consequences for humanity would be devastating.…
-
The China in Ourselves
The relationship between China and the rest of the world has always been a complex one, fraught with tension and conflict. Whether it is the ongoing trade war, disputes over territorial claims, or concerns about human rights violations, there seem to be no easy solutions to the challenges posed by China’s rise as a global…
-
Refactoring a Problem at a Pre-Technical Level
In problem-solving, the importance of framing the issue at hand cannot be overstated. A well-constructed frame can guide and direct the search for solutions, leading to more efficient and effective problem-solving. However, a frame is only useful if it is being generated and intelligently analyzed faster than options are expiring. In other words, the speed…
-
The Outsider Effect
The outsider effect is a phenomenon that suggests that individuals who are unfamiliar with a particular field may be better suited to finding innovative and creative solutions to problems within that field. This is because people who are not constrained by the conventional ways of thinking in a specific discipline can approach problems with a…
-
Deactivate the Prefrontal Cortex
Our brains are incredibly complex, with different regions responsible for different functions. One of the most fascinating aspects of the brain is the way in which it can be trained to focus and refine our work, while also allowing for moments of insight and creativity. According to research, these two capacities emanate from different parts…