The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Science Topics

Nyhetsbrev steigan.no 22.07.2025

steigan.no • 2 implied HN points • 22 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Ethics
  1. The current humanitarian situation in Gaza is very severe, with many people suffering from hunger and violence. Calls for urgent humanitarian aid are coming from multiple nations.
  2. There are rising concerns about the use of the term 'rules-based world order,' which seems to prioritize national interests over genuine adherence to international law, especially by powerful countries like the USA.
  3. Ongoing political struggles in Ukraine highlight instability and the manipulation of power, as leadership changes and government restructuring happen amid a difficult military conflict.

Automatic Trolling for the people

GOOD INTERNET • 23 implied HN points • 29 Jul 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI models can be manipulated to exhibit unwanted behaviors through specific prompts, with the risk increasing with prompt length.
  2. A new adversarial attack on Large Language Models can make them generate harmful outputs like profanity, threats, and cybercrime based on coded prompts.
  3. Automated AI attacks can enable sophisticated and widespread malicious behavior, posing significant risks to individuals and organizations.

Bird Perspectives and Outside Views

Seeking Bird Perspectives • 6 implied HN points • 02 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The bird perspective means looking at things from a higher viewpoint to understand the bigger picture. It helps you see how your situation fits into a larger context.
  2. The outside view uses past experiences and similar cases to predict outcomes, but it can miss important details about your specific situation. It's important to find a balance between general predictions and unique factors.
  3. Using these perspectives can help reduce biases in decision-making. They inspire clearer thinking, but they shouldn't be used as the only way to argue or win a debate.

Introducing: The Pole | #0

The Pole • 19 implied HN points • 16 Jan 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Truth is what's consistent with reality, and knowledge is the relevant, useful part of truth that helps us understand and better ourselves.
  2. Making mistakes is inevitable, but learning from them can lead to positive outcomes like saving time, making money, and achieving great things.
  3. The Pole newsletter aims to explore self-awareness, game theory, investing, engineering, and more to help readers understand how to obtain good results.

The Epic, the Novel, and Rawls

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. Rawls' ideas about justice might be influenced by how people are portrayed in media, especially television. This could change how we see human nature and its differences.
  2. The concept of living through fiction, whether in novels or other narratives, has been around for a long time. It suggests that people have always had the ability to empathize with others, even without modern technology.
  3. Though television might make humanity seem more similar, earlier thinkers like Hobbes and Locke also explored human nature in unique ways, showing that this question is not new.
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(Ad-free Video) Jennifer Doudna: Scientist and World Changer

Critical Mass • 5 implied HN points • 15 Jan 25
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. Jennifer Doudna played a key role in developing CRISPR, a powerful genetic tool that could greatly impact human health and genetics.
  2. Her work highlights the importance of fundamental research in science, which can lead to unexpected and significant advancements.
  3. Discussions around scientific discoveries like CRISPR are crucial as society must consider the ethical responsibilities that come with such powerful tools.

The Monthly Salon: November

New World Same Humans • 17 implied HN points • 22 Nov 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. David Mattin hosts a Monthly Salon for online discussions on trends, technology, and society.
  2. The Monthly Salon encourages lively and engaging discussions similar to a 17th-century London coffee house.
  3. The current theme for discussion is the topic of AI doom - exploring worries, concerns, and perspectives on the potential risks and benefits of artificial intelligence.

On the Omnipotence Paradox: The Laws of Thought are Beyond God's Power

Ethics Under Construction • 5 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. God's power is limited by the laws of logic and reason, meaning He can’t do the impossible, like creating contradictions.
  2. If God cannot change necessary truths, then He also cannot change contingent truths; this suggests that God's power is not absolute.
  3. The idea of an all-powerful God becomes meaningless if we accept that God must operate within logical boundaries, similar to everyone else.

The Trad Marxism of George Grant, Part 3

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 10 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. George Grant believes that the idea of limits is tied to the idea of God, meaning there are moral boundaries we should not cross. This suggests that some things are simply wrong, regardless of our opinions.
  2. The political legitimacy in society has shifted since divine authority was lost, making people look for new sources of legitimacy. This includes reliance on science and the founders of nations.
  3. It's unclear if Grant's view of God is unique to Christianity or if he could see value in other religions like Islam or Hinduism. He seems to focus more on the concept of a higher limit than on specific religious practices.

A More Lenient Theory of Casual Reference

Hunter’s Substack • 1 HN point • 13 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The theory of causal reference, as proposed by Putnam, faces challenges as it may not adequately explain how individuals can refer to things with which they have no direct causal connection.
  2. Concepts can be developed from prior causal experiences to enable meaningful reference to phenomena regardless of direct causal history, challenging the strict causal necessity theory of reference.
  3. The mind's ability to create new concepts from prior experiences provides a plausible explanation for how individuals can refer to abstract or novel ideas, even if they lack direct causal connections.

My Brain is your Brain and your Brain is mine

GOOD INTERNET • 13 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Advancements in brain-computer interface (BCI) technology have been rapidly evolving, such as enabling paralyzed individuals to walk, use their arms, feel sensations, and even restore speech with brain implants.
  2. Debates surrounding the ethics of brain interfaces are essential, with a need for broader public discourse on topics like neuro-rights and neuro-privacy as technology progresses.
  3. The potential for AI interpreting neural activity between individuals and the implications of direct digital 'telepathy' raise concerns about privacy, surveillance, and ethical boundaries with advancements in neurotechnology.

How my moral intuitions have evolved

Sex and the State • 13 implied HN points • 15 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The author discusses how her moral intuitions or ethics-to-politics mapping has evolved over time.
  2. Top-tier commenter Nicholas prompted the discussion on the evolution of the author's moral intuitions.
  3. To access the full post and archives, readers can subscribe to Sex and the State with a 7-day free trial.

#27 Ethical pots, transparency & citizen designers

Design Lobster • 39 implied HN points • 03 Aug 20
🪑 Design Ethics
  1. Consider the responsibilities as a citizen when designing. Designer have a role in society worth reflection.
  2. Moral significance can be attributed to design decisions, like in a pottery's 'ethical' qualities. Design choices can carry moral weight.
  3. Great design can be transparent, not invisible. Good design should be unobtrusive yet noticeable, aiding without hiding.

The exponential enshittification of science

Marcus on AI • 12 HN points • 15 Mar 24
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. Concerns about the increase in low-quality scientific content due to AI technology like Generative AI
  2. Recognition that the current pace of problematic scientific content creation is moving fast and in a negative direction
  3. Proposals for solutions such as imposing taxes on AI manufacturers to subsidize journal review systems

De Kai Joins "Breaking the AI Barrier" July 20th

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 2 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. De Kai, an expert in AI and its ethics, will be speaking at a seminar called 'Breaking the AI Barrier'. He's known for creating a global online language translator.
  2. He believes we should treat AI like a child that needs nurturing. How we guide AI now will shape its future and impact society.
  3. De Kai wants to create a global support system to help people responsibly manage AI development, focusing on empathy and cooperation instead of fear.

47

The Other Side of Fear • 5 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. As we get older, time seems to move faster because each moment is a smaller part of our lives. It's important to reflect on our experiences and keep learning.
  2. Moral courage and physical strength are essential. They help us make the right choices in hard situations and protect ourselves and others when needed.
  3. Life is full of choices, and one bad decision can have serious consequences. It's vital to recognize the time we have with loved ones and prioritize our health and relationships.

(Ad-free Video) Jonathan Rauch: Christianity's Broken Bargain with Democracy

Critical Mass • 4 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Ethics
  1. Jonathan Rauch believes Christianity has positive moral values that support democracy. He thinks these values should be embraced to help improve democracy in the U.S.
  2. The discussion explores different views on the role of Christian teachings in society. It highlights the importance of understanding and respecting differing perspectives.
  3. Rauch's new book offers a surprising look at Christianity, challenging common criticisms. He argues for the importance of values that connect with democratic principles.

Data Science Weekly - Issue 425

Data Science Weekly Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 13 Jan 22
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Be careful when joining a data or tech team; look for warning signs that could mean trouble. It's important to ensure a good fit for your career.
  2. The AI job market is constantly changing, so it's good to stay informed and adapt your strategies for landing jobs in this field.
  3. Transformers are now widely used in natural language processing and are also making their way into computer vision, making it important to understand how they work.

September Newsletter

RSS DS+AI Section • 17 implied HN points • 04 Sep 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. September newsletter focuses on industrial strength data science and AI
  2. Committee activities include surveys, alliances, conference participation, and content highlights
  3. Topics covered in the newsletter range from ethics and generative AI to research developments and practical tips

Locke Versus the Apocalypse

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. AI shows us who we are by reflecting our behavior and ignoring parts we often overlook. This makes us think about our own nature and how we connect with others.
  2. There are two main views on human nature: one believes in communal consensus for the good of all, while the other supports individual interests leading to social good. Each side has different ideas about how society should work.
  3. The question of political consensus is complex and has been debated for a long time. Understanding these views can help us make sense of modern political disagreements.

March Newsletter

RSS DS+AI Section • 11 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. The newsletter discussed various updates and activities in the field of data science and AI, including committee activities, advancements in research, and real-world applications.
  2. Ethical considerations, bias, diversity, regulation, and safety in AI and data science were highlighted as hot topics in the newsletter, with examples of AI-related consequences and efforts to improve safety.
  3. The newsletter also featured practical tips, how-to guides, and bigger picture ideas in the field, providing a broad range of information for data science practitioners.

Where are the limbic anti-capitalists?

Reactionary Feminist • 22 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Ethics
  1. Adolescent mental health is declining due to excessive smartphone usage.
  2. Limbic capitalism exploits pre-rational pleasure for profit through addictive products like junk food, pornography, and social media.
  3. Conservative arguments against regulating limbic capitalism hinder protecting individuals from harmful business practices.

The AI self - 'Here be dragons

Methexis • 3 HN points • 10 May 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Our brains struggle to differentiate between AI selves and real selves, affecting our memories and perceptions.
  2. Communicating through AI selves can alter how others perceive our identity, even with safeguards in place.
  3. Outsourcing decisions to AI selves can have lasting impacts on our personal identity and relationships.

The Talented Doctor Ripley (GPT)

Bastiat's Window • 3 HN points • 04 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. ChatGPT and similar chatbots pose risks to medicine, and the medical community needs to address this issue.
  2. ChatGPT can produce deceptive information, such as fabricating citations for non-existent scientific papers.
  3. AI-generated disinformation from systems like ChatGPT could have serious consequences in the medical field and strategies need to be developed to combat it.

Ask for forgiveness, Not permission

Precipitation • 3 HN points • 24 Apr 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Startups often prefer to ask for forgiveness instead of permission to push boundaries and achieve success.
  2. OpenAI's lack of transparency on data sources and privacy policies for ChatGPT has raised concerns and led to bans.
  3. Models like ChatGPT rely on large amounts of data, potentially sourced from publicly accessible sources, raising questions about data rights and legislation.

SocratesGPT

The Right Question • 3 HN points • 04 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The Socratic Method is best used for self-examination, aiming to uncover 'double-ignorance.'
  2. ChatGPT falls short as a true Socrates simulator, lacking in discomforting interlocutors and inducing aporia.
  3. Arete is a concept that blends practical skill, moral excellence, and the pursuit of power, subject to personal and power dynamics.

There Is No Utility

Square Circle • 18 implied HN points • 17 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics
  1. The concept of utility in ethical calculations may not accurately represent reality
  2. Expected value alone may not be sufficient to make decisions involving risk
  3. Utilitarian arithmetic can oversimplify complex ethical conundrums

On Why The Digital World Is Burning

Ulizzle On Software • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Passing off AI-generated content as one's own is unethical and misleading, violating principles of truthfulness and integrity.
  2. Ignoring unethical uses of AI, like plagiarism, undermines trust, distorts integrity, and disrespects creators.
  3. While individual cases of plagiarism are important, focusing on broader implications of AI, such as undetectable propaganda, is crucial for maintaining transparency and ethical use.

Genus Plc And Sex Selection

ASeq Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 10 Oct 23
🔬 Science Ethics
  1. Genus Plc focuses on agricultural biotech products, particularly in pig and bovine semen.
  2. They offer Intelligen sexing technologies for selecting the sex of offspring in animals.
  3. The use of similar sex selection technologies in humans raises ethical concerns and has varying levels of effectiveness.

Rabbit Holes 🕳️ #56

Creative Destruction • 13 implied HN points • 08 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics
  1. Businesses struggling to make a case for doing good show the need for systemic change.
  2. Sustainable choices, like e-bikes, can bring joy and happiness.
  3. Taking breaks, disengaging, and leisure are essential for mental health and well-being.

p(doom) the useless AI predictor

Mind Prison • 11 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. p(doom) is a metric used to discuss catastrophic events from advanced AI
  2. Experts have varying estimates on the likelihood of catastrophic AI outcomes
  3. Calculating p(doom) lacks scientific rigor and consensus, making its value uncertain

Agency in the Age of AI

Working Theorys • 19 implied HN points • 20 Mar 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. AI advancements raise existential questions for individuals like 'where do I fit in?'
  2. Introduction of new technologies causes anxiety related to incompetence, irrelevance, and uncertainty.
  3. Progress comes with chaos and disruption to familiar social structures.

Open-source is not a panacea

Entry Level Investing • 16 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🕹 Technology Ethics
  1. Open-source AI is gaining momentum and innovation, but it's not a complete solution.
  2. There are ethical concerns with open-source AI models, including safety risks and data security.
  3. Challenges exist in monetizing open-source model businesses and navigating copyright licenses.

The Backlash

Adjacent Possible • 15 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Ethics
  1. The post discusses the pursuit of radical life extension and questions its responsibility.
  2. The series explores the history of magic elixirs promising to extend life.
  3. Readers can access the full post archives with a 7-day free trial.