The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

How To Go On In A World Full Of Cruelty

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Beauty Human experience Nature
  1. Feeling overwhelmed by the world's cruelty is normal. It's okay to take a break and fully experience those emotions before getting back to work.
  2. Finding beauty in everything, even in dark and difficult situations, can help keep hope alive. You can appreciate the world's chaos while still fighting for a better future.
  3. Love for the planet and all its creatures is a powerful motivator. This love drives actions and encourages resilience, even amid challenging times.

Envy and Suspicion

In My Tribe • 622 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Ethics Ideology Psychology Cultural critique Social theory
  1. Envy is a common feeling that can lead to negative emotions like jealousy and resentment. It's important to recognize envy as something harmful that we should manage, not something that should be encouraged.
  2. Suspicion often leads to a negative view of people's motives, making it hard to understand their true intentions. Instead of jumping to conclusions, it’s better to be compassionate and see people as whole individuals.
  3. Both envy and suspicion are growing problems in society today. With a focus on resentment and distrust, it’s crucial to find ways to overcome these feelings for a healthier community.
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The Decline of The Humanities In The 21st Century, And How To Revive The Economy of Ideas.

A Mug of Insights • 1218 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
đź“– Philosophy History Ethics Metaphysics Critical Theory Humanities
  1. Students are more focused on exam success than genuine learning or philosophical inquiry.
  2. The modern education system prioritizes practicality over understanding in the humanities.
  3. There is a resurgence in interest in humanities despite challenges, showing hope for a revival in the economy of ideas.

EAs should probably focus on recruiting the ultra-wealthy

Something to Consider • 99 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
đź“– Philosophy Ethics Altruism Economics Social Impact Fundraising
  1. Effective Altruism should prioritize recruiting wealthy individuals because a big donation can have a much larger impact than many small ones. It's more beneficial to convince one billionaire to give a large amount than to have thousands give small amounts.
  2. The reputation issues from past events, like the collapse of Sam Bankman-Fried's companies, shouldn't discourage efforts to recruit wealthy donors. The potential benefits of their donations greatly outweigh these concerns.
  3. Investing resources in programs that can attract wealthy individuals is seen as a very cost-effective strategy for Effective Altruism, as the benefits can be significantly greater.

Robot Philosophy

Egg Report • 569 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
đź“– Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Intelligence Time Logic
  1. In the realm of computation, complex statements can be broken down into simple ones, reflecting a mono-causal, universalist view of reality.
  2. Projects like AI and VR are attempts to recreate intelligence and reality, each carrying metaphysical claims about the simplicity and illusory nature of complexity.
  3. Engaging with computers and writing code trains individuals to think in a certain way, guiding them towards a robotic mindset and reinforcing metaphysical assumptions.

Excalibur

Becoming Noble • 996 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
đź“– Philosophy Hierarchy Tradition
  1. The qualities that define nobility have varied but always involve the concept of the genuinely superior ruling the inferior.
  2. To maintain power, the nobility must embody and be perceived as a manifestation of the Divine Will, holding the Mandate of Heaven.
  3. Incorruptibility is essential for kings to prevent them from becoming tyrants, and for a society to turn away from modern decadence and return to a traditional reality.

Three Diagnoses of Totalitarianism: Kelley, Arendt, and Desmet in Conversation

Who is Robert Malone • 12 implied HN points • 23 Feb 26
đź“– Philosophy Political Philosophy Social theory Intellectual history Ethics Modernity Totalitarianism
  1. Ordinary people, not monsters, can become perpetrators when put into certain social and psychological conditions.
  2. Widespread loneliness, atomization, free‑floating anxiety, and lack of meaning create fertile ground for mass formation that suppresses independent thinking and turns people into unquestioning followers.
  3. Preventing totalitarian dynamics requires a multi‑level response: cultivate independent thinking and civic institutions, rebuild genuine social bonds and meaning, and protect vocal dissent to break the spell of collective hypnosis.

Unpsyopable

thestoa • 589 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
đź“– Philosophy Conspiracy Theories Intellectual humility Critical Thinking
  1. Psyops are techniques used to influence minds with varying degrees of transparency and deception.
  2. In today's world, psychological manipulation is pervasive, and being aware of it is crucial to personal sovereignty.
  3. Engaging in philosophical inquiry can help individuals become less susceptible to psyops and actively construct their reality.

My Intellectual Heroes, Part 3

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Behavioral Economics Cognitive Psychology Human behavior Intellectual history Decision-making
  1. Daniel Kahneman showed that people often don’t act like the rational thinkers we expect. He studied how we make decisions and found many biases that affect our judgment.
  2. He worked with Amos Tversky and together they explored how our minds trick us. Their ideas laid the foundation for behavioral economics, changing how we think about choices.
  3. Kahneman's book 'Thinking Fast and Slow' explains our two types of thinking: fast reactions and slower, more careful thinking. Understanding this can help us make better decisions.

Only A Truth-Based Relationship With Reality Can Satisfy

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1927 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
đź“– Philosophy Truth-seeking Human condition Cognitive Bias Social Critique Mindfulness
  1. People really want a true understanding of reality, even if they don't always realize it. Society pushes false ideas and distractions that keep us from finding real happiness.
  2. Chasing after material things, social status, or knowledge often leads to disappointment because they are based on lies. True satisfaction comes from aligning our beliefs and actions with reality.
  3. To find happiness, we must confront our personal falsehoods and the lies in society. This journey to truth can be tough, but it's necessary for building a better world.

The evolved functions of morality: From the Haidts to the depths.

ideassleepfuriously • 628 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
đź“– Philosophy Morality Evolutionary Psychology Altruism Social Sciences
  1. Morality is more than just virtue; it involves judgments of wrongness and desire for punishment.
  2. The explanation for morality may go beyond altruism and virtues, delving into darker aspects.
  3. Understanding moral judgments involves looking at nonconsequentialism, desire for punishment, impartiality, and presence of a victim.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.

Principles

Nabeel S. Qureshi • 1506 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
đź“– Philosophy Life lessons Personal Growth Self-Improvement Integrity Decision-making
  1. Don't be afraid to ask for what you want. If you can handle rejection, you can open up new opportunities for yourself.
  2. Move quickly and take action. Procrastination slows you down and can make tasks seem harder than they really are.
  3. Surround yourself with positive, energetic people. They can inspire you and help you achieve your goals.

The fourfold prophecy engine

Philosophy bear • 42 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
đź“– Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Political Philosophy Aesthetics Ontology
  1. Use a simple random method (repeated d4 rolls) to generate four prompt words, then meditate on their connections or turn them into a poem, painting, or scene.
  2. A structured symbol catalogue is provided across four realms—Cosmos, Bios, Psyche, and Polis—each with thematic quartets to supply varied lenses and imagery.
  3. Approach the exercise calmly and with the intention to learn and help; interpret each concept flexibly for self-knowledge and contemplation rather than literal fortune-telling.

Means and Meaning

Not Boring by Packy McCormick • 490 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Technology Humanism Mindfulness
  1. Technology provides us with means, like tools and resources, but it's up to us to find meaning in our lives. We need to think about what we really want and how we can achieve a fulfilling life.
  2. Having more options and convenience can actually make it harder to find fulfillment. We might get lost in distractions and forget to pay attention to what truly matters.
  3. To bridge the gap between the tools we have and the meaning we seek, we need to engage more deeply with our experiences. By paying attention and making conscious choices, we can create a life that's more meaningful.

Are "luxury beliefs" a real thing?

Noahpinion • 3882 implied HN points • 19 Mar 24
đź“– 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.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize • 1966 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
đź“– Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic Ontology
  1. There are two main ways people understand the world: one focuses on strict evidence and science, while the other values common sense and personal experience. Both have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation.
  2. The 'fractal ratchet' concept explains how deeper scrutiny often leads to discovering more detail, but it can also make comparisons difficult. When you look at things more closely, you might keep finding more complexity instead of reaching a clear 'true' answer.
  3. When making decisions or forming opinions, it's important to know when to rely on precise measurements and scientific reasoning versus when to trust your intuition and common sense. Balancing both approaches can help you navigate complex issues more effectively.

David Friedman vs. Michael Huemer

In My Tribe • 546 implied HN points • 05 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Epistemology Critical Thinking Expertise Debate Decision-making
  1. It's important to think critically and understand arguments for yourself, instead of just trusting experts.
  2. Picking the right expert to trust is hard because different experts can have different opinions on the same issue.
  3. When choosing an expert, look for someone who thinks in a way that makes sense to you and can clearly explain their views.

Postmodernism and the Failure of Moral Triage

Peter Boghossian • 1061 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
đź“– Philosophy Postmodernism Critical Theory Identity politics Social justice Education
  1. The problem with peer review in academia is highlighted by the replication crisis in fields like psychology and biological sciences.
  2. Rejecting the ideas of science can lead to dangerous notions like limiting access to truth based on immutable characteristics.
  3. The shift towards woke ideology in education and social psychology has contributed significantly to the propagation of postmodernist ideas.

On Time.

The Future Does Not Fit In The Containers Of The Past • 65 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
đź“– Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Ethics Phenomenology Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Time is our most important and limited asset. How we spend our days ultimately shapes the life we get to live.
  2. Big gains in careers and projects come from patience and steady effort over years, not just short bursts of intensity, so lengthen your time horizon and be persistent.
  3. Everything is impermanent, so losses are inevitable—notice and cherish what you have, take chances, make memories, and keep embracing change.

Arguments with Interesting Leftists

David Friedman’s Substack • 548 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
đź“– Philosophy Political theory Ethics Anarchism Social justice
  1. There's a key difference in how people view politics. Some see it as a battle between good and evil, while others think it's more about ideas that are right or wrong.
  2. When discussing problems in society, it's important to consider evidence and outcomes instead of just taking sides. Understanding the consequences of different policies can lead to better solutions.
  3. Sometimes beliefs about the world can blind people to facts. Instead of assuming only one viewpoint is right, it's better to stay open-minded and think critically about different perspectives.

How I Will Measure My Life

Software Design: Tidy First? • 1259 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Decision-making Intuition Tradeoffs
  1. Not everything in life can be measured or compared. Some experiences, like special family dinners or random acts of kindness, are unique and important in ways that numbers can't capture.
  2. Money can create options for us, but not all money is equally valuable for choices. Having enough savings can open up more possibilities, but beyond a point, additional money may not significantly change your options.
  3. Freetime is valuable because it allows you to choose how you spend your time. More freetime means more opportunities to pursue interests, but sometimes a little extra isn't as important once you reach a comfortable level.

The Tiger Show

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1303 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
đź“– Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology Humanism
  1. We should not let the least capable control our world. People often feel helpless, but we have the power to change things for the better.
  2. Inside us, there's a great potential that we often forget. We have the ability to stand up for our happiness and well-being.
  3. The current state of things can change when we decide to take a stand. We are stronger than we realize and can make a difference.

Welcome to the Memory Palace!

The Memory Palace • 279 implied HN points • 16 Apr 24
đź“– Philosophy Memory Cognition Education History Methods
  1. Memory palaces are a cool way to remember things by placing images in a familiar space. This method has been used for a long time in cultures that relied on oral storytelling.
  2. Having a strong memory was once a sign of a smart and educated person. Even today, memory competitions highlight how useful these techniques can be for everyone, not just the elite.
  3. Despite technology helping us remember more, memory is still important. Memory palaces encourage us to think about what information we value and want to keep in our minds.

The Ten Principles of Win-Win

Win-Win • 319 implied HN points • 02 Apr 24
đź“– Philosophy Wisdom Ethics Mindset Collaboration
  1. The world has plenty to offer, so thinking there's not enough can hold you back. Focus on abundance and opportunities instead of scarcity.
  2. Life is always changing, so it's important to be flexible and adaptable. Sticking to rigid ideas can make it hard to enjoy the journey.
  3. Working together can create win-win situations. Instead of just looking out for yourself, think about how you can benefit others too.

Immanuel Kant — Beauty

Ralph Ammer • 569 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
đź“– Philosophy Beauty Truth Knowledge
  1. Beauty leads us to truth and goodness according to Immanuel Kant.
  2. Our perceptions are structured by concepts inside our mind, creating our understanding of the world.
  3. Beauty is a relief from rational thinking, allowing us to enjoy the playful dance of our mind with the world.