Epistemology & Ontology

๐ŸŒฟ Bayesian Epistemology
Probability as degree of belief and epistemic uncertainty, not objective frequency in the world
๐ŸŒฟ Critical Realism
Reality exists in stratified layers independent of our knowledge of it
๐ŸŒณ Neurath's Boat
We cannot rebuild our ship from scratch โ€” only repair it plank by plank while afloat
๐ŸŒฟ Residual Reality
Reality is always larger than any representation we construct of it

Explanation & Theory

๐ŸŒฟ Explanatory Depth
Good explanations cite difference-making causes at the right level of abstraction
๐ŸŒฟ Hard to Vary Explanation
Explanations that cannot be easily modified to account for anything

Method & Heuristics

๐ŸŒฑ Immersion Abstraction Loop
Earn your abstractions: immerse until proposals are warranted, not just compatible
๐ŸŒฟ Inventor's Paradox
Solving more general problems often yields more specific solutions
๐ŸŒฟ OODA Loop
Iterative decision-making cycle through observing, orienting, deciding, and acting
๐ŸŒฟ Pรณlya's Problem-Solving
Structured approach to problem-solving through understanding, planning, executing, and reflecting
๐ŸŒฟ Social Science Paradox
Deep investigation of specific cases enables broader generalizable claims

Philosophy of Mind

๐ŸŒฟ Functionalism
Mental states are defined by their functional roles, not their physical implementation
๐ŸŒฟ Intentionality
Mental states are about or directed toward objects and states of affairs
๐ŸŒฟ Strange Loop
Self-reference and hierarchical feedback loops that give rise to consciousness and selfhood

Philosophy of Social Science

๐ŸŒฟ Methodological Holism
Social wholes have properties not reducible to or predictable from individual parts
๐ŸŒฟ Methodological Individualism
Social phenomena must be explained by the actions and interactions of individuals
๐ŸŒฟ Social Facts
Social phenomena that exist independently of individuals and constrain their behavior
๐ŸŒฟ Thick Description
Rich interpretive description that captures cultural meaning and context, not just observable behavior

Theories of Cognition

๐ŸŒฟ Computationalism
Cognition as symbolic computation over mental representations in the brain
๐ŸŒฟ Embodied Cognition
Cognition is shaped by the body and its sensorimotor interactions with the environment
๐ŸŒฟ Extended Mind
Cognitive processes extend beyond the brain into the body and environment
๐ŸŒฟ Predictive Processing
The brain as a prediction machine that minimizes surprise through hierarchical inference