The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

"But" vs. "Yes, But"

Astral Codex Ten • 22299 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Logic Ethics Dialogue Rhetoric Cognition
  1. It's important to acknowledge when you're wrong in a conversation. Saying 'Oh, you're right, my mistake' helps keep discussions respectful.
  2. Admitting mistakes can show others that you're open-minded and capable of real dialogue. It makes the conversation more engaging for everyone involved.
  3. You can still hold your beliefs while recognizing faults in your arguments. This helps you reflect and grow in your understanding over time.

P-Zombies Would Report Qualia

Astral Codex Ten • 12457 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Cognitive Science Ethics
  1. The concept of philosophical zombies, or p-zombies, refers to beings that appear normal but lack consciousness. This brings up questions about whether they can still report their experiences without actually experiencing them.
  2. There's an argument about whether p-zombies could describe their perceptions as humans do. They might give answers that sound similar to human experiences, but the question remains whether that means they truly have those experiences.
  3. This discussion challenges our understanding of consciousness and qualia, suggesting that one could talk about experiences without having real feelings or awareness. It raises questions about how we perceive and talk about our own consciousness.

A brief note on Newcomb's problem

Philosophy bear • 28 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Epistemology Metaphysics Decision Theory
  1. Newcomb's problem involves two boxes: one potentially holds more money than the other based on what an oracle predicts you will choose. Choosing both boxes might seem smart since it guarantees some amount, but there's a deeper philosophical debate about the best strategy.
  2. Some people strongly believe that just picking the blue box (the one with the most potential money) is obviously the best choice, but it's unfair to call those who pick both boxes 'stupid' since their reasoning also makes sense.
  3. Ultimately, this problem raises important questions about decision-making and what it means to want something, suggesting that understanding our desires and decision strategies is complex and varies from person to person.

La différence entre menace et avertissement

L'Atelier Galita • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Decision Theory Game Theory Ethics Behavioral Science
  1. Threats and warnings are not the same. A threat implies a promise of harm, while a warning offers a caution about potential danger.
  2. Decision-making can be influenced by understanding these differences. Knowing how people respond to threats and warnings helps in planning actions.
  3. Real-life examples can illustrate the impact of threats versus warnings. Recognizing these concepts can improve communication and strategy in various situations.

Bayes is not a phase

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 453 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Logic Decision Theory Rationality
  1. Bayesian reasoning is something we all use, even if we don't realize it. It's more about how we naturally think than some complex math.
  2. There are two types of uncertainty: aleatoric (random) and epistemic (based on knowledge). Mixing them helps us make better decisions.
  3. Arguing over which type of probability is 'real' is silly. It's better to recognize that life involves many messy decisions where formal reasoning can help, but is often complicated.
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Moments Of Awakening

Astral Codex Ten • 17619 implied HN points • 23 May 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Memory Cognition Ethics Awakening
  1. Many people remember their first conscious moments happening around ages 3 to 6, and some even recall the feeling of suddenly becoming aware of themselves. This suggests a shared experience of awakening to consciousness around this age.
  2. Some individuals claim to remember events from before they could normally form memories, like being in the womb or being born, but these memories are often questioned by scientists as being influenced by photos or stories heard later.
  3. There are thoughts that consciousness might develop in a sudden shift rather than gradually, similar to how people experience lucid dreams or moments of enlightenment, indicating that there could be a specific moment when awareness kicks in.

Why rationality (almost) never wins

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 4 implied HN points • 04 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Rationality Emotion Decision-making Cognition Disinformation
  1. People often make decisions based on emotions rather than facts. This shows that logic does not always win in arguments and discussions.
  2. Disinformation campaigns use emotional appeals to convince people, rather than relying on logical arguments. They aim to evoke strong feelings that can overshadow rational thinking.
  3. When emotions are triggered, parts of our brains responsible for logic can become less active, making it harder for us to think critically. This highlights the power of emotions in shaping our beliefs.

The Asymmetry of Destruction

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. Creating something takes time, teamwork, and skill. It's a careful process that can easily fall apart with just one mistake.
  2. Destroying things is much easier and faster than creating them. Just a small action can ruin a whole system while building it requires collaboration and effort.
  3. In life and politics, it's often harder to prove false claims than to spread them. We need more people focused on building a better future instead of just tearing down what's there.

The Zizians and the Rationalist death cults

Read Max • 12066 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Rationalism Cults Psychology Ethics Self-Improvement
  1. Rationalism can lead to cult-like groups, like the Zizians, which have been tied to violence and criminal activities. These groups often arise from complex social dynamics within the Rationalist community.
  2. The Rationalist Movement emphasizes personal development and reasoning, but this can make its members susceptible to extreme beliefs and social manipulation. As a result, some might fall into harmful ideologies.
  3. Many people involved in the Rationalist community seek deep connections and self-improvement, but this often comes with pressure to conform and can push members toward risky behaviors or affiliations with dangerous groups.

Neither Robot Nor Baby

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics AI Impact Human condition
  1. The folk theory of mind suggests that humans have feelings and decision-making abilities, while AI does not. This means we shouldn't think of AI as having a mind like ours.
  2. AI operates based on code and rules, not feelings or intentional decisions like humans have. Mistakes made by AI don't come from emotional reactions like they would in a person.
  3. While AI can cause harm, it's not because it has its own mind. It's important to recognize that AI's actions reflect human intentions, whether they're intended or not.

The pitfalls of abundance

Jeff Giesea • 399 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Human condition Technology impact Cultural critique
  1. Having too much can actually be a problem. It's easy to get overwhelmed with food, social media, and entertainment all around us, making it hard to find balance.
  2. We need to be smart about what we let into our lives. Just like a chef carefully chooses ingredients, we should select our experiences and connections wisely.
  3. It's important to set limits. Finding moderation in abundance helps us focus on what truly matters, like love, relationships, and personal joy.

Yes, Arguments Stand Or Fall Based On Their Merits But The Messenger Still Matters And If You Allow Resentful People Into Your Head, You’ll Be Fooled Into Carrying Their Rage As Your Own

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1496 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Rhetoric Critical Thinking Dialogue
  1. Arguments should be evaluated based on their strength, but who presents them also matters. It's important to think about the source of the message.
  2. If you let angry or resentful people influence you, you might start to feel their anger too. It's easy to take on emotions that aren’t yours if you’re not careful.
  3. Being mindful of who you listen to can help you avoid unnecessary negativity. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can lead to a healthier mindset.

Solipsism>>Determinism

Bet On It • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Free will Determinism Mind Epistemology
  1. Libertarian free will means you have real choices, unlike determinism which says you can only act one way based on past events.
  2. Your own thoughts and decisions feel real to you, and denying them goes against personal experiences and observations.
  3. Even though solipsism (the idea that only your mind is certain) seems crazy, it makes more sense than determinism, which asks you to ignore your direct experiences.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 299 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Humanity Adversity Justice
  1. Bad things can happen to good people, and it’s a question that has troubled many. Boethius believed that suffering is part of life, and how we respond to it matters.
  2. Suffering can teach us important lessons, like gratitude and empathy. It can help us appreciate the good in our lives and understand others better.
  3. Instead of letting hardship make us bitter, we can use it to grow and change for the better. Reflecting on our experiences can help us find meaning and build resilience.

Two Faces of Modernity

News from Uncibal • 656 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Modernity Enlightenment Government Society Human experience
  1. Modernity has both helped and hurt humanity. While it has brought material improvements like electricity and medicine, it has also led to government systems that might control every aspect of our lives.
  2. The problems we face today, like economic issues and government overreach, are partly a result of modern ideas from the Enlightenment. Simply going back to those ideas won't solve our problems.
  3. Many debates today focus on how the state should act in the world, often pushing for more government control instead of less. We may need a new way of thinking that goes beyond modernity to find real solutions.

The assessment of my PhD thesis by the University of Sydney and the way I see our world

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. It's better to hold institutions accountable instead of blaming individuals. Institutions can change, while people often stay the same.
  2. Making injustices visible helps society recognize and correct them, encouraging critical reflection on accepted practices.
  3. Everything in life matters, big or small. Caring about small events can deepen our appreciation for the larger, more significant issues we face.

Greatness or Virtue

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 21 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Human nature Social theory Personal Development
  1. Many people prioritize success over being virtuous, which shows how we often chase fame and wealth instead of moral goodness.
  2. We tend to measure our moral worth by comparing ourselves to those who are worse, rather than aiming for the best examples of virtue.
  3. While personal success is valuable, true moral respect comes from being virtuous, not just successful; it's important to aim for both.

What Socrates Can Teach Marxists about Justice

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Justice Critical Theory
  1. Justice can be seen as just the interest of those in power, but this idea is challenged by the belief in natural law, which says that rights come from a higher authority and are not just human-made rules.
  2. The belief that justice is defined by who has power, like that of Karl Marx, contrasts sharply with the view that justice is linked to truth and moral principles.
  3. Understanding what someone thinks about justice can reveal a lot about their political ideas, like whether they believe in equality under the law or that power should dictate what is just.

A way to think about scientism

Wyclif's Dust • 1609 implied HN points • 05 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Social Science Research Methods Scientific Method Data interpretation
  1. Scientism can happen when researchers make general claims about science without considering the limits of their studies. It's important for scientists to recognize when their findings may not apply broadly.
  2. Social scientists often use big concepts that sound scientific, but they sometimes fail to acknowledge the unique context of their studies. This can lead to misleading conclusions about complex issues.
  3. The way some researchers present their findings may resemble 'cargo cult science,' where they follow scientific methods superficially but miss the deeper understanding needed for true insights. It's essential to connect the rigor of research with the actual realities of the world.

Difficulties with Fanon

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 1298 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Critical Theory Identity politics
  1. Fanon's ideas challenge us to think about violence differently. While some celebrate violence for self-realization, it's important to question the implications this has on society.
  2. Fanon expands Marxism beyond Europe, highlighting social issues in post-colonial contexts. His approach forced people to rethink modernization and the cultural complexities within different societies.
  3. Independence changed the narrative for many African countries, allowing them to create their own history. This agency is crucial, even if challenges like inequality and poor governance remain.

How To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2128 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Humanism
  1. To feel both happy and well-informed, you need to explore your inner feelings just as much as you do the outer world issues. It's all about understanding both sides.
  2. Life can have ugly truths and beautiful moments at the same time. You can be hurt by what you see in the world but still find happiness in everyday life.
  3. By digging into your own beliefs and thoughts, you can change how you view the world. This deeper understanding helps you see how your inner feelings connect to what's happening outside.

Objectivism

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Debate Anarchism
  1. Ayn Rand's idea of acting in your rational self-interest doesn't mean you should always respect others' rights. Sometimes, acting in your interest might involve violating those rights, but it's best to do so wisely.
  2. An Objectivist government, which would need to fund services like defense, struggles with the idea of collecting taxes without violating its own principles since taxation is seen as initiation of force.
  3. The conversation suggests that accepting some rights violations might be reasonable for the sake of a limited government, but there's a debate on whether a stateless society is actually a better solution.

Let the silence have you

Silentium • 499 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us better understand ourselves.
  2. Embracing moments of silence can lead to greater clarity and peace of mind. It allows us to recharge and connect with our inner thoughts.
  3. Creating spaces for silence in our daily lives is important. It can improve our mental well-being and help us focus on what truly matters.

The Crisis of Modernity and Liberalism, with the Fourth Political Theory and Eurasianism as the Solution

Glenn’s Substack • 619 implied HN points • 26 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Modernity Liberalism Critical Theory
  1. Modernity and liberalism are criticized for focusing too much on individualism and reason, which Dugin believes disconnects people from their cultural and spiritual roots. He wants to emphasize collective identities, traditions, and faith.
  2. Dugin proposes a 'fourth political theory' as a new way of thinking about politics that values family, religion, and humanity's deeper nature. He argues it's a response to the limitations of existing ideologies like liberalism, fascism, and communism.
  3. Eurasianism is seen as a way for different civilizations to work together while appreciating their unique identities. Dugin believes this approach can create better international relations and is a chance for a new global understanding as Western dominance fades.

Everyone's A Based Post-Christian Vitalist Until The Grooming Gangs Show Up

Astral Codex Ten • 39093 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Humanism Social justice
  1. People often care more about issues close to home than distant suffering, even if they claim to be indifferent. It's easy to ignore problems that don't directly affect us.
  2. When something shocking happens, like the grooming gangs, people suddenly show emotional support and demand action. This shows that we can and do care about issues when they hit home.
  3. Our moral beliefs can be confusing and sometimes contradictory. We need to face these contradictions and acknowledge that we can care about suffering everywhere, not just where it's convenient for us.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Subscribers can ask questions while everyone can read the answers. This makes it more inclusive and fair.
  2. There are two ways to get answers: one from the author and another one from Bear. You just need to mention which one you prefer.
  3. The system is based on honor, meaning the author trusts those asking questions without subscriptions are doing so because they can't afford it.

How to feel bad and be wrong

Experimental History • 40381 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Biases Decision-making Mental models Human behavior Self-reflection
  1. Our brains often take shortcuts when facing tough questions, making it easier to answer simple ones instead. This can lead us to overlook important issues in our lives.
  2. Many people measure their worth and productivity based on how hard they feel they are working, instead of setting clear goals. This can cause unnecessary stress and feelings of inadequacy.
  3. When assessing things like the state of the economy or the quality of a school, we tend to rely on popular opinion rather than personal experience. This leads to judgments that may not reflect reality.

The forest years

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Spending time in nature can greatly benefit our mental health. The forest offers a calming environment that promotes peace and tranquility.
  3. Embracing quiet moments allows for deeper connections with our thoughts and feelings. It's important to make space for stillness in our busy lives.

Prepping for Others, The True Key to Survival in Collapse

OK Doomer • 151 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Survival Community Humanity Ethics
  1. Surviving tough times is about more than just looking out for yourself. It's important to think about how you can help others too.
  2. Helping one another might be a deep instinct we all share, just like in many animals. When we take care of each other, it shows what being human is really about.
  3. True survival skills include being prepared not just for your own needs, but also for those of your community. It’s all about teamwork during hard times.

A sunlit absence

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Finding moments of silence can be really beneficial for the mind. It helps to clear thoughts and allows for better focus.
  2. Embracing quietness encourages deeper reflection. This can lead to personal growth and understanding.
  3. Taking time away from noise can enhance creativity. A peaceful environment often sparks new ideas and inspiration.

A well-lived life means wasting some time

Wondering Freely • 1468 implied HN points • 08 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Stoicism Personal Growth
  1. It's okay to waste some time in life. Taking things slow can actually help you enjoy life more than just rushing through every moment.
  2. Living life to the fullest doesn't mean doing everything on a checklist. Sometimes, just relaxing and being yourself is more fulfilling.
  3. Feeling guilty for not being constantly productive is normal, but learning to rest and take breaks is important for your happiness.

On Priesthoods

Astral Codex Ten • 35170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Social theory Cultural criticism Political Philosophy
  1. Priesthoods are groups of knowledgeable people that help in truth-seeking. They balance individual insights and societal ideas to find better answers to questions.
  2. These groups often keep a distance from the public to maintain their expert status. They worry that mixing with public ideas can lower their standards and credibility.
  3. While priesthoods have good functions, they can also fall prey to biased views and political influences, which can make their recommendations less reliable over time.

The Tiger Show

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1303 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology Humanism
  1. We should not let the least capable control our world. People often feel helpless, but we have the power to change things for the better.
  2. Inside us, there's a great potential that we often forget. We have the ability to stand up for our happiness and well-being.
  3. The current state of things can change when we decide to take a stand. We are stronger than we realize and can make a difference.

How To Be Happy In A Genocidal Dystopia On A Dying World

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 3306 implied HN points • 14 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Happiness Dystopia Human experience Perception
  1. You can find joy even in tough times. Appreciate the little things like nature and moments of beauty.
  2. It's okay to feel sad about the world, but don't let it steal your happiness. Engage with reality and feel all the emotions.
  3. Focus on recognizing the amazing parts of life. Shift your mindset to see the good things around you every day.

The Pseudo-Science of Female Submission

Erik Examines • 134 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Feminism Gender Studies Ethics Social theory Evolutionary Psychology
  1. The idea that women are meant to be owned by men is based on old, false beliefs. It's an attempt to make a harmful view seem rational by using misleading arguments.
  2. Freedom and individual rights are usually seen as positive, but some people twist this idea to suggest that women shouldn't have autonomy. This is not based on science or truth, but rather a desire to maintain control.
  3. Claiming that society or the state owns women is a form of manipulation. Laws exist to protect individuals, not to enslave them, and everyone, regardless of gender, benefits from freedom and rights.

This Explains A Lot About Society: The Asch Conformity Experiment

The Society of Problem Solvers • 279 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Social Behavior Collective Intelligence Cognitive Psychology Group dynamics Decision-making
  1. Many people choose to fit in with their group rather than stick to the truth. This happens often in social situations.
  2. Using group problem-solving methods can help avoid this issue. When people don’t see each other's answers, they're more likely to say what they really think.
  3. Working together in trusted teams can help us solve problems better. Just like how single cells evolved to work together, we can improve by collaborating effectively.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.

DRAFT: Prosperity & "Utopia": The Moving Target :: History of Economic Growth Lecture Notes 1.5

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 199 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Economic Theory Political Philosophy Historical Analysis Cultural critique
  1. Utopias represent different ideas of a perfect society, like order, simplicity, pleasure, freedom, and collective purpose. However, real examples often don't match these ideals.
  2. Economic growth is important, but it doesn't guarantee happiness or satisfaction. It's complicated because people might just want more, rather than knowing what truly makes them happy.
  3. Historical models of societies like Sparta, Arcadia, and Rome show that chasing perfection can lead to problems. It's vital to think critically about what we truly want from life.