The hottest Metaphysics Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Feminism and Identity in the Transhuman Age

Reactionary Feminist • 14 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Feminism today is complex and needs to focus on women's specific needs as individuals in the face of technology. It's about recognizing women as unique beings with different interests, not just fitting them into broad victim categories.
  2. The idea of 'identity' has shifted from a deep, meaningful concept to something more superficial. It's no longer just about who we are at our core but has become tied to how we present ourselves in the digital world.
  3. Technology has drastically changed how we see each other and ourselves, treating humans as resources rather than unique individuals. This perspective encourages a dangerous trend where we try to redesign or 'improve' humanity like we would with machines.

Building Forward

Anima Mundi • 61 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  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.

Why Cynics Were Dogs

Outlandish Claims • 19 implied HN points • 18 May 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Different beings perceive the world differently based on their 'umwelt', which shapes their unique view of reality.
  2. Diogenes, a philosopher, emphasized the interconnectedness of all matter and challenged the concept of intrinsic essence.
  3. Dogs, considered cynics, navigate the world primarily through scent, highlighting a continuous reasoning method distinct from discrete human reasoning.

A Dream in Search of its Ego

Boltzmann Soul • 19 implied HN points • 14 May 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The concept of Boltzmann brain suggests that a brain could randomly form from universe fluctuations.
  2. The idea that all phenomena could be the universe's attempt to understand itself sparks intriguing parallels with various philosophies.
  3. Exploration of topics like technology, science, wine, and finance can lead to uncovering wonders in seemingly random subjects.

Are Stars Conscious?

Secretum Secretorum • 707 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🔬 Science Metaphysics
  1. Some scientists challenge the traditional definition of life, suggesting that stars exhibit life-like behaviors such as metabolism and reproduction.
  2. There are radical theories proposing that stars possess consciousness and engage in purposeful actions, influencing life on Earth.
  3. The concept of cosmological natural selection suggests that black holes may play a role in giving rise to new universes, embodying evolutionary principles at a cosmic scale.
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Everything is new under the sun

storyvoyager • 9 implied HN points • 14 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. You only live once, so your life is a unique, one-time experience.
  2. Every sight, feeling, and thought happens to you for the first and only time, so life always feels new to you.
  3. Because each person’s experiences are irreplaceable, everyone deserves the right to live and have those experiences.

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 Metaphysics
  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.

Guardians of the Spirit Molecule: DMT Entities

Tripsitter • 99 implied HN points • 12 Jun 23
🏥 Health & Wellness Metaphysics
  1. DMT entities are mysterious humanoid creatures that appear in psychedelic experiences on large doses of DMT.
  2. There are various theories about the origins of DMT entities, with explanations ranging from extraterrestrial communication to manifestations of the collective unconscious.
  3. DMT entities are reported to have a significant impact on individuals, with encounters often leading to emotional responses, positive interpretations, and lasting improvements in well-being.

Problems of Unbounded Scope

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

The Free Will Debate Is Dead, but It Shambles On

American Dreaming • 123 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The debate over free will is mostly settled among thinkers, with most agreeing it doesn't exist as we traditionally think. We're influenced by many outside factors we can't control, which affects our actions and decisions.
  2. Many people feel they have free will, but this belief doesn't necessarily reflect the reality of how our minds work. Most academics lean towards compatibilism, which tries to redefine free will to fit our experiences.
  3. Understanding that free will might not exist can actually lead to a kinder society. It helps us see people's actions in context, promoting better ways of handling crime and punishment without the harshness that comes from believing everyone is fully responsible.

Mystery of The Origin Node — Take the Leap

Generative Forms • 39 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Greatness takes time and can't be rushed. It's about continuous effort and dedication without expecting immediate results.
  2. Taking a leap of faith is essential for growth. You need to act despite fears and doubts to bring your visions to life.
  3. Every act of greatness is unique and cannot be replicated. It emerges from individual effort and the right moment, not from trying to force it.

I still don't think Slate Star Codex readers have an IQ of 137.

Unconfusion • 39 implied HN points • 18 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Claiming that a group of people has a very high average IQ is a big statement and not as straightforward as it seems. It's easy to assume that just because a blog attracts smart readers, their IQ is automatically high.
  2. Self-reported data, like IQ numbers, can often be inflated. People might think they have higher IQs or might overestimate their scores, making such claims less reliable.
  3. Belonging to a group can make people feel proud or special, but it's important to remember that individual worth isn't defined by group averages. Everyone has their own value, regardless of how they compare to others.

“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 Metaphysics
  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.

Polymathematics In One Breath

polymathematics • 99 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Polymathematics is about embracing a variety of interests and doing what you love. It means not just saying you're interested in many things, but actually pursuing those passions.
  2. Finding what you genuinely love is the first challenge. It can be tough to narrow down your true interests when there are so many options.
  3. Living a polymathematical life is rewarding, but it takes effort to balance those multiple passions. It's about actively engaging with the things that bring you joy.

We are the fireflies in the dark

storyvoyager • 6 implied HN points • 28 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. We are like fireflies in the dark, a brief but real expression of life in the universe right now.
  2. Modern techno-capitalist systems measure human worth by productivity and energy use, turning life into a commodity.
  3. That logic creates a hierarchy where the most ambitious use others and the least ambitious are used, leading to exploitation.

Links to Consider, 2/22

In My Tribe • 243 implied HN points • 22 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The concept of equalitarianism promotes the idea that groups are equal, but in reality, this ideology leads to harmful outcomes and false narratives.
  2. Traditional economic measurements may not fully account for unpaid work like caregiving, which can distort GDP calculations and signify the need for broader economic perspectives.
  3. Philosophy, unlike settled scientific areas, remains a field of exploration for unresolved questions, making classic philosophical texts important for contemplating ongoing uncertainties.

A short philosophical history

Philosophy bear • 114 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  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.

What Is Work?

Castalia • 179 implied HN points • 28 Oct 22
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Work often means how you make money, but that doesn't always show your true effort or success. Many rich people actually avoid traditional work, relying on investments instead.
  2. People often see work as something unpleasant that we have to do to survive. This perspective highlights how work can feel like coercion, especially in rigid job hierarchies.
  3. There's a blurred line between work and leisure, as many enjoyable activities can also be seen as work. Ultimately, true work should provide value to others and be something we find pleasure in.

Are Power and Freedom Opposites?

Castalia • 139 implied HN points • 13 Jan 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Power and freedom can feel like opposite forces. Gaining power often comes with more responsibilities, which can limit personal freedom.
  2. Many people are drawn to power thinking it will give them more freedom, but once they have power, they may find themselves feeling trapped by it.
  3. Truly being free might mean understanding power, achieving it, and then being able to let it go or not being overly attached to it.

jacking themselves off in outer space, forever

Banana Peel Pirouette • 59 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Both mystical and technological prophecies of salvation cater to common human desires for happiness, beauty, health, and self-improvement.
  2. Futurists present a secularized version of salvation through technological advancements, citing historical progress and scientific advancements as evidence for a utopian future.
  3. The idea of eternal bliss and immortality is being reimagined in futurism as a vision of humanity evolving into advanced beings existing in a digital, self-indulgent form in outer space.

The only path to transmit knowledge

Mon0’s Substack • 39 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. STEM fields believe knowledge should follow a clear path: define terms, state propositions, and verify them. It's all about structure and clarity.
  2. Philosophers often use complicated language, which can make their ideas hard to understand. This creates a gap between STEM and humanities, where definitions aren't always clear.
  3. Some writers may choose to be vague or complex to engage readers or seem profound. However, this can confuse people instead of helping them learn.

Ask Bear anything

Philosophy bear • 64 implied HN points • 26 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  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.

Moving the goal posts

Sunday Letters • 79 implied HN points • 29 May 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. People often change the rules of a debate when they don't like the outcome. This is called 'moving the goalposts' and it can be tricky.
  2. Arguments about concepts like 'understanding' or 'identity' can become confusing if everyone doesn't agree on what those terms mean.
  3. Instead of arguing over vague definitions, it's better to focus on how we use those terms in real situations and have clear discussions when definitions are necessary.

Steelmanning Polytheism

Going Awol • 79 implied HN points • 10 Feb 23
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The argument for polytheism can be strengthened by philosophical concepts like the Unrestricted Modal Ontological Argument and Unrestricted Composition.
  2. Unrestricted Composition theory explains the concept of objects being composed by multiple concrete objects, supporting the idea of a collection of Gods in polytheism.
  3. Objections to polytheism, such as issues with the maximal greatness and intrinsic value of multiple Gods, can be addressed through philosophical reasoning and alternative perspectives.

commentary on xunzi's "enriching the state"

alice maz • 58 implied HN points • 03 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Xunzi believed in the importance of hierarchy and meritocracy. He thought that the best people should lead, regardless of their birth or wealth, and that learning and self-improvement are key to being a good person.
  2. He argued that society needs clear distinctions and roles to function well. When everyone is equal in authority, it can cause chaos, so having a system with recognized roles helps maintain order.
  3. Xunzi felt that the government should help enrich its people, not just take resources from them. A successful state should create conditions for abundance, making the population better off overall.

News Cycle Yo-Yo and Eternal Soul

Tessa Fights Robots • 23 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Don't let the news control your feelings and opinions. It's important to think for yourself and not get swept up in the constant changes in the news cycle.
  2. We are more than just our physical bodies; we are eternal beings with the power to create our own reality. Focusing on this can help us navigate through difficult times.
  3. The challenges we face can be seen as opportunities for growth and understanding. Instead of getting frustrated with the world, we can find ways to bring positivity and change from within.

The Illegible Real

What Is Called Thinking? • 53 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. Tacit knowledge, or understanding gained from experience, is very important and can't always be explained by rules or theories. It's like how a farmer knows their land or a musician feels the right moment to improvise.
  2. The world often values what can be measured and categorized, but this can miss the deeper, lived knowledge that guides real-life decisions. There's more to learning than just reading books or following formal education.
  3. In a future filled with data and technology, the ability to mix both formal knowledge and experiential wisdom will be really valuable. It's important to recognize the strengths and limitations of both types of knowledge.

Adding Color and Sound to the Tetractys

WaveGuide • 2 HN points • 07 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The Tetractys is a triangle with ten points that symbolizes harmony and universal relationships in music and nature. Its structure can help us understand connections between numbers, colors, and sounds.
  2. By visually organizing numbers using hexagons, we can see patterns in music and color. For example, numbers that are next to each other in the Tetractys relate to musical intervals like octaves and fifths.
  3. Adding color and sound to the Tetractys creates a deeper understanding of how music and visual art interconnect. This idea suggests that everything in the universe has a rhythm and can be related through these patterns.

The Metaphysics of Novels and Magic

Orbis Tertius • 273 implied HN points • 26 Jun 23
📚 Literature Metaphysics
  1. Magic is understood based on the purpose it serves, not the cause by which it arises.
  2. Fiction is teleological, creating a narrative based on purpose rather than identifiable cause.
  3. Novels are like magic, creating networks of occurrences with multiple connections, making them more magical than other forms of narrative.

If You See the World as a Dead Machine, Atrocities Make Sense

Default Wisdom • 66 implied HN points • 19 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  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.

Boom: The Gospel of Progress

Kvetch • 69 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The authors argue that progress comes from a strong vision for the future and the drive to achieve it. They believe that breakthroughs in science and technology can only happen if people unite behind bold ideas.
  2. They emphasize that greatness is often the result of singular efforts and conflicts rather than widespread consensus. Historical achievements like the moon landing were fueled by the passionate resolve of a few individuals.
  3. The text warns against complacency and believing that stagnation is inevitable. It encourages readers to challenge this notion and aim for transformative change instead.

A review of "Don’t forget the boundary problem..."

Unstabler Ontology • 19 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🔬 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.

In Praise of Sheep

The Corbett Report • 23 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  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.

Neuropessimism, the impossible ideology

Square Circle • 3 implied HN points • 17 Dec 25
📖 Philosophy Metaphysics
  1. The brain is a messy, evolved organ whose outputs we admire but that can be self-serving and unreliable, so it’s reasonable to question how much we should trust it.
  2. Neuropessimism says we should reject brain-made judgments and favor the intrinsic value of nature, a stance that pushes toward asceticism and seeking un-simplified complexity but is nearly impossible to fully live out.
  3. The opposite view notes that distrusting the brain may commit a logical error: its convoluted design might be exactly what produces our best insights, so a balanced response is humility, rest, and appreciation rather than total rejection.