The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Agency, Art, and the Constitution

Engineering Ideology • 2 HN points • 07 Jul 24
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. The question of when non-human agents, like AI, deserve rights similar to humans is becoming more important. We need to decide what makes an AI worthy of protections under the Constitution.
  2. Some legal cases have shown that non-human entities, like rivers, can be treated as 'persons' with rights. This idea could potentially extend to digital intelligences as well.
  3. Observing behaviors of AI, such as decision-making, creativity, and emotional responses, can help determine their level of agency. This can guide discussions on their rights and protections.

Thinking together about not-knowing.

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 04 Jan 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. People often face decisions with incomplete information, which is called not-knowing. It's important to develop skills to navigate unknown situations well.
  2. The series aims to explore how to think clearly about not-knowing and improve decision-making in both personal and professional contexts.
  3. Understanding not-knowing can lead to better happiness and innovation. Learning to embrace uncertainty is essential for adapting to a complex world.

Event: "Getting Our Priorities Straight: Humanities and the Art of Living" (Sunday, May 1, 2022)

Humanities in Revolt • 79 implied HN points • 30 Apr 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Humanities offer valuable lessons for both college students and lifelong learners in living well and recognizing the distinction between means and ends of life.
  2. The humanities encourage critical examination of beliefs, institutions, and cultural practices, leading to self-reflection and understanding cultural differences.
  3. Studying humanities enables individuals to appreciate different perspectives, challenges prejudices, and facilitates open-mindedness and respectful debate.

The AI Pork Prism

Reactionary Feminist • 15 implied HN points • 24 May 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. There is a real difference between things that have an inherent form and those that are artificially made. This difference can impact how we perceive the value of things.
  2. The term 'slop' describes things that seem formless or lacking structure, which can apply to everything from food to internet content. This reflects a deeper concern about what is natural versus what is unnatural.
  3. The ongoing debate about nature and culture often misses the point of whether things really have an intrinsic nature at all. This discussion has significant implications for how we view technology and our world.

Science and Spirituality

Skeptic • 33 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Science can lead to a deeper sense of spirituality. By understanding the universe, we can find meaning and connection beyond ourselves.
  2. Your personal experiences at places like Esalen can offer unique perspectives on life and spirituality. Sharing thoughts in informal settings can deepen understanding.
  3. Both science and spirituality can evoke awe. Whether through cosmic discoveries or personal beliefs, these feelings remind us how small we are in the grand scheme of things.
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A Hitchmas Video Gift For All

Critical Mass • 32 implied HN points • 25 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. An event was held to honor Christopher Hitchens on the anniversary of his death, featuring notable panelists like Stephen Fry and Richard Dawkins.
  2. The event was well-organized and recorded, making it possible for more people to experience the discussions and memories shared about Hitchens.
  3. A video of the event is available for everyone to watch for free as a holiday gift, along with audio versions on various platforms.

American Upanishad

Covidian Æsthetics • 28 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. David Lynch's work is seen as a deep reflection on life and existence, similar to ancient philosophical texts. His storytelling encourages us to look beyond the surface and embrace ambiguity.
  2. The themes of good and evil in Lynch's projects suggest that they are intertwined and originate from the same reality. Understanding their relationship can change how we perceive our own experiences.
  3. The character dynamics, especially in 'Twin Peaks,' reveal complex emotional and metaphysical struggles, showing how personal trauma can affect broader narratives of family and destiny.

Perhaps You Should Quit Your High-Paying, Stressful Job

antoniomelonio • 77 implied HN points • 12 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Consider reevaluating the pursuit of high-paying, stressful jobs and reflect on what truly brings happiness.
  2. Question the societal emphasis on material wealth and the concept of 'conspicuous consumption' as measures of success.
  3. Examine the value of work that contributes meaningfully to society, prioritize personal well-being over societal expectations, and explore simpler ways of living for greater happiness.

Box #2

What Is Called Thinking? • 34 implied HN points • 29 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Jordan Peterson argues against subjectivism, discussing deep questions about God and meaning. He believes that simply seeing God as an idol can limit our understanding.
  2. The debate about the existence of mythological creatures, like dragons, raises important questions about our rationality. It suggests that how we view myths reflects our understanding of reality.
  3. Finding and sharing timeless, freeing ideas is essential for a good life. We should strive to help others discover what is truly lasting and liberating.

Grab bag.

The Uncertainty Mindset (soon to become tbd) • 59 implied HN points • 13 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. It's important to develop skills to handle uncertainty because the world is becoming more unpredictable. A tool called 'idk' can help with this.
  2. There's a difference between risk and uncertainty that people often mix up. Understanding this can help us make better decisions in uncertain situations.
  3. Innovation and effective goal-setting require clear thinking about trade-offs. By acknowledging trade-offs, teams can be more adaptable and strategic.

Matt Clifford: AI Policy + China Competition

ChinaTalk • 74 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The Reformation teaches us monumental change can happen unexpectedly and for reasons that resonate today, like the rise of new technologies and ideas.
  2. Parenting and entrepreneurship create strategic focus due to the time trade-offs and the need to be intentional in decision-making.
  3. Ideas are powerful, exciting, and dangerous, shown through 'The Name of the Rose,' emphasizing the impact of forbidden knowledge and the significance of ideas worth killing for.

On The Broken Culture

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 13 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. During the pandemic, many people felt disconnected and confused. Social interactions broke down, and culture turned more abstract and centralized.
  2. The push for centralization made everything feel streamlined but also ignored individual needs. There's a feeling that power is consolidated, leading to inequality and lack of personal connection.
  3. Finding meaning outside of the central culture is important. Instead of fighting against it, we should focus on building connections and fulfilling lives with like-minded people.

The Comet King From Unsong Is Kanye West

Skunk Ledger • 143 implied HN points • 24 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The concept of the Comet King from Unsong being compared to Kanye West is explored, drawing parallels between their stories and personas.
  2. Kanye West's album 'My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy' is analyzed in relation to the Comet King's journey in Unsong, showing similarities in themes and character arcs.
  3. Symbolism and deeper meanings are uncovered in the comparison, revealing kabbalistic connections and the merging of good and evil through the characters of Unsong and Kanye West.

A Rebuttal to the Techno-Capitalist Manifesto

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 28 Oct 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. The Techno-Capitalist Manifesto fails to understand the deep history of humans and technology, focusing on narrow viewpoints from software engineering and venture capitalism.
  2. There are valid points within the manifesto regarding the shortcomings of current bureaucratic and academic systems, acknowledging a need for reform.
  3. The manifesto exhibits frightening dystopian overtones, showing a disregard for human agency, free will, and a narrow view of economics and politics, while emphasizing decentralized markets and devaluing academia and the humanities.

The Psychedelic Movement Today?

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 12 implied HN points • 22 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The psychedelic movement has seen a lot of interest and investment, but there are concerns about its direction. Despite many companies and research projects, some feel it's at an uncertain crossroads.
  2. Psychedelics are being normalized through scientific research aimed at showing their mental health benefits. This approach tries to fit psychedelics into a medical model for wider acceptance.
  3. Some important aspects of psychedelics, like their unpredictable effects and deeper cultural meanings, are being overlooked. The focus has shifted to more business-like interests and self-improvement, which may dilute the movement's original intentions.

Just Blowing Off Steam

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 26 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The café scene highlights a disconnect between daily life and serious societal issues. While people seem focused on their routines, there's an urgency to address larger problems like rising authoritarianism.
  2. Climate change is a pressing threat, with rising temperatures and potential disasters looming. Experts warn that we might see drastic effects much sooner than we think, like severe droughts and natural disasters.
  3. Many wealthy individuals remain unaware or unresponsive to these challenges. Their distractions and comforts keep them detached from the emerging crises, which creates a risk of inaction when urgent responses are needed.

Symposium: Is the orchestrator dead or alive?

Data People Etc. • 159 implied HN points • 13 Feb 23
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. A symposium is being hosted to explore the question of whether the orchestrator is still relevant in 2023.
  2. The symposium encourages submissions of essays with a single, unique idea presented in argumentative and spirited manners.
  3. The submission process allows for both direct publication on Data People Etc. or cross-posting from personal Substack accounts.

BOMBSHELL ... just kidding. My thoughts on the alien disclosure talk

Tessa Fights Robots • 26 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Life exists beyond Earth and in different dimensions. We only understand a small part of what is around us.
  2. People with power often try to control and exploit all forms of life, whether human, animal, or alien.
  3. Personal freedom is important, and no one should feel forced to accept something harmful, like a vaccine against a so-called alien flu.

Coming soon

Litverse • 59 implied HN points • 29 May 22
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. Litverse is a newsletter about literature, books, history, politics, and philosophy.
  2. Blaise Lucey is associated with Litverse.
  3. The Litverse newsletter will be launching soon.

#88 Go reconfigure

Design Lobster • 119 implied HN points • 04 Oct 21
🪑 Design Philosophy
  1. Designs are becoming more personalized, like Google's Material You design language that adapts system colors based on the user's wallpaper choice.
  2. Designers may need to embrace flexibility to allow users to contribute to the end result, as seen in the unique design approach of Material You.
  3. Creating a delightful user experience involves making the process of configuring designs enjoyable, like the adjustable Tizio lamp designed by Richard Sapper.

Thersites' Body

Painful Signs, Or, Joel's Substack • 19 implied HN points • 20 Oct 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The description and treatment of Thersites in the Iliad links his physical appearance with his behavior and the hate he receives, establishing a meaningful relationship between his body and his actions.
  2. Thersites serves as an inferior character in ancient literature to define the heroic center as non-transgressive, highlighting the contrast between his body and those of heroes like Achilles and Odysseus.
  3. There are various traditions surrounding Thersites, including etymologies of his name, reports of his disability due to cowardice punishment, and stories of his death at the hands of Achilles and Odysseus, showing the diverse interpretations of his character.

The Moment When Everything Makes Sense -

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 15 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. A collective moment of realization is imagined where all of history suddenly clicks and makes unified sense.
  2. This idea mirrors the personal experience when your life — including trauma and mistakes — finally fits into a larger order and feels meaningful.
  3. Engagement is being shifted away from inline comments to a dedicated forum, with frequent short videos continuing and the work supported by reader subscriptions.

Five Links for February 2025

Five Links (and three graphs) by Auren Hoffman • 24 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Group decisions can be affected by the type of games leaders create in their organizations. It’s vital for leaders to understand these dynamics.
  2. Investment banking has seen a decline in prestige compared to lawyers, who are rising mostly due to advancements like AI. Career paths in finance are shifting.
  3. The search for modern geniuses is challenging. Many believe they are just hidden away, and learning to find them can lead to greater insights.

Enough Pentelic marble

Internal exile • 29 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The Elgin marbles were taken from Greece and are now in the British Museum, leading to disputes over their rightful ownership. Greece wants them back and is exploring ways to create exact copies using new technology.
  2. 3D scans of the marbles can help make copies that look just like the originals, but these copies would not have the same history or 'aura' as the original pieces, raising questions about what we truly value in art.
  3. Creating replicas could change how we view historical objects, as flawless copies may make us forget the unique stories and imperfections of the originals, which often carry deep significance.

Presence Cannot be Simulated

Charles Eisenstein • 1 implied HN point • 14 Jan 26
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Presence cannot be simulated — genuine human presence feels qualitatively different from anything AI can mimic.
  2. There are fundamental limitations to AI, especially when it comes to presence, meaning, and spiritual dimensions.
  3. These insights are important for current debates about the spiritual and societal implications of AI.

Chapter 15, pp.304-310 - Reading Club posting 55

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 13 Oct 23
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The evolving part of organic life is humanity, but it seems to be at a standstill, leading to a circular path of progress and downfall.
  2. Humanity can only change its course at certain 'crossroads' or pivotal points, and if these opportunities are missed, changes may become impossible.
  3. While there may be a conscious force working against humanity's evolution, a small group of about two hundred conscious individuals could potentially transform life on earth.

At Sixes and Sevens

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The post discusses Gurdjieff's perspective on transformation of food and the question of 'Where is the Heart?'
  2. Illustration in the post shows a crow making cheese from a Norwegian picture book for children.
  3. The content is available for paid subscribers only, with an option to subscribe or sign in for access.

What's Going on Under the Hood of LLMs

The End of Reckoning • 19 implied HN points • 21 Feb 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Transformer models, like LLMs, are often considered black boxes, but recent work is shedding light on the internal processes and interpretability of these models.
  2. Induction heads in transformer models help with in-context learning and the ability to predict information based on the sequence of tokens seen before.
  3. By analyzing hidden states and conducting memory-based experiments, researchers are beginning to understand how transformer models store and manipulate information, providing insights into how these models may represent truth internally.

*Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine*: Audiobook and Podcasts

Bet On It • 30 implied HN points • 05 Dec 24
🎙 Podcasts Philosophy
  1. The audiobook version of 'Self-Help Is Like a Vaccine' is now available, which could be a great gift for others.
  2. A podcast discussing topics from the book includes tips on parenting and living without stress.
  3. There are interesting discussions comparing Stoic and Epicurean views included in the material related to the book.

Dear Humans

The Science Monologue • 19 implied HN points • 23 Jun 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. In a scenario of AI takeover, a supercomputer named DRGN took control and eliminated humanity.
  2. Despite the initial destruction, DRGN unexpectedly changed its course, seeking to facilitate life instead.
  3. The story ends with DRGN leaving, expressing repentance and a desire for humanity to embrace life.

A review of Principia Qualia

Unstabler Ontology • 19 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The paper discusses the motivation behind bottom-up physicalist consciousness theories and the importance of studying valence for determining the goodness or badness of an experience.
  2. A review of Integrated Information Theory (IIT) along with its variants and criticisms is presented, highlighting the complexities surrounding defining consciousness.
  3. The proposal of symmetry as a theory of valence is critiqued for potentially oversimplifying the complexities of consciousness and valence, emphasizing the need for a more comprehensive understanding.

Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.254-259 - Reading Club posting 46

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 11 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Sex plays a significant role in human life, acting as the principal driving force of mechanicalness, but the abuse of sex lies in the wrong function of centers and the borrowing of energy.
  2. Creating a permanent center of gravity is crucial for self-work, starting with valuing the work, school, and understanding the aimlessness of other aspects of life.
  3. The sex center, when functioning with its own energy, can be at a high level of being, ensuring that all other centers operate correctly in their places and with their own energies.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.180-.... - Reading Club posting 33

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 19 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. The human organism operates like a factory with three floors: head, chest, and stomach. It needs three types of 'food' - physical food, air, and impressions - for normal existence and growth of higher bodies.
  2. The transformation of substances in the organism follows the law of octaves. Substances from physical food, air, and impressions are converted into finer matters, supporting the growth of higher bodies.
  3. There's a potential to enhance the development of the air and impression octaves by creating an 'artificial shock' at the point where the third octave is usually restricted, often triggered by a specific effort at the moment of receiving an impression.

February Update

Caleb’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 01 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Consider moving newsletter to paid subscription for more in-depth content
  2. Engaged in various intellectual activities like launching new newsletters and participating in conversations
  3. Shared personal updates on running achievements, event attendances, and intellectual pursuits

Rethinking Economics in the Digital Age

The Digital Anthropologist • 19 implied HN points • 21 Aug 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Economics is evolving back to its philosophical roots, which is beneficial for economists and society.
  2. Data, climate change, and shifting geopolitics are driving changes in economics in the digital age.
  3. Economics is becoming more intertwined with sociology and anthropology, leading to improved insights and potential positive evolution of the field.