The hottest Free will Substack posts right now

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Moral Motivation

Fake Noûs • 218 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Evaluative beliefs and moral judgments can themselves motivate and justify actions, so not all reasons for action come from appetites or emotions.
  2. The Humean claim that all reasons derive from desires breaks down when you examine foresight, imagination, coherence, and deliberation, supporting a rationalist view that objective evaluative facts make actions rational.
  3. Treating moral and prudential judgments as distinct kinds of motive explains weakness of will and preserves a meaningful sense of free choice, because you can’t simply compare different kinds of motives by strength.

98 - Emotion Stories

Nick Burdick: Writing from California • 99 implied HN points • 13 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Emotions can be primal, like fear and craving, which we can't fully control right away. It's important to create safeguards to keep these emotions from guiding our decisions.
  2. Some emotions are based on stories we create, like anger or jealousy. Recognizing these as stories helps us react better and keep our thoughts clear.
  3. It's crucial to be mindful of what we feed our minds, like avoiding negative news and social media. Quality content gives us better reactions and lessens harmful habits.

PfU VIII: Optimising for vibes

The Lifeboat • 275 implied HN points • 09 Jan 26
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. If scientists ever fully map and predict human desires, people would lose real agency and start to feel like programmed bots because wanting something predetermined would seem meaningless.
  2. Irrational desires and messy impulses give people personality and life, and sometimes choosing something stupid or harmful protects individuality more than always acting optimally.
  3. People often rebel against total optimisation by doing chaotic or self-destructive things to prove they aren’t just code, and history shows repeated patterns of irrational behaviour despite better options.

PfU VI–VII: The Based and Meaningful

The Lifeboat • 252 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. People crave a simple, positive identity they can be proud of; adopting a label like “an idler” or someone who celebrates what’s "based and meaningful" gives comfort and self-respect.
  2. Humans don’t act purely to optimise measurable goals—there’s an unquantifiable ‘North Star’ of independent desire and whim that often overrides rational self-interest and breaks predictive models.
  3. Civilisation, data, and AI won’t fully fix human unpredictability or cruelty; they can create boredom, new forms of harm, or provoke backlash from people who value acting on their own will.
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The New York Times Memorializes Daniel Dennett Without Reading Him

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 419 implied HN points • 28 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Compatibilism argues that even in a deterministic universe, humans can still have free will.
  2. In the debate about free will, one needs to consider which aspects of 'free will' are crucial for concepts like moral responsibility.
  3. Criticism of Daniel Dennett highlights the importance of understanding a philosopher's actual positions before critiquing them.

A Thoughtful Response to My Case for Hinduism

Going Awol • 159 implied HN points • 11 May 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Free will
  1. The response to the case for Hinduism reflects deep engagement with Hindu theology and philosophy, offering insights on concepts like eternal condemnation, grace periods for mukti, and the nature of devatās.
  2. The Hindu perspective presented raises points of contention and clarification on theological aspects, such as the nature of devatās, reincarnation, and the concept of karma as accumulated over infinite lifetimes.
  3. The discussion around karma as not solely being based on desert, but as a complex interplay of past actions, sañcita karma, prārabdha karma, and āgāmi karma, shows a nuanced understanding of the concept within Hinduism.

Should we severely punish the peacable yet violent man?

Philosophy bear • 107 implied HN points • 05 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. A peaceful person can act violently under very rare and wrong circumstances, even if they normally would not. This raises questions about how to judge their character and intentions when punishment is considered.
  2. Some argue that a person should not be severely punished if their violent act does not reflect their true character. It's important to consider the person's history and overall nature when thinking about justice.
  3. There are debates around whether punishment should be based on a person's character or their actions. Finding a fair way to deal with moral luck is difficult, and both approaches have downsides.

Fat Shaming and Free Will

Richard Hanania's Newsletter • 3803 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Free will
  1. Some argue that being overweight is not a choice, but a result of genetic and environmental factors.
  2. The concept of 'choice' is defined as a human behavior that responds to incentives.
  3. Shaming can play a role in influencing behaviors like eating and exercise, as seen with smoking cessation campaigns.

Hume in Hell (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 758 implied HN points • 01 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. David Hume's essays on suicide and the afterlife delve into questioning common beliefs even when granting believers' core premises.
  2. Hume challenges the concept of suicide as a sin against God, arguing that humans cannot disrupt God's plan or transgress against it through suicide.
  3. The essays lead to a broader reflection that morality should be grounded in human considerations, not divine commands, opening up a secular perspective in philosophy.

Sam Harris Has Nothing Useful to Say About Free Will (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 619 implied HN points • 05 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Sam Harris argues that free will doesn't exist because our decisions are influenced by factors we don't fully understand or control.
  2. The debate over free will involves complex questions about determinism, moral responsibility, and cognitive capacities.
  3. Compatibilist philosophers like John Martin Fischer redefine free will in terms of being reasons-responsive, rather than just the ability to act differently given the same circumstances.

Death smiles at us all

Becoming Noble • 378 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Time is an alien force that impacts all of us, and we must learn to embrace it.
  2. Existence in time means every decision becomes permanent, leading into an unknowable future.
  3. Despite the fear of time and God's eternal view of our actions, individual agency is crucial, and we have a limited window to act.

Solipsism>>Determinism

Bet On It • 196 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Libertarian free will means you have real choices, unlike determinism which says you can only act one way based on past events.
  2. Your own thoughts and decisions feel real to you, and denying them goes against personal experiences and observations.
  3. Even though solipsism (the idea that only your mind is certain) seems crazy, it makes more sense than determinism, which asks you to ignore your direct experiences.

Arguing with Slavoj Zizek About Free Will and Physics

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 179 implied HN points • 10 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. The post discusses a debate with Slavoj Zizek about free will, compatibilism, and incompatibilism, as well as the role of microphysics in free will and moral responsibility.
  2. The author mentions a chat about the essay on the This is Revolution podcast with Stefan Bertram-Lee, happening at 4 PM East Coast time.
  3. The post is for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe and access the content.

Evolving Beyond Determinism

Holodoxa • 199 implied HN points • 31 Oct 23
🔬 Science Free will
  1. Consciousness and free will are gaining scholarly attention, moving beyond being considered intellectual backwaters.
  2. There is a growing interest in naturalistic explanations of the human mind, relying on science rather than mystical or religious beliefs.
  3. The book 'Free Agents: How Evolution Gave Us Free Will' by Kevin J. Mitchell offers a scientific defense of free will against determinism, emphasizing the role of conscious experience in guiding human behavior.

Harry Frankfurt (1929-2023): A Tribute (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 219 implied HN points • 06 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Harry Frankfurt's work had a significant impact on the philosophical debate on free will and moral responsibility.
  2. Frankfurt's argument challenges the Principle of Alternate Possibilities in determining moral responsibility, leading to a new understanding of free will.
  3. His work on free will and moral responsibility has sparked decades of discussion, reshaping philosophical perspectives and raising important questions about human agency.

Slavoj Zizek and the Case for Compatibilism (UNLOCKED)

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 299 implied HN points • 19 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Compatibilism can feel contradictory at first, but it offers a way to reconcile deep intuitions about control and responsibility with determinism.
  2. The debate around free will and determinism involves conflicting intuitions about moral responsibility, cosmic freedom, and the control condition for responsibility.
  3. The definition of free will can shift from a day-to-day understanding to a radical, cosmic sense when framed within the context of determinism, highlighting the complexity of philosophical concepts.

The Zombies Within

Don't Save Anything • 196 implied HN points • 31 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Free will
  1. The post is about alpha males, free will, and The Last of Us.
  2. The author, Neil Shea, shared a new list of reading, watching, and listening suggestions in the post.
  3. To keep reading the full post, a 7-day free trial is available for new subscribers.

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 Free will
  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.

William Godwin's Libertarian Free Will

Outlandish Claims • 39 implied HN points • 29 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Our decisions are influenced by cause and effect, even if we feel like we have free will. Philosophically, 'free will' and 'cause and effect' are different ways of thinking, each important in its own domain.
  2. How we perceive free will depends on the context: assigning blame, scientific analysis, storytelling, or introspection.
  3. Science and introspection aren't in competition - they serve different purposes. Understanding free will involves acknowledging its complexity and varied applications.

Personhood, Justice, and Free Will: Wrapping Up the Debate with Eric Levitz

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 159 implied HN points • 15 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. The debate on free will and criminal punishment is being wrapped up by Ben Burgis and Eric Levitz.
  2. Eric Levitz argues that there is a meaningful sense in which conscious subjects do not have full agency over their actions.
  3. The post discusses how desires, thoughts, and decision processes influence our sense of agency and free will.

Seeing more whole

Joe Carlsmith's Substack • 117 implied HN points • 17 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Understanding what is possible to be and do, and exploring choices that align with that understanding.
  2. Taking responsibility for actions and decisions, knowing what you are doing and why.
  3. Choosing what you care about based on a deeper, more intentional examination of your values and motives.

The Mystery of Consciousness

startupdreams • 741 implied HN points • 01 Jun 23
🔬 Science Free will
  1. Debate exists on whether the human brain operates like a finite state machine with predictable outputs based on inputs
  2. The concept of free will raises questions about human behavior being entirely predictable or not
  3. Exploring theories like the Quantum Mind suggests that consciousness may operate on a quantum level, intertwining with physics

The Free Will Debate Is Dead, but It Shambles On

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. The debate over free will is mostly settled among thinkers, with most agreeing it doesn't exist as we traditionally think. We're influenced by many outside factors we can't control, which affects our actions and decisions.
  2. Many people feel they have free will, but this belief doesn't necessarily reflect the reality of how our minds work. Most academics lean towards compatibilism, which tries to redefine free will to fit our experiences.
  3. Understanding that free will might not exist can actually lead to a kinder society. It helps us see people's actions in context, promoting better ways of handling crime and punishment without the harshness that comes from believing everyone is fully responsible.

Making Sense of Consciousness Part 7: Volition

Rough Diamonds • 9 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. We feel like our actions are our own when we can see and understand the choices we make. If we can't perceive our decision-making process, we may feel a loss of control.
  2. There's a time right before we move where our brain shows readiness for action, which is called W-time. This moment is closely linked to when we consciously feel that we have decided to move.
  3. People with certain conditions, like schizophrenia or motor disorders, can experience distorted perceptions of their own actions. They might struggle to sense control over their movements, feeling like some actions aren't truly theirs.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Mimesis is a powerful force in our lives, meaning we often look to others to decide what to want or do. While it's strong, we still have the freedom to make choices within that influence.
  2. Fukuyama's ideas about the 'end of history' suggest that liberal democracy has won but might overlook the ongoing ideological conflicts that still exist. His views can be criticized for being overly optimistic about the state of the world.
  3. Peer review in science has been criticized for not working well, as it often misses errors and limits innovative ideas. Instead of helping, it may create a closed-off system that stifles true progress.

Discretion and absolution

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 30 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Discretion is about freedom, choice, individuality, and happiness, but often made to seem complex by lawyers.
  2. Absolute discretion means you either have it or you don't, while reasonable discretion is bound by obligations like acting in good faith.
  3. Having an absolute discretion where a reasonable one would suffice can lead to unnecessary complications and inefficiencies in business relationships.

Freedom, Not Control

Splattern • 19 implied HN points • 12 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Freedom is about making choices that lead to a fulfilling life, rather than trying to control everything. Prioritizing sleep and good nutrition helps create that freedom.
  2. True community leaders listen and support people seeking guidance, creating meaningful connections. It's good to reach out to mentors or leaders when you're looking for direction.
  3. Managing health issues takes learning and adaptation, and it's important to verify information rather than just relying on labels. Taking care of ourselves and others is a journey, especially when it comes to health.

The Shadow of Action

Orbis Tertius • 86 implied HN points • 17 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Our choices are often influenced by external factors we may not realize, such as preferences or mood.
  2. The concept of free will is deeply intertwined with the mysterious nature of consciousness.
  3. The experience of free will may be more complex and ambiguous than we commonly perceive.

A Logical Case For Throwing the Fear Out

Tessa Fights Robots • 38 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Free will
  1. Courage is innate, and the key is to find and use it, reminding ourselves that we are not accidents or victims, but capable of overcoming challenges and making the world more beautiful.
  2. Reflecting on the contrast between empowering beliefs and institutional views can help us understand the impact of framing human potential negatively.
  3. Facing pain can lead to uncovering our gifts and transforming it into love, as we remember our worth and spiritual validity, ultimately diminishing the power of fear.

Is Retribution Illegitimate?

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 14 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Retribution as a basis for a justice system is considered illegitimate by some, who argue that justice systems should focus on reducing harm, not retribution.
  2. Punishment should be justified on pragmatic grounds, such as minimizing harm and preventing future harm, rather than retribution for its own sake.
  3. Retributive justice can be seen as a form of restorative justice, aiming to heal societal breaches caused by crimes, but may need to balance with considerations of rehabilitation and societal impact.

Nonsense, Irrelevance, and Invalidity

Ethics Under Construction • 5 HN points • 29 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Certain philosophical statements can be nonsense, like the liar's paradox, lacking basic truth-value and conveying no information.
  2. Statements can also be irrelevant, failing to provide any useful information, like stating obvious facts or redundant phrases.
  3. Logical gaps, like the is-ought gap, show that certain ideas are invalid and should be disregarded as meaningless.

Liberté

Neosapien’s Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 23 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Perception plays a crucial role in how we experience circumstances.
  2. Choosing to ignore external factors can lead to a sense of freedom.
  3. The struggle between our constructed self and natural instincts is a common human dilemma.

How can an automaton have free will?

Sigil • 0 implied HN points • 07 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Free will
  1. Free will is about the subjective experience of decision-making, not just determinism.
  2. Being able to freely choose without coercion is key to considering oneself the cause of an outcome.
  3. Making decisions involves reasoning under uncertainty and balancing possible outcomes, which is the essence of free will.