The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

⬜ The artists' philosopher, Byung-Chul Han

One Thing • 178 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Cultural critique Spirituality Eastern philosophy Identity
  1. Byung-Chul Han is a Korean-German philosopher known for his critical engagement with contemporary culture, including the concept of burnout culture.
  2. Han's work focuses on critiquing inauthentic forms of selfhood and the loss of negation and conflict dynamics in culture.
  3. Han advocates for seeking authenticity through a genuine re-engagement with the multitudinous shape of existence, emphasizing the power of saying no and achieving pure negativity.

Toxic Empathy

Polymathic Being • 119 implied HN points • 20 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Emotions Psychology Social Issues Human behavior
  1. Empathy is important for connecting with others, but too much of it can actually overwhelm us and create fear instead of love.
  2. When empathy is unregulated, it can be used against us, causing us to lose our identity and react out of fear rather than understanding.
  3. Finding a balance in empathy involves being mindful, taking responsibility for our feelings, and not letting ourselves be controlled by the emotions of others.

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.

Writing Is a Bad Habit

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Writing Literature Philosophy Culture Education
  1. The author believes writing is not a lifestyle to be celebrated, but rather a bad habit.
  2. They express frustration with the cultural recursion and excessive focus on writing within platforms like Substack.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of conveying a unique sensibility through writing rather than focusing on writing rituals and advice.

Ten Categories of Undying Beings

The Future of Life • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existence Futurism Ethics
  1. There are ten interesting ways to think about immortality. Each category represents a different aspect of how one might achieve or understand being undying.
  2. Categories like 'Biological Stasis' and 'Regenerative Longevity' suggest methods related to physical health and recovery.
  3. More abstract ideas like 'Conceptual Persistence' and 'Ontological Necessity' explore deeper philosophical notions about existence and being.
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What's Wrong with Moderation?

Humanities in Revolt • 239 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Feminism Equality Ethics Freedom
  1. Social progress often comes from principled conviction rather than compromising between extremes.
  2. Historical movements for justice and social transformation have often required radicalism, advocacy, and personal sacrifice, rather than moderation.
  3. Feminist foremothers teach us that true social change necessitates dissent, defiance of norms, and enduring discomfort to combat oppression and injustice.

Are You a Neganthropologist?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 11 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Technology Ethics Social theory Political theory Cultural Theory Environmental
  1. Our current tech-driven era is creating massive entropy in both the planet and human minds, but there’s a possible alternative called the Neganthropocene where we redesign systems to regenerate knowledge, care, and the commons.
  2. The pace of digital change prevents society from forming a new, stable epoch, short-circuiting collective memory and social systems and driving regression, polarization, and the risk of authoritarian dynamics.
  3. Technology is a pharmakon — both poison and cure — so we must learn to master and redesign AI and networks to avoid the ‘proletarianization’ of human skills and to build contributory economies that foster imagination and collective intelligence.

The Case for Embracing A "Choose Your Own Adventure" Philosophy

America 2.0 (by Gary Sheng) • 235 implied HN points • 28 May 23
📖 Philosophy Peace Individuality Diversity Free will Consciousness
  1. Embracing a 'choose your own adventure' philosophy promotes acknowledging and appreciating differences.
  2. Allowing people to choose their own paths leads to self-organization without the need for central planning.
  3. Celebrating diverse ways of living can create a more peaceful and flourishing future.

Forgiving everyone everywhere for everything they've done to you, or will do, or might have done

Philosophy bear • 121 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Forgiveness Human nature
  1. We should consider forgiving everyone for their wrongs, as everyone is equally capable of doing bad things given different circumstances. This means we all share a level of guilt.
  2. Moral luck plays a big role in our actions. Sometimes, people only avoid wrongdoing because of luck in their life situations, so we should recognize that we could be in their shoes.
  3. Forgiving others can help us live more peacefully in society. Holding onto anger makes life harder and can lead to feeling alone or self-hatred.

What Does “exploit” Mean?

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Utilitarianism Economics Social justice
  1. The term 'exploit' can mean two different things: benefiting from an interaction or causing one party to lose while the other gains. It's important to differentiate these meanings to understand whether exploitation is actually happening.
  2. In some cases, people feel that exploitation occurs when there is a big difference in gains between two parties, like in the example of trading cards or water in the desert. However, the fairness of a transaction can depend on additional context.
  3. People may have strong feelings about what is fair or unfair in transactions based on their moral intuitions. These feelings can guide opinions about exploitation, even when the actual economic circumstances suggest a different view.

The Evil God Challenge

Bentham's Newsletter • 117 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Debate Theism Evil God
  1. There are two versions of the Evil God Challenge, one questioning a good God's likelihood and another flipping the Problem of Evil.
  2. The Evil God Challenge presents compelling arguments, but there are counterarguments to consider for theism.
  3. The idea of an Evil God is intuitively less believable, and there are logical reasons why a Good God is more plausible.

Aristotle on Knowledge of the Contingent

Logos and Liberty • 59 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Aristotle
  1. Different philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Sophists had varying views on knowledge - from belief in absolute truth to belief in only probable knowledge.
  2. Plato believed in knowledge of the fully real, while Aristotle expanded it to include knowledge of the contingent world of becoming and change.
  3. Aristotle's approach to knowledge, embracing the changing world and proposing methods for understanding it, laid the foundation for experimental science and intellectual progress.

In Defense of Repression II

Litverse • 279 implied HN points • 06 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Psychology Existentialism Psychoanalysis Anthropology Self
  1. Repression could be a tool for building a new self by accepting and integrating past pain, according to Marcel Proust's Impressionist painter Elstir.
  2. Ernest Becker theorizes that repression is crucial not just for personal growth but also for maintaining societal agreement on fundamental truths, preventing a future with conflicting values.
  3. Projection, seen as a defense mechanism by Freud, is viewed optimistically by Becker, who believes it fulfills human narcissism and helps find purpose by prioritizing the outer world as part of the inner self.

Iceland, murder and eugenics: A brief response to Western Europe, State Formation, and Genetic Pacification

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 16 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Social Philosophy
  1. Some people believe that past high execution rates helped reduce crime and are suggesting doing it again. But the idea is very controversial and raises ethical concerns.
  2. The evidence for these high execution rates mainly comes from old studies, and they may not apply to all regions or times. In fact, Iceland had very few executions and still has low crime today.
  3. Instead of resorting to harsh punishments, investing in genetic research or better crime prevention measures might be more effective and humane.

The Importance Of Using Words Honestly

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 26 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Language Ethics Political Philosophy Logic Truth Rhetoric
  1. Words need stable, conventional meanings so people can communicate clearly; changing meanings without warning just creates confusion and wastes time.
  2. People and institutions sometimes redefine words deliberately to mislead or to make bad policies sound virtuous, using moral-sounding terms to win support.
  3. If you use a word in a new way, say so up front and be consistent; correcting a wrong common usage is fine, but it should be done clearly so discussion can move on.

Harry Frankfurt (1929-2023): A Tribute (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 219 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Free will Moral responsibility Determinism Compatibilism
  1. Harry Frankfurt's work had a significant impact on the philosophical debate on free will and moral responsibility.
  2. Frankfurt's argument challenges the Principle of Alternate Possibilities in determining moral responsibility, leading to a new understanding of free will.
  3. His work on free will and moral responsibility has sparked decades of discussion, reshaping philosophical perspectives and raising important questions about human agency.

Embodying the Good

Humanities in Revolt • 219 implied HN points • 21 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Meaning of life Ethics Human Values Justice Existentialism
  1. The peace movement highlighted the importance of embodying intrinsic values, such as truth, justice, autonomy, and integrity, above achieving immediate results.
  2. Recognizing and enacting self-justifying values allows us to find meaning and purpose in the face of life's futility.
  3. Activists in the peace movement worked to promote human dignity, freedom, and justice, rejecting defeatism and continuing to embody their principles despite facing challenges and setbacks.

On Justices

Doc Hammer's Anvil • 216 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Justice Virtue Ethics Moral Philosophy Social Interaction
  1. Many fundamental moral and philosophical concepts have been lost in modern times, requiring a rediscovery and clarification of ideas.
  2. Justice is a crucial virtue that allows for moral compulsion through force, and it is important to differentiate between Commutative Justice (CJ) and Distributive Justice (DJ).
  3. Commutative Justice (CJ) involves actions that can be enforced through coercion without violating the perception of justice in the eyes of others, while Distributive Justice (DJ) focuses on the becoming use of what is our own and involves a constant debate on what is considered good.

Shadows & Traps

Philoinvestor • 216 implied HN points • 25 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Investing Reality
  1. Investors are often chained to shadows - like obsessions with market factors, analyst targets, and narratives.
  2. True investors break free from ideological chains, focusing on long-term business value over short-term noise.
  3. Great investing is like alchemy - balancing analytical skills with understanding the shadows that influence prices.

How to Be a Leftist Without Being a Utilitarian or a Free Will Skeptic (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 259 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Free will Justice Meritocracy Utilitarianism
  1. Rejecting free will or embracing utilitarianism is like burning down your house to kill a fly.
  2. Meritocracy doesn't justify extreme inequality; our society isn't a true meritocracy.
  3. Belief in moral rights maintains dignity and autonomy and challenges market-worshippers for a fairer society.

Functioning without function

antoniomelonio • 110 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Identity Society Technology Purpose
  1. People often define themselves by their jobs, but the idea of having a job is changing. As roles disappear, we may struggle to answer the question, 'What do you do?'
  2. Without clear roles, we might feel bored and lost, needing something to strive for and find purpose in. This could lead us to focus more on relationships and personal connections.
  3. As technology takes over tasks, we might wonder about our significance and what we contribute to society. We may shift from job-based identities to being better partners, friends, and family members.

A Game of Thoughts

the shimmering void • 93 implied HN points • 02 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Creativity Imagination Collaboration Self-awareness Community
  1. Good thinking is like playing a game where you choose the right moves at the right time. Understanding these patterns can help you think more creatively.
  2. Collaborating with others in creativity is important. You need to be aware of your own feelings and those of your teammates to work well together.
  3. Your environment and connections with others greatly affect your creativity. Being part of a community helps your mind stay inspired and productive.

Me

Philosophy bear • 278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Buddhism Mental health Identity
  1. It's important to express ourselves beyond just labels like race or gender. Relying too much on these labels can limit our understanding of a person and their experiences.
  2. People often crave certainty and security about their self-image, but this can lead to feelings of despair. Instead of clinging to an idealized self, focusing on doing good in the present moment can be more fulfilling.
  3. Many of us share a desire to be truly known by others. This feeling can lead to frustration when we feel invisible or misunderstood, but seeking genuine connections can help us combat that isolation.

What is the goal of anarchism?

The Novelleist • 347 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Anarchism Political theory Society Governance Conflict resolution
  1. Anarchism promotes the idea of living peacefully in small, self-governing communities. It believes people can manage their own lives without a large government.
  2. History shows that small communities often face threats from larger groups. To be safe, these small groups sometimes need to band together or rely on bigger organizations for protection.
  3. One way to achieve a peaceful, self-governing life may be to work within existing societies. By forming small communities where people can live as they want, we might promote harmony while still having some protection from the outside.

The Uber Driver Ratings Theory of Happiness

That Damn Optimist • 146 implied HN points • 03 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Happiness Self-Improvement Mindset Relationships Perspective
  1. Drivers who rated their experiences positively often didn't see problems as a big deal. They focused more on the good aspects of driving, which helped improve their overall happiness.
  2. Building healthy relationships and having a sense of purpose were important for many drivers. They often mentioned doing their job for their families or to support side projects they loved.
  3. Shifting focus from personal problems to being curious about others can help reduce feelings of unhappiness. Engaging with others can remind us that our own problems might not be as significant.

The Journal of Dangerous Ideas

Secretum Secretorum • 808 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ideas Journal Thought Morality Creativity
  1. The idea of dangerous ideas includes those that can harm the world, pose threats, or are inherently dangerous in various aspects like technology, science, or philosophy.
  2. The concept of 'white balls' representing beneficial ideas and 'black balls' representing pernicious ideas explores human creativity and the potential risks and benefits of various thought processes.
  3. The post challenges readers to consider whether pursuing dangerous ideas, like founding a Journal of Dangerous Ideas, is a bold approach worth taking or if it leads to unnecessary risks.

The Pragmatists Handbook: Transjectivity

Divergent Futures • 2 HN points • 13 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Ontology Aesthetics
  1. Truth isn't just about what's real or what we feel; it comes from how we connect with the world around us. This idea is called transjectivity, showing that understanding comes from our interactions.
  2. The way we categorize things, like calling a chair a 'chair', is influenced by both what we see and how we use it. It's about finding what fits well in our lives, not just what exists independently.
  3. Our views and meanings can change based on our experiences and environment. This means that understanding truth is flexible and evolves as we learn and grow.

Scott Adams, facing death, shows us how to live

The Other Side of Fear • 15 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Mortality Meaning Self-help Personal Growth
  1. Life's meaning is found in love, making relationships and care central to how we live.
  2. Using a systematic, analytical approach to planning life leads to clearer decisions and better outcomes than relying on scattered, slapdash notes.
  3. Confronting mortality can sharpen priorities and teach practical ways to live well.

Can We Disrupt the Age of Disruption?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 4 implied HN points • 06 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Political Philosophy Ethics Media theory Social theory Critical Theory
  1. Technology and AI are not neutral; they actively shape human attention, memory, and consciousness and can act as both a poison and a cure.
  2. Right now the harmful side dominates: digital networks and algorithms drive attention collapse, addiction, political manipulation, and the erosion of shared meaning.
  3. The remedy is deliberate transformation—building new forms of care, collective knowledge, and social organization to harness technology for renewal instead of entropy.

Slavoj Zizek and the Case for Compatibilism (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 299 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Free will Compatibilism Determinism Moral responsibility
  1. Compatibilism can feel contradictory at first, but it offers a way to reconcile deep intuitions about control and responsibility with determinism.
  2. The debate around free will and determinism involves conflicting intuitions about moral responsibility, cosmic freedom, and the control condition for responsibility.
  3. The definition of free will can shift from a day-to-day understanding to a radical, cosmic sense when framed within the context of determinism, highlighting the complexity of philosophical concepts.

"Mary's Room" Is Not a Case Against Physicalism (But Physicalism Still Fails)

Ethics Under Construction • 15 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Philosophy of Mind Consciousness Ontology
  1. The knowledge argument shows you can know all the physical facts and still not know what an experience is like, so there is an epistemic gap between description and lived experience.
  2. Experiencing something (like red or sweetness) is itself a fact about that property, not an extra mysterious add-on, so leaving out experience misunderstands what those properties are.
  3. Physicalism can reply that the epistemic gap is just a different mode of presentation, but that misses the deeper point that subjective facts are immediate and foundational, so physical explanations are grounded in, rather than fully exhaustive of, experience.