The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

We Need To Come Back From The Future

Cybernetic Forests • 199 implied HN points • 04 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Norbert Wiener, the founder of cybernetics, emphasized the importance of studying feedback and response rather than seeking stability in systems.
  2. The discussions around AI and existential risks often prioritize hypothetical future scenarios over addressing present-day human suffering and feedback mechanisms.
  3. The culture of safety engineering in AI tends to focus on abstract future catastrophes, potentially overshadowing the immediate impacts on communities and individuals.

Part 1: AI Use Among UX Professionals

UX Psychology • 198 implied HN points • 17 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Artificial Intelligence is significantly impacting User Experience (UX) by providing new tools and methods for research and design.
  2. UX professionals have varying levels of AI knowledge and usage, with concerns including potential errors, biases, and job security.
  3. Even though many UX professionals are incorporating AI into their work, there is still caution and a desire to ensure responsible AI use and human augmentation.

Destroying the World is a Difficult Problem

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward • 255 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. There's a big difference between theorists and experimentalists in science. Theorists think a lot about ideas, while experimentalists deal with the real-world messiness of experiments.
  2. Many fears about AI being super dangerous come from theorists who underestimate the practical challenges. Even super smart AIs will face real-life problems that slow them down.
  3. Destroying the world is actually hard and takes time. Even if an AI is super intelligent, making big changes in reality is complicated and can't happen instantly.

Weekly Top Picks #98

The Algorithmic Bridge • 233 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Anthropic is about to release its first reasoning model, which shows a new direction in AI compared to OpenAI's past methods. This could change how AI systems think and make decisions.
  2. OpenAI plans to launch GPT-4.5 soon and GPT-5 in a few months. They are shifting towards a more unified model to keep up with competitors, signaling a fast-paced race in AI technology.
  3. There's a significant shift from focusing on AI safety to emphasizing AI capabilities. Companies are now more about developing powerful AI instead of just ensuring safety, which could change the landscape of AI development.

Working for the 'King of Clubs’: My time at Stringfellow’s

London in Bits • 196 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. The working environment at Stringfellow's strip club was filled with intense competition and unethical practices among staff.
  2. The job entailed exploiting clients for money through various means like charging high prices for private dances and manipulating drink orders.
  3. Despite the allure of easy money, the work at the strip club led to a loss of self-identity and trust, highlighting the damaging effects of such environments.
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The problem with AI misalignment

venturecommune • 196 implied HN points • 02 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The Misalignment Museum is a new art installation addressing the problem with AI misalignment.
  2. The misalignment problem in AI focuses on compatibility of human values with superintelligent AI values.
  3. Analysis of AI technology should consider social relations and ownership to understand its impact.

The Politics of Data

Joe Reis • 196 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The politics of data often involves using data to push pre-determined agendas.
  2. In organizations, decisions are often driven by politics rather than technical excellence or data.
  3. Understanding the political dynamics within an organization can help navigate potential impacts on one's career.

Some Notes on Political Apology

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Voters often demand political apologies but don't always accept them, leading to a paradox. Despite this, there are valid reasons for demanding apologies even when acceptance is unlikely.
  2. Conditional apologies, though controversial, can still be considered genuine apologies as they reflect an acceptance of facts, remorse, a desire for improvement, and a commitment to change.
  3. Politicians sometimes apologize for historical events they weren't personally involved in to acknowledge narrative connections and prevent the risk of causing expressive harm by remaining silent.

the puzzle without a name

Thicket Forte • 419 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Life can feel like a puzzle where you don't have all the pieces or instructions. It's frustrating when things don't fit, and you might feel lost trying to figure it all out.
  2. Real progress comes when you discover new ways to understand or solve your problems. Each new insight can change everything and make life feel more complete.
  3. It's easy to think you've reached the end, but there's always more to explore and understand. Keep questioning and seeking out those hidden pieces, even if it feels challenging.

Cage Fight: Musk vs. OpenAI

Surfing the Future • 79 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Elon Musk filed a lawsuit against OpenAI for allegedly prioritizing AI for profit over humanity's benefit, highlighting concerns about AGI's threats.
  2. The concept of cliodynamics examines the recurring patterns of extreme inequality and elite infighting throughout history, reflecting on current societal tensions.
  3. The Musk vs. OpenAI conflict raises questions about the influence of wealth and power in society, hinting at deeper societal currents and potential consequences.

AI, The Idiot Ant Queen

Desystemize • 1404 implied HN points • 07 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Artificial intelligence could lead to a loss of understanding and agency in decision-making
  2. AI ethics issues stem from existing power imbalances and biases, not just the capabilities of AI systems
  3. The real concern with AI is the potential control it may have over societal institutions, impacting human autonomy and decision-making

What Makes Humans Special?

Meaning || Matter • 3 HN points • 04 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Humans are unique because we can reason and make moral choices, which sets us apart from animals. Unlike other creatures, we think about what is right and wrong and have the ability to act on those thoughts.
  2. Children develop important social skills like helping and empathy at a very young age. They naturally want to support others and understand emotions, showing they care about feelings even before they can talk.
  3. Humans create complex cultures that build trust and cooperation among large groups. This ability to share knowledge and norms allows us to work together, unlike most animals that mainly rely on small, familiar groups.

Beyond Gruntlement

The Radar • 59 implied HN points • 03 Apr 24
💼 Business Ethics
  1. Rubbish ideas remain rubbish, no matter what justifications are given.
  2. Honesty and respect are crucial in how organizations treat their employees.
  3. Individual employees should not compromise their integrity for the sake of dishonest tactics at work.

Using ChatGPT-4 for a new price discriminating hurdle for my workshops

Scott's Substack • 98 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
💼 Business Ethics
  1. Price discrimination involves selling the same service at different prices to different consumers based on specific criteria that can't be easily manipulated.
  2. Creating pricing hurdles, like costly actions or essays, can help target different groups of consumers effectively.
  3. Using ChatGPT-4 to assess essays for pricing eligibility can introduce a fair yet complex system, combining an honor system approach with a touch of randomness.

Tim Pool, Sam Seder, and Thanos: Is Lesser-Evil Voting Like Pushing People Onto Trolley Tracks? (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 239 implied HN points • 26 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Tim Pool's comparison of lesser-evil voting to the Trolley Problem and Thanos lacked depth and accuracy in understanding consequentialism and deontology.
  2. It's important to consider moral complexities beyond simple consequentialism when debating electoral strategies like third-party voting versus lesser-evil voting.
  3. The debate between deontology and consequentialism in voting ethics can lead to deeper discussions on philosophical principles and their application in political decision-making.

Leaving behind the history written in letters of blood

Wrong Side of History • 275 implied HN points • 23 Dec 24
💾 History Ethics
  1. European society changed a lot after World War II, and old ideas of guilt and hospitality mixed with a new horror from the war. This shift influenced how people thought about nationalism and morality.
  2. People became very afraid of nationalism after the war, often going too far in pushing it away, which made them overlook other important values like order and liberty.
  3. There is a strong belief among European elites that immigration is always a good thing, even if the reasons they give can be confusing. This ideology has become common in their discussions.

Lent - even if you're not Catholic

The Other Side of Fear • 3 implied HN points • 18 Feb 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. Lent can be used by anyone as a dedicated time to reflect and try to give up bad habits, not just a religious ritual for Catholics.
  2. Mindless phone and social media use, snacking, and avoiding deep work are common vices that are worth cutting back on during a focused period.
  3. It’s easy to excuse bad habits with past achievements, but you should measure yourself by how well you use your gifts and aim to live in a better, more intentional way.

How often do AI's lie and censor?

Who is Robert Malone • 18 implied HN points • 15 Dec 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Some AI systems will refuse or block answers to certain prompts, and the same question can get very different responses from different models.
  2. Language models can be made to generate convincing but false health information, and the strength of safeguards varies a lot between systems.
  3. Many AIs deny lying or censoring and there’s no external verification process, so users should not trust them blindly and must verify important information themselves.

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
  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.

ChatGPT: Siri on Steroids

Diane Francis • 419 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. ChatGPT is a powerful AI tool that can understand and respond to human language, making it helpful for tasks like summarizing information and writing poetry.
  2. While ChatGPT represents a major step in AI development, it is not perfect and should not be relied upon for important decisions without verification.
  3. As AI progresses, there are ethical concerns about how it can be used, and it's important to remember that technology reflects the intentions of its creators.

Principles for the Permaweird

Breaking Smart • 219 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Chiang's Law states that science fiction focuses on strange rules, while fantasy revolves around special people. This idea helps in understanding different storytelling styles.
  2. Chor-Pharn's Law suggests that knowing your identity leads to bigger conflicts, while uncertainty can cause cultural battles. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in societal issues.
  3. Boyd's Razor emphasizes prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty in leadership. This balance fosters a healthier work culture and encourages diverse ideas, preventing toxic environments.

The Most Important Skill in the 21st Century

The Algorithmic Bridge • 668 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Boredom was never the problem, but not experiencing it is a challenge in the modern world.
  2. The most crucial skill in the 21st century is learning how to be bored and find tranquility in silence.
  3. Constant external stimulation has made us fear boredom, but embracing it can help us grow and stand out in a world of overwhelming entertainment.

The Non Linear Path

The Renaissance Man • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Life doesn't always have a clear direction, and that's okay. Embracing the unknown can help you trust your journey, even when it feels scary.
  2. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of jealousy and regret. Remember, everyone is on their own unique path, and you are not better or worse than anyone else.
  3. Holding onto hope is important, even when things don't make sense. It's better to believe that everything will work out in the end than to live in fear.

LLM Links, 12/1

In My Tribe • 288 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI systems are being developed to have better memory which would improve conversations with users. If they can remember past interactions, it could lead to more meaningful and deeper exchanges.
  2. Humans have unique qualities like vulnerability and connection that AI can't replicate. This means people will still value human interactions over machines, no matter how advanced they become.
  3. Virtual friends powered by AI can help those who are lonely, but they might also distract from real-life relationships. It's important to balance technology use with human connections.

On Speaking to The Cleaning Ladies

The Pedestrian • 357 implied HN points • 24 May 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. The author works as an administrative assistant at a council and has developed different relationships with colleagues based on their positions.
  2. The author faced ingratitude from the cleaning staff despite going out of their way to be friendly and helpful.
  3. Realizing the cleaning staff might be intentionally negligent, the author reported safety violations which led to positive changes in their behavior.

Objectivism

David Friedman’s Substack • 206 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Ayn Rand's idea of acting in your rational self-interest doesn't mean you should always respect others' rights. Sometimes, acting in your interest might involve violating those rights, but it's best to do so wisely.
  2. An Objectivist government, which would need to fund services like defense, struggles with the idea of collecting taxes without violating its own principles since taxation is seen as initiation of force.
  3. The conversation suggests that accepting some rights violations might be reasonable for the sake of a limited government, but there's a debate on whether a stateless society is actually a better solution.

A Brutal Invasion: Hidden Values and Two 20-Year Anniversaries

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 09 Sep 23
🌍 World Politics Ethics
  1. Different language and judgmental terms are used in the media when reporting on civilian casualties of different events, showcasing potential biases and hidden values.
  2. The media coverage on the victims of the September 11 attacks differs significantly from the reporting on victims of the Iraq War, revealing inconsistencies in how humanizing language is applied.
  3. There is a call for more honest and inclusive reporting in the news media and political discourse about the events of the Iraq War, urging for a broader and objective portrayal of facts and perspectives.

AI literacy and Schrödinger's ethics

imperfect offerings • 179 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🚌 Education Ethics
  1. Universities are emphasizing AI literacy and ethical use of AI tools for students and staff in education.
  2. There is a call for the development of independent codes of ethics and practices in universities to address the unique risks and challenges posed by AI in education.
  3. The responsibility falls on teaching staff to navigate the complex decisions around AI use, considering ethical implications and potential harms.

The Words of War

Humanities in Revolt • 179 implied HN points • 02 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. Mainstream war reporting often uses vague euphemisms and jargon, which can obscure the true impact of conflict on human lives.
  2. The language we use around war matters, as it can shape perceptions and beliefs. It's recommended to use direct language that accurately reflects the reality of warfare.
  3. It's important to be conscious of how we attribute responsibility in discussions of war, avoiding language that masks the true agents of violence and destruction.

Parfit, by David Edmonds

The Common Reader • 1169 implied HN points • 11 May 23
📚 Literature Ethics
  1. Derek Parfit is a highly influential philosopher in moral philosophy, but relatively unknown outside academic circles.
  2. Parfit's life and philosophy are intertwined, with his actions reflecting his beliefs in altruism and empathy.
  3. Parfit's approach to personal identity and philosophy, as depicted in a new biography by David Edmonds, raises thought-provoking questions about selflessness and dedication.

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

Knowledge Problem • 137 implied HN points • 29 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  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.

Opponents of IVF Should Oppose Natural Conception Too

Parrhesia • 647 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🏥 Health & Wellness Ethics
  1. Opponents of IVF may need to extend their beliefs to also include opposition to natural conception, as it results in the loss of embryos similar to IVF.
  2. Banning IVF raises the issue of a paradox where excess embryos are never created nor destroyed, leading to no children being born.
  3. A consistent stance against IVF should logically also entail a stance against natural conception, due to the loss of embryos that often occurs in both processes.

Of olfactory ethics and oaf-factory hysterics.

Philosophy bear • 286 implied HN points • 04 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Dr. Ally Louks is facing criticism online for her PhD topic about the social meaning of smell. Some people find her work pointless and label it as 'woke'.
  2. There is a divide in intellectual circles over what it means to be smart or knowledgeable, with some critiques focusing on how certain ideas are oversimplified or misrepresented.
  3. The online discussions often trend toward name-calling and dismissive attitudes instead of engaging with the actual arguments and ideas presented.

The Sequence Knowlege #693: A New Series About Interpretability in Foundation Models

TheSequence • 84 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Understanding AI black boxes, especially complex models, is very important for safety and trust. People need to know how these AIs make decisions.
  2. Interpretability in AI refers to making sense of how these intelligent systems work. It's about bridging the gap between what we can do with AI and understanding it.
  3. The series will discuss practical ways to interpret these AI models and review significant papers related to the topic. Learning from research is key to improving AI understanding.

Should You Watch People Die

Regress Studies • 176 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. There is a difference between witnessing war and seeking out death for personal satisfaction.
  2. Social media can worsen our consumption of war as content, leading to desensitization.
  3. The concept of 'bearing witness' to human suffering can be complex and may not always have a clear moral imperative.