Steve Sparrow

u/theothersparrow@lemmy.one
0 posts · 60 comments

Recent posts

No posts.

Recent comments

There’s a pithy saying about science that goes, “All models are wrong, but some models are useful.”

It reminds me of something a sociology professor said about economic and sociological theories being lenses that focus on particular aspects of the world--they can't see everything, but often they can narrow in on certain parts to aid our understanding.

Because we're emotional creatures first, we default to what's familiar or comfortable. Logic/critical thinking take sustained practice and a lot of effort. There's a study that suggests that many of our conscious choices are simply post-hoc rationalizations for decisions made in the unconscious.

I absolutely no longer trust anyone that insists they're naturally and perfectly logical, they are unquestionably hiding some fixation or personal opinion which--if challenged--will make them unravel in the worst fashion.

I expect that if/when that time comes, we'll see the credibility of video evidence decline.

Currently at my night job, there is video surveillance of common areas. Because of the skill and tools required in doctoring/deepfaking, there's a pretty large window in which footage could be used should it ever need to be. But when we approach the point at which doctoring/deepfakes become pedestrian or even automated, that window slims dramatically.

Depending on the speed and ease with which it can be done, we could see legitimate arguments in favor of discounting video evidence as it then becomes less reliable than eyewitness testimony (which is already notoriously unreliable).

on Anakin's "balance" · c/star_wars · 2 pts · 3y

Is your body in balance when there's an equal number of cancerous cells? Is your garden in balance with an equal amount of weeds and crops?

This question pops up seemingly regularly among fandom hubs, and it never considers that balance in The Force isn't an algebra equation. Even with the Rule of Two limiting their numbers, the Sith steadily fomented corruption, fear and misery in the Galaxy building into all out war and fascist oppression.

The Jedi's failure to respond had nothing to do with their numbers, but with their rigid adherence to dogma robbing them of the tools necessary to address the threat. Dozens of Jedi had spoken up about the rising corruption and might have been effective in fighting it were the Council not obsessed with protocol, optics and precedent--just letting Anakin access the restricted texts would have made all the difference.

Sidious was uncommonly powerful, but he didn't collapse the galaxy on his own--a string of Masters before him used a philosophy centered on aggression, deception and abuse. They take power by making things worse for others meaning their presence is a net negative for the Galaxy at large.

The Sith are a cancer, and you don't leave cancer in a body if you want it to stay healthy.