I.עַ֚יִן תַּ֣חַת עַ֔יִן The Lex Talonis- "An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth". We're taught that our society rejected it as barbaric and harsh, and inclined itself further to mercy. However the maximum prison sentence in New York for felony assault is at least 3 years, and frankly, I'd rather lose … Continue reading Vengeance is thine: Miscellaneous thoughts about punishment
Category: Above average quality
Should you care about that issue?
Does it: Involve money or the economy Involve the military or foreign policy Involve criminal law. state violence or mob violence If the answer to all of the above is no, it's probably a bullshit issue that's being used to distract you. Even if it does involve one of the above it may still be … Continue reading Should you care about that issue?
Existential tragedies- a partial list
We all know there is a suite of “existential” tragedies inherent to human existence. Defining the concept precisely is impossible, but I would say roughly that an existential tragedy is a tragedy that arises from very basic and universal, or near-universal, aspects of our experience. I thought it could be interesting to list them. Let … Continue reading Existential tragedies- a partial list
A philosophy for a new old welfare economics, Part 1.
This is part one of an outline of my planned PhD thesis on the philosophy & practice of welfare economics. I’ll link part II here when I write it. I’m about three months into the research for my thesis, so forgive me if it’s a little loose. I wanted to put it out there to … Continue reading A philosophy for a new old welfare economics, Part 1.
The pursuit of virtue & politics in Europe
TLDR: European Social Survey data suggests Leftwing people care more about being a virtuous person when it comes to values of altruism, humility & loyalty to friends. However people on the extreme end of the right care less than the leftwing, but more than moderate rightists. It's important to be clear what we are considering … Continue reading The pursuit of virtue & politics in Europe
Deadwater
Deadwater I I recall in tranquillity Fever-dive hours. Once I saw a sailboat listing Upon a great-waved sea The sea was I and so was the boat I could not see any stars For the blasts of ocean-spray In what quiet cove can I go hiding from a storm Blasting up the cartoid artery … Continue reading Deadwater
Everything is negotiable on the right (and left)
If you enjoy this article check out my book, I’ve made it free to help you self-quarantine: https://deponysum.com/2020/03/30/something-to-read-in-quarantine-essays-2018-to-2020/ I've heard people express the following astonishments: "Why are conservatives arguing for everyone to go back to work? Aren't conservatives supposed to have stronger disgust and fear-of-disease instincts?" "Why do conservatives so often viciously criticise Democrats who had … Continue reading Everything is negotiable on the right (and left)
Prejudice against the poor is as bad as racism or sexism, let’s start treating it that way.
If you enjoy this article check out my book, I've made it free to help you self-quarantine: https://deponysum.com/2020/03/30/something-to-read-in-quarantine-essays-2018-to-2020/ During the Twitter wars around the Democratic primary, a number of people felt comfortable being openly contemptful of the poor. This is not unusual, but the nature of Sanders movement, and its supposedly "progressive" opposition, meant that … Continue reading Prejudice against the poor is as bad as racism or sexism, let’s start treating it that way.
Institutions, democrats and the left: What has to be done
The same problem dooms both the Democrats and the leftwing insurgency within the Democrats: Democrats love and trust America's institutions. This love of institutions makes it impossible for the Democrats to consistently do well- because trust in American institutions is at an all-time low in the electorate generally. Any party which says American institutions are … Continue reading Institutions, democrats and the left: What has to be done
Thou shameless blood-coat hypocrite: An address to a blue check Biden supporter
He who shall hurt the little wren Shall never be beloved by men. -Auguries of Innocence So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit thee out of my mouth. -Revelation 3:16 I want to address the people who claimed to oppose Bernie for sundry woke excuses, but now support … Continue reading Thou shameless blood-coat hypocrite: An address to a blue check Biden supporter
DePonySum 