Consequentialism always winds up devouring itself, and this is why: STEP 1:  Define the “Good” That act is good which causes the most net [here insert synonym that allows one to pretend the statement is not a tautology, e.g. human flourishing, increased wellbeing, etc.].  What causes the most [net increase in flourishing]?  Since there is no standard for determining it, it amounts to a subjective call based on the person’s preferences in every instance. Thus, the good is ultimately defined as the “desirable” and the “desirable” is that which one actually, at any given moment, desires. STEP 2:  Free Oneself From Limits If result X is the good result (see above definition of “good”), what means may one employ to Read More ›

In calculus, the Leibniz notation for the second derivative confuses most students. It turns out, rightfully so. The notation for the second derivative turns out to actually be incorrect. Earlier this year, I got a paper published detailing the problem and the corrected notation. In the video below, I introduce the new notation, why the old notation is problematic, how the new notation can be derived straightforwardly, and why it may matter in the future. For those interested, the problems with the notation for the second derivative are well-known, and a kludge exists for working around it known as Faa di Bruno’s formula (a simplified version being known as “the chain rule for the second derivative”). However, this formula does Read More ›

Video, here: My regret is that it was not a Congressional Medal of Honour with a joint, simultaneous award of a Victoria Cross (he, being “of Cornish crew”). He earned recognition for gallant courage in battle far above and beyond any call of mere duty. END