The shift from letters to email as the medium of choice for philosophical communication presents novel problems. Emails are largely private, locked behind passwords that make it nearly impossible to obtain. Aside from that, some emails may never be retrieved because they’ve been deleted off university servers in compliance with data protection laws, taking with them valuable philosophical discussions. With a great deal of the current philosophical teachings based on communications between philosophers of the past, how will future philosophy students study our contemporary academics’ musings? Read full article here
Societal Issues
To curb drug deaths, communities turn to Reddit, texts and wastewater
With drug overdose deaths on the rise, authorities are attempting to curb the epidemic by tracking and sharing information in real time. In one unique effort, a nonprofit in New York City is using drug-testing equipment and stamping or marking habits of dealers to identify drug batches that may endanger users. Other approaches are also being used, such as monitoring drug-related chatter on Reddit and analyzing local wastewater for opioid and other drug levels. With the combination of these efforts, researchers hope to put a dent in the opioid crisis and reduce overdose deaths. Read full article here
Merv
June 1, 2023
