Rubin2025NLMCAPIT

Title

Newton’s Laws of Motion for Combating Abuses of Power to Ignite Transformation in Anti-Learning Systems (CAPITALS) with the Transformative Magnetism of Moral Courage
View PDF | Save PDF

Authors

Joshua C. Rubin

Affiliations

University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor Michigan, USA

Abstract

At their core, anti-learning systems that enable systemic abuses of power over time can be thought of as systems that fundamentally refuse to learn and correct themselves, even in the wake of causing egregious harms (although they may state otherwise). This discussion illuminates several key qualities of such malignant systems, as well as describes the incipient transdisciplinary science and corresponding emerging movement aimed at Combating Abuses of Power to Ignite Transformation in Anti-Learning Systems (CAPITALS). The discussion alliteratively proffers seven characteristics of anti-learning systems, all beginning with the letter D. It explores whether for all the duplicity, dysfunction, and destructiveness characterizing such ecosystems, there may nonetheless be something analogous to laws of nature governing them. If so, there exists potential to harness such forces to engender systemic transformation. Hence, it hypothesizes that there are laws related to amassing and abusing power analogous to Newton’s Laws of Motion: 1) One seeking to amass power, who is in motion toward an ideological extreme, remains in motion unless acted upon by an opposing force; 2) Abuse accelerates in proportion to power amassed and inversely to mechanisms of accountability; and 3) For every action aimed at amassing power, there is a disproportionate and opposite overreaction. The analysis closes by exploring examples of mobilizing this playbook into action.

KeyPhrases

Learning health systems, political systems, abuses of power, darvomanic corruption.

Dates

Created 2025-04-30, presented 2025-10-09, updated 2025-12-30, published 2025-12-30, revised 2026-05-25.

Citation

Brainiacs Journal 2025 Volume 6 Issue 3 Edoc J6D51R82A
DOI: 10.48085/J6D51R82A
NPDS: LINKS/Brainiacs/Rubin2025NLMCAPIT

Reviews