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langostino February 1 2008, 14:37:59 UTC
You say "homogenisation"; I say "synthesis".

I cannot accept an evolutionary model of existence and sociology: we never really move forward. Entropy is just as present in society as it is in thermo-dynamics.

That's not what evolutionary models say. The claim is not that we make progress in some absolute moral or aesthetic sense, but merely that that which works survives. Evolution, in fact, can handle social decay perfectly well--beliefs spread not on the basis of their truth, but on their spreadability; cultural facets succeed because they're easy and beneficial to the individual, not because they're good.

Evolutionary models are based on entropy, not counter to it. The issue is that entropy and evolution both operate locally and greedily. That is, they tend toward fast, easy, temporary solutions without regard to the big picture. That's why the formation of stars isn't a counterexample to entropy--each particle is getting more disordered; it's just that when you zoom out things look more orderly.

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phrotus February 2 2008, 02:41:05 UTC
It's hard to say how I feel about it exactly. I used to know a girl who was constantly bringing up her "heritage," and I couldn't stand it. Even at the time, though, I was never sure whether it annoyed me so much because she did it in an annoying and/or offensive way, or because I was envious.

Even though my genetic claim to it is genuine, I still feel dishonest and guilty when I list myself as 'Hispanic' on anything. :/

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anonymous February 2 2008, 03:00:37 UTC
Hmm an interesting study into culture and society there

I suppose my question is: if you're in such a mood to be dissecting and writing essays why aren't you writing your dissertation?!

Or is this an avoidance technique :P

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