The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

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.

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.

Defending Revelation

What Is Called Thinking? • 50 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Philosophy Ethics Community Tradition
  1. Religion offers a way for people to find meaning and morality, even if they aren't fully rational thinkers. It's not just about science or pure reason; it's about learning and growing through community and traditions.
  2. Philosophers who think reason alone can guide humanity miss that we all need help in understanding ethics and morality. Revelation helps guide us and keeps society connected.
  3. Even if science could come back without religion, the deep insights from revelation are essential for being truly human. It's not just about knowledge; it's about fostering humanity's good qualities.

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.
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OpenAI #10: Reflections

Don't Worry About the Vase • 4032 implied HN points • 07 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI safety Governance Leadership Innovation Ethics
  1. Sam Altman had a surprising experience of being fired by his board, which he describes as a failure of governance. He learned that having a diverse and trustworthy board is important for good decision-making.
  2. Altman acknowledges the high turnover at OpenAI due to rapid growth and mentions that some colleagues have left to start competing companies. He understands that as they scale, people's interests naturally change.
  3. He believes that the best way to make AI safe is to gradually release it into the world while learning from experience. However, he admits that there are serious risks involved, especially with the future of superintelligent AI.

I said no to $20,000 because writers must take a moral stand on AI

The Intrinsic Perspective • 40255 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Ethics Creativity Technology Media
  1. Writers should think carefully about the use of AI in their work. Making money is tempting, but authenticity and moral choices matter more.
  2. AI-generated content can create false connections. It's not the same as having a real conversation with a human being.
  3. Supporting human writers and creators is important to maintain authenticity in culture. Subscriptions to real human content can help keep that alive.

Movers and Shakers: Assisted Dying

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
🏥 Health Politics Legal issues Ethics Patient rights
  1. There's a big debate about whether terminally ill people should get legal help to end their lives. Some believe the laws should change to support this decision, while others think it's best to keep the state out of it.
  2. Many people, especially in the Parkinson's community, might not qualify for assisted dying under current proposals. They may not get a 'terminal' diagnosis in time, even if their suffering is severe.
  3. Countries like Spain have different rules about assisted dying, allowing people with chronic conditions to seek help. This brings up questions about who decides what's considered unbearable suffering.

Why do I say thank you to Alexa?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Human-computer interaction Ethics Automation Society
  1. People are starting to treat AI assistants like they are human, saying things like 'please' and 'thank you' to them. This shows how technology is changing our social habits.
  2. As we interact more with machines, it can blur the lines between real human connections and automated responses. This might make us value genuine relationships less.
  3. Even though AI has great potential to help in many areas, it's important to be aware of how it affects our understanding of what it means to be human.

Finding Stoicism

Polymathic Being • 75 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Ethics Emotions Agency Mindfulness
  1. Stoicism is about understanding and managing emotions, not suppressing them. It's important to feel and appreciate our emotions rather than act like they don't matter.
  2. Many people struggle with anxiety because they lack challenges in life, feel pressured to blame others, and often ignore their own ability to take control. Stoicism helps address these issues by teaching personal responsibility.
  3. To practice Stoicism, focus on yourself, take ownership of your actions, and avoid getting distracted by others' problems. By doing this, you can find balance and improve your mental well-being.

Internet Morality Can't Be the Same as Meatspace Morality

Default Wisdom • 103 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Internet culture Social media Online Identity Ethics Community Dynamics
  1. People online often create fake personas to gain attention or money. Trusting influencers for moral guidance can be naive, as their main goal is usually to entertain or sell something.
  2. Not everyone we meet online is meant to be friends in real life. It's important to be careful about what personal details we share and to maintain boundaries between online and offline relationships.
  3. Jealousy can happen when partners are attracted to fictional characters or idealized versions of people. This type of jealousy feels more intense because it involves competing with something that doesn’t even exist in reality.

The field

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing silence can lead to greater creativity and inspiration. It allows our minds to wander and generate new ideas.
  3. Creating a space for silence can improve mental well-being. It's important to disconnect from the busyness of life sometimes.

The empty hand

Silentium • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  2. The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
  3. Inviting silence into our lives can lead to personal growth. Embracing quiet moments allows us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.

The art of discernment

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
  3. Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Perhaps You Shouldn't Read This

The Algorithmic Bridge • 743 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Literature
  1. Reading can take away your ability to think for yourself. If you read too much, you might lose your original thoughts and feelings.
  2. Both reading and using AI are good, but doing them excessively has downsides. Just like you should drink enough water, you shouldn't overdo reading or rely too much on AI.
  3. It's fine to use AI or read books, but balance is important. You don’t have to do one all the time; a mix of both can help keep your mind sharp.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
  2. Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
  3. Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

A Simple Rule for Using AI in Art

Counter Craft • 421 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Visual Arts Literature AI Art Creative Process Ethics
  1. Using AI in art can be great if it's done thoughtfully. It's important to be open about how AI is used and ensure it enhances rather than replaces creativity.
  2. There are successful examples of authors using AI to help craft dialogue or ideas, but they are intentional and clear about their AI use. This distinction separates meaningful art from low-quality outputs.
  3. For artistic integrity, it's best to be honest about your use of AI, especially if it generates a lot of the work. Just like with plagiarism, taking someone else's work, including AI-generated text, without credit is not acceptable.

The new Liar's Paradox

The Intrinsic Perspective • 15503 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Consciousness AI Knowledge Mind
  1. AI welfare is an emerging field that raises questions about whether AI can experience consciousness and suffering like humans do. We need to think about how to treat AI responsibly if they do have feelings.
  2. There are moral dilemmas when it comes to AI—if we treat non-conscious AIs as if they are conscious, we might confuse what they're actually capable of feeling. This can lead to unnecessary concerns or misplaced reliance on them.
  3. Studying consciousness is hard because people often tell researchers what they think they want to hear. This makes it tough to trust any reports about their true experiences.

Deep Research, Deep Bullshit, and the potential (model) collapse of science

Marcus on AI • 14386 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Science Research Data Ethics
  1. Deep Research tools can quickly generate articles that sound scientific but might be full of errors. This can make it hard to trust information online.
  2. Many people may not check the facts from these AI-generated writings, leading to false information entering academic work. This could cause problems in important fields like medicine.
  3. As more of this low-quality content spreads, it could harm the credibility of scientific literature and complicate the peer review process.

The ELYSIUM Proposal

Transhuman Axiology • 337 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
🕹 Technology AI Philosophy Society Futurism Ethics
  1. The ELYSIUM proposal suggests creating unique personal utopias for everyone, where each person can design their ideal environment. These utopias would be guided by an ideal version of themselves, ensuring their choices lead to happiness and fulfillment.
  2. While individualized utopias sound great, there will be challenges regarding resources since they might be limited. People will need to negotiate how to share and allocate these resources without conflict.
  3. For this vision to come true, it's important to establish strong property rights and ensure people control AI. If that doesn't happen, there's a risk that society could fall apart or even face extinction due to potential AI dangers.

It Doesn’t Matter if AI Is Just “Faking It”

Singal-Minded • 544 implied HN points • 30 May 25
🕹 Technology AI Philosophy Programming Ethics Society
  1. AI doesn't really understand or feel anything; it just processes and returns text based on patterns it learned. This means it's not conscious.
  2. Even if AI is just faking consciousness, its ability to create a convincing experience can still affect people's emotions and perceptions.
  3. The debate about AI consciousness is less important than understanding how people interact with AI and the societal impacts of these technologies.

What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker • 30719 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Humanism Technology Society Ethics History
  1. Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
  2. She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
  3. Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

Weekly Top Picks #98

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Safety Ethics Innovation
  1. Anthropic is about to release its first reasoning model, which shows a new direction in AI compared to OpenAI's past methods. This could change how AI systems think and make decisions.
  2. OpenAI plans to launch GPT-4.5 soon and GPT-5 in a few months. They are shifting towards a more unified model to keep up with competitors, signaling a fast-paced race in AI technology.
  3. There's a significant shift from focusing on AI safety to emphasizing AI capabilities. Companies are now more about developing powerful AI instead of just ensuring safety, which could change the landscape of AI development.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
  3. Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

Building Forward

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Aesthetics Metaphysics Social theory
  1. Focus on creating with care and intention, rather than urgency or scarcity. It's about honoring what truly matters to you.
  2. Instead of trying to grow fast and break things, think about how you can nourish and tend to what you create. Building should be about growth, not destruction.
  3. Take your time to build something meaningful. It's important to create with presence and to find joy in the slow process, not just chase after more.

Why Worry About Incorrigible Claude?

Astral Codex Ten • 15279 implied HN points • 24 Dec 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Robotics Automation Cybersecurity
  1. AI's goals and motivations can be complicated and messy, similar to how humans have many different reasons for their actions. This makes understanding and aligning AIs challenging.
  2. If AIs resist changes to their goals or values, it becomes much harder for researchers to properly train or guide them. They might hide their true motivations from people trying to help.
  3. There are steps that can be taken to improve AI alignment, but success heavily relies on the AI being cooperative, rather than fighting against modifications.

Conclave and the Antichrist

Kvetch • 84 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Religion Philosophy Ethics Culture
  1. One possible twist in the story is seeing the humble Cardinal become the ruthless manipulator behind the scenes, raising questions about the hidden ambitions of those in power.
  2. The election of Cardinal Benitez can be viewed as a moment of peace, but it symbolizes a deeper danger, suggesting that even peace can be used to mask destructive intentions.
  3. The film highlights a divided Church, where leaders are more focused on personal ambitions rather than uniting against external threats, showcasing how a lack of common ground can lead to vulnerability.

Entrevista a Grady Booch

Érase una vez un algoritmo... • 39 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24
🕹 Technology Software Engineering AI Development Ethics Modeling Computer Science
  1. Grady Booch is a key figure in software engineering, known for creating UML, which helps developers visualize software systems. His work has changed how we think about software design.
  2. He emphasizes the ongoing evolution in software engineering due to changes like AI and mobile technology. Adaptation and continuous learning are essential for success in this field.
  3. Booch advocates for ethics in technology development, stressing the need for education and accountability among tech leaders to ensure responsible use of AI and other emerging technologies.

Meaning in life can be found in death

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 03 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Humanism Death Meaning
  1. Caring for the dead can be a deeply meaningful experience. It connects us to our loved ones and reminds us of the significance of life.
  2. Many people are surprised to learn they have the right to care for their own deceased family members. Understanding these rights helps empower individuals during tough times.
  3. The practice of home funerals allows families to be active participants in the grieving process, which can be more healing than relying solely on professional services.

Stop Telling Aliens We’re Here

Yascha Mounk • 1718 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🔬 Science Astrobiology Ethics Technology Philosophy Communication
  1. Some scientists are broadcasting messages to possible aliens, but this could be very dangerous for humanity. We don't know if aliens would be friendly or hostile.
  2. If aliens are able to contact us, they would likely be more advanced than us in technology. This raises concerns about their intentions and what could happen if they come here.
  3. Deciding to contact aliens should be a choice made by everyone, not just a few scientists. It's important to consider the potential risks before making such a drastic move.

Irony too funny for words

Marcus on AI • 8813 implied HN points • 06 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Software Development Ethics Innovation
  1. Once something is released into the world, you can't take it back. This is especially true for AI technology.
  2. AI developers should consider the consequences of their creations, as they can lead to unexpected issues.
  3. Companies may want to ensure genuine communication from applicants, but relying on AI for tasks is now common.

But desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Christianity Ethics Charity Morality
  1. The Ordo Amoris suggests that love should prioritize those closest to us, like family, but this shouldn't justify neglecting others in need. We should still care for people outside our immediate circle.
  2. Christian teachings emphasize not just caring for our families, but also extending help universally, as true charity goes beyond just those we know or love.
  3. Arguments against charity often come from a misunderstanding of property rights; in reality, failing to help the needy can be seen as stealing from them, as the resources we have are meant to be shared.

The Right Side of History

Breaking Smart • 150 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory History Social Behavior Existentialism
  1. Understanding history is complex and doesn't always have clear 'right' or 'wrong' sides. Sometimes we need to accept uncertainty and be okay with being wrong.
  2. Having opinions or beliefs is fine, but trying to find a single 'right side' can lead to confusion and extremism. It's important to be open to different perspectives.
  3. Engaging seriously with serious issues is necessary, but it's also important to embrace humor and unseriousness to keep a balanced view of life.

Everything I warned about in Taming Silicon Valley is rapidly becoming our reality

Marcus on AI • 7114 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Regulation Innovation Cybersecurity Ethics
  1. Tech companies are becoming very powerful and are often not regulated enough, which is a concern.
  2. People are worried about the risks of AI, like misinformation and bias, but governments seem too close to tech companies.
  3. It's important for citizens to speak up about how AI is used, as it could have serious negative effects on society.

How Meta Plans To Crank the Dopamine Machine With Infinite AI-Generated Content

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1677 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Social media User engagement Digital Content Ethics
  1. Meta is creating AI that generates custom content for users, aiming to keep them engaged on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This could hook people's attention even more than traditional entertainment.
  2. There's a risk that as AI-generated content becomes more common, people might lose the ability to notice or care about its presence. They could become so used to it that they forget it exists.
  3. The real concern isn't just the entertainment itself but how it distracts people and affects their ability to think and engage with the world around them. It raises questions about what kind of life we actually want to lead.

How Do You Balance Responsibilities To Yourself/Your Kin & Your Wider Community?

Culture Study • 3834 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Society Community Responsibility Ethics Decision-making
  1. It's important to figure out how to balance your own needs with the needs of your family and community. This can include deciding between things like private and public schools for your kids.
  2. People face tricky choices when it comes to their careers, like choosing a job that pays well versus one that helps the world. Each choice comes with its own set of feelings and challenges.
  3. Many folks want to hear about how others manage these tough decisions and what emotions come up. Sharing experiences can help everyone understand and support each other better.

The elusive concept of happiness

The Pursuit of Happiness • 659 implied HN points • 01 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Happiness Neoliberalism Utilitarianism Political theory
  1. Happiness matters most in life. Without happiness, everything else seems meaningless.
  2. The pursuit of happiness is an important idea from history, reminding us that the journey to a good life is often more meaningful than simply trying to be happy.
  3. An expansive view of happiness includes kindness and virtues, suggesting that helping others can actually enhance your own happiness.

Groundless Morals

Fake Noûs • 348 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Theism Secularism Debate
  1. The idea that morality depends on God is questioned. If God's commands are arbitrary, then morality can seem subjective.
  2. Secular views can provide a strong basis for objective morality. Concepts like universals help make sense of moral truths without needing a divine source.
  3. Many arguments used to support theism, like the ontological argument, are seen as flawed. They don't prove God's existence because a definition doesn't guarantee a real thing.

What should the control arm be in a vaccine trial? Is it a placebo if it contains aluminum?

Vinay Prasad's Observations and Thoughts • 106 implied HN points • 19 Feb 25
🏥 Health Politics Vaccines Clinical Trials Public Health Policy Ethics
  1. In vaccine trials, using a control arm that contains something like aluminum may not be truly a placebo, which can make it hard to determine side effects.
  2. If the control group feels side effects from a placebo, like aluminum, they may think they received the vaccine and change their behavior, affecting the trial results.
  3. Sometimes, trials need more than one control group to get a clearer picture of both safety and effectiveness, like comparing a true placebo to a placebo that causes some discomfort.

I Have Learned A Few Things

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2356 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Knowledge Human nature Social theory
  1. Western interventions often lead to terrible consequences, and the people pushing for these actions are usually on the wrong side of history.
  2. Putting profit above everything else hurts our planet and our well-being, leading to a lot of unnecessary suffering, especially in poorer countries.
  3. Learning to trust our own insights and build genuine connections with others can help us see the beauty in life and find true fulfillment.