Book Review/Rebuttal: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn

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It's not that I don't recommend this book or that it doesn't offer a philosophical perspective that warrants review. It is worth reading but it fails to persuade as it offers only a simplified and narrow perspective of human behavior. It requires a wholesale acceptance of its premises and provides little in the way of relevant counterarguments. Ishmael by Daniel Quinn is written well and is narrated masterfully by Anthony Heald in the Audible version I listened to. When engaging with this book I recommend being aware of its rhetorical tactics and remaining skeptical of its biased perspective.

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Consent in America?

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If consent is something people think is valuable then they should look at the way they act and the way they treat others skeptically. They should evaluate their actions as well as the actions of others to determine where consent was disregarded. In this way, people might live up to the standard of ethics that holds consent as a virtue. 

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What's going on with AI (Links)

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I have been looking into AI and trying to understand how it will affect humans in the future. I think AI will profoundly affect the economy, how people communicate, and the world of entertainment. I do not think that anyone can predict the impact or future world that will result from the use of widespread artificial intelligence. I am unsure of whether I am pro or against AI but I am certain my views will have little impact on its development and implementation. I am sure that I will be affected by it and I am curious what the long-term outcomes of its use will be.

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Religion as Cultural OCD

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Would you rather do something because you think it has value or live with the harsh truth that what your doing is nonsense? Sometimes giving it up means losing that value you thought was there. If so, you would have to find value in other things and other activities. It might even be possible to engage in those activities for different reasons and retain the value that derives from them. If one gives up religion they give up a set a way of life and the consequences of that should not to be taken lightly.

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