Philosophics — Philosophical and Political Ramblings

This segment explains a whimsical narrative where Rhoticity Chicken, a rooster championing the pronunciation of the final "R" sound, confronts Non-Rhotic Chicken, who seeks to eliminate it from English. Their battle ensues within the Coop of Justice, involving dramatic declarations and the deployment of phonetically charged attacks, such as The Trilled Chick Henchmen wielding rolled "R"s. Ultimately, Rhoticity Chicken's powerful "Rhotic Resonance" prevails, restoring the hard "R" and defeating his vowel-eliding adversary in this allegorical clash of pronunciation styles.https://ridleypark.wordpress.com/2025/03/21/rhoticity-chicken-the-final-cluckfrontation/

Ridley Park discusses the author's frustration with generative AI's struggles with subtlety, satire, and irony, using an example from their own writing process where AI suggested an inappropriate humorous line for an emergency call scenario. The author questions whether this AI deficiency is merely a reflection of a broader human tendency to miss nuance, noting the prevalence of over-explanation in various forms of media. Ultimately, the piece ponders if higher standards for understanding should be applied to AI than are often met by a significant portion of the human population. The blog also features links to other articles and options for reader engagement.Source: https://ridleypark.wordpress.com/2025/03/11/dont-let-him-wander/

Ridley Park explores generative AI's lack of understanding of nuance and subtlety in the first of two segments.

White-throated Sparrows exhibit a fascinating disconnect between their genetic makeup and traditionally assumed sex-linked traits, demonstrating that genes influence characteristics like plumage and behaviour on a non-sex chromosome. This species has two colour morphs, white-striped and tan-striped, each associated with distinct behavioural tendencies that don't strictly align with their actual sex. The presence of a "supergene" on chromosome 2, which doesn't recombine and affects these traits, loosely mirrors the evolution of sex chromosomes but with key differences. This unique system highlights how genes outside of sex chromosomes can drive sex-related variations, challenging the binary view of biological sex and revealing the inherent diversity within species. The study of these sparrows provides valuable insights into the evolution of sex and the remarkable plasticity of sex-related characteristics in the natural world.

This segment discusses posts from the Philosophics Blog on the book The Sane Society by Erich Fromm. The first entry, written in March 2025, introduces the book's central question of societal sanity and its continued relevance, comparing Fromm's perspective to that of Mark Fisher. The author notes Fromm's psychiatric lens on human nature and the concept of normalcy. A subsequent post, also from March 2025, focuses on Chapter 5 of Fromm's work, examining his historical perspective on capitalism and its evolution from the Industrial Revolution. This entry highlights Fromm's observations on early capitalist practices and the shift towards prioritising capital over humanity in later periods, drawing parallels with Marxist critique.https://philosophics.blog/2025/03/06/man-in-capitalistic-society/

This article critiques metamodernism, positioning it less as a successor to postmodernism and more as a rebranded form of modernism. It argues that metamodernism's oscillation between modernist sincerity and postmodern irony is not a resolution of their contradictions, but rather a psychological coping mechanism. The author suggests that metamodernism's success lies in describing certain artistic works, such as BoJack Horseman and the films of Wes Anderson, that play with irony and sincerity. However, it contends that this approach is inadequate as a comprehensive philosophical or ethical framework because it lacks stable reference points. Ultimately, the piece suggests that the pursuit of another "-ism" is futile and encourages confronting the limitations inherent in all ideologies. The article also acknowledges the insider/outsider perspective regarding the worldview of metamodernism.https://philosophics.blog/2025/02/24/metamodernism-a-postmodern-critique/

Research highlights the significant influence of sex hormones on various neurological conditions. A comprehensive review in Brain Medicine explores how these hormones impact brain health, affecting disorders like stroke, epilepsy and Alzheimer's. Professor Schipper's analysis reveals that hormonal fluctuations can alter disease progression and treatment responses. The study suggests that understanding these mechanisms may pave the way for sex-specific and hormone-aware therapies. The article emphasizes the importance of considering hormonal factors in neurological evaluations and treatments. The review also appears in a special issue of Brain Medicine that honours Dr. Seymour Reichlin, a neuroendocrinology pioneer.Ref: https://scitechdaily.com/new-research-reveals-how-sex-hormones-quietly-reshape-the-brain-and-influence-neurological-disease/

This segment discusses a recent article explores the counter-intuitive link between religious observance and longevity. It highlights research indicating that religious individuals tend to live longer, not because of divine intervention, but due to the social structures and lifestyle choices often associated with religious communities. Strong social support, healthier habits, and lower stress levels cultivated within these groups contribute to increased lifespan. The article contrasts this with secular societies, such as those in Scandinavia, which achieve similar outcomes through robust social welfare systems and communal activities. Ultimately, the piece argues that consistent social connection, rather than religious belief itself, is the key to a longer life.

A recent scientific study has explored the non-classical aspects of quantum physics by creating photons that simultaneously exist in 37 dimensions. This experiment aimed to push the boundaries of quantum mechanics and test the limits of the Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) paradox. The research team successfully manipulated light to demonstrate unprecedented quantum effects. The findings suggest that our understanding of quantum physics may still be in its early stages. Researchers hope this work will facilitate building quantum advantages in high-dimensional systems. The study highlights the vast potential for future breakthroughs in quantum technology and demonstrates the strange, counterintuitive nature of the quantum world.http://philosophics.blog for related content

The segment examines the concept of a "post-rationality era," questioning whether Western society is moving away from reason and evidence-based thinking. Generative AI platforms were prompted to assess this concern, with their responses highlighting factors such as polarisation, misinformation, emotional appeals, and declining trust in institutions. The AI responses suggest that emotions, personal beliefs, and ideologies are increasingly influencing public discourse, potentially eroding critical thinking and social cohesion. However, the platforms also acknowledge that rationality persists and advocate for promoting critical thinking, media literacy, and fact-based journalism to counteract these trends. Some perspectives suggest that the shift indicates a re-evaluation of rationality's limitations, rather than a complete rejection. The source ultimately suggests the necessity for defending rationality as a foundation for societal progress.https://philosophics.blog/2025/02/13/are-we-in-a-post-rationality-era/