a day ago
- Socrates emphasized the examined life as essential for humans, aligning with the ancient view that reasoning is humanity's defining purpose.
- Ancient philosophy often assumed humans have a specific purpose, similar to other animals' distinctive traits, but modern thought questions the assumption of inherent purpose.
- The history of ideas involves gradually discarding anthropocentric beliefs, from geocentrism to species exceptionalism and even the centrality of the self.
- Richard Dawkins's selfish gene concept further decenters humans, portraying them as vehicles for genes rather than protagonists.
- To discover overlooked truths, examine blind spots where assumptions favor human centrality, and expect strong resistance.
- In everyday reasoning, prefer explanations that do not center on yourself, such as attributing actions to accident or incompetence rather than malice.
- The positive corollary is to see randomness rather than assuming purposeful intent.