The hottest Epistemology Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

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 Epistemology
  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.

The surreal line is topologically disconnected—or is it?

Infinitely More • 25 implied HN points • 15 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. The surreal line can be seen as disconnected based on one way of thinking about connectedness. It's like having gaps that separate parts of a line.
  2. On another hand, if we consider how sets and classes differ, the surreal line appears connected. This means when viewed differently, those gaps can seem to vanish.
  3. Understanding these ideas helps explain why the surreal numbers are unique and fascinating, showing how different perspectives can change our view of mathematics.

The Continuing Relevance of Adam Smith's "Man of System"

Knowledge Problem • 137 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Adam Smith criticizes interventionist approaches in government that disregard individual preferences and autonomy.
  2. Smith highlights the knowledge problem, emphasizing that individuals have unique preferences and societal systems cannot easily override them.
  3. The 'man of system' imposes his ideals regardless of objections, whereas Smith's analyses focus on systems where participation is voluntary and based on mutual agreement.

Epistemology and Synthetic Market Design: Examples from Ecosystem Services

Knowledge Problem • 176 implied HN points • 30 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Some of the most illuminating work in market design has been in payment for ecosystem services (PES).
  2. Synthetic markets and deliberate institutional design are criticized for being epistemic and teleological.
  3. Testing is essential in synthetic market design to understand how people respond to incentives in different institutional frameworks.

First ask what it means

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

Holodoxa • 159 implied HN points • 31 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Rational methodologies alone cannot solve all conflicts; values play a crucial role in decisions.
  2. Wild problems, unlike tame problems, cannot be resolved through purely rational analysis.
  3. Effective altruism, while appealing in theory, can lead to challenging ethical dilemmas when taken too seriously.

Links to Consider, 10/15/2024

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Personality tests like the Big Five or Myers-Briggs might not be very good at predicting important life outcomes. Their accuracy isn't much better than just guessing.
  2. Free speech has changed over time, moving from a focus on persuading others to simply expressing one's own beliefs. This represents a shift in how we communicate and engage with each other.
  3. Modern societies often value citizenship over family ties, which affects people's views on having children. Many may feel pressured to prioritize social status over family-building.

Inhuman Beneficence

marbl • 78 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Animals have remarkable abilities and understandings, despite not having human-like qualities.
  2. Human culture values bravery, but exceptions to the rule exist, such as animals displaying courage.
  3. There is an interconnectedness between human storytelling, myth, and the well-being of non-human life.

My Own Private Energy Crisis

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 881 implied HN points • 29 May 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. When traveling by airplane, we ignore the risks we know are there, which reflects our ability to overlook inherent dangers in pursuit of convenience.
  2. The sense of class, wealth, and comfort among individuals varies, influencing their attitudes towards success and societal norms.
  3. The modern lifestyle involves navigating through ideological and moral contradictions, from energy consumption to personal choices, which can lead to reflections on societal values and personal actions.

Getting an 'ought' from an 'is'

Sam’s Newsletter • 137 implied HN points • 29 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Fallibilism acknowledges that people can make mistakes and ideas are open to revision.
  2. Recognizing the possibility of moral truths leads to the importance of discussing moral issues.
  3. Engaging in discussions about morality is a moral imperative for fallibilists.

We didn’t master nature. We merely survived it.

storyvoyager • 5 implied HN points • 25 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. We never really mastered nature — we learned ways to survive within its limits and rhythms.
  2. For tens of thousands of years people lived in tight dependence on seasonal ecosystems, using coordinated hunts, portable tools, and cultural skills to stay alive.
  3. Sudden environmental change can erase whole ecosystems and human ways of life, as melting ice and rising seas ended the mammoth tundra and the societies that relied on it.

Finite Minds

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

Ontological Shielding in New-paradigm Research

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 08 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Some phenomena seem observer-dependent: the beliefs, intentions, and relationships of experimenters and witnesses can co-create outcomes, so strict replication and detached objectivity may fail.
  2. Ontological shielding is a deliberate research strategy that hides experiments from mainstream scrutiny to create a hospitable reality-bubble where a phenomenon can emerge and mature, with different shielding layers serving different goals.
  3. Forcing new-paradigm results into public proof can destroy both the research and the phenomenon, so careful incubation in protected contexts (even if it invites skeptics, frauds, or secrecy) can let innovations become robust enough to enter wider reality.

Causal Why vs Teleological Why

Breaking Smart • 12 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. English is not very good at explaining the reasons behind things. It struggles to express deeper meanings behind actions.
  2. Languages like German and Russian might be better for discussing complex philosophical ideas. They offer more clarity in the way they handle 'why' questions.
  3. Understanding different languages can help us see how they shape our thoughts and inquiries about the world around us.

Nullius In Verba

Polymathic Being • 70 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Always question the sources of information you receive. Don't just accept what others say; do your own research to find the truth.
  2. Balancing your emotions with rational thinking is important. Sometimes, our feelings can cloud our judgment when evaluating facts.
  3. Stay curious and be willing to learn, unlearn, and relearn. Embrace the idea that understanding can change and improve over time.

What is Philosophy For?

interintellect • 117 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Understanding human nature is essential to determining the need for philosophy.
  2. Philosophy guides actions and helps in making choices through branches like epistemology and ethics.
  3. Having philosophical views is inherent to human nature, whether explicitly or implicitly.

Nothing #301

Daily Philosophy • 58 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Daily Philosophy has reached 300 articles and offers premium subscriptions for archive access.
  2. Articles from Daily Philosophy have been translated and published in Spanish and Korean.
  3. The story 'Nothing' by Lina Ignatova explores the concept of 'nothing' and its complexities.

Talk with Philosophy Bear

Philosophy bear • 50 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. The project involves creating a custom AI that expresses the author's views after writing extensively on many topics. The AI can provide insightful responses even on unfamiliar subjects.
  2. There is a second AI bot designed to explain left-wing ideas to those curious about them. This bot can debate and offer reading suggestions to help users understand different perspectives.
  3. Another bot, called Bear Bear, offers relaxation and motivation. It's meant to inspire people to connect and appreciate life despite challenges.

The channel (a teaser)

Philosophy bear • 57 implied HN points • 14 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Having confidence and strength in your heart can attract positive attention from others, regardless of height.
  2. Your actions and personality can be more impressive than physical attributes, so focus on what makes you unique.
  3. Engaging with others and building connections can help you find the right partner, so don't forget to share and subscribe to ideas that inspire you.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  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.

Hidden Open Thread 385.5

Astral Codex Ten • 68 implied HN points • 12 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only. You need a subscription to access the content.
  2. There’s an open thread for discussions, which allows subscribers to share their thoughts.
  3. The content appears to encourage interaction, so subscribers can engage with each other on various topics.

Why Cynics Were Dogs

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Different beings perceive the world differently based on their 'umwelt', which shapes their unique view of reality.
  2. Diogenes, a philosopher, emphasized the interconnectedness of all matter and challenged the concept of intrinsic essence.
  3. Dogs, considered cynics, navigate the world primarily through scent, highlighting a continuous reasoning method distinct from discrete human reasoning.

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 Epistemology
  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.

Problems of Unbounded Scope

Bzogramming • 53 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Engineers sometimes think they've solved big problems by finding simpler versions of them. It's important to remember that many complex issues are far from truly solved.
  2. Searching for knowledge can be more effective through random discovery rather than specific queries. Exploring things like Wikipedia can lead to unexpected and valuable insights.
  3. Our understanding of problems is limited, and many challenges we face today will seem small in the future. It's crucial to stay open to new ideas and not assume hard problems are fully resolved.

Me vs Huemer

David Friedman’s Substack • 341 implied HN points • 13 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Consider forming opinions on controversial issues based on evaluating arguments rather than just trusting the experts
  2. Experts may not always have expertise in all aspects of an issue, so it's important to critically evaluate their arguments and not just rely on their authority
  3. It's crucial to judge both arguments and arguers, as bias and incentives can influence the opinions of experts in controversial topics

Mystery of The Origin Node — Take the Leap

Generative Forms • 39 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Greatness takes time and can't be rushed. It's about continuous effort and dedication without expecting immediate results.
  2. Taking a leap of faith is essential for growth. You need to act despite fears and doubts to bring your visions to life.
  3. Every act of greatness is unique and cannot be replicated. It emerges from individual effort and the right moment, not from trying to force it.

I still don't think Slate Star Codex readers have an IQ of 137.

Unconfusion • 39 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Claiming that a group of people has a very high average IQ is a big statement and not as straightforward as it seems. It's easy to assume that just because a blog attracts smart readers, their IQ is automatically high.
  2. Self-reported data, like IQ numbers, can often be inflated. People might think they have higher IQs or might overestimate their scores, making such claims less reliable.
  3. Belonging to a group can make people feel proud or special, but it's important to remember that individual worth isn't defined by group averages. Everyone has their own value, regardless of how they compare to others.

“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 Epistemology
  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.

Polymathematics In One Breath

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Polymathematics is about embracing a variety of interests and doing what you love. It means not just saying you're interested in many things, but actually pursuing those passions.
  2. Finding what you genuinely love is the first challenge. It can be tough to narrow down your true interests when there are so many options.
  3. Living a polymathematical life is rewarding, but it takes effort to balance those multiple passions. It's about actively engaging with the things that bring you joy.

A crisis in epistemology

Sunday Letters • 59 implied HN points • 20 Nov 23
🚌 Education Epistemology
  1. We need to rethink what to teach as AI becomes more capable. It's important to understand the basics of how things work, not just rely on AI to do it for us.
  2. Trust is becoming harder in our knowledge sources. With the rise of fake evidence and statistics, we must be careful where we get our information.
  3. The future of learning should focus on teaching people how to learn effectively. This includes critical thinking skills, understanding biases, and the scientific method.

"The Will To Believe" by William James

Center for Veb Account Research Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. When a choice really matters—because the options feel live, are forced, and have important consequences—it can be reasonable to let your will or feelings decide a belief if the evidence can’t settle it; doing nothing is itself a risky choice.
  2. Belief formation is a psychological process that mixes feeling, effort, and habit, and once a belief is fixed it tends to lose its doubt; forming beliefs always involves trade-offs between different kinds of error, so you should pick a risk attitude that fits the situation.
  3. Truth is practical and fallible: aim for beliefs that work and can be improved by evidence rather than for absolute certainty, and use evidence to make options live and testable while tolerating different reasonable stances on beliefs.

If You Want to Hit Your Target, Take More Shots

The Palindrome • 6 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. If you want to hit your target, take more shots — more attempts raise your chance of success.
  2. Trying lots of ideas across different areas (projects, posts, dating, work) leads to more wins because each attempt gives feedback you can learn from and improve.
  3. Unlikely successes become likely with enough trials, so don’t be discouraged by early failures — persistence and volume pay off.

Introduction to Rationality and Risk

Extropic Thoughts • 58 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. Rationality is about challenging beliefs and rooting out those that fail to withstand challenge.
  2. Rationalism means basing life on reason, evidence, and logic, rather than emotions or religious beliefs.
  3. Explicitly committing to reason and continually striving to be rational is crucial for both humanism and transhumanism.

The only path to transmit knowledge

Mon0’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. STEM fields believe knowledge should follow a clear path: define terms, state propositions, and verify them. It's all about structure and clarity.
  2. Philosophers often use complicated language, which can make their ideas hard to understand. This creates a gap between STEM and humanities, where definitions aren't always clear.
  3. Some writers may choose to be vague or complex to engage readers or seem profound. However, this can confuse people instead of helping them learn.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  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.

Naming risky situations

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 99 implied HN points • 03 May 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. The term 'risk' is often misunderstood and misused. Many people think it means a situation where we know some things but don't know the outcome, even though true risk is much rarer.
  2. Decision-making strategies designed for formal risk scenarios may not work well in real-life situations, which often involve many unknowns. This can lead to poor choices when we apply the wrong approach.
  3. Different people define 'risk' in various ways, which creates confusion in communication. It’s important to clarify what we mean when we talk about risk to make better decisions.

Moving the goal posts

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 29 May 23
📖 Philosophy Epistemology
  1. People often change the rules of a debate when they don't like the outcome. This is called 'moving the goalposts' and it can be tricky.
  2. Arguments about concepts like 'understanding' or 'identity' can become confusing if everyone doesn't agree on what those terms mean.
  3. Instead of arguing over vague definitions, it's better to focus on how we use those terms in real situations and have clear discussions when definitions are necessary.