The hottest Political theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

Impartial giving, a la Effective Alturism, is not a politically neutral idea (v. short)

Philosophy bear • 78 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Leftwing respondents were more likely to display ethical impartiality, showing a strong association between politics and impartial altruism.
  2. Effective Altruism's self-image as neutral or centrist is contradicted by the political alignment of EA survey respondents.
  3. Impartial compassion manifests differently between left and right political ideologies, with rightwing individuals more likely to reject impartiality.

The End Of The End of History?

Some Unpleasant Arithmetic • 28 implied HN points • 13 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There's a lot of political unrest happening globally. People are frustrated with mainstream parties and are turning to extreme leaders across the political spectrum.
  2. Economic issues, like inflation, are making voters unhappy and driving them to support radical parties. When people's wallets are affected, they often blame current leaders and seek change.
  3. Many individuals now think in a 'zero-sum' way, feeling that someone's gain is their loss. This mindset is pushing some to support more aggressive political movements, like fascism.

No Academy for Trad Men

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 05 Jan 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Scruton's successful academic and public career as a conservative thinker prompts reflection on the lack of conservative presence in the academy and the importance of intellectual diversity.
  2. Scruton's work in aesthetics emphasizes the importance of art in evoking emotion and engaging the imagination, connecting individuals to universality and timelessness.
  3. Despite facing ideological challenges and limited institutional support due to his conservative views, Scruton's respectable erudition and distinctive conservatism allowed him to operate successfully in academia, signaling challenges for aspiring conservative intellectuals.

Making Civic Life Thick Again; Rashid Khalidi in Haaretz; Remembering Canarsie

Unpopular Front • 29 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Political parties need to focus on building stronger local organizations to reconnect with working-class voters. This means creating spaces where people can gather and engage in civic life together.
  2. The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is complex and cannot be solved easily. Understanding both sides and their histories is crucial to discussing potential solutions.
  3. Using violent tactics in political struggles can backfire, especially when the opposing side feels victimized. It's important to think about the long-term effects of such strategies.

Updated! "There Is An Arsonist here in LA." - Henry Winkler.

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 24 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There might be a connection between recent fires in Lahaina, Jasper, and Los Angeles, suggesting they could be caused by arson rather than natural events.
  2. Government failure to manage the situation properly, like issues with water supply and emergency planning, raises questions about the effectiveness of local authorities during these crises.
  3. There are concerns about the involvement of radical groups in these fires, leading some to believe there is a larger agenda behind the incidents in the U.S.
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Virtue in Two Acts

From the New World • 32 implied HN points • 30 Oct 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Modern society may be more ignorant than previous ones, as we have created layers of belief and technology that distance us from true understanding. This is like being in a cave beneath another cave, where we lose sight of the bigger picture.
  2. Political philosophy, once a comprehensive study of human affairs, has become fragmented and superficial. This change means we often miss deeper truths and only focus on narrow aspects of social science.
  3. To truly understand political issues, we need to combine technical knowledge with an appreciation of human values. This balance helps us see what is good and guides our actions effectively.

Politics' Final Form According to Fukuyama

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 16 Jul 22
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Fukuyama defends liberalism, emphasizing individual rights and the importance of moderation in governance.
  2. He critiques extreme positions like over-eager free market embrace and governmental enforcement of moral life.
  3. Fukuyama's portrayal of liberal and contra-liberal ideas is clear and organized, making the book a compelling read.

Monistic Idealism and Political Catastrophe

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 30 implied HN points • 06 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The writer feels disappointed with the Democratic Party for not supporting the working class and believes that they lost an opportunity for a better direction under Bernie Sanders.
  2. Many voters are feeling frustrated and disconnected from political figures like Kamala Harris, who they see as scripted and lacking authenticity.
  3. On a deeper level, the writer discusses their beliefs in idealism and the idea that awareness is the foundation of reality, influenced by various spiritual and philosophical traditions.

USA with NPD

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 18 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There's a big divide in how people view the current political situation. Some are really scared, while others think things are going well.
  2. Many people are feeling lost and angry, especially due to changes in power and wealth. This might lead to more extreme behavior in society.
  3. The tech industry's weaknesses are becoming clearer. Some companies are out of touch and can't compete globally, which could impact their future.

Living in an era of Revolt not Revolution: A punchy introduction

Theory Matters • 7 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. British politics is stuck in a cycle where nobody is happy, and there are no real solutions. People feel frustrated and angry about the current situation.
  2. The return of leaders like Jeremy Corbyn shows how many are desperate for change but are instead getting old ideas and promises that don't fix anything.
  3. Voters have to take responsibility for the choices they make at the ballot box. Change needs to happen, but it seems like people are more focused on anger than finding good solutions.

Digging Deeper.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 25 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Politicians often continue with unpopular policies because they fear the consequences of admitting mistakes. They believe that the situation can always get worse, so they prefer to stick with the current plan.
  2. Many leaders are caught in an echo chamber, where everyone around them shares the same views, creating a lack of critical discussion. This makes it hard for them to explore alternative strategies, even when they may be needed.
  3. The complexity of international conflicts can lead to misunderstandings between nations. When there's a failure to comprehend each other's perspectives, it can cause tension and make resolution difficult.

The Deluge Is Here

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 19 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. We're going through a big change in society, and many people feel that the old systems, like liberalism, are breaking down. This creates confusion as we try to figure out what comes next.
  2. Technology is rapidly changing our lives, but it’s also causing problems like job loss and decreased attention spans. This means we need to be careful about how we use technology.
  3. The economy is shifting away from traditional capitalism toward a system where a few tech companies control a lot of power and resources. This is making inequality worse and changing how we interact with each other.

Electoral Blues

Tessa Fights Robots • 24 implied HN points • 26 Oct 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Many political elections feel like a game or theater to some people. They believe real change doesn't come from just voting, but from facing what's truly going on around us.
  2. Our personal power to create change comes from how we manage our energy and connect with others. It's about clarity, love, and courage in our daily lives.
  3. Instead of getting caught up in elections, we should focus on our inner strength and the courage to stand up against those who try to control us. We have the ability to change the world ourselves.

Such Times.

Trying to Understand the World • 8 implied HN points • 18 Jun 25
📖 Philosophy 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.

Recent Notes...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 23 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Understanding C.P. Snow's idea of 'The Two Cultures' can help bridge the gap between technical and humanities disciplines. People can become smarter by learning from both sides.
  2. John Ganz is pointed out as a smart and hard-working person who could benefit from this balanced approach. Learning from different fields can enhance one's thinking and decision-making.
  3. It's important to encourage others to broaden their horizons, as this can lead to personal and professional growth. Sharing knowledge across different areas is valuable for everyone's development.

The Divine Right of Founders

From the New World • 21 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Silicon Valley founders are seen as having a special power over their companies, similar to how kings ruled in the past. Their personal insight gives them a unique control that others can't match.
  2. Many believe that companies struggle when they lose their founders, as those leaders provide a sense of legitimacy and direction. This belief reflects a deep connection between leadership and success in startups.
  3. The idea that modern concepts of state and power come from religious ideas shows how intertwined our views of governance and business are. This connection could change how we see both companies and countries today.

Trumpocalypse Now!

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 25 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Building real, face-to-face community meetings can help people connect and discuss real issues more effectively than online talk. It's important to have local gatherings to share experiences.
  2. A new approach to resistance and opposition is needed, focusing on integrity and transparency. This could create a moral authority that helps people unite against extreme corporate and state power.
  3. Authentic Christianity challenges many values of modern society. Living by Christ's teachings means rejecting materialism and prioritizing love and community over power and control.

November 30, 2024

Letters from an American • 19 implied HN points • 01 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The fight to strengthen liberal democracy is more important than just battling the far right. This is about ensuring everyone's rights and protecting our democracy.
  2. Historically, American leaders sought a balance where government plays a role in protecting individuals from the actions of powerful interests. This became even more important as society evolved.
  3. Movement Conservatives have shifted how Americans view government, framing it as a threat to individual rights. In reality, a strong government is needed to protect those rights and ensure fairness for all.

December 7, 2024

Letters from an American • 18 implied HN points • 08 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Barack Obama emphasizes that pluralism in democracy means working together with people who are different from us. It's not just about tolerance but creating alliances to tackle common issues.
  2. Obama explains that the U.S. Constitution supports pluralism by allowing diverse groups to negotiate and share power. This system helps protect minority rights and encourages collaboration.
  3. When faced with political challenges, Obama believes it's crucial to stand firm and seek support from unexpected allies. Common experiences and values can help bridge divides and rebuild trust in democracy.

Trump And The Evil "Deep State!"

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 18 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. There's a belief that the real power in the U.S. isn't the deep state, but a group of wealthy elites who control the government for their own interests.
  2. Some people argue that the current political drama distracts from important issues, like how the rules and leadership are being shaped by money.
  3. The idea that public service and government jobs are under threat highlights a struggle between working people and a powerful corporate influence in politics.

toward a system of neo-xunism

alice maz • 65 implied HN points • 03 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. The Spring and Autumn period in Chinese history reflects a time of transition and decline of central power.
  2. Xunzi offers insights on power, governance, and human nature, advocating for self-cultivation and practical solutions in politics.
  3. Xunzi's philosophy combines elements of Confucianism, Daoism, Legalism, emphasizing learning, ritual, meritocracy, and adaptability.

"Greatness" after the Bulldozer

Charles Eisenstein • 13 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Human beings are all equal and deserve compassion. No matter where we come from, we all share the same fundamental worth.
  2. A nation's greatness can’t come from hurting others. We must remember that helping others strengthens our own society.
  3. The real change we need is about love and understanding, not just switching one group in power for another. We should focus on healing and forgiveness to create a better world.

Layer Upon Layer.

Trying to Understand the World • 5 implied HN points • 23 Jul 25
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Empires have shaped our world in many ways, and their impact is still felt today. Political borders and identities often trace back to these historical empires, not just modern nations.
  2. Conflicts often involve identity groups and communities, rather than just nation-states. Understanding these deeper historical relationships is key to addressing the ongoing issues in places like Ukraine and the Middle East.
  3. The idea of the nation-state is complicated and often ineffective. Many conflicts arise when trying to force people into rigid national identities that don’t reflect their actual histories or communities.

Mars Isn't Enough

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 15 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Modern society is facing a legitimation crisis, meaning people feel disconnected and lack shared values or purpose. This breakdown of old beliefs leaves a void that can be filled by extreme ideologies.
  2. Many attempts to create a universal moral framework without a unifying story have not worked well. This leads to more chaos and fragmentation in society.
  3. An idea called monistic idealism suggests that consciousness is the basic reality, which could help rebuild social connections and inspire care for each other and the planet right now.

Uneasy Riders: Part Two

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 17 implied HN points • 26 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Acknowinging,理解ing,和接受我们内心的不同部分是重要的。我们的心理包含许多碎片，直面这些部分可能有助于我们成长。
  2. 文化和社会正在经历一种集体的精神占有现象，这种现象可能会导致极端的行为和信念的普遍传播。
  3. 我们需要超越肤浅的反应，深入探讨社会和生态问题的根源，以此找出更深层次的解决方案。

On 'The End of History?'

Castalia • 19 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Fukuyama's essay, 'The End of History,' argues that liberal democracy is the final form of government, evolving from historical conflicts. He suggests that the end of the Cold War marked this significant shift in political ideology.
  2. The essay faces criticisms for oversimplifying the relationship between free markets and democracy, especially how some countries have adopted capitalism without embracing democratic reforms. This indicates that economic success doesn't guarantee political freedoms.
  3. Fukuyama's idea of an 'end of history' raises concerns about a mundane future lacking ideological struggle. His reflections remind us that historical progress might not adhere to a neat path and can reinvigorate conflicts rather than eliminate them.

The Dissolution of "Man"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 13 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Political theory
  1. The concept of 'man' as central to knowledge is relatively new and may no longer be relevant. We're seeing a shift in how we understand ourselves and our place in knowledge systems.
  2. Artificial Intelligence is changing the way we think about knowledge and truth. As AI grows, it challenges the idea that human consciousness is the main source of knowledge.
  3. Our cultural and personal relationships are being affected by this shift. This change is influencing not just how we think, but also our politics and economy.

"Tech-Fash"

Daniel Pinchbeck’s Newsletter • 14 implied HN points • 22 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. People are feeling defeated by the current political culture, feeling like greedy billionaires are leading society into problems. There's a concern about giving too much power to these wealthy individuals.
  2. There's a struggle happening between old systems and new ideas, with many not knowing what should replace the failing system. This creates confusion and makes it hard for people to come together for a common goal.
  3. Social media and tech billionaires are changing how politics work, often sidestepping traditional approaches. This can lead to manipulation and a focus on short-term gains instead of real solutions for society.

Politics Without Purpose.

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 11 Jun 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Politics today often lacks a clear purpose. Many leaders seem more focused on gaining and holding power rather than addressing real issues facing people.
  2. Public opinion is less influential in decision-making than it used to be. Politicians often ignore what voters truly want, treating them more like customers than active participants.
  3. The complexity of modern problems requires skilled governance, but many leaders are poorly equipped to handle these challenges, leading to ineffective government actions.

On “Disagreement” and the Presidential Power to Adjourn Congress

QTR’s Fringe Finance • 16 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. The president has a constitutional power to adjourn Congress, but this power has never been used before. It's a rare and complex topic with many possible interpretations.
  2. If the president tries to adjourn Congress without proper disagreement between the House and Senate, it might not be seen as valid. Both houses need to clearly express their disagreement for it to count.
  3. Using this presidential power could lead to a serious constitutional crisis. The Senate could ignore a presidential adjournment, causing confusion and potential court challenges.

The Dictatorship of Dysfunction

From the New World • 16 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. Bureaucracies can become dysfunctional over time, leading to questions about a state's ability to function effectively. It's important for leaders at all levels to make decisions and act decisively.
  2. To improve government processes, we should move away from outdated methods like the waterfall hierarchy. Instead, adopting agile approaches that focus on user feedback can make a big difference.
  3. The relationship between state power and individual freedom is complicated. Understanding this tension can help us see why some political structures struggle to adapt and remain effective.

The problem with Boredom

Theory Matters • 5 implied HN points • 09 Jul 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Boredom is a normal part of life and not something to be ashamed of. It happens to everyone at times, and we should accept it as a natural feeling.
  2. Feeling bored can lead to political changes and dissatisfaction. When people are bored, they often seek excitement and may turn to drastic options, like voting for new leaders.
  3. How we respond to boredom is important. Instead of ignoring it, we should find ways to engage ourselves positively, as ignoring it can lead to negative consequences.

Trump's William McKinley Fetish is a Real Curveball

I Might Be Wrong • 12 implied HN points • 23 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Trump has shown an unusual admiration for President William McKinley, frequently mentioning him in speeches and calling him underrated. This is surprising because McKinley is not a common figure of praise among modern politicians.
  2. Trump believes that McKinley's tariffs significantly contributed to America's wealth, but many experts think this is a misunderstanding. Economic growth during that time was influenced by several factors, not just tariffs.
  3. McKinley's views on tariffs changed while he was in office, suggesting that his original ideas might not have been as set in stone as Trump claims. This highlights how historical interpretations can vary over time.

After "Victory."

Trying to Understand the World • 6 implied HN points • 04 Jun 25
🌍 World Politics Political theory
  1. Victory in war isn't just about defeating the enemy; it's also about what happens afterward. It's complicated, and the true outcomes can vary in unexpected ways.
  2. Successful military strategies need clear political goals and plans that can realistically achieve them. Without these, objectives can become confusing and unattainable.
  3. The aftermath of conflicts often brings new challenges and fears. Even a 'winning' side can face uncertainties that stem from their actions during and after the war.

Is more democracy the answer?

Theory Matters • 12 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. More democracy might not be the simple answer to our problems. Just having more people vote doesn't mean they will actually connect or understand each other better.
  2. In today's world, people are often stuck in their own bubbles, only talking to those who agree with them. This leads to misunderstandings and makes it hard to find common ground.
  3. To improve democracy, we need to have real conversations and listen to one another. Creating spaces for open talk can help us understand each other and build stronger communities.

Is Trudeau Following Putin's Lead And De-Nazifying Canada?

C.O.P. Central Organizing Principle. • 12 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Trudeau may be emulating Putin's actions regarding Ukraine and the idea of 'de-Nazification', hinting at political shifts in Canada. It's important to consider how global leaders influence each other's policies.
  2. There are observations about former leaders and their connections to historical events, particularly surrounding WWII and Nazism, suggesting a complex political landscape.
  3. Some believe the legacy of certain political decisions—like US involvement in Ukraine—shapes current international relations and conflicts. This ongoing tension reflects deeper historical issues.

Economics still matters for policy

Economic Forces • 14 implied HN points • 14 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Prices show us what's scarce and push us to change our behaviors. They aren't just random numbers—they have meaning.
  2. When something gets more expensive, people usually try to find a cheaper alternative. Higher costs lead to less demand.
  3. Every choice we make comes with trade-offs. If we spend on one thing, we might have to give up something else.

In the Media

From the New World • 10 implied HN points • 30 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political theory
  1. Launching a new YouTube channel to share podcasts and live streams is a goal for the new year. It's a chance to connect more with the audience through video content.
  2. Proposals for AI legislation are being pushed mainly by a group that is linked to Democrats, even in Republican-led states. This could change how many industries, like education and healthcare, operate.
  3. There's a growing conversation about how government systems can work more like successful businesses. This could help political groups find better ways to serve the public and regain support.

The Wisdom To Choose Action or Inaction

Who is Robert Malone • 14 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory
  1. It's important to understand the difference between complicated systems, like computers, and complex systems, like ecosystems or human societies. Complex systems are unpredictable and can't always be controlled with precise interventions.
  2. When dealing with complex systems, sometimes it's better to wait and observe rather than rush to act. Taking a careful, incremental approach can help prevent unintended consequences.
  3. Censorship and forced social engineering can hinder our ability to adapt and learn from experiences. Encouraging free communication and decentralized thinking is crucial for innovation and growth.