The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

‘Listen to the Science’: A 75-Year-Old Warning About the Phrase

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 138 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24

When people say 'listen to the science,' they often mean 'listen to our plans.' Science can inform us, but it doesn't dictate what we should do.
The economist Ludwig von Mises pointed out that science can't tell us what actions to take; it can only explain what is happening.
Many debates around issues like climate change and COVID-19 are less about science and more about ethical choices, showing that not every problem has a simple scientific solution.

La différence entre menace et avertissement

L'Atelier Galita • 39 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Decision Theory Game Theory Ethics Behavioral Science

Threats and warnings are not the same. A threat implies a promise of harm, while a warning offers a caution about potential danger.
Decision-making can be influenced by understanding these differences. Knowing how people respond to threats and warnings helps in planning actions.
Real-life examples can illustrate the impact of threats versus warnings. Recognizing these concepts can improve communication and strategy in various situations.

For Pushing Large Men Off Bridges

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 23 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Moral dilemmas Critical Thinking

Utilitarianism suggests that we should act in ways that maximize overall happiness. This means if you can save five people by sacrificing one, it might seem like the right choice to push the one off the bridge.
Some arguments challenge the idea of not pushing someone off the bridge. For example, if pushing them means saving more lives, it may not be wrong to do so.
The concept of 'undoing' actions also plays a role. If you push a person off the bridge but can pull them back before harm is done, it challenges whether that initial push was truly wrong.

What You Can Learn from Just Seven Pages by Hannah Arendt

The Honest Broker • 30719 implied HN points • 25 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Humanism Technology Society Ethics History

Hannah Arendt talks about how some people are so disconnected from reality that they want to escape earth. This shows a worrying trend in society's focus on technology over human connection.
She warns that as we lean more on technology, we risk creating a world where machines control our lives. This could lead us to become helpless and slaves to our own inventions.
Arendt believes that the more we focus on artificial things, the more we lose touch with meaningful, real-life experiences. This could make freedom feel empty and lead to a sense of loneliness in society.

The Ad That Radicalised Me

The Ruffian • 1161 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Legislation Ethics Healthcare Public Opinion Social Issues

The debate around assisted dying brings up strong feelings. Some people see the law as a way to help those who are suffering, while others worry it could hurt vulnerable people.
Critics argue that individual choice shouldn't come before community values. They believe allowing assisted dying could lead to a slippery slope where life is devalued.
It's important to talk honestly about the trade-offs involved. Opposing the bill means accepting that some people will continue to suffer, which is a tough reality to face.

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Will you explain anarchism to me?

The Novelleist • 781 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Social movements Anarchism

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.
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.
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.

How Do You Balance Responsibilities To Yourself/Your Kin & Your Wider Community?

Culture Study • 3808 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Society Community Responsibility Ethics Decision-making

It's important to figure out how to balance your own needs with the needs of your family and community. This can include deciding between things like private and public schools for your kids.
People face tricky choices when it comes to their careers, like choosing a job that pays well versus one that helps the world. Each choice comes with its own set of feelings and challenges.
Many folks want to hear about how others manage these tough decisions and what emotions come up. Sharing experiences can help everyone understand and support each other better.

The pitfalls of abundance

Jeff Giesea • 399 implied HN points • 29 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Human condition Technology impact Cultural critique

Having too much can actually be a problem. It's easy to get overwhelmed with food, social media, and entertainment all around us, making it hard to find balance.
We need to be smart about what we let into our lives. Just like a chef carefully chooses ingredients, we should select our experiences and connections wisely.
It's important to set limits. Finding moderation in abundance helps us focus on what truly matters, like love, relationships, and personal joy.

An Urgent Call to All Scientists - We Must Reframe Scientific Priorities for the Future of America with A Unified Approach to Learning Well

Popular Rationalism • 673 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

🔬 Science Research Ethics Health Technology Environment Medicine

We need to focus more on basic research because it leads to major medical and technology breakthroughs. Investing in understanding our foundations can help us tackle serious health and environmental issues.
Scientists, medical researchers, and environmental experts must work together to solve health problems. Our health is connected to the environment, so it's important to study how pollution and chemicals impact our bodies.
Technology like machine learning can change healthcare for the better. By using these tools wisely, we can identify disease causes more accurately and provide better treatments while keeping ethics in mind.

Can society be perfect?

In My Tribe • 486 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Politics Society Tradition

Perfectionists believe society can be made perfect by following what they think are the right ideas. They think mistakes can be corrected easily.
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.
Conservatives value traditions and experiences as important knowledge, while perfectionists sometimes discard traditions when they think they've found something better.

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

Philosophy bear • 157 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Justice Public Policy Social Issues

Prison doesn't seem to effectively reduce crime overall. Instead, we should consider reducing incarceration since it often causes more harm than good.
The costs of imprisonment go beyond just the economic side. They include suffering for prisoners and their families, and even increased crime within prisons.
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.

AI #90: The Wall

Don't Worry About the Vase • 3494 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Regulations Machine Learning Data Privacy Ethics

AI is improving quickly, but some methods of deep learning are starting to face limits. Companies are adapting and finding new ways to enhance AI performance.
There's an ongoing debate about how AI impacts various fields like medicine, especially with regulations that could limit its integration. Discussions about ethical considerations and utility are very important.
Advancements in AI, especially in image generation and reasoning, continue to demonstrate its growing capabilities, but we need to be cautious about potential risks and ensure proper regulations are in place.

Hidden Open Thread 353.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Aesthetics Political

This is a thread for subscribers to discuss various topics openly. People can share their thoughts and insights freely.
It is exclusive to those who have paid a subscription. This means that the discussions here are intended for a smaller, dedicated group.
Engagement is encouraged, with comments and sharing options available. Subscribers can interact with each other in a more personal space.

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Civic Renaissance with Alexandra Hudson • 299 implied HN points • 28 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Humanity Adversity Justice

Bad things can happen to good people, and it’s a question that has troubled many. Boethius believed that suffering is part of life, and how we respond to it matters.
Suffering can teach us important lessons, like gratitude and empathy. It can help us appreciate the good in our lives and understand others better.
Instead of letting hardship make us bitter, we can use it to grow and change for the better. Reflecting on our experiences can help us find meaning and build resilience.

Artwashing

Teaching computers how to talk • 131 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24

🕹 Technology AI Ethics Media Art Culture

A group of artists leaked access to OpenAI's new video generator, Sora, because they feel it's being used for corporate marketing instead of true art.
They published an open letter saying that AI companies often use artists' work without proper credit or compensation, which hurts the creative community.
The artists believe that by helping AI models, they might be contributing to their own downfall, as AI is taking over creative spaces.

I'm pro-assisted dying in principle, but I'm not sure about the proposed law

Odds and Ends of History • 1340 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24

🏥 Health Politics Ethics Legislation Public Health Social Policy

Assisted dying has good intentions, as it offers a choice to people in pain, but how it’s implemented is very important. We need to make sure that laws respect individual decisions and do not lead to negative outcomes.
The proposed law on assisted dying could be rushed, which raises concerns about its effectiveness and potential problems. It's better to take time to create a solid law that can address all the issues carefully.
Looking at examples from other countries suggests that assisted dying laws can lead to serious issues if not properly controlled. We should learn from their experiences to avoid similar mistakes.

What Socrates Can Teach Marxists about Justice

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 257 implied HN points • 27 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Justice Critical Theory

Justice can be seen as just the interest of those in power, but this idea is challenged by the belief in natural law, which says that rights come from a higher authority and are not just human-made rules.
The belief that justice is defined by who has power, like that of Karl Marx, contrasts sharply with the view that justice is linked to truth and moral principles.
Understanding what someone thinks about justice can reveal a lot about their political ideas, like whether they believe in equality under the law or that power should dictate what is just.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part III. How Can the Experiences of Past Societies of Domination Be Relevant for Us?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Social theory Political Economy History Ethics Technology

Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.

How To Go On In A World Full Of Cruelty

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2202 implied HN points • 03 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Beauty Human experience Nature

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.
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.
Love for the planet and all its creatures is a powerful motivator. This love drives actions and encourages resilience, even amid challenging times.

Gratitude Redux

Gideon's Substack • 11 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Gratitude Ethics Existentialism Social justice Personal Growth

Gratitude is about focusing on the good things in life, even when there are also bad things happening. It helps us see the positives without having to judge everything.
Even tough experiences can teach us valuable lessons and help us grow. Feeling gratitude doesn't mean we ignore the bad; it just helps us appreciate the good that can come from it.
Gratitude and justice are different but can coexist. We can be thankful for what we have while also recognizing the injustices in the world and working to make it better.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize • 1966 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic Ontology

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.
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.
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.

Let the silence have you

Silentium • 499 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics

Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us better understand ourselves.
Embracing moments of silence can lead to greater clarity and peace of mind. It allows us to recharge and connect with our inner thoughts.
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.

There is no next

Silentium • 939 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics

Embrace the present moment. Focusing on now can bring peace and clarity.
Silence can be powerful. Taking time to be quiet helps you connect with your thoughts and feelings.
There’s no need to always look for the next big thing. Appreciate what you have instead of constantly wanting more.

The forest years

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics

Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
Spending time in nature can greatly benefit our mental health. The forest offers a calming environment that promotes peace and tranquility.
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 Peek Behind the Curtain at CBS Reveals Journalism in a Death Spiral

The Take (by Jon Miltimore) • 515 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24

📰 News Journalism Media Trust Ethics Corporate

Recent events at CBS have shown a lack of clear leadership and professionalism in journalism. It seems like the environment there is chaotic and not focused on real journalistic practices.
Trust in media is at an all-time low, partly because of how CBS handled a situation with journalist Tony Dokoupil. He was reprimanded for asking tough questions, while another journalist was praised for preparing her interviewee in advance.
The internal reactions at CBS were intense, with reports of shouting and tears. This highlights a deep dysfunction within the newsroom, which makes it hard to maintain trust in media organizations.

A sunlit absence

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Aesthetics

Finding moments of silence can be really beneficial for the mind. It helps to clear thoughts and allows for better focus.
Embracing quietness encourages deeper reflection. This can lead to personal growth and understanding.
Taking time away from noise can enhance creativity. A peaceful environment often sparks new ideas and inspiration.

Attitudes one can take towards people who have behaved badly

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 875 implied HN points • 07 Nov 24

🎭️ Culture Social norms Ethics Human behavior Communication Philosophy

Social punishment is a natural part of how humans interact, helping to enforce a social contract. It can feel too harsh or unjust at times, but it still serves a purpose.
There's a tricky balance in discussing the ideas of people who have done bad things. We need to find ways to remember their contributions without overlooking their wrongdoings.
It's important to correct the record if someone is proven innocent after being publicly condemned. Reputations can suffer permanently, and it’s crucial to acknowledge when we've gotten things wrong.

Movers and Shakers: Assisted Dying

Rory’s Always On Newsletter • 376 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24

🏥 Health Politics Legal issues Ethics Patient rights

There's a big debate about whether terminally ill people should get legal help to end their lives. Some believe the laws should change to support this decision, while others think it's best to keep the state out of it.
Many people, especially in the Parkinson's community, might not qualify for assisted dying under current proposals. They may not get a 'terminal' diagnosis in time, even if their suffering is severe.
Countries like Spain have different rules about assisted dying, allowing people with chronic conditions to seek help. This brings up questions about who decides what's considered unbearable suffering.

Why do I say thank you to Alexa?

Jeff Giesea • 558 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24

🕹 Technology Artificial Intelligence Human-computer interaction Ethics Automation Society

People are starting to treat AI assistants like they are human, saying things like 'please' and 'thank you' to them. This shows how technology is changing our social habits.
As we interact more with machines, it can blur the lines between real human connections and automated responses. This might make us value genuine relationships less.
Even though AI has great potential to help in many areas, it's important to be aware of how it affects our understanding of what it means to be human.

Neutrality

Rough Diamonds • 33 implied HN points • 13 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Epistemology

Neutrality is about treating all opinions equally, which helps people work together despite their differences. It’s important for creating spaces where cooperation can happen without conflict.
Our current systems often lack trust and a shared understanding, making it hard for people to agree on basics. Building new systems of trust is crucial for moving forward.
Institutions need to be more than just neutral; they should create a framework that supports healthy discussions and diverse viewpoints. This way, people can feel both included and understood.

The field

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics Political Philosophy

Silence can be a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
Embracing silence can lead to greater creativity and inspiration. It allows our minds to wander and generate new ideas.
Creating a space for silence can improve mental well-being. It's important to disconnect from the busyness of life sometimes.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

Philosophy bear • 171 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Interpretation

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.
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.
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.

The empty hand

Silentium • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics

Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
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

Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Machine Antihumanism and the Inversion of Family Law

The Upheaval • 1044 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Human nature Law Technology Family

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.
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.
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.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology

Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

Compassion ceilings

Philosophy bear • 207 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Ethics Social theory Political Philosophy Public Policy

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.
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.
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.

The ELYSIUM Proposal

Transhuman Axiology • 337 implied HN points • 15 Oct 24

🕹 Technology AI Philosophy Society Futurism Ethics

The ELYSIUM proposal suggests creating unique personal utopias for everyone, where each person can design their ideal environment. These utopias would be guided by an ideal version of themselves, ensuring their choices lead to happiness and fulfillment.
While individualized utopias sound great, there will be challenges regarding resources since they might be limited. People will need to negotiate how to share and allocate these resources without conflict.
For this vision to come true, it's important to establish strong property rights and ensure people control AI. If that doesn't happen, there's a risk that society could fall apart or even face extinction due to potential AI dangers.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24

📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics

Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

The Divine Right of Founders

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24

📖 Philosophy Political theory Ethics Historical context

Silicon Valley founders are seen as having a special power over their companies, similar to how kings ruled in the past. Their personal insight gives them a unique control that others can't match.
Many believe that companies struggle when they lose their founders, as those leaders provide a sense of legitimacy and direction. This belief reflects a deep connection between leadership and success in startups.
The idea that modern concepts of state and power come from religious ideas shows how intertwined our views of governance and business are. This connection could change how we see both companies and countries today.