Archive

Philosophy

The True Beauty of Software: Serving Human Needs

March 5, 2024
Alien tech, Antimatter principle, Article, Attendants, Compassion, Empathy, Philosophy, Product development, Software development, Value
Leave a comment

The True Beauty of Software: Serving Human Needs

“Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone.”

~ Thomas Overbury

When pondering what constitutes beautiful software, we might choose to look beyond the mere lines of code on the screen. For genuine beauty in software arises not from technical excellence, but from the extent to which it genuinely serves and aligns with the needs of human beings.

A Deeper Beauty

On the surface, we may admire software having clean, elegant code structure, adhering to best practices and exhibiting visual appeal. But the ancient philosophers taught that true beauty must run deeper than superficial appearances. For software, this deeper beauty emanates from how effectively it enhances human capabilities and experiences in the real world.

Power to Elevate

Well-designed software represents the harmonious weaving of digital capabilities with human need. Just as great art inspires by achieving a personal expression of universal themes, so does beautiful software illuminate core human needs through its delivery of cohesive, purposeful functionality. It allows us to appreciate software’s power to elevate and augment our existence.

Like the Romantic poets extolled, beautiful software can facilitate a transcendent union with something greater than ourselves. When developing with insight into human needs, programmers experience a state of flow, bridging the worlds of bits and people until there is no division between the created software and those it benefits. We become co-creators, using our skills to help bring into being solutions which empower.

Resonant

At the same time, beautiful software must resonate with the depth of human experience. As Buddhist wisdom teaches, true beauty arises through mindfulness, ethical conduct, and pacification of the ego. In beautiful software, we find the development team’s consciousness – their thoughtfulness in attending to folks’ needs, their restraint in avoiding the unneeded, their core values embodied in the system’s behaviours.

Inner Light

Moreover, beautiful software exhibits an inner light not of technical correctness, but of purpose – solving real human needs with clarity and compassion. Its beauty transcends being well-crafted to also being virtuous, ethical and generous in spirit. For its core purpose is selfless service to humanity.

Conclusion

So while we may appreciate the external trappings of high-quality software, true beauty runs deeper – into how well it elevates human potential and adapts seamlessly into the real needs of peoples’ lives. For therein lies the highest achievement, to create not just products, but solutions that illuminate, attend to, and empower the human condition.

Technology And People

March 1, 2024
Article, Attendants, Community, Culture change, Deming, Philosophy, Psychology
Leave a comment

Technology And People

[Tl;Dr: What if software developers – and other related disciplines – were competent in psychology and human behaviour rather than coding and testing? What would we gain? What would we lose? ]

We live in an era of rapid technological advancement and innovation. Yet so many of our most popular technologies still fall short when it comes to understanding human behavior, motivations, and feelings. What would a software industry more attuned with psychology and social sciences look like? After all, Deming in his System of Profound Knowledge stressed the importance of psychology. Some key reasons why Deming advocated for psychological competence include:

  • Motivating employees requires satisfying needs beyond just financial compensation
  • Interpersonal friction can cause unproductive teams or turnover
  • Lack of psychological safety limits experimentation and learning
  • Poor communication causes confusion and mistakes
  • Not understanding cognitive biases can lead to poor decisions

Deeper Empathy and Connection

Technology designed with empathy could foster online communities that feel welcoming, supportive, and caring. More intuitive interfaces minimising frustration and confusion would promote trust and understanding between platforms and users. Overall, technology would not only be more usable, but make people feel heard, respected, and cared for.

Products That Help Us Thrive

Rather than empty gaming loops or outrage-inducing algorithms, technology focused on well-being could enhance daily life and growth. From fitness trackers prompting healthier habits to creativity tools designed for flow states to social networks that inspire real-world action, innovation could shift from addiction to empowerment and support.

Customised Experiences

Understanding differences in personalities, demographics, and life experiences would allow for greater personalisation in how tech interacts with and supports each of us. Products and services attuned to the diversity of human behavior deliver nuanced experiences and guidance tuned for each user and context. The result is technology that contributes to our humanity, rather than robbing us of it.

Developers Who Operate Around Compassion

If engineers banded together around compassion and service to others instead of unending growth and career-oriented self-interest, we might see improvements in areas like mental health support, ethical supply chain management, and sustainability. Rather than top-down directives, grassroots working groups of developers aiming to minimise harm and reduce pain points could spread positive change.

While mastery of coding and data remains useful, competence in psychology and the human aspects of life may be key for profound betterment of our lives, and wider society too. A collaborative pivot toward emotional intelligence across the industry will prove immensely worthwhile.

Unravelling Stephen Pepper’s World Hypotheses

November 27, 2023
Article, Philosophy
Leave a comment

Unravelling Stephen Pepper’s World Hypotheses

What Are World Hypotheses?

Stephen Pepper’s 1942 seminal work, “World Hypotheses: A Study in Evidence,” presents a pioneering approach in philosophical thought. At the heart of this approach lies the concept of ‘world hypotheses,’ a term coined by Pepper to describe comprehensive frameworks or systems of understanding that govern human thought and perception.

How Do Root Metaphors Function?

Pepper’s central thesis revolves around ‘root metaphors.’ These metaphors are not mere linguistic tools but foundational concepts that shape and guide our interpretation of reality. They act as lenses through which we view and make sense of the world, influencing not just our thoughts but also our actions and responses. According to Pepper, these root metaphors are deeply ingrained in our cognitive processes, often operating subconsciously.

Why Are World Hypotheses Important?

World hypotheses, as envisioned by Pepper, are more than theoretical constructs. They are practical tools that help us navigate the complexities of life. By understanding the underlying metaphors of different world hypotheses, we can gain insights into how different people and cultures perceive and interact with the world. This understanding is crucial in fields ranging from philosophy to psychology, sociology, and even organisational development.

The Significance in Philosophical Discourse

Pepper’s introduction of world hypotheses represents a significant leap in philosophical discourse. It pushes the boundaries of traditional philosophy, which often focuses on abstract concepts, by grounding philosophical thought in everyday human experience. Through his analysis of root metaphors, Pepper provides a bridge between abstract philosophical ideas and the practical realities of human thought and behaviour.

Impact on Interdisciplinary Studies

Moreover, the concept of world hypotheses has implications beyond philosophy. It offers a framework for interdisciplinary study, allowing for a more holistic understanding of human behaviour and societal structures. By acknowledging the role of underlying metaphors in shaping our worldview, Pepper’s work invites a deeper exploration of the interconnectedness of language, thought, and culture.

He identifies four primary world hypotheses, each based on a different root metaphor:

  • Formism (Similarity)
  • Mechanism (Machine)
  • Organicism (Organism)
  • Contextualism (Historic Event)

What’s the Essence of Formism?

Formism, based on similarity, postulates that comprehension arises from classifying and recognising parallels between entities and ideas. This hypothesis leans towards idealism and platonic forms, where categorisation into classes or forms is crucial.

How Does Mechanism Perceive the World?

Mechanism, taking its cue from the machine metaphor, perceives the world as a complex assemblage of interacting components. This hypothesis resonates with scientific and empirical methods, emphasising causality and the interplay of parts.

What Is Organicism’s Viewpoint?

Organicism, drawing from the organism metaphor, envisages the universe as an organic unity. Here, interconnected parts function cohesively, akin to a living organism. This perspective underscores growth, development, and purpose.

How Does Contextualism Interpret Reality?

Contextualism, inspired by the metaphor of a historic event, views reality as a sequence of unique events within specific contexts. It accentuates the distinctiveness of each event and the importance of context, focusing on change rather than permanence.

Does Pepper’s Work Have Any Importance?

Pepper’s attempt to construct a comprehensive framework for philosophical understanding is noteworthy. His identification of root metaphors offers a lens to analyse and contrast diverse philosophical, scientific, and artistic viewpoints. This framework not only illuminates various schools of thought but also enriches our grasp of their philosophical underpinnings.

The Unseen ROI: The Inestimable Value of Philosophy

August 31, 2023
Article, Business, Culture change, Philosophy
Leave a comment

The Unseen ROI: The Inestimable Value of Philosophy

Ditch the suits, swap coffee for Socrates, and invite Plato to your next board meeting. Sounds absurd? Bear with me. Philosophy isn’t just an ivory tower subject; it’s a tool that’s as practical as your financial model, albeit much older and perhaps wiser. In the ecosystem of business, organisations, and software development, philosophy provides a foundational map for manoeuvring intricate landscapes. Let’s explore its inestimable value in these domains.

Understanding the Intricacies of Systems

Forget a one-size-fits-all approach. Businesses and organisations are intricate networks where one change can trigger a domino effect. Philosophy—through disciplines like systems theory,  and phenomenology—helps you understand the underlying mechanics of these complexities. We’re not talking abstract theory; we’re discussing actionable insights that can guide your operational strategies to tackle core issues rather than symptoms.

Building an Ethical Framework

It’s easy to dismiss ethics as an ivory tower luxury until you’re facing a PR nightmare and your bottom line is plummeting. Philosophy provides a nuanced understanding of ethics that extends beyond conventional notions of right and wrong. Whether it’s utilitarianism or virtue ethics, these philosophical constructs can help businesses create comprehensive ethical frameworks, aiding in decisions that balance profitability and moral integrity.

How Do You Know What You Know? Software and Epistemology

In software development, success hinges on solving the right problems. How can you be sure you’re on the right track? This is essentially an epistemological issue, exploring the nature of knowledge itself. Philosophy equips software developers with the tools to surface and reflect on assumptions and question established norms, leading to more impactful and relevant solutions.

Employing the Socratic Method as a Debugging Tool

Don’t just accept things at face value. The Socratic Method is an intellectual protocol for identifying contradictions and refining thought processes. Whether you’re brainstorming a new product or debugging a software glitch, applying Socratic questioning can unveil insights that might otherwise be overlooked.

Nurturing a Culture of Innovation

Innovation doesn’t arise from rote learning or mimicking competitors. Philosophy teaches us to challenge prevailing wisdom, providing the fertile ground from which genuine innovation sprouts. Think of trailblazers like Albert Einstein or Marie Curie; their philosophical approach to questioning the norm led to paradigm-shifting discoveries. In business, this critical mindset could be your key to outpacing the competition.

The Benefits

Here’s a concise list of the benefits of incorporating philosophy into business practices:

  1. Improved Decision-Making: Philosophical frameworks offer robust methods for evaluating complex situations, thereby aiding in more informed and strategic decision-making.
  2. Ethical Clarity: Philosophical theories can help develop a nuanced ethical stance, allowing businesses to make choices that are morally sound and legally safe.
  3. Critical Thinking: Philosophy trains the mind to evaluate assumptions, question norms, and consider alternative viewpoints, all critical for innovation and problem-solving, not to mention culture change.
  4. Understanding Complexity: Through disciplines like systems thinking, philosophy helps us grasp the interconnectedness and complexity of business ecosystems.
  5. Enhanced Communication: Philosophy helps refine one’s ability to articulate complex ideas clearly, an invaluable skill in negotiations, conflict resolution and fellowship.
  6. Long-Term Focus: Philosophical principles can guide strategic thinking, encouraging a longer-term focus over short-term gains, which is often crucial for sustainability.
  7. Conflict Resolution: Philosophical approaches like dialectics can offer innovative solutions to mediate conflict and find middle ground in business disputes.
  8. Enhanced Creativity: Philosophy encourages out-of-the-box thinking and questioning of the status quo, conditions conducive for creativity, innovation and culture change.
  9. Employee Wellbeing: Philosophical concepts like existentialism or humanism can offer frameworks for fostering a work environment that respects individual agency and promotes wellbeing.
  10. Risk Management: Philosophical disciplines such as logic and reasoning provide tools for better understanding and managing risks in various business operations.
  11. Transparency and Trust: Philosophical dialogue encourages openness and thoughtful discussion, creating a culture of transparency that can improve stakeholder trust.
  12. Global Perspective: Philosophy, being a cross-cultural discipline, can help businesses better understand and adapt to cultural nuances in global markets.
  13. Technological Ethics: As technology advances, questions around ethical use and societal impact become crucial. Philosophy can provide frameworks for navigating these challenges.
  14. Sustainable Practices: Philosophical debates around ecology and sustainability can help businesses align their practices with wider societal goals.
  15. Leadership Development: Philosophical tenets can guide leadership style, fostering a more empathetic and effective management approach.

By adopting some philosophical methods and principles, businesses can enrich their operational toolkit, adding depth, rigor, and ethics to their strategies and practices.

Summary

While you may not replace your business seminars with philosophy classes, ignoring the subject is a missed opportunity. Its insights into systems, ethics, and problem-solving are not just theoretical mumbo-jumbo; they’re practical tools with the potential to significantly bolster decision-making, ethical conduct, and innovation. Now that’s a kind of ROI that would even make Socrates smile.

Our Collective Journey to the Far Side of Work

August 5, 2023
Article, Fellowship, Philosophy, Purpose, Reflections, Zeitgeist
Leave a comment

Our Collective Journey to the Far Side of Work

Work: A Deep-rooted Narrative

For 50 long years, I’ve toiled in the labyrinth of the tech industry, weaving through the intricate webs of technology and innovation. I now find myself basking in the sunny uplands of self-selected pursuits that kindle my curiosity and ignite my passion. As I reflect on the transition, I am struck by a shared experience many of us endure – a sense of disillusionment and pointlessness associated with the relentless grind of work. It’s a sentiment that echoes through the words of Bertrand Russell in his enlightening essay, “In Praise of Idleness”.

The Unending Cycle

From childhood, we are fed the narrative that our life’s worth is proportional to our work’s volume. We tirelessly strive to be productive, to fulfill our roles in the professional world, often to the point where we become our job titles. For five decades, I lived this narrative, giving my all and striving fo complete assignment after pointless assignment.

In this quest for achievement within the tech industry, I’ve seen first hand how our ceaseless efforts often serve to enrich those already bathed in wealth and power. Our lives become synonymous with work. We work to live, and we live to work, perpetuating a cycle that leaves little room for us to foster our unique interests and pursuits.

Delusion: The Redemptive Quality of Work

Work, of course, is not entirely pointless. It can be a meaningful endeavor when it fuels our creativity and provides a sense of contribution. Or simply keeps a roof over our head. However, when our identities and lives revolve around our work, we so often suppress the diverse and fundamental aspects of our humanity.

Bertrand Russell’s Insightful Advocacy

Bertrand Russell, in his profound exploration of work and leisure, boldly criticized the notion of work for work’s sake. He advocated the importance of leisure and idleness, not as a sign of laziness, but as an opportunity for personal growth, creativity, and mental wellbeing. His philosophy suggests that if we could liberate ourselves from the chains of work, our societies would thrive and individuals would lead more fulfilling lives.

My Shared Experience

My own experiences echo Russell’s insights. Liberated from the constraints of the world of work, and especially when working for the Man, I’ve discovered an enriched sense of purpose. Far from the conventional definition of idleness, I relish the intellectual journeys I can now undertake, the creativity I can enjoy, and the meandering paths I can explore without the constant pressure of productivity.

An Invitation to a Collective Shift

In sharing this journey, I don’t propose a world entirely without work, but rather, a world where work doesn’t consume us. A world where we are more than just the wealth we generate for others. A world where our self-worth isn’t defined by our productivity, but by our intellectual, emotional, and creative growth, and how we relate to each other –  the bonds we forge.

By stepping into this reality, I advocate not for the rejection of work, but a redefinition of it. It’s an invitation for us to shift our perspective, to see work as just one small part of our multi-dimensional lives.

Beyond Work: A Call to Action

The far side of work doesn’t stand for inaction. It is a call to action, a call to pursue our interests, unleash our potentials, and redefine our measures of success. It encourages us to move away from making others rich at the expense of our personal growth and towards a more balanced existence where work, play, creativity, learning and society coexist harmoniously.

Conclusion: A Shared Journey Towards Epiphany

I’ve found that these sunny uplands, filled with activities that truly engage us, offer a far more enriching life than the one dominated by work. This understanding has led me to believe that the true purpose of life isn’t about laboring for others’ wealth, but about finding shared joyfulness, connections and growth. Something I regularly refer to as “fellowship”.

As I bask in the warmth of this revelation, I share this with you, hoping that we can collectively redefine work and its place in our lives, moving beyond its traditional confines and into a world where our lives are joyous and our spirits soar. Semper mirabilis.

The Downfall of Ego

July 12, 2023
Article, Philosophy, Psychology, Reflections
Leave a comment

The Downfall of Ego

Ego, a ticking time bomb, can easily overshadow and even cripple our chances of success. While it might appear to serve as a tool for asserting our individuality, ego creates an illusion of superiority, thus curtailing our ability to grow and adapt. Its destructive power is immense, often turning us into our own worst enemies.

In general conversation, “ego” often refers to an individual’s sense of self-esteem or self-importance. If someone is said to have a “big ego,” it usually implies that the person has an inflated self-perception, believing they are superior or more important than others. This is generally viewed negatively, as it can lead to arrogance and a lack of consideration for others.

Success: The Ultimate Goal

In contrast, we can choose “success” – by whatever definition – as the ultimate goal that guides our actions. As a beacon of personal growth and fulfillment, success surpasses the superficial benchmarks of wealth, status and yes, ego.

The Detriment of an Unmanaged Ego

The sad reality is that many individuals become embroiled in self-defeating battles due to their egos. This ego-driven blindness thwarts them in their progress and diverts them from the real path to success.

Path to Flourishing

To flourish – achieving real success, by our own definition of the term – we must learn to tame our egos, recognise the value of failures, and cherish the journey rather than obsessing over the destination. True success is about expanding our horizons, not allowing our egos to restrict them.

Life’s a Journey Worth Telling: The Inspiring Story of a Message in a Bottle

January 29, 2023
Article, Philosophy, Purpose, Reflections
Leave a comment

Life’s a Journey Worth Telling: The Inspiring Story of a Message in a Bottle

I’m a lost soul, adrift in the endless ocean of life. My life is a message in a bottle, cast into the waves years ago, with hope it might reach a distant shore one day. The journey has been long and arduous, but I remain steadfast in my determination to see it through.

I’m a being of mystery, a creature of legend, with a tale yet to be fully told. I’m a sorcerer and a warrior, cursed with a soul that is not my own. The journey of my life has been a search for meaning, a quest for redemption in a world that’s long lost its way.

I’ve sailed through storms and tempests, braved the depths of the ocean and the wind’s fierceness. I’ve seen wonders beyond imagining and horrors that have left me shaken to my core. And yet, I endure, for my life is a message in a bottle, a tale of hope and perseverance that must be shared with the world.

The journey’s been long, and I’ve suffered greatly along the way. The bottle’s been battered and scarred, the message within lost and lost again and again. I’ve known moments of triumph and defeat, of joy and sorrow, of love and loss. But I remain steadfast in my belief that one day, my message will reach the shore.

I’ve learned much during my time adrift, about the world and myself. I’ve seen the folly of men and the wisdom of the sea. I’ve learned that life’s not a straight path, but a journey full of twists and turns, of moments of joy and heartbreak. And I’ve come to understand that life is not about the destination, but the journey itself.

My life’s a message in a bottle, a tale of hope and perseverance, of love and loss, of triumph and defeat. And one day, it may wash up on a distant shore, where it will be read and remembered, told to generations to come.

But even if my message is never found, even if it’s lost forever in the ocean’s expanse, I won’t have lived in vain. For I’ve lived a life of purpose, a life that’s touched the hearts and minds of all who’ve encountered it. And in the end, that’s all that truly matters.

So I’ll continue on my journey, adrift in the ocean, searching for meaning and purpose in a world that often seems devoid of both. For my life’s a message in a bottle, a tale that must be told, a reminder that no matter how lost and alone we may feel, there’s always hope. And as long as we continue to search for hope, remain steadfast in our determination to find it, our lives will always be a message in a bottle, a beacon of light in a world that’s often dark and uncertain.

Quickie: Naïve Realism (Cognitive Bias)

January 29, 2022
Culture change, Organisational Therapy, Philosophy, Psychology, Quickies
Leave a comment

Naïve Realism: The conviction that one’s own views are objective and unbiased, whereas the other’s views are biased by ideology, self-interest, and irrationality. This conviction prevents serious consideration of the other’s supposedly biased views and leads to the formation and maintenance of a one-sided perspective. In turn, this perspective may deepen misunderstandings, disagreements, and antagonism between individuals and groups.

See also: Fundamental Attribution Error, Naïve Realism (Psychology), Naïve realism (Philosophy of Perception).

Further Reading

Nasie, M., Bar-Tal, D., Pliskin, R., Nahhas, E. & Halperin, E. (2014). Overcoming the Barrier of Narrative Adherence in Conflicts Through Awareness of the Psychological Bias of Naïve Realism. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, [online] 40(11), pp.1543–1556. Available at: /wp-content/uploads/2022/01/nasieetalpspb2014.pdf [Accessed 29 Jan. 2022].

Quickie: Ackoff Explains Analytic vs Synergistic Thinking

October 8, 2021
Culture change, Giants, Improvement, Learning, Marshall Model, Organisational effectiveness, Philosophy, Quickies, Rightshifting
Leave a comment

Here’s a video in which the great Russel L. Ackoff explains the difference between knowledge and understanding, and thereby the difference between analytic and synergistic thinking (Cf. Rightshifting and the Marshall Model).

https://deming.org/ackoff-on-systems-thinking-and-management/

 

Quickie: As A Whole

October 1, 2021
Philosophy, Psychology, Quickies
Leave a comment

“Any [system] must be treated as-a-whole; in other words, that a [system] is not an algebraic sum, a linear function of its elements, but always more than that. It is seemingly little realized, at present, that this simple and innocent-looking statement involves a full structural revision of our language…”

~ Alfred Korzybski

Yūgen

September 8, 2021
Article, Philosophy, Reflections
Leave a comment

Yūgen

Presently I find myself at the lowest ebb in my life and career. My finances are dire, my relationships extremely limited, and almost no one seems to want or need to even discuss my ideas for more effective organisations, let alone implement them.

And yet, I also find myself more content and happy than I have ever been. Some strange paradox, here? How to account for this state of mind?

I put it down to a mantra I find myself using numerous times every day:

“One day at a time, Bob”

(I don’t actually refer to myself in the third person, but for clarity, here…)

I was reminded of this just yesterday via the film “Annie” and the song “Tomorrow” – in particular, the line ”The sun will come out Tomorrow”. Which I choose to interpret as “Make it through today and don’t give any thought to / worry about the days ahead.”

You may be familiar with this philosophy from Zen Buddhism, or from Eckhart Tolle’s blockbuster book “The Power of Now”.

Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment.

~ Buddha

Here’s wishing you find your own way of living with today’s misfortunes.

– Bob

P.S. Yūgen (幽玄) is a concept from traditional Japanese aesthetics. The exact translation of the word depends on the context. In the Chinese philosophical texts the term was taken from, yūgen meant “dim”, “deep” or “mysterious”.

Yūgen is generally taken to mean “a profound, mysterious sense of the beauty of the universe… and the sad beauty of human suffering”.

Ambitious

April 18, 2021
Engineering, Organisational effectiveness, Philosophy, Reflections, Software development
1 Comment

Ambitious

Ever since I can remember, it’s been my ambition to make a difference to the software industry at large. And not just do a good job for individual clients or employers.

I work with clients – and occasionally, employers – to help them, of course. But my main focus is on better understanding the domain of software development – and business, too – at the organisational and industry level, and to share that understanding with as many folks as are interested.

Don Quixote

I accept it’s a largely – if not entirely – quixotic ambition. And yet individuals have occasionally made a difference in other domains.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”

~ Margaret Mead

Self-aggrandisement, kudos or fame is not my aim. Rather, even early in my career, I saw the frustration and suffering of fellow developers in positions of powerlessness, writing software that rarely if ever saw the light of day, rarely if ever making it into the hands of users, rarely if ever pleasing the folks for whom the software was intended. And having to cope with endless, senseless handicaps to getting anything done.

“Most of what we call management consists of making it difficult for people to get their work done.”

~ Peter Drucker

Even back then I was determined to do what I could to alleviate folks’ frustrations. To increase the likelihood of the fruits of their labours making it into “production”. Most developers I’ve ever met have shown a strong urge – we might say need, even – to make a positive difference in the world, albeit mostly through software features or products.

What could be more quixotic than wanting to help developers (and more recently, other software folks, such as managers and executives) who seem to not want to help themselves?

– Bob