Category: Philosophy
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Collective beliefs, like money or borders, are fictions that become reality only when they dictate physical action. Whether societal or personal, these narratives harden over time, making them difficult to rewrite. We must carefully choose the stories we tell ourselves, as they ultimately construct the world we are forced to inhabit.
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Humanity’s Top 10 Unanswered Questions
8–12 minutes·
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Humanity’s most profound inquiries tackle the core of our existence, the nature of the universe, and our technological future. At the forefront is the search for life’s meaning, a question addressed by philosophy, religion, and science. Another major enigma is the nature of consciousness—our subjective awareness—which remains a “hard problem” for neuroscience. We persist in…
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Exploring theories of civilisational collapse, this article questions if entire societies existed and vanished before recorded history. From the well-documented falls of Rome and the Maya to the staggering mystery of Göbekli Tepe, it examines the lessons these lost worlds might hold about the fragility of our own time.
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Is our reality a sophisticated computer simulation or a universe nested inside a black hole? Scientists are seriously exploring these possibilities. This article delves into the theories and the potential ways to test them, before arriving at the most important question: does the fundamental nature of our reality really matter?
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Living with the challenges of MS can feel like a constant battle. This post explores how mindfulness is not about ignoring the struggle, but about finding the “glimmers of light” within it. Through practical tools like breath and humour, we can manage difficult moments and strengthen our connections.
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In an age of information overload, overconfidence is a paradox. The text argues for epistemic humility: the vital practice of recognising our knowledge is limited and fallible. This awareness of cognitive biases and the nature of science fosters intellectual honesty, better dialogue, and wiser navigation of our complex world.
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From Solid Trees to Quantum Ghosts
10–15 minutes·
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Physics presents two conflicting realities. General Relativity perfectly describes the large, predictable world of trees and planets. In contrast, Quantum Mechanics governs the bizarre, probabilistic subatomic realm. These successful but incompatible theories clash when explaining black holes, driving the search for a single, unified “Theory of Everything”.
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The universe, once believed to be static, is expanding. Evidence like galactic redshift and the Cosmic Microwave Background confirms a Big Bang origin. This expansion is now accelerating, driven by mysterious Dark Energy. Our cosmos is mostly this energy and Dark Matter, challenging our significance and dictating an isolating future.
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Defining beauty and art evolved from objective ideals (Plato) to subjective experience (Hume), then institutional recognition (Duchamp). It involves biological predispositions, neurological processes, cultural influences, and individual perception. No simple algorithm applies; its intricate, evolving nature defines it, with meaning often residing in the process and its impact on the viewer.
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Science provides powerful tools for understanding how things work, but philosophy tackles deeper questions about what we are, the nature of reality, and knowledge itself. It critically examines assumptions, complements scientific inquiry, and helps us understand the implications of our discoveries, proving essential in our quest for understanding.
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Panspermia proposes that life’s cosmic origin, with “seeds” travelling between planets. This ancient idea, supported by organic molecules in meteorites and resilient microbes, challenges Earth-centric life origins. While not explaining life’s ultimate genesis, it suggests life may be widespread, arriving here rather than originating on Earth.
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The Ship of Theseus paradox questions an object’s, or person’s, identity when all its components are replaced over time. Originating with Plutarch’s tale of a continuously repaired ship, this philosophical puzzle, extended by Hobbes, explores what defines “sameness,” impacting our understanding of everything from artefacts to personal identity.
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Quantum entanglement describes particles linked instantaneously across any distance, a concept initially dubbed “spooky action” by Einstein. Schrödinger formally termed it “entanglement”. Bell’s theorem, experimentally verified, confirmed its non-local reality, challenging classical physics. It underpins emerging technologies like quantum computing and cryptography, with ongoing research into its profound implications.
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Glitch, Meaning, or Mind?
10–14 minutes·
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Synchronicity describes meaningful coincidences that feel uncanny, suggesting deeper connections. Carl Jung defined it as an acausal principle, distinct from chance. While psychological biases offer explanations, these events evoke wonder, with some speculating they could be “glitches in the Matrix,” prompting questions about reality’s fabric.
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Non-judgmental observation, a core mindfulness skill with ancient roots, means noticing present thoughts, feelings, and sensations without labelling. Popularised by MBSR, it reduces stress and enhances self-awareness. Cultivate it through meditation or daily mindful moments, observing experiences with acceptance for greater calm, clarity, and well-being.
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