Philosophy bear

Philosophy Bear, initially de Pony Sum, explores a diverse range of subjects spanning philosophy, politics, psychology, and more, with a critical lens on current societal issues, ethical considerations, and future implications. It examines AI development, self-promotion, existential risks, self-defense, and the dynamics of societal standards and behaviors, offering insights into human morality, political economy, and the interplay between technology and society.

Philosophy Politics Psychology Ethics Artificial Intelligence Societal Issues Economic Theories Human Behavior Technological Implications Moral Philosophy

The hottest Substack posts of Philosophy bear

And their main takeaways

A brief note on Newcomb's problem

28 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Epistemology Metaphysics Decision Theory
  1. Newcomb's problem involves two boxes: one potentially holds more money than the other based on what an oracle predicts you will choose. Choosing both boxes might seem smart since it guarantees some amount, but there's a deeper philosophical debate about the best strategy.
  2. Some people strongly believe that just picking the blue box (the one with the most potential money) is obviously the best choice, but it's unfair to call those who pick both boxes 'stupid' since their reasoning also makes sense.
  3. Ultimately, this problem raises important questions about decision-making and what it means to want something, suggesting that understanding our desires and decision strategies is complex and varies from person to person.

The assessment of my PhD thesis by the University of Sydney and the way I see our world

214 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. It's better to hold institutions accountable instead of blaming individuals. Institutions can change, while people often stay the same.
  2. Making injustices visible helps society recognize and correct them, encouraging critical reflection on accepted practices.
  3. Everything in life matters, big or small. Caring about small events can deepen our appreciation for the larger, more significant issues we face.

Ask Bear anything

64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Subscribers can ask questions while everyone can read the answers. This makes it more inclusive and fair.
  2. There are two ways to get answers: one from the author and another one from Bear. You just need to mention which one you prefer.
  3. The system is based on honor, meaning the author trusts those asking questions without subscriptions are doing so because they can't afford it.

Pessimistic thoughts about the left

328 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Critique Economic Models Social Change
  1. The left often avoids discussing difficult trade-offs because they don't want to upset their supporters. This can lead to a lack of solid plans when they gain power.
  2. There's a problem with administrative spending in universities that the left doesn't address openly. Many unnecessary positions could be cut, but it’s a touchy subject.
  3. Pessimism about the left’s ability to create real change stems from a reluctance to make tough decisions. They need to start thinking about practical economic planning to be effective.

Why does every Jacobin comment section look like this?

343 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Social Critique Ideological analysis Cultural Studies Commentary
  1. People in Jacobin's comment section often seem unhappy. It's interesting to wonder why so many voices lean toward negativity.
  2. There seems to be a unique attitude among commenters across different ideologies, especially on the left. This may hold clues about the wider leftist community.
  3. Understanding the reasons behind this grumpy attitude could be key to helping socialism move forward without obstacles.
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Things I wish the left got about economics

801 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Economics Public Policy Regulation Social justice Government
  1. The left should focus on offering positive solutions to economic problems, rather than just criticizing the existing system. Proposals need to be practical and beneficial in real life.
  2. Understanding key economic concepts, like public goods and externalities, is crucial. This knowledge helps in crafting effective policies and regulations.
  3. It's important to recognize that regulations aren't free solutions and need thoughtful design and expertise. A well-organized government can make these regulations work better for society.

The current AI strategic landscape: one bear's perspective

178 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Regulation Public Opinion Corporate Influence
  1. AI ethicists and safety advocates are starting to work together more, which could strengthen their efforts against risks from AI. This is a positive shift towards a unified approach.
  2. Many people are worried about the threats posed by AI and want more rules to manage it. However, big companies and some governments are pushing for quicker AI development instead of more safety.
  3. To really get people's attention on AI issues, something big might need to happen first, like job losses or a major political shift. It’s important to be ready to act when that moment comes.

But desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

328 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Christianity Ethics Charity Morality
  1. The Ordo Amoris suggests that love should prioritize those closest to us, like family, but this shouldn't justify neglecting others in need. We should still care for people outside our immediate circle.
  2. Christian teachings emphasize not just caring for our families, but also extending help universally, as true charity goes beyond just those we know or love.
  3. Arguments against charity often come from a misunderstanding of property rights; in reality, failing to help the needy can be seen as stealing from them, as the resources we have are meant to be shared.

Live

300 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
🕹 Technology AI Innovation Industry Future Trends Impact
  1. AI is improving quickly and has been for years, making it a big part of our future. It's becoming better at solving tough problems.
  2. Currently, no one can clearly point out what types of questions AI can't answer, which raises concerns about its limitations. This makes us wonder about the risks involved.
  3. As AI grows, it could impact jobs in creative and intellectual fields, and we might need to adapt and pursue our passions now, while we still can.

Moral community, heroism and the left.

228 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Social movements Political Identity Electoral Politics
  1. Young men often feel excluded from the left because they don't see it as a moral community where they belong. To change this, the left needs to show that it values all people, including men, by building strong connections based on shared goals.
  2. The idea of heroism is important to many people, especially those engaged in politics. People want to feel that they can make a difference and be part of something greater, and the left can attract more young men by embracing this desire.
  3. The left has a unique opportunity to redefine what it means to be heroic in a way that isn't about individual glory but about collective action for a better world. It's about showing how everyone can contribute to a cause that benefits all.

Work sucks, I know

436 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Conservatism Work Culture Economy Meritocracy Job Market
  1. Being clever doesn't guarantee a good job. Even smart people might struggle to find satisfying work.
  2. There are many reasons why people don't get the jobs they want, like luck and bad hiring practices. It's not always fair.
  3. To improve the work situation, we need to focus on making jobs better for everyone, not just competing for top positions.

Despite never having done anything wrong, I've found myself living in Canberra. Any of my readers who live in here are invited to drop me a line, meet and commiserate.

114 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Political theory
  1. The writer is living in Canberra, even though they feel they haven't done anything wrong. They seem to have mixed feelings about their situation.
  2. They invite local readers to reach out and meet up. This shows they want to connect with others and share experiences.
  3. There's a hint of humor and self-reflection in their words. They are trying to make the best of the situation they find themselves in.

Me

278 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Buddhism Mental health Identity
  1. It's important to express ourselves beyond just labels like race or gender. Relying too much on these labels can limit our understanding of a person and their experiences.
  2. People often crave certainty and security about their self-image, but this can lead to feelings of despair. Instead of clinging to an idealized self, focusing on doing good in the present moment can be more fulfilling.
  3. Many of us share a desire to be truly known by others. This feeling can lead to frustration when we feel invisible or misunderstood, but seeking genuine connections can help us combat that isolation.

We need to do something about AI now

486 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Digital economy Data Privacy Machine Learning
  1. AI is rapidly advancing and could soon take over many jobs, which might lead to massive unemployment. We need to pay attention and prepare for these changes.
  2. There's a real fear that AI could create a huge gap between a rich elite and the rest of society. We shouldn't just accept this as a given; instead, we should work towards solutions.
  3. To protect our rights and livelihoods, we need to build movements that unite people concerned about AI's impact on jobs and society. It's important to act before it’s too late.

The question of socialism posed inescapably in the final moment of the human economy

178 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social Philosophy Futurism
  1. If AI becomes capable of doing all jobs, humans may only be consumers and possibly owners of capital. This raises questions about the need for human ownership in a fully automated economy.
  2. Arguments for private ownership of productive assets disappear when human labor is no longer relevant. This challenges our traditional views on capitalism and economic roles.
  3. We face a choice between adopting a form of fully automated socialism or continuing an unequal system where a small group owns most resources. Both paths raise important ethical and practical questions.

Really good AI would make economic management much easier (Wonkish)

107 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Economics Regulation Labor Market
  1. Good AI could help manage the economy by making it easier to fix problems like monopolies or pollution. This means we could better control and regulate businesses to benefit everyone.
  2. If AI can do many jobs humans do now, it could save a lot of money on regulatory costs. This would make it easier for governments and companies to comply with rules and regulations.
  3. With better data and smarter tools, we could understand the costs and benefits of economic actions more clearly. This would help in making better decisions about taxes, regulations, and contracts.

Understanding Luigi Mangione

500 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ideology Biography Narrative Agency Social Psychology
  1. Luigi Mangione's journey shows how complex a person's beliefs can be. He seemed to struggle with various political ideas throughout his life, often changing directions.
  2. People often don’t think strictly in political terms, but rather look for answers to different issues independently. This highlights the difficulty in fitting people into rigid ideological boxes.
  3. Luigi's story underlines the importance of feeling included in communities, especially for those wanting to make the world a better place. A lack of belonging can lead to frustration and misguided actions.

A map of my ignorance: Technostrategy and technofeudalism

135 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 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.

Of olfactory ethics and oaf-factory hysterics.

286 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 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.

AI makes scientists more productive and less happy

264 implied HN points • 30 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Research Productivity Innovation Science
  1. AI helps scientists work faster and discover more new materials, increasing their productivity significantly.
  2. However, many scientists feel less happy because they spend less time on creative idea generation, which they found enjoyable.
  3. The gap between top and bottom performers in science has widened, with skilled researchers benefiting more from AI, leading to concerns about inequality in the field.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

221 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 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.

Anyone living in Sydney is warmly invited to my going away party

42 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Social Events Community Celebrations Personal Stories Relationships
  1. There's a going away party happening in Sydney for anyone who wants to join. It's an opportunity to meet up, have fun, and say goodbye.
  2. The party will take place on the 1st of February at 3 pm at Tudor Hotel in Redfern and will go on late.
  3. The host hopes to reconnect with old friends and welcomes anyone to come, especially those they've lost touch with.

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

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.

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

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.

I have a question for those supporting Israel's actions (Revisited)

221 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Foreign Policy Public Opinion Human Rights Political Philosophy
  1. Many civilians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli bombings, raising moral questions about the actions taken. People are encouraged to think about how they would feel if similar actions were taken against their own citizens.
  2. The intentional killing of civilians in war is seen as wrong, and the idea of proportionality is important. If a military action causes more civilian deaths than it saves, it could be considered murder.
  3. The perception of value in lives matters; allowing harm to a larger group to save a smaller group is viewed as immoral. Ethically, states should not sacrifice innocent lives for their own interests.

Compassion ceilings

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.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

185 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Interpretation
  1. People often see what they expect to see, which can lead them to notice negativity even when it’s not there. This can create a cycle that reinforces their negative beliefs.
  2. Our feelings and actions are complex and can be interpreted in many ways. This means that even if someone perceives an action as mean, it could also be seen as kind, depending on how it's interpreted.
  3. It's harmful to assume the worst about others because it can lead to feelings of pain and isolation. Sometimes, the bad interpretations we choose can make our lives harder than they need to be.

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds": On the naturalistic possibility of soulmates

135 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Romanticism
  1. There's a concept of 'soulmates' that can exist even for people who don't believe in spirits or destiny. It's about recognizing deep connections between similar personalities.
  2. People can be organized into 'ethotypes' based on their core personality traits, and these groupings can help identify potential soulmates.
  3. Falling in love might actually change a person's ethotype, allowing them to connect more deeply with another person, potentially turning them into a soulmate.

For more lifeboats: The only just academic job market is a tight academic job market

135 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Job Market Social Critique Higher education
  1. Lifeboat ethics talks about how to share limited resources when not everyone can have what they want. It's an important conversation in academia to think about who gets what.
  2. Many discussions in philosophy focus on how to share jobs and recognition, but we need to pay attention to creating more opportunities rather than just dividing what's there.
  3. Increasing the number of academic positions can help reduce inequality and give people a better chance, especially those who face challenges in their careers.

Goodbye [A short story]

64 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
⚔ Fiction Short Stories Fantasy Science fiction Creative Writing Literature
  1. Life is often a mix of good and bad experiences. It's hard to label an entire life as only good or only bad.
  2. We are shaped by our past, but becoming self-aware can help us find new paths forward. Reflecting on our experiences can lead to healing.
  3. Helping others and honoring those we've lost can give our lives meaning. We find purpose in our aspirations and in supporting each other.

When Hatred and Fear Mask as Indignation

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

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.

Digital poets

71 implied HN points • 24 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Art Literature AI Poetry Digital Media
  1. People can't easily tell the difference between AI and human-made art. In fact, they often prefer the AI art, even if it’s not very good.
  2. AI can produce poetry that at least matches the level of a talented amateur. Some AI-generated haikus can even be quite nice.
  3. There's still a question about whether AI can create art that is truly great. It remains unclear how to measure what's undeniably good in art.

Aella: In defence of a birthday girl

185 implied HN points • 05 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existence Morality Values Meaning
  1. Many criticize Aella for her promiscuous sex life, but it's essential to understand differing views on sexuality and values.
  2. Aella challenges traditional norms by living authentically and making unconventional choices, aiming to achieve her own goals instead of following societal scripts.
  3. Aella's approach to sex involves exploring different facets of eroticism, like performatively de-eroticizing sex to intensify its significance and linking it with scientific exploration.

Personal updates

143 implied HN points • 26 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Personal updates
  1. The author is being awarded a PhD thesis without revisions, a significant achievement
  2. The author is seeking part-time work in greater Sydney or remotely for 2-3 years while publishing papers
  3. The author expresses interest in meeting readers in Sydney for a coffee

Portubots and Englifleshes: Why comparative advantage won't ensure humans always have jobs

92 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy AI Economics Robotics
  1. Comparative advantage theory doesn't guarantee that humans will always have jobs, even if robots are better at everything.
  2. In a world where robots excel at tasks, they will specialize in areas of greater efficiency, leaving tasks with smaller disadvantages for humans.
  3. Human labor being displaced by machines poses challenges, and comparative advantage alone may not ensure employment for humans in all scenarios.

A bear is confused about desire

92 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Existence Desire Life Suffering Acceptance
  1. Existence involves desire and dissatisfaction, driving us to act and change things.
  2. While seeking equilibrium is important, it's crucial to differentiate between beneficial dissatisfaction that leads to growth and harmful sorrow caused by unmet needs.
  3. Striving for a balance where we can embrace life's joys and sorrows without clinging too tightly, seeking a state of desirelessness without losing the essence of existence.

Moral breadth

107 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Morality Human nature Perception Ethics Self-awareness
  1. Seeing people with moral breadth means understanding they can be both good and bad.
  2. Not acknowledging moral breadth can lead to negative consequences like overlooking bad behavior.
  3. Balancing moral breadth involves recognizing both the good and bad in people, without minimizing either.