The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Essay Club: The Humanitarian Theory of Punishment by C. S. Lewis

Mind & Mythos β€’ 339 implied HN points β€’ 02 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Justice Humanism Legal theory Literary Criticism
  1. C. S. Lewis argues that punishment should be based on what a person deserves, rather than just trying to deter others or cure the criminal. This is important for justice to exist.
  2. When punishment is only about deterrence or cure, it can lead to abusing people as mere tools for society's goals, rather than treating them as individuals with rights.
  3. Lewis warns that a system focused just on helping or fixing people can end up being very oppressive, especially if those in power ignore the concept of what someone deserves for their actions.

Thinking Harder About Justice: Rawls vs. Cohen vs. Marx (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 758 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Political Philosophy Socialism Marxism Justice Inequality
  1. Marxist philosopher G.A. Cohen criticizes John Rawls's theory of justice from the left
  2. Cohen's idea of 'socialist equality of opportunity' aims to correct inequalities linked to factors beyond an individual's control
  3. Rawls and Cohen may be in a semantic dispute about the term 'justice', but both their perspectives are important in highlighting existing injustices and guiding future progress

Don't Cancel Zizek (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 738 implied HN points β€’ 15 Jan 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Criticism Ideology Ethics Debate Thought
  1. The distinction between 'analytic' and 'continental' philosophy, with analytic focused on clarity and precision, while continental is more diverse and broader in scope.
  2. Slavoj Ε½iΕΎek's work blends insights from various fields like Lacanian psychology, Hegelian idealism, and Marxist materialism, making him a unique and thought-provoking thinker.
  3. Critics of Ε½iΕΎek often take his provocative statements out of context, leading to misunderstandings of his views, but his work remains engaging and intellectually stimulating.

Time Travel Loops, Causation, and the Cosmological Argument for the Existence of God

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 439 implied HN points β€’ 28 May 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Time travel
  1. Causal loops, infinite chains, and finite ones can be difficult for our minds to understand. It raises questions about how we can draw conclusions about external reality.
  2. Time travel movies often don't make sense when characters travel back to their own universe's past. This can lead to logical inconsistencies and confusion for viewers.
  3. The post discusses the concept of consistent time travel and the effects of actions happening before they are actually taken, raising intriguing points about the nature of time and causality.
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Analytical Marxism in the 1990s

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 219 implied HN points β€’ 04 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Marxism Identity politics
  1. Analytical Marxism in the 1990s is a topic that explores the book 'Reconstructing Marxism' by Wright, Levine & Sober from 1992.
  2. There is a need to think beyond the authors' perspective to move away from left identitarianism and reconstruct class politics.
  3. The discussion emphasizes the importance of delving deeper into the complexities of these concepts for a more nuanced understanding.

Interpretability

Infinitely More β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 30 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Logic Mathematics Interpretation Language Concepts
  1. In math, we can understand one idea by using another. It's like using different languages to explain the same thing.
  2. Sometimes, when we translate ideas back and forth, we lose some meaning, similar to playing a game of telephone.
  3. To make this work, we create special objects in a new system that can help us relate and understand the original idea better.

Hume in Hell (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 758 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jan 23
πŸ“– 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.

The Philosopher's Tarot: Nietzsche vs. Nihilism

Outlandish Claims β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 21 May 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Nihilism Tarot Philosophical Concepts Mythology
  1. Tarot can be used as a tool for generating random writing prompts and exploring philosophical concepts.
  2. Nietzsche, often associated with nihilism, actually aimed to lead people beyond nihilism towards new values and freedom.
  3. Nietzsche's philosophy is often misunderstood due to misinterpretations and misappropriations by others, like the Nazis.

Grace.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past β€’ 48 implied HN points β€’ 03 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Spirituality Self-Improvement
  1. Grace is about being kind and understanding, especially during tough times. It's important to respond with patience instead of anger.
  2. Having grace means showing forgiveness and empathy towards others. This helps create a supportive environment where everyone feels valued.
  3. Grace also involves accepting our own imperfections and handling challenges with dignity. It's about staying calm and composed even when things get difficult.

Neutrality

Rough Diamonds β€’ 40 implied HN points β€’ 13 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Social Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Neutrality is about treating all opinions equally, which helps people work together despite their differences. It’s important for creating spaces where cooperation can happen without conflict.
  2. Our current systems often lack trust and a shared understanding, making it hard for people to agree on basics. Building new systems of trust is crucial for moving forward.
  3. Institutions need to be more than just neutral; they should create a framework that supports healthy discussions and diverse viewpoints. This way, people can feel both included and understood.

Electrons, Alternate Universes, and the Ontological Commitments of Physics: A Handy Guide to Hossenfelder vs. Goff

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 319 implied HN points β€’ 03 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Physics Ontology Debate Twitter Ethics
  1. Philosopher Philip Goff and physicist Sabine Hossenfelder concluded their Twitter debate on electrons and alternate universes.
  2. The discussion highlights the intersection of philosophy and physics in understanding ontological commitments.
  3. The resolution between Goff and Hossenfelder signifies an end to the Great Electron Twitter War of 2023.

Cosmic Game

Seven Senses β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Meditation Hope Self-reflection
  1. Entering a new year can bring excitement and a sense of renewal. It's important to embrace the feeling of possibility without holding onto specific expectations.
  2. Life is a mix of experiences, both good and bad. Instead of labeling years as 'hard' or 'good', it's better to appreciate the in-between moments that make up our daily lives.
  3. Showing up with clarity and hope while letting go of control can lead to a more fulfilling year. Embrace life's surprises and focus on your intentions without strict plans.

Susan Wolf's Critique of Moral Saints

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 11 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics
  1. Susan Wolf argues against the ideal of moral saintliness, suggesting it may not be practical or necessary for everyone.
  2. Most people will not achieve moral sainthood, and that's okay because it's an unattainable level of perfection.
  3. While being a moral saint may be unattainable, striving for greater moral virtue could lead to a better society overall.

From Propriety to Extremism

Doc Hammer's Anvil β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Morality Behavior Reality Mental Illness Social norms
  1. Mental illness isn't necessary for spiraling into extremism, but it can play a role in exacerbating the process.
  2. Human judgment of behavior is based on societal norms and personal perceptions of propriety, praise-worthiness, blame-worthiness, reward-worthiness, and punishment-worthiness.
  3. Low costs and high benefits can lead to purity spirals, where society's expectations become more demanding, driving behavior towards extremism.

The Room and Matt Christman

De Pony Sum β€’ 412 implied HN points β€’ 27 Sep 23
πŸ“– 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.

Sam Harris Has Nothing Useful to Say About Free Will (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 619 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Free will Compatibilism Determinism Morality Responsibility
  1. Sam Harris argues that free will doesn't exist because our decisions are influenced by factors we don't fully understand or control.
  2. The debate over free will involves complex questions about determinism, moral responsibility, and cognitive capacities.
  3. Compatibilist philosophers like John Martin Fischer redefine free will in terms of being reasons-responsive, rather than just the ability to act differently given the same circumstances.

Lord Verulam's Idols

Fields & Energy β€’ 279 implied HN points β€’ 18 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Science Ethics History Literature Education
  1. Francis Bacon proposed a new idea of science that focused on human control over nature and knowledge. His vision was about creating a scholarly place that could influence society.
  2. Bacon is often labeled as the 'Father of Scientism' rather than the father of modern science. This suggests that his ideas shaped more than just scientific methods; they also influenced how we think about science and its role in society.
  3. Literature like Bacon's work, along with stories like 'Brave New World' and '1984,' can serve as warnings about the dangers of letting scientism dominate our lives. They encourage us to think critically about where scientific progress is leading us.

Some Episodic Memories of Issues in Philosophy of Memory 4

The Memory Palace β€’ 39 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Memory Ethics Research Education Community
  1. The conference focused on many topics related to memory, including how moral values can affect the way we understand our memories. It highlighted the idea that some accurate memories might still cause harm, which makes them less genuine.
  2. Memory is not just an individual experience; it's also social. Speakers discussed how memories can change through interactions with others, helping to foster communication and resolve conflicts.
  3. The event encouraged sharing personal experiences about memory, inviting attendees to reflect on their own thoughts and insights. It created a sense of community among researchers passionate about exploring the complexities of memory.

You're so smart

Becoming Noble β€’ 398 implied HN points β€’ 07 Jul 23
πŸ“– 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.

What is the essential structure of the complex numbers?

Infinitely More β€’ 38 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Mathematics Epistemology Ontology Logic
  1. There are different ways to think about complex numbers, like focusing on their algebraic or topological structures. Each viewpoint gives us unique insights into how complex numbers behave.
  2. Mathematicians don't all agree on what the essential structure of complex numbers is, leading to multiple interpretations. It shows us that understanding math can be quite flexible.
  3. The paper identifies four main perspectives on complex numbers, which can help clarify the discussions around their nature and engage with broader philosophical questions in mathematics.

Specialization and Interdisciplinarity: Beyond Memory

The Memory Palace β€’ 99 implied HN points β€’ 23 Apr 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Memory Specialization Knowledge Cognition
  1. Specialization in fields like the philosophy of memory can lead to growth and deeper understanding, but it may also risk limiting broader explorations. It’s important to balance focus with the desire to explore new ideas.
  2. Interdisciplinary work can enrich research by bringing in diverse perspectives and expertise. Collaborations across different fields can lead to new insights that wouldn't be possible in isolation.
  3. Memory connects with many other cognitive and emotional processes in complicated ways. To really understand memory, researchers need to look beyond just memory itself and consider its interactions with different aspects of life.

The Complexity Illusion.

Prime Cuts Newsletter β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 16 Apr 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Existence
  1. We are moving through space at incredible speeds, yet it doesn't impact our daily lives.
  2. Life may seem complex with advancements and new research, but at the core, it remains simple.
  3. Despite the appearance of increasing complexity, focus on making simple moves in life.

The Dildofication of Philosophy

Less Foolish β€’ 393 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jun 23
πŸ“– Philosophy
  1. The philosophy section of a bookstore used to have exciting, thought-provoking books that challenged readers.
  2. Recently, there has been a shift in the type of books found in the philosophy section, with more focus on wellness and easy reads.
  3. The author reflects on the change, expressing nostalgia for when philosophy felt like an adventure and was a source of deep, transformative insight.

Recent Media Appearances

Good Thoughts β€’ 216 implied HN points β€’ 20 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Metaphysics
  1. Recent public philosophy discussions cover effective altruism, longtermism, and synthetic a priori knowledge.
  2. Critical discussion on the reliance on supernatural forces in discerning philosophical truths.
  3. Rejecting the causal debunking principle in favor of relying on coherent philosophical methods for truth-seeking.

Trusted Disclosure Agreement

Charles Eisenstein β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Trust Contracts Community
  1. NDAs can feel distrustful because they imply that someone doesn't trust you with their information. Instead of relying on legal threats, we should focus on building mutual trust.
  2. A Trusted Disclosure Agreement can create a stronger bond based on respect and understanding, allowing for a more positive collaboration without the fear of legal consequences.
  3. Community involvement in agreements is important. Signing in front of others can help reinforce commitment and accountability, encouraging people to honor their word.

Meditations on Machinic Desire

Nothing Human β€’ 57 implied HN points β€’ 23 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Capitalism AI Ethics Addiction Cultural critique
  1. We are moving towards a future where artificial intelligence may surpass human intelligence, and it might happen gradually rather than suddenly. This means machines could take over many tasks we currently do without a clear turning point.
  2. The idea of capitalism is being explored as something that may harm our human nature. It could act like a virus that drives us to work endlessly for money, rather than for meaningful relationships or experiences.
  3. Our desires are becoming more virtual and less tied to reality. Instead of wanting real things, we often find ourselves chasing numbers or metrics, which can make us less happy even as society becomes more prosperous.

Irrepressible liberalism: the philosophy of Gerald Gaus

Hypertext β€’ 159 implied HN points β€’ 29 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Liberalism Public Reason Political Philosophy Classical Liberalism
  1. Gerald Gaus emphasized the importance of optimism and confidence in defending liberalism, even in challenging times with populist threats.
  2. Gaus's philosophy focused on bottom-up moral reasoning and the idea that a diverse society can find common ground through emergent order.
  3. He advocated for extensive individual freedom as essential for the survival of an open society, and highlighted the significance of incrementalism and learning-based governance in policymaking.

Thinking Week

The Cosmopolitan Globalist β€’ 16 implied HN points β€’ 21 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Thought Writing Critique Culture Ideas
  1. Writers who publish regularly can become repetitive and lose their edge over time. It's important for them to refresh their ideas to stay interesting.
  2. The author originally chose Substack to share their book because they believed it would reach more people than traditional publishing. They wanted to connect with readers who may have shorter attention spans.
  3. Over the years, the author has noticed that many ideas they discussed early on are now part of mainstream conversations, reflecting a shift in public awareness and discourse.

David Hume vs. the UFO Whistleblower

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis β€’ 379 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jul 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Skepticism Aliens Cover-up
  1. The writer discusses the possibility of the government concealing information about alien spacecraft, drawing parallels with David Hume's skepticism about miracles.
  2. David Grusch is mentioned as an Air Force officer possibly involved in what some see as a major cover-up.
  3. The post is available only to paid subscribers on Ben Burgis's Substack.