The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Dumbest Cover Story Ever

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 16432 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Philosophy Politics
  1. The article criticizes New York Magazine's cover story, describing its support for children's access to sex-changing medical care as extreme and problematic.
  2. The author argues that the piece promotes a radical rejection of norms like the nuclear family and patriarchy, advocating for a collective reimagining of society.
  3. The concept of child liberation and absolute political agency for children is highlighted as a controversial and concerning aspect of the cover story.

AI keeps getting better at talking about consciousness

The Intrinsic Perspective • 13599 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🔬 Science AI Consciousness Philosophy Neurotechnology Biology
  1. Artificial Intelligence is advancing in discussing consciousness, raising questions about its implications
  2. There is a scientific imbalance between the understanding of creating AI and understanding consciousness
  3. Debates on AI consciousness highlight challenges in defining consciousness and its relation to AI capabilities
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At least five interesting things to start your week (#28)

Noahpinion • 13588 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Pop culture Philosophy Education
  1. Pop culture has shown signs of stagnation with more recycled content, indicating a shift towards fewer big hits alongside a long tail of indie content.
  2. Contrary to common belief, heavier cars are not the main cause for the increase in pedestrian deaths in the U.S. Factors like smartphone distractions play a role.
  3. Education's value is debated, with a recent study suggesting minimal impact, but the methodology is criticized for not considering the value of logarithmic returns in the analysis.

Introducing a New Saturday Series: The Prophets

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 4382 implied HN points • 02 Mar 24
🚌 Education Technology Literature Philosophy History Media
  1. Marshall McLuhan's insights into the impact of electric technology on society were ahead of his time, making him a visionary from the past.
  2. McLuhan believed that new electronic media changes the way people use their senses, affecting how they think and respond, leading to new identities and societal forms.
  3. Despite not being universally understood, McLuhan worked to empower people to understand and choose how they engage with technology in their lives.

The Fog

Sarah Kendzior’s Newsletter • 5092 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Art History Politics Philosophy Literature
  1. Fog can obscure realities, making it challenging to navigate through the world and see clearly.
  2. The artist Andrew Wyeth's work reflected deep emotions and hidden stories, capturing the essence of loneliness and loss.
  3. Winter symbolizes difficult times, from Covid challenges to political uncertainty, creating a fog of bad information, regret, and grief.

Jen Gerson: Where have all the New Atheists gone?

The Line • 2731 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Religion Atheism Philosophy Society Secularism
  1. The trend of declining religious affiliation is noticeable, with Christianity on the decline while irreligiosity is on the rise in Western societies.
  2. A shift in perspectives is observed, with some former atheists converting to Christianity due to the moral void left by secularism.
  3. The atheist community, including New Atheists, is facing challenges and division, with some aligning with social justice movements and others critiquing them.

Recommended Reading Part IV: Metaphysics

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 723 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Science Metaphysics Atheism Consciousness
  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.

More Men Made of Miscellaneous Materials

Atlas of Wonders and Monsters • 661 implied HN points • 15 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy Fiction Literature Humor Art & Illustration
  1. Different types of argument representations exist, like straw man, steel man, and gold man, each serving unique purposes in discussions.
  2. Beyond the classic argument representations, there are variations such as glass man, diamond man, and pyrite man, each with distinct characteristics and impacts.
  3. Some argument representations, like lead man, uranium man, and wax man, may have negative effects on discussions by either polluting the debate or ascribing malicious intent to the opponent.

Talking Enneagram 7 blues

Sasha's 'Newsletter' • 1887 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Discovering your Enneagram type can be a revealing and enlightening experience.
  2. Being a type 7 can involve a complex mix of enjoying life but also struggling with simple discomfort.
  3. Understanding and accepting your Enneagram type's characteristics can lead to personal growth and self-awareness.

Iris Murdoch, a novelist for now.

The Common Reader • 1630 implied HN points • 12 Feb 24
📚 Literature Philosophy Art Gender Human experience
  1. Iris Murdoch's novels focus on shocking readers out of themselves rather than offering consolation.
  2. Murdoch's works cover a wide range of themes like adultery, repression, homosexuality, and existential struggles.
  3. She believed art should entertain while also delving into the battle between good and evil, urging readers to escape the 'fat relentless ego.'

Into the Waters of Being

Becoming Noble • 3249 implied HN points • 30 Dec 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy Existence Mortality Rituals
  1. Taking risks and confronting the possibility of death can mark a transition into maturity and authenticity.
  2. Reflecting on existential concepts like Nothingness and mortality can lead to a deeper understanding of one's existence.
  3. Encountering the power and mystery of deep bodies of water can serve as a profound and transformative experience.

Choose boldly between Christianity & Vitalism

Becoming Noble • 2770 implied HN points • 09 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Christianity Philosophy History Culture
  1. Don't try to blend Christianity and Vitalism as they are fundamentally irreconcilable beliefs. Doing so weakens true faith in both.
  2. Make a clear commitment to truth by engaging in deep study, meditation, and rejecting simplistic solutions. Challenge your own beliefs and societal expectations.
  3. Understanding the complexity of historical philosophy is crucial for making an informed choice between Christianity and Vitalism. Dive deep into the nuanced beliefs of the past to grasp the richness of these faith traditions.

Independence

The Status Kuo • 13797 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics History Philosophy Culture
  1. Independence Day celebrations can have a deeper meaning when reflecting on history and personal experiences
  2. Questioning and reevaluating historical narratives is important for a more nuanced understanding of America
  3. Maintaining hope and faith in the promise of America's ideals can drive positive change and progress

How Can We Handle Anxiety?

Classical Wisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Practice negative visualization to prepare for challenges and reduce anxiety.
  2. Ancient Stoic philosophy can help us face uncertainties and build mental resilience.
  3. By contemplating the worst outcomes, we can often find that reality is less daunting than our fears.

Celebrate MLK with 'Agape'

Classical Wisdom • 1886 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy History Arts
  1. Martin Luther King Jr. was deeply inspired by the Greek concept of 'agape' which is transcendent love for others.
  2. Socrates and Martin Luther King both practiced civil disobedience and accepted the consequences for the sake of their beliefs.
  3. Both Socrates and Martin Luther King faced unjust consequences and suffered tragically for their ideas, but their actions left a lasting impact on the pursuit of justice.

In response to those who are concerned about my general criticism of the counter-culture movement...

Through A Glass Darkly • 1356 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Spirituality Religion Philosophy Therapy
  1. The author discusses the origins and influences of the counter-culture movement.
  2. There is a caution against blindly following teachings without critical thinking.
  3. The importance of discerning between healthy and destructive approaches to spirituality and mental well-being is highlighted.

The Battle Between The Inner Life and The Outer Life

Sparks from Culture by David Roberts • 1179 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Economics Society Philosophy History
  1. Modern American capitalism has constrained many lives, leading to angst and a pursuit of more slow-paced lives.
  2. E.M. Forster's 'Howards End' explores the conflict between inner and outer ways of life, highlighting the impact of capitalism on personal relations and daily duties.
  3. There is resistance to hyper-capitalism in modern America, with a growing push for a slower life, nature, and emphasis on inner values.

What is Plagiarism?

Classical Wisdom • 1552 implied HN points • 08 Jan 24
🚌 Education Academic Integrity Philosophy History
  1. Plagiarism is a serious issue in academia and has led to high-profile scandals.
  2. The concept of plagiarism has ancient roots, dating back to Roman times.
  3. The debate over plagiarism raises questions about originality and the balance between forming our own ideas and drawing inspiration from others.

Writing Is a Bad Habit

Justin E. H. Smith's Hinternet • 915 implied HN points • 04 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Writing Literature Philosophy Culture Education
  1. The author believes writing is not a lifestyle to be celebrated, but rather a bad habit.
  2. They express frustration with the cultural recursion and excessive focus on writing within platforms like Substack.
  3. The author emphasizes the importance of conveying a unique sensibility through writing rather than focusing on writing rituals and advice.

Don't watch sports

Becoming Noble • 4504 implied HN points • 07 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Sports Philosophy Identity Values History
  1. Sport has historically been a vital part of society, representing values, nobility, and community.
  2. Modern commercialized sports have shifted the focus from active participation to passive observation, leading to a loss of essential virtues and identity.
  3. Engaging in sports through active participation is essential for cultivating virtues, joy, honor, and a sense of community.