How do you know if an AI is conscious?

Abstract: Critical review of a reference article on consciousness in AIs, published by Patrick Butlin and Robert Long’s team on 22/08/23. Part 1 analyzes the pitfalls and resulting breaches in the study: sacralized definition of consciousness, exclusions in the chosen method, transposition of human theories to the digital, occultation of the qualitative phenomenon. Part 2: … Read more

Which, socialism or capitalism, is more collectivist?

Abstract: Socialism is more conservative than capitalism, fixing places in society more. Committed to maintaining their equality, socialism favors the T (the soliTary, egotistic tendency) of the TD principle while capitalism better supports the D (the soliDarity, collectivist tendency). In the article I justify this conclusion which goes against the usual discourse, but which explains … Read more

What can be a universal political regime?

Abstract: Based on the principle of citizens as ‘parts of a social Whole’ and the definition of ‘civilization’, I describe a universal political regime as creating a hierarchy of organization but keeping it constantly within reach of citizens. Universal in the midst of political chaos? What political regime can adapt to criteria as varied as … Read more

What does ‘decivilization’ mean?

The comments of the presidential word “Decivilization”, Emmanuel Macron’s diagnosis of the recent riots, has been widely commented on. The general meaning of ‘civilizing’ is to soften mores, to encourage the self-discipline which allows the progress of living together. Martin Legros uses the double look – without knowing it – to separate two seemingly contradictory … Read more

The T<>D principle in sociology

This article sheds original light on the violence of 2023 in France, redefining what true participatory democracy can be. Abstract: The individualist principle is easy to locate in my unique body, while my solidarity principle is lost in a maze of social circles with less and less identity. Intimate circles focus and strengthen my empathy. … Read more

A disturbance called ego…

From the Casimir effect and other properties of the quantum vacuum, Vlatko Vedral shows that everything that exists comes from this vacuum, from a Nothing that is Everything, with infinite energy. What I see as a great illustration of the T<>D principle and double look: From the point of view of an individual (Vlatko), Everything … Read more

Don’t confuse grumbling with complaining

At me or at others Grumbling is directed at me. I blame myself for forcing myself to a task. And I will carry it out, no matter how bitter this inner conflict. Complaining is directed at the other. I resent the other or others for the slavery felt in my tasks, without sufficient compensation. I … Read more

The T<>D principle in quantum theory

(T<>D) What? The T<>D principle is at the heart of the ‘theory of everything’ explained in Surimposium. It is extremely simple: Everything emanates from a conflict between individuation and collectivization. Between “I am” and “belong to”. Between the T of soliTary and the D of soliDary. Each state of a thing is a setting between … Read more

The principle of relative independence illustrated by the Tetralogue

The principle of relative independence is at the heart of Surimposium, a complete theory of reality. I illustrate this with an excerpt from Timothy Williamson’s Tetralogue, before showing an outlet for the political relationship between rulers and governed. The principle of relative independence How does an individuation declare its independence? You have to look for … Read more

The clientelist and the collectivist

Two very different personalities I recounted the spectacular Martinez-Peres affair in Noumea, a clash of egos at first sight. In second sight the personalities are very different: a clientelist opposed to a collectivist. Unusual outcome: the collectivist killed the clientelist. Let’s take a closer look at these two types of characters, often confused. The clientelist … Read more