The hottest Metaphysics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Cetacean Philosophy

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 846 implied HN points • 15 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Language Cognition Interdisciplinary
  1. Sperm whales have their own unique way of thinking and understanding the world. It's important not to put their ideas into human categories too easily.
  2. Recent studies show that sperm whales do have a true language, which we are still trying to fully understand. They can express complex thoughts and engage in creative conversation.
  3. The attempt to define 'cetacean philosophy' risks oversimplifying the whales' perspectives. We need more time and careful study before making conclusions about their thoughts and beliefs.

Empedocles

Classical Wisdom • 2279 implied HN points • 12 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Science
  1. Empedocles was a philosopher known for his belief in the four elements and the concept of a conscious universe.
  2. Empedocles believed in the forces of Love and Strife as the key elements in the interaction of the four worldly elements.
  3. Empedocles made significant contributions to early scientific testing, such as proving the existence of air using a water clock.

Aristotle on Luck

Classical Wisdom • 2181 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
📖 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.

Can One Become a Different Person?

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 691 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Identity Metaphysics Memory Existentialism Anthropology
  1. People can feel like they've transformed into a new version of themselves, much like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. This change can be exciting, but it also makes them reflect on their past identities.
  2. Memories play a key role in how we see ourselves and maintain our identity over time. Even when we go through tough experiences, like illness, we hold on to memories that connect us to who we were.
  3. The idea of being a person isn't as fixed as it seems; we shift and change over time. It's natural for us to evolve and take on new roles, much like actors changing characters in a play.

Heraclitus

Classical Wisdom • 2103 implied HN points • 14 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Cosmology
  1. Heraclitus believed in a world of constant change and transformation, emphasizing unity of opposites.
  2. Heraclitus' concept of the divine Logos serves as a guiding force for the universe, representing an underlying principle for all things.
  3. Heraclitus' philosophy of universal flux, likened to fire, highlights the harmony in the constant transformation of opposites.
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How we might have viewed the continuum hypothesis as a fundamental axiom necessary for mathematics

Infinitely More • 20 implied HN points • 22 May 25
📖 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.

Reality Eats Culture For Breakfast: AI, Existential Risk and Ethical Tech

rebelwisdom • 2849 implied HN points • 03 Apr 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Consciousness Quality Reality Values
  1. Calls for ethical technology are missing a crucial element that involves a radical revisioning of our ideas about reality.
  2. The metacrisis we face involves technology outpacing our cognitive, moral, and spiritual capacities, intertwined with a lack of coherent cultural or scientific story to explain consciousness.
  3. Appealing for value-driven technology is ineffective without a deeper understanding of the metaphysical foundations that shape our culture and values, such as the concept of consciousness as fundamental to reality.

Gnosticism: Inversions

Secretum Secretorum • 606 implied HN points • 11 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Spirituality Theology Metaphysics Ethics
  1. Gnosticism focuses on seeking knowledge and self-discovery, rather than blind faith. It believes understanding who we are and where we come from is the key to spiritual liberation.
  2. Gnostics had a very different view of traditional figures, often seeing them in an oppositional light. They believed that the mainstream teachings were a form of deception and celebrated figures like the serpent or Judas as misunderstood heroes, emphasizing personal experience over established doctrine.
  3. Many Gnostic teachings involved breaking away from societal norms and moral restrictions. This led to controversial practices and beliefs about liberation being found through transgressions against established moral codes, although the full reality of these practices is still debated among scholars.

A Second Kind of Objects

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 345 implied HN points • 02 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Linguistics Cognition Epistemology
  1. Many short words can have different meanings in various languages. For example, the word 'kut' means very different things in Hungarian, Dutch, and Sanskrit.
  2. Exploring words like 'kut' can reveal interesting connections between different cultures and languages. It shows how language can be rich and complex.
  3. The idea of cross-linguistic homonyms helps us appreciate the diversity of human language and thought. It’s fascinating to see how one small word can connect so many meanings.

There are questions about our feelings not even God could determine

Philosophy bear • 185 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Interpretation
  1. People often see what they expect to see, which can lead them to notice negativity even when it’s not there. This can create a cycle that reinforces their negative beliefs.
  2. Our feelings and actions are complex and can be interpreted in many ways. This means that even if someone perceives an action as mean, it could also be seen as kind, depending on how it's interpreted.
  3. It's harmful to assume the worst about others because it can lead to feelings of pain and isolation. Sometimes, the bad interpretations we choose can make our lives harder than they need to be.

Hey, I plan to be back!

Inland Nobody • 320 implied HN points • 01 Feb 25
📖 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.

“And I’d choose you; in a hundred lifetimes, in a hundred worlds": On the naturalistic possibility of soulmates

Philosophy bear • 135 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Romanticism
  1. There's a concept of 'soulmates' that can exist even for people who don't believe in spirits or destiny. It's about recognizing deep connections between similar personalities.
  2. People can be organized into 'ethotypes' based on their core personality traits, and these groupings can help identify potential soulmates.
  3. Falling in love might actually change a person's ethotype, allowing them to connect more deeply with another person, potentially turning them into a soulmate.

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.

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.

Non-Ordinary Sensemaking: How to Navigate a New Reality

rebelwisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 06 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Reality Spirituality Morality Metaphysics
  1. The more time we spend online, the more we risk being influenced by different states of consciousness.
  2. To effectively navigate different states of consciousness, we need 'state competence' and should learn to translate between them.
  3. Understanding cognition as embodied, embedded, enacted, and extended can help us adapt to different environments and perspectives.

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.

Carl Jung’s Gnostic Revival, Abraxas, and the 20th Century Cult of Mithra (part 5)

Matt Ehret's Insights • 727 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Psychology Religion Cosmology Metaphysics
  1. Carl Jung saw himself as a Dionysian messiah and initiate of Mithra seeking to create a new religious order.
  2. Jung preferred Mithraism over Christianity for its nature worship and viewed Christianity as antagonistic towards the beauty of the world.
  3. Jung's involvement in promoting gnostic texts and psychedelics, as well as his influence on establishing a new spiritualism, reflects his desire to overthrow Christianity and establish a new gnostic religious order.

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.

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.

Robot Philosophy

Egg Report • 569 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
📖 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.

A short philosophical history

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics History Narrative Transhumanism Altruism
  1. Morality has evolved over time, influenced by intelligence, language, and culture. It can be seen as both a helpful adaptation and something that just happens without benefit, like men's nipples.
  2. The main conflict in history is between human morality and natural selection. Sometimes they work together, but other times they clash, shaping our progress as a species.
  3. We may have the chance to take control of our future and overcome natural selection through technology and ethics. Once we do this, our moral values could become the guiding force for society.

The Preachers of Death

Bet On It • 171 implied HN points • 12 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Poetry Literature
  1. There are people who promote the idea of giving up on life, calling them the 'preachers of death'. They see life as full of suffering and try to convince others to feel the same way.
  2. Some of these preachers believe that by avoiding life's pleasures, like having children or enjoying existence, they are being virtuous. This attitude can end up making life feel even heavier for everyone around them.
  3. It’s important to recognize when you're feeling tired of life and not let those who preach despair influence you. Life can be tough, but it's valuable and worth embracing.

Nietzsche the Natalist

Bet On It • 186 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Aesthetics Political Philosophy
  1. Many people with high fertility rates in the U.S. tend to be very religious. This shows a strong connection between faith and the desire to have children.
  2. Nietzsche criticized those who focus only on the negative aspects of life, encouraging a more positive view on existence. He argued that life has value despite its struggles.
  3. Even though Nietzsche didn't have children, his ideas on life's worth contrast with those who do find joy and fulfillment in raising families, like Catherine Pakaluk who has eight kids.

The Flip, The Formation, and The Fun

The Joyous Struggle • 691 implied HN points • 23 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ethics Politics Education Culture
  1. The flip involves changing our understanding of reality to see consciousness and value as primary, leading to a sacred view of the world.
  2. The formation requires a shift from utilitarianism to virtue ethics, focusing on shaping desires towards higher purposes and societal good.
  3. The fun pertains to a shift in societal goals from growth to intrinsic ends like spiritual and creative fulfillment, aiming for an attractive and galvanizing future.

Is Reality Mental?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 10 implied HN points • 25 May 25
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Idealism Psychedelics Quantum physics
  1. Consciousness might be the most important part of existence, not just something our brains make. This changes how we see reality.
  2. The old view of the universe being random and lifeless doesn't explain how we feel and experience life. We need a new way to understand what reality truly is.
  3. Many new studies and ideas support the thought that consciousness isn't just from our brains, but something bigger we all tap into. This could help us understand life and death better.

Yes, Non-Existent Entities Exist (Part 1: The Nature of Abstract Objects)

Ethics Under Construction • 10 implied HN points • 26 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Ontology Epistemology Logic
  1. Abstract objects, like numbers and concepts, can exist independently of physical reality. Even though we can't touch them, they still have a place in our understanding of the world.
  2. Thinking proves our existence, which means thoughts must also exist. You can't doubt your own thinking; without thoughts, you can't claim to exist.
  3. For a thought to count as an objective idea, it needs to be understandable to others. If something is too private or confusing, it isn't a true thought that can be shared.

The Most Dangerous Idea

Secretum Secretorum • 1161 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Reality Consciousness Spirituality Human experience
  1. Traumatic transcendence challenges the concept that extreme states of consciousness can manipulate physics, prompting a need for deeper understanding through experiments induced by profound suffering.
  2. Evidence and reasoning suggest that consciousness may transcend normal physics, as seen in tales from folklore and religious history, trauma-related phenomenon, and philosophical arguments against materialism.
  3. Love plays an integral role in traumatic transcendence and mystical experiences, emphasizing a connection between profound experiences and emotion, challenging traditional metaphysical paradigms.

Finite Minds

Fake Noûs • 188 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
📖 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.

Good Memory

The Memory Palace • 79 implied HN points • 11 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Memory Metaphysics Cognition Critical Thinking
  1. Memory is often seen as less reliable than other ways of knowing, like perception. It doesn't create new knowledge but relies on what it's given, so it might forget important details.
  2. When we remember things, we can also remember them incorrectly or distort them. This means that sometimes memory can lead us to feel certain about things that are actually wrong.
  3. Despite its flaws, memory still plays an important role in how we understand our experiences. It can help us organize our memories, but we should be careful not to trust it too much.

Issues in Philosophy of Memory 4

The Memory Palace • 59 implied HN points • 25 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Memory Ethics Epistemology Metaphysics Politics
  1. The philosophy of memory is growing quickly, with more conferences and research on it recently. People are exploring topics about how we remember and what memory means.
  2. The fourth conference on philosophy of memory will take place in Geneva in June 2024. It will feature key talks and papers from researchers from many different countries.
  3. The event will cover a wide range of memory-related topics, from how we remember to the connections between memory and emotions. It aims to inspire new ideas and discussions in the field.