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Holding faith and code: a visual metaphor of technology's rise as a modern belief system.
Books

The History of Tech-As-Religion

Excerpted from Tech Agnostic: How Technology Became the World’s Most Powerful Religion, and Why It Desperately Needs a Reformation by Greg M. Epstein. Reprinted with permission from The MIT Press.…

By
Greg M. Epstein
12 Min Read
Moral Judgement and the Normativity of Practical Identities
This marble sculpture depicts a young Aristotle in deep contemplation, symbolizing the early development of moral judgment and philosophical inquiry.
Books
22 Min Read
Religion in International Politics: Power and Influence
Faith and Power: World Leaders in Prayer – A Moment of Reflection in International Politics. President George W. Bush, Mrs. Laura Bush, Former President George H. W. Bush, Mrs. Barbara Bush, Former President Bill Clinton, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Chelsea Clinton, bow their heads during the National Day of Prayer and Remembrance service at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
BooksPolitics & Religion
19 Min Read
A New History of Atlantic Slavery from the Global South
BooksPolitical History
16 Min Read
Does Free Speech Have a Future?
A political street mural in San Diego with bold red, black, and beige tones. It features a woman holding a newspaper questioning climate denial, propaganda-style posters, and imagery related to surveillance and control. The artwork highlights free speech, censorship, and political power dynamics.
BooksFreedom of Expression
21 Min Read
When Animals Dream: The Hidden World of Animal Consciousness
Animal Dream: A red fox sleeps peacefully in the sunlight, its body relaxed and still. Photo by Qijun Huang.
BooksEnvironment & Animals
14 Min Read
Marijuana Rescheduling: Federal Uncertainty in the U.S.
Black and white close-up photograph of a marijuana leaf, showing its serrated edges and detailed texture against a blurred background.
Books
9 Min Read
The Economic Consequences of Milton Friedman
A detailed black and white sketch of Milton Friedman, deep in thought with his hand resting on his chin. Milton Friedman, known for his influential work on free-market policies and the economic consequences of his theories.
Books
15 Min Read
Studying Taiwan from Its Own Perspective: Why It Matters
A nighttime aerial view of Taipei, Taiwan, featuring the illuminated Taipei 101 surrounded by skyscrapers. The image highlights the city's urban infrastructure and economic development
Books
16 Min Read
A History of Liberalism for Illiberal Times: Freedom from Fear
Alexis de Tocqueville was a keen observer of democracy. His work Democracy in America (1835) analyzed the strengths and weaknesses of democratic societies, warning against the tyranny of the majority and the dangers of centralized power.
Books
15 Min Read
Digital Masquerade: Feminist and Queer Activism in China
Digital Maquerade. Three Chinese feminist activists dressed as brides with red stains resembling blood hold protest signs against gender-based violence on a busy street. Their expressions are serious and defiant, symbolizing resistance against censorship and state repression. The scene represents a creative form of feminist and queer activism in China
Books
66 Min Read
How China’s E-Commerce Boom Charts a Digital Path to Growth
A high-profile promotion of AliExpress, showcasing the platform's global reach and its role in shaping the future of e-commerce.
Books
11 Min Read
Chronic Instability and Violence in South Sudan
High-ranking military officials of South Sudan’s government, representing the intersection of political power, corruption, and the country’s militarized governance.
Books
27 Min Read
How Innovation Hype Devalues Reproductive Labor
While innovation is often celebrated in technology, the essential labor of caregiving remains undervalued despite its foundational role in sustaining society.
Books
14 Min Read
World History of Sexualities
Sexualities-Helen_Beard_Illicit_Kisses_art
Books
18 Min Read
Critical Theory and its Right-Wing Double
Right-wing and left-wing thinkers in a collage
Books
16 Min Read
Heritage in War and Peace: An Ever-Growing Field
Heritage in War: The reconstructed Old Bridge of Mostar, originally built in the 16th century, was destroyed during the Bosnian War in 1993 and rebuilt in 2004 as a symbol of reconciliation and cultural heritage preservation.
Books
10 Min Read
What Is Extinction? Exploring Life’s End and Meaning
The image shows a representation of the dodo (Raphus cucullatus), an extinct bird species that once inhabited the island of Mauritius. The dodo is widely recognized as a symbol of extinction, having disappeared by the late 17th century due to excessive hunting by humans and the introduction of invasive species to its habitat. Its extinction serves as a reminder of the impact of human activity on biodiversity.
Books
15 Min Read
Is a Shift to the Left Good or Bad for Multiculturalism?
Monument to Multiculturalism by Francesco Perilli (1985), located in Toronto, Canada.
Books
16 Min Read
A World on Edge: Environmental Injustice Threatens Us All
Environmental injustice: A group of firefighters stand against an overwhelming wildfire, their silhouettes illuminated by the intense orange glow of the flames.
BooksEnvironment
12 Min Read
Populism as Governmental Practice: The Informal Social Contract
Populism is a political approach that seeks to appeal to the interests and concerns of the general population, often positioning "the people" against "the elite."
Books
17 Min Read
Family Separation: The Reality of Child Migration to the U.S.
A young boy looks through a mesh wire barrier, with a somber expression, symbolizing the impact of family separation policies at the border. Background figures are blurred. Photo credited to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Books
14 Min Read
Politicizing the Digital World
Politicizing the Digital World: Biometric fingerprint scanning at a government checkpoint, illustrating the impact of digitalization on public administration and citizens' rights.
Books
15 Min Read
Women and the Reformations Around the World
A painting depicting the marriage ceremony of Martin Luther and Katharina von Bora. Katharina, a former nun, is portrayed as a central figure, symbolizing the role of women in the Protestant Reformation as active participants in reshaping religious and social norms.
BooksPolitical History
17 Min Read
Understanding the Causes of War: Human Nature and History
A stark glimpse into the trenches of World War I, epitomizing the brutal realities of conflict. This image underscores the enduring 'causes of war'—territorial disputes, political rivalries, and the human propensity for domination.
BooksPolitical History
14 Min Read
Decentralised Governance: Crafting Effective Democracies Around the World
Empowered women in local governance forums, like this group in India, exemplify the transformative power of decentralization in fostering inclusive democracy and active community participation.
Books
20 Min Read
The Transformation of Chinese Foreign Policy: Leaders Matter
The image of Mao Zedong, a towering figure in China's political history, continues to evoke debates about the country's trajectory in foreign policy.
Books
14 Min Read
Better Policies, Not Preaching, Can Make Immigration Popular
A bronze sculpture titled 'Immigrant Family' by Tom Otterness, symbolizing the challenges and journeys of immigrant families, placed outside a public building to inspire reflection on immigration policies.
Books
16 Min Read
Being Trans is a Natural Right
A person with long purple hair, draped in a transgender pride flag (pink, white, and blue), stands amidst a crowd during a protest in London. People around them hold signs, and trees and buildings are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Books
14 Min Read
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