Developer Tea · Jonathan Cutrell

Don't Try to Solve Hyperobject Problems Once

August 17, 2025·16 min·1 clip
Jonathan Cutrell explains how philosopher Timothy Morton's concept of hyperobjects applies to unsolvable problems like tech debt.
Jonathan Cutrell introduces the philosophical concept of hyperobjects—large, intractable problems like global warming—and applies it to engineering challenges such as tech debt and performance management. He argues that these problems can't be solved outright but should be managed through ongoing efforts and outcome-focused snapshots, offering a mindset shift for developers tackling complex issues.
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