How to Do Philosophy: Understanding the Nature of Knowledge and Abstraction in the Modern World

How to Do Philosophy: Understanding the Nature of Knowledge and Abstraction in the Modern World

In the pursuit of knowledge and understanding, we often find ourselves grappling with abstract concepts that push the boundaries of our comprehension. Philosophy, in particular, delves into the complexities of existence, identity, and the nature of reality. However, as we delve deeper into these subjects, we begin to realize that our everyday concepts and language are not as clear-cut as we may think.

One of the fundamental revelations in philosophy is the idea that our sense of self, our identity, is not tied to a central, indivisible entity. We are, in fact, a collection of cells driven by various forces, constantly changing and evolving. This realization challenges the notion of a fixed, unchanging "I." It opens up the possibility of losing half of our brain and still living, or even splitting our brain into two halves and transplanting them into different bodies. Imagine waking up after such an operation, having to navigate the world as two distinct individuals. This thought experiment highlights the fuzziness of our everyday concepts and the limitations of language.

The study of philosophy also reveals that the pursuit of deep understanding is often driven by curiosity rather than practical necessity. However, this does not render the knowledge gained useless. On the contrary, knowledge empowers us and gives us a deeper understanding of the world around us. Theoretical knowledge, though it may not have immediate practical applications, holds prestige precisely because it expands our intellectual horizons and allows us to see connections that were previously hidden.

Interestingly, many ideas that seem abstract and disconnected from practicality often end up having surprising applications in real-world scenarios. The pursuit of knowledge, even in seemingly esoteric fields, can yield unexpected results. Therefore, the distinction between theoretical and practical knowledge becomes blurred, as the boundaries between disciplines and their applications become increasingly intertwined.

However, there is a danger in writing about big ideas in an unclear manner. It can produce tantalizingly attractive pieces that lure in inexperienced but intellectually ambitious individuals. Traditional philosophy, in particular, often falls into this trap. Its complexity and broad scope make it appear as impressive as mathematics, if not more so. Yet, without the clarity and precision of mathematical reasoning, it becomes a breeding ground for ambiguous and unverifiable claims.

To counter this, we must strive for clarity and precision in our explorations of abstract ideas. When we use words with precise meanings, we are essentially doing math. This approach provides a roadmap for abstraction that is accessible to individuals with good intentions. By producing clear and rigorous work, we can highlight the shortcomings of those who rely on vague and imprecise rhetoric.

The democratization of knowledge has opened up new avenues for exploration in philosophy. Anyone can contribute to the field by starting with specific, useful ideas and gradually expanding their scope. This approach allows for a gradual progression towards general knowledge that is both accessible and valuable. We are witnessing philosophy's infancy, akin to the state of mathematics in the 1500s. There is still much to discover and uncover.

In a similar vein, the concept of decentralization has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in the realm of blockchain technology. Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum, explores the different facets of decentralization and its implications. He identifies three key dimensions: architectural, political, and logical decentralization.

Architectural centralization refers to the physical composition of a system. How many computers make up the system, and how resilient is it to individual failures? Political centralization, on the other hand, deals with the control and governance of the system. Who ultimately holds power over the computers that make up the system? Finally, logical decentralization pertains to the structure and interface of the system. Does it resemble a single monolithic entity or a decentralized network?

Decentralized systems offer several advantages over centralized ones. They are more fault-tolerant, less susceptible to attacks, and resistant to collusion among participants. By relying on many separate components, decentralized systems reduce the risk of accidental failure and increase security against malicious attacks.

In the context of blockchain technology, decentralization is crucial. Multiple competing implementations ensure that power is not concentrated in the hands of a few actors. The move towards proof of stake mechanisms further mitigates the risk of hardware centralization. However, caution must be exercised to address new risks that may arise from this shift.

In conclusion, both philosophy and the concept of decentralization highlight the importance of questioning established norms and exploring new ideas. Philosophy teaches us that our everyday concepts and language are not as rigid as they may seem, while decentralization offers a new paradigm for organizing systems and minimizing concentration of power. To navigate these realms effectively, we must strive for clarity, precision, and practicality. Here are three actionable pieces of advice:

• 1. Embrace curiosity: Pursue knowledge and understanding driven by curiosity rather than purely practical motives. Theoretical knowledge has the potential to yield practical applications in unexpected ways.

• 2. Seek clarity and precision: When exploring abstract ideas, strive for clear and precise language. Avoid falling into the trap of vague rhetoric that can be easily misinterpreted or manipulated.

• 3. Embrace decentralization: Consider the advantages of decentralization in various domains. Whether it's in the realm of knowledge dissemination or system architecture, decentralized approaches offer resilience, security, and resistance against concentration of power.

As we continue to navigate the frontiers of philosophy and decentralization, we uncover new insights and possibilities. The journey towards knowledge and understanding is a lifelong pursuit, and there is still much more to discover.