Zen Library of Blogs

  • AI? “For the benefit of humanity”?

    AI? “For the benefit of humanity”?

    Can artificial intelligence be ‘saved’ for the “benefit of humanity”? Donald Trump doesn’t want to put any brakes on the development of AI, unless of course we’re talking about Chinese AI. Trump sees the issue as an all out competition between the US and China, in which there can only be one winner – and… Read more

  • Economics and the Value of Nations: Why Adam Smith Still Matters

    Economics and the Value of Nations: Why Adam Smith Still Matters

    Adam Smith remains relevant because he analysed and criticised the foundations of modern commercial society: covering wage labour, class, value, and productivity. Engaging with Mercantilism and Physiocracy, Smith argued human labour creates value across all sectors. While his theory of value contained unresolved contradictions (confusing value and wealth), his insights into class relations, exchange, worker… Read more

  • What Do We Mean by “Class”? One of Sociology’s Most Misunderstood Concepts

    What Do We Mean by “Class”? One of Sociology’s Most Misunderstood Concepts

    The concept of social class encompasses various interpretations, from income and occupational status to cultural identity and power dynamics. Different sociologists highlight distinct aspects, such as Marx’s focus on exploitation, Weber’s emphasis on social honour, and Bourdieu’s multiple forms of capital. Ultimately, class remains integral to understanding contemporary societal inequalities and relationships. Read more

  • Utopia Lost in Language: Rethinking the Politics of Possibility

    Utopia Lost in Language: Rethinking the Politics of Possibility

    Utopia should not be viewed as an unattainable ideal but as a dynamic process of collective imagination and critique. This perspective broadens our understanding of social possibilities and encourages active engagement in shaping the future. Embracing diverse forms of utopian thinking is crucial for democratic life and addressing societal challenges. Read more

  • AI? Should any Student ever Trust it?

    AI? Should any Student ever Trust it?

    Students (indeed, everyone) should be cautious about trusting AI. Using a monastic library metaphor, this post highlights how AI (like librarians and search engines) filters and distorts knowledge. Generative AI can, just like a human librarian, fabricate information and reproduce errors, risking intellectual dependence and undermining critical thinking, judgement, and genuine academic learning. Read more

  • Theses on the Mirage of “Left” Unity

    Theses on the Mirage of “Left” Unity

    The analysis contends that disunity among the “Left” hinders effective opposition to rising authoritarianism and the Far Right, highlighting three fundamental positions: State Takers, State Makers, and State Breakers. Each advocates different methods to challenge capitalism, yet their inherent contradictions create perpetual disunity, questioning the possibility of a cohesive Left identity and meaningful calls for… Read more