The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

Created unequal

ideassleepfuriously • 1375 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Equality Morality Political Metaphysical
  1. Human inequality is a reality that cannot be denied - some are faster, smarter, or more talented than others.
  2. There are distinct but related conceptions of equality: empirical, metaphysical, moral, and political equality.
  3. Political equality, where individuals are treated equally under the law, is a pragmatic and fair form of equality to strive for.

Why the Principle of Sufficient Reason is Self-Evident and its Criticisms are Self-Defeating

Ethics Under Construction • 20 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Logic Existence Truth Reason Knowledge Determinism
  1. The Principle of Sufficient Reason (PSR) states that everything has a reason for existing. It means for every fact, there's an explanation behind it.
  2. Critics of the PSR often make self-defeating arguments because they need reasons to argue against it. Thus, denying the PSR actually supports its validity.
  3. PSR is important for understanding the world and making sense of knowledge. It encourages us to seek underlying reasons rather than accept things as random.
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Antihumanism

Archedelia • 2555 implied HN points • 23 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Social control
  1. The idea of antihumanism is discussed in relation to systems of social control.
  2. An anecdote about a Google self-driving car facing a practical issue is shared.
  3. The impact of social norms on technology like self-driving cars is highlighted.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

The Upheaval • 1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Law Technology Family
  1. New reproductive technologies may change how we think about family and personhood. Instead of being linked to parents, children could be viewed as products that the state owns.
  2. The focus on individualism in family law can weaken the importance of natural family bonds. This shift may lead to the law treating relationships as just contracts rather than meaningful connections.
  3. The idea of family could be fundamentally altered, making children feel like they belong nowhere. This change can rob them of their history and sense of belonging, leading to a troubling loss of identity.

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.

More on Altruism

David Friedman’s Substack • 80 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Altruism Theories Economics
  1. People don't always act the way we expect when it comes to charity. For example, if you get a raise, you might donate more, but real donors often don't follow this theory and may change their donations based on their feelings instead.
  2. Folk songs often show a preference for marrying for beauty over wealth, suggesting that beauty is seen as noble. However, this often creates tension and even tragedy in the story, revealing complex social dynamics.
  3. Being in love might be related to altruism since loving someone can lead to wanting what’s best for them. But love can also involve mixed feelings, which makes it unclear how altruism plays a role in romantic relationships.

A few rough, random and spicy thoughts on crime, justice and justice systems that I've been chewing over

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Justice Ethics Crime Social Issues Rehabilitation
  1. Even people who commit serious crimes deserve some understanding and support. They shouldn't be completely cut off from social connections because it can hurt their chances of rehabilitation.
  2. It's important to differentiate between punishing someone for their actions and recognizing that they could still be a part of the community. Sometimes, society pushes people away too harshly, making forgiveness seem impossible.
  3. There should be protections against unfair convictions, even when laws seem clear. If a reasonable person thinks a conviction is unjust, there should be a way to challenge it in court.

About Being of Two Minds

Technohumanism • 79 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Self-awareness Rationality Modernity History
  1. The shift from Fortune to Reason marks a big change in how people see themselves and the world. People started to believe they could improve themselves instead of just relying on luck.
  2. The rise of new ideas and technology during the Renaissance helped create this sense of self-awareness. It changed how people thought about their place in the world and their ability to impact it.
  3. Even with all the changes, many old ideas and beliefs still linger. Our present largely builds on the past, showing that even with progress, the past isn't completely gone.

Scott Alexander's "Prison And Crime: Much More Than You Wanted To Know": My Thoughts

Philosophy bear • 200 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Justice Public Policy Social Issues
  1. Prison doesn't seem to effectively reduce crime overall. Instead, we should consider reducing incarceration since it often causes more harm than good.
  2. The costs of imprisonment go beyond just the economic side. They include suffering for prisoners and their families, and even increased crime within prisons.
  3. Even if people feel good about tough on crime policies, a cost-benefit analysis suggests that it's better to invest resources into alternatives to prison that can lead to safer communities.

Empedocles

Classical Wisdom • 2279 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Science
  1. Empedocles was a philosopher known for his belief in the four elements and the concept of a conscious universe.
  2. Empedocles believed in the forces of Love and Strife as the key elements in the interaction of the four worldly elements.
  3. Empedocles made significant contributions to early scientific testing, such as proving the existence of air using a water clock.

Virtue is in between vices

Austin Kleon • 3656 implied HN points • 16 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Virtue Stoicism Aristotle
  1. Virtue exists in the middle of two extremes, which are known as vices. This means finding a balance between too little and too much of a certain quality.
  2. This idea, known as the Doctrine of the Mean, suggests that we need to navigate between deficiency and excess to discover virtue.
  3. Many thinkers, like Aristotle and Confucius, have discussed this concept, showing that it has been an important part of ethical discussions through history.

Risers and Fallers

In My Tribe • 1032 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Intellectual history Cultural impact Psychology Political Science Sociology
  1. Some 20th-century thinkers, like John Kenneth Galbraith, have fallen in status, meaning fewer people today recognize their ideas or read their work.
  2. Others, like Rene Girard and John Maynard Keynes, have gained importance over time, with more people today acknowledging their contributions and theories.
  3. The relevance of intellectuals can vary by field; for example, figures in psychology like B.F. Skinner may be less noted now, while sociologists like Granovetter are gaining recognition.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble • 2232 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Religion Identity Spirituality Morality
  1. Hatred, when directed at evil and not individuals, can be a powerful force for rejecting what is harmful.
  2. According to philosophers like Aquinas and Nietzsche, properly understanding and harnessing hatred involves recognizing its role in opposing evil.
  3. It's crucial to distinguish between hating evil actions and hating individuals, as the former is aligned with rejecting what is harmful while the latter can be destructive.

Socrates' Wayward Student

Classical Wisdom • 2220 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Ethics Hedonism Virtue Morality
  1. Cyrenaic hedonists took a different approach to pleasure than Stoicism, focusing on pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain as the highest good.
  2. Aristippus, a follower of Socrates, diverged greatly from his teacher's principles to indulge in luxury and extravagance, believing in seeking pleasure while maintaining mastery over desires.
  3. Cyrenaic hedonism promotes living a life devoted to pursuing pleasures while also advocating for mastery over desires, without becoming a slave to pleasure.

Deus Ex Machina

imetatronink • 1611 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Ethics Reality Morality Perception
  1. The world is described as a place filled with engineered plagues and masks as symbols of love.
  2. There is a critique on society where the rich thrive and the poor are content with their circumstances.
  3. The text raises the idea that intelligence is now manufactured to serve human needs.

Aristotle on Luck

Classical Wisdom • 2181 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic
  1. Aristotle distinguishes between luck and chance, pointing out that luck involves events that occur unexpectedly without necessity or regularity.
  2. Luck requires conscious decisions and human intent, while chance is simply a coincidental occurrence without purpose.
  3. Understanding luck and chance can lead to philosophical questions about the universe and our existence.

Thou-Shalt-Not Do Anything

Variations on a Theme • 1178 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Liberty Morality Civilization Freedom
  1. Banning everything everywhere is becoming a popular trend, with bans ranging from travel during emergencies to gas stoves, books, and even youth tackle football.
  2. History shows that rebels who defy bans are often celebrated, with real-life examples like the Russian Samizdat and fictional heroes like those in Star Wars and The Matrix.
  3. The moral dilemma of banning things to create ‘proper civilization’ clashes with the concept of individual freedom and audacity, leading to questioning the effectiveness and morality of banning practices.

Essay Club: The Extended Mind by Andy Clark and David Chalmers

Mind & Mythos • 159 implied HN points • 16 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Cognition Mind Beliefs Cognitive Science Philosophers
  1. The idea of the 'extended mind' suggests that our thinking isn't just in our brains; it includes tools and objects around us. For example, using a calculator isn't just a help; it's part of how we think.
  2. The authors argue that relying on external objects, like notebooks or smartphones, can be essential for forming beliefs and ideas, similar to how we use our memories. This means our minds can extend into the world around us.
  3. While some people disagree with this view, saying real thinking should only happen in our heads, the authors believe that our connections to our environment and the tools we use are important parts of how we think and behave.

People Spend Too Much Time On Decisions with Equally Satisfying Outcomes

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 984 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Decision-making Cognitive Bias Behavioral Science Rationality
  1. People often waste time making decisions that don't have a big difference in the outcome. It's okay to choose quickly when the results are similar.
  2. Analysis paralysis can happen when someone overthinks decisions. Simplifying the process can help avoid this trap.
  3. Making a choice and moving forward can lead to more satisfaction than worrying too much about what could have been done differently. Taking action is usually better than hesitating.

Heraclitus

Classical Wisdom • 2103 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology
  1. Heraclitus believed in a world of constant change and transformation, emphasizing unity of opposites.
  2. Heraclitus' concept of the divine Logos serves as a guiding force for the universe, representing an underlying principle for all things.
  3. Heraclitus' philosophy of universal flux, likened to fire, highlights the harmony in the constant transformation of opposites.

Box #5

What Is Called Thinking? • 13 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Dialogue AI Ethics Cultural Commentary Learning
  1. We should teach AI to teach us, so that they can learn from us too. This way, the line between their teaching and our learning will blur.
  2. Logic is important, but it’s also just the beginning. There’s a deeper layer of understanding, like metaphysics, that enriches our knowledge.
  3. Engaging in thoughtful dialogue is better than just talking alone. Healthy arguments can lead to growth, but it’s not always easy to find good conversations.

Consistent Time-Travel Movies: A Quasi-Philosophical Love Letter (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 2156 implied HN points • 30 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Time travel Movies
  1. Many time-travel movies have confusing causation models, but it's fun to appreciate the ones that don't rely on paradoxes.
  2. Understanding the concept of time travel and causal loops can help in appreciating well-crafted time travel stories that make sense.
  3. Movies like 'Terminator' and 'Predestination' portray time travel in a consistent and logical manner, which can enhance the storytelling.

Compassion ceilings

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Social theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Some jobs limit how compassionate a person can be. This means people in certain roles cannot show their full kindness because of their job requirements.
  2. If the most compassionate people are excluded from roles, the overall compassion in that group decreases. This can lead to a culture that is less caring and more harsh.
  3. Compassion ceilings can have negative effects, even if the actions causing them aren't seen as wrong. The result is a workplace or society that is less understanding and more likely to harm others.

How The Psychologist Got Confused

Living Fossils • 27 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Evolutionary Psychology Behavioral Science Philosophy of science
  1. Just because something is called an explanation doesn't mean it really explains anything. A word can't fully clarify complex ideas.
  2. Complex topics need more detailed models to explain them. Simple labels aren't enough for deeper understanding.
  3. Many psychologists struggle with clear explanations because they often focus on labels rather than real underlying processes or mechanisms.

Reality Eats Culture For Breakfast: AI, Existential Risk and Ethical Tech

rebelwisdom • 2849 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Consciousness Quality Reality Values
  1. Calls for ethical technology are missing a crucial element that involves a radical revisioning of our ideas about reality.
  2. The metacrisis we face involves technology outpacing our cognitive, moral, and spiritual capacities, intertwined with a lack of coherent cultural or scientific story to explain consciousness.
  3. Appealing for value-driven technology is ineffective without a deeper understanding of the metaphysical foundations that shape our culture and values, such as the concept of consciousness as fundamental to reality.

Will you explain anarchism to me?

The Novelleist • 781 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social movements Anarchism
  1. Anarchism is about creating a society without centralized power or authority. It acknowledges that people might still try to gain power, but the goal is to build a culture that resists such authority.
  2. There are questions about how to protect communities striving for anarchy while facing external threats. People are thinking about ways to create temporary spaces of freedom and coordinate efforts across different regions.
  3. For anarchism to flourish, there needs to be a shared global sentiment among people. It’s essential to imagine what an anarchist society could look like, as this vision can help guide the movement.

Psychology Links, 1/19/2025

In My Tribe • 379 implied HN points • 19 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Self-deception Social Behavior Ethics
  1. Many adults get stuck at a certain stage of moral development, which limits their understanding of complex societal issues. It's important to transition to a higher stage to deal with modern challenges.
  2. People often don't recognize their true motives and tend to present themselves in a better light. This self-deception can make us overly optimistic about ideas like socialism.
  3. Some people are naturally inclined to enforce social norms, which can lead to dangerous ideologies if not kept in check. It's essential to be aware of these tendencies in order to maintain a balanced society.