#Stability and Structure

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of the Square

The philosophy of the square explores the symbolic, geometric, and metaphysical meanings of the square as a representation of stability, order, rationality, and the material world. Squares are deeply embedded in philosophical, architectural, and cultural traditions, often serving as a counterpoint to the circle, embodying concepts of structure, balance, and boundaries.

Key Concepts:

Mathematical Foundation:

Geometric Precision: A square is a regular quadrilateral, with four equal sides and four right angles. In geometry, it is a symbol of perfect symmetry and balance, representing stability and consistency in the material world. Its equal angles and sides make it an ideal figure for illustrating mathematical order and logic.

Foundation of Measurement: In ancient geometry, the square was often used as a basic unit of measurement and as a foundation for constructing other shapes. It plays a crucial role in concepts like area and perimeter, where the square serves as a reference point for understanding dimensions and space.

Symbolism of Stability and Order:

Foundational Structure: The square is frequently associated with the material world, physical reality, and earthly structures. It represents stability and solidity, often serving as the basis for architectural design, where squares and rectangles are used for constructing buildings, homes, and cities. The square is seen as a shape that anchors things to the ground, representing the idea of a solid foundation.

Boundaries and Limits: The square also symbolizes boundaries, as its four sides form a closed system. This boundary aspect reflects the way societies, laws, and ethical systems define limits, boundaries, and rules. In this way, the square becomes a metaphor for structured thinking, moral frameworks, and social order.

Metaphysical and Cosmological Significance:

Earth and the Material Realm: In many ancient cultures, the square was associated with the Earth, in contrast to the circle, which symbolized the heavens. The four sides of the square were often linked to the four elements (earth, water, air, fire) or the four cardinal directions (north, south, east, west), reinforcing the idea of the square as a symbol of the material world and physical existence.

Harmony of Opposites: The square can also symbolize balance and harmony between opposing forces. Philosophers like Pythagoras saw geometric shapes like the square as symbolic representations of cosmic order, with the square embodying equilibrium and balance between opposing elements, such as hot and cold or light and dark.

Platonic and Pythagorean Views:

Platonic Forms: For Plato, geometric shapes like the square represented ideal forms, perfect abstractions that exist beyond the material world. The square, with its perfect proportions, was seen as an expression of rationality and mathematical purity, offering a glimpse into the realm of ideal forms that underlie the material world.

Pythagorean Harmony: The Pythagoreans, who believed in the harmonious relationships between numbers and the cosmos, saw the square as a representation of perfect proportionality. For them, squares and other geometric shapes reflected the deep, underlying order of the universe.

Cultural and Symbolic Interpretations:

Sacred Architecture: In many cultures, the square was used as the basis for sacred architecture. Temples, altars, and city layouts were often constructed using square or rectangular designs, symbolizing order and connection with the divine. The square’s perfect symmetry and rational structure were seen as reflecting cosmic harmony and the ideal order of society.

Four Virtues: In some ethical philosophies, the square represents four virtues or principles that are essential for leading a balanced life. For example, in Confucian philosophy, the square may symbolize the virtues of wisdom, justice, courage, and moderation, aligning with the idea of moral balance and harmony.

Philosophical Symbolism:

Rationality and Logic: The square is often associated with rational thought, logic, and the structured mind. It represents clear, logical thinking, where ideas fit neatly into defined categories. Philosophers who emphasize reason, such as Descartes, might use the square as a metaphor for the structure of logical argumentation or the organization of knowledge.

Materialism vs. Spirituality: The square, as a symbol of the material world, is sometimes contrasted with the circle, which represents the spiritual or eternal. In this sense, the square can represent the finite, tangible world of matter, while the circle represents the infinite, spiritual world of the divine or the soul.

Psychological and Ethical Dimensions:

Balance and Security: In psychological terms, the square is often seen as a symbol of security and balance. People who are described as "square" are often perceived as stable, reliable, and grounded, though sometimes lacking in spontaneity. The square can represent a preference for order and predictability, as opposed to chaos and uncertainty.

Ethical Boundaries: In ethical philosophy, the square can symbolize the boundaries within which moral behavior is expected. Just as the square defines a fixed space, ethical systems define limits and guidelines for acceptable behavior. This connection to boundaries and order makes the square a useful metaphor for understanding moral principles.

Challenges to Innovation and Flexibility:

Rigidity: While the square represents stability and order, it can also symbolize rigidity and a lack of flexibility. In some contexts, being "boxed in" or adhering too strictly to rules and structures is seen as a limitation. Philosophical critiques of overly rigid systems, whether in politics, ethics, or social behavior, often invoke the square as a metaphor for these constraints.

Innovation vs. Tradition: The tension between the square (representing structure and tradition) and more dynamic shapes, like the circle or spiral (representing change and innovation), reflects broader philosophical debates about the balance between order and progress. Philosophers who advocate for constant change may view the square as a limiting form, while those who value stability may see it as essential.

The square symbolizes order, stability, and rationality, representing the material world and the boundaries that define it. It plays a foundational role in both mathematics and philosophical thought, reflecting ideas of balance, structure, and proportionality. From its use in sacred architecture to its role in ethical and metaphysical discussions, the square embodies the tension between stability and rigidity, offering insights into how human societies structure both physical and moral worlds.

[everestmasala]

one of my favourite ot3 dynamics is like these two people who are entangled by fate and revenge and honour and the guy who got caught up in it because of unceasing, unflinching devotion to one of them

[amarald-hyv]

The moon will sing a song for me

I loved you like the sun

Doomed lovers,,, star crossed lovers,,, maybe in another world they will have the chance meet again as Capitano/Thrain won’t be reborn in this one

[dramas-vs-novels]

So make the sub-heirs fight to put the heirs on the throne?

Took me a hot minute to realize you were talking about The Next Prince!

It kind of makes sense though, it would mean the king didn't have anything to fear from his own blood if they decided they wanted his throne. Instead of looking up at the aging monarch, it keeps the next in line looking down at their own heirs. Seems like historically it would leave a trail of dead sub-heirs, sure, but the king himself is sitting safer than you usually see in like the typical western monarch structure.

It wouldn't incentivize regicide unless you are super damn sure of your kid's skills against all the others, and keep the potential next monarch busy either trying to kill or protect certain sub-heirs.

[bark-barkley]

hey. Never apologize for dogbuckposting ✊

youre right. dogbuck is always the correct lens to view buckposts through

[thecaroliner]

I have a controversial yet brave opinion about Gilmore girls

Gigi is one of the most tragic characters in the whole show

Her mother ups and leaves her when she’s a toddler, she’s left to be raised mostly by rotating nannies because her father works half the time. Then suddenly she’s 3-4 years old and her mom decides “oh right I have a daughter! I wanna be a mommy again :)” and whisks her away to a foreign country to spend a few months with her.

She comes back to a new house and her dad having suddenly been married to a woman she’s only met when she babysat her 1 time. Then like 2 months after that they divorce and she moves away again.

And worst of all. Her father? Christopher Hayden.

Like damn girl I’d be screaming too

[quokkafoxtrot]

Noodle also wants to play A Game About Digging A Hole.

[bonyfish]

Pros of knitting a round yoke colorwork sweater from the top down:

Can try it on as you go and make sure it fits

No seams to sew

Small number of stitches to cast on initially

Cons:

Fucking none, it's a perfect sweater format

Pros of knitting a round yoke colorwork sweater from the bottom up:

Can use a sleeve as a swatch to double check your gauge and color harmonies, assuming there is colorwork on the sleeve cuffs

The yoke is often the most exciting part and leaving it for last is satisfying

Cons:

Had to use like 5 different needles to get the sleeve stitches off of waste yarn and join them to the body, playing a game of absolute musical chairs with interchangeable needle tips

Can't easily try it on as you go so you've just gotta hope you didn't screw up too bad and that it'll fit when you're done

Danger of running out of one or more colors of yarn at the yoke, which is arguably the most important part of the design

Gotta sew up the little underarm holes when you're done

I know I already pointed out that you can't try it on as you go but I will bring it up again as I believe it is the most salient point here

What if you bind off too tight and can't get the collar over your head? What then???

In conclusion why do my friends keep letting me knit sweaters from the bottom up

[a-rat-with-internet-accesses]

If i had a robot that looks like a human with visibal robot fearures you don't wanna know how long i'd stare at the joints just to draw them

[fictionadventurer]

"If the structure of your world ever evaporates, I will still be here."

I think The Q might contain one of the greatest declarations of friendship/love ever.

[ahb-writes]

Fantasy Worldbuilding Questions (Stability, Conflict, and Power Structures)

Stability, Conflict, and Power Structures Worldbuilding Questions:

What is the biggest cause for competition and conflict in this world?

What is required to happen in order for harmony/peace to reign?

Who stirs up the moment conflict, is the most divisive figure, and why?

Who or which group flourishes or prospers during times of conflict, and who during times of peace?

Where are hotbeds of conflict that are perpetually flaring up, and why?

Where do primary conflicts in the world originate, in what situation, disagreement or misunderstanding?

When was the most stable period in this world’s history, and why was it stable? time

When was the time of heaviest conflict in the world, and why?

Why will reaching stability be difficult between fighting factions?

Why do conflicts arise in this world, what economic, political, religious or other factors contribute?

❯ ❯ ❯ Read other writing masterposts in this series: Worldbuilding Questions for Deeper Settings

[mountmortar]

took that mbti test for the first time since high school because i wanted to see if it was as much bullshit as i remembered it being and sure enough i didn't even get the same result (intp then vs. istj now). it's just astrology for redditors

[awionetka]

guys I have a feeling that my soulmate might be a doctor

[yurimage]

Thinking about Her again...

[omegaphilosophia]

The Philosophy of Institutionalism

Institutionalism is a philosophical framework that explores the nature, origins, functions, and impacts of institutions on human life and society. Institutions, in this context, refer to structured systems or norms governing behavior, such as governments, legal systems, religions, markets, schools, and other social organizations. Institutionalism examines how institutions shape human behavior, reflect collective values, and influence cultural, economic, and ethical frameworks.

Key Aspects of the Philosophy of Institutionalism

Definition and Ontology of Institutions

Institutions are seen as enduring systems of rules, norms, and practices that structure social interaction.

Ontologically, they can be viewed as either constructivist (human-made constructs) or realist (having a degree of independent existence).

Institutional Functions

Social Order: Institutions provide stability and predictability in society.

Collective Action: They enable cooperation by coordinating group efforts and reducing uncertainty.

Value Transmission: Institutions preserve and transmit cultural, ethical, and historical values.

Institutional Evolution

Institutions are not static; they evolve over time due to changes in societal values, technology, or external pressures.

Institutionalism studies how traditions and innovations coexist and how outdated systems may persist despite inefficiencies.

Critiques and Challenges

Power Dynamics: Institutions can reinforce hierarchies, perpetuate inequality, and privilege certain groups over others.

Bureaucratic Alienation: Institutions can become rigid, focusing more on self-preservation than on serving their intended purposes.

Moral Questions: Are institutions inherently moral, or do they require continuous ethical scrutiny?

Institutions and Agency

Institutionalism explores the tension between individual agency and structural constraints.

It questions whether individuals shape institutions more, or vice versa, and how much freedom exists within institutional frameworks.

Economic and Political Institutionalism

Examines the role of institutions in shaping economic and political systems.

Includes theories like New Institutional Economics (which studies transaction costs and property rights) and Political Institutionalism (which analyzes governance structures).

Cultural and Religious Institutionalism

Investigates how religious and cultural institutions influence personal identity, ethics, and social norms.

Institutional Decay and Renewal

Institutions can become corrupt, inefficient, or irrelevant, leading to calls for reform, replacement, or dissolution.

Philosophical Questions in Institutionalism

What is the moral responsibility of institutions?

How do institutions mediate between the individual and society?

What is the role of tradition versus innovation in institutional development?

Can institutions transcend cultural or temporal contexts to become universal?

Relevance of Institutionalism Today

The philosophy of institutionalism is particularly relevant in modern debates on:

Reforming global governance and economic systems.

Addressing systemic inequalities in social and political institutions.

Balancing innovation and tradition in institutional frameworks.

Understanding the interplay between technology and institutional change.

Institutionalism ultimately seeks to understand and evaluate the mechanisms by which institutions shape, and are shaped by, the human condition.

[intertexts]

like i know this will be fine but still. RIDICULOUSLY stressful situation!!