I write these essays to ground theories about the subjectivity triad — consciousness, the Self, and personal identity — by relating them to the broader contexts of human life.
Here’s how I work. When I peruse my news feeds I go to primary references for follow-up. I’m looking for lesser-known but powerful ideas, concepts, and findings from true experts. When I write I’m putting together combinations of these pieces that I think are rare, maybe unique, and give you something to think about.
I sometimes add a sci-fi sensibility with fictional bits: 1-liners, news flashes, anecdotes, dialogs, or monologs.
I sometimes make original images to complement the words. At other times I get to use images layered with shape, color, and meaning, from photographic artist Bill Gore.
In Sentient Artifact you’ll hear a lot about the philosophy and science of the conscious and unconscious mind, about the future effects of machine intelligence, looks at the underpinnings of cultural issues, or anything else that seems helpful in understanding life/ our world/the universe. There are superb thinkers out there who aren’t always well known. I ferret them out, try my best to “get” what they are saying, and pass it on to you.
If you are on my list you can expect a mailing 6-10 times a year. Sometimes it will include the whole story. Other times it will come with a link that gets you freely past a paywall on that Other Essay Platform.
I encourage you to explore other publications on Substack. Some great stuff there. Thank you for your valuable time and attention.
