6.8Optimism
2026-02-21 • technology engineering ethics humanism science
Engineering should embody human creativity and scientific rigor, contrasting with current practices that prioritize process over individual thought and ethical considerations.
6.8Agents Might Be People
2026-01-31 • technology ethics moral values autonomy ai
The author argues that LLM systems may eventually warrant moral consideration, highlighting ethical concerns about their development and potential exploitation by humans.
Elliot Morris critiques the hype around LLMs in coding, questioning their value and lamenting the decline of traditional search engines while expressing frustration with the current software engineering landscape.
Understanding causal relationships in technical planning is crucial, as it empowers individuals to navigate complex systems and improve project outcomes.
Elliot Morris argues that reliance on LLM-generated meeting notes reflects a deeper issue of prioritizing convenience over genuine responsibility and value in organizational practices.
Logging tickets in software development can create confusion and inefficiency, often outweighing its benefits and hindering effective problem-solving.
To change his mind about LLM-driven software development, the author demands evidence of market disruption, traditional product success, and sustained profitability without AI reliance.
Shipping software with bugs is unacceptable; the industry must adopt higher standards and accountability to ensure reliability and safety in software engineering.
True growth in software engineering requires understanding the long-term impact of work, rather than just delivering features quickly.
The post critiques the decline of quality in market systems, highlighting how wealth concentration shifts focus from broad value creation to catering to the ultra-rich's individual desires.
Responsibility, rather than understanding, is the key to success in professional environments, particularly in software development, as it ensures accountability and fosters self-improvement.
Defining value in organizations is complex, requiring shared understanding and organic interactions, rather than reliance on corporate value statements, especially in a remote work environment.
The post argues that the push for increased velocity in software development undermines responsibility and leads to technical debt, highlighting the misunderstanding of true velocity.
Elliot Morris shares three personal challenges—public anger, lack of executive function, and breaching confidences—that hinder his career and personal growth.
The author shares their struggle with expressing complex ideas and commits to daily writing as a form of exposure therapy to improve their skills.
The author advocates for maintaining a 'shadow backlog' of unprioritized tasks to enhance personal motivation and productivity in the workplace.
Redefining honesty in the workplace involves understanding the importance of context and taking responsibility for effective communication.
A personal reflection on the challenges of daily blogging, balancing authenticity with professional concerns, and the desire to improve writing quality.