The hottest Ethics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Abyss

Becoming Noble • 1514 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Belief Philosophy Ethics Nihilism
  1. The idea of forming a warrior religion may be exciting, but it is essential to consider the flawed approach to truth, belief, action, and divinity.
  2. Religion should originate from a genuine encounter with the divine, rather than being artificially constructed for practical purposes.
  3. Seeking spiritual guidance solely from nature without a foundation in absolute Truth can lead to nihilism and a lack of transcendent orientation.

Hidden Open Thread 353.5

Astral Codex Ten • 688 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Aesthetics Political
  1. This is a thread for subscribers to discuss various topics openly. People can share their thoughts and insights freely.
  2. It is exclusive to those who have paid a subscription. This means that the discussions here are intended for a smaller, dedicated group.
  3. Engagement is encouraged, with comments and sharing options available. Subscribers can interact with each other in a more personal space.

NO, Bill Gates didn't fund genetically altered mosquitoes to stop malaria--it's far worse than that.

Break Free with Karen Hunt • 1611 implied HN points • 05 Jul 23
🏥 Health Politics Public Health Vaccines Malaria Ethics
  1. Genetically altered mosquitoes released in Florida and California are not linked to the recent malaria cases in the US.
  2. It is essential to seek the truth and not fall for misinformation, especially when it aligns with preconceived beliefs.
  3. Experimental interventions like genetically modified mosquitoes and vaccines raise concerns about unintended consequences and the manipulation of nature.

Aristotle vs the Stoics: part II, ethics

Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond • 943 implied HN points • 12 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Psychology
  1. Stoics focused on practical philosophy of life, while Aristotle was more into theoretical inquiries.
  2. For Aristotle, a flourishing life required virtue and external goods, while for Stoics, virtue alone was sufficient.
  3. The ultimate goal of life for the Stoics was living in agreement with nature, while for Aristotle, it was a contemplative or politically involved life.
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So They're Experimenting With Military Robots In Gaza Now

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1550 implied HN points • 04 Mar 24
🌍 World Politics Military Technology Ethics Global Warfare
  1. Military operations are used to test new war machinery, putting human lives at risk for the benefit of empire managers and the military-industrial complex.
  2. Gaza is being used as a testing ground for military robots and autonomous weapons systems, raising concerns about dehumanization and widespread killing.
  3. The practice of using conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Africa as testing grounds for new weapons and technology is common, allowing for improvements and profit in the global arms industry.

The Philosopher Made For TV

From the New World • 75 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political theory Media Studies Cultural criticism Social justice
  1. John Rawls introduced the idea of the 'Veil of Ignorance', which suggests that true justice comes from understanding what it's like to be in someone else's shoes. This concept gained popularity with the rise of television, which allowed people to experience others' lives vicariously.
  2. Television's storytelling created a false sense of understanding between people, making them feel connected to different lives. However, these narratives were often crafted and not authentic representations of reality.
  3. The rise of social media changed the game by giving real, diverse opinions from actual people, breaking down the 'Veil of Ignorance'. Now, individuals can see the real differences among people's values and experiences, making it clear that everyone is unique.

AI's seductive mirage

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 99 implied HN points • 24 Jul 24
🕹 Technology AI Automation Data Analysis Human-AI Interaction Product Development Ethics
  1. AI systems look like they can think independently, but they really can't. They are tools that need humans to make decisions about value.
  2. Meaning-making is a core human skill that AI lacks. Only humans can decide what actions are meaningful and worthwhile.
  3. When we treat AI as if it can make important decisions, we risk misusing it. It's crucial to keep humans involved in the decision-making process.

Should She Apologize to Her Young Staff for Taking Off Her Clothes, Running Around Naked and Enjoying the Hell Out of Herself????

Ask E. Jean • 1572 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Ethics Society Identity
  1. A woman is questioning whether she should apologize to her young staff for enjoying herself while running around naked in a charity event.
  2. She is contemplating setting a positive example for her female staff by either embracing her actions or apologizing for them.
  3. The woman is having a dilemma in balancing empowerment and setting a good example for young women while facing public scrutiny for her actions.

Artwashing

Teaching computers how to talk • 141 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Media Art Culture
  1. A group of artists leaked access to OpenAI's new video generator, Sora, because they feel it's being used for corporate marketing instead of true art.
  2. They published an open letter saying that AI companies often use artists' work without proper credit or compensation, which hurts the creative community.
  3. The artists believe that by helping AI models, they might be contributing to their own downfall, as AI is taking over creative spaces.

Happy 1st Birthday, GPT-4

Marcus on AI • 1383 implied HN points • 16 Mar 24
🕹 Technology AI Ethics Applications Progress Competition
  1. There seems to be a possible plateau in GPT-4's capability, with no one decisively beating it yet.
  2. Despite challenges, there has been progress in discovering applications and putting GPT-4 type models into practice.
  3. Companies are finding putting Large Language Models into real-world use challenging, with many initial expectations proving unrealistic.

AI in the Age of Mythic Powers (Part II) by Josh Schrei

The Bigger Picture • 519 implied HN points • 21 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Embodiment Knowledge Responsibility
  1. The process of initiation and ritual is vital for humans to understand their role in the world and to prevent misuse of power.
  2. Embarking on an initiatory journey involves patience, learning, and sacrifice to gain true wisdom.
  3. Ethics and responsibility must be deeply felt and embodied, not just imposed externally, especially in the fast-paced world of technology and AI development.

TBM 315: The Self-Sealing Argument Trap

The Beautiful Mess • 727 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Cognitive Bias Critical Thinking Ethics Communication
  1. Self-sealing arguments trap you into a no-win situation. No matter how you respond, it feels like you lose.
  2. These arguments often happen in discussions where your personal beliefs are questioned. They can make it hard to express your true thoughts without feeling defensive.
  3. It's important to recognize when you're in these traps. Finding a different way to respond can help you avoid feeling stuck and give you a better chance for a positive outcome.

The Era of Truth is Coming

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Ethics Ontology
  1. Many people think big changes are coming in the 21st century, including climate problems and advances in AI. But things might just go on pretty much as they have been for a while.
  2. Some believe we are in a dark time that will eventually lead to a new era, called the Era of Truth, where better things can emerge. This could involve major breakthroughs in technology or a return to simpler, more human ways of living.
  3. The future is uncertain, and there are various possibilities. We might see a technological renaissance, an end to our current ways of life, or simply a continuation of the status quo.

Against Nonlinear

Thing of Things • 805 implied HN points • 18 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Critique Community Ethics Transparency Values
  1. Effective altruist culture should prioritize spending resources efficiently for doing good.
  2. Career opportunities in effective altruism should be based on merit and skills, not connections or social status.
  3. Maintaining transparency and accountability is crucial for building trust and ensuring the effectiveness of organizations in the effective altruism movement.

The Cultural, Psychological and Collective Impacts of Generative AI

AI Supremacy • 845 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🕹 Technology AI Privacy Workplace Content creation Ethics
  1. Generative AI has various impacts on human welfare, rights, and mental health that need careful consideration.
  2. The integration of generative AI into society and culture raises concerns about bias, discrimination, and misinformation.
  3. The rise of generative AI affects the labor market, potentially leading to job displacement and impacting the quality of professional skills and critical thinking.

Box #4

What Is Called Thinking? • 21 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Mind Religion Aesthetics
  1. Being outraged online seems to be popular, even though it's not a nice feeling. People share outrage more than any other emotion, which might say a lot about our current social media habits.
  2. Our minds focus on what we find important, similar to how certain AI models operate. This brings to light how rituals and habits can shape our thinking and keep what matters most in our attention.
  3. There's a growing recognition that we all have a perspective on the future, even if we don't realize it. Discussions about technology and its impact hint at deeper societal issues that we need to consider.

Jester’s Privilege

Becoming Noble • 1375 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Meaning Ethics Existence Truth Knowledge
  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 AI Digital Interviews Book 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.

Social Conservatism as 4D Chess

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 2048 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Culture Policy Religion
  1. Social conservatives make claims about higher-order effects to justify their positions on issues like abortion and euthanasia, but these claims often lack evidence or are disproven by cross-national comparisons.
  2. Slippery slope arguments can be valid in limited contexts, but broad claims like legalizing prostitution affecting overall societal values need substantial evidence, which is often lacking.
  3. Government policies in free countries have limited influence on shaping culture predictably; the impact is often chaotic and hard to plan for, as seen by historical examples of social policies not aligning with expected cultural changes.

A Philosopher from the 1960s Knew All About Our Doomscrolling

OK Doomer • 104 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Social Critique Historical Analysis Cultural Theory
  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.

If You Can’t See That Adam Rubenstein Was Treated Unfairly, You’re Being A Jerk

Singal-Minded • 1268 implied HN points • 29 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Media Journalism Opinion Ethics Bias
  1. Adam Rubenstein was treated unfairly in his journalistic career due to misinformation spread by his own colleagues.
  2. The incident involving Rubenstein's sandwich preference was used as a focal point to smear him professionally, showcasing a lack of empathy and journalistic integrity in some of his peers.
  3. The response from certain journalists highlights a lack of reflection and remorse in the industry, pointing to broader issues concerning truth and fair reporting in journalism.

The Inner Life of the Future

The Joyous Struggle • 1106 implied HN points • 14 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Spirituality Consciousness Existentialism 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.

If You See the World as a Dead Machine, Atrocities Make Sense

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Human nature
  1. Seeing the world as just a machine can help explain why people commit horrible acts. It makes it easier to understand their actions.
  2. This view of the world can lead to a sense of detachment from others and their suffering. When you see people as parts of a machine, it's easier to ignore their pain.
  3. Recognizing the machine-like nature of the world can change how we think about society and morality. It raises questions about our responsibilities toward each other.

🌟 Your Ultimate AI Guide for Product Managers: 10-Part Series + FREE PDF & Bonus Resources! 🚀

The Product Channel By Sid Saladi • 23 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
🕹 Technology AI Product Management Innovation Ethics Digital Tools
  1. AI is becoming really important for product managers. It's changing how people design and manage products.
  2. Learning about AI tools like large language models can help product managers work more efficiently. They can use these tools to improve their workflows.
  3. Ethics in AI is crucial. Product managers need to think about the responsible use of AI in their projects to ensure they are creating fair and useful products.

Workplace AI just had a terrible week

Make Work Better • 92 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🕹 Technology AI Workplace Software Innovation Ethics
  1. Microsoft's Copilot AI has faced serious criticism recently, with many users finding it unreliable and disconnected from actual business needs. Less than 4% of IT leaders reported that it provided significant value, raising concerns about its effectiveness.
  2. There are issues with Copilot accidentally accessing and sharing sensitive company information. This has created trust problems, as employees worry about privacy and data security.
  3. Next year, companies are moving towards 'agentic AI', where AI not only assists but takes on tasks autonomously. This shift aims to improve efficiency, but it's crucial to ensure these systems remain secure and trustworthy.

Getting back to the root of coffee

Longer Tables with José Andrés • 628 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🍲 Food & Drink Coffee Agriculture Ethics Culture Community
  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 Metaphysics Ethics Consciousness
  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.

Offering: February 11, 2024

Tarot Offerings • 589 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Prayer Humility Love 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.

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 Policy Health Society Justice 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 Decline of The Humanities In The 21st Century, And How To Revive The Economy of Ideas.

A Mug of Insights • 1218 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy History Ethics Metaphysics Critical Theory Humanities
  1. Students are more focused on exam success than genuine learning or philosophical inquiry.
  2. The modern education system prioritizes practicality over understanding in the humanities.
  3. There is a resurgence in interest in humanities despite challenges, showing hope for a revival in the economy of ideas.