One of the most interesting paradoxes studied by Philosophers, is also one that challenges our entire approach to science and knowledge gathering. Despite its monumental importance, there currently exist no satisfying resolution to this paradox. Which is unfortunate, because by studying this paradox, and learning how to resolve it, we all stand to benefit immensely, … Continue reading Solving the Raven-Paradox and Improving the Way we do Science
Author: RP
Philosophical Proof for the Human Soul
As a lifelong agnostic, I never thought that I would find myself arguing for the existence of “souls”, much less claiming that I’ve found proof through Philosophical reasoning. And yet, as I consider the alternative, I find myself unable to accept any other conclusion. If we were to assume that human consciousness arises purely out … Continue reading Philosophical Proof for the Human Soul
The Real Truth about NYC’s Elite High Schools
A couple days ago, the NYTimes published an op-ed proclaiming “The Truth about NYC’s Elite High Schools”. The truth, according to them, is the following: NYC’s elite high schools are a bastion of bias and discrimination. In order to remedy this, they need to abandon their current test-based entrance system, in favor of one that more … Continue reading The Real Truth about NYC’s Elite High Schools
Forget Basic Income – we need Guaranteed Employment
I’ve long been a champion of Basic Income. As we head towards an uncertain future where automation and offshoring becomes the norm, we need more safeguards to protect the most vulnerable members in our society. Instead of paternalistic welfare programs, full of bureaucracy and central planning, the idea of putting money directly in the pockets … Continue reading Forget Basic Income – we need Guaranteed Employment
Too Big To Fail: A Call for States’ Rights
In the wake of the 2008 crisis came the realization that our financial system is teetering on the brink, at the mercy of banks that are too big to fail. A lesson that’s hardly surprising to Software engineers who have known for decades that "God Objects", entities that are far too widely encompassing, produce intractable … Continue reading Too Big To Fail: A Call for States’ Rights
Dangerous Ideas
In communist China, those deemed to be promoting dangerous Capitalist ideas were subjected to severe crackdown under the Cultural Revolution. In Catholic 16th century Europe, those who promoted radical ideas that undermined mainstream Judeo-Christian beliefs, were locked up as heretics. In America during the Red Scare, those suspected of endorsing Socialist ideas were subjected to … Continue reading Dangerous Ideas
Columbus the Clown
"For millennia, people thought that the Earth was flat, like a coin. That if you sailed too far to the east or west, you would simply fall off the side of the earth, into the void. Into this age of ignorance strode Christopher Columbus, boldly proclaiming his visionary insight of a spherical earth. One where … Continue reading Columbus the Clown
A Fix for Political Corruption
Senators and Congressmen are forced to spend hours every day, making phone calls to the rich, listening intently to all their problems, promising them actions, and eventually, begging them for money. Presidential hopefuls, the leaders of their party and charismatic figureheads with supporters numbering in the millions, travel halfway around the country in order to … Continue reading A Fix for Political Corruption
Why I’m Never Buying HTC Again
I'm not a tech blogger, much less an activist. I usually never write reviews about tech gizmos. I just buy devices that I think will be useful, and if my expectations aren't met, I just quietly move on to some other product. But after the experience that I've had with HTC over the past month, … Continue reading Why I’m Never Buying HTC Again
We Need Cruel and Unusual Punishment
Imagine yourself shipwrecked on a desert island, with thousands of other people. You're forced to build a society from scratch, and as part of that, you need to figure out how to design a criminal justice system. What are some goals of this system that you may have? Prevention: The system should prevent criminals from committing … Continue reading We Need Cruel and Unusual Punishment
