Analyzing “Deconstruction”
I’ve recently observed several people use the word “deconstruct” as a synonym for “analyze”. Let’s see what the dictionary says about “deconstruct”:
1. To break down into components; dismantle.
2. To write about or analyze (a literary text, for example), following the tenets of deconstruction.
A deconstruction is a particular type of analysis: one done in accordance with [...]
The Olympics
I recently overheard someone express apathy towards the Olympics, whereupon a second party scoffed at the first for failing to patriotically cheer on the US Olympic teams. I shall quote the eloquent Rebecca Watson on this matter.
I don’t watch, I don’t discuss it around the water cooler, and I don’t scan the sports section of [...]
Ectogenesis
Bryan Caplan ponders the possible consequences of safe and relatively inexpensive ectogenesis — that is, technology allowing one to grow a fetus in an incubation tank rather than a womb. I doubt this would have any big consequences. Although pregnancy is no doubt a diffcult experience, those difficulties are only very small portion of the [...]
Emotional Marching Orders
Kerry Howley sold her ova for IVF. In an illuminating post,
she explains that
my emotional response does not seem to conform to the acceptable cultural script. Reporters call and ask “How painful was it?” and “Do you regret it now?” It wasn’t painful, I reply, I’m quite happy to have had the experience. Awkward silence.
She [...]
