[Handprint4469]

> we were required to engage in 'reflexive practice', meaning at the end of the school day, we were expected to sit down and think about - reflect - on what had happened that day.

That is _reflective_ practice (which involves reflection). Reflexive otoh comes from 'reflex', which does suggest unthinking automaticity.

[cjs_ac]

No, reflexive and reflective are synonyms; they are alternative forms of adjectives derived from the Latin verb flecto, flectere, flexi, flexum (note that both English spellings are present in the principal parts).

[1123581321]

They both have multiple meanings in English. The article was using reflexive this way: “ characterized by habitual and unthinking behavior.” https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/reflexive

Is that fair to the word given its roots, no, but that is English for you. :)

[fnordlord]

Regardless of etymology, I believe the use of “reflexive” means something different in the article than “reflective.” The Shopify CEO isn’t describing insightful use of AI in coding. He is describing automatic, unthinking use of AI. At least, that it was my understanding.

[rout39574]

It's been a LONG time since my latin. But doesn't the active vs. passive capture the distinction we're talking about in English quite well?

A reflexive action is taken passively, without thought.

A reflective action is taken actively, with careful thought.