The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

The Free Speech Dilemma with Jules Evans

The Bigger Picture • 0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 21
📖 Philosophy Free speech
  1. Philosopher Jules Evans discusses the delicate nature of free speech in a new series called Philosophical Journeys.
  2. The post seems to focus on the complexity and importance of navigating issues related to free speech.
  3. Interested readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial subscription to The Bigger Picture.

Forbidden Truths from Within

Vic's Verdict • 0 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Logic Epistemology Ontology Systems theory Ethics
  1. Gödel's Incompleteness Theorem tells us that no system can be both complete and consistent. This means some truths can't be proven within a system, reminding us that there are limits to what we can understand.
  2. In health and personal systems, we often focus too narrowly on specific areas without considering the larger context. This can lead to solutions that fix one problem but create new issues elsewhere.
  3. When working in groups or organizations, it's important to get outside perspectives. These outsiders can see the bigger picture and help identify blind spots that those involved might miss.

The Social Discount Rate is Plausibly Negative

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Economics Social theory Value theory Moral Philosophy
  1. The social discount rate helps us understand how we value our current consumption compared to future consumption. A higher discount rate means we prefer to consume now rather than later.
  2. There are different views on the social discount rate. Some might prioritize current needs and want a high rate, while others might value future generations equally, leading to a zero rate.
  3. In decision-making about resources and moral issues, we should consider hypothetical people, as well as current people's needs. This broader perspective can change how we approach important social issues.

A kitten darts across the road

Devansh’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Emotion Human experience Life Reflection
  1. Sometimes, our instincts react faster than our thoughts when we see something concerning. Just like when I saw the kitten, I felt a rush of emotions before I could even think.
  2. Life can throw unexpected surprises at us, and we often feel unprepared for them. It's a reminder that we need to build ways to cope with sudden emotional reactions.
  3. Small events, like a kitten crossing the road, can trigger big feelings. It's important to recognize and accept our emotions during such moments.
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unfinished thoughts

Midnight Musings • 0 implied HN points • 22 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Self-reflection Human behavior
  1. Taking proactive action helps you imagine a better future, rather than just reacting to everything around you. Creating space for your thoughts can lead to more meaningful personal growth.
  2. Our belief in what we're doing influences our health more than we might think. Instead of following strict health guidelines, listening to our bodies and trusting our instincts may lead to better well-being.
  3. What does 'home' really mean? It might be less about a physical place and more about feeling at peace and connected with ourselves and others.

advice is highly sus

Midnight Musings • 0 implied HN points • 25 Jul 22
📖 Philosophy Wisdom Advice Ethics Self-reflection Personal Growth
  1. Be careful with advice. Just because someone is considered an expert doesn't mean their experiences will work for you. Everyone's journey is unique.
  2. Not all advice is good advice. Sometimes, people give advice based on their values, which might not match yours. It's important to think about what you truly want.
  3. Instead of trying to copy others, it's better to look inside yourself for guidance. Reflect on what really makes you happy, rather than chasing external success.

Three principles to overcome clouded judgment

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Mindset Creativity Judgment Knowledge Art
  1. It's important to avoid rushing to judgment, especially about art. Taking time to understand and appreciate ambiguity can lead to deeper insights.
  2. Letting go of the need for control helps in gaining better understanding. Being open to different outcomes can lead to new ideas and creativity.
  3. We should treat knowledge like stock options that expire. Our understanding can change over time, so we need to remain flexible and ready to adapt our views.

Navigating Narratives: A Stoic's Guide to Postmodernism

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Postmodernism Stoicism Narratives Power Dynamics Control
  1. Postmodernism questions the big stories about the world, suggesting they might not be as objective as we think.
  2. Many narratives revolve around power dynamics, often portraying someone as the hero and another as the villain.
  3. Stoicism encourages focusing on what we can control, reflecting on empowering narratives, and seeking diverse stories for personal growth.

The thing which embraces

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Thought Humanity Crisis Knowledge Complexity
  1. Complex thinking helps us connect different pieces of knowledge. It allows us to understand complex problems more deeply.
  2. We often learn in separated topics, which can prevent us from seeing the bigger picture of being human and our challenges.
  3. Right now, we face many linked crises, like ecological and economic issues, that we need to understand together to find solutions.

Long-range dependance

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Sometimes, the value of something isn't about how complete it is, but about the impact of specific parts. For instance, losing the last page of a story can feel like a big deal, while a missing page in a dictionary doesn’t change much.
  2. Different experiences in life have varying levels of importance. Some events or moments are like the very valuable pages in a novel, while others are just pages that don’t add much to our overall experience.
  3. We should think about what makes our daily experiences worthwhile. Just like in a book, some days or moments can bring a lot of joy while others might not seem significant at all.

Drown in an inch of water

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Logic Ethics Rhetoric
  1. It's okay to change your mind about things. Believing that all knowledge is uncertain can make life feel lighter and more open.
  2. We often wrongly assume our conclusions are true without enough evidence. It's important to question our beliefs instead of just accepting them.
  3. Knowledge can be viewed like a financial option. It has a limited time to be useful, and we should regularly assess its value and relevance.

The world is an open system

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Narratives Cognition Science Worldview
  1. The world gives us a fresh start every day. This means we can change our stories and try new things, even if it feels hard sometimes.
  2. Simpler stories often hold more power in our lives. They can connect us better and are easier for everyone to relate to, even if they're vague.
  3. Some ideas stick around longer because of our shared experiences and how we connect with each other. This can make it tough to change our perspectives or break old habits.

Mountains of evidence

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Narrative Theory Cognitive Bias Social influence Storytelling
  1. Changing long-held beliefs can be very difficult, similar to trying to change family traditions. People often resist changes to their narratives, even when there is strong new evidence.
  2. We are naturally inclined to seek agreement with others, which helps shape our stories and perspectives. Our social circles greatly influence our thoughts and actions.
  3. When new ideas challenge established beliefs, it can create disruption. Over time, fresh perspectives will challenge and change old narratives, leading to new understandings.

Quanta or Qualia?

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Narrative Theory Globalism Information Theory
  1. We can look at storytelling by considering the medium, or how interconnected we are. It makes a big difference if information flows easily or if there are barriers.
  2. Understanding the message means examining how different stories connect and influence each other. This can be challenging but is really important.
  3. In our global world, spotting new connections and patterns in information is crucial. It's all about understanding how stories overlap and what that means.

Know when to stop searching

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Knowledge Cognition Metaphysics
  1. Having courage can inspire more courage in others. Being brave can create a chain reaction of bravery.
  2. Focusing too much on every detail can lead to feelings of meaninglessness. When everything is known, it can feel like nothing matters.
  3. Having choices is great, but having too many can complicate things. It helps to set some limits to make decision-making easier.

Don’t try to optimise life decisions

Tecnica • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Existentialism Rationality Chaos Theory Human behavior
  1. Life decisions can be unpredictable, and overthinking them isn't always helpful. Sometimes, a seemingly small choice can lead to big changes.
  2. We often need to balance enjoying the present and thinking about the future when making decisions. It's a choice between being happy now or planning for what's ahead.
  3. Accept that life is a chaotic system, and not every decision will turn out the way you expect. It's okay to embrace the uncertainty instead of trying to control everything.

Loosing focus in decision-making

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognitive Science Critical Thinking Mindfulness Productivity
  1. Focusing on too many tasks at once can lead to a lack of quality decisions. It's important to realize that deep focus is rare and valuable.
  2. Not all decisions are equally important. Some choices can be made quickly and changed later, while others require careful thought before proceeding.
  3. Using curated lists can help simplify decision-making. They reduce complexity and make it easier to choose among options without feeling overwhelmed.

Stories with four characters

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 26 May 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Narrative Theory Cognitive Science Strategic Thinking
  1. Stories can have four key characters: you, your opponents, the known, and the unknown. This helps create a clear strategy in any situation.
  2. Using four characters can bring a sense of stability compared to just three. It's about finding balance and understanding different perspectives.
  3. In both stories and computer science, the concept of four relates to structure and relationships. Recognizing these connections can deepen our understanding of both fields.

The Cloud and the Soup

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 10 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ontology Existentialism Aesthetics
  1. Clouds can be unique in their shapes and appearances. Each cloud can remind us of personal experiences, making them feel special.
  2. Clouds share universal qualities with each other and everything in nature. At a basic level, everything is connected and similar, regardless of differences.
  3. There are patterns and structures in the universe that help us understand how things relate. Looking for similarities can help find connections, but it's also interesting to explore what remains the same despite changes.

Principles not facts

do clouds feel vertigo? • 0 implied HN points • 28 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Understanding principles is often more valuable than just knowing facts. Having a good grasp of key ideas helps to fill in knowledge gaps.
  2. Real-life systems are complex and often unpredictable. You can't always expect straightforward results from your actions.
  3. Linear relationships can be useful, but they don't always tell the full story. It's important to consider the bigger picture and not get stuck in rigid thinking.

The International Memory Reading Group

The Memory Palace • 0 implied HN points • 07 May 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Science Education Literature Research
  1. The International Memory Reading Group connects people from different fields who study memory. This helps everyone learn more about memory from various perspectives.
  2. The group focuses on discussing recently published works, which allows members to offer feedback and build on new ideas together. It's a way to keep everyone updated on the latest research.
  3. Meeting virtually makes it possible for members from around the world to join in. This diverse participation enriches the conversations and promotes collaboration across disciplines.

Finding Strength Through Stoicism

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 09 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Self-awareness Resilience Ancient Philosophy
  1. Stoicism is an ancient philosophy that focuses on accepting life's hardships and taking control of our actions instead of being affected by external events.
  2. Practicing stoic principles can help improve emotional intelligence, mental clarity, resilience in tough situations, and relationships with others.
  3. By embracing stoicism, individuals can learn to manage difficult emotions, stay focused on their goals, and cultivate inner peace and resilience during challenging times.

The Stoic Teachings of Ecclesiastes

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 11 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Meaning of life Values Ancient Wisdom
  1. Ecclesiastes and Stoicism share values of moderation and simplicity, emphasizing fulfillment from nature, self-improvement, and personal responsibility.
  2. Both Ecclesiastes and Stoicism teach us to prioritize what truly matters like family, friends, meaningful work, and to focus on what is within our control.
  3. Embracing life's impermanence is a key lesson from Ecclesiastes and Stoicism, encouraging us to live fearlessly in the present without clinging to the past or worrying about the future.

An Introduction to Stoic Justice

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Justice Stoicism Virtue Empathy
  1. Stoic justice focuses on promoting principles like justice, equity, and fairness to achieve happiness and inner peace.
  2. Stoic justice emphasizes cultivating respect for others, promoting self-control and moderation, fostering humility, and encouraging empathy towards others' struggles and suffering.
  3. By embracing the values of Stoic justice, such as respect, self-control, humility, and empathy, we can work towards creating a more just and equal society where everyone's basic needs are met.

The 4 Goals of Stoic Courage

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Stoicism Courage Acceptance Self-Reliance Resilience Contentment
  1. Stoic courage involves accepting the current situation, focusing on what can be changed, and reframing perspectives to take positive action.
  2. Self-reliance is an important aspect of stoic courage, emphasizing the need to trust oneself and handle challenges independently without becoming overwhelmed.
  3. Developing resilience is crucial in stoic courage, allowing individuals to overcome obstacles with inner strength and maintain a positive outlook despite setbacks.

Four Ways to Achieve Stoic Self-Reliance

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Self-Reliance Stoicism Emotional resilience Self-Discipline
  1. Living within your means is crucial for stoic self-reliance, so practice mindful spending and create a budget to manage finances efficiently.
  2. Develop self-discipline by forming good habits and practicing mindfulness to avoid emotional decision-making and financial strain.
  3. Cultivate emotional resilience to bounce back from setbacks, see challenges as growth opportunities, and surround yourself with a supportive community.
  4. Master your craft to achieve true independence by relying on your skills and knowledge, stepping out of your comfort zone to expand expertise.

A Closer Look at Frédéric Bastiat’s Concerns About the Perversion of the Law

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Law Ethics Government Justice Democracy
  1. Perversion of the Law happens when laws favor a specific group over others, leading to unjust concentrations of power and injustices against those outside the favored class.
  2. When laws are perverted, legislators risk losing authority and legitimacy, leading to economic instability, inefficient resource allocation, and increased social conflict.
  3. Frédéric Bastiat believed the solution to preventing the perversion of law was strict adherence to natural law principles, ensuring equal opportunities for success and preventing favoritism towards any group.

Frédéric Bastiat on the Perversion of the Law

Wayne's Earth • 0 implied HN points • 14 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Government Justice Rights Freedom
  1. Frédéric Bastiat argued that when laws are misused to benefit some at the expense of others, it violates basic human rights and harms society.
  2. He emphasized that laws should solely protect individual rights and freedoms, not be exploited for personal gain or political advantage.
  3. Bastiat's warnings about the perversion of law are still relevant today, cautioning against governments using laws to favor certain groups over others and stressing the importance of upholding justice and liberty for all.