Doomscroll 23: Catherine Liu

Immanuel Kant's "What is Enlightenment?" is a concise but influential essay that addresses the nature of enlightenment and its relationship to reason and freedom. Kant defines enlightenment as humanity's emergence from self-imposed immaturity, emphasizing the importance of critical thinking and the courage to use one's own reason. The essay is known for its clear and powerful articulation of the ideals of the Enlightenment. It remains a significant text for understanding the historical context of the Enlightenment and its enduring relevance for contemporary discussions about reason, freedom, and autonomy. It's a cornerstone of Enlightenment thought.

Virginia Eubanks' "Automating Inequality" explores the ways in which automated systems, particularly those used in welfare and social services, perpetuate and exacerbate existing inequalities. The book examines how algorithmic decision-making processes often disadvantage marginalized communities, leading to unfair and discriminatory outcomes. Eubanks uses real-world examples to illustrate the impact of these systems on individuals' lives, highlighting the urgent need for greater transparency and accountability in algorithmic design and implementation. The book challenges readers to consider the ethical implications of relying on automated systems for critical social decisions and advocates for more equitable and just approaches. Ultimately, "Automating Inequality" serves as a powerful call to action, urging policymakers, technologists, and citizens to work together to create more just and equitable systems.

Published in 1973, 'Small Is Beautiful' critiques mainstream economics by advocating for sustainable development, small-scale technologies, and community-centered economic policies. The book is divided into four parts: 'The Modern World', 'Resources', 'The Third World', and 'Organization and Ownership'. Schumacher argues that economic growth must be balanced with the needs of communities and the environment, and he introduces the concept of 'Buddhist economics', which emphasizes human needs and limitations. The book has been highly influential, inspiring movements such as 'Buy Local' and 'Fair Trade', and was ranked among the 100 most influential books since World War II by 'The Times Literary Supplement'.