The hottest Analogies Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Against the hydraulic analogy

lcamtuf’s thing • 3469 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Electronics Education Engineering Analogies Learning
  1. The hydraulic analogy, which compares electrical circuits to water systems, is often misleading. It can create confusion, especially when learning complex components like semiconductors.
  2. While analogies can aid in understanding, they need to remain accurate as you learn more advanced concepts. The hydraulic analogy can break down and lead to misunderstandings.
  3. When students encounter flaws in the hydraulic analogy, it may cause them to forget the basics and start over, making the learning process harder than it needs to be.

The edge of reason

Logging the World • 219 implied HN points • 28 Dec 22
🔬 Science Mathematics Models Analogies Limitations Uncertainty
  1. When adding numbers, there are basic properties like getting another number, having a special zero that doesn't change sums, and having partners that return to zero when added.
  2. Mathematicians use abstraction to find essential properties, like in groups, to study various systems efficiently and effectively.
  3. Seeking historical analogies in current events can be misleading; it's important to understand the limitations of models and not be overconfident in applying mathematical rules to real-world situations.

Reading philosophy for the examples

Overthinking Everything • 419 implied HN points • 27 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Examples Analogies Human experience
  1. Reading philosophy books can offer stellar examples that stand out and make you think beyond the theories presented.
  2. The examples in philosophy books can be more memorable and impactful than conceptual tools, helping to anchor thoughts and ideas in a relatable context.
  3. Stories in philosophy books, rich with human experiences, can provide valuable insights and prompts for reflection on ethical dilemmas and thought processes.
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Five critical patch updates for the English language

Thoughts on Writing • 99 implied HN points • 16 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Language Communication Societal Issues Analogies
  1. A constructed language called Lojban aims to reduce ambiguity, demonstrating how language design can impact communication.
  2. Words like 'compare' and 'explain' can lead to misunderstandings due to multiple meanings, affecting how statements are interpreted.
  3. Language vulnerabilities can hinder effective communication and understanding, showcasing the importance of clarity and precision in expression.

Summary for “Healing Fire - 1”

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 19 Oct 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Inner Work Healing Analogies
  1. Gurdjieff discussed the concept of intentional suffering as a means to regulate health, suggesting a deeper exploration into its nature and benefits.
  2. Intentional suffering may involve a process of going back to the fire, symbolizing reconciliation and transformation.
  3. It is crucial to differentiate between conscious and mechanical suffering, with the former holding significance according to Gurdjieff.

Coming Soon

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 27 Jan 23
📚 Literature Fiction Storytelling Narrative Analogies Philosophy
  1. Challenge the way things are and ask tough questions. It's important to think differently and be open to new ideas.
  2. Use stories and comparisons to understand big ideas. They help us think about complicated things in a simpler way.
  3. The stories we tell ourselves matter. They shape how we see the world and can give us freedom to think and feel differently.