Nick Bostrom, an influential Oxford philosopher, posted an apology for a racist email he sent 26 years ago. The original message showed a lack of understanding of what was considered racist and offensive. In his apology, Bostrom said he completely repudiates the email and does not agree with it now. This news has sparked a conversation about racism in the world, especially in academic philosophy, and whether people should be held accountable for the things they say. Read full article here
Culture
The Priest in the Arena
The phrase “man in the arena” has been popularized in recent years, but a lesser known, more dangerous archetype is the “priest in the arena”. This figure is responsible for a process called theocratic capture, where an institution surrenders to a cult demanding unaccountable authority, fueled by claims to privileged knowledge. These cults often target powerful institutions and attempt to monopolize conversations with scaremongering tactics and hostile treatment of allies. It is important to identify and stop theocratic capture before it can gain control. Read full article here
Merv
May 29, 2023
