SSC
Simpler Times
Scott Alexander examines violent children's songs from the past to discuss changing societal norms and the reliability of social science versus conventional wisdom.
8 min read 1,218 words
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historical perspective
Essays tagged “historical perspective”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on historical perspective
4 essaysSSC
What The Hell, Hegel?
Scott Alexander examines the rise and fall of Hegel's philosophical influence, contrasting his 19th-century dominance with modern dismissals, and considers the implications for philosophy and Hegel's lasting impact on modern thought.
18 min read 2,776 words
SSC
Random Noise Is Our Most Valuable Resource
Scott Alexander argues that creativity comes from mining external sources of 'noise' or 'disruption' rather than just thinking hard.
9 min read 1,389 words
SSC
Read History Of Philosophy Backwards
Scott argues for the value of studying historical philosophy by 'reading it backwards' to unlearn assumptions and broaden perspective, even when past ideas seem obviously wrong.
6 min read 916 words