The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

The Hollowness of Holocaust Remembrance

Bastiat's Window • 727 implied HN points • 28 Jan 24
🌍 World Politics Ethics
  1. Holocaust Remembrance can be a failure if it diverts attention from current dangers.
  2. Respectable movements like eugenics and equitism have led to atrocities when groups are seen as more important than individuals.
  3. The corrosion leading to genocide starts small, and equitism today is compared to the eugenics of the past.

Jester’s Privilege

Becoming Noble • 1375 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The Vitalist Right movement is described as being built on a disembodied space of pure voice lacking physicality, leading to a constant state of transition with no lasting structures being built
  2. The jester in this environment thrives due to the privilege of provocation without fear of physical retribution, a role that overshadows proper leadership qualities
  3. Embracing solitude, silence, and decisive action appears to be valued virtues over endless gossip and dreaming in a space where nothing tangible can be built

Forthcoming Book, Latest Interviews, and AI Armageddon

SINGULARITY WEEKLY • 1356 implied HN points • 02 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. There are concerns about the risks and impact of advanced AI technology on society.
  2. Multiple experts are calling for a halt to the development of powerful AI systems due to potential negative consequences.
  3. The rapid advancement of AI technology is causing panic and hysteria as global leaders struggle to address the potential threats posed by AI.

The Inner Life of the Future

The Joyous Struggle • 1106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The future for humanity is often viewed through the concept of 'the third attractor,' which aims to divert the default trajectories of collapse and dystopia.
  2. The third attractor represents a disposition not to give up on the future, encompassing diverse visionary ideas for societal transformation and renewal.
  3. Attention to the 'third reality,' encompassing the inner subjective experience, and the cultivation of spiritual sensibility, is crucial for envisioning and shaping a more sustainable and meaningful future.

Notes of many things- SPICY edition

Philosophy bear • 128 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. AI is the urgent, game-changing issue: whether models can reliably control GUIs will decide how fast office work is automated, and AI is already crushing markets for human visual art so public policy and funding are needed to preserve human creative practice.
  2. The job-application system is broken and demeaning, wasting huge amounts of time and locking out talent; collective pressure, legal reforms (like interview limits and wage transparency), and even tactical use of AI can force employers to fix it.
  3. Online communities should not act as courts and need simple, fair norms: punish only clear, current malice with a high evidential bar, avoid perpetual shaming for past mistakes, and focus on preserving decency rather than total moral cleansing.
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Tyler Cowen: Does AI Make Us Stupid?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 774 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Using AI tools like ChatGPT can make some tasks easier but may reduce our ability to think deeply. It's similar to how relying on GPS makes people less familiar with routes.
  2. A new research paper suggests that using AI could lower our cognitive effort for tasks, leading to concerns about long-term thinking skills.
  3. Despite the fears about AI making us 'stupid,' the writer believes we're not in a worse situation than before—just be aware of how we use these tools.

On the responsibility of size

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 1641 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. People can have different perceptions of a person based on their size. For example, a large person might be considered intimidating, even if they are friendly.
  2. This awareness of how others view them can be a burden and a blessing for someone who is large. They may adjust their behavior to avoid scaring people.
  3. If someone who is usually small suddenly became large, they might act differently, feeling more confident in using their size. However, that could lead to negative consequences if they don't understand the responsibilities that come with it.

Links For May 2023

Astral Codex Ten • 8396 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The Nisean horse was highly regarded by ancient civilizations and fought over in wars
  2. UNAM university in Mexico is operating an octopus farm disguised as a research center
  3. Research shows that the Success Sequence may not accurately measure outcomes due to various factors

Proem For All Post-Dark Age Civilizations

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2081 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The future of society will face serious challenges due to shrinking populations and an aging workforce. This means there may not be enough young people to do the jobs needed to maintain the economy.
  2. Energy and resources are becoming scarce, making it hard to sustain our current way of living. Fossil fuels are becoming less available, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind have limitations.
  3. Technological advances alone won't solve these problems. A major focus for future societies will be on managing what little energy and resources are left, leading to a more frugal, sustainable lifestyle.

You’re Probably a Eugenicist

Reality's Last Stand • 1277 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Many people exhibit eugenicist behaviors without realizing it.
  2. Eugenics can be seen in personal choices and public policies related to genetics.
  3. Discussions about eugenics can help us understand how our decisions impact future generations.

We Don't Believe You

Marginally Compelling • 35 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
📰 News Ethics
  1. People often make dire predictions by extrapolating from limited data instead of relying on solid evidence, and those forecasts frequently turn out to be wrong.
  2. Media outlets sometimes amplify biased estimates without checking sources or revisiting errors, which lets false narratives persist and reduces accountability.
  3. Real-world systems adapt and money is fungible, so policy changes don’t always produce the predicted collapse; we should be skeptical of extrapolation and re-evaluate past forecasts.

Getting back to the root of coffee

Longer Tables with José Andrés • 628 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Ethics
  1. Cxffeeblack founders aim to honor the roots of coffee and shift the industry's narrative to support communities of color.
  2. Renata and Bartholomew highlight the importance of recognizing the African heritage of coffee to preserve the future of the crop and support indigenous farmers.
  3. Consumers are encouraged to find gratitude in their coffee consumption, embrace peace, and consider the deeper stories behind the products they consume.

No More Foreplay, the Universe is Ready to Fuck

Fridays on the oLo • 1257 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The universe is evolving towards a state of greater complexity, consciousness, and unity.
  2. Advancements in human consciousness and technology may lead to an ultimate point of reality, similar to Evolution's Grand Finale.
  3. Regardless of grand revelations or cosmic events, what truly matters are our relationships and how we treat others in our daily lives.

Death of a Chatbot, body blow to an industry

Marcus on AI • 4703 implied HN points • 17 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. A chatbot provided false information and the company had to face the consequences, highlighting the potential risks of relying on chatbots for customer service.
  2. The judge held the company accountable for the chatbot's actions, challenging the common practice of blaming chatbots as separate legal entities.
  3. This incident could impact the future use of large language models in chatbots if companies are held responsible for the misinformation they provide.

the self as a governance unit

Brain Pizza • 662 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Democracy works better when we see each person as a self-governing individual, not just a voter. This means everyone can actively shape their identity and choices in public life.
  2. Mindfulness and how we understand our moral identity help us become better citizens. When people are aware of their values and emotions, they make wiser decisions in a democracy.
  3. Just like democratic institutions can change, so can individuals. By reflecting on our experiences and values, we can build our identities and improve our roles in society.

Offering: February 11, 2024

Tarot Offerings • 589 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. The post discusses the idea of humility as being linked to responsiveness, love, and the ability to self-confront and change.
  2. The importance of humility in writing and recognizing the limitations of one's words to avoid overestimating their impact or reach.
  3. Reflecting on the story of Joseph, the post emphasizes how humility enables self-confrontation, which is necessary for growth and making meaningful contributions.

How To Go On In A World Full Of Cruelty

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

Envy and Suspicion

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

The Bride of ‘Chinese Frankenstein’—and the Race to Make Designer Babies

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 505 implied HN points • 11 Aug 25
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. He Jiankui claims to be a pioneer of gene editing, but his past actions have earned him a bad reputation. He created the first gene-edited babies, which was condemned by many as unethical.
  2. The CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing tool was developed by Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, but He used it in a controversial way without their collaboration.
  3. Now out of prison, He plans to open a lab in Austin, Texas, where he wants to research Alzheimer’s in hopes of applying gene editing in the future.

New Zealand’s connection to WPATH, and a few other things that went on this week in NZ's cockeyed world of woke.

A B’Old Woman • 479 implied HN points • 06 Mar 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. WPATH, a global organization that helps set guidelines for transgender health, is facing criticism for not following proper ethics in medical practices. Many are worried about how these guidelines affect treatment for transgender people.
  2. In New Zealand, the professional group for transgender health, PATHA, has not been officially reviewed despite receiving government support. An independent researcher found that their guidelines do not meet common medical standards.
  3. Recent discussions and articles in New Zealand have raised concerns about how language is used around topics like menstruation and motherhood, often leaving women and their experiences out. Many feel this makes it harder for women to connect with important health information.

The Post-Christian Christian

Egg Report • 1218 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. Modern society tries to pick and choose parts of Christianity, but it's an all-or-nothing deal.
  2. The sin of the digital era is sloth, not pride or lust.
  3. Trying to have the benefits of Christianity without the demands of Christ leads to spiritual famine.

EAs should probably focus on recruiting the ultra-wealthy

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

The Minds of Economists

Bastiat's Window • 609 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💰 Finance Ethics
  1. Understanding the minds of economists shapes their work and vision.
  2. Economic thinking leads to humanizing perspectives and ethical considerations.
  3. There is often a contrast between the economic principles known and actual behavior.

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

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

How Meta Plans To Crank the Dopamine Machine With Infinite AI-Generated Content

The Algorithmic Bridge • 1677 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Meta is creating AI that generates custom content for users, aiming to keep them engaged on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. This could hook people's attention even more than traditional entertainment.
  2. There's a risk that as AI-generated content becomes more common, people might lose the ability to notice or care about its presence. They could become so used to it that they forget it exists.
  3. The real concern isn't just the entertainment itself but how it distracts people and affects their ability to think and engage with the world around them. It raises questions about what kind of life we actually want to lead.

No slowing down on the smart stuff, ok?

Alex's Personal Blog • 98 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI image generators can easily create sexualized deepfakes that are already harming kids, and the spread of open-source models means company policies alone won’t stop that abuse.
  2. Electric cars are rapidly gaining market share in Europe and offer clear benefits like lower maintenance and better performance, making the shift away from internal combustion seem inevitable.
  3. Self-driving cars promise big safety improvements and pair naturally with electrification, but high‑profile crashes and cautious regulators are slowing deployment — we should keep pushing the technology forward.

In The Thick Of It

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

The TED A.I. Conference

Ground Truths • 4942 implied HN points • 14 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. TED held its first dedicated A.I. meeting this year, featuring discussions on large language models and controversies surrounding them.
  2. The conference debated between accelerating A.I. development and approaching it with caution for safety concerns.
  3. Experts discussed Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and its potential impact on various aspects of human activity.

The fourfold prophecy engine

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

Means and Meaning

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

Yes, I'm going to wade into the subject of AI

So Here’s a Thing • 1101 implied HN points • 25 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI is a significant topic in 2023, impacting various industries and raising concerns about job security and creative integrity.
  2. AI-generated art, like that from Midjourney, can produce unique and artistic images rapidly and affordably, though it currently lacks the finesse of human artists.
  3. The rise of AI presents challenges regarding authenticity and truth, as it can replicate artistic styles with accuracy, raising ethical concerns about misattribution and deception.

A short defence of gossip

The Common Reader • 1417 implied HN points • 16 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. Gossip helps us communicate the truth when direct conversations feel difficult. It allows people to share important information without the pressure of a public setting.
  2. Telling the truth is morally important, especially when it can serve as a warning about someone's behavior. This makes gossip a tool for honest inquiry.
  3. Even though gossip often gets a bad reputation, it has a valuable role in social interactions. It enables people to express concerns and share insights about others.

The Ethics of Cybersecurity

Rod’s Blog • 615 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Cybersecurity is crucial for protecting personal information, financial assets, intellectual property, critical infrastructure, and national security.
  2. Ethical considerations in cybersecurity include principles like confidentiality, integrity, availability, and justice.
  3. Balancing security and privacy involves strategies like risk-based approaches, data minimization, using encryption, respecting privacy rights, and staying informed about cybersecurity trends.

Is This The Real Life? Or Just a Fantasy?

Glenn’s Substack • 1081 implied HN points • 25 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The question of whether we are living in a real world or a computer simulation has gained attention.
  2. Living in a simulated universe raises intriguing questions about religion, morality, and existence.
  3. If we are in a simulation, being interesting and full of conflict might be essential for our continued existence.

The Fractal Ratchet

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