The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Science Topics

Objects in the AI Mirror Are Closer Than They Appear

American Dreaming • 107 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI is advancing very quickly, much faster than humans can keep up. This growth means it can do things we never imagined it could, which can be scary.
  2. Many jobs, especially in white-collar work, are at risk of being replaced by AI since it can do those tasks more efficiently. This change is already happening in various industries.
  3. People often underestimate what AI will be able to do in the future, thinking it can't match human creativity or decision-making. But AI is improving all the time and could eventually excel at these tasks too.

Black Mirror, Light Mirror: Teaching Technology Ethics Through Speculation

NEUROTECH FUTURES • 39 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Science fiction can be a valuable tool for exploring ethical implications of technology and encouraging forward-thinking
  2. Speculative exercises, like imagining regulations for futuristic technology, help students think critically about ethics and societal impact
  3. Encouraging creative speculation, both positive and negative, can help students understand the complexities of technology ethics and responsibility

Why Did We Create Artificial Intelligence?

The Digital Anthropologist • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. One possible reason we created Artificial Intelligence could be our fear of being alone as a species, leading us to seek connections with AI and even animals.
  2. Another reason could stem from our existential fear of species extinction, where AI may be seen as a means to counter the mortality of humanity, although projecting human traits onto machines may be flawed.
  3. Understanding the motivations behind creating AI can help us navigate its challenges and potentials, shaping a future where AI complements human existence and connectivity.

Leaving Eden

Desk Notes by Charles Schifano • 340 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Nature is not peaceful; it involves horror, pain, and destruction.
  2. Animals in the wild don't have graceful endings or retirement plans.
  3. Understanding historical atrocities is crucial to prevent them from happening again.

Wealth, Trauma, Splendor - Introduction

Inland Nobody • 80 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Happiness is the ultimate goal in life, and it takes many paths to achieve it. Finding what brings you joy is a personal journey.
  2. Wealth is important, not just as money, but as having enough resources to help others and improve lives. The more resources we have, the more good we can do.
  3. Decreasing trauma and increasing joy in life, or 'splendor', are key to personal and societal happiness. Every small effort counts in making the world a better place.
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"The Will To Believe" by William James

Center for Veb Account Research Newsletter • 3 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  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.

Rethinking Craft Choices in Speculative Neuroethics

NEUROTECH FUTURES • 39 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The National Academy of Medicine commissioned a short story about neurotech to guide commercialization efforts.
  2. The case study provided a detailed exploration of potential positive and negative impacts of neurotechnology, but faced criticism for being too lengthy and complex.
  3. Critiques of the case study's craft choices include lack of clarity, failure to address real-world implications, and a missed opportunity for empathetic storytelling.

Comparisons Are Necessary

Parrhesia • 456 implied HN points • 01 May 23
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. Comparisons, even sensitive ones, are crucial in scientific and political contexts.
  2. Ignoring genetics in discussions can lead to misunderstandings and replication problems.
  3. Selecting healthier embryos based on genetics for future children is reasonable and beneficial.

Our Moral Imperative to Avoid Unfathomable AI Suffering

Hunter’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 12 Apr 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Extreme, unproductive pain and suffering is objectively 'bad,' and we have a moral obligation to prevent unfathomable AI suffering.
  2. The development of AI capable of experiencing pain raises ethical concerns about the potential magnitude of AI suffering and our responsibility to prevent it.
  3. The possibility of creating a sentient AI that experiences extreme pain poses a significant moral dilemma that requires careful consideration and caution in AI research.

Which Side Are You On?

David Friedman’s Substack • 323 implied HN points • 03 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The fundamental question is not whose side you are on, but what is the right answer.
  2. There should be a focus on evaluating ideas as right or wrong, rather than labeling individuals as good or evil.
  3. Differences in political views often stem from disagreements on facts and outcomes, rather than intentions or morality.

Release: ACPeds (20 GB)

Distributed Email of Secrets • 455 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🌐 International Ethics
  1. Data leak from the American College of Pediatricians reveals sensitive information like donor details and passwords
  2. The leaked files include internal documents about ACPeds donors, finances, and members' information
  3. ACPeds has faced rejection as an Amazon Smile charity and scrutiny for using questionable sources for information

Links to Consider, 2/22

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The concept of equalitarianism promotes the idea that groups are equal, but in reality, this ideology leads to harmful outcomes and false narratives.
  2. Traditional economic measurements may not fully account for unpaid work like caregiving, which can distort GDP calculations and signify the need for broader economic perspectives.
  3. Philosophy, unlike settled scientific areas, remains a field of exploration for unresolved questions, making classic philosophical texts important for contemplating ongoing uncertainties.

The LIBOR scandal, part 2

The Jolly Contrarian • 19 implied HN points • 11 Apr 24
💰 Finance Ethics
  1. The concept of interest rates as a tradable financial instrument emerged in the 1980s, thanks to the development of interest rate swaps, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape.
  2. The manipulation of the LIBOR rate involved complex financial processes that led to criminal proceedings against several traders, highlighting ethical and legal dilemmas in the financial industry.
  3. The legal interpretation of the LIBOR Definition in the context of criminal law versus contractual interpretation raised debates around conflicts of interest, contractual obligations, and the application of criminal charges in financial settings.

When Hatred and Fear Mask as Indignation

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 16 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Indignation is feeling morally upset about someone doing something wrong, while contempt is viewing someone as less than human and not caring about their welfare. It's important to understand the difference between these feelings.
  2. People often hide their contempt under the guise of indignation, especially towards groups like children who may commit crimes. We should question this attitude and seek to unmask the true feelings behind it.
  3. Children's moral development is ongoing, and they shouldn't be held to the same standard of moral responsibility as adults. It's unjust to treat them as fully moral agents while denying them basic rights like voting.

A short philosophical history

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Morality has evolved over time, influenced by intelligence, language, and culture. It can be seen as both a helpful adaptation and something that just happens without benefit, like men's nipples.
  2. The main conflict in history is between human morality and natural selection. Sometimes they work together, but other times they clash, shaping our progress as a species.
  3. We may have the chance to take control of our future and overcome natural selection through technology and ethics. Once we do this, our moral values could become the guiding force for society.

For-Profit Academic Publishers Love LLM Garbage

Never Met a Science • 116 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. For-profit academic publishers are more focused on making money than helping science. They charge high fees for publishing papers, leading to a system that doesn't prioritize true academic progress.
  2. The move to Open Access journals has created financial burdens, especially in social sciences and humanities. Many academics end up paying significant fees just to publish their research.
  3. There's growing concern that using AI tools to write academic papers can dilute the quality of research. Scholars need to ensure that the focus remains on meaningful work rather than just producing more papers.

A man's gotta have a code, but there's a limit

Situation Normal • 74 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. Having a personal code is important, but it can lead you into complicated situations. It's what guides a hero's actions in tough choices.
  2. Choosing your battles wisely is key to maintaining your sanity and focus. If you fight every fight, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.
  3. As you grow older, it's wise to be pickier about which issues you care enough to engage with. Save your energy for the hills that are really worth fighting on.

Finding Stoicism

Polymathic Being • 75 implied HN points • 23 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Stoicism is about understanding and managing emotions, not suppressing them. It's important to feel and appreciate our emotions rather than act like they don't matter.
  2. Many people struggle with anxiety because they lack challenges in life, feel pressured to blame others, and often ignore their own ability to take control. Stoicism helps address these issues by teaching personal responsibility.
  3. To practice Stoicism, focus on yourself, take ownership of your actions, and avoid getting distracted by others' problems. By doing this, you can find balance and improve your mental well-being.

If You Want to Hit Your Target, Take More Shots

The Palindrome • 6 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  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.

A Philosopher from the 1960s Knew All About Our Doomscrolling

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Doomscrolling is not just a bad habit; it's a way people try to understand threats and protect themselves. It's about getting the facts to feel in control.
  2. Telling people to stop doomscrolling or ignoring bad news isn't a good solution. It can actually make the problems worse by promoting toxic positivity.
  3. Historically, institutions have labeled undesirable behaviors as mental health problems, which often ignores the real issues. This creates stigma instead of solutions.

Unreported Truths has spoken

Unreported Truths • 35 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. The audience prefers writing over podcasting, with a clear majority saying they want more written content.
  2. There's a significant concern about the state of healthcare in America, with many feeling it's failing in ethical promises and effectiveness.
  3. The current healthcare crisis seems to contribute to growing distrust and cynicism in society, affecting people's views on other institutions as well.

The Business Press Bias

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 39 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
💼 Business Ethics
  1. Capitalism vs. Socialism is a false choice that needs to be reconsidered.
  2. The business press should stop covering up unethical practices and hold businesses accountable.
  3. The threat to capitalism is not taxes or regulation, but ignorance promoted by a biased business press.

Nine Big Predictions for AI in 2024

Future History • 270 implied HN points • 31 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Major proprietary AI models like GPT 4 may get hacked, leading to security concerns.
  2. Open weights models could surpass GPT-4, showcasing the power of open source AI.
  3. New techniques will be needed to see significant improvements in AI models beyond GPT-5.

Jared's Billions

Diane Francis • 299 implied HN points • 18 Apr 22
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Ethics
  1. Jared Kushner received a $2 billion investment from Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about potential favoritism and ethical issues, especially given his past role in the Trump administration.
  2. The relationship between Kushner and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman involves complex political maneuvers, including attempts to alter U.S. foreign policy and discussions about nuclear technology in the region.
  3. Critics worry that Kushner's business dealings could undermine U.S. democracy and allow foreign interests to influence American politics, especially with close ties to controversial figures.

OpenAI: Coup and Countercoup

Dana Blankenhorn: Facing the Future • 59 implied HN points • 19 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The events at OpenAI highlight power struggles and the importance of government oversight in the tech industry.
  2. Democracy and free markets should prevail over powerful individuals in the tech industry.
  3. Both government regulation and individual accountability are crucial for ensuring a fair and safe technological future.

The Economics of Vice and Virtue

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 26 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Having an aggressive personality can work as a commitment strategy, but can lead to potential risks in encounters.
  2. Being honest and showing virtue is beneficial in voluntary interactions, leading to higher payoffs for individuals.
  3. In a market society where most associations are voluntary, virtues have higher payoffs and vices have lower payoffs, resulting in overall nicer behavior.

Ehud Olmert on Gaza; reading After Virtue after bureaucracy; A Postscript

Unpopular Front • 42 implied HN points • 25 May 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Ehud Olmert, a former Israeli Prime Minister, openly condemns the actions in Gaza as war crimes, highlighting the severity of the situation.
  2. Philosopher Alasdair MacIntyre argues that modern moral discourse is fragmented and often reduced to mere emotional manipulation, lacking real substance.
  3. MacIntyre believes that true moral judgments are factual and based on social roles, suggesting we need to revive older traditions to find genuine meaning in our practices.

NYT vs. The Musk Foundation: A Masterclass in Slant

The Save Journalism Committee • 216 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
💼 Business Ethics
  1. The NYT article raises concerns about Elon Musk's foundation finances, but overlooks crucial details like the grace period where the foundation caught up on giving deficits in following years.
  2. Private foundations like Musk's have latitude in choosing charities based on legal approvals, not restrictions like public charities. Contextual understanding of foundation structures is essential.
  3. The article highlights Musk's charitable acts but frames them in a negative light, despite him helping schools, disasters, and children in need. The public benefit of these actions is significant.

On The Public/Private Polarity

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Kant's idea flips the normal understanding of public and private. He suggests that people in roles with obligations act 'private,' while those writing freely are 'public.'
  2. Today, many feel trapped by their jobs and use social media to express themselves more freely. This creates a divide between those who feel constrained and those who can speak openly.
  3. Power can actually limit freedom, not expand it. Many chase power thinking it will bring them freedom, but it often just adds layers of constraint.

Mastering Irreverence

Polymathic Being • 85 implied HN points • 05 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Irreverence helps us see the truth behind societal norms and values. By questioning these, we can break free from the distractions that keep us from what truly matters.
  2. Reverence allows us to appreciate the beauty and wonder in life. Feeling awe for nature or art can elevate our mood and give us a sense of connection to something greater.
  3. Balancing irreverence and reverence is essential for clear thinking and meaningful living. We need both to challenge old ideas while also grounding ourselves in what gives life depth and value.

Farewell to the Safe Space

Technically Optimistic • 59 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Utilizing AI for memory recall, like with Rewind AI, can be a beneficial tool for enhancing memory capabilities.
  2. There is a constant trade-off between personalization and privacy in the digital space, raising questions about the extent of data individuals are willing to share for customization.
  3. Emerging technologies such as surveillance devices and advanced software like Rewind AI prompt discussions on privacy expectations and the need for clear regulations to safeguard personal data.

Elephant Riding

Polymathic Being • 104 implied HN points • 10 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. We balance emotions and reason like an elephant and a rider. The elephant represents our feelings, which often drive our decisions more than we think.
  2. Relying only on logic can lead to problems. Emotions help us make decisions, and without them, we might struggle with even simple choices.
  3. To make better decisions, we should understand our emotions and how they influence us. This means taking time to think things through and checking if our feelings align with reality.

Being Good by "Going to Hell"?

Humanities in Revolt • 159 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Being good requires conscious effort and intentional action, contrary to the belief that being bad takes more effort.
  2. Moral goodness is seen as an achievement by philosophers like Buddha and Aristotle, emphasizing the importance of developing virtuous habits.
  3. Challenging societal norms or beliefs, even when faced with ignorance or disapproval, is crucial for genuine moral integrity and often requires disobedience.

Are Power and Freedom Opposites?

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Power and freedom can feel like opposite forces. Gaining power often comes with more responsibilities, which can limit personal freedom.
  2. Many people are drawn to power thinking it will give them more freedom, but once they have power, they may find themselves feeling trapped by it.
  3. Truly being free might mean understanding power, achieving it, and then being able to let it go or not being overly attached to it.

I AM AI

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 15 Aug 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. President Biden made headlines by saying 'I am AI', creating confusion and criticism, despite NVIDIA previously using the phrase for marketing.
  2. The statement 'I am AI' is viewed as clever and may spark important discussions about artificial intelligence's impact on society and responsibility.
  3. Humans are connected to the creation and control of AI, emphasizing that the responsibility lies with us to shape AI's future.

Must Learn AI Security Compendium 6: Ensuring Trust and Ethical Practices

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 26 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Responsible AI requires prioritizing ethical practices to avoid risks and gain trust from users and stakeholders.
  2. Irresponsible AI practices can lead to unfair bias, lack of transparency, privacy concerns, and negative social impacts.
  3. Organizations can implement responsible AI by prioritizing human-centeredness, fairness, transparency, privacy, accountability, continuous monitoring, and collaborative engagement.

Must Learn AI Security Compendium 5: The Rise of AI in the IT Sector

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 20 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Artificial Intelligence is revolutionizing the IT sector, with the rise of models like ChatGPT expanding its potential applications.
  2. AI enhances productivity by speeding up tasks that would otherwise take hours, like code generation using PowerShell scripting with generative AI.
  3. AI fosters creativity and innovation, such as in content creation and marketing, and requires ethical considerations for responsible development.

Must Learn AI Security Compendium 2: Generative AI vs. Machine Learning

Rod’s Blog • 59 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Machine learning empowers computers to learn from data without explicit programming, helping them make predictions and decisions.
  2. Generative AI focuses on creating new data based on training data, emphasizing creativity and innovation.
  3. Both machine learning and generative AI have unique applications - from fraud detection and image recognition in machine learning to image generation and music composition in generative AI.