The hottest Morality Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Faith & Spirituality Topics

Here's a Perfect Example of Why Matt Yglesias Should Debate Me

Freddie deBoer • 7116 implied HN points • 13 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Debate Morality Protests Political strategy Critique
  1. Critics often challenge prominent figures to engage in debates, which can help them address different perspectives. Debates allow for a more dynamic exchange of ideas, rather than just responding to fans or supporters.
  2. When discussing protests, it's important to recognize the moral motivations behind people's actions. Not waving the American flag at certain protests can stem from a refusal to endorse the government's actions.
  3. Simplifying political discussions by avoiding moral considerations can lead to a disconnect with the everyday concerns of people. Engaging with moral arguments is crucial in understanding why people feel strongly about specific issues.

Everyone's A Based Post-Christian Vitalist Until The Grooming Gangs Show Up

Astral Codex Ten • 39093 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Humanism Social justice
  1. People often care more about issues close to home than distant suffering, even if they claim to be indifferent. It's easy to ignore problems that don't directly affect us.
  2. When something shocking happens, like the grooming gangs, people suddenly show emotional support and demand action. This shows that we can and do care about issues when they hit home.
  3. Our moral beliefs can be confusing and sometimes contradictory. We need to face these contradictions and acknowledge that we can care about suffering everywhere, not just where it's convenient for us.

The Early Christian Strategy

Astral Codex Ten • 31866 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Morality Game Theory History Philosophy
  1. The TIT-FOR-TAT strategy in a game theory setting shows that being cooperative at first and then matching others' actions leads to the best outcomes. This strategy teaches us that kindness can be more effective than constant distrust.
  2. Early Christians practiced extreme kindness, even to their enemies, which created strong community bonds and trust. Their approach involved helping everyone, demonstrating that selfless love can attract support even in tough times.
  3. While many groups struggle to maintain such selfless strategies over time, history shows that momentous change can occur when people commit to a COOPERATE-BOT mindset, suggesting that genuine kindness might be more powerful than we often believe.

Please take my weird moral puzzles quiz

DYNOMIGHT INTERNET NEWSLETTER • 468 implied HN points • 17 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Logic Existentialism Metaphysics
  1. A survey is created to gauge people's moral beliefs on unusual scenarios that challenge common ethics. It involves questions about difficult decisions we might face.
  2. The scenarios include serious topics like abortion and euthanasia, but also quirky ideas involving advanced AIs and future societies. This mix aims to provoke thought about morality.
  3. Participants are encouraged to respond honestly and intuitively, with the creator assuring no tricks are involved in the survey.

The whoral majority

Sex and the State • 38 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Sexuality Morality Religion Society Identity
  1. Many people have a rigid view of morality based on what they were taught as children, which can create discomfort with new ideas.
  2. Prostitution, often viewed negatively, has existed throughout history and can actually provide financial independence and safety when decriminalized.
  3. The author questions the morality of organized religions, especially given their contradictions and failures, and believes that the perspectives of sex workers should be valued more.
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But desiring to justify himself, he said to Jesus, "And who is my neighbor?"

Philosophy bear • 328 implied HN points • 07 Feb 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Christianity Ethics Charity Morality
  1. The Ordo Amoris suggests that love should prioritize those closest to us, like family, but this shouldn't justify neglecting others in need. We should still care for people outside our immediate circle.
  2. Christian teachings emphasize not just caring for our families, but also extending help universally, as true charity goes beyond just those we know or love.
  3. Arguments against charity often come from a misunderstanding of property rights; in reality, failing to help the needy can be seen as stealing from them, as the resources we have are meant to be shared.

The Limits of Reason, Individualism and Secular Morality

Glenn’s Substack • 999 implied HN points • 27 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Morality Secularism Liberalism Tradition Civilization
  1. Reason and individualism are important, but they need a balance with tradition and community. Without this balance, societies may struggle to maintain cohesion.
  2. The rise of moral relativism challenges the foundations of secular morality, making it hard to find common ground in society. People may disagree on values and laws without shared beliefs.
  3. Liberal democratic values are under threat as moral arguments lack a strong foundation. This may lead to laws that rely more on force than on a shared understanding of right and wrong.

Groundless Morals

Fake Noûs • 348 implied HN points • 31 May 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Theism Secularism Debate
  1. The idea that morality depends on God is questioned. If God's commands are arbitrary, then morality can seem subjective.
  2. Secular views can provide a strong basis for objective morality. Concepts like universals help make sense of moral truths without needing a divine source.
  3. Many arguments used to support theism, like the ontological argument, are seen as flawed. They don't prove God's existence because a definition doesn't guarantee a real thing.

What Does “exploit” Mean?

David Friedman’s Substack • 287 implied HN points • 05 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Utilitarianism Economics Social justice
  1. The term 'exploit' can mean two different things: benefiting from an interaction or causing one party to lose while the other gains. It's important to differentiate these meanings to understand whether exploitation is actually happening.
  2. In some cases, people feel that exploitation occurs when there is a big difference in gains between two parties, like in the example of trading cards or water in the desert. However, the fairness of a transaction can depend on additional context.
  3. People may have strong feelings about what is fair or unfair in transactions based on their moral intuitions. These feelings can guide opinions about exploitation, even when the actual economic circumstances suggest a different view.

Thoughts of a most impure and libidinous character

Wrong Side of History • 180 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Censorship Film Society Morality Liberation
  1. Censorship decreased a lot at the end of the 20th century, which people started to see as a negative thing. Society began to value freedom and expression over restrictions.
  2. The Hays Code, which limited what could be shown in American movies, was a reflection of older moral values. It stopped filmmakers from including things like profanity, sexual content, or sympathy for criminals.
  3. This code and similar restrictions ended around 1968, leading to a more permissive society. Changes in laws around divorce, abortion, and homosexuality also played a part in this shift.

Fyodor and the Foxhole

Subtle Digressions • 259 implied HN points • 02 Sep 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Atheism Morality Spirituality
  1. Finding meaning in life is challenging, especially when facing death. People often struggle with understanding their existence and seek connections with others.
  2. Acts of kindness and empathy can provide comfort and hope. Building relationships and supporting each other helps people feel less alone during tough times.
  3. Believing in something beyond ourselves, even if it's not tied to God, can inspire actions and enrich our lives. Love and compassion can be guiding principles.

Why rabbits?

Noahpinion • 34118 implied HN points • 18 Jun 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Pets Morality Power Protection Hierarchy
  1. Rabbits make great pets because they are low maintenance and playful.
  2. Taking care of a pet rabbit can be a rewarding experience, creating a special bond.
  3. It is important to use our strength and power to protect and uplift those who are weaker, promoting a more equal and gentle world.

Less Utilitarian Than Thou

Astral Codex Ten • 14522 implied HN points • 28 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Utilitarianism Morality Tradeoffs Society
  1. Some actions considered acceptable by many are questioned by those who identify as utilitarian or consequentialist, highlighting differing moral perspectives.
  2. Utilitarians may advocate for policies that involve sacrificing or compromising certain ethical norms for the greater good, whereas non-utilitarians may not view these actions in the same light.
  3. The perception of utilitarians being more willing to do harm for the greater good may stem from the discomfort with the idea of calculating morality and the juxtaposition of sacred values with utilitarian reasoning.

The battle for gun rights is spiritual

Becoming Noble • 2950 implied HN points • 27 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Spiritual warfare Morality
  1. The battle for gun rights is viewed as a spiritual conflict where men should not outsource their security to external systems or organizations
  2. Teaching boys skills for protection and the importance of taking personal responsibility is crucial for their transition into manhood
  3. There is a call for individuals to embrace the idea of spiritual combat, taking responsibility for their own safety and facing the battle against their inner demons

Beautiful Monsters

Seven Senses • 559 implied HN points • 29 Jun 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Art Theory Morality Censorship Cultural critique
  1. It's tough to separate an artist's bad behavior from their art. Many people wonder if enjoying a piece of art makes them part of the artist's wrong actions.
  2. Our choices in what art we support reflect our values. Boycotting artists and products can feel empowering, but true change often requires focusing on the larger systems that let harmful actions happen.
  3. It's important to recognize that artists might be both good and bad, like 'beautiful monsters'. This complexity challenges us to think deeply about our feelings towards their work and our own behavior.

no redemption arcs in hell

sweater weather • 5346 implied HN points • 16 May 23
📚 Literature Redemption Morality Fiction Character development Narrative analysis
  1. Redemption in fiction has evolved from demanding likable characters to morally gray characters proving themselves worthy.
  2. A show like _Succession_ illustrates the complexities of morality within its storyworld and challenges traditional redemption arcs.
  3. Moments of grace in fiction, where characters are seen and accepted without judgment, can be more impactful than traditional redemption arcs.

Modern taboos and social media

Disaffected Newsletter • 3716 implied HN points • 03 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Media influence Family Dynamics Morality Public Discourse
  1. Some people feel strongly that surrogacy is wrong because it separates children from their natural parents. They believe that the child's needs should come first in these situations.
  2. There are many theories about what causes homosexuality, but discussing these ideas can be difficult because of social pressures. Some people believe that past experiences or genetics might play a role.
  3. Social media often makes real conversations hard because people might react emotionally and try to score points rather than have genuine discussions. Some prefer platforms where they can share their thoughts without fear of negative backlash.

Leftism is a Parasite

The J. Burden Show • 2316 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Political Ideology Hierarchy Dualism Morality Religion
  1. Left and Right are modern terms originating from the French Revolution, representing different ideologies.
  2. The idea of political dualism, viewing left and right as equal opposite forces, is a mistaken belief.
  3. The left is described as a parasite due to its nature of releasing power through entropy, striving for equality through destruction of traditional hierarchies.

The Paradox of Persuasion

Mon0’s Substack • 79 implied HN points • 24 Aug 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Persuasion Morality Rhetoric Society
  1. Extreme ideas like total tolerance or non-violence can backfire. If you let negative behaviors go unchecked, they can take over society.
  2. Persuasion works in two ways: through careful thinking or quick judgments based on superficial traits. Understanding this can help us choose how to communicate effectively.
  3. Sometimes, to fight bad ideas or leaders, we might need to use their own tactics against them. This can feel uncomfortable, but sometimes it’s necessary to protect what's right.

Why the meritocracy is not viewed as a legitimate ruling class

Archedelia • 1631 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Society Culture Morality Ethics History
  1. The nobility in an aristocratic society upholds standards that tie them to the common good, unlike meritocrats.
  2. Meritocrats are individuals who rely on intelligence and hard work for their position, without a sense of duty to sustain culture.
  3. The bourgeoisie, as described by François Furet, is defined by wealth and lacks a specific tradition or place in the community.

Violence and legitimacy: The assassination of Brian Thompson

Philosophy bear • 221 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Politics Society Morality Legitimacy
  1. Brian Thompson, a health insurance CEO, was killed, and some people are actually happy about it. This shows how divided opinions can be about such events across different political views.
  2. The discussion around his death raises important ethical questions, especially about whether it's ever okay to celebrate someone's death. It's quite complex and can depend on the person's actions and their effects on others.
  3. There's a belief that the laws we follow might not always reflect true morality. Some argue that the actions of people in power can still cause harm, similar to outright violence, even if they're legally justified.

Such Times.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality History Society Political theory
  1. Evil is often downplayed today, making it hard for us to recognize real threats. We need to understand what true evil looks like to make better moral decisions.
  2. Our society today lacks the experiences and frameworks that helped people deal with crises in the past. People were more prepared for tough times, while we might struggle when faced with serious challenges.
  3. Contemporary leaders and societies may react unpredictably in crises. We could face chaos or dangerous decisions if we can't comprehend new threats or moral complexities.

Created unequal

ideassleepfuriously • 1375 implied HN points • 31 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Equality Morality Political Metaphysical
  1. Human inequality is a reality that cannot be denied - some are faster, smarter, or more talented than others.
  2. There are distinct but related conceptions of equality: empirical, metaphysical, moral, and political equality.
  3. Political equality, where individuals are treated equally under the law, is a pragmatic and fair form of equality to strive for.

"You're both wrong"

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Social Issues Online behavior Morality Bullying Communication
  1. Kindergarten teacher morality is about not recognizing who the real aggressor is in a conflict. It's like saying both kids in a fight are wrong, even if one started it.
  2. Some people, like Mr. Calm and Collected, don't see the whole picture and often side with the aggressor. They might think they’re being fair, but they actually dismiss the real issues.
  3. This type of perspective can let bullying continue unchecked online. It shows a lack of good judgment and can make the situation worse for the person being targeted.

A Defence of Hate

Becoming Noble • 2232 implied HN points • 01 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Religion Identity Spirituality Morality
  1. Hatred, when directed at evil and not individuals, can be a powerful force for rejecting what is harmful.
  2. According to philosophers like Aquinas and Nietzsche, properly understanding and harnessing hatred involves recognizing its role in opposing evil.
  3. It's crucial to distinguish between hating evil actions and hating individuals, as the former is aligned with rejecting what is harmful while the latter can be destructive.

Socrates' Wayward Student

Classical Wisdom • 2220 implied HN points • 02 Jun 23
📖 Philosophy Ancient Ethics Hedonism Virtue Morality
  1. Cyrenaic hedonists took a different approach to pleasure than Stoicism, focusing on pursuing pleasure and avoiding pain as the highest good.
  2. Aristippus, a follower of Socrates, diverged greatly from his teacher's principles to indulge in luxury and extravagance, believing in seeking pleasure while maintaining mastery over desires.
  3. Cyrenaic hedonism promotes living a life devoted to pursuing pleasures while also advocating for mastery over desires, without becoming a slave to pleasure.

Deus Ex Machina

imetatronink • 1611 implied HN points • 09 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Existence Ethics Reality Morality Perception
  1. The world is described as a place filled with engineered plagues and masks as symbols of love.
  2. There is a critique on society where the rich thrive and the poor are content with their circumstances.
  3. The text raises the idea that intelligence is now manufactured to serve human needs.

Britain is institutionally 'anti-racist'

Wrong Side of History • 479 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Racism Justice Power Morality Policy
  1. Having leaders who share the same values as their people is important for stability. When leaders and citizens have different beliefs, it can create disconnect and distrust.
  2. Some recent cases of sexual abuse show troubling behaviors among those in power. It seems like their priorities are misplaced, focusing on irrelevant factors instead of justice.
  3. There are concerns about how victims are treated based on race. This reflects a serious issue in the justice system where it seems some victims are not given fair treatment.

Thou-Shalt-Not Do Anything

Variations on a Theme • 1178 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Liberty Morality Civilization Freedom
  1. Banning everything everywhere is becoming a popular trend, with bans ranging from travel during emergencies to gas stoves, books, and even youth tackle football.
  2. History shows that rebels who defy bans are often celebrated, with real-life examples like the Russian Samizdat and fictional heroes like those in Star Wars and The Matrix.
  3. The moral dilemma of banning things to create ‘proper civilization’ clashes with the concept of individual freedom and audacity, leading to questioning the effectiveness and morality of banning practices.

Aeneas: Founder of Rome

Classical Wisdom • 1041 implied HN points • 02 Feb 24
💾 History Mythology Ancient Rome Imperialism Morality
  1. Aeneas was a significant figure in Roman mythology, known for being the founder of Rome and embodying Roman virtues.
  2. Aeneas' story was immortalized in Virgil's epic poem, the Aeneid, which is considered one of the greatest works in Classical literature.
  3. The legend of Aeneas and his adventures was used to explain Rome's foundation, justify its empire, and promote Roman moral values.

Hollywood Morality

Fake Noûs • 920 implied HN points • 02 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Morality Media Philosophy Entertainment
  1. Hollywood often struggles with moral philosophy and promotes a kind of morality that seems unrealistic. Instead of dealing with complex situations, they opt for simple solutions that make heroes look good.
  2. In Hollywood, self-defense is tricky; heroes must wait for an attack before fighting back, even when it's clear they're in danger. This approach can make characters seem foolish and overly lenient.
  3. The way Hollywood portrays morality ignores real-world consequences. Their stories often end with characters benefiting from luck rather than genuine moral choices, which can lead to dangerous ideas about how to handle conflict.

Misanthropic uses of the nudge

Archedelia • 1533 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Morality Behavior Purpose
  1. Machine gambling terminals are designed to create addiction through behavior design.
  2. Players are absorbed into pseudo-action at slot machines, seeking a sense of control and zone of efficacy.
  3. The libertarian response to issues like machine gambling may overlook the impact of external forces and fail to address the need for regulation.