Roll Perception: The Cultish Language of Dungeons and Dragons
*** This one is long, so buckle up! Cultish by Amanda Montel was, in my opinion, one of the most interesting readings we had during this term. She argues that what makes a cultish movement isn't just the likable leader, creepy rituals, or loyal members, but it's also the language that's used within. People don't join cults because they are weak, but because of language tactics that are used to create a sense of community and identity. Things like redefining words, gaslightin
Mar 1311 min read
Instinct vs. Reflection: What are the Hidden Costs of Second-Order Desires?
Have you ever looked over to your pet and thought, “I wish I were you?” If you were your pet you wouldn't have to worry about how things should be or reflect on every thought and action you take. You would just do. In the terms of philosopher Harry Frankfurt, pets are wantons–beings who act on their first-order desires without any reflection or thought (Frankfurt 1971, 11). He says that what separates us people from wantons is our second-order desires and volitions, which are
Mar 85 min read
Beyond ABC’S
If I asked most students if they like to read outside of school chances are they'll say no, and I don't blame them. Reading and literacy...
Jan 16, 20244 min read
