Following is a list of major concepts and themes used throughout this site. They are organized in more of a thematic fashion rather than in alphabetic order.
Rise and Decline (Big Cycle)
The description, in broad strokes, of the major phases of development of a socioeconomic system, with such systems being understood as analogous to biological systems. As such, we can identify top-level phases of growth and decline (see The Big Cycle). As a simplistic summary, during the growth phase wealth increases because the economy is growing, without resorting to gimmicks, and along with this the overall standard of living increases. People get used to the “good times” and begin to take it for granted and also begin to take on more debt to help the continuance of this state of affairs (given the expectation they shouldn’t have trouble paying it off). This is actually a kind of mid phase: The Top. In a declining phase, debt levels rise to unsustainable levels and social tensions develop over dwindling opportunity and, at least in some groups, a stalling or even decline in the standard of living. The declining phase could include attempts to project the illusion of growth and a healthy economy, accompanied by massive debt accumulation, so-called money printing, and a major gap in wealth (and power) as we now see in the US.
A current take on this theme is captured by Ray Dalio, with his writings on The Big Cycle (a term found in his works and which I am using as an organizing theme) and analyses of past empires (in particular Dutch and British) in terms of what led to their growth and then to their decline/downfall. He also is not shy in his view of the American empire.
Although the basic idea appears to be simplistic and even trivial, it is given prominent treatment here since the idea appears to be foreign to many Americans. In more elite MSM commentary it is roughly dismissed (what the hell are you talking about, we are the greatest nation on earth, etc etc). But… the signs are in plain sight; briefly: large and accelerating deficit spending, overall increasing reliance on debt as well as resorting to a lot of money printing, widening wealth inequality, social fragmentation and a high level of political polarization that has led to paralysis (and even violence).
Mirage
In a generalized sense a mirage is a depiction of a state of affairs that is at variance with reality. We think we see something that is in fact not there. It is basically the same thing as The Spectacle, but with emphasis on the variance and on projecting an optimistic view our current condition. See The Cave. The Mirage embodies certain broad narratives, such as, and especially, Everything is Fine. In so doing it acts as a support to The System, legitimizing it. It also can be seen as an attempt to create a self-fulfilling prophecy; the Mirage projects a picture of our world as doing well which then influences the population to go about their lives as if this were so (with an emphasis on consumption).
The Mirage reinforces the narrative and general optimistic framing of our condition by deflecting from or even making disappear anything that doesn’t support the narrative. It does so with the media assault that has so enveloped and overtaken our inner lives. This includes much of our entertainment – most of it vapid garbage that gains and holds our attention and acts as a massive distraction.
Related themes: propaganda, gaslighting.
The System
An intentionally bland and sterile term that stands for the total collection of processes and institutions that underlie our society. In so-called advanced capitalist societies it is mostly about production and consumption – the extraction of resources (planet, biosphere), their transformation into goods and services and how they are distributed, and the myriad of ways they are consumed.
The underlying meaning of sterility comes from this: there is basically no room for real art or any sort of transcendent world view/endeavor (although there are plenty of commodified simulations of such). Producing, consuming, having fun… a narrow, sterile vision of human life.
In the current time period The System functions as a unifying force in the face of extreme social fragmentation. It binds the population together in the absence of community which, ironically, has been decimated by The System itself.
The System has evolved over time, and as it has become increasingly computerized it has become more autonomous. AI promises to take this evolution to a new level.
The Spectacle
As in, Society of the Spectacle, the work by Guy Debord. One key idea is that our interactions and most of our experience are increasingly mediated. This mediation has been taken to ever more intrusive and even absurd levels by digital technologies that Debord could only speculate on.
New Economy Mirage
The promise of new (digital) technologies… that on scrutiny looks increasingly dubious/ problematic.
Look around in any public space: you’re largely surrounded by zombies, locked in a tight feedback loop of reward on their “smart” phones. Smart is in quotes because there is actually research that shows all sort of hits to cognitive functioning by these and related devices/technologies.
Note the reference to distraction in The Mirage. So the dubious characterization is seen in this as well as that aforementioned observed decline in cognition (which includes attention).
And now we have the emergence of AI. Attended by incessant cheerleading and proclamations of what are essentially miracles (we’ll cure all diseases, end world hunger, etc).
Also there needs to be discussion concerning who is actually benefiting (i.e. wealth), and the degree that huge amounts of debt is underlying the project.
The Cave
Based on Plato’s well-known analogy… mentioned throughout in a sort of irony: we (The System) is essentially creating the situation as described by Plato (see The Matrix).
Encapsulated Life
A way of looking at everyday life in the American Empire. It seeks to capture the sense of enclosure and buffering… and as such overlaps with concepts such as The Cave. This theme constitutes one answer to Einstein’s question: Is the Universe Friendly. The System has created the infrastructure that allows for human life that is buffered from deleterious forces and events of Nature, as well as many unpleasant aspects of modern life. In this way Encapsulated Life is the dominant mode of life that is made possible by The System.
At a more fundamental level, it stands for a deep disconnection with the biosphere, and for that matter reality (a problematic term, but we’ll go with the definition by Philip K Dick – to do, bring in the reference). As such it is an alternative term for The Spectacle.
There are many aspects to it, which can be broadly characterized in terms of physical and psychic. The former can be seen in much of the modern world, with large portions of our lives encased in large houses and our cars. The latter involves the enveloping nature of electronic media. The “smart” phone can be viewed as a culmination in a process of disengagement with the world.
Empire
Used in two senses: the American Empire, and Empire without qualification – a higher level of abstraction…
In some quarters there is push back on characterizing America as an empire. One good resource that dispenses with such a reaction is A People’s History of the United States. In this book it can be seen members of the elite thought in terms of empire in the late 1800s.
The Matrix
Taking off from the movie… except we don’t need a physical interface (being “jacked in”). Instead, the large amount of time we stare into screens – of tvs, computers, and now phones – suffices. Also, there is no supercomputer behind the scenes that initiate our “enslavement,” but an oligarchy. They are in control of the computer systems that underlie our society, even as this control becomes less defined as these computer systems become more autonomous.
New Economy
Includes the narrative of progress… the promise of “great things” for humanity..
Bubble
Denotes a situation, usually in a financial and economic context, marked by extreme optimism. Akin to a “gold rush” mentality. It is marked by some level of delusion – as the optimism is based on beliefs such as capabilities of technological systems that are either extremely exaggerated or even outright delusional. There is a sort of “seed” or core underlying the bubble, such as a new technology like the internet or AI, that in itself isn’t problematic. Part of the optimism is that whatever it is at the core it will lead to tremendous wealth. Like what is seen in a gold rush.
Everything Bubble
Federal Reserve
The Oracle
Cheerleaders
Refers to a group of “experts” and MSM talking heads who “talk up” the economy, even in the face of countervailing indications. As such, they contribute to The Mirage.
Financialization (private credit)
Magic Money Machine
Hopium
Hypernormalization
A term coined by Russian historian Alexei Yurchak, to describe the state of affairs in the wake of the collapse of the Soviet Union. Even as it was obvious all systems and institutions were failing, most people, with no alternative, accepted the situation and proceeded with their lives as if what they experienced was normal.
This term has recently arisen in regards to the United States, as increasing portions of the populace are facing a system that is no longer working for them (allowing them to flourish).
One element is the following:
Ostrich Mode
A mode of coping that is becoming more prevalent. Among large swaths of the population is deliberate denial and ignorance. This is in synergy with MSM (Mainstream Media) narrative and reporting. As well with nifty digital tech that includes the so-called “smart” phone. No reference is needed: just step outside and note the majority of people around you staring into the small screens of their phones.
“Smart” Phone
The “smart” qualification appears to relate to all the nifty capabilities of these devices, way beyond being able to make and receive telephone calls.
Some current research appears to show hits to cognitive ability with especially prolonged usage. For one, the fragmentation of attention is problematic.
AI
Technologies that attempt to mimic – and surpass – the functioning of the human mind. They are based on models of the human cognition which, even with the current technology of neural networks, continue to fall short in this mimicking (major topic to be further explored, even as it is marked by a constant flow of new observations and critiques).
It can be seen as a kind of magic that is believed by many to lead humanity into a bright, prosperous world. Also, as an example of the kind of magic not a few “investors” believe will lead to incredible new wealth
One thing to note is an emerging discussion in terms of dependence. This includes concern over ability of students – and adults! – to be able to think for themselves.
Techno-feudalism
A proposed definition of the emerging socio-political order from various contemporary thinkers. These thinkers see a general deterioration of classic capitalism and an evolution to this new form. It takes as an analogy the medieval order with lords and serfs (with a third group based on the church).