This post catches up with a nice paper published last year by Sam Baron and Baptiste Le Bihan called “Causal Set Theory is (Strongly) Causal.” (A post about a previous, related paper by the same authors is here.) Causal Set Theory (CST) is an approach to quantum gravity that features discrete, causally linked foundational elements,… Continue reading More About the “Causal” in CST
Author: sesser76
Constraint Closure and Autonomy
This post is an addendum to a previous one, “The Enactive Approach to Agency” (if you are interested check that out first). There I described “operational closure”, which is a proposed basis for understanding the organizational structure underlying biological autonomy. In particular, I praised the way it abstracts from the more complicated features of self-production… Continue reading Constraint Closure and Autonomy
New Paper: Causation, Explanation and Process Ontology
I have a new paper out (open access), called “Turning Salmon’s causal process theory into process ontology.” In it, I provide a modified account of causal process theory. It is intended to meet the aims of biology-inspired philosophers who advocate for a process-oriented metaphysics, while maintaining a close tie to the topic of scientific explanation.… Continue reading New Paper: Causation, Explanation and Process Ontology
Note on Egan and the Mind/Body Problem
I was re-reading Chapter 4 of Frances Egan’s Deflating Mental Representation, which presents her approach to the philosophy of perception. I was thinking about what it would imply for the debates about the “hard problem” of consciousness. I recommend the chapter (and the rest of the book) and won’t do adequate justice to it in… Continue reading Note on Egan and the Mind/Body Problem
Top Charity Funds
Investors are used to the idea of delegating decisions to expert fund managers. Donors can also find great funds targeting important philanthropic causes. As someone seeking to make an impact, finding dedicated research organizations that evaluate charities was frankly a godsend. They make it easy to select from vetted recommended charities, but my favorite organizations… Continue reading Top Charity Funds
Giving Global, Giving Local
Compare two possible charitable donations. My family and I have greatly enjoyed the productions at a local theatre company. If I support it with a donation, this will help sustain its role in enhancing the quality of life in the community. Alternatively: if I donate to an organization that distributes anti-malarial nets to targeted groups… Continue reading Giving Global, Giving Local
Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure
I have a new paper out, titled “Relational Quantum Mechanics, Causal Composition, and Molecular Structure”, published in the journal Foundations of Chemistry (see links at the end of this post). The topic concerns the relationship between chemistry and quantum mechanics (QM), and is sometimes called the problem of molecular structure. (The paper expands on some… Continue reading Paper: RQM and Molecular Structure
Putting Experience Back into View
I finished reading The Blind Spot: Why Science Cannot Ignore Human Experience, by Adam Frank, Marcelo Gleiser and Evan Thompson. It is an ambitious book that I think succeeds in its aims. I recommend it highly and hope it is widely read. The authors argue that the great achievements of science have been unfortunately accompanied… Continue reading Putting Experience Back into View
The Question of Artificial Agency
I’m grateful for recent speculations about whether AI systems might achieve human-like intelligence (AGI) and/or sentience. These have led me to think more carefully about the ingredients that go into these capabilities. I think a necessary ingredient is agency, and understanding agency can sharpen our inquiry into the prospects for AI. What is agency and… Continue reading The Question of Artificial Agency
Meta-Charities as a Resource for Donors
For last year’s Giving Tuesday, I sketched out an approach to effective charitable giving. This focused on identifying important cause areas and finding high-impact charities within each one. Since there is little change in my thinking or in specific recommendations since then, please give that post a read if you are interested! The approach highlighted… Continue reading Meta-Charities as a Resource for Donors