Category: The Cedars Philosophy

The Cedars Philosophy, Politics

Sociology – the most complex science

Sociology is often considered a “soft science”. Models for our understanding of the world tend to be considered “theories”, rather than laws. This can be contrasted with other hard sciences, such as physics, astronomy, or chemistry, where laws tend to be better replicated across time and space. However, even the predictions of these hard science laws can have stochastic error, defined as unpredictability in measurements … Continue reading Sociology – the most complex science

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The Cedars Philosophy

Truth is your friend

If one is stuck in the dense Amazonian jungle, surrounded by dangerous species, yet chooses to imagine themselves enjoying themselves on a Caribbean island or the Mediterranean, they will likely not take the right precautions to be able to survive and will suffer the consequences. By the same logic, to improve the state of the world, one must look at the world through an objective … Continue reading Truth is your friend

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18 Tribes, One Civilization, The Cedars Philosophy

The essence of values

Humanity suffers in part due to its inability to unite absolute, ethical codes and relative values assigned subjectively by humans. Values are defined as internal references of what humans consider good or bad, desirable or undesirable. The field of axiology, or study of value, has long been a pillar of philosophical inquiry. Since the earliest days of theologians, prophets, religious scholars, and philosophers of ethics … Continue reading The essence of values

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The Cedars Philosophy

Descriptive reality – by Zhuangzi

When two things occur successively, we call them cause and effect. If we believe one event made the other one happen, we call it a reaction. If we feel that the two incidents are not related, we call it a mere coincidence. If we think someone deserved what happened, we call it retribution or reward, depending on whether the event was negative or positive for … Continue reading Descriptive reality – by Zhuangzi

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The Cedars Philosophy

The puzzle of our humanity

Our hearts mourn for the tragic suffering undergone by the people of Gaza and Lebanon. Apocalyptic scenes emerge on a constant basis. These are truly sad times that challenge our humanity. How could such dystopian acts be unfolding in front of our eyes? This is a question many of us struggle with. We are a complicated species. We see good and evil juxtaposed to each … Continue reading The puzzle of our humanity

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18 Tribes, One Civilization, The Cedars Philosophy

The raison d’être of the republic

In the grand tapestry of the universe, every entity possesses a raison d’être, a reason for existing that connects it to a higher purpose. This raison d’etre is the guiding force that bestows direction and harmony upon the entity’s journey through existence. However, a profound challenge arises when there exists a misalignment between the raison d’être as envisioned by the natural order and its interpretation … Continue reading The raison d’être of the republic

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The Cedars Philosophy

My quest for universal truths

Back when I was a kid, a seemingly trivial moment spurred my curiosity to try and understand the driving forces behind humanity. Attending a larger family gathering in Lebanon, I found myself unwittingly caught in the crossfire of a heated dispute between two friends. The two adults debated the state of the Syrian mandate over Lebanon, which had begun since the Taef Agreement in 1989. … Continue reading My quest for universal truths

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Politics, The Cedars Philosophy

Are secular orders superior to religious orders?

The theory asserting the superiority of secular political orders over religious ones is a prominent feature within modernist perspectives in the field of sociology. It posits that, over the past five centuries, nations governed by secular systems have exhibited a consistent pattern of greater wealth, prosperity, and social stability. While the data does reveal a correlation between secular governance and societal well-being, the precise mechanisms … Continue reading Are secular orders superior to religious orders?

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The Cedars Philosophy

The art of simplification: balancing complexity and clarity

Introduction: The fallacy of oversimplification occurs when we attempt to render a complex concept or situation more manageable by glossing over pertinent intricacies. While oversimplification is often a necessary cognitive tool, it should be wielded judiciously to ensure a nuanced understanding of reality. This article explores the delicate balance between simplification and complexity in our thought processes, delving into the evolutionary underpinnings of our penchant … Continue reading The art of simplification: balancing complexity and clarity

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Politics, The Cedars Philosophy

The laws of power

Humans possess an innate drive for self-preservation, rooted in evolutionary pressures. This drive compels them to invest their energy and resources in pursuits they deem beneficial. Although people define their objectives differently, achieving these goals requires the ability to exercise power. Power, the capacity to shape life outcomes in one’s favor, is not inherently good or bad; its qualities are determined by intent and results. … Continue reading The laws of power

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