Theme: Institution

  • Q: “CURT: HOW DOES NLI’S CASE AGAINST FACEBOOK DIFFER FROM THE FTC’S CASE?” The

    Q: “CURT: HOW DOES NLI’S CASE AGAINST FACEBOOK DIFFER FROM THE FTC’S CASE?”

    The FTC case is arguing against anti-competitive practices of Meta as a consequence of its acquisitions.
    The NLI case is more substantive in that we argue that social networks of such dominance are functioning as “Common Carriers” and as such constitute necessary social, economic, and political infrastructure necessary for the preservation of a democratic polity. And as such while meta may prohibit criminal and immoral (seductive) content consistent with the general application of the existing law, that they may widely distribute content that is apolitical and of demonstrated common interest, but it may not suppress content within networks of those that subscribe to one another with the intention of consuming political or other content conforming to their wants and needs.
    While the FTC may pursue their case as an orthogonal attack on these companies, it is our (NLI) opinion that directly addressing this issue and if necessary escalating it to the supreme court is the only durable solution to the problem.

    Reply addressees: @ErnestoGeorgi


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-15 23:12:59 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912283040098971650

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1912279196505715160

  • FOUR FAMILY TYPES IN AFRICA Africa is a huge continent, consisting of two geneti

    FOUR FAMILY TYPES IN AFRICA

    Africa is a huge continent, consisting of two genetic macro-regions: the mediterranean and the sub-saharan. Because of the sahara, sub-saharan africa is as isolated by desert as the other continents are by seas. This isolation and the lack of valuable river systems combined with the climate limited regional speciation, inhibited trade, inhibited institutional formation and inhibited civilizational formation – all of which evolve to manage some spectrum of private to common demonstrated interests (property). As such, Africa preserved the hunter gatherer family types, and the agrarian family types dependent upon property and commons were inhibited. So while most of the world refines the paternal family type, africa retained the four permutations of paternal-maternal family type.
    Detailed Analysis of Family, Moral, and Trust Structures in Africa
    This note provides a comprehensive exploration of the “Four Family” types in Africa, focusing on family structures, moral structures, and trust structures, as well as the underlying kinship systems. The analysis is grounded in anthropological and sociological research, aiming to address the user’s query about their missing reference and provide a detailed understanding of the topic.
    Introduction to Family Structures in Africa
    Family structures in Africa are diverse, shaped by cultural, historical, and geographical factors. The user’s mention of “Four Family” types suggests a specific categorization, likely related to kinship systems, which are central to understanding how families are organized. Research suggests that these types are best understood through the lens of four main kinship systems: patrilineal, matrilineal, double, and bilateral. These systems not only define family composition but also influence moral and trust structures within communities.
    Detailed Examination of the Four Kinship Systems
    The four types of kinship systems in Africa, as identified in recent studies, are as follows:
    Kinship Type
    Patrilineal
    Traces descent through the father’s line; children belong to the father’s kin group. Common in societies like the Yoruba and Igbo of Nigeria, often involving patrilocality (wife moves to husband’s family). Inheritance typically favors males, though exceptions exist, such as women inheriting in resource-rich contexts among the Yoruba. Includes the avunculate bond (mother’s brother and son), developed in contexts of internal and external warfare.
    Matrilineal
    Traces descent through the mother’s line; children belong to the mother’s kin group. Found in Western African coastal forests, such as among the Akan of Ghana, and developed in areas where men were hunters/gatherers, facing external warfare. Inheritance passes to daughters, with authority often resting with the mother’s brother. This system is becoming less popular in modern contexts.
    Double
    Traces kinship through both patrilineage and matrilineage, with responsibilities, roles, and inheritances split between the two lines. Less common but significant in societies where both parental lines are recognized, allowing for dual affiliations.
    Bilateral
    Recognizes kinship equally through both parents, without forming unilineal descent groups. Individuals can choose to affiliate with either parent’s kin group. More flexible, often seen in hunter-gatherer societies like the !Kung of southern Africa, where kinship can extend throughout society, such as through shared names indicating descent from a common ancestor.
    These classifications are supported by resources such as

    , which explicitly lists these four types, and

    , which discusses descent systems including bilateral kinship.

    Connection to Moral and Trust Structures
    The kinship systems are not merely about family composition but also shape moral and trust structures. For example:
    • In patrilineal systems, moral obligations and trust are often centered on the father’s kin, with the eldest male (father or grandfather) holding authority. This can create strong patrilineal bonds, with trust extending to patrilineal relatives for support and inheritance.
    • In matrilineal systems, trust and moral authority may shift to the mother’s brother, who plays a significant role in the child’s upbringing and inheritance. This can lead to a different trust network, focusing on maternal kin.
    • Double systems allow for moral and trust obligations to be split, potentially creating complex social networks where individuals navigate responsibilities across both lines.
    • Bilateral systems offer flexibility, enabling individuals to choose trust networks based on either parent, which can foster broader community ties, as seen in the !Kung, where shared names create extensive kinship connections.
    These structures are influenced by cultural practices, such as polygyny (multiple wives, common in some African societies, as noted in discussions of the Baganda and Nigerian Muslims), which can affect trust and moral obligations within extended families.
    Historical and Cultural Context
    The diversity of family structures in Africa is highlighted in various studies. For instance,

    notes the broad variations due to tribal customs, geography, and social changes, while

    discusses the tension between traditional and modern family organizations. The traditional African family often extends beyond the nuclear unit, including grandparents, aunts, uncles, and even adopted members, as seen in the Baganda example from

    .

    Challenges and Variations
    While the four kinship systems provide a framework, there is significant variation across the continent. For example, urban areas may see a shift toward nuclear households, as noted in

    , due to colonialism, capitalism, and modernization. Additionally, moral and trust structures can be influenced by religious changes, such as Christianity’s impact on polygamy, as discussed in

    .

    Conclusion
    Given the user’s query about “Four Family” types and their connection to family, moral, and trust structures, it seems likely that the reference is to the four kinship systems: patrilineal, matrilineal, double, and bilateral. These systems are well-documented in anthropological literature and provide a comprehensive way to understand the diverse family structures in Africa, along with their moral and trust implications. For further reading, consult

    and

    .

    Key Citations


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-14 16:01:26 UTC

    Original post: https://x.com/i/articles/1911812048352383033

  • It’s actually a failure of judicial process because unlike Europe the USA has no

    It’s actually a failure of judicial process because unlike Europe the USA has no administrative court system. So we previously practiced this discretion as a habit rather than as a procedure. And our academy as been teaching activism not constraint for enough decades to have lost…


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-08 21:37:07 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1909722198975430818

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1909715607366541664

  • All but one of us at the Institute are unpaid volunteers. And even a casual stud

    All but one of us at the Institute are unpaid volunteers. And even a casual study by those sophisticated enough to comprehend our work will result in recognition that our achievements in social science are on par with Darwin’s in biological science.


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-08 17:58:58 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1909667298262315442

    Reply addressees: @Donald_from_HI

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1909666290324979742

  • (NLI Positioning) Given the shift in the political landscape and the Natural Law

    (NLI Positioning)
    Given the shift in the political landscape and the Natural Law Institute’s (NLI) goal to transition from “edgy” focused on research to “mainstream,” focus on education and activism, your elevator pitch should reflect a blend of your core mission, intellectual rigor, and newfound relevance in a way that resonates broadly. Based on the work, here’s a refined elevator pitch that positions you as a mainstream yet distinctive force:

    “We’re a think tank dedicated to restoring cooperation in a divided age. Through rigorous science and practical solutions, we reform law, economics, and policy to solve today’s crises—because a society that works together thrives.”

    Why This Works:
    1. Mainstream Appeal: The emphasis on “restoring cooperation” taps into a widely felt desire for unity and functionality in a polarized world, making it relatable without sounding radical.

    2. Core Mission: It preserves your focus on solving “the crisis of our age” (division, distrust, institutional decay) while grounding it in actionable domains (law, economics, policy).

    3. Intellectual Credibility: “Rigorous science” nods to your deep, systematic approach (e.g., Curt’s work on epistemology and natural law, Luke’s applied science background) without alienating non-specialists.

    4. Practicality: “Practical solutions” highlights the real-world impact of your ideas (e.g., Brandon’s activism, Noah’s relationship strategies), signaling you’re not just theorists but doers.

    5. Optimistic Vision: Ending with “a society that works together thrives” offers a positive, forward-looking hook that aligns with mainstream aspirations.

    How It Ties to Your Work:
    – Curt Doolittle: Your philosophical and scientific contributions (e.g., completing the scientific method, natural law of cooperation) underpin the “rigorous science” and “reform” elements.

    – Brandon Hayes: His practical, hands-on efforts (e.g., consulting, activism, community-building) reflect the “practical solutions” and “cooperation” focus.

    – Luke Weinhagen: His expertise in risk assessment and self-sufficiency training supports the idea of solving crises with applied, cooperative frameworks.

    – Noah Revoy: His work on resilient families and organizations ties into building a thriving society through cooperation at the personal and institutional levels.

    Alternative Variations:
    If you want to tweak the tone or emphasis:

    – Concise: “We’re a think tank reforming law, economics, and policy with science-backed solutions to unite and strengthen society.”

    – Provocative: “We’re a think tank asking: why can’t we cooperate? Our solutions in law, economics, and policy show how we can.”

    – Vision-Driven: “We’re a think tank building a cooperative future through smarter laws, economics, and policies.”

    Positioning Strategy:
    To solidify this mainstream shift:

    – Highlight how your ideas (e.g., constitutional reform, truthful discourse) align with emerging public demands for transparency, fairness, and competence in governance.

    – Frame your work as a natural evolution of classical liberalism—timely yet timeless—rather than a fringe reaction.

    – Lean into your interdisciplinary team (philosophers, entrepreneurs, strategists) as proof you bridge theory and practice, appealing to both intellectuals and everyday citizens.

    – This pitch keeps your edge—your intellectual depth and systemic critique—while presenting it as a common-sense answer to today’s challenges, perfectly suited for a world ready to embrace your once-“edgy” ideas.


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-03 15:59:48 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1907825369723674624

  • RT @jwmares: Singapore created the world’s most efficient healthcare system from

    RT @jwmares: Singapore created the world’s most efficient healthcare system from scratch in one generation.

    They spend $4,000 per person o…


    Source date (UTC): 2025-04-01 22:54:17 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1907204902633513275

  • Why do copyrights exist at all? They were invented for the purpose of taxation,

    Why do copyrights exist at all? They were invented for the purpose of taxation, not to capture a market for authors.


    Source date (UTC): 2025-03-20 17:19:34 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1902772013963579769

    Reply addressees: @ThatNeilMartin

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1902733220275167666

  • Already have it. (Thank you Francis @SaitouHajime00 ). And it does work. Surpris

    Already have it. (Thank you Francis @SaitouHajime00 ). And it does work. Surprisingly well.
    Now all we need to do is figure out how to move the organization and the company to either the greek islands or the florida keys. 😉

    -hugs


    Source date (UTC): 2025-03-20 16:10:10 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1902754548399342064

    Reply addressees: @tysonmaly

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1902744792884191661

  • consequence of institutional delay in equally suppressing female-feminine antiso

    consequence of institutional delay in equally suppressing female-feminine antisociality and criminaltiy compared to the long tradition of suppressing the male versions.

    Ergo it’s just women.
    We’ll either self correct this.
    Or natural selection will drive it from the gene pool.…


    Source date (UTC): 2025-03-10 15:31:21 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1899120902639661131

    Replying to: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1899103667669664254

  • (NLI) “Your biggest messaging challenge is making the depth of your research, lo

    (NLI)
    “Your biggest messaging challenge is making the depth of your research, logic, and technological approach clear without overwhelming or alienating investors. The key to this is sequencing the story properly—framing it in a way that shows why Runcible is inevitable and…


    Source date (UTC): 2025-03-09 20:42:19 UTC

    Original post: https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1898836770936254902