The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Is Gladiator Stoic?

Caleb’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 18 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Justice Afterlife Heroism
  1. The movie Gladiator raises the question of whether it embodies Stoic principles.
  2. Maximus's pursuit of revenge in Gladiator is seen as being non-Stoic due to his intense passion and anger.
  3. The character of Maximus in Gladiator eventually evolves to embody more Stoic values, moving from a place of rage to fulfilling his duty.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 12/12/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 251 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political Philosophy Eastern philosophy Western Philosophy Philosophy of science
  1. Your time is limited, so it's important to spend it wisely instead of wasting it on distractions like social media.
  2. Philosophy can mean different things to different people, from self-help to deep religious texts, but it encourages reflection and understanding.
  3. Many great philosophers, like Socrates and Confucius, aimed to explore fundamental truths and offer insights that still resonate today.
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The Best Charity Isn't What You Think

Fake Noûs • 259 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Animal Rights Effective Altruism Moral Philosophy
  1. Helping shrimp can be much more effective than trying to save humans or other animals. Just one dollar can save around 1,600 shrimp from a painful death every year, which is a huge impact for a small amount.
  2. Many people don't realize that shrimp can suffer, but research shows they experience pain similar to other animals. This means their suffering matters too, and we should consider it when thinking about doing good.
  3. The shrimp welfare project is underfunded but incredibly effective. Supporting it can make a big difference in preventing animal suffering while costing very little.

William Godwin's Libertarian Free Will

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Free will Determinism Moral responsibility Introspection
  1. Our decisions are influenced by cause and effect, even if we feel like we have free will. Philosophically, 'free will' and 'cause and effect' are different ways of thinking, each important in its own domain.
  2. How we perceive free will depends on the context: assigning blame, scientific analysis, storytelling, or introspection.
  3. Science and introspection aren't in competition - they serve different purposes. Understanding free will involves acknowledging its complexity and varied applications.

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.

For Pushing Large Men Off Bridges

Fake Noûs • 271 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Moral dilemmas Critical Thinking
  1. Utilitarianism suggests that we should act in ways that maximize overall happiness. This means if you can save five people by sacrificing one, it might seem like the right choice to push the one off the bridge.
  2. Some arguments challenge the idea of not pushing someone off the bridge. For example, if pushing them means saving more lives, it may not be wrong to do so.
  3. The concept of 'undoing' actions also plays a role. If you push a person off the bridge but can pull them back before harm is done, it challenges whether that initial push was truly wrong.

Being Good Means More than Not Being an "Asshole": The Limits of the Nelson Family Rules

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Morality Ethics Character Self-awareness
  1. Being morally good is more complex than just not hurting others intentionally. It involves being aware of the impact of our actions, even if harm is unintentional.
  2. Moral goodness requires active effort and mindfulness to consider how our choices affect others, beyond just avoiding being malicious.
  3. To be morally good, we must develop a character of moral self-awareness and actively combat our egocentrism by considering the well-being of others in our decisions.

Harman, Harm, and the Non-Identity Problem

Good Thoughts • 78 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaethics Bioethics Philosophical Concepts
  1. Different conceptions of harm can impact ethical judgments in non-identity cases, where an act may be considered wrong even if it doesn't directly harm any particular individual. It's essential to understand the nuances of harm in ethical reasoning.
  2. The non-identity problem challenges how we weigh harms and benefits, especially in cases where creating one individual may imply preventing the existence of a potentially happier individual. Balancing intrinsic harms and benefits can be complex in moral decision-making.
  3. Respecting individuals' normative perspectives is crucial when evaluating harm and benefit considerations. Understanding the implications of harm, compensation, and overall welfare in decision-making processes is integral for ethical evaluations.

Personhood, Justice, and Free Will: Wrapping Up the Debate with Eric Levitz

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 159 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Personhood Justice Free will
  1. The debate on free will and criminal punishment is being wrapped up by Ben Burgis and Eric Levitz.
  2. Eric Levitz argues that there is a meaningful sense in which conscious subjects do not have full agency over their actions.
  3. The post discusses how desires, thoughts, and decision processes influence our sense of agency and free will.

African Philosophy. A Personal Perspective #302

Daily Philosophy • 78 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy
  1. African philosophy is often expressed through various aspects of culture like music, greetings, and rituals, shedding light on a deeper world of thought and emotion.
  2. European and African approaches to articulating thoughts differ, with African philosophy often relying on intuition, participation, and non-verbal communication.
  3. African philosophy encompasses a unique way of reasoning and understanding that extends beyond traditional written or spoken articulation, emphasizing holistic interpretation of culture and daily life.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part III. How Can the Experiences of Past Societies of Domination Be Relevant for Us?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Political Economy History Ethics Technology
  1. Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
  2. Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
  3. Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part II. From -73000 to 2055: Malthusian Poverty to Modern Economic Growth

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Economic Growth Technological Change Historical Analysis Population Studies
  1. Throughout history, technological growth has drastically changed, particularly in the last 150 years. This period saw growth that's far beyond anything in earlier times.
  2. Today's society is much better off than before, with greater access to resources and technology. Most people have standards of living that are far superior compared to the past.
  3. Understanding our economic growth is complex. It's important to measure not just resources, but also how people work together and use ideas to improve life.

Wild Problems

Holodoxa • 159 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Epistemology Values Reflection
  1. Rational methodologies alone cannot solve all conflicts; values play a crucial role in decisions.
  2. Wild problems, unlike tame problems, cannot be resolved through purely rational analysis.
  3. Effective altruism, while appealing in theory, can lead to challenging ethical dilemmas when taken too seriously.

17. Be Antifragile by Expanding Awareness

Insight Axis • 158 implied HN points • 18 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Practical philosophy Mindset Critical Thinking Personal Development
  1. Antifragility is about gaining from stress rather than simply not breaking under it.
  2. Antifragility is a concept by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, explored in his various books like 'Antifragile' and 'The Black Swan.'
  3. Being antifragile involves thriving in a world full of unpredictable stressors by not predicting when events occur, but figuring out how to survive and benefit from them.

Weltschmerz

antoniomelonio • 215 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mental health Society Environmental Ethics Politics
  1. Weltschmerz means feeling tired or sad about how the world is. It's a deep emotional exhaustion about life's challenges and problems.
  2. People today face many big issues like climate change and wealth inequality, which can make this feeling even stronger. It's easy to feel overwhelmed by these problems.
  3. This sense of world-weariness has worsened over time as we see societal promises break down. It's a struggle that many people can relate to.

Links to Consider, 10/15/2024

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Free speech Psychology Society
  1. Personality tests like the Big Five or Myers-Briggs might not be very good at predicting important life outcomes. Their accuracy isn't much better than just guessing.
  2. Free speech has changed over time, moving from a focus on persuading others to simply expressing one's own beliefs. This represents a shift in how we communicate and engage with each other.
  3. Modern societies often value citizenship over family ties, which affects people's views on having children. Many may feel pressured to prioritize social status over family-building.

Nietzsche the Natalist

Bet On It • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Many people with high fertility rates in the U.S. tend to be very religious. This shows a strong connection between faith and the desire to have children.
  2. Nietzsche criticized those who focus only on the negative aspects of life, encouraging a more positive view on existence. He argued that life has value despite its struggles.
  3. Even though Nietzsche didn't have children, his ideas on life's worth contrast with those who do find joy and fulfillment in raising families, like Catherine Pakaluk who has eight kids.

Reclaiming Cornucopianism

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 627 implied HN points • 11 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Innovation
  1. Cornucopianism suggests that human intellect and creativity can generate an abundance of resources and solutions.
  2. Malthusianism is the opposing viewpoint that argues there are limits to growth and resources on a finite planet.
  3. The metaphor of the cornucopia can be seen as a call for techno-optimists to embrace the idea of continuous progress and innovation.

Ethics and Insecticide: The Transcript

Bet On It • 75 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Animal Rights Consciousness Environmental Ethics
  1. Insects might feel pain, and if they do, there's a lot of suffering happening because so many insects exist. This makes their welfare a big ethical concern.
  2. Understanding how we impact insect populations is crucial. Even small actions can lead to the suffering or death of a huge number of insects, which is often overlooked.
  3. Many people don't empathize with insects, but if we consider their potential suffering, it challenges us to rethink topics like factory farming and how we value animal lives.

Just Stop Trying

Polymathic Being • 66 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Philosophical Concepts Eastern philosophy Western Philosophy Mindfulness Personal Development
  1. Trying too hard can actually lead to failure. It's better to relax and let things flow naturally.
  2. Embracing simplicity often leads to better outcomes. Sometimes the simplest ideas bring the most success.
  3. Pay attention to where you feel tension in your body, and let go of that stress. This can help improve your performance and creativity.

Salience Landscaping

the shimmering void • 93 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Cognition Self-development Curiosity Reasoning Attention
  1. Our brains deal with a lot of information, but we need to filter and prioritize what's important. This filtering helps us focus on what's relevant in the moment.
  2. Curiosity is a natural response to uncertainty. It's like a feeling that nudges us to explore new ideas or solutions when we're unsure about something.
  3. Improving our awareness of what we care about can help us make better decisions and avoid self-deception, especially in a world filled with distractions.

Dialogues on Psychophysical Harmony, Part 1

Going Awol • 239 implied HN points • 22 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Theism Naturalism Consciousness Harmony
  1. Psychophysical harmony is the observation that our mental states match up with the external, physical world in rationally appropriate ways.
  2. The existence of psychophysical laws, like gravity, governs the relationship between mental states and physical states, leading to harmony.
  3. On naturalism, the surprising nature of psychophysical harmony provides evidence against naturalism and potentially in favor of the theory that God exists.

on the meaning of ritual

alice maz • 78 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Cultural Theory Humanities
  1. Rituals are practices that help people understand and express important values like kindness and righteousness. They guide behavior and help maintain harmony in society.
  2. Xunzi believed that rituals are not fixed but can be created and adapted over time to meet the needs of society. This shows that traditions can evolve while still being useful.
  3. Rituals help structure relationships and social order, allowing for personal responsibilities and duties to be understood and respected within a community. This fosters mutual support and trust.

The drunkard and the lady

inexactscience • 79 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Mathematics Vision Decision-making Science
  1. Having a vision can help you make significant progress in life. Instead of just wandering aimlessly, a clear goal can lead you to where you want to go.
  2. Without a direction, your progress will be limited and unpredictable. You might only cover a small distance instead of reaching your true potential.
  3. In life, it's important to develop a sense of direction. The more focused and goal-oriented you are, the further you'll move towards your aspirations.

The Preachers of Death

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Poetry Literature
  1. There are people who promote the idea of giving up on life, calling them the 'preachers of death'. They see life as full of suffering and try to convince others to feel the same way.
  2. Some of these preachers believe that by avoiding life's pleasures, like having children or enjoying existence, they are being virtuous. This attitude can end up making life feel even heavier for everyone around them.
  3. It’s important to recognize when you're feeling tired of life and not let those who preach despair influence you. Life can be tough, but it's valuable and worth embracing.

Can open societies survive?

Hypertext • 59 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Liberalism Human nature Governance Diversity
  1. Liberal democracies have faced challenges in recent years due to the rise of ideologies hostile to the liberal order, resulting in increased doubt among defenders of liberal democracy
  2. In his final work, Gerald Gaus argued that open societies can address challenges through a liberal framework and highlighted the importance of public justification for moral justification in a diverse society
  3. Gaus proposed that open societies, despite facing complexity and governance issues, can succeed through bottom-up moral reasoning, local-level social contracts, and reliance on markets and democracy for collective self-governance