Notes from the Wired
This is a website where I write articles on various topics that interest me, carving out a bit of cyberspace for myself.
You shouldn't believe anything I talk about — I use words entirely recreationally.
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- May 23, 2025Info
I have based this commentary on the original German text as published by Reclam. The translation is my own, created with the assistance of ChatGPT.
Please note that this is purely my personal interpretation of the sermon. I have no formal training in theology or medieval studies, so my reading should be taken with a grain of salt.
Read moreMarch 25, 2025A year ago, a friend of mine had the idea to visit Namibia—often referred to as the “Gems of Africa” because of its diversity of animals and biomes. I’m not entirely sure how he came up with the idea. Maybe it was due to the country’s connection to Germany during its colonial period, or perhaps some algorithmic push from the “machine gods” in his feed. Whatever the reason, he asked our friend group if we were up for joining him. Another friend said yes, but I couldn’t go because it overlapped with some exams I had to take at university. However, I promised him that next semester, I would choose modules that allowed me to have some free time, which would overlap with theirs.
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Jul. 10
Do Animals have Belief Info This is a highly interesting article. Unfortunately, I have less time than usual, so I’ll keep it brief, but I highly recommend reading the original. The author’s conclusion is similar to Heidegger’s concept of Dasein; for example, the meaning of words like belief only makes sense within a certain mode of existence.Jul. 09
Philosophical Ramblings #08: What to value? It follows a simple argument about what I think is a good idea to value (I’m deliberately avoiding the words should or ought): From Heidegger, we learn that all purpose and meaning depend on Dasein: that is, our lived experience as human beings in the world. From Sartre and Heidegger, we learn that Dasein expresses itself through authenticity: the degree to which a person’s actions align with their values and desires, despite external pressures. I also believe in long-range voluntary control: the idea that we can shape our beliefs by deliberately exposing ourselves to certain ideas or values over a long period of time. From the Stoic principle of control, we learn that the only thing truly in our control is how we respond to situations, that is our character or virtue. Everything else, health, wealth, reputation, is subject to luck and external forces. From these points, the following conclusions emerge: From (1), value is not objective but grounded in lived, subjective experience. From (2), our values are made real through authenticity, by living in alignment with them. From (3), some values can be intentionally chosen through long-term engagement. From (4), virtue is the only value that lies fully within our control. Therefore, if I want to live the best possible life, not one based on chance or unstable externals, I should value something I can reliably attain. Since virtue is the only thing entirely in my control (per (4)), it becomes the most stable foundation for living well. By choosing (per (1) and (3)) to value virtue, I maximize my chances of fulfillment and stability. This is expressed through authenticity: by living and embodying this value openly and without hiding (per (2)).Jul. 08
Philosophical Ramblings #07: Pain, Consciousnessand the Value of Animals In light of recent articles — The Eiffel Tower is NOT in Paris! and Philosophical Ramblings #06: Heidegger, Beliefs and Choosing One’s Values — I want to add an addendum to What is a person? Or when is a person? and Killing Dream People!. In the former article, I proposed a definition of personhood i.e. being a moral agent, where “personhood” or “moral agent” is shorthand for “something deserving moral consideration”, as the capability to deploy human consciousness. In the latter article, I critiqued alternative definitions of personhood and what it means to deserve moral consideration.