Scott Alexander explores the idea that many adults may be missing crucial cognitive abilities, and that rationality and cognitive therapy might be teaching these missing developmental milestones. Longer summary

Scott Alexander explores the idea that developmental milestones in psychology might not be innate but learned, and that many adults may be missing crucial cognitive abilities. He discusses examples like theory of mind, understanding different perspectives, and probabilistic thinking. The post suggests that certain insights from rationality and cognitive therapy might actually be teaching these missing developmental milestones to adults. Scott wonders what mental operations he might still be missing and how to recognize and learn them. Shorter summary

Scott Alexander examines the rise and fall of Hegel's philosophical influence, contrasting his 19th-century dominance with modern dismissals, and considers the implications for philosophy and Hegel's lasting impact on modern thought. Longer summary

This post explores the phenomenon of Hegel's philosophy, its historical dominance, and subsequent fall from grace. Scott Alexander discusses how Hegel was incredibly influential throughout the 19th century, dominating philosophical thought in Germany, England, and America. However, modern opinions of Hegel are often dismissive, with many philosophers and thinkers criticizing his work as obscure and nonsensical. The post then reflects on what this dramatic shift in perception might mean for philosophy and intellectual progress. It concludes by considering how Hegelian ideas might still influence modern thought, particularly in concepts of human progress and New Age philosophies. Shorter summary