To present my interests and influences, and selections from my long-form work.
To maintain a relationship is to hold one end of a line. Each person holds an end. An ideal relationship holds a tight line. A sagging line is the result of one or both parties relinquishing focus or energy on the line; perhaps in an attempt to tighten other lines.
Morality is the set of principles, beliefs, and values that guide human behavior, determining what is considered right or wrong, good or bad. It serves as an internal compass, influencing how individuals treat one another and make decisions that impact themselves, others, and society. But the roots of morality are deep and complex, touching upon philosophy, psychology, religion, and culture.
Philosophers have debated the nature of morality for centuries. For some, like Immanuel Kant, morality is grounded in reason and universal rules (e.g., the categorical imperative: "Act only according to that maxim by which you can at the same time will that it should become a universal law"). For others, like John Stuart Mill, morality is about maximizing happiness and reducing suffering—this is the essence of utilitarianism. Virtue ethics, championed by Aristotle, emphasizes character and the cultivation of virtues (like courage, temperance, and wisdom) rather than focusing solely on rules or outcomes.
Many religions propose a moral code handed down through sacred texts or divine teachings. For example, Christianity draws on the Ten Commandments and the teachings of Jesus, emphasizing love, compassion, and humility. Islamic ethics are shaped by the Quran and Hadith, promoting justice, mercy, and respect for life. Buddhism focuses on principles like the Eightfold Path, which guides followers toward compassion, mindfulness, and non-harm.
Morality can be shaped by the customs, traditions, and norms of a particular culture or society. What is deemed moral in one culture might be considered immoral in another. This view, known as cultural relativism, argues that there are no absolute moral truths—only varying perspectives shaped by social context.
From a biological standpoint, morality can be seen as an evolved trait that promotes cooperation and social cohesion. Behaviors like altruism, empathy, and fairness can be observed in other social animals, suggesting that moral instincts may have developed to increase the survival of groups. Psychology examines how moral behavior develops over a person's life. Lawrence Kohlberg's stages of moral development suggest that people progress through different levels of moral reasoning, from a focus on obedience and punishment to abstract principles of justice.
Moral absolutism asserts that there are objective moral standards that are universally true, regardless of context (e.g., "Murder is always wrong"). Moral relativism, on the other hand, argues that what is moral depends on the situation or culture—there are no absolute moral truths.
In social theory, framing is a schema of interpretation, a collection of anecdotes and stereotypes, that individuals rely on to understand and respond to events. In other words, people build a series of mental "filters" through biological and cultural influences. They then use these filters to make sense of the world.
The choices we make are influenced by the construction of our frames.
Participation in a language community necessarily influences an individual's perception of the meanings attributed to words or phrases. Politically, the language communities of advertising, religion, and mass media are highly contested, whereas framing in less-sharply defended language communities might evolve imperceptibly and organically over cultural time frames, with fewer overt modes of disputation.
The Hawthorne Effect is a phenomenon observed in behavioral studies where individuals modify their behavior in response to their awareness of being observed. This concept originated from a series of experiments conducted at the Hawthorne Works plant of the Western Electric Company in Cicero, Illinois, between 1924 and 1932.
The original purpose of the Hawthorne studies was to investigate how physical work conditions, such as lighting, affected worker productivity. Researchers conducted experiments by altering the lighting levels in the workplace and observing the workers' output. To their surprise, productivity improved not only when lighting conditions were enhanced but also when they were diminished or kept constant. This unexpected outcome led researchers to conclude that the mere act of observation influenced the workers' behavior, rather than the changes in the physical environment.
The fundamental aspect of the Hawthorne Effect is that individuals tend to change their behavior when they know they are being watched or studied. This change often manifests as improved performance or productivity, driven by the participants' awareness of the observation. The behavioral change is typically temporary. Once individuals believe they are no longer being observed, their behavior tends to revert to its original state. This transient nature underscores the psychological roots of the effect.
The panopticon is a design of institutional building with an inbuilt system of control, originated by the English philosopher and social theorist Jeremy Bentham in the 18th century. The concept is to allow all prisoners of an institution to be observed by a single corrections officer, without the inmates knowing whether or not they are being watched. In the model, individuals in the cells do not interact with each other and are constantly confronted by the panoptic tower (pan=all; optic=seeing). They cannot, however, see when there is a person in the tower; they must believe that they could be watched at any moment.
Bentham saw this prison reform as a model for how society should function. To maintain order in a democratic and capitalist society, the populace needs to believe that any person could be surveilled at any time. In time, such a structure would ensure that the people would soon internalize the panoptic tower and police themselves.
"He who is subjected to a field of visibility, and who knows it, assumes responsibility for the constraints of power; he makes them play spontaneously upon himself; he inscribes in himself the power relation in which he simultaneously plays both roles; he becomes the principle of his own subjection"
Foucault, Michel. Discipline and Punish: The Birth of the Prison
A short story called Witness.
Paralogy, as conceived by Jean-François Lyotard in "The Postmodern Condition," is the process of challenging and disrupting established norms and frameworks of knowledge. It goes beyond traditional logic and reasoning, fostering a plurality of perspectives that reject overarching narratives or "metanarratives." This approach values dissent and innovation over consensus, viewing knowledge as a dynamic and fragmented phenomenon.
Lyotard contrasts paralogy with traditional scientific discourse, which seeks uniformity and coherence. Instead, paralogy embraces the idea that knowledge is continuously evolving through the interplay of diverse, often conflicting, localized narratives. This concept highlights the importance of difference and the creative potential that arises from the tensions between various viewpoints.
In his critique of structuralism, Lyotard emphasizes that rigid systems of thought ignore the figural elements—those based on sensory experiences, emotions, and desires—that lie outside rational representation. By acknowledging these elements, paralogy allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the world that includes both rational and non-rational forces.
The "Brazil Nut Effect" is a phenomenon observed in granular materials, where larger particles tend to rise to the top of a mixture when it is shaken or disturbed. The phenomenon can be explored within the context of debris flows and their movement across alluvial fans.
Debris flows are rapid, gravity-driven movements of water-laden sediments that can transport a wide range of particle sizes. As these flows move downslope, the shaking and turbulence cause particles to shift and settle based on size. Larger particles, like boulders, tend to rise to the surface due to the percolation of smaller particles downward, resulting in a stratified deposit where large particles are concentrated at the surface. This reorganization minimizes energy, ensuring larger particles are deposited on top, leading to a stable sediment structure. The deposition of larger particles at the surface affects the slope and shape of the alluvial fan, influencing the flow paths of subsequent debris flows and contributing to distinct stratified layers over time.
Understanding this granular convection in debris flows helps predict deposition patterns and potential hazards, aiding in designing better mitigation strategies for infrastructure and communities near alluvial fans.
FURTHER READING:
Axtell, R. C. (2024) - Experimental Studies of Physics-Driven Segregation Patterns on Alluvial Fans
The philosophical issue that pragmatism attempts to resolve is best defined by John Dewey: "The history of philosophy is the history of the progressive reification of the artificial separation between philosophical inquiry and practical activity."
Dewey argues that the quest of traditional philosophy has been for certain knowledge of an unchanging reality. The method of inquiry appropriate to this quest has not concerned itself with the inherently uncertain realm of practical action but has focused instead on the certain knowledge of an unchanging reality presumed to be accessible only through reason and pure intellection.
This cannot be, states Dewey, for it is precisely the radical uncertainty surrounding action that first led primitive people to the postulation of something beyond their own mind. The Grecian foundations of western though has demoted the reality we exist in, one of action and uncertainty, to a realm of "appearance" and "becoming"; it has been left for dead in the shadows of pure Idea.
So, Dewey states, the scientific method is what shall unlock the systematic errors of traditional philosophy. For, while the scientific method exists in this lesser world of action, the knowledge derived from it is pure and certain.
WHY:
By reorienting philosophy as an exercise in understanding, John Dewey demonstrated its very importance. As a way of examining our personal experiences, philosophical thinking can be more than conjecture; it can be a lens through which the world is made legible.
Operant conditioning, also known as instrumental conditioning, is a fundamental learning process where voluntary behaviors are modified through their association with rewards or aversive stimuli. This concept is rooted in Edward Thorndike's law of effect, which posits that behaviors followed by satisfying consequences are likely to be repeated, while those followed by discomforting consequences are less likely to recur. In the 20th century, behavioral psychologists like B.F. Skinner expanded on Thorndike's work, emphasizing that much of human and animal behavior can be explained through environmental conditioning.
In operant conditioning, reinforcements and punishments play crucial roles. Reinforcements are stimuli that increase the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Positive reinforcement involves adding a favorable stimulus after a desired behavior, such as giving a child a treat for completing their homework, while negative reinforcement involves removing an aversive stimulus, like turning off a loud alarm when a person wakes up on time. Conversely, punishments are stimuli that decrease the likelihood of a behavior being repeated. Positive punishment entails adding an aversive stimulus following an undesired behavior, such as scolding a dog for chewing on furniture, while negative punishment involves removing a pleasant stimulus, like taking away a teenager's gaming privileges for not doing their chores. Extinction, another aspect of operant conditioning, occurs when a behavior that was previously reinforced is no longer followed by the reinforcing stimulus, leading to a gradual decrease in that behavior.
WHY:
By understanding the dynamics of reinforcement, punishment, and extinction, I can effectively shape behaviors to achieve desired outcomes, understand the impact of environmental stimuli on my actions, and gain insights into the mechanisms of learning and behavior modification.
Understanding the major milestones in human development requires a thorough examination of both the evolution of organisms and their interactions with their surroundings. This evolutionary journey begins with the advent of life, progressing through the hominid phase to the evolution of modern humans, including Neanderthals and Cro-Magnon. This process can be analyzed through three primary dimensions: biological, anthropological (the rise of cities), and cultural (human expression).
The timelines involved—two billion years for the emergence of life, six million years for hominids, and 100,000 years for modern humans—demonstrate a pattern of accelerating change. This telescoping effect continues through pivotal moments like the agricultural revolution (10,000 years), the scientific revolution (400 years), and the industrial revolution (150 years). This pattern suggests that future evolutionary changes could occur within our lifetimes.
The driving force behind the new evolution is information, which exists in two forms: digital and analog. Digital information encompasses artificial intelligence, while analog information pertains to molecular biology and cloning. These two forms are integrated through neurobiology. Unlike the traditional evolutionary model, where one aspect would dominate and the other would fade, the new model promotes a mutually supportive coexistence, independent of external influences.
In this new model, evolution becomes an individualized process, driven by the needs and desires of the individual rather than by external, collective forces. This shift results in the emergence of a neo-human, characterized by new forms of individuality and consciousness. As this cycle progresses, the accumulation of intelligence and abilities will accelerate evolution, potentially leading to a significant, rapid fulfillment of human and neo-human potential. This could result in the amplification of individual existence and the possibility of parallel existences, unbound by time and space.
The outcomes of this neo-human evolution may be unexpected. Traditional evolution, marked by efficiency and social adaptations like parasitism, dominance, morality, war, and predation, will be de-emphasized or even reversed. Instead, the new evolutionary model will prioritize human qualities such as truth, loyalty, justice, and freedom.
A short story called Solitaire.
The broken windows theory, introduced by social scientists James Q. Wilson and George L. Kelling in 1982, posits that visible signs of disorder and neglect—such as broken windows, graffiti, and litter—can encourage further crime and antisocial behavior. The theory suggests that if minor issues are left unaddressed, it signals a tolerance for disorder, potentially leading to more serious criminal activities. Therefore, by implementing policing methods that target minor crimes, such as vandalism, loitering, public drinking and fare evasion, communities can create or restore an atmosphere of order and lawfulness.
This theory has had a significant impact on policing strategies, particularly in the 1990s in New York City, where a focus on cracking down on minor offenses was believed to foster an atmosphere of law and order. However, critics argue that aggressive enforcement of minor infractions can lead to over-policing and disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities, which can exacerbate existing social inequalities.
Research by Northeastern University found little evidence that visible disorder causes crime, suggesting other factors like economic conditions and social cohesion play more significant roles. Additionally, Bernard E. Harcourt from Columbia Law School highlights the subjectivity and potential racial bias in defining "disorder," noting that aggressive policing based on this theory, such as stop-and-frisk, disproportionately impacts African-American and Hispanic populations without effectively reducing crime.
WHY:
The broken windows theory provides a perspective on the relationship between environmental factors and criminal behavior. Studying this theory allows me to explore the broader implications of urban design, community involvement, and policing strategies on public safety, as well as the interplay of societal norms and individual actions.
Relational aesthetics is an art theory and practice term coined by French curator and art critic Nicolas Bourriaud in his 1998 book Relational Aesthetics. Bourriaud defined the term as:
A set of artistic practices which take as their theoretical and practical point of departure the whole of human relations and their social context, rather than an independent and private space.The concept positions art as a facilitator of social exchanges rather than a creator of standalone objects. In relational aesthetics, the artwork exists in the interactions it provokes and the communal experiences it fosters.
Relational aesthetics emphasizes participatory art, where the audience becomes an active participant. This engagement transforms the traditional viewer into a co-creator of the art experience. For example, Rirkrit Tiravanija’s installations, where he cooks and serves food to gallery visitors, turn the act of sharing a meal into a communal artwork. Thomas Hirschhorn’s temporary community centers invite local residents to engage in discussions and activities, making their interactions the core of the artwork.
This art form challenges conventional notions of art as a commodity. Instead of being confined to objects displayed in galleries, art becomes a social event, emphasizing human connections over material value. Relational aesthetics critiques the commodification of art, proposing a more democratic and inclusive approach where the value lies in the social bonds and shared experiences it creates.
A short play called Traffic.
A short essay called Critique of Self.
Antonio Gramsci's concept of cultural hegemony describes how the ruling class maintains dominance not through force, but by shaping cultural norms and values. By controlling institutions like media, education, and religion, the ruling class secures consent and presents its worldview as common sense, reducing the need for coercion.
Gramsci distinguishes between traditional intellectuals, who align with the established order, and organic intellectuals, who emerge from and represent the working class. He also introduces the strategies of the "war of position" (a protracted struggle for ideological dominance within civil society) and the "war of maneuver" (direct revolutionary action). The historic bloc, a coalition of social forces and institutions, maintains hegemony by aligning diverse interests with those of the ruling class. Gramsci emphasizes praxis, the unity of theory and practice, as essential for effective political struggle and social change.
Pierre Bourdieu's theory of cultural capital explains how social hierarchies are maintained through the accumulation and transmission of cultural knowledge, skills, and education. Cultural capital operates alongside economic and social capital, reinforcing class distinctions and ensuring that power and privilege are reproduced across generations.
Bourdieu identifies three forms of cultural capital: embodied (long-lasting dispositions of the mind and body), objectified (cultural goods such as books, instruments, and works of art), and institutionalized (academic qualifications and credentials). These forms of capital help individuals navigate social structures and secure advantageous positions within society.
Embodied cultural capital is ingrained through socialization and education, shaping one's tastes, manners, and competencies. Objectified cultural capital consists of material objects and media, whose possession and appreciation confer cultural status. Institutionalized cultural capital, in the form of degrees and certifications, legitimizes and formalizes cultural competence, granting social recognition and mobility.
By possessing and leveraging cultural capital, individuals can enhance their social standing and access opportunities. However, the unequal distribution of cultural capital perpetuates social stratification, as those from privileged backgrounds are better positioned to acquire and benefit from it. This process ensures that cultural advantages are passed down through generations, maintaining the dominance of the ruling class.
A short story called Produce.
A play called Quartet.
Myths function to perpetuate the dominant ideology by presenting specific cultural values and norms as universal truths. They depoliticize speech, turning complex social and political issues into simple, naturalized concepts.
Roland Barthes explains that myth operates through a process of "signification." A sign in semiotic terms consists of the "signifier" (the form) and the "signified" (the concept). Myth adds a second layer, where the sign itself becomes a signifier for a new signified, creating a new meaning that reinforces ideological messages.
That's how art makes you feel, like you're looking at something that's looking at you.
WEDNESDAY LISTENING:
MOVIES TO BELIEVE IN:
A play called Bathos.
A play called Neighbors.
A play called The 10th District.
There's only one thing you need to know about me now. I'm silent. I'm experimenting with silence as a form of expression.
And so he was silent for nine days and nine nights. When one called he arose and stood still in the center of the room. He returned to a sit when the caller passed.
When nine days had passed and nine nights had ended, he returned to his thoughts.
I am a window the world is a mirror, he began.
MONDAY LISTENING:
SUNDAY LISTENING:
FORMATION #142: Never forget a face.
Don't forget to do your Schulte tables.
Rem Koolhaas's Best Work:
It's not about the pursuit of happiness, it's about the happiness of pursuit.
Phenomenology is the study of structures of consciousness as experienced from the first person point of view. The central structure of an experience is its intentionality, the way it is directed through its content or meaning toward a certain object in the world. Edmund Husserl, the founder of phenomenology, proposed that it serves as a method to explore the fundamental nature and essence of phenomena as they are percieved by the human mind, without recourse to theories or assumptions outside of that experience.
HAPPINESS HOW TO:
Cynicism is terrible.
Cynicism is terrible.
Cynicism is public enemy number one.
DO NOT BE:
DERIVATIVE
RESEARCH ITEMS:
WHY:
Color theory leads to an interest in design and how it shapes society, which cause me to consider the biases that lie below our consciousness; the culture we consume that shapes how we view the world.
A tautology in logic and mathematics is a statement that is true in every possible interpretation. Essentially, it is a formula or assertion that under no circumstance can be false. Tautologies are significant in logic because they represent statements that do not depend on specific facts about the world or a particular state of affairs; they are true by the virtue of their logical form alone.
There was a door behind the bar that led somewhere. A red sign above it screamed "EXIT," but from afar Javier read "TAXI." Some odd form of humor he thought with a sigh. The last thing anyone needs here is a taxi. Javier looked around. To his left and right lay cowboys with stoned looks on their faces.
INTERESTS FOR TODAY:
Rain. All day it had rained, and hushed figures hurried past his window. Inside, Elliot's finger laced its way across an apple, finding certain concavities to caress. Weeks fell away in the chair he now sat in. Mentally he wandered. To lost places and hopeful destinations. He dreamed. That maybe one day he'll save enough to desert this crowded city. Take a trip into the woods and never return. To wander is what Elliot wanted, but Elliot was the type to return home. Elliot began his trips with a check of the return ticket. An unintentional mutiny of the trip's entire purpose.
I would have so much more time if all of my dreams were dead.
They are but pith on a clementine.
Leaches to be removed.
My body is a temple.
My body is a temple.
It is a place of constant prayer.
Do not let it crumble.
My body is a temple.
My body is a temple.
And so is yours.
And so is yours.