The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Essay Club: The Origins of Cognitive Thought by B. F. Skinner

Mind & Mythos • 199 implied HN points • 16 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Science Behaviorism Critical Thinking
  1. Skinner believed that all behaviors, including thoughts and language, are learned through our environment. He claimed that we respond to rewards and punishments, shaping how we act and think.
  2. He thought that understanding our feelings and thoughts is best achieved by looking at the history and meaning of the words we use to describe them. The words we choose reveal a lot about our experiences and behaviors.
  3. Skinner emphasized the importance of focusing on observable behavior in psychology. He felt that many internal mental states are too complicated and not easily measurable, so we should concentrate on what we can see and test.

A Second Kind of Objects

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Linguistics Cognition Epistemology
  1. Many short words can have different meanings in various languages. For example, the word 'kut' means very different things in Hungarian, Dutch, and Sanskrit.
  2. Exploring words like 'kut' can reveal interesting connections between different cultures and languages. It shows how language can be rich and complex.
  3. The idea of cross-linguistic homonyms helps us appreciate the diversity of human language and thought. It’s fascinating to see how one small word can connect so many meanings.

God Help Us, Let's Try to Understand the Self-Memory System

Mind & Mythos • 119 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Identity Cognition Autobiography
  1. Autobiographical memory is how we remember our personal life experiences, like childhood or important events. It’s not just about facts but also how we feel about those memories.
  2. The Self-Memory System connects our memories to our sense of self. It has three parts: the Episodic Memory System for short-term details, the Long-Term Self for broader life stories, and the Working Self that manages our thoughts and goals.
  3. When we recall memories, we don’t just pull them up exactly as they happened. Instead, we reconstruct them based on our goals and how we see ourselves, which can sometimes change over time.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

Why does every Jacobin comment section look like this?

Philosophy bear • 343 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Social Critique Ideological analysis Cultural Studies Commentary
  1. People in Jacobin's comment section often seem unhappy. It's interesting to wonder why so many voices lean toward negativity.
  2. There seems to be a unique attitude among commenters across different ideologies, especially on the left. This may hold clues about the wider leftist community.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind this grumpy attitude could be key to helping socialism move forward without obstacles.
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Can People Change their Personalities?

Mind & Mythos • 339 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Personality Psychology Change Identity Development
  1. Personality can change depending on the situation. For example, a person might act differently at work compared to how they are around family.
  2. People’s personalities can evolve throughout their lives, especially between ages 20 and 40. People often become more conscientious and agreeable during this time.
  3. Intentional changes to one’s personality are possible. Life experiences and therapy can help people adapt and change their traits over time.

Recommended Reading, Part I: Moral Philosophy

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 1017 implied HN points • 21 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics
  1. The curriculum lays out a detailed progression through moral philosophy starting with Ayn Rand and then exploring Alasdair Macintyre's work, culminating in a comparison of their differing ethical frameworks.
  2. The reading list focuses on books that challenge modern ethical frameworks and call for a return to Aristotelian ethics, emphasizing the balance between rational and social aspects of human nature.
  3. Supplemental reading includes works by Aristotle, Ayn Rand, and other philosophers, offering further insights into moral philosophy and ethics.

Forgive yourself for speaking on behalf of the world

The Joyous Struggle • 276 implied HN points • 19 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Language Identity Politics Humanity
  1. The challenge with collective action problems, like climate collapse, is complicated by the ambiguity of the term 'we' in English, lacking the distinction between inclusive and exclusive pronouns.
  2. English's status as a predominant global language, particularly online, influences communication dynamics and power structures due to historical reasons.
  3. The inherent ambiguity in the term 'we' in English complicates addressing pervasive collective challenges, leading to speaking on behalf of everyone without acknowledging the diverse perspectives and interests that exist.

The First Principles of Uncertainty

Deep Pulusani - Risk • 222 implied HN points • 01 May 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Decision-making Cognitive Science Psychology Leadership
  1. Uncertainty is a normal part of life and can actually help us stay alert and learn new things. It's important to accept that some things are unpredictable, which makes it easier to handle tough situations.
  2. When making decisions, it helps to separate uncertainties that can be reduced by gaining more information from those that can't be controlled. This way, we can focus on what we can change instead of feeling overwhelmed.
  3. Taking action is a great way to reduce uncertainty. Even small steps can lead to new insights and help us feel more confident in our choices.

Beliefs That Sterilize The World with Malcolm Collins

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Humanity Belief systems Ethics Cultural Studies Social theory
  1. Beliefs can shape how we view and interact with the world. It's important to recognize these beliefs and consider their impact.
  2. Certain beliefs may discourage people from having children, leading to societal challenges. We should think about how our views affect population growth.
  3. Discussing controversial ideas can help us understand different perspectives. Open conversations are key to finding solutions to big issues.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Leftism Critique Economic Models Social Change
  1. The left often avoids discussing difficult trade-offs because they don't want to upset their supporters. This can lead to a lack of solid plans when they gain power.
  2. There's a problem with administrative spending in universities that the left doesn't address openly. Many unnecessary positions could be cut, but it’s a touchy subject.
  3. Pessimism about the left’s ability to create real change stems from a reluctance to make tough decisions. They need to start thinking about practical economic planning to be effective.

Cohen vs. Trotsky: Is Marxism Without Dialectics Really Like a Clock Without a Spring?

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 239 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Marxism Critique Theory
  1. Marxism debates include the significance of the 'dialectical method' and if it's essential to the ideology.
  2. There's a discussion on whether Marxism can do without dialectics or if it's a crucial aspect.
  3. Understanding the relationship between Hegel's dialectical approach and Marxism is a key focus in analyzing theoretical differences.

Behold the dreamer

De Pony Sum • 255 implied HN points • 23 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Humanity Forgiveness Suffering Gratitude
  1. Goodness is often based on moral luck, where circumstances may lead anyone to do wrong.
  2. It's challenging to categorize people as good or bad, making it important to choose how to view humanity as a whole.
  3. Forgiveness and gratitude are crucial, especially in recognizing human struggles and efforts to do good amid suffering.

Hitch and the Philosopher: A Look Back at Christopher Hitchens's Debate with William Lane Craig

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 379 implied HN points • 26 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Debates Critique Religion
  1. Christopher Hitchens had a compelling humanistic critique of Christianity and was skilled in debates, but struggled when debating with a philosopher of religion.
  2. William Lane Craig proved to be a challenge for Hitchens during their debate.
  3. The encounter between Hitchens and Craig highlighted the difference between moral critique and philosophical debate.

Hey, I plan to be back!

Inland Nobody • 320 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Philosophy of science Social Philosophy
  1. The writer has been focusing on weight loss and has lost a total of 237 pounds. They feel more energized and are looking forward to new experiences.
  2. They plan to write more frequently, with less emphasis on perfectionism. This means sharing ideas that are in progress instead of perfectly polished posts.
  3. The writer is moving from Galesburg to Chicago and will share thoughts on urbanism and philosophy related to their new environment.

Beyond The Appearances.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Idealism Metaphysics Epistemology Political theory Economics Science Religion History
  1. Thinking that an ideal model must be true and then forcing facts to fit it is a common and damaging habit across religion, science, and politics. That approach suppresses evidence and treats reality as an inconvenience to be reshaped.
  2. Mathematical economics and technocratic policy can become detached from material limits like production, supply chains, and everyday human experience. Redefining metrics or relying on models instead of practical judgement leads to bad policy and misleading claims.
  3. A pragmatic, evidence-first attitude that respects messy appearances and practical constraints works better in medicine, policy and conflict than grand, a priori systems. Humility and readiness to revise theories when facts disagree are essential to avoid ideological error.

Would John Locke Have Been Upset About the Israeli Couscous?

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 179 implied HN points • 17 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Philosophy
  1. John Locke's 'Letter Concerning Toleration' defends the rights of religious minorities, which is relevant in today's political climate.
  2. Locke's writing style in his letter includes an initial vague insinuation followed by a more developed argument, resembling a Twitter rant followed by deeper analysis.
  3. The post discusses how John Locke's work can be interpreted in modern contexts, providing a fresh perspective on historical texts.

Observer Memory and Imagination as our Inner Social Lab

The Memory Palace • 39 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Memory Imagination
  1. Episodic memory helps us remember past events, while imagination lets us think about future or imaginary situations. Both can give us insights into our social experiences.
  2. How we see ourselves in memories and imagined situations can change based on what perspective we adopt. We might identify more with our own feelings or how others see us.
  3. The connection between our memories, imagination, and understanding others' thoughts suggests that these mental activities help us navigate social interactions and self-awareness.

An Introduction to the Problem of Authority

Fake Noûs • 289 implied HN points • 22 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Libertarianism Authority Social contract Democracy
  1. Political authority means the government has power over people, but there isn't a solid reason why they should have that power. We question if anyone should truly rule over others.
  2. Common ideas, like the social contract or democracy, are often debated and criticized. Many believe that just because a majority votes for something, it doesn't make it right, especially if it harms a minority.
  3. The recognition of personal rights and the belief that the government shouldn't have special rules for itself leads many to a more libertarian view, promoting the idea that individuals should be free from unjust coercion.

The view from utopia

De Pony Sum • 255 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Aesthetics Metaphysics
  1. Think about what kind of world you would create in different scenarios of power and capacity
  2. Challenge traditional theories of the good life by considering extreme scenarios
  3. Imagine creating a complex and diverse utopia with opportunities for growth and experience

Evolutionary Ethics

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 255 implied HN points • 13 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Evolution Morality Culture Species
  1. Morality is subjective but also objective in extremes, with the real debate lying in the middle ground.
  2. Societies with dysfunctional morality can be seen as sick due to cultural contagion, but can also experience evolutionary changes.
  3. Evolutionary processes differ from human incremental changes, resulting in species adapting to different environments and niches.

Kisses, Slaps, and Souls

Going Awol • 179 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Personal Identity Dualism
  1. Substance Dualism posits that humans are made of two distinct substances - body and soul. The soul is considered the essential part that defines who we are.
  2. One objection to Substance Dualism questions how an immaterial soul, if essential, can be touched. A philosophical dialogue illustrating this objection is discussed.
  3. The objection is refuted through a clever dialogue between a Substance Dualist and someone who believes we are only bodies, highlighting linguistic nuances in how we perceive physical interactions.

Of Course You Can Prove a Negative

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 279 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Logic
  1. Confident statements that you can't prove a negative are common online, but this idea isn't found in logic textbooks.
  2. There is a discussion happening about this essay on the This is Revolution podcast with Stefan Bertram-Lee, focusing on the essay from last week and this one.
  3. This specific post is for paid subscribers only.

Universes Aren't Real

Outlandish Claims • 59 implied HN points • 30 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Existence Simulation
  1. The concept of universes being 'real' or 'unreal' is not a straightforward matter and cannot be definitively determined.
  2. The framework discussed in the text helps dissolve the age-old metaphysical question of 'Why is there something instead of nothing?'
  3. Existence is viewed as an intersection of infinite universes, each potentially different, which leads to the idea of living in a reality governed by physical laws rather than a simulation.

Otherness and control in the age of AGI

Joe Carlsmith's Substack • 157 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism AI Values Control
  1. The series explores questions about how agents with different values should interact, especially in the age of increasingly powerful AI systems.
  2. It discusses topics like deep atheism, control-seeking behavior, and the ethics of influencing the values of others.
  3. The essays aim to prompt deeper thinking about existential risks from misaligned AI and the broader issues of otherness and control in shaping the future.

Arguing with Slavoj Zizek About Free Will and Physics

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 179 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Free will Compatibilism Moral responsibility
  1. The post discusses a debate with Slavoj Zizek about free will, compatibilism, and incompatibilism, as well as the role of microphysics in free will and moral responsibility.
  2. The author mentions a chat about the essay on the This is Revolution podcast with Stefan Bertram-Lee, happening at 4 PM East Coast time.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe and access the content.

The Liar Paradox (and Russell's Paradox) for Non-Logicians (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 399 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Logic Consistency Reasoning
  1. The Liar Paradox questions whether statements can be both true and false, challenging fundamental logical principles like Bivalence and the Law of the Excluded Middle.
  2. Russell's Paradox, on the other hand, questions the existence of sets based on self-referential properties, leading to contradictions like a set that contains itself and doesn't.
  3. The debates around these paradoxes highlight the importance of classical logic principles like the Law of Non-Contradiction and Disjunctive Syllogism in everyday reasoning and understanding the world.