The hottest Morality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Why I Don't Buy The Moral Argument

Bentham's Newsletter • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Theism Atheism Morality Existence
  1. The traditional moral argument for the existence of God is not convincing because the premise that without God, objective moral values do not exist is not plausible for all.
  2. Having God as the source of morality does not provide a satisfactory grounding for morality as it creates more questions and issues.
  3. Explaining the existence of moral facts by positing God as the source is as arbitrary as positing other explanations like pleasure being good.
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Why Men Don't Date Woke Women

Handwaving Freakoutery • 803 implied HN points • 08 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Dating Politics Morality Gender Dynamics Social movements
  1. Politics impacts the dating market, affecting who people choose to date based on their ideologies.
  2. There is a rise in people unwilling to date across political lines, leading to fewer marriages and dates.
  3. Woke morality dynamics and past events like the Kavanaugh trial have influenced dating decisions, particularly in avoiding woke women due to fear of false accusations.

Mapping Problems

David Friedman’s Substack • 215 implied HN points • 18 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Law
  1. Many problems arise when trying to map continuous variables to binary responses.
  2. Arbitrary lines are often drawn to simplify complex issues, which may not always reflect reality.
  3. In legal and moral systems, certainty plays a significant role in determining guilt and punishment.

“Succession” and the end of the illusion of ethical capitalism

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 885 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture TV Series Capitalism Ethics Society Morality
  1. The idea that capitalism can be successful and ethical is shattered by the portrayal in the TV series 'Succession.'
  2. The distinction between a society following legal rules versus one that is truly ethical is highlighted, emphasizing the need to minimize the use of power in both markets and within companies.
  3. The blurring of moral lines between personal and professional spheres in 'Succession' serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive influence of commercialization and amoral behavior in our society.

The Room and Matt Christman

De Pony Sum • 412 implied HN points • 27 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Morality Politics Metaethics
  1. Matt Christman deserves appreciation for his understanding of societal injustices and the need for change.
  2. The analogy of a room with limited democracy, resources, healthcare, and foreign policy mirrors the inequalities present in the world.
  3. The message conveyed by Christman emphasizes the importance of solidarity, shared humanity, and the power to create a better world.

Hidden Brain and Evil Explain

Moral Understanding • 98 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political divide Morality Political Behavior Psychology Polarization
  1. Political beliefs are often driven by perceptions of threat and protecting different groups from harm.
  2. Misunderstandings about the views of political opponents can lead to false polarization and animosity.
  3. Having open conversations with people who have different political views is crucial for a healthy society and understanding each other's humanity.

Genetic Fitness and Prime Minister Salaries

Ulysses • 79 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Wealth Politics Inequality Capitalism Morality
  1. Questions are raised about Prime Ministers' salaries and the impact on their performance, highlighting the importance of fair compensation for effective governance.
  2. Wealth generation, inheritance, and income disparity are discussed in relation to social morality and the need for wealth to be created through value-generating activities.
  3. The effectiveness of economic systems in improving quality of life over generations, the role of capital allocation, and the potential risks of policymakers losing touch with the general public are examined.

Why I Don't Buy the A-Theory of Time

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 579 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Time Morality Dualism Materialism
  1. The A-Theory of Time proposes an objectively real, constantly shifting "present moment," which becomes more bizarre upon deeper contemplation.
  2. Studying philosophy in college often involves exploring brain-in-a-vat-style thought experiments about knowledge, debates between Utilitarianism and Kantianism on morality, as well as discussions on mind-body dualism versus materialism.
  3. Access to certain posts and discussions on topics like the A-Theory of Time may be restricted to paid subscribers on platforms like Substack.

To see clearly with universal indifference

Meaningful Particulars • 65 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Self Reality Love Justice Morality
  1. The ego, while well-meaning, often leads to negative emotions like fear, anxiety, and criticism by exaggerating threats that no longer exist.
  2. Eastern traditions suggest silencing the ego by giving up worldly desires, while Western traditions propose 'unselfing' to gain a clearer understanding of reality.
  3. Artists, unlike the Buddhist advice to detach, become deeply involved in their work, showing that greater participation and attachment to reality can lead to a clearer perspective beyond the self.

The Continuing Relevance of Adam Smith's "Man of System"

Knowledge Problem • 137 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Morality Epistemology Political Philosophy Ethics
  1. Adam Smith criticizes interventionist approaches in government that disregard individual preferences and autonomy.
  2. Smith highlights the knowledge problem, emphasizing that individuals have unique preferences and societal systems cannot easily override them.
  3. The 'man of system' imposes his ideals regardless of objections, whereas Smith's analyses focus on systems where participation is voluntary and based on mutual agreement.

You're so smart

Becoming Noble • 398 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ideas Religion Morality Existence Ethics
  1. The author highlights the importance of encouraging readers to engage in thoughtful discussions and voice their opinions.
  2. There is a discussion on academia's need for a more formal network and standards, similar to a sacred order, to enhance knowledge sharing.
  3. The post delves into the complexities surrounding AI and how it impacts society biologically and socially, urging a deeper understanding of the system's dynamics.

Bubble Explainer Article: Housefire Beliefs

Resident Contrarian • 488 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Beliefs Religion Christianity Atheism Morality
  1. Some arguments can be troublesome because they are specific but associated with bigger, contentious topics.
  2. Beliefs are complex - people may not always act in line with their beliefs, and interpretations of texts can vary.
  3. Challenges to religious beliefs may request believers to treat their beliefs as if they were imaginary, leading to conflicts and complexities.

Hume in Hell (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 758 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy History Religion Ethics Morality Free will
  1. David Hume's essays on suicide and the afterlife delve into questioning common beliefs even when granting believers' core premises.
  2. Hume challenges the concept of suicide as a sin against God, arguing that humans cannot disrupt God's plan or transgress against it through suicide.
  3. The essays lead to a broader reflection that morality should be grounded in human considerations, not divine commands, opening up a secular perspective in philosophy.