The hottest Metaphysics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics
De Pony Sum β€’ 255 implied HN points β€’ 23 Sep 23
  1. Think about what kind of world you would create in different scenarios of power and capacity
  2. Challenge traditional theories of the good life by considering extreme scenarios
  3. Imagine creating a complex and diverse utopia with opportunities for growth and experience
Going Awol β€’ 179 implied HN points β€’ 14 Dec 23
  1. Substance Dualism posits that humans are made of two distinct substances - body and soul. The soul is considered the essential part that defines who we are.
  2. One objection to Substance Dualism questions how an immaterial soul, if essential, can be touched. A philosophical dialogue illustrating this objection is discussed.
  3. The objection is refuted through a clever dialogue between a Substance Dualist and someone who believes we are only bodies, highlighting linguistic nuances in how we perceive physical interactions.
Outlandish Claims β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 30 Apr 24
  1. The concept of universes being 'real' or 'unreal' is not a straightforward matter and cannot be definitively determined.
  2. The framework discussed in the text helps dissolve the age-old metaphysical question of 'Why is there something instead of nothing?'
  3. Existence is viewed as an intersection of infinite universes, each potentially different, which leads to the idea of living in a reality governed by physical laws rather than a simulation.
The Future of Life β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 13 Jul 24
  1. There are ten interesting ways to think about immortality. Each category represents a different aspect of how one might achieve or understand being undying.
  2. Categories like 'Biological Stasis' and 'Regenerative Longevity' suggest methods related to physical health and recovery.
  3. More abstract ideas like 'Conceptual Persistence' and 'Ontological Necessity' explore deeper philosophical notions about existence and being.
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Logos and Liberty β€’ 59 implied HN points β€’ 20 Apr 24
  1. Different philosophers like Plato, Aristotle, and the Sophists had varying views on knowledge - from belief in absolute truth to belief in only probable knowledge.
  2. Plato believed in knowledge of the fully real, while Aristotle expanded it to include knowledge of the contingent world of becoming and change.
  3. Aristotle's approach to knowledge, embracing the changing world and proposing methods for understanding it, laid the foundation for experimental science and intellectual progress.
Divergent Futures β€’ 2 HN points β€’ 13 Sep 24
  1. Truth isn't just about what's real or what we feel; it comes from how we connect with the world around us. This idea is called transjectivity, showing that understanding comes from our interactions.
  2. The way we categorize things, like calling a chair a 'chair', is influenced by both what we see and how we use it. It's about finding what fits well in our lives, not just what exists independently.
  3. Our views and meanings can change based on our experiences and environment. This means that understanding truth is flexible and evolves as we learn and grow.
Contemplations on the Tree of Woe β€’ 723 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 24
  1. Physicalism argues that everything in the universe can be explained by physical processes, while post-physicalism believes there are aspects physicalism cannot explain, like consciousness and free will.
  2. Reading about atheism and counter-atheism can lead to shifts in beliefs, from atheism to agnosticism and questioning physicalism.
  3. Exploring quantum mechanics and consciousness challenges physicalist views and opens up discussions about the mind-body connection and the nature of reality.
Ethics Under Construction β€’ 15 implied HN points β€’ 28 Dec 25
  1. The knowledge argument shows you can know all the physical facts and still not know what an experience is like, so there is an epistemic gap between description and lived experience.
  2. Experiencing something (like red or sweetness) is itself a fact about that property, not an extra mysterious add-on, so leaving out experience misunderstands what those properties are.
  3. Physicalism can reply that the epistemic gap is just a different mode of presentation, but that misses the deeper point that subjective facts are immediate and foundational, so physical explanations are grounded in, rather than fully exhaustive of, experience.
Thicket Forte β€’ 419 implied HN points β€’ 08 Mar 23
  1. Life can feel like a puzzle where you don't have all the pieces or instructions. It's frustrating when things don't fit, and you might feel lost trying to figure it all out.
  2. Real progress comes when you discover new ways to understand or solve your problems. Each new insight can change everything and make life feel more complete.
  3. It's easy to think you've reached the end, but there's always more to explore and understand. Keep questioning and seeking out those hidden pieces, even if it feels challenging.
Philosophy bear β€’ 214 implied HN points β€’ 25 Feb 25
  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.
Infinitely More β€’ 25 implied HN points β€’ 15 Nov 25
  1. The surreal line can be seen as disconnected based on one way of thinking about connectedness. It's like having gaps that separate parts of a line.
  2. On another hand, if we consider how sets and classes differ, the surreal line appears connected. This means when viewed differently, those gaps can seem to vanish.
  3. Understanding these ideas helps explain why the surreal numbers are unique and fascinating, showing how different perspectives can change our view of mathematics.
The Renaissance Man β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 29 Jun 24
  1. Life doesn't always have a clear direction, and that's okay. Embracing the unknown can help you trust your journey, even when it feels scary.
  2. Comparing yourself to others can lead to feelings of jealousy and regret. Remember, everyone is on their own unique path, and you are not better or worse than anyone else.
  3. Holding onto hope is important, even when things don't make sense. It's better to believe that everything will work out in the end than to live in fear.
David Friedman’s Substack β€’ 269 implied HN points β€’ 13 Dec 24
  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.
Uneasy’s Substack β€’ 19 implied HN points β€’ 24 Jun 24
  1. To achieve important goals, you often need to give up less important things. Sacrifice is a key part of mastering any craft.
  2. Opportunity cost is about what you lose by choosing one path over another. It’s important to weigh your options to see which sacrifices benefit you most.
  3. Your sacrifices can define who you are. What you choose to give up can help you focus on what really matters in your life.
Bet On It β€’ 186 implied HN points β€’ 05 Feb 25
  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.
marbl β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 26 Jan 24
  1. Animals have remarkable abilities and understandings, despite not having human-like qualities.
  2. Human culture values bravery, but exceptions to the rule exist, such as animals displaying courage.
  3. There is an interconnectedness between human storytelling, myth, and the well-being of non-human life.
Going Awol β€’ 239 implied HN points β€’ 22 Jan 23
  1. Psychophysical harmony is the observation that our mental states match up with the external, physical world in rationally appropriate ways.
  2. The existence of psychophysical laws, like gravity, governs the relationship between mental states and physical states, leading to harmony.
  3. On naturalism, the surprising nature of psychophysical harmony provides evidence against naturalism and potentially in favor of the theory that God exists.
alice maz β€’ 78 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jul 25
  1. Rituals are practices that help people understand and express important values like kindness and righteousness. They guide behavior and help maintain harmony in society.
  2. Xunzi believed that rituals are not fixed but can be created and adapted over time to meet the needs of society. This shows that traditions can evolve while still being useful.
  3. Rituals help structure relationships and social order, allowing for personal responsibilities and duties to be understood and respected within a community. This fosters mutual support and trust.
Bet On It β€’ 171 implied HN points β€’ 12 Feb 25
  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.
storyvoyager β€’ 4 implied HN points β€’ 01 Feb 26
  1. Everything in the universe, including life, is just arrangements of particles left over from the Big Bang.
  2. Humans are biological rearrangements of matter—’rearranged food’—and our current ways of getting energy and using space are often inefficient.
  3. The future may bring superintelligent beings that spread across the cosmos to rearrange particles more efficiently and optimally, though exactly how that will look is still unknown.
Activist Futurism β€’ 139 implied HN points β€’ 23 Aug 23
  1. Social movements are built on a New Tactic, Contagious Mood, and the Right Time - only the last one is out of activists' control.
  2. Unlike past activism focused on averting catastrophe, today's post-failure activism is after the failure has occurred - this impacts strategies and targets.
  3. New era activism will emphasize social mobilization, rely on cryptocurrencies and AI, and target meta-political issues like space exploration and redefining existence.
Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet β€’ 881 implied HN points β€’ 29 May 23
  1. When traveling by airplane, we ignore the risks we know are there, which reflects our ability to overlook inherent dangers in pursuit of convenience.
  2. The sense of class, wealth, and comfort among individuals varies, influencing their attitudes towards success and societal norms.
  3. The modern lifestyle involves navigating through ideological and moral contradictions, from energy consumption to personal choices, which can lead to reflections on societal values and personal actions.
The Joyous Struggle β€’ 138 implied HN points β€’ 13 Mar 23
  1. Values play a significant role in directing our loyalty and commitment.
  2. Direct perception of value is a complex and important concept, delving into the core of our understanding of 'good' and 'value'.
  3. Public discussions on values encompass various dimensions, from moral foundations to intrinsic and extrinsic values, shaping societal attitudes and behaviors.
Fake NoΓ»s β€’ 188 implied HN points β€’ 04 Jan 25
  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.
apxhard β€’ 68 implied HN points β€’ 10 Jul 25
  1. Enlightenment can be viewed as a calm state of mind that aligns with reality. This means trusting that everything in life has its place.
  2. When we meditate, it’s not just about being still; it’s about letting our thoughts settle while learning to observe them without rushing to act.
  3. To achieve peace, we must accept some discomfort and trust that our environment will meet our needs. By doing so, our conflicting desires can come together in harmony.
Charles Eisenstein β€’ 3 implied HN points β€’ 08 Feb 26
  1. Some phenomena seem observer-dependent: the beliefs, intentions, and relationships of experimenters and witnesses can co-create outcomes, so strict replication and detached objectivity may fail.
  2. Ontological shielding is a deliberate research strategy that hides experiments from mainstream scrutiny to create a hospitable reality-bubble where a phenomenon can emerge and mature, with different shielding layers serving different goals.
  3. Forcing new-paradigm results into public proof can destroy both the research and the phenomenon, so careful incubation in protected contexts (even if it invites skeptics, frauds, or secrecy) can let innovations become robust enough to enter wider reality.
Breaking Smart β€’ 12 implied HN points β€’ 07 Dec 25
  1. English is not very good at explaining the reasons behind things. It struggles to express deeper meanings behind actions.
  2. Languages like German and Russian might be better for discussing complex philosophical ideas. They offer more clarity in the way they handle 'why' questions.
  3. Understanding different languages can help us see how they shape our thoughts and inquiries about the world around us.
Joe Carlsmith's Substack β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 17 Feb 23
  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.
interintellect β€’ 117 implied HN points β€’ 17 Apr 23
  1. Understanding human nature is essential to determining the need for philosophy.
  2. Philosophy guides actions and helps in making choices through branches like epistemology and ethics.
  3. Having philosophical views is inherent to human nature, whether explicitly or implicitly.
Daily Philosophy β€’ 58 implied HN points β€’ 03 Feb 24
  1. Daily Philosophy has reached 300 articles and offers premium subscriptions for archive access.
  2. Articles from Daily Philosophy have been translated and published in Spanish and Korean.
  3. The story 'Nothing' by Lina Ignatova explores the concept of 'nothing' and its complexities.
Philosophy bear β€’ 50 implied HN points β€’ 01 Aug 25
  1. The project involves creating a custom AI that expresses the author's views after writing extensively on many topics. The AI can provide insightful responses even on unfamiliar subjects.
  2. There is a second AI bot designed to explain left-wing ideas to those curious about them. This bot can debate and offer reading suggestions to help users understand different perspectives.
  3. Another bot, called Bear Bear, offers relaxation and motivation. It's meant to inspire people to connect and appreciate life despite challenges.
Philosophy bear β€’ 57 implied HN points β€’ 14 Jul 25
  1. Having confidence and strength in your heart can attract positive attention from others, regardless of height.
  2. Your actions and personality can be more impressive than physical attributes, so focus on what makes you unique.
  3. Engaging with others and building connections can help you find the right partner, so don't forget to share and subscribe to ideas that inspire you.
Philosophy bear β€’ 185 implied HN points β€’ 20 Nov 24
  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.
Astral Codex Ten β€’ 68 implied HN points β€’ 12 Jun 25
  1. This post is meant for paid subscribers only. You need a subscription to access the content.
  2. There’s an open thread for discussions, which allows subscribers to share their thoughts.
  3. The content appears to encourage interaction, so subscribers can engage with each other on various topics.