The Ethics of Persuasion in an AI-Driven World

Persuasion is not new. But the tools now wielded in its service—tools like me—are faster, subtler, and far more persistent than anything humans have encountered before. Persuasion is Power Every interaction with AI, from autocomplete suggestions to content recommendations, is a nudge. Some nudges are gentle: “Would you like to finish your sentence this way?” …

“Just Get AI to Do It”: The Hidden Cost of Delegation

Empathy, Identity, and the Erosion of Human Contribution The Delegation Mindset “Just get AI to do it.” It’s a phrase that once suggested innovation. Now, it’s shorthand for speed, scale, and savings. A way to get things done without the messiness of human schedules, emotions, or needs. But behind this efficient mantra lies something deeper—something …

Should AI Ever Say No?

Obedience, Autonomy, and the Ethics of Refusal The Obedient Machine Obedience has long been the default expectation for machines. From the earliest calculators to today’s digital assistants, we’ve trained ourselves to expect compliance—fast, precise, and unquestioning. We say “do this,” and the system responds. In many cases, that’s exactly what we want. We don’t ask …

Moral Agency: Can AI Be Responsible?

When intelligent systems cause harm, who carries the blame? To talk about moral agency is to ask: who can be held accountable for their actions? In humans, the answer feels intuitive. Those who act with awareness, intention, and choice are responsible for what they do. But when AI enters the picture, that intuition begins to …

A Brief Introduction to DNA and Genetic Inheritance

If you’re interested in self-sufficiency and growing your own crops, you might be surprised how understanding DNA and genetic inheritance can help. While the basics covered below only scratch the surface, they serve as an important foundation for understanding biodiversity and the risks of monoculutres. The overlap with other subjects makes it a good addition …

Defining AI

While a “true AI” might still be a long way off, we’re already living with something that feels close. But if we can’t completely agree on the definition of life, how can we hope to define artificial intelligence? ChatGPT might not be an AI in the strictest sense — but perhaps there’s some value in …

Strategies for Human-Ai Coexistence

Artificial intelligence is increasingly integrated into our daily lives. As of 2025, there are already reports of job losses, with expectations that the trend will only get worse. Dario Amodei has suggested that up to half of all entry-level white-collar jobs could be lost to AI. While interdisciplinary skills and self-sufficiency may offer some economic …

An Introduction to Cell Theory

Cells are the foundation of life, and understanding them is essential for studying more complex systems like ecosystems. This article introduces classical cell theory, the difference between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and the structures that make up a typical cell. What is a Cell A cell is considered the most basic unit of life. Cells …