The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

What should I do? What would you do?

Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 1039 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Human behavior Decision-making Self-help
  1. It's common for people to look to experts for answers to their problems, but often there isn't a clear right answer. Many issues are complicated and need thoughtful discussion rather than a simple solution.
  2. Conversations can help people clarify their thoughts and feelings about difficult situations. Talking through problems can lead to better decisions that fit their unique lives.
  3. While some coaches or consultants may not have formal training, they can still provide valuable support. They can help clients understand their problems better and explore possible outcomes.

Finite Minds

Fake NoΓ»s β€’ 188 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic
  1. Infinitism in beliefs means you could have an endless chain of reasons for thinking something is true. However, since our minds are limited, it's hard to have a true infinite number of reasons.
  2. Beliefs must be based on more than just potential ideas or past thoughts; they need to be actively supported by real experiences or evidence to count as justified.
  3. Even when considering complex ideas like math or colors, our ability to truly grasp or hold onto those beliefs is still bound by our finite understanding and memory.

New essay: Soul Trader

Reactionary Feminist β€’ 5 implied HN points β€’ 11 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Identity Technology Metaphysics Consciousness Digital Age
  1. The concept of identity today relates to our understanding of the self and the soul, linking back to historical changes in awareness and technology. Understanding this connection helps us see how we evolved with our tools, starting with literacy.
  2. Modern technology, especially after the sexual revolution and through social media, has begun to commodify our emotional and social aspects, which can have both good and bad effects. This commodification can lead to profits but also risks or negative impacts for society.
  3. The writer suggests we can embrace technology without losing our sense of what it means to have a soul, as long as we acknowledge the difference between our deeper human qualities and digital tools. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of modern advancements while fostering genuine well-being.

Cruel to be kind

Disaffected Newsletter β€’ 1438 implied HN points β€’ 30 Apr 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Self-help Personal Growth Narcissism Mental health
  1. Sometimes people need to face pain or harsh truths to make real changes in their lives. Hitting rock bottom can help someone start fresh.
  2. It's okay to feel conflicted about wanting others to experience hardship. That struggle can lead to deeper understanding and personal growth.
  3. Facing difficult realities, like unhealthy relationships or addiction, can lead to positive transformation. Growing through pain often brings clarity and strength.
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Proem For All Post-Dark Age Civilizations

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe β€’ 2081 implied HN points β€’ 22 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Future studies
  1. The future of society will face serious challenges due to shrinking populations and an aging workforce. This means there may not be enough young people to do the jobs needed to maintain the economy.
  2. Energy and resources are becoming scarce, making it hard to sustain our current way of living. Fossil fuels are becoming less available, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind have limitations.
  3. Technological advances alone won't solve these problems. A major focus for future societies will be on managing what little energy and resources are left, leading to a more frugal, sustainable lifestyle.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 12/12/2024

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning β€’ 251 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political Philosophy Eastern 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.

The Economics of Altruism

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Altruism Economics Evolution Psychology
  1. Altruism can be understood in economic terms by suggesting that people might care about others' well-being as part of their own happiness. This means that helping others can also benefit the helper.
  2. The 'Rotten Kid Theorem' explains that even selfish behavior in children can lead them to act in ways that are good for everyone, as they understand their actions affect their parent's support.
  3. Altruism may have evolved as a way to help groups survive better. When one person helps others, it can create better cooperation for the whole group, making it more successful over time.

The Gramsci Gap

Breaking Smart β€’ 94 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jan 25
πŸ“– 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.

A map of my ignorance: Technostrategy and technofeudalism

Philosophy bear β€’ 135 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Politics Technology Labor Economics Society
  1. Many jobs, especially those in offices, could be replaced by AI soon. This change might make it hard for workers to find jobs and could create a big gap in wealth between those who benefit from AI and those who don't.
  2. Workers may start resisting these changes as jobs disappear. How this resistance plays out depends on the speed of job loss and the workers' ability to unite against it.
  3. The future of work will also depend on political reactions to AI. There might be new political groups forming to oppose AI advancements, reshaping how society views labor and automation.

The Free Will Debate Is Dead, but It Shambles On

American Dreaming β€’ 123 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Free will Determinism Compatibilism Ethics Metaphysics
  1. The debate over free will is mostly settled among thinkers, with most agreeing it doesn't exist as we traditionally think. We're influenced by many outside factors we can't control, which affects our actions and decisions.
  2. Many people feel they have free will, but this belief doesn't necessarily reflect the reality of how our minds work. Most academics lean towards compatibilism, which tries to redefine free will to fit our experiences.
  3. Understanding that free will might not exist can actually lead to a kinder society. It helps us see people's actions in context, promoting better ways of handling crime and punishment without the harshness that comes from believing everyone is fully responsible.

Just Don't Do It: The Hidden Virtues of Quitting

OK Doomer β€’ 144 implied HN points β€’ 08 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Decision-making Existentialism Cultural critique Psychology
  1. Quitting can be a tough decision, but sometimes it's the right one. It takes strength and discipline to walk away from something that isn't working out.
  2. Many people struggle with the idea of quitting due to societal pressure to always push forward. Learning when to stop can lead to a healthier mindset and better choices.
  3. The fear of stopping or changing paths can lead to bigger issues in society, such as unrealistic expectations for endless growth. It's okay to aim for balance and recognize when to take a step back.

Are "luxury beliefs" a real thing?

Noahpinion β€’ 3882 implied HN points β€’ 19 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Beliefs Luxury
  1. Beliefs can be like a consumption good, costing time and effort, especially when they require action to support them.
  2. Luxury beliefs confer status on the wealthy while inflicting costs on lower classes, such as fancy vocabulary, views on drug policy, and family structure.
  3. Different meanings of belief exist, from willingness to bet on an outcome to a feeling of truth and rightness in a statement.

Leftism is a Parasite

The J. Burden Show β€’ 2316 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political Ideology Hierarchy Dualism Morality Religion
  1. Left and Right are modern terms originating from the French Revolution, representing different ideologies.
  2. The idea of political dualism, viewing left and right as equal opposite forces, is a mistaken belief.
  3. The left is described as a parasite due to its nature of releasing power through entropy, striving for equality through destruction of traditional hierarchies.

Jean Laplanche and the Unfinished Copernican Revolution

Five’s Substack β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jul 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Psychoanalysis Cultural critique
  1. Laplanche's theory of general seduction suggests that our earliest interactions shape our unconscious. Instead of just focusing on adult experiences, he emphasizes the importance of early relationships and how they influence our identity.
  2. He argues that the Copernican Revolution is unfinished, meaning that humanity hasn't fully accepted its place in a universe that lacks a central point. This challenge raises questions about knowledge and how we define ourselves.
  3. In the therapy process, confusion often stems from unresolved feelings about our early relationships. People may spend their lives trying to understand what others want from them, leading to a cycle of creating fantasies to avoid confronting the original mysteries of their experiences.

The Best Charity Isn't What You Think

Fake NoΓ»s β€’ 259 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 24
πŸ“– 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.

First ask what it means

David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 269 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Political Philosophy Epistemology
  1. It's important to first understand what statements about climate change really mean before accepting them as true. Definitions of extreme weather can vary, so the impact of climate change may not be as straightforward as it seems.
  2. When people say healthcare is a human right, it raises questions about what that actually means and whether healthcare workers could be forced to provide care. The term needs clarification to avoid misunderstandings about what rights entail.
  3. Terms like 'living wage' can be vague and subjective. People often think of it as a wage that allows for a comfortable life, but what that looks like varies widely between individuals.

Places to intervene in a system

Subconscious β€’ 1423 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Systems theory Spirituality Ethics
  1. Intervening in a system can be done through different levels of influence, starting from simple changes like adjusting parameters to deeper shifts like altering mindsets.
  2. All systems are creations of our thoughts and perspectives, meaning we can change how we view these systems, which can influence outcomes.
  3. True change often requires patience and may not show immediate results, so focusing on inner transformation is essential for meaningful progress.

Of olfactory ethics and oaf-factory hysterics.

Philosophy bear β€’ 286 implied HN points β€’ 04 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Political theory Social Issues Cultural criticism
  1. Dr. Ally Louks is facing criticism online for her PhD topic about the social meaning of smell. Some people find her work pointless and label it as 'woke'.
  2. There is a divide in intellectual circles over what it means to be smart or knowledgeable, with some critiques focusing on how certain ideas are oversimplified or misrepresented.
  3. The online discussions often trend toward name-calling and dismissive attitudes instead of engaging with the actual arguments and ideas presented.

If the doctrine fits, ...

In My Tribe β€’ 1002 implied HN points β€’ 20 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ideology Political theory Ethics History Human behavior
  1. Some ideologies, like Communism, can attract people who seek power and control, often leading to oppressive regimes. This happens because the ideology allows leaders to justify cruelty in pursuit of a supposed utopia.
  2. Certain belief systems can be appealing to individuals with violent tendencies, while others attract more peaceful people. This means that personality can shape which doctrines someone might follow.
  3. The way people interact with each other, such as cooperating or competing, is influenced by their personal traits. People usually lean toward beliefs that match their nature, which affects how societies function.

This Chinese philosopher reformed politics in one generation

The Novelleist β€’ 923 implied HN points β€’ 27 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social reform Humanism
  1. Mòzǐ believed that political corruption in ancient China came from leaders acting in their own self-interest. He thought that if everyone cared about the community instead of just themselves, society would improve.
  2. He started a movement called 'inclusive care' that focused on helping others and making decisions for the benefit of all. This idea gained support among the middle class, leading to initiatives that helped the poor and promoted social welfare.
  3. Mòzǐ's efforts led to changes in government where more community-minded leaders emerged. His teachings inspired reforms that improved society, but ultimately Confucianism became the dominant philosophy in China.

What is a "Reason"?

Ethics Under Construction β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Logic Metaphysics
  1. A 'reason' is simply an objective explanation for something. It helps us understand truths by shedding light on unclear ideas.
  2. Objective explanations are thoughts that anyone can understand, giving everyone a similar view of the truth.
  3. To count as a reason, an explanation must be clear, logical, and able to be comprehended by anyone, not just a particular individual.

There's Nothing Wrong with Being Alone

OK Doomer β€’ 183 implied HN points β€’ 22 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Self-awareness Psychology Reflection Mental health
  1. Many people struggle to be alone because they feel uncomfortable with their own thoughts. It's common for folks to prefer distraction over quiet reflection.
  2. A study showed that half of adults would rather give themselves electric shocks than sit alone for just fifteen minutes. This highlights how difficult solitude can be for some.
  3. Pascal noted that our problems often arise from not being able to tolerate silence and being alone. This idea has been relevant for centuries.

For Pushing Large Men Off Bridges

Fake NoΓ»s β€’ 271 implied HN points β€’ 23 Nov 24
πŸ“– 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.

The Paradox of Persuasion

Mon0’s Substack β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 24 Aug 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Persuasion Morality Rhetoric Society
  1. Extreme ideas like total tolerance or non-violence can backfire. If you let negative behaviors go unchecked, they can take over society.
  2. Persuasion works in two ways: through careful thinking or quick judgments based on superficial traits. Understanding this can help us choose how to communicate effectively.
  3. Sometimes, to fight bad ideas or leaders, we might need to use their own tactics against them. This can feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to protect what's right.

The Tragic View of Life v. Spirituality

Castalia β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 01 Jun 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Spirituality Materialism Ethics
  1. Spirituality suggests there's a guiding intelligence in life, making events feel purposeful. Many people express spiritual ideas even if they're not religious.
  2. The tragic view of life sees meaning in the absurdity of existence, emphasizing courage in facing life's challenges without relying on a higher power.
  3. There's an ongoing debate between believing in spiritual guidance or accepting life's chaos. It can be more fulfilling to find strength in life's struggles than to search endlessly for meaning.

Notes on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature (Part 2)

Rob Henderson's Newsletter β€’ 890 implied HN points β€’ 15 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Human nature Power Dynamics Strategy Mastery
  1. Power dynamics are everywhere in our interactions and understanding them can help us navigate life better. It's important to pay attention to how power shifts between people in different situations.
  2. Seduction isn't just about romance; it can be used as a tool to influence and engage others. Learning to be more charming and persuasive can benefit many aspects of your life.
  3. Mastery takes time and persistent effort. Focus on honing your skills deliberately over time to achieve real expertise in your chosen field.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia β€’ 1631 implied HN points β€’ 30 Jan 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

Philosophy bear β€’ 221 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Politics Society Morality Legitimacy
  1. Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, was killed, and some people are actually happy about it. This shows how divided opinions can be about such events across different political views.
  2. The discussion around his death raises important ethical questions, especially about whether it's ever okay to celebrate someone's death. It's quite complex and can depend on the person's actions and their effects on others.
  3. There's a belief that the laws we follow might not always reflect true morality. Some argue that the actions of people in power can still cause harm, similar to outright violence, even if they're legally justified.

A Depoliticized Future

The J. Burden Show β€’ 738 implied HN points β€’ 26 Apr 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Liberalism Politics Society Human nature Civilization
  1. Liberalism aimed to depoliticize society but failed as politics is inherent to human nature and essential for societal order.
  2. Liberalism's attempt to distribute power widely actually increased the power of the state and led to bloodier conflicts.
  3. A well-functioning society needs a level of internal politics, but striving for a society with external politics, where enemies are outside of society, might lead to greater societal harmony.

The Tradeoffs of Language

Living Fossils β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Language Communication Education Cognition Social theory
  1. Language is a useful tool for communication, but it can also create confusion when it’s too complicated or specialized. Sometimes, people forget that not everyone has the same knowledge.
  2. Using clear and simple language helps everyone understand better and makes communication more effective. It’s better to avoid fancy words when simple ones will do.
  3. In therapy and other helpful conversations, it’s important to use language that clients can easily grasp. This builds trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.

A Bowl of Roses

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Imagination Spirituality
  1. The imaginal world is a special realm that exists independently, but we can only access it through our soul's understanding. It's like a bridge connecting our physical experiences and spiritual awareness.
  2. To perceive this imaginal world, we need to work on ourselves and develop a clean heart. This 'active imagination' helps us see deeper meanings and visions.
  3. The imaginal space offers real interactions with archetypal images and spiritual beings, helping seekers gain insight and understanding beyond the ordinary.

No, evolutionary theory does not justify your worst political nightmare

Optimally Irrational β€’ 79 implied HN points β€’ 06 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Evolution Psychology Social theory Politics Ethics
  1. Evolutionary theory doesn't support any specific political ideology, even though some people misuse it for their own agendas. It's important to focus on the science itself without letting politics influence our understanding.
  2. While evolution can seem harsh, it also highlights the importance of cooperation. Our ability to work together is key to our success as a species, not just competition.
  3. Misunderstanding evolutionary ideas can lead to false claims about human behavior, such as justifying sexism or selfishness. Recognizing the facts of evolution can help us build better societies that account for human nature.

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 β€’ 269 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 24
πŸ“– 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 β€’ 269 implied HN points β€’ 17 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Social theory Economic Growth Technological Change Historical Analysis
  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.