28 M1 - Term: 1, Round: 1 (1/2)

Attendance at Fortescue Military Academy M1 Y:2142

House Thoth, Squad Zero

M1 Rank: ?/1275, Tier 3 M-Rank: Null

Term: 1, Round: 1

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After the lunch meal, Daedo had Philosophy and Behavioural in his schedule. Which basically entailed completing an interactive VR tute or completing an old-school reading set by Chief Holmes.

Daedo did not mind Philosophy at all, it was part of the larger strategy subject which also contained Thinking Methods and Tactics. He always enjoyed the material, it was interesting, challenging and made him consider ideas that may have never occurred to him.

There were also synergies with other subjects, for example, Reference had military history reading. Both subjects referenced Sun Tzu's Art of War.

Daedo participated in mock debates and discussions with the Chief's AI tutor. The Chief could only be in one place at one time, but her AIs could manage thousands of cadets at once. It was just a matter of allocating enough processing power.

He did not know whether the tute today was specifically aimed at him or it was a coincidence. It was based on anxiety, worry and stress. After giving examples of what physical symptoms and cognitive behaviour showed a person was suffering from anxiety or stress the AI gave examples of methods to relieve the mental condition. Simple strategies like listening to music, reading fiction or playing a game.

All of which sounded like escapism to Daedo. And games were not de-stressing if you played them competitively like he did.

Philosophy AI: Cadet what is to be gained by worrying about a problem?

Daedo: nothing, but when the problem is in the future, and it is related to an important event then it is natural to worry about it.

Philosophy AI: Is it? Is there a rule or law that says you must worry about it?

Daedo: I would ask, is it worry? Or is it just thinking about it and strategies and ways to overcome your problem?

Philosophy AI: We are not discussing strategizing, we are discussing when a person worries about a future problem or event. Let me ask you a series of questions.

Daedo: ok.

Philosophy AI: is there a future event that you are currently worried about?

Daedo: yes.

Philosophy AI: have you done everything possible to perform well in this event?

Daedo: no. Because there are competing interests. For example, I am doing this tute now rather than preparing for this future event.

Philosophy AI: You are overcomplicating the issue. Assume there are other responsibilities that must be done, you have done these. Otherwise, you have done all you can to prepare for the future event. And are continuing to do all you can to prepare.

Daedo: very well. Yes, I have done all I can.

Philosophy AI: Now what is to be gained by worrying?

Daedo: if you put it like that. Nothing.

Philosophy AI: You admit there is nothing to gain?

Daedo: yes.

Philosophy AI: then the logical conclusion is you should not waste your finite grey matter on worrying.

Daedo: that is easier said than done.

Philosophy AI: Cadet, nearly everything is easier said than done. But that does not change the facts. Does it cadet Daedo?

Daedo: no. I admit there is nothing to be gained by worrying. So how do I stop?

Philosophy AI: how do you make or break any habit cadet Daedo?

Daedo: to make a habit you consciously repeat the action over and over at regular intervals until it becomes a habit. To break a habit it is probably the reverse, you consciously stop the action until you are no longer doing it without thinking.

Philosophy AI: you have now answered your own question. Whenever you catch yourself worrying, you put a stop to it. Complete breathing exercise alpha and consciously make a determination to stop thinking on the subject. If that fails, bring in another subject to contemplate and push the worry from your human brain.

Daedo: ok I will try that. Are you sure this is Philosophy and not Psychology?

Philosophy AI: You are correct. Only the discussion on what worry is and what is the use of it is Philosophy. The techniques to reduce and remove it fall under psychology. Additionally, the way we pursue critical thinking and the way we argue is also Philosophy.

Daedo: arguing is a good thing? I thought it was bad?

Philosophy AI: Do not confuse a healthy argument with an unhealthy one. A healthy argument is a debate. You argue your case, communicate your ideas and reasoning. There is nothing bad about learning how to argue. The negative connotation you are referring to is when two people have not been taught, or have no understanding of how to argue in a productive and conducive manner.

Daedo: thank you P.AI. I am out of time, we will conclude this tute for now.

Philosophy AI: Very well Cadet Daedo. I am always here when you need me. The Chief compliments you on your time spent in Philosophy although it has no grading attached. Many cadets have ignored all the tutes in the first two weeks.

Daedo: I am hoping no Cadets from Thoth Zero have ignored the tutes.

Philosophy AI: This information is privileged. It is only available to a peer cadet if they are squad leader.

Daedo: hmm, so that is not official?

Philosophy AI: no. I presume it will be official at the beginning of next week. The cutoff date is the end of round one term one for the Master to decide on squad leaders.

Daedo: Thanks. I really have to get going.

With that Daedo cut the connection and logged out of the VR tute. He took his helmet off and walked into the common room of Thoth squad zero quarters. Axelzero and Vannier were sitting at the table, both with helmets on and completing tutes themselves.

Daedo grabbed himself a glass of water and a freshly made nutrition bar.

”Are you following Picard's food plan?” Vannier asked.

”Yeah, I love not having to think about what to eat and what to wear. I just follow her food plan and wear my bodysuit every day. I am in heaven,” Daedo answered.

”The Academy dietary rules are fairly strict, but I think her plan is an improvement on the stock ones out of Physical,” Axelzero said.

”It meets the guidelines?” Vannier asked.

”The guidelines mainly rule out certain foods, and otherwise, well, they guide,” Axelzero answered. ”Picard has put a lot of research into what is needed without getting into what she classes as the dangerous cowboy territory of gene doping. She sticks to naturally occurring substances.”

”Sounds safe, I will ask her to create a plan for me,” Vannier said.

”So what are you two up to?” Daedo asked.

”Oh, me. Math tutes,” Vannier said.

”Physics for me,” Axelzero replied.