The hottest Logic Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

"But" vs. "Yes, But"

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 22299 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Logic Ethics Dialogue Rhetoric Cognition
  1. It's important to acknowledge when you're wrong in a conversation. Saying 'Oh, you're right, my mistake' helps keep discussions respectful.
  2. Admitting mistakes can show others that you're open-minded and capable of real dialogue. It makes the conversation more engaging for everyone involved.
  3. You can still hold your beliefs while recognizing faults in your arguments. This helps you reflect and grow in your understanding over time.

A brief note on Newcomb's problem

Philosophy bear β€’ 28 implied HN points β€’ 02 Mar 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Logic Epistemology Metaphysics Decision Theory
  1. Newcomb's problem involves two boxes: one potentially holds more money than the other based on what an oracle predicts you will choose. Choosing both boxes might seem smart since it guarantees some amount, but there's a deeper philosophical debate about the best strategy.
  2. Some people strongly believe that just picking the blue box (the one with the most potential money) is obviously the best choice, but it's unfair to call those who pick both boxes 'stupid' since their reasoning also makes sense.
  3. Ultimately, this problem raises important questions about decision-making and what it means to want something, suggesting that understanding our desires and decision strategies is complex and varies from person to person.

Bayes is not a phase

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER β€’ 453 implied HN points β€’ 27 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Logic Decision Theory Rationality
  1. Bayesian reasoning is something we all use, even if we don't realize it. It's more about how we naturally think than some complex math.
  2. There are two types of uncertainty: aleatoric (random) and epistemic (based on knowledge). Mixing them helps us make better decisions.
  3. Arguing over which type of probability is 'real' is silly. It's better to recognize that life involves many messy decisions where formal reasoning can help, but is often complicated.

Yes, Arguments Stand Or Fall Based On Their Merits But The Messenger Still Matters And If You Allow Resentful People Into Your Head, You’ll Be Fooled Into Carrying Their Rage As Your Own

Rob Henderson's Newsletter β€’ 1496 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Logic Rhetoric Critical Thinking Dialogue
  1. Arguments should be evaluated based on their strength, but who presents them also matters. It's important to think about the source of the message.
  2. If you let angry or resentful people influence you, you might start to feel their anger too. It's easy to take on emotions that aren’t yours if you’re not careful.
  3. Being mindful of who you listen to can help you avoid unnecessary negativity. Surrounding yourself with positive influences can lead to a healthier mindset.
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Let the silence have you

Silentium β€’ 499 implied HN points β€’ 21 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us better understand ourselves.
  2. Embracing moments of silence can lead to greater clarity and peace of mind. It allows us to recharge and connect with our inner thoughts.
  3. Creating spaces for silence in our daily lives is important. It can improve our mental well-being and help us focus on what truly matters.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear β€’ 64 implied HN points β€’ 26 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Subscribers can ask questions while everyone can read the answers. This makes it more inclusive and fair.
  2. There are two ways to get answers: one from the author and another one from Bear. You just need to mention which one you prefer.
  3. The system is based on honor, meaning the author trusts those asking questions without subscriptions are doing so because they can't afford it.

The field

Silentium β€’ 619 implied HN points β€’ 11 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for personal reflection and growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Embracing silence can lead to greater creativity and inspiration. It allows our minds to wander and generate new ideas.
  3. Creating a space for silence can improve mental well-being. It's important to disconnect from the busyness of life sometimes.

The empty hand

Silentium β€’ 799 implied HN points β€’ 07 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and understanding. Taking time to be quiet helps us connect with our thoughts and feelings.
  2. The metaphor of the 'empty hand' suggests being open and receptive. It encourages letting go of distractions to find clarity.
  3. Inviting silence into our lives can lead to personal growth. Embracing quiet moments allows us to gain insight into ourselves and the world around us.

The art of discernment

Silentium β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 12 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Logic Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Discernment is about making clear choices. It helps you decide what is right for you in different situations.
  2. Silence can be a powerful tool for gaining clarity. Taking a moment to pause can improve your understanding and judgment.
  3. Practicing discernment can enrich your life. It allows you to navigate complex decisions with confidence and purpose.

Highlights from the Comments on "A Measured Response"

Maximum Effort, Minimum Reward β€’ 958 implied HN points β€’ 02 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Philosophy of science Logic
  1. The measure problem is important for understanding theories about the multiverse. It questions how we can measure probabilities when there are potentially infinite versions of the universe.
  2. Philosophers generally agree that the universe seems fine-tuned for life. They suggest various explanations, like the possibility of a designer, a multiverse, or deeper laws of nature.
  3. It's crucial to define the problem and the space we're working in when discussing probabilities. Ambiguous terms can lead to misunderstandings in arguments about fine-tuning.

Problems of Unbounded Scope

Bzogramming β€’ 53 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Epistemology Metaphysics Logic
  1. Engineers sometimes think they've solved big problems by finding simpler versions of them. It's important to remember that many complex issues are far from truly solved.
  2. Searching for knowledge can be more effective through random discovery rather than specific queries. Exploring things like Wikipedia can lead to unexpected and valuable insights.
  3. Our understanding of problems is limited, and many challenges we face today will seem small in the future. It's crucial to stay open to new ideas and not assume hard problems are fully resolved.

Can You Hate Everyone In Rome?

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 7020 implied HN points β€’ 03 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Logic Metaphysics Political theory
  1. It's possible to feel a strong dislike for a whole group of people in a certain place. This often happens when we don't connect with others' beliefs or actions.
  2. People can feel frustrated with societal norms and expectations, leading to a sense of isolation. This happens when individuals feel out of place among the crowd.
  3. Understanding and empathy can help bridge these feelings of alienation. Finding common ground with others can ease negative feelings.

Despite never having done anything wrong, I've found myself living in Canberra. Any of my readers who live in here are invited to drop me a line, meet and commiserate.

Philosophy bear β€’ 114 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Political theory
  1. The writer is living in Canberra, even though they feel they haven't done anything wrong. They seem to have mixed feelings about their situation.
  2. They invite local readers to reach out and meet up. This shows they want to connect with others and share experiences.
  3. There's a hint of humor and self-reflection in their words. They are trying to make the best of the situation they find themselves in.

Open Thread 356

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 5712 implied HN points β€’ 18 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Social Political
  1. The open thread allows people to discuss anything and ask questions freely. It's a space for sharing ideas and engaging with others.
  2. Comments from the community can provide new insights into historical topics, like the early Christian views on abortion and marriage. This shows how understanding can evolve with discussion.
  3. Game theory continues to evolve, with strategies like Win-Stay, Lose-Shift gaining attention for their effectiveness in cooperation compared to older strategies like Tit-for-Tat. It's interesting to see how competition shapes these strategies in different contexts.

The Monty Hall problem: The golden goat variation

Simplicity is SOTA β€’ 131 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Probability Bayesian Logic Puzzles
  1. The Monty Hall problem has a new twist, focusing on a valuable goat instead of a car. In this version, knowing which goat is valuable affects your choice.
  2. Using Bayes' theorem can help calculate the probabilities in this variation. After a goat is revealed, you can reassess your chances to make a better decision.
  3. The essential lesson is to update your beliefs with new information. Recognizing how new clues impact your choices is key to making smarter decisions.

Abstraction in the function concept

Infinitely More β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 09 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Mathematics Concepts Logic Theory Abstraction
  1. The function concept in mathematics has evolved a lot, allowing for more abstract definitions. This means mathematicians can explore complex ideas that go beyond simple rules and formulas.
  2. Examples like the Devil's staircase and space-filling curves challenge our understanding of functions. These unique functions have properties that seem strange and unexpected compared to our usual ideas of what a function should be.
  3. The Conway function shows how every real number can be linked to another number in a complex way. It helps to illustrate that functions don't always need a clear formula and can still be valid in mathematics.

Why I Ran Away from Philosophy Because of Sam Bankman-Fried

The Honest Broker β€’ 26862 implied HN points β€’ 04 Nov 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Academia Logic Utilitarianism
  1. The philosophy of Effective Altruism may prioritize long-term consequences over immediate actions, leading to risky ethical decisions.
  2. Analytic philosophy, specifically of the Anglo-American variety, can promote perspectives that prioritize maximizing pleasure, potentially leading to damaging outcomes.
  3. Beware of philosophical systems that justify harmful actions by focusing on a 'larger context' and be cautious of practitioners who calculate consequences before performing acts of kindness or generosity.

Điều tra sα»± cα»‘ lΓ  lΓ m gΓ¬?

ThΓ‘i | Hacker | Kα»Ή sΖ° tin tαΊ·c β€’ 2396 implied HN points β€’ 22 Mar 24
πŸ•Ή Technology Cybersecurity Investigation Logic Bias Truth-seeking
  1. Investigating incidents involves more than just technical tools and techniques; 80% success comes from logical reasoning and keeping calm.
  2. Investigating an incident requires thinking about the 'why' before deciding on the 'how'; it's about determining the investigative direction.
  3. Confirmation bias, the tendency to seek information that supports preconceptions, can hinder incident investigations; focus on evidence-based conclusions instead.

Identifying bottlenecks in networks

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained β€’ 48 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 25
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Networks Physics Statistics Logic Analysis
  1. Bottlenecks in networks are crucial points that can slow down communication or movement. Identifying these points helps understand how the entire network functions.
  2. Networks can be made up of different regions that are linked by these bottlenecks. Recognizing connections between these regions is important for overall analysis.
  3. Knowing where the bottlenecks are can help improve the efficiency of networks, whether in transportation or social connections. This can lead to better planning and resource allocation.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize β€’ 1966 implied HN points β€’ 20 Oct 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic Ontology
  1. There are two main ways people understand the world: one focuses on strict evidence and science, while the other values common sense and personal experience. Both have their strengths and weaknesses depending on the situation.
  2. The 'fractal ratchet' concept explains how deeper scrutiny often leads to discovering more detail, but it can also make comparisons difficult. When you look at things more closely, you might keep finding more complexity instead of reaching a clear 'true' answer.
  3. When making decisions or forming opinions, it's important to know when to rely on precise measurements and scientific reasoning versus when to trust your intuition and common sense. Balancing both approaches can help you navigate complex issues more effectively.

Buses Are For Commuting Not Polluting

Living Fossils β€’ 6 implied HN points β€’ 11 Jun 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Logic Biology Politics Adaptation Policy
  1. Complex systems like transportation networks can create unintended effects, which means just because they cause pollution doesn't mean that's their goal.
  2. Birds and buses have functions, but we can't always tell what they were designed for based on what they do; one must look deeper to understand their true purpose.
  3. Some people might ignore logic about these systems just to attack others and blame them for negative outcomes, even when those effects were not intended.

Chess and the number e

A Piece of the Pi: mathematics explained β€’ 163 implied HN points β€’ 16 Dec 24
πŸ”¬ Science Mathematics Combinatorics Statistics Game Theory Logic
  1. The number e, around 2.718, plays a big role in math, especially in combinatorial problems like derangements. This is when items are arranged so that none are in their original position.
  2. In chess, setting up nonattacking rooks can be related to derangements. The chance that none of them land on the main diagonal equals about 36.8%, which links back to the number e.
  3. Recent studies have also looked at how many safe squares remain on a chessboard when placing random pieces. As more pieces are added, the proportion of safe squares follows certain patterns connected to e.

Aristotle on Luck

Classical Wisdom β€’ 2181 implied HN points β€’ 23 Jun 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Logic
  1. Aristotle distinguishes between luck and chance, pointing out that luck involves events that occur unexpectedly without necessity or regularity.
  2. Luck requires conscious decisions and human intent, while chance is simply a coincidental occurrence without purpose.
  3. Understanding luck and chance can lead to philosophical questions about the universe and our existence.

How we might have viewed the continuum hypothesis as a fundamental axiom necessary for mathematics

Infinitely More β€’ 20 implied HN points β€’ 22 May 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Mathematics Logic Metaphysics Epistemology History
  1. The continuum hypothesis (CH) is about understanding different sizes of infinity, particularly if there's a number between natural numbers and real numbers. Many assume its truth or falsehood is needed for math.
  2. If early mathematicians had been clearer about infinitesimals and different types of numbers, they might have accepted CH as a key part of math and calculus, making hyperreal numbers a standard concept.
  3. Whether CH is true or false is not just a technical question; it reflects deeper philosophical views about the nature of mathematics and how we interpret infinity and set theory.

Hey, I plan to be back!

Inland Nobody β€’ 320 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Logic Philosophy of science Social Philosophy
  1. The writer has been focusing on weight loss and has lost a total of 237 pounds. They feel more energized and are looking forward to new experiences.
  2. They plan to write more frequently, with less emphasis on perfectionism. This means sharing ideas that are in progress instead of perfectly polished posts.
  3. The writer is moving from Galesburg to Chicago and will share thoughts on urbanism and philosophy related to their new environment.

Cowen's First Law is an epistemological superpower

inexactscience β€’ 539 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Critical Thinking Argumentation Logic
  1. Cowen's First Law suggests that every argument has weaknesses. Understanding these flaws helps you think more critically.
  2. You can test how honest someone is by checking if they mention their arguments' weaknesses. If they don't, that's a sign to be cautious.
  3. It's important to recognize that not every argument is wrong. Some things, like basic logic, can be completely accurate. Balance is key to understanding knowledge.

Hidden Open Thread 353.5

Astral Codex Ten β€’ 688 implied HN points β€’ 30 Oct 24
πŸ“– 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.

Aristotle vs the Stoics: part II, ethics

Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond β€’ 943 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jan 24
πŸ“– 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.

Going Vertical: Gate All Around, 3D DRAM, 3D NAND - Kokusai Electric IPO

SemiAnalysis β€’ 3636 implied HN points β€’ 15 Oct 23
πŸ•Ή Technology Memory Logic
  1. Kokusai Electric is a significant player in batch Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) for thin film deposition processes in the semiconductor industry.
  2. The use of batch ALD in memory fabs is advantageous for processing high aspect ratio structures like NAND and DRAM, leading to better step coverage and film thickness control.
  3. In logic fabrication, ALD is crucial for complex structures like FinFET and 3D NAND architectures, allowing for precise deposition and enabling advancements in semiconductor technology.

Robot Philosophy

Egg Report β€’ 569 implied HN points β€’ 10 Feb 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Intelligence Time Logic
  1. In the realm of computation, complex statements can be broken down into simple ones, reflecting a mono-causal, universalist view of reality.
  2. Projects like AI and VR are attempts to recreate intelligence and reality, each carrying metaphysical claims about the simplicity and illusory nature of complexity.
  3. Engaging with computers and writing code trains individuals to think in a certain way, guiding them towards a robotic mindset and reinforcing metaphysical assumptions.

Elephant Riding

Polymathic Being β€’ 104 implied HN points β€’ 10 Nov 24
πŸ“– Philosophy Ethics Logic Cognition Emotion Human behavior
  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.

The two reasons I left Christianity

Figs in Winter: New Stoicism and beyond β€’ 805 implied HN points β€’ 27 Mar 23
β›ͺ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Atheism Logic Science Philosophy
  1. Logic and science played a big part in leading the author to leave Christianity
  2. Encountering philosophical teachings and critical thinking in school reinforced the doubts about religion
  3. The concepts of transubstantiation and the Trinity were key factors that ultimately caused the author to walk away from Catholicism

Finite Minds

Fake NoΓ»s β€’ 188 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
πŸ“– Philosophy Epistemology Metaphysics Ethics Logic
  1. Infinitism in beliefs means you could have an endless chain of reasons for thinking something is true. However, since our minds are limited, it's hard to have a true infinite number of reasons.
  2. Beliefs must be based on more than just potential ideas or past thoughts; they need to be actively supported by real experiences or evidence to count as justified.
  3. Even when considering complex ideas like math or colors, our ability to truly grasp or hold onto those beliefs is still bound by our finite understanding and memory.

What is an ad hominem attack?

News from Those Nerdy Girls β€’ 314 implied HN points β€’ 02 Feb 24
🚌 Education Logic Bias Critical Thinking Media Literacy Communication
  1. Ad hominem attacks insult a person's motive or character instead of addressing the content of an idea or argument.
  2. Ad hominem attacks create distrust of the individual and divert attention away from the actual issue.
  3. To combat bias from ad hominem attacks, focus on facts, recognize diversion tactics, and practice self-reflection.

Philosophy is the mathematics of language

Wood From Eden β€’ 816 implied HN points β€’ 23 Dec 23
πŸ“– Philosophy Language Mathematics Concepts Logic Epistemology
  1. Philosophy is the art of clarifying concepts and finding links between them.
  2. Philosophy is similar to mathematics in that it explores relationships between concepts, just as mathematics explores relationships between numbers.
  3. Concepts in philosophy change over time, making it a field that evolves constantly unlike mathematics which is built on stable concepts.