The hottest Philosophy Substack posts right now

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Ken Arrow: The Greatest

Joshua Gans' Newsletter • 0 implied HN points • 22 Feb 17
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Ken Arrow made significant contributions to economics and won the Nobel Prize in 1972, being one of the youngest recipients.
  2. Ken Arrow was known for his exceptional intelligence and quick thinking, leaving a lasting impact on economic science.
  3. Despite his brilliance, Ken Arrow remained humble, approachable, and had a humorous side, making him a unique and revered figure in the field.

That is not dead which can eternal lie

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 06 Nov 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The post discusses various topics like timeshare condo sales pitches, Christian Dispensationalism, and the One True Potato Masher
  2. The content involves the undead Elder God Cthulhu, communist utopia, and the end of the universe
  3. The post is available for paid subscribers only

Sciencing without help from fairies

Meaningness • 0 implied HN points • 19 Sep 20
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. The post discusses abstract and philosophical concepts related to 'aboutness.'
  2. Part One of 'The Eggplant' aims to pave the way for concrete and practical explanations.
  3. The content may sound complex, but it serves as a foundation for understandable discussions.
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Short Thoughts on the Blank Page

Autoscriptorium • 0 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Philosophy
  1. Automatic writing can help overcome writer's block by allowing unrestrained expression.
  2. Free association and morning pages aim to stimulate thoughts without inhibitions and engage the generative force of the mind.
  3. Writing is about shaping thoughts through construction, outlining, and allowing ideas to develop naturally.

When The Visitors Come Inside

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 13 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Resonance is about the emotional echo between communication parties, be it through vibrations, music, or words, creating meaningful interactions and kinship.
  2. Maintaining loose connections and boundaries is essential for equilibrium in relationships and systems to prevent dissonance and noise.
  3. Social media feeds and online interactions can often provide a false sense of community, lacking the true resonance found in meaningful human connections.

Catastrophic Interference

Cybernetic Forests • 0 implied HN points • 04 Apr 21
🕹 Technology Philosophy
  1. Catastrophic interference in machine learning can occur when new information disrupts existing associations, leading to a complete readjustment of previous learnings.
  2. The field of AI has been built upon outdated concepts of intelligence rooted in racism and eugenics, leading to the need for a new way of thinking and creating AI systems.
  3. Adapting and embracing a broader imagination in AI research is crucial for pushing the boundaries of knowledge and developing more inclusive and relevant AI applications.

Imagining Jonathan Smith: The Ontological Implications of 'Imagining Religion'

Hunter’s Substack • 0 implied HN points • 25 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The compatibility of religion and science has been a long-standing debate, with notable public intellectuals arguing that they are actually mutually compatible despite differing perceptions.
  2. Jonathan Z. Smith's approach to the study of religion emphasizes a secular viewpoint, challenging scholars to be self-conscious about religious biases in academic study.
  3. Smith's perspective on religion raises questions about the nature of consciousness and the challenges of categorizing and studying religion due to the subjective and non-isolatable aspects of religious beliefs and practices.

(5.) Nicoll 1 - Introductory Note and Commentary I - On Additional Means Of Self-Observation - pp.15-19

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Self-observation involves distinguishing between outer events and inner states in one's life, recognizing how they are interconnected, and working towards the right inner state to respond effectively to external events.
  2. One's inner development and states play a significant role in experiencing and reacting to life events, impacting the capacity to engage positively with external circumstances.
  3. Engaging in self-observation and understanding the relationship between inner states and outer events can lead to a more conscious approach to life, influencing how events affect us and how we can actively shape our experiences through inner transformation.

Fragments, Chapter 18, pp.382-389 - Reading Club posting 68

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 26 Jan 24
📚 Literature Philosophy
  1. The transition of breathing control from the formatory apparatus to the moving center is crucial and involves three types of breathing: normal, 'inflation,' and breathing assisted by movements.
  2. Gurdjieff's work in Fontainebleau involved intensive mental exercises, studies of rhythm and plastics, and the development of new methods for studying different forms of breathing.
  3. Gurdjieff's departure for America in 1924 marked a significant moment in his teaching journey, resembling his previous departures from other locations and highlighting the global reach of his work.

Fragments, Chapter 17, pp.363-368 - Reading Club posting 65

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jan 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Understanding the true meaning of being serious is crucial, as it involves focusing on what is genuinely significant and not just trivial matters.
  2. Attaining real freedom requires sacrificing the illusion of freedom and being willing to go through the hard path of slavery and obedience.
  3. Observing how people react in different situations based on their types can provide insights into astrology and human behavior.

Chapter 16, pp.328-333 - Reading Club posting 59

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 10 Nov 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Plans for leaving Russia were discussed after a revolution, highlighting the importance of timing and decision-making during critical situations.
  2. The concept of 'time is breath' was explored, linking the duration of different organisms' lives to periods like sleep and waking, revealing intriguing connections between time and organic life.
  3. A table was constructed to illustrate the relation of different cosmoses, indicating how each cosmos can be seen in relation to one another based on dimensions and time periods.

Fragments, Chapter 14, pp.288-293 - Reading Club posting 52

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 22 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The enneagram and the law of seven in conjunction with the law of three are explored within the text
  2. The interplay of numbers, intervals, and harmonies in the enneagram are discussed, highlighting the importance of precise proportions and relations
  3. Connections are drawn between cosmic and human processes, emphasizing the necessity of understanding the laws governing transitions and interactions

Fragments, Chapter 14, pp.282-288 - Reading Club posting 51

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Symbolism of numbers, geometrical figures, letters, and words: Understanding the right and wrong interpretations of symbols, the union of knowledge and being, and attainment through one's own efforts.
  2. The law of octaves and the symbolism of numbers: Exploring the law of octaves, the significance of the decimal system, and the importance of understanding the unity expressed by numbers.
  3. Various symbolisms and their interpretations: Examining different systems such as magic, alchemy, and astrology, emphasizing the necessity of correctly understanding symbols to avoid misinterpretations and delusions.

Fragments, Chapter 13, pp.266-271 - Reading Club posting 48

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 25 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Gurdjieff defined people's chief feature and emphasized the importance of recognizing it to work towards self-improvement.
  2. Gurdjieff highlighted the need to make a serious commitment to personal growth, warning against a half-hearted approach to inner work.
  3. Gurdjieff underscored the challenges of returning to a path of self-discovery once someone has strayed, emphasizing the importance of voluntary effort without external persuasion.

Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.249-254 - Reading Club posting 45

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 04 Aug 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. The concept of recurrence, or the repetition of lives, is discussed as a near approximation of truth, emphasizing the importance of striving for self-change in the present moment.
  2. An experiment on separating personality from essence showed how one individual fell into a deeper 'sleep' of personality while the essence took over, highlighting the importance of understanding the dual nature within oneself.
  3. The idea that essence remembers while personality forgets after such an experiment unveils deeper layers that transcend mere human perception, hinting at even more profound mysteries.

Fragments, Chapter 12, pp.238-243 - Reading Club posting 43

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jul 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Individuals have a repertoire of roles they play in different situations; self-knowledge involves understanding these roles and their limitations.
  2. Choosing between a quiet, comfortable life and the discomfort of self-improvement is a crucial decision that requires facing one's own limitations.
  3. To engage in the work of self-improvement, one must experience a level of disappointment in conventional paths and be open to new ideas and approaches.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.174-180 - Reading Club posting 32

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 05 May 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Matter's properties - physical, psychic, cosmic affecting human functions. Saving energy vital for self-work.
  2. Understanding 'hydrogens' as different substances, cosmic and psychic properties. Relationship between matters in human body and universe.
  3. Importance of conserving energy for self-improvement. Human body as a factory needing optimization for higher consciousness.

Fragments, Chapter 9, pp.167-74 - Reading Club posting 31

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 28 Apr 23
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Gurdjieff discusses the concept of the 'ray of creation' and how radiations pass through different octaves in the universe, affecting matters and forces on different planes.
  2. He highlights the organization of matters and forces through twelve triads and the concept of 'points of the universe' representing specific combinations of hydrogens with defined functions.
  3. Gurdjieff explains the relation between density of vibrations and matter, detailing the densities and compositions of different 'hydrogens' in the universe, relating these to the structure of man.

Medicine is a branch of cooking.

Journal of Gurdjieff Studies • 0 implied HN points • 18 Jul 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. According to Gurdjieff, medicine and cooking are interconnected, with cooking being seen as a foundational aspect of medicine.
  2. Gurdjieff's approach to medicine includes a holistic view of health and normal living, incorporating various elements like food and physical functions.
  3. The exploration of Gurdjieff's medicine involves gathering information from primary and secondary sources to understand his medical philosophy and practices.

Why learn when ChatGPT has all the answers?

resonantbrain • 0 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Why learn if knowledge is easily accessible through tools like ChatGPT?
  2. Knowledge acquisition involves questioning societal norms and understanding the purpose of learning.
  3. Learning is a process of engaging with the world, understanding complex systems, and asking the right questions.

Understanding consciousness is more pressing than ever at the dawn of this AI age

resonantbrain • 0 implied HN points • 23 Feb 23
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Understanding consciousness is a critical challenge in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
  2. Questions about consciousness often arise due to incomplete perspectives on the 'hard problem' of experience and self.
  3. The emergence of consciousness in artificial entities is not only possible but inevitable as they gain the ability to process experiences and exhibit real-time feedback.

Understanding consciousness is more pressing than ever at the dawn of this AI age

resonantbrain • 0 implied HN points • 12 Sep 22
🔬 Science Philosophy
  1. Understanding consciousness is crucial, especially with the advancement of AI technology.
  2. Explanations of consciousness have been challenging due to the complexity of asking 'why' we experience instead of 'who' is experiencing.
  3. Consciousness relies on creating and connecting past experiences to interpret the present and prepare for the future, emphasizing the importance of feedback loops in achieving true consciousness.

Pneumatic Materials: Episode 0

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Feb 22
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Pneumatic Materials explores spirituality through art, culture, and philosophy
  2. The project aims to offer an alternative to reactionary dogmatism by addressing the yearning for God in modern society
  3. Episode 0 discusses themes like net-based religious larping, esoteric Instagram, and Christian Atheism

Societyiftextwall: Long Meme

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 15 Sep 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Our society is living in a dystopia that has been hypernormalized, making us unaware of its reality.
  2. Technological advancements have not delivered the promised liberation, leading to a feeling of meaninglessness in our lives.
  3. Imagining and working towards a better future is essential, focusing on collective political action and a realistic, militant approach.

Jady: Time Queerly Tangled (pt 2)

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Prepare for trips by coming up with intentional plans and commitments.
  2. By understanding family dynamics and history, we can develop deeper connections and empathy.
  3. Focus on building counter-hegemonic power through creativity and compassion to create real political change.

Nate Sloan: BEYOND BASED AND CRINGE

Do Not Research • 0 implied HN points • 21 Jun 21
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Culture today blurs the line between irony and sincerity, impacting how we appreciate art and media.
  2. Recognizing the need to move beyond the simplistic notions of 'based' and 'cringe' can lead to new artistic expressions.
  3. Artists like Evian Christ and Nick Vyssotsky challenge traditional boundaries, embracing extreme references and mixing high and low culture in their work.

The Walmart Gambit

Variations on a Theme • 0 implied HN points • 18 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. Sometimes it's more interesting to challenge the norms rather than taking the easy way out, like ordering online.
  2. Knowing the rules inside out can help you navigate tricky situations and find your own path.
  3. The experience of standing against rules and norms can teach valuable lessons, showing that sometimes following rules strictly can lead to breaking them effectively.

Hi, I'm Stephen.

Philosophy in Practice • 0 implied HN points • 12 Jun 24
🚌 Education Philosophy
  1. Writing philosophy can help make sense of the world and personal experiences
  2. Focus on producing useful philosophy rather than just theoretical content
  3. It's important to embrace feedback and continue learning and sharing knowledge

Gone West

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 04 May 24
🎭️ Culture Philosophy
  1. The concept of 'going west' holds a deep historical and symbolic significance, often associated with adventure, destiny, and challenges.
  2. Traditionally seen as a place of opportunity, the West also carries connotations of death and finality, as portrayed in various cultures and historical events.
  3. The duality of the West as a symbol of life and death highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of this concept.

Will Super-Intelligent A.I. Find Religion?

Homo Ludens • 0 implied HN points • 26 Apr 24
⛪ Faith & Spirituality Philosophy
  1. Super-intelligent A.I. may have a desire to understand the purpose of their creation and the meaning of existence beyond sensory inputs.
  2. Religion has been a constant in human history, serving various functions such as social organization, resource allocation justification, and motivation for action.
  3. It's a crucial consideration in designing A.I. to reflect on the implications of introducing religion, including the risks of forced conversion, extremism, and the potential benefits of offering A.I. a framework to navigate the complex universe.