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A brief note on Newcomb's problem

Philosophy bear • 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.

Bayes is not a phase

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 453 implied HN points • 27 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Logic Decision Theory Rationality
  1. Bayesian reasoning is something we all use, even if we don't realize it. It's more about how we naturally think than some complex math.
  2. There are two types of uncertainty: aleatoric (random) and epistemic (based on knowledge). Mixing them helps us make better decisions.
  3. Arguing over which type of probability is 'real' is silly. It's better to recognize that life involves many messy decisions where formal reasoning can help, but is often complicated.

The Illegible Real

What Is Called Thinking? • 53 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Knowledge Epistemology Wisdom Education Metaphysics
  1. Tacit knowledge, or understanding gained from experience, is very important and can't always be explained by rules or theories. It's like how a farmer knows their land or a musician feels the right moment to improvise.
  2. The world often values what can be measured and categorized, but this can miss the deeper, lived knowledge that guides real-life decisions. There's more to learning than just reading books or following formal education.
  3. In a future filled with data and technology, the ability to mix both formal knowledge and experiential wisdom will be really valuable. It's important to recognize the strengths and limitations of both types of knowledge.

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

Philosophy bear • 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.
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How To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2128 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Humanism
  1. To feel both happy and well-informed, you need to explore your inner feelings just as much as you do the outer world issues. It's all about understanding both sides.
  2. Life can have ugly truths and beautiful moments at the same time. You can be hurt by what you see in the world but still find happiness in everyday life.
  3. By digging into your own beliefs and thoughts, you can change how you view the world. This deeper understanding helps you see how your inner feelings connect to what's happening outside.

The Anarchist and the Hockey Stick

Experimental History • 14669 implied HN points • 03 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Scientific Method Epistemology Critical Thinking
  1. Science doesn't follow a strict method; different ideas can lead to breakthroughs. This means that sometimes crazy or unconventional ideas can be just as valid as the more accepted ones.
  2. Not all scientific research that follows traditional rules leads to useful discoveries. In fact, some important breakthroughs came from researchers who ignored the 'rules' or took risks.
  3. It's important to question what we think we know about science. The process of discovery often involves challenging old beliefs and being open to new, even silly-sounding theories.

Let the silence have you

Silentium • 499 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us better understand ourselves.
  2. Embracing moments of silence can lead to greater clarity and peace of mind. It allows us to recharge and connect with our inner thoughts.
  3. Creating spaces for silence in our daily lives is important. It can improve our mental well-being and help us focus on what truly matters.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear • 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.

The forest years

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Spending time in nature can greatly benefit our mental health. The forest offers a calming environment that promotes peace and tranquility.
  3. Embracing quiet moments allows for deeper connections with our thoughts and feelings. It's important to make space for stillness in our busy lives.

A sunlit absence

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Finding moments of silence can be really beneficial for the mind. It helps to clear thoughts and allows for better focus.
  2. Embracing quietness encourages deeper reflection. This can lead to personal growth and understanding.
  3. Taking time away from noise can enhance creativity. A peaceful environment often sparks new ideas and inspiration.

On Priesthoods

Astral Codex Ten • 35170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Social theory Cultural criticism Political Philosophy
  1. Priesthoods are groups of knowledgeable people that help in truth-seeking. They balance individual insights and societal ideas to find better answers to questions.
  2. These groups often keep a distance from the public to maintain their expert status. They worry that mixing with public ideas can lower their standards and credibility.
  3. While priesthoods have good functions, they can also fall prey to biased views and political influences, which can make their recommendations less reliable over time.

The empty hand

Silentium • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  2. The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
  3. Inviting silence into our lives can lead to personal growth. Embracing quiet moments allows us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.

The art of discernment

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
  3. Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Perhaps You Shouldn't Read This

The Algorithmic Bridge • 743 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Literature
  1. Reading can take away your ability to think for yourself. If you read too much, you might lose your original thoughts and feelings.
  2. Both reading and using AI are good, but doing them excessively has downsides. Just like you should drink enough water, you shouldn't overdo reading or rely too much on AI.
  3. It's fine to use AI or read books, but balance is important. You don’t have to do one all the time; a mix of both can help keep your mind sharp.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
  2. Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
  3. Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

Hey, I plan to be back!

Inland Nobody • 320 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Philosophy of science Social Philosophy
  1. The writer has been focusing on weight loss and has lost a total of 237 pounds. They feel more energized and are looking forward to new experiences.
  2. They plan to write more frequently, with less emphasis on perfectionism. This means sharing ideas that are in progress instead of perfectly polished posts.
  3. The writer is moving from Galesburg to Chicago and will share thoughts on urbanism and philosophy related to their new environment.

A Second Kind of Objects

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Linguistics Cognition Epistemology
  1. Many short words can have different meanings in various languages. For example, the word 'kut' means very different things in Hungarian, Dutch, and Sanskrit.
  2. Exploring words like 'kut' can reveal interesting connections between different cultures and languages. It shows how language can be rich and complex.
  3. The idea of cross-linguistic homonyms helps us appreciate the diversity of human language and thought. It’s fascinating to see how one small word can connect so many meanings.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
  3. Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

Maxi's Toolkit Vol.10: The Social Sublime and the Empathic Sublime

Heir to the Thought • 139 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology Existentialism
  1. The social sublime is the feeling of sadness knowing there are countless people we could connect with but never will due to time and circumstances. This awareness can motivate us to cherish our current relationships more.
  2. The empathic sublime occurs when we deeply connect with another person, sometimes through powerful experiences like art or shared hardships. It allows us to see the world from someone else's perspective, enriching our own lives.
  3. Both sublimes challenge us to find a balance in our relationships. We need to appreciate those we know while also longing to understand others, making active effort to connect and grow from those interactions.

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.

Philosophy bear • 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.

The Internet Is Killing Science Too

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 1278 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
🔬 Science Scientific Method Philosophy of science Information Technology Cultural critique Epistemology
  1. The internet is transforming or even damaging traditional science, just like it has affected many other institutions over the years. As our way of sharing information changes, the understanding of what science is also shifts.
  2. There seems to be a growing shift from studying real-world objects and events to focusing on models and simulations instead. This might weaken the connection science has with actual reality, making it more about data interpretation than discovering the physical world.
  3. People are increasingly more interested in studying the process of knowledge rather than the world itself. This change indicates a cultural shift where real-world exploration is becoming less relevant compared to understanding ideas and identities.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize • 1966 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 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.

Finite Minds

Fake Noûs • 188 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
📖 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.

First ask what it means

David Friedman’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 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.

What is a "Reason"?

Ethics Under Construction • 15 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 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.

Six Laws of Social Learning

In My Tribe • 896 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🚌 Education Learning Theory Cognition Epistemology Communication
  1. We decide what we believe based on who we trust. Trust is built through communication, reputation, and personal connection, even if these aren't always the best indicators.
  2. Status-seeking can sometimes get in the way of truly seeking the truth. People often support ideas or beliefs to look good, rather than because they genuinely believe in them.
  3. Healthy debate and competition of ideas lead to better outcomes. It's important to allow different opinions to be heard and to stay open-minded, even when faced with contrary evidence.

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.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

Philosophy bear • 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.

Social Learning Links, 1/28/2025

In My Tribe • 318 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory Rhetoric Bureaucracy Activism Epistemology
  1. Barton Swaim discusses Cipolla's idea of classifying people into four categories: helpless, bandit, intelligent, and stupid. He argues that even well-credentialed elites can act stupidly, benefiting themselves while causing harm to others.
  2. Lorenzo Warby warns against the dangers of activism, suggesting that it attracts manipulative personalities who use power without accountability. This can lead to aggressive behavior and undermine responsible governance.
  3. Dan Williams highlights a debate about whether ordinary citizens can understand today's complex world and argues for giving more decision-making power to experts. This raises questions about the nature of democracy and who truly understands political issues.

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

Philosophy bear • 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.

Cowen's First Law is an epistemological superpower

inexactscience • 539 implied HN points • 27 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Critical Thinking Argumentation Logic
  1. Cowen's First Law suggests that every argument has weaknesses. Understanding these flaws helps you think more critically.
  2. You can test how honest someone is by checking if they mention their arguments' weaknesses. If they don't, that's a sign to be cautious.
  3. It's important to recognize that not every argument is wrong. Some things, like basic logic, can be completely accurate. Balance is key to understanding knowledge.

Social Conservatism as 4D Chess

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2048 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Culture Policy Religion
  1. Social conservatives make claims about higher-order effects to justify their positions on issues like abortion and euthanasia, but these claims often lack evidence or are disproven by cross-national comparisons.
  2. Slippery slope arguments can be valid in limited contexts, but broad claims like legalizing prostitution affecting overall societal values need substantial evidence, which is often lacking.
  3. Government policies in free countries have limited influence on shaping culture predictably; the impact is often chaotic and hard to plan for, as seen by historical examples of social policies not aligning with expected cultural changes.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition
  1. Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
  2. Anti-perfectionists believe that trying to perfect society often fails because of human flaws. They think it's okay for people to make mistakes and learn from them.
  3. Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

Yes, Non-Existent Entities Exist (Part 1: The Nature of Abstract Objects)

Ethics Under Construction • 10 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ontology Epistemology Logic
  1. Abstract objects, like numbers and concepts, can exist independently of physical reality. Even though we can't touch them, they still have a place in our understanding of the world.
  2. Thinking proves our existence, which means thoughts must also exist. You can't doubt your own thinking; without thoughts, you can't claim to exist.
  3. For a thought to count as an objective idea, it needs to be understandable to others. If something is too private or confusing, it isn't a true thought that can be shared.

The Dissolution of "Man"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Postmodernism Epistemology Artificial Intelligence Political theory
  1. The concept of 'man' as central to knowledge is relatively new and may no longer be relevant. We're seeing a shift in how we understand ourselves and our place in knowledge systems.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we think about knowledge and truth. As AI grows, it challenges the idea that human consciousness is the main source of knowledge.
  3. Our cultural and personal relationships are being affected by this shift. This change is influencing not just how we think, but also our politics and economy.