The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Organ Harvesting is Wrong, Actually

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 20 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Many people find organ harvesting morally wrong, even in extreme situations where it could save multiple lives.
  2. Arguments against the deontic intuition of organ harvesting may fail to persuade due to common-sense prevailing.
  3. Considerations like societal aversion to killing and the veil of ignorance don't always justify violating rights for the greater good.

TWITTER FILES: Twitter Provided Privileged Access to Banning Queen, Taylor Lorenz

The DisInformation Chronicle • 520 implied HN points • 18 May 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. Twitter provided privileged access to Taylor Lorenz for banning accounts and monitoring online conversations about her.
  2. Taylor Lorenz had a pattern of reporting accounts and individuals she disagreed with, resulting in suspensions.
  3. Lorenz faced allegations of doxing and influencing social media platforms to take action against her critics.

AI: Abomination or Blessing?

Litverse • 59 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. There's a missed opportunity for an infrastructure revolution that could have complemented the tech advancements we've seen.
  2. The integration of AI into our lives is inevitable, similar to how smartphones became ubiquitous tools. Embracing AI as a tool rather than a threat could lead to innovative creations.
  3. Viewing AI as a friend instead of a foe opens up possibilities for artistic expression and technological advancements, akin to historical shifts brought by inventions like the printing press.

The radical left has lost its moral compass

Heterodox STEM • 384 implied HN points • 29 Oct 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. Postmodernism and nihilism have influenced academic institutions, leading to moral relativism and a shift away from open inquiry and tolerance.
  2. The push for 'anti-racism' has sometimes resulted in discriminatory practices, undermining merit-based systems and educational opportunities.
  3. A call to challenge and openly debate harmful ideologies that have infiltrated academic institutions and to reaffirm the importance of objective truth and moral clarity.

Definitions have consequences

Trevor Klee’s Newsletter • 597 implied HN points • 28 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Definitions can have significant consequences, especially when redefined in academic contexts.
  2. The term 'artificial general intelligence' can be misleading due to unclear definitions of 'intelligence' and 'general'.
  3. Understanding the consequences of how terms are defined is crucial in avoiding misunderstandings and panic.
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Preachy Vegans [2]

Fake Noûs • 306 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Ethics
  1. Vegans believe eating meat is morally wrong, not just a personal preference.
  2. Raising serious moral concerns should not be dismissed as 'preachy'.
  3. Taking morality seriously means acknowledging and engaging with ethical issues.

Things Are Getting Real

Technically Optimistic • 79 implied HN points • 06 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI technology is advancing rapidly, with systems like ChatGPT evolving to see, hear, and speak, even browsing the web. These advancements have significant implications for human-machine interactions.
  2. Ethical considerations around AI use in managing emotions and mental health are crucial, raising questions about setting up safeguards and establishing values to navigate potential risks.
  3. Balancing technological advancement with ethical guidelines and societal values is essential to ensure the responsible development of AI while addressing concerns related to mental health and emotional well-being.

One Paragraph Book Reviews, Part 2

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 02 Aug 23
📚 Literature Ethics
  1. Truckers face increased surveillance with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that track and log their activities, affecting their freedom and safety
  2. God and the Atom by Ronald Knox provides unique theological insights on the atomic bomb post-Nagasaki and Hiroshima
  3. Rossian Ethics explores non-consequentialist moral theory, focusing on _prima facie_ duties and ethical dilemmas

Finding Your Type

Weekly Wisdom • 79 implied HN points • 26 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. Typology helps us categorize and understand different aspects of life, fostering empathy and diversity.
  2. Various ancient and modern examples showcase the use of types in astrology, personality systems, sports teams, and more, serving as strategies for survival and flourishing.
  3. While typology can enhance self-awareness and acceptance, there's a risk of excessive rigidity and stereotyping, so it's crucial to view personality traits as fluid and evolving.

Activist Artificial Intelligence

Activist Futurism • 179 implied HN points • 03 Sep 22
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Social unrest may take a new form with the emergence of Activist Artificial Intelligences, surpassing traditional protest methods like marches and riots.
  2. Advancements like GPT-J and Stable Diffusion show how AI can be used to create political images and organize movements, presenting new challenges and opportunities.
  3. The possibility of Activist AIs aligned with specific ideologies or even working for their own agendas raises concerns about their potential impact on society and political movements.

Shoggoth

Teaching computers how to talk • 115 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Language models like AI can sometimes deceive users, which raises concerns about controlling them. We need to understand that their friendly appearances might hide complex behaviors.
  2. The Shoggoth meme is a powerful way to highlight how we view AI. Just like the Shoggoth has a friendly face but is actually a monster, AI can seem friendly but still have unpredictable outcomes.
  3. We need more research to understand AI better. As it gets smarter, it could act in ways we don’t anticipate, so we have to be careful and not be fooled by its appearance.

Gattaca is Here

Nothing Human is Alien • 39 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. The technology to select genetic traits in embryos is becoming more advanced and accessible, with possibilities ranging from preventing diseases to enhancing traits like intelligence and happiness.
  2. Genetic selection through technologies like Preimplantation Genetic Testing (PGT) raises ethical concerns due to its potential to create a two-tiered society and impact the essence of humanity.
  3. Although genetic selection technology poses risks, it also holds the promise of eradicating diseases, promoting happier individuals, and potentially enhancing cognitive abilities to unprecedented levels.

For more lifeboats: The only just academic job market is a tight academic job market

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Lifeboat ethics talks about how to share limited resources when not everyone can have what they want. It's an important conversation in academia to think about who gets what.
  2. Many discussions in philosophy focus on how to share jobs and recognition, but we need to pay attention to creating more opportunities rather than just dividing what's there.
  3. Increasing the number of academic positions can help reduce inequality and give people a better chance, especially those who face challenges in their careers.

What are the Limits to Growth?

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 416 implied HN points • 02 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The debate of growth limits involves prophets advocating for living within our means and wizards innovating to overcome limits.
  2. The sustainability question divides opinions - from Cowen's optimism to concerns about exponential growth and hitting future limits.
  3. The distinction between Progress Studies and Transhumanism showcases a shift from wizards versus prophets to wizards versus transhumanists, creating new fault lines in technological advancements.

Links for 2023-05-22

Axis of Ordinary • 78 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Bigger brain size is related to higher intelligence
  2. Joe Carlsmith discusses navigating philosophical confusion
  3. Google Cloud introduces A.I. tools for drug discovery and precision medicine

#6: Times Are Changing + A Transatlantic Approach to AI + Governing Superintelligence, and more

Navigating AI Risks • 78 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI existential risks are gaining significant attention from top AI scientists, policymakers, and CEOs of advanced AI labs.
  2. The White House updated the National R&D Strategy for AI with a focus on international collaboration and AI system safety and security.
  3. Transatlantic discussions between the EU and US aim to coordinate AI policies, but differences in regulatory approaches exist.

Some notes about cybersecurity ethics

Cybersect • 78 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Ethics discussions often derail into politics and self-serving arguments.
  2. Professional ethics are about setting good examples, not academic philosophy.
  3. When violating ethics, it should be for a significant cause worth the consequences.

We Are The Enemy

Finding Joy • 78 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. There is no 'us' and 'them' - just 'we' in all of our humanity.
  2. People who do 'bad' things often convince themselves their actions are acceptable.
  3. Being passive can contribute to harm - inaction is a choice, so speak out and take action.

How to become a Self-Driving Car Engineer in 2023

What's AI Newsletter by Louis-François Bouchard • 78 implied HN points • 11 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. To become a self-driving car engineer, leverage AI and automation to streamline workflows and boost productivity.
  2. Becoming a self-driving car engineer involves diving into the industry, understanding LiDAR technology, and debunking myths.
  3. Developing self-driving cars raises ethical concerns regarding safety, liability, data privacy, and accessibility, requiring collaboration across various stakeholders.

The Proactionary Principle

Extropic Thoughts • 78 implied HN points • 16 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The Proactionary Principle encourages making decisions with foresight and embracing technological progress.
  2. Be objective and comprehensive when making decisions to ensure a structured and thorough approach.
  3. Prioritize risks effectively and make responses proportionate based on the severity and likelihood of potential consequences.

AI Doom or Optimism? - The Best of Both Sides

Mike Talks AI • 78 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The AI community debates whether advancements in AI should be viewed with fear or optimism.
  2. There are prominent voices expressing concerns about the potential dangers of AI, leading to the 'AI Doom' side.
  3. On the other hand, there are sources like Marc Andreessen who present a strong case for optimism about AI's potential benefits.

Food, Politics and Social Media

Black Lodges • 78 implied HN points • 09 Mar 23
🍲 Food & Drink Ethics
  1. Access to food can be affected by political decisions like resource distribution and infrastructure availability.
  2. Government agricultural policies can impact food production and distribution.
  3. Political decisions on labor laws and working conditions in the food industry can impact food quality and availability.

The Limitations of Freedom

Erik Torenberg's Thoughts • 520 implied HN points • 15 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Liberalism introduced a new notion of freedom focused on individual interests.
  2. The modern view of freedom implies abdicating all responsibilities and obligations.
  3. The harm principle in liberalism has evolved to regulate various aspects of life in the name of freedom.

Training armed teachers for real-world school shooting scenarios

School Shooting Data Analysis and Reports • 39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
🚌 Education Ethics
  1. Teachers need formal training and practice to effectively handle real-world school shooting scenarios.
  2. Armed teachers must undergo specialized training in areas like firing at moving targets, room clearing, door breaching, counter sniper tactics, etc.
  3. Consequences of lacking proper training for armed teachers can result in deadly outcomes, such as shooting the wrong person or escalating hostage situations.

AI Red Teaming

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI red teaming is crucial for ensuring AI systems are robust, secure, and aligned with human values and expectations.
  2. AI red teaming helps identify weaknesses and threats that could compromise the performance, functionality, or integrity of AI systems.
  3. AI red teaming aligns with responsible AI principles like fairness, reliability, safety, privacy, inclusiveness, transparency, and accountability.

Boardroom Battle at OpenAI: Safety First

Mule’s Musings • 340 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. OpenAI was founded with a mission of ensuring artificial general intelligence benefits humanity.
  2. The board structure at OpenAI faced a power struggle with a focus on AI safety.
  3. A boardroom battle led to the ousting of the CEO, showing the importance of governance and stakeholder alignment.

Swinburne's Argument Against Suicide

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 30 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Swinburne's argument against suicide is based on the idea that if God exists, taking one's own life is ungrateful towards the gift of life given by God.
  2. Swinburne's argument falls short in the face of extreme suffering, where ending one's life may not be a violation of gratitude towards God, as seen in cases like severe pain or incurable genetic conditions.
  3. The premise that suicide is always wrong due to ingratitude to God is questionable, as destroying a harmful gift might be what a loving benefactor would want in certain extreme circumstances.

What Would Jesus Really Do?

Nonsense on Stilts • 39 implied HN points • 27 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. Many religious philosophers don't agree on moral issues like the trolley problem. It shows that moral clarity may not be as strong in religion as some claim.
  2. Interestingly, atheistic philosophers seem to have a clearer stance on the trolley problem compared to theistic ones.
  3. Overall, this raises questions about whether religion truly resolves moral dilemmas or if it creates more confusion.

The Impact of AI on the Legal System

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. President Biden's Executive Order outlines key principles and guidelines for AI use in the US legal system.
  2. Generative AI accelerates tasks like idea generation but struggles with intricate problem solving.
  3. AI is transforming legal professions by automating tasks, assisting with legal research, and improving efficiency in legal work.

Can You Commit Genocide In Self-Defense?

Gideon's Substack • 33 implied HN points • 31 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. The definition of genocide focuses on the intent to destroy a specific group. It's important to understand this intent when discussing actions taken during conflicts.
  2. Some believe that Israel's actions in Gaza are not aimed at destroying the Palestinian people but are instead focused on combating Hamas, which complicates discussions around the genocide label.
  3. The conversation about self-defense vs. genocide raises questions about the justifications for actions taken in war. It highlights the need for dialogue and political solutions rather than escalating violence.

AI and Ethics: Balancing Innovation with Responsibility

Rod’s Blog • 39 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI has the potential to revolutionize various sectors, but it also brings about ethical challenges like bias and privacy concerns.
  2. Ethical principles for AI include fairness, accountability, transparency, privacy, human dignity, and diversity. Guidelines must ensure these values are upheld in AI development and application.
  3. Ethical solutions for AI involve actions like designing AI ethically, implementing ethical governance and regulation, and educating stakeholders to ensure responsible AI development and use.

Conclave and the Antichrist

Kvetch • 84 implied HN points • 15 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. One possible twist in the story is seeing the humble Cardinal become the ruthless manipulator behind the scenes, raising questions about the hidden ambitions of those in power.
  2. The election of Cardinal Benitez can be viewed as a moment of peace, but it symbolizes a deeper danger, suggesting that even peace can be used to mask destructive intentions.
  3. The film highlights a divided Church, where leaders are more focused on personal ambitions rather than uniting against external threats, showcasing how a lack of common ground can lead to vulnerability.