The hottest Metaphysics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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A review of "Don’t forget the boundary problem..."

Unstabler Ontology • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 Science Consciousness Brain Physics Cognitive Science Metaphysics
  1. The article discusses the binding problem in consciousness theories, which is about combining different features into a unified awareness.
  2. Functionalism is challenged by the boundary problem, questioning why there are limits to our conscious experiences.
  3. Electromagnetic theories of consciousness are explored, considering the role of EM fields in demarcating conscious entities and potential solutions using field topology.

You Say You Want a Revelation?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 8 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Idealism Esotericism Spirituality Metaphysics
  1. Rudolf Steiner's ideas combine spirituality and knowledge of the cosmos, emphasizing the importance of consciousness in shaping reality. His thoughts are gaining new relevance in today's world.
  2. The seminar explores how modern science, like quantum physics, intersects with ancient philosophies and Steiner's teachings. This suggests a more interconnected view of existence.
  3. Steiner's legacy influences many artists and thinkers today, encouraging a blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual exploration. It's about finding deeper meaning and purpose in our lives.

The Era of Truth is Coming

Square Circle • 7 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Existentialism Ethics Ontology
  1. Many people think big changes are coming in the 21st century, including climate problems and advances in AI. But things might just go on pretty much as they have been for a while.
  2. Some believe we are in a dark time that will eventually lead to a new era, called the Era of Truth, where better things can emerge. This could involve major breakthroughs in technology or a return to simpler, more human ways of living.
  3. The future is uncertain, and there are various possibilities. We might see a technological renaissance, an end to our current ways of life, or simply a continuation of the status quo.

Metamorphosis

Natural Selections • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Identity Metaphysics Epistemology Nature Change
  1. Frogs start as tiny tadpoles and then change into frogs, showcasing a natural transformation. This idea can also help us understand our own growth as we change from childhood to adulthood.
  2. The Ship of Theseus serves as a metaphor for identity and change. Just like the ship can have all its parts replaced and still be considered the same, we too can change but still remain uniquely ourselves.
  3. Humans have a long childhood where we learn by observing and imitating. Unlike frogs, we don't undergo a physical metamorphosis, but we do experience a significant evolution in skills and abilities as we grow.
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New essay: Soul Trader

Reactionary Feminist • 5 implied HN points • 11 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Identity Technology Metaphysics Consciousness Digital Age
  1. The concept of identity today relates to our understanding of the self and the soul, linking back to historical changes in awareness and technology. Understanding this connection helps us see how we evolved with our tools, starting with literacy.
  2. Modern technology, especially after the sexual revolution and through social media, has begun to commodify our emotional and social aspects, which can have both good and bad effects. This commodification can lead to profits but also risks or negative impacts for society.
  3. The writer suggests we can embrace technology without losing our sense of what it means to have a soul, as long as we acknowledge the difference between our deeper human qualities and digital tools. By doing so, we can enjoy the benefits of modern advancements while fostering genuine well-being.

More on Unlearning

Charles Eisenstein • 3 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Mindfulness
  1. We're facing both challenges and chances for new beginnings. It's time to rethink our old beliefs and open ourselves to different futures.
  2. As we deal with crisis, new ways of healing and understanding will emerge. It's important to unlearn old habits that limit our growth.
  3. An online course called 'Unlearning for Change Agents' aims to help people let go of outdated thinking. The course is flexible, letting participants learn at their own pace.

The Epic, the Novel, and Rawls

From the New World • 5 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Epistemology Political theory Aesthetics Metaphysics
  1. Rawls' ideas about justice might be influenced by how people are portrayed in media, especially television. This could change how we see human nature and its differences.
  2. The concept of living through fiction, whether in novels or other narratives, has been around for a long time. It suggests that people have always had the ability to empathize with others, even without modern technology.
  3. Though television might make humanity seem more similar, earlier thinkers like Hobbes and Locke also explored human nature in unique ways, showing that this question is not new.

The Illusionist's Quest

DecafQuest's Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 23
📖 Philosophy Consciousness Metaphysics Perception
  1. The article discusses the Illusionist perspective on consciousness, which challenges the traditional Cartesian view.
  2. Illusionism posits that consciousness is an evolutionary trick, creating the illusion of a 'ghost' directing our actions.
  3. Understanding consciousness as an illusion can revolutionize how we study and perceive subjective experiences.

You are astonishingly unique

inexactscience • 19 implied HN points • 27 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Humanism Metaphysics Ontology Ethics
  1. Your existence is extremely rare and special. Every generation of your ancestors had to survive for you to be here today.
  2. The chances of your specific lineage and circumstances coming together are astronomically low. It's like winning a cosmic lottery.
  3. Everyone you meet is also incredibly unique. We are all part of a vast story of chance and choices that led to our existence.

Mapping the analogy of institutions as organisms (1)

Space chimp life • 1 HN point • 23 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Systems Thinking
  1. Institutions can act like living organisms, but they don't fit neatly into that analogy because humans can belong to multiple institutions and change roles often. This shows that people aren't static and can adapt in many ways.
  2. The way institutions operate can be better understood through concepts from thermodynamics and statistics. This means they can change how they function based on rules and roles assigned to their members, similar to how particles behave in biology.
  3. Institutions perceive the world through their policies and data, rather than physical objects alone. What they 'see' influences their actions and decisions, just like biological organisms react to their environment based on internal processes.

Utilitarian Naturalism

Mon0’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 23 May 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Naturalism Utilitarianism Science
  1. Utilitarian naturalism focuses on achieving the greatest good for the most people. It's about making choices that improve overall happiness.
  2. This approach emphasizes the importance of understanding our natural world and using that knowledge to make better decisions.
  3. By combining practical benefits with a naturalistic outlook, we can create a more ethical and fulfilling life for everyone.

Dealing with Uncertainty

Tessa Fights Robots • 18 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Spirituality
  1. Uncertainty is a fundamental part of life, and we should connect with our inner selves to navigate it.
  2. Warm, caring people, a strong sense of inner goodness, and reliance on loving spiritual powers can help us withstand uncertainty with courage.
  3. Predators thrive on spoiling communities and creating insecurity, but emphasizing our spiritual connection and goodness can protect us and bring peace.

You're Living in a Simulation, Wake Up!

Sector 6 | The Newsletter of AIM • 19 implied HN points • 23 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Existentialism Metaphysics Mind Reality
  1. Some people believe we might be living in a simulation, which raises interesting questions about our reality. This idea challenges what we think about existence and what is real.
  2. Nick Bostrom's influential paper suggests three scenarios about advanced civilizations and simulations. He wonders if civilizations either go extinct, don't create simulations, or if there are more simulated worlds than real ones.
  3. Elon Musk has shared that there's a tiny chance we're living in 'base reality.' His thoughts add to the debate about whether our experiences are genuine or part of a larger simulation.

Finite and infinite games

The Jolly Contrarian • 39 implied HN points • 17 Apr 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Existentialism Logic
  1. Carse distinguishes between finite games, which have fixed rules and a clear winner, and infinite games, which have no fixed rules and aim to continue playing without winners or losers.
  2. Infinite games are inclusive and allow for fluid boundaries, while finite games are exclusive and dominate attention while being played.
  3. It's crucial in life to discern when you are involved in finite games aimed at winning, and when you are part of infinite play focused on continuing and evolving.

#45: Civilization is weightless

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 119 implied HN points • 09 Sep 20
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics Cognition Ethics Adaptability
  1. Moving frequently helps you rethink what you own and decide what to keep or get rid of.
  2. It’s easy to hold onto things you don’t need because they feel comforting or like they might be useful one day.
  3. Letting go of unnecessary stuff can help you feel lighter and make space for more important things, like flexibility and knowledge.

RI Versus the Marketplace of Realities

Theofuturism • 26 implied HN points • 22 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Metaphysics Spirituality Philosophy AI
  1. The rise of Religious Intelligence (RI) is a rediscovery of essential truths in a world of rapidly advancing technology.
  2. The increasing importance of understanding overlapping religious narratives and the need for comprehensive metaphysical interpretations in the modern world.
  3. The looming challenge of a reality crisis as technology blurs the lines between what is real, emphasizing the need for Religious Intelligence to navigate the complexities of the digital realm.

Contrasts between Aristotelianism and Liberalism

Logos and Liberty • 19 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Politics Religion Knowledge
  1. Aristotle's value theory focuses on what people should want, while Liberal value theory is based on what people do want.
  2. Aristotle emphasizes the importance of human association within a community, while Liberalism tends to focus on individualism to an extreme extent.
  3. Aristotle acknowledges spirituality and a transcendent reality, contrasting with the scientistic approach of many Liberal thinkers.

the xunzi as the basis of a metarational ruling ideology

alice maz • 4 HN points • 22 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Political theory
  1. Confucianism focuses on individual human will and the importance of self-cultivation. By improving ourselves, we can create better households and, eventually, a well-ordered society.
  2. In a complex world, we need a flexible understanding of ideas, not just rigid systems. We can achieve good outcomes by recognizing patterns and adapting, rather than getting stuck in one way of thinking.
  3. Xunzi teaches us that we must honor tradition while also being open to new ideas. A good leader uses wisdom to harmonize different ways of thinking and create a thriving society.

Eclipse

roon’s blog • 8 implied HN points • 21 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Cosmology Existentialism Metaphysics Spirituality Human experience
  1. Experiencing a solar eclipse can make you feel connected to the universe. It’s a moment where you realize just how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
  2. During an eclipse, the normal rules of nature seem to change, creating a sense of awe and deep emotion. This powerful event can bring people together in joy and wonder.
  3. The eclipse serves as a reminder that there are bigger forces at play in the universe. It brings clarity about life, showing that our experiences are just part of a larger cosmic dance.

A More Lenient Theory of Casual Reference

Hunter’s Substack • 1 HN point • 13 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics Epistemology Ethics Theology Logic
  1. The theory of causal reference, as proposed by Putnam, faces challenges as it may not adequately explain how individuals can refer to things with which they have no direct causal connection.
  2. Concepts can be developed from prior causal experiences to enable meaningful reference to phenomena regardless of direct causal history, challenging the strict causal necessity theory of reference.
  3. The mind's ability to create new concepts from prior experiences provides a plausible explanation for how individuals can refer to abstract or novel ideas, even if they lack direct causal connections.

Humans are Just a System, Right?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Ethics Metaphysics Humanity
  1. Humans are like emergent systems, made up of smaller parts that come together to create complex results.
  2. Emergence exists in various fields like economies, cities, and consciousness, implying that systems are present in many aspects of life.
  3. It's okay to not have all the answers or know your purpose, as humanity might be part of a larger system with a mysterious purpose.

End the Horror, Let the Crisis Change You

As If We Were Staying • 2 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Metaphysics
  1. We are facing many crises all at once, called a polycrisis. This means it's affecting us in many parts of our lives and makes us feel overwhelmed.
  2. Horror can be seen as the fear of losing control or understanding in uncertain situations. To get through it, we need to confront what scares us, rather than avoiding it.
  3. To change and grow, we need to rethink our beliefs and frameworks that have been shaped by capitalism. Embracing change is key to moving past the horrors we face.

Looking vs. Seeing

Mica’s Newsletter • 2 HN points • 22 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Epistemology Metaphysics Aesthetics Ethics
  1. Looking just means directing your eyes at something. Seeing is about understanding and being aware of what you're looking at.
  2. There's often more going on in front of us than we realize. If we take time to really see, we can discover hidden truths.
  3. Once you truly see something, it sticks with you. It can change how you view the world and what you notice every day.

The illusion that happiness is an illusion

Meaningful Particulars • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Meaning Happiness Morality Metaphysics
  1. Happiness is more than just feeling good; it involves pursuing fulfillment and balance in life.
  2. The pursuit of happiness involves achieving goals and enjoying the journey, not just seeking pleasure.
  3. True happiness is found in experiencing a life full of struggles, challenges, and growth, rather than just seeking pleasure and avoiding pain.

Axiom With Communal Practices & Semantic Intention As Domains

Autodidact Obsessions • 0 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Logic Metaphysics Epistemology Aesthetics
  1. The axiom discussed involves semantic intention and language use in communal practices, linking words with applied meaning and potentiality in communication.
  2. Using ChatGPT-4 in philosophy can help express complex propositions quickly, but it does not replace human reasoning in connecting logical consequences.
  3. There's a push for settling arguments using tools like ChatGPT-4, emphasizing the importance of embracing being wrong and moving towards definitive answers in philosophy.