Ghostless Machine

Overcoming polarization with philosophy

I’m Ariel Pontes and I think political polarization is one of the biggest problems of our time. That’s why I started a series of dialogues where I have friendly disagreements over controversial topics with a variety of guests. These conversations are guided by three core principles: scout mindset, non-violent communication, and radical honesty. When I’m not discussing with guests, I write about philosophy, science, rationality, and sociopolitical issues. I have a bachelor’s in computer engineering, a master’s in analytic philosophy, and I am a co-founder at Humanists Brazil and Effective Altruism Romania, where I do community building. Read more →

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Latest

Ten values we can all live by

Ten values we can all live by

Ariel PontesApril 11, 20211 min read

How insights from different moral philosophies can help us find common ground

Moral illusions

Moral illusions

Ariel PontesFebruary 14, 20211 min read

Why disagreements don’t prove morality is relative

Natural rights and moral desert

Natural rights and moral desert

Ariel PontesFebruary 1, 20211 min read

Why we should avoid unverifiable moral claims

A forgiving utilitarianism

A forgiving utilitarianism

Ariel PontesJanuary 17, 20211 min read

Why utilitarianism is not as demanding as you may think

Utilitarianism is not unfair

Utilitarianism is not unfair

Ariel PontesJanuary 12, 20211 min read

Why exploiting minorities is not utilitarian

Pragmatic utilitarianism

Pragmatic utilitarianism

Ariel PontesJanuary 3, 20211 min read

Why some types of suffering deserve more attention than others

Rule utilitarianism

Rule utilitarianism

Ariel PontesDecember 24, 20201 min read

Should we ever break rules for the greater good?

The moral relevance of intentions

The moral relevance of intentions

Ariel PontesDecember 13, 20201 min read

Why intentions are important even for utilitarians

Cultivating virtues is utilitarian

Cultivating virtues is utilitarian

Ariel PontesDecember 4, 20201 min read

Virtues are traits that contribute to a better society