https://patrickdesjardins.com/philosophy
7 posts
Nature 29% · Culture 14% · History 14% · Politics 14% · Tech 14% · Writing 14%
Subscribe via RSS
High on the sunlit hills of Rommock Farm, work was done the way it had always been done. At the center of it all was Theodor, an old donkey who had trod the farm’s dirt paths longer than any other creature. Theodor did not lead because he was the fastest or the wisest, he led because his name was…
In this essay, I examine how three ancient Western philosophers debated the relationship between reason and the senses as sources of reliable knowledge. First, I discuss Heraclitus, who argued that knowledge begins with observing a world that is constantly changing (Heraclitus, 500 BCE/2010). Next,…
There was once a kingdom deep in the forest called Oakridge, where animals of all kinds worked together to gather food, build shelters, and prepare for the long winters. At the center of Oakridge stood the Great Tree, where the Council of Owls made all important decisions. The owls were known for th…
At the center of a once-vibrant valley stood a garden unlike any other. It had been known for its colors. Bright lilies that bent with the wind. Wild roses that grew in every direction. Tall sunflowers that turned freely toward the sky. Every plant was different. Every corner alive. At its heart wor…
Ember was a small ant with a strong back, sharp eyes, and a habit of arriving before the dew had left the grass. She joined the Great Golden Hive on the same morning as Flicker, a lantern beetle with polished wings and a voice that carried well in crowded rooms. The Hive was famous across the meadow…
In this essay, I argue that deontology is the best ethical framework for guiding the design and behavior of artificial intelligence systems. The participation of artificial intelligence in decisions is increasing with the introduction of large language models. These models enable computers to reason…
In a quiet clearing at the edge of a forest, there lived a peacock known far and wide for his elegance and certainty. His feathers were always perfectly arranged. His voice carried authority. And above all, he believed he understood excellence better than any creature around him. One day, the peacoc…
