The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

What hope do we have?

Disaffected Newsletter • 279 implied HN points • 01 Sep 22
📖 Philosophy Human nature Trust Issues Self-deception Cynicism
  1. People often cling to lies even when they know the truth. This can be seen in how they react to undeniable evidence.
  2. Everyone is capable of accepting falsehoods, not just 'bad' or 'stupid' people. It's a common human experience that can shape one's life negatively.
  3. Doubts about societal and governmental care can lead to feelings of disillusionment. Many people feel that policies may do more harm than good, and that true concern is often self-serving.

Swinburne's Argument Against Suicide

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Religion Logic God Suicide
  1. Swinburne's argument against suicide is based on the idea that if God exists, taking one's own life is ungrateful towards the gift of life given by God.
  2. Swinburne's argument falls short in the face of extreme suffering, where ending one's life may not be a violation of gratitude towards God, as seen in cases like severe pain or incurable genetic conditions.
  3. The premise that suicide is always wrong due to ingratitude to God is questionable, as destroying a harmful gift might be what a loving benefactor would want in certain extreme circumstances.

Models of Humans

10-year Horizon • 159 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Mind Consciousness Self Reality Existence
  1. Learning often involves modeling others' behaviors, beliefs, and ways of thinking. We unconsciously create mental models of people we admire or learn from.
  2. Our brains and AI models share similarities in how they learn and adapt, going through training phases to recognize patterns and predict outcomes.
  3. Exploring and understanding our inner sub-personalities through techniques like Internal Family Systems can help us manage relationships with these models for personal growth.

Infinitesimals revisited

Infinitely More • 38 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Mathematics Logic Foundations Ontology
  1. Infinitesimals were once thought to be nonsense in calculus but actually led to important mathematical breakthroughs. They help us understand changes in functions in a very effective way.
  2. Nonstandard analysis, introduced in the 1960s, provides a solid way to use infinitesimals rigorously through hyperreal numbers. This helps to connect the old and modern approaches in calculus.
  3. Different perspectives on nonstandard analysis can lead to various mathematical ideas and research directions, showing that there's not just one correct way to approach mathematical concepts.
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You’re Wasting Your Life

antoniomelonio • 126 implied HN points • 09 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Absurdism Humanism Self-reflection Life choices
  1. Life is short, and every day spent in a job that feels meaningless brings us closer to the end. We should value our time and seek out what truly matters to us.
  2. We have the potential to explore and create amazing things, but often find ourselves stuck in mundane tasks. It's important to remember that we can break free from this cycle and pursue our passions.
  3. Living a fulfilling life means making conscious choices, even in small ways. Instead of just existing, we should strive to truly live, embrace our creativity, and rebel against the ordinary.

My Identity Crisis

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 36 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Identity Culture Society Ecology Politics
  1. Many people feel lost about how to create real change in society. It can be tough to find hope when seeing things get worse and worse.
  2. There's a struggle between taking care of ourselves and looking out for our planet and communities. Some folks seem to care more about their own comfort than helping others.
  3. Technology that was hoped to bring positive changes can sometimes just make things worse. It's important to keep an eye on how it affects society, especially when it comes to our environment.

The Gramsci Gap

Breaking Smart • 94 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Marxism Etymology Cultural critique
  1. The 'Gramsci Gap' talks about a time when old systems are fading and new ones are struggling to emerge. It's a confusing period filled with strange and troubling events.
  2. It connects ideas of power and control, showing how rulers and the rules they create influence society. Both individual actions and larger systems can produce negative effects.
  3. Understanding this gap helps us recognize how both personal decisions and structural issues can create problems, pointing to the need for change in how we govern and relate to one another.

What Critics of the Humanities Don't Understand

Humanities in Revolt • 299 implied HN points • 10 Feb 22
📖 Philosophy Values Critical Thinking Aesthetics Political Philosophy Moral Philosophy
  1. Critics of the humanities often underestimate their importance and mistakenly prioritize practical fields like STEM over humanities. However, an in-depth analysis reveals the value-based assumptions behind such claims.
  2. The humanities contribute to understanding human existence beyond mere practicality by encouraging contemplation of values, creativity, and the human condition. They help us figure out our fundamental goals and values that guide decision-making.
  3. Philosophy delves into examining human values, morality, aesthetics, and political philosophy, emphasizing the indispensable role the humanities play in critically evaluating our beliefs, actions, and societal structures based on deeper values.

The Tale of the Machine

The Abbey of Misrule • 416 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Modernity Religion Technology Culture Spirituality
  1. The essay series discusses the modern project of replacing nature with technology and the emergence of the Machine as a powerful force shaping society.
  2. It explores the impacts of Machine values on culture, including the loss of human connections, cultural upheaval, and the rise of individualism.
  3. The series delves into potential responses to the dominance of the Machine, including stoicism, reactionary radicalism, and the search for eternal values amidst societal decline.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Happiness Meaning Values Humanity
  1. Happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and it takes many paths to achieve it. Finding what brings you joy is a personal journey.
  2. Wealth is important, not just as money, but as having enough resources to help others and improve lives. The more resources we have, the more good we can do.
  3. Decreasing trauma and increasing joy in life, or 'splendor', are key to personal and societal happiness. Every small effort counts in making the world a better place.

"The Will To Believe" by William James

Center for Veb Account Research Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Mind Pragmatism Ethics Religion History
  1. When a choice really matters—because the options feel live, are forced, and have important consequences—it can be reasonable to let your will or feelings decide a belief if the evidence can’t settle it; doing nothing is itself a risky choice.
  2. Belief formation is a psychological process that mixes feeling, effort, and habit, and once a belief is fixed it tends to lose its doubt; forming beliefs always involves trade-offs between different kinds of error, so you should pick a risk attitude that fits the situation.
  3. Truth is practical and fallible: aim for beliefs that work and can be improved by evidence rather than for absolute certainty, and use evidence to make options live and testable while tolerating different reasonable stances on beliefs.

In spite of time.

Neckar’s Notes • 84 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mortality Time Human behavior Spirituality
  1. We often distract ourselves from the fear of death with activities like scrolling on our phones or drinking alcohol. This shows how much we want to avoid thinking about time running out.
  2. Instead of making us appreciate our time more, anxiety about time can sometimes lead us to waste it. We think we have future opportunities and can make up for lost moments later.
  3. Wasting time can be a form of rebellion against the limits of life and death. It's like spending our last bit of money on something pointless, knowing that it might hurt us later.

Links to Consider, 2/22

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Social Philosophy Knowledge Metaphysics Idealism
  1. The concept of equalitarianism promotes the idea that groups are equal, but in reality, this ideology leads to harmful outcomes and false narratives.
  2. Traditional economic measurements may not fully account for unpaid work like caregiving, which can distort GDP calculations and signify the need for broader economic perspectives.
  3. Philosophy, unlike settled scientific areas, remains a field of exploration for unresolved questions, making classic philosophical texts important for contemplating ongoing uncertainties.

Meaning #298

Daily Philosophy • 39 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Meaning Names Time Existence Narrative
  1. The short story delves into the meaning and significance we attribute to names, exploring how different interpretations can impact our experiences.
  2. The narrative showcases a town where buildings have names instead of numbers, reflecting unique beliefs and values of their owners.
  3. The story blends philosophical musings about time and creativity, highlighting how diverse perspectives shape the creation and perception of timepieces.

When Hatred and Fear Mask as Indignation

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics Social justice Education Political theory
  1. Indignation is feeling morally upset about someone doing something wrong, while contempt is viewing someone as less than human and not caring about their welfare. It's important to understand the difference between these feelings.
  2. People often hide their contempt under the guise of indignation, especially towards groups like children who may commit crimes. We should question this attitude and seek to unmask the true feelings behind it.
  3. Children's moral development is ongoing, and they shouldn't be held to the same standard of moral responsibility as adults. It's unjust to treat them as fully moral agents while denying them basic rights like voting.

A short philosophical history

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics History Narrative Transhumanism Altruism
  1. Morality has evolved over time, influenced by intelligence, language, and culture. It can be seen as both a helpful adaptation and something that just happens without benefit, like men's nipples.
  2. The main conflict in history is between human morality and natural selection. Sometimes they work together, but other times they clash, shaping our progress as a species.
  3. We may have the chance to take control of our future and overcome natural selection through technology and ethics. Once we do this, our moral values could become the guiding force for society.

Finding Stoicism

Polymathic Being • 75 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Ethics Emotions Agency Mindfulness
  1. Stoicism is about understanding and managing emotions, not suppressing them. It's important to feel and appreciate our emotions rather than act like they don't matter.
  2. Many people struggle with anxiety because they lack challenges in life, feel pressured to blame others, and often ignore their own ability to take control. Stoicism helps address these issues by teaching personal responsibility.
  3. To practice Stoicism, focus on yourself, take ownership of your actions, and avoid getting distracted by others' problems. By doing this, you can find balance and improve your mental well-being.

If You Want to Hit Your Target, Take More Shots

The Palindrome • 6 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Decision Theory Probability Rationality Epistemology Ethics
  1. If you want to hit your target, take more shots — more attempts raise your chance of success.
  2. Trying lots of ideas across different areas (projects, posts, dating, work) leads to more wins because each attempt gives feedback you can learn from and improve.
  3. Unlikely successes become likely with enough trials, so don’t be discouraged by early failures — persistence and volume pay off.

Beginning Again

Anima Mundi • 41 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Mindfulness Personal Growth Spirituality
  1. Beginning again is not about starting from scratch, but from a place of knowledge and experience. It allows us to approach life with more clarity and strength.
  2. It's important to embrace the quiet moments when life offers us a chance to restart. This can be seen as an opportunity to connect deeply rather than rush or perform.
  3. Rather than viewing beginning again as failure, see it as a chance to nurture and grow. It's about creating systems that heal and listening to our inner desires without pressure.

A Philosopher from the 1960s Knew All About Our Doomscrolling

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Social Critique Historical Analysis Cultural Theory
  1. Doomscrolling is not just a bad habit; it's a way people try to understand threats and protect themselves. It's about getting the facts to feel in control.
  2. Telling people to stop doomscrolling or ignoring bad news isn't a good solution. It can actually make the problems worse by promoting toxic positivity.
  3. Historically, institutions have labeled undesirable behaviors as mental health problems, which often ignores the real issues. This creates stigma instead of solutions.

EA Funds Post Update

Thing of Things • 39 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Effective Altruism
  1. Effective altruism funds involve donating to specific grantmakers who then distribute the money strategically.
  2. The author encourages sharing new funds or updates on existing ones for inclusion in the annual list.
  3. Grantmakers are urged to start their own unique funds to offer donors more choices and set higher standards.

Life is Not an Investment

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 06 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Value Consumption Work Fulfillment Humanity
  1. The humanities teach us to value things that are good in themselves, like love and personal development, rather than just things that lead to something else like money or status.
  2. It's important to acknowledge the inherent value of labor and the products of that labor, rather than solely focusing on productivity or profit.
  3. Consumption and work should be aligned with fundamental human values like truth, goodness, and fulfillment, rather than being driven by a never-ending pursuit of material possessions or profit.

The New Hereditarian Man

From the New World • 237 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Egalitarianism Human nature Eugenics Rule of Law
  1. The New Soviet Man concept was imaginary, as evident from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
  2. Egalitarian sentiment persists despite evidence of biological differences, leading to challenges in discussing individual disparities.
  3. Institutions like rule of law and free markets can serve as solutions to counteract egalitarian pathologies and promote rational behavior.

The Economics of Vice and Virtue

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Society Economics Virtue Behavior
  1. Having an aggressive personality can work as a commitment strategy, but can lead to potential risks in encounters.
  2. Being honest and showing virtue is beneficial in voluntary interactions, leading to higher payoffs for individuals.
  3. In a market society where most associations are voluntary, virtues have higher payoffs and vices have lower payoffs, resulting in overall nicer behavior.

"For you, the Grail."

What's Important? • 44 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Consciousness Technology Mysticism Self-discovery
  1. Technology has a big role in our evolution and consciousness growth. It's important to consider how we use it wisely.
  2. The stories of the Knights Templar and their secrets remind us of the balance between power and free will. Using mystical knowledge should enrich our personal journeys, not take away our growth.
  3. Choosing our own path is essential. The real value lies in our unique experiences, and no technology or guide should replace our personal lessons in life.

Ehud Olmert on Gaza; reading After Virtue after bureaucracy; A Postscript

Unpopular Front • 42 implied HN points • 25 May 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Moral Philosophy Political theory Modernity Bureaucracy Virtue ethics
  1. Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli Prime Minister, openly condemns the actions in Gaza as war crimes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  2. Philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre argues that modern moral discourse is fragmented and often reduced to mere emotional manipulation, lacking real substance.
  3. MacIntyre believes that true moral judgments are factual and based on social roles, suggesting we need to revive older traditions to find genuine meaning in our practices.

Why People Are Irrational About Politics

Fake Noûs • 230 implied HN points • 24 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology Politics
  1. The post discusses why people are irrational about politics and presents an explanation for this behavior.
  2. The content is available only for paid subscribers, indicating a sense of exclusivity.
  3. The author references a publication in _Philosophy, Politics, and Economics_ as a basis for the post, showing an academic foundation.

What Is Work?

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Social Constructs
  1. Work often means how you make money, but that doesn't always show your true effort or success. Many rich people actually avoid traditional work, relying on investments instead.
  2. People often see work as something unpleasant that we have to do to survive. This perspective highlights how work can feel like coercion, especially in rigid job hierarchies.
  3. There's a blurred line between work and leisure, as many enjoyable activities can also be seen as work. Ultimately, true work should provide value to others and be something we find pleasure in.

On The Public/Private Polarity

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory Public Discourse Personal freedom Civil Society Ethics
  1. Kant's idea flips the normal understanding of public and private. He suggests that people in roles with obligations act 'private,' while those writing freely are 'public.'
  2. Today, many feel trapped by their jobs and use social media to express themselves more freely. This creates a divide between those who feel constrained and those who can speak openly.
  3. Power can actually limit freedom, not expand it. Many chase power thinking it will bring them freedom, but it often just adds layers of constraint.

Tactics versus strategies in the theory of games

Infinitely More • 25 implied HN points • 03 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Game Theory Logic Strategy Tactics Mathematics
  1. Tactics are focused, short-term moves in games, while strategies are broader plans that consider the entire game history. Think of tactics like specific plays in a game of chess compared to a strategy that shapes the whole match.
  2. In game theory, a tactic works with just the current state of play, while a strategy includes the whole journey to that point. This means tactics can be very specific to the moment, without knowing the past turns.
  3. Understanding whether a game has winning tactics or strategies helps players decide their best moves. It's important to know if there's a guaranteed win for one player or if both can only draw.

Mastering Irreverence

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Existentialism Ethics Aesthetics Cultural critique
  1. Irreverence helps us see the truth behind societal norms and values. By questioning these, we can break free from the distractions that keep us from what truly matters.
  2. Reverence allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonder in life. Feeling awe for nature or art can elevate our mood and give us a sense of connection to something greater.
  3. Balancing irreverence and reverence is essential for clear thinking and meaningful living. We need both to challenge old ideas while also grounding ourselves in what gives life depth and value.

We can do something, we are not helpless

Technology, Environment, and Art • 39 implied HN points • 27 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Education Technology Companies Community
  1. Recognize that despite facing significant problems, we are not powerless. There is a need to address the imbalance between our primal instincts and inner nature to create positive change.
  2. Education systems worldwide are inadvertently contributing to reinforcing a destructive global economic system. We require more critical thinkers questioning the foundation of our current societal structure.
  3. To combat the negative impacts of technology and global capitalism, it is vital to form self-sufficient communities, spread awareness of the issues, and dedicate time to contemplate solutions. Collective action is key to building a better world.