The hottest Metaphysics Substack posts right now

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P-Zombies Would Report Qualia

Astral Codex Ten • 12457 implied HN points • 10 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Cognitive Science Ethics
  1. The concept of philosophical zombies, or p-zombies, refers to beings that appear normal but lack consciousness. This brings up questions about whether they can still report their experiences without actually experiencing them.
  2. There's an argument about whether p-zombies could describe their perceptions as humans do. They might give answers that sound similar to human experiences, but the question remains whether that means they truly have those experiences.
  3. This discussion challenges our understanding of consciousness and qualia, suggesting that one could talk about experiences without having real feelings or awareness. It raises questions about how we perceive and talk about our own consciousness.

A brief note on Newcomb's problem

Philosophy bear • 28 implied HN points • 02 Mar 25
📖 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.

The Asymmetry of Destruction

Passing Time • 267 implied HN points • 29 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. Creating something takes time, teamwork, and skill. It's a careful process that can easily fall apart with just one mistake.
  2. Destroying things is much easier and faster than creating them. Just a small action can ruin a whole system while building it requires collaboration and effort.
  3. In life and politics, it's often harder to prove false claims than to spread them. We need more people focused on building a better future instead of just tearing down what's there.

Neither Robot Nor Baby

In My Tribe • 364 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics AI Impact Human condition
  1. The folk theory of mind suggests that humans have feelings and decision-making abilities, while AI does not. This means we shouldn't think of AI as having a mind like ours.
  2. AI operates based on code and rules, not feelings or intentional decisions like humans have. Mistakes made by AI don't come from emotional reactions like they would in a person.
  3. While AI can cause harm, it's not because it has its own mind. It's important to recognize that AI's actions reflect human intentions, whether they're intended or not.

The assessment of my PhD thesis by the University of Sydney and the way I see our world

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 25 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. It's better to hold institutions accountable instead of blaming individuals. Institutions can change, while people often stay the same.
  2. Making injustices visible helps society recognize and correct them, encouraging critical reflection on accepted practices.
  3. Everything in life matters, big or small. Caring about small events can deepen our appreciation for the larger, more significant issues we face.
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How To Be Both Happy And Well-Informed

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2128 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Humanism
  1. To feel both happy and well-informed, you need to explore your inner feelings just as much as you do the outer world issues. It's all about understanding both sides.
  2. Life can have ugly truths and beautiful moments at the same time. You can be hurt by what you see in the world but still find happiness in everyday life.
  3. By digging into your own beliefs and thoughts, you can change how you view the world. This deeper understanding helps you see how your inner feelings connect to what's happening outside.

Let the silence have you

Silentium • 499 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
📖 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 • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 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 forest years

Silentium • 539 implied HN points • 19 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for reflection and personal growth. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Spending time in nature can greatly benefit our mental health. The forest offers a calming environment that promotes peace and tranquility.
  3. Embracing quiet moments allows for deeper connections with our thoughts and feelings. It's important to make space for stillness in our busy lives.

A sunlit absence

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 17 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Finding moments of silence can be really beneficial for the mind. It helps to clear thoughts and allows for better focus.
  2. Embracing quietness encourages deeper reflection. This can lead to personal growth and understanding.
  3. Taking time away from noise can enhance creativity. A peaceful environment often sparks new ideas and inspiration.

What Socrates Teaches Us About Love, Politics, and Death

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1163 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political Philosophy Metaphysics History Education
  1. Socrates teaches us about living deeply through inquiry and exploration. We often think we know enough, but there's always more to learn.
  2. Despite being poor and not a great speaker, Socrates became a key figure in philosophy. His life shows that wisdom and character matter more than wealth or appearance.
  3. Socrates' way of questioning others helps uncover true wisdom. He challenged people to think deeply about love, politics, and death, which are still relevant today.

The Tiger Show

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1303 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology Humanism
  1. We should not let the least capable control our world. People often feel helpless, but we have the power to change things for the better.
  2. Inside us, there's a great potential that we often forget. We have the ability to stand up for our happiness and well-being.
  3. The current state of things can change when we decide to take a stand. We are stronger than we realize and can make a difference.

In The Thick Of It

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1471 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Ethics Mindfulness Human condition
  1. We are surrounded by both beauty and pain in our world. It's important to acknowledge and feel all these emotions fully.
  2. Our lives are influenced by technology and systems that often make us feel inadequate. It's crucial to look beyond the distractions to understand what's truly important.
  3. True paradise exists in the present moment, within and around us. We should embrace life as it is, finding joy and wonder even amid chaos and struggles.

The field

Silentium • 619 implied HN points • 11 Oct 24
📖 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 • 799 implied HN points • 07 Oct 24
📖 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 • 539 implied HN points • 12 Oct 24
📖 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 • 958 implied HN points • 02 Jun 25
📖 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.

Perhaps You Shouldn't Read This

The Algorithmic Bridge • 743 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Literature
  1. Reading can take away your ability to think for yourself. If you read too much, you might lose your original thoughts and feelings.
  2. Both reading and using AI are good, but doing them excessively has downsides. Just like you should drink enough water, you shouldn't overdo reading or rely too much on AI.
  3. It's fine to use AI or read books, but balance is important. You don’t have to do one all the time; a mix of both can help keep your mind sharp.

Inner looking

Silentium • 579 implied HN points • 10 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology
  1. Silence can help us see ourselves more clearly. It gives us a chance to reflect and understand our thoughts better.
  2. Taking time for inner looking can lead to personal growth. Being quiet allows us to explore our feelings and motivations.
  3. Embracing silence is an important practice. It can improve our mental health and help us find peace in our busy lives.

To sweep our own path

Silentium • 639 implied HN points • 04 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. Silence can be a powerful tool for self-reflection and clarity. Taking time away from noise helps us understand ourselves better.
  2. Creating our own path requires intentionality. We should actively choose how we want to live and what we want to achieve.
  3. Embracing stillness can foster creativity and ideas. When we quiet our minds, inspiration often finds us more easily.

Building Forward

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Aesthetics Metaphysics Social theory
  1. Focus on creating with care and intention, rather than urgency or scarcity. It's about honoring what truly matters to you.
  2. Instead of trying to grow fast and break things, think about how you can nourish and tend to what you create. Building should be about growth, not destruction.
  3. Take your time to build something meaningful. It's important to create with presence and to find joy in the slow process, not just chase after more.

Consciousness as a Gödel sentence in the language of science

The Intrinsic Perspective • 24479 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics
  1. Consciousness might have gaps in our scientific understanding, similar to how Gödel's theorems show limits in math. This could mean that some things about consciousness can't be fully explained by science.
  2. Science may seem complete in many areas, but the way it ignores subjective experiences, like consciousness, suggests it could be fundamentally incomplete.
  3. Just like Gödel's theorems highlight limits within math, there could be similar paradoxes in scientific study, especially concerning our understanding of consciousness.

Problems of Unbounded Scope

Bzogramming • 53 implied HN points • 24 Jun 25
📖 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.

I Have Learned A Few Things

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2356 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Knowledge Human nature Social theory
  1. Western interventions often lead to terrible consequences, and the people pushing for these actions are usually on the wrong side of history.
  2. Putting profit above everything else hurts our planet and our well-being, leading to a lot of unnecessary suffering, especially in poorer countries.
  3. Learning to trust our own insights and build genuine connections with others can help us see the beauty in life and find true fulfillment.

The Probability of God

Fake Noûs • 200 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Theology Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Religion
  1. The existence of God is debated, especially around traditional views of a perfect being like an all-knowing, all-powerful entity. Many people question if such a being can even exist at all.
  2. There are arguments that challenge the idea of an all-powerful God, like how can someone be truly powerful if they can’t do everything or know everything. This raises doubts about the traditional definition of God.
  3. Determining how likely it is that God exists is tricky. People often struggle to assign initial probabilities to such beliefs before looking at evidence.

What do you think about consciousness?

The Intrinsic Perspective • 12511 implied HN points • 08 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Philosophy of science Metaphysics Cognitive Science
  1. There are many theories about consciousness, and everyone has their own views on it. It's a topic that invites everyone to share their thoughts.
  2. The study of consciousness is still in its early stages, so you don't need to be an expert to join the discussion. It's a personal experience that we all understand.
  3. Finding a scientific explanation for consciousness is a hope for many. It suggests that there might be a simple answer out there just waiting to be discovered.

Can You Hate Everyone In Rome?

Astral Codex Ten • 7020 implied HN points • 03 Jan 25
📖 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.

Maxi's Toolkit Vol.10: The Social Sublime and the Empathic Sublime

Heir to the Thought • 139 implied HN points • 09 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Epistemology Existentialism
  1. The social sublime is the feeling of sadness knowing there are countless people we could connect with but never will due to time and circumstances. This awareness can motivate us to cherish our current relationships more.
  2. The empathic sublime occurs when we deeply connect with another person, sometimes through powerful experiences like art or shared hardships. It allows us to see the world from someone else's perspective, enriching our own lives.
  3. Both sublimes challenge us to find a balance in our relationships. We need to appreciate those we know while also longing to understand others, making active effort to connect and grow from those interactions.

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 • 114 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 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 • 5712 implied HN points • 18 Nov 24
📖 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.

Amulets Against the Spirits of the Age

The Convivial Society • 2746 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Moral Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics
  1. Certain phrases or quotes can act like protective charms, helping us to see and understand the world better. These words can guide, comfort, and shape how we think.
  2. It's important to take responsibility for our actions and the world around us. Recognizing our role can help address deep problems in society.
  3. Being attentive to others is crucial for moral growth. True love and art come from realizing that there are realities beyond ourselves.

Proem For All Post-Dark Age Civilizations

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2081 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Society Future studies
  1. The future of society will face serious challenges due to shrinking populations and an aging workforce. This means there may not be enough young people to do the jobs needed to maintain the economy.
  2. Energy and resources are becoming scarce, making it hard to sustain our current way of living. Fossil fuels are becoming less available, and alternative energy sources like solar and wind have limitations.
  3. Technological advances alone won't solve these problems. A major focus for future societies will be on managing what little energy and resources are left, leading to a more frugal, sustainable lifestyle.

Don't be a spiritual nerd

Square Circle • 3 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Philosophy Self-reflection Mindfulness Metaphysics
  1. Being overly obsessed with spirituality can lead to an imbalance in your life. It's important to keep a healthy perspective and not let it consume all your attention.
  2. Spirituality should be approached with a sense of balance, not just as an academic or nerdy pursuit. Finding real-world connections can enhance your spiritual journey.
  3. It's okay to step away from spiritual obsessiveness and focus on being present in the world. Real growth often comes from being firmly grounded in everyday life.

In Praise of Sheep

The Corbett Report • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Political theory Epistemology Social Philosophy
  1. It's often easy to dismiss the masses as 'sheeple', but there might be more to them than just blind obedience. Seeing them as capable of change could inspire hope.
  2. If everyone 'woke up' and became aggressive, it could lead to a new group of tyrants. Instead, we should think of peaceful and creative ways to encourage change.
  3. Being peaceful and cooperative, like sheep, isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It could be a strength that fosters community and understanding rather than conflict.

The Fractal Ratchet

Desystemize • 1966 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
📖 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.

First ask what it means

David Friedman’s Substack • 269 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Political Philosophy Epistemology
  1. It's important to first understand what statements about climate change really mean before accepting them as true. Definitions of extreme weather can vary, so the impact of climate change may not be as straightforward as it seems.
  2. When people say healthcare is a human right, it raises questions about what that actually means and whether healthcare workers could be forced to provide care. The term needs clarification to avoid misunderstandings about what rights entail.
  3. Terms like 'living wage' can be vague and subjective. People often think of it as a wage that allows for a comfortable life, but what that looks like varies widely between individuals.

What is a "Reason"?

Ethics Under Construction • 15 implied HN points • 08 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Logic Metaphysics
  1. A 'reason' is simply an objective explanation for something. It helps us understand truths by shedding light on unclear ideas.
  2. Objective explanations are thoughts that anyone can understand, giving everyone a similar view of the truth.
  3. To count as a reason, an explanation must be clear, logical, and able to be comprehended by anyone, not just a particular individual.