Philosophics — Philosophical and Political Ramblings

Bry Willis
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  • Deux fois par semaine

Join me as I relate with the world philosophically. This content can also be found on my blog: https://philosophics.blog

  1. The Grammar of Erasure and the Latin Ghost

    -20 h

    The Grammar of Erasure and the Latin Ghost

    In this reflective essay, language philosopher Bry Willis examines how the English language handles gender through the lens of professional titles and Latin suffixes. He initially proposes a simplified, neutral spelling for the word "administrator" to strip away its archaic masculine connotations, yet he soon realises that this "reform" merely masks a deeper linguistic trend. Willis argues that English tends to launder the masculine into a generic default, effectively erasing the feminine rather than achieving true neutrality. By comparing this to the French approach of active feminisation, he demonstrates how our sense of linguistic justice is often dictated by the specific constraints of our own grammar. Ultimately, the text highlights the hidden cultural weight carried by dead metaphors and the difficulty of modernising language without unintentionally reinforcing old biases.https://brywillis634737.substack.com/

    22 min
  2. The Wrecking Ball and the Keystone

    -1 j

    The Wrecking Ball and the Keystone

    Language philosopher Bry Willis examines a recurring philosophical tactic where a thinker uses a specific intellectual tool to dismantle established certainties, only to later use that same tool as the unquestioned foundation for a new system. By reviewing the work of Michael Huemer, René Descartes, and Alasdair MacIntyre, the author illustrates how philosophers often fail to acknowledge the moment their "wrecking ball" is promoted to a "keystone." Willis argues that this process launders subjective intuitions into supposedly objective truths, creating a circular logic that avoids investigating the origins of those intuitions. Ultimately, the text suggests that many philosophical "foundations" are merely arbitrary stopping points in the process of inquiry rather than discovered bedrock. The author cautions against accepting reading lists that present one specific epistemology as a neutral entry point, as this installs a framework of belief before a student can learn to question it. 👉 https://brywillis634737.substack.com/

    21 min
  3. Colombia vs. America: The Laws of Daily Life (Video)

    -1 j ·  Bonus

    Colombia vs. America: The Laws of Daily Life (Video)

    This video explores the cultural and legal contrasts between Colombia and the United States, highlighting various daily activities that are normal in one country but prohibited in the other. The speaker explains that many Colombian regulations prioritise job creation, social equity, and historical necessity over the strict, safety-oriented protocols found in America. Notable examples include the mandatory use of gas station attendants, the open availability of pharmaceutical drugs without prescriptions, and a progressive stance on reproductive rights. The source also describes an "informal system" where certain laws regarding public drinking or traffic safety are rarely enforced due to economic realities. Ultimately, the text suggests that Colombia’s legal landscape is shaped by a pragmatic approach to survival and community heritage rather than rigid bureaucracy. This overview illustrates how different national values and economic challenges result in vastly different experiences of daily life and law enforcement.👉 ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn1yHn0XEZc

    7 min
  4. Colombia vs. America: The Laws of Daily Life

    -1 j

    Colombia vs. America: The Laws of Daily Life

    This segment explores the cultural and legal contrasts between Colombia and the United States, highlighting various daily activities that are normal in one country but prohibited in the other. The speaker explains that many Colombian regulations prioritise job creation, social equity, and historical necessity over the strict, safety-oriented protocols found in America. Notable examples include the mandatory use of gas station attendants, the open availability of pharmaceutical drugs without prescriptions, and a progressive stance on reproductive rights. The source also describes an "informal system" where certain laws regarding public drinking or traffic safety are rarely enforced due to economic realities. Ultimately, the text suggests that Colombia’s legal landscape is shaped by a pragmatic approach to survival and community heritage rather than rigid bureaucracy. This overview illustrates how different national values and economic challenges result in vastly different experiences of daily life and law enforcement.👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn1yHn0XEZc

    24 min
  5. Pourquoi la quête d'authenticité nous épuise.

    -2 j

    Pourquoi la quête d'authenticité nous épuise.

    Ce podcast consiste à résumer un article de blog en français. L'objet de cet article est d'étudier une perspective chinoise de l'identité propre. S’il vous plaît, ne lisez pas la transcription. Je ne suis pas sûr de ce que c’est. https://philosophics.blog/2026/07/04/considering-a-chinese-selfhood/?utm_source=spotifyfr&utm_medium=social

    14 min
  6. The Self as Practice: Rituals of Transformation

    -2 j

    The Self as Practice: Rituals of Transformation

    Language philosopher Bry Willis examines Chinese philosophy as a practical framework for self-transformation rather than a quest for an inherent identity. Professor Michael Puett argues that the common Western obsession with finding one's true self is often a mistake that reinforces negative habits and rigid psychological ruts. Instead of viewing the person as a fixed essence, these teachings promote ritual as a vital technology to interrupt automatic behaviours and foster more meaningful connections. By adopting daily rituals and shifts in perception, individuals can move from merely proving their worth to actively improving their character. Ultimately, the texts present a vision where human flourishing is achieved through the continuous, deliberate cultivation of relationships and a humble openness to the world.👉 https://philosophics.blog/2026/07/04/considering-a-chinese-selfhood/

    17 min
  7. Un-Discovering America

    -3 j

    Un-Discovering America

    Language philosopher Bry Willis examines several counterfactual novels that imagine an American history free from traditional European colonisation. Most of these stories function as structural inversions, where Indigenous empires like the Aztecs or Incas become the dominant technological superpowers that eventually conquer Europe. Willis criticises these "mirror" narratives for failing to escape a Eurocentric framework, as they merely swap the identities of the victors while keeping the logic of conquest intact. In contrast, the author praises works that envision entirely different social values, such as restorative justice, rather than just shifting the axis of power. Ultimately, the text argues that true imaginative liberation requires moving beyond the desire for empire altogether. The overview concludes that most writers struggle to depict a world that does not define success through domination.👉 https://philosophics.blog/2026/07/03/un-discovering-america/

    20 min
  8. Mapping Les Années Vécues

    -5 j

    Mapping Les Années Vécues

    Author and language philosopher Bry Willis describes a technological workflow for drafting a new French-language short story titled Les Années Vécues. By collaborating with large language models, the writer transitioned from a conceptual discussion about evolution into a highly structured plot outline. This process resulted in a comprehensive tracking spreadsheet featuring nine distinct tabs to manage narrative elements like thematic motifs, continuity rules, and story beats. The creator highlights how these AI tools provide a robust organisational layer that assists with the complex worldbuilding constraints of speculative fiction. Ultimately, the text explores the intersection of human creativity and artificial intelligence in modern literary composition. 👉 https://philosophics.blog/2026/07/01/les-annees-vecues

    20 min
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Join me as I relate with the world philosophically. This content can also be found on my blog: https://philosophics.blog

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