The hottest Social theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Philosophy Topics

On Priesthoods

Astral Codex Ten • 35170 implied HN points • 08 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Epistemology Ethics Social theory Cultural criticism Political Philosophy
  1. Priesthoods are groups of knowledgeable people that help in truth-seeking. They balance individual insights and societal ideas to find better answers to questions.
  2. These groups often keep a distance from the public to maintain their expert status. They worry that mixing with public ideas can lower their standards and credibility.
  3. While priesthoods have good functions, they can also fall prey to biased views and political influences, which can make their recommendations less reliable over time.

Chartbook 343 : Polycrisis & the critique of capitalocentrism.

Chartbook • 2131 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Critical Theory Social theory
  1. The world is facing a lot of big problems at the same time, called a 'polycrisis'. This means we need to think differently about how to solve these issues because they are more complicated than before.
  2. Going back to older theories from the early 20th century might not help us understand today's challenges. We risk missing out on the uniqueness of our current time by focusing too much on these past ideas.
  3. We need to acknowledge that our current situation has the potential for serious crises, like climate change and political tensions. It’s important to stay flexible in our thinking to cope with the uncertainty of the future.

Chartbook 342 A history of America's medico-industrial complex ... seen from the step-down ward.

Chartbook • 1859 implied HN points • 29 Dec 24
🏥 Health Politics Healthcare system Social theory
  1. In the mid-20th century, hospitals and industrial workplaces were closely linked. Local hospitals supported the working-class community, especially in areas with heavy industrial work.
  2. The decline of industries in the 1980s changed healthcare. Smaller, local hospitals were replaced by larger, publicly funded healthcare facilities, which often led to job insecurity for care workers.
  3. The book highlights the intertwined lives of workers and healthcare, emphasizing how the changing economy impacts family life and the quality of care in hospitals.

I Have Learned A Few Things

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2356 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Metaphysics Knowledge Human nature Social theory
  1. Western interventions often lead to terrible consequences, and the people pushing for these actions are usually on the wrong side of history.
  2. Putting profit above everything else hurts our planet and our well-being, leading to a lot of unnecessary suffering, especially in poorer countries.
  3. Learning to trust our own insights and build genuine connections with others can help us see the beauty in life and find true fulfillment.

The Enclosure of the Human Psyche

The Convivial Society • 3751 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Digital Culture Media Studies Social theory Psychology
  1. We need to protect our minds from being controlled by technology. Just like how land was taken away from the public, our thoughts and feelings can also be captured and managed by companies.
  2. Our smartphones feel personal, but they constantly collect information about us. It creates a sense that our devices know our thoughts when they only analyze our data.
  3. Silence and quiet time are essential for our mental health. When technology distracts us, it steals our chance to think deeply and connect with others.
Get a weekly roundup of the best Substack posts, by hacker news affinity:

The Tradeoffs of Language

Living Fossils • 10 implied HN points • 29 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Language Communication Education Cognition Social theory
  1. Language is a useful tool for communication, but it can also create confusion when it’s too complicated or specialized. Sometimes, people forget that not everyone has the same knowledge.
  2. Using clear and simple language helps everyone understand better and makes communication more effective. It’s better to avoid fancy words when simple ones will do.
  3. In therapy and other helpful conversations, it’s important to use language that clients can easily grasp. This builds trust and understanding between the therapist and the client.

subverting human flourishing

bad cattitude • 185 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Marxism Gender Politics Cultural critique Social theory
  1. Marxism promotes ideas that often disrupt successful societies. It's believed that these ideas need to be imposed because they aren’t naturally accepted.
  2. Attempts to change human nature and society according to ideological beliefs often lead to negative outcomes. History shows that these changes can result in great harm.
  3. Arguments that promise improvement through radical social change are seen as misleading. People should be cautious and recognize that what works within a society is usually effective for a reason.

No, evolutionary theory does not justify your worst political nightmare

Optimally Irrational • 79 implied HN points • 06 Jan 25
📖 Philosophy Evolution Psychology Social theory Politics Ethics
  1. Evolutionary theory doesn't support any specific political ideology, even though some people misuse it for their own agendas. It's important to focus on the science itself without letting politics influence our understanding.
  2. While evolution can seem harsh, it also highlights the importance of cooperation. Our ability to work together is key to our success as a species, not just competition.
  3. Misunderstanding evolutionary ideas can lead to false claims about human behavior, such as justifying sexism or selfishness. Recognizing the facts of evolution can help us build better societies that account for human nature.

Am I an anarchist?

The Novelleist • 304 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Political theory Anarchism Social theory Governance
  1. Small communities can self-govern effectively, but larger groups may need some form of governance to ensure good behavior among members. This raises questions about whether a decentralized system still counts as anarchist.
  2. People want similar goals across different ideologies, like a more equitable and environmentally conscious society. The focus should be on improving our current systems rather than starting from scratch.
  3. Open borders could change the dynamics of power between countries. If people can easily leave bad governments, those governments might be less likely to wage war or act poorly to keep their citizens.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part I. What Do I Ask My Students to Read so That They Will Understand the World of 2055?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 415 implied HN points • 15 Nov 24
🚌 Education Teaching Methods Curriculum Development Social theory Philosophy Political theory
  1. Teaching students about human affairs is essential to prepare them for their future. We need to help them understand how to navigate their lives and the society they'll be part of.
  2. History provides valuable lessons and analogies, but it's important to synthesize these into useful theories. Good theories help us learn from the past and think about the future.
  3. It's necessary to adapt our teaching to current and future realities, rather than relying only on past approaches. Students need knowledge that applies to the world of 2055, not just what was relevant 40 years ago.

Compassion ceilings

Philosophy bear • 214 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Social theory Political Philosophy Public Policy
  1. Some jobs limit how compassionate a person can be. This means people in certain roles cannot show their full kindness because of their job requirements.
  2. If the most compassionate people are excluded from roles, the overall compassion in that group decreases. This can lead to a culture that is less caring and more harsh.
  3. Compassion ceilings can have negative effects, even if the actions causing them aren't seen as wrong. The result is a workplace or society that is less understanding and more likely to harm others.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part III. How Can the Experiences of Past Societies of Domination Be Relevant for Us?

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Political Economy History Ethics Technology
  1. Past societies often operated under systems of domination, where a small elite would take resources from the majority. This made it difficult for anyone to improve their situation without facing threats or violence.
  2. Technological progress today is much faster than in earlier times. This rapid change creates new challenges that previous societies never had to deal with, making lessons from the past less applicable.
  3. Understanding the internal workings of elite groups in past societies can provide some insights today. However, we shouldn't assume we are bound by their limitations because our circumstances are very different.

Social Theory for the Mid-21st Century: Part II. From -73000 to 2055: Malthusian Poverty to Modern Economic Growth

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 269 implied HN points • 17 Nov 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Economic Growth Technological Change Historical Analysis
  1. Throughout history, technological growth has drastically changed, particularly in the last 150 years. This period saw growth that's far beyond anything in earlier times.
  2. Today's society is much better off than before, with greater access to resources and technology. Most people have standards of living that are far superior compared to the past.
  3. Understanding our economic growth is complex. It's important to measure not just resources, but also how people work together and use ideas to improve life.

Nancy Mace: Congresswoman, Marine, trans icon

Indian Bronson • 42 implied HN points • 20 Nov 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Political Commentary Transgender Issues Conservatism Gender identity Social theory
  1. Nancy Mace is a notable public figure, being a congresswoman and the first woman to graduate from a military college. Her story shows how women can break through barriers in traditionally male roles.
  2. The discussion around gender identity and rights in public spaces, like bathrooms, is controversial. Many believe these issues need careful consideration and boundaries to protect everyone.
  3. The conflict between modern conservatism and progressivism reflects deeper societal changes. As attitudes evolve, what was once seen as progressive might eventually be viewed as conservative.

Standing in the Center of the Unknowing as the World Cries. What to Do?

Charles Eisenstein • 10 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Existentialism Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. There are big questions about how we farm and feed the world, especially concerning the impacts of high-tech agriculture versus organic methods. It's important to rethink how we connect with nature while feeding our population.
  2. Personal healing and intimate connection are crucial in a world filled with chaos and violence. The work of those helping people find healthy relationships can create hope and potentially transform society.
  3. Technology, especially AI, is powerful but also has limits. It might solve surface problems but won't offer real solutions to deeper issues like control and suffering in society.

Beliefs That Sterilize The World with Malcolm Collins

Moral Mayhem Podcast • 79 implied HN points • 10 Apr 24
📖 Philosophy Humanity Belief systems Ethics Cultural Studies Social theory
  1. Beliefs can shape how we view and interact with the world. It's important to recognize these beliefs and consider their impact.
  2. Certain beliefs may discourage people from having children, leading to societal challenges. We should think about how our views affect population growth.
  3. Discussing controversial ideas can help us understand different perspectives. Open conversations are key to finding solutions to big issues.

The New Hereditarian Man

From the New World • 237 implied HN points • 19 Feb 24
📖 Philosophy Social theory Egalitarianism Human nature Eugenics Rule of Law
  1. The New Soviet Man concept was imaginary, as evident from the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
  2. Egalitarian sentiment persists despite evidence of biological differences, leading to challenges in discussing individual disparities.
  3. Institutions like rule of law and free markets can serve as solutions to counteract egalitarian pathologies and promote rational behavior.

Searching for the Root of the Tree of Evil

Nothing Human • 90 implied HN points • 08 Jun 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Metaphysics Epistemology Social theory Political Philosophy
  1. People want to help solve many problems in the world, but it's hard to choose which one to focus on. Some think we should tackle the root causes rather than just the symptoms of these issues.
  2. The scientific method has helped humanity make big advancements by learning from nature. There are some who believe we need to do the same with our social problems, focusing on understanding how to work together better.
  3. Building better cooperation among people could be the key to solving many of our problems today. We need systems that can help us trust and understand each other on a larger scale.

Dystopian visions: The Snowball Effect

Eclecticism: Reflections on literature, writing and life • 8 implied HN points • 28 Nov 24
📚 Literature Fiction Writing Ethics Dystopia Social theory
  1. New inventions can have surprising negative effects, even if they seem harmless at first. Sometimes, people focus on good intentions and overlook possible problems.
  2. A story called 'The Snowball Effect' shows how an idea about social mathematics leads to a small group growing into something massive and uncontrollable. This raises questions about how quickly things can change.
  3. Using techniques from psychology to influence people's behavior can be ethically tricky. When trying to do good, it's important to think about whether the ends justify the means.

In Praise of Passivity

Fake Noûs • 277 implied HN points • 23 Sep 23
📖 Philosophy Knowledge Values Rationality Social theory
  1. History shows that solutions without proper knowledge often do more harm than good.
  2. Public ignorance and the dismissal of expert advice are major obstacles in policymaking.
  3. Rational ignorance, lack of clear motives, and the complexity of social issues contribute to our inability to effectively address societal problems.

Curator

Castalia • 99 implied HN points • 17 Dec 22
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Determinism Ethics Political theory Free will Social theory
  1. Mimesis is a powerful force in our lives, meaning we often look to others to decide what to want or do. While it's strong, we still have the freedom to make choices within that influence.
  2. Fukuyama's ideas about the 'end of history' suggest that liberal democracy has won but might overlook the ongoing ideological conflicts that still exist. His views can be criticized for being overly optimistic about the state of the world.
  3. Peer review in science has been criticized for not working well, as it often misses errors and limits innovative ideas. Instead of helping, it may create a closed-off system that stifles true progress.

In Defence of Power

Mon0’s Substack • 19 implied HN points • 13 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Ethics Political Philosophy Social theory Critical Theory
  1. Power is often seen as bad, but it can actually be used for good. For example, parents guiding their children or the legal system keeping society safe are just uses of power.
  2. Many people wrongly believe that the powerful are always the oppressors. In reality, sometimes the less powerful can also act in harmful ways towards others.
  3. Using power requires responsibility and intelligence. Instead of fearing it, we should learn how to use power wisely to make positive changes in our lives and communities.

On winning lotteries

Matt’s Five Points • 0 implied HN points • 05 Jul 11
📖 Philosophy Existentialism Ethics Social theory Metaphysics Political Philosophy
  1. Life has factors beyond our control that shape our destinies. It's important to recognize that genetics, geography, and financial status play roles in our opportunities.
  2. Different political views may accept the idea of unequal starting points, but they react differently to the consequences of that inequality.
  3. There are three main 'lotteries' in life: your genetics, where you're born, and your family's financial situation, and it's worth thinking about how you would prioritize these in terms of their impact on your life.

The Social Discount Rate is Plausibly Negative

Something to Consider • 0 implied HN points • 29 Jul 24
📖 Philosophy Ethics Economics Social theory Moral Philosophy
  1. The social discount rate helps us understand how we value our current consumption compared to future consumption. A higher discount rate means we prefer to consume now rather than later.
  2. There are different views on the social discount rate. Some might prioritize current needs and want a high rate, while others might value future generations equally, leading to a zero rate.
  3. In decision-making about resources and moral issues, we should consider hypothetical people, as well as current people's needs. This broader perspective can change how we approach important social issues.