Scott Alexander distinguishes between 'universal culture' and 'Western culture', exploring how the former outcompetes all traditional cultures and the ethical implications of this process.
Longer summary
Scott Alexander discusses the concept of 'universal culture' as distinct from 'Western culture', arguing that what is often called 'Westernization' is actually the spread of a culture optimized for industrial societies. He explains how this universal culture outcompetes traditional cultures, including Western culture itself, and explores the ethical implications of this process. The post concludes by considering whether we should support or resist the spread of universal culture, acknowledging the complexity of the issue without reaching a definitive stance.
Shorter summary