The hottest Theory Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Philosophy Topics

A use-theory of testing

arg min • 436 implied HN points • 24 Oct 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Statistical tests are designed to help separate real signals from random noise. It's not just about understanding what they mean, but what they can do in practical situations.
  2. Many people misuse statistical tests, which can lead to misunderstandings about their purpose. Communities should establish clear guidelines on how to use these tests correctly.
  3. The main function of statistical tests is to regulate opinions and decisions in various fields like tech and medicine. They help ensure that important standards are met, rather than just preventing errors.

Learn Phrygian In Zero Days

Astral Codex Ten • 10530 implied HN points • 01 Jan 26
🎶 Music Theory
  1. The piece claims you can learn the Phrygian mode instantly, promising to teach it in "zero days".
  2. The article is behind a paywall and is available only to paid subscribers.
  3. It includes clear calls to action to subscribe or sign in and options to share the post.

My Problem with Clear Writing

The Honest Broker • 10173 implied HN points • 08 Dec 25
📚 Literature Theory
  1. Clarity isn't always the best goal; sometimes obscure or complex writing preserves nuance and rewards careful, patient reading.
  2. Forcing writers into a crystal-clear style can stifle their voice and creativity, leaving the writing dull and lifeless.
  3. Calling difficult writing meaningless is often unfair — challenging texts can contain real insight if readers slow down and engage differently.

Should economists read Marx?

Noahpinion • 37588 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🚌 Education Theory
  1. Many economists don't need to read the original works of thinkers like Marx or Smith to understand economics. They usually study practical models and theories that help solve real-world economic problems.
  2. Modern economic education often emphasizes foundational papers by influential economists, which explain key concepts like market failures and public goods, rather than focusing on Marxist ideas.
  3. Reading Marx can be useful, but mainly as a cautionary tale about how economic theories, if misapplied, can lead to disastrous outcomes in real life. It reminds economists to approach their work with humility.

Gödel's beavers, or the limits of knowledge

lcamtuf’s thing • 7958 implied HN points • 30 Jun 25
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Gödel's incompleteness theorem shows that in any consistent mathematical system, there are truths that cannot be proven within that system. This means no system can fully capture all mathematical truths.
  2. The busy beaver problem illustrates how there are limits to what we can compute; some functions can't be determined, just like how we can't always know if an algorithm will stop running.
  3. Even though we can create programs that seem powerful, like those that could prove big math ideas, there are inherent limitations to knowledge and computation due to the nature of math itself.
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AI Is Missing the Point

The Algorithmic Bridge • 796 implied HN points • 08 Jan 26
📚 Literature Theory
  1. Large language models are built to predict and complete text, so they naturally push toward closure instead of lingering or refusing to end.
  2. People use punctuation and sentence flow to control time, breath, and emotion, and sometimes deliberately refuse closure as an expressive or aesthetic choice.
  3. AI can mimic those patterns statistically but doesn’t feel breath, fatigue, or true agency, so its meandering is simulation rather than genuine expression, which raises questions about alignment and how writing will change.

4.5 An Introduction to Electromagnetic Models

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 28 Aug 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Electromagnetic energy can flow along wires due to charge imbalances. This creates electric and magnetic fields that help guide the energy.
  2. There are different viewpoints on what influences electromagnetic behavior the most: charges and currents, fields, or energy itself. Each aspect plays a role in how energy moves.
  3. Understanding these concepts can lead to better insights into electromagnetic models, but it can be complex since many elements are connected and affect each other.

Why It Is (Maybe) Safe To Conclude Some Legendary Thinkers Are Charlatans Without Reading Much Of Their Work

Singal-Minded • 1427 implied HN points • 30 Nov 25
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Sometimes it's okay to think critically about famous thinkers without reading everything they've written. Some writers, especially in certain philosophies, can be so unclear that it feels justifiable to dismiss their work.
  2. Clear writing is important. Many obfuscators use confusing language instead of straightforward arguments, which can make their ideas hard to take seriously.
  3. Listening to respected voices, like Noam Chomsky, can help inform your opinion about complex thinkers. If many knowledgeable people find that there's little value in a concept, it may be wise to trust their judgment.

Prelude no. 1 in C major---music you should know by name

Disaffected Newsletter • 1099 implied HN points • 22 Jun 24
🎶 Music Theory
  1. Bach's Prelude no. 1 in C Major is a beautiful and well-known piece of music that many people recognize, even if they don't know its name.
  2. The piece is part of a collection called the Well-Tempered Clavier, which showcases different musical keys and tuning systems.
  3. You can hear similarities between Bach's Prelude and the song 'Don't Cry for Me Argentina', showing how classical music influences modern songs.

Going offline

Wood From Eden • 1392 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
📚 Literature Theory
  1. The author is taking a break from online activities to focus on writing a book about the evolution of civilization. This decision is driven by a strong belief that their ideas deserve to be explored in depth.
  2. The author aims to provide a new perspective on civilization's development, arguing that both technology and mating efforts played significant roles, going beyond traditional theories that focus solely on subsistence.
  3. While they acknowledge past criticism regarding their bold claims, the author is now ready to gather more data to support their theory and welcomes input and opportunities for publishing.

"Were I a writer, and dead..."

Five’s Substack • 219 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
📚 Literature Theory
  1. The idea of the 'death of the author' suggests that the author's intentions shouldn't dictate how we understand their work. Instead, we should focus on the text itself and what it communicates.
  2. Experiencing literary theory can be overwhelming and exciting, especially for students. It often opens the door to new questions and perspectives that challenge previous understanding.
  3. Roland Barthes encourages readers to think about the little details in life. Even small aspects, like a mark on someone's shoe, can carry deeper meanings and connections.

How Are You Shaped By How You Write?

Castalia • 559 implied HN points • 18 Jun 24
📚 Literature Theory
  1. The tools you use for writing affect how you express your thoughts. Each medium, like paper or a typewriter, has its own energy and style.
  2. Writing by hand can feel personal and intimate, while typing might allow for faster expression but can also lead to distractions.
  3. The place you write also matters. Using a smart phone means you can jot down ideas anywhere, but it might make your writing less focused.

3.4.6 Permittivity & Permeability

Fields & Energy • 279 implied HN points • 08 May 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Permittivity describes how a material can allow electric displacement, showing the relationship between electric field and displacement. It helps us understand how electric forces behave in different materials.
  2. Permeability relates to how materials respond to magnetic fields, defining the strength of magnetic interactions. It helps in understanding the magnetic forces within various materials.
  3. Both permittivity and permeability are key concepts that link electrical physics and mechanical physics. They provide important information about how electric and magnetic fields interact with materials.

Julius Evola's Preface to The Decline of the West

The Oswald Spengler Project • 1078 implied HN points • 12 Aug 23
📚 Literature Theory
  1. Julius Evola's preface reflects on modernity, tradition, and the decline of aristocratic cultures.
  2. Evola critiques Spengler's concept of history as cyclical, emphasizing the idea of 'traditional man' and ahistorical civilizations.
  3. Spengler's work challenges the linear view of history, proposing that civilizations cycle through distinctive phases with unique characteristics and inevitable declines.

3.4.4 Ampère’s Law

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 24 Apr 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Ampère’s Law explains how electric currents create magnetic fields. You can use the right-hand rule to find the direction of the magnetic field around a current.
  2. We visualize magnetic fields using 'dot-x' notation. A 'dot' shows current coming toward you, while an 'x' shows it going away, helping to understand how fields form around currents.
  3. Maxwell introduced the idea of displacement current, which means a changing electric field can create a magnetic field. This is important for understanding how electromagnetic waves travel.

Your rating's not going up. What now?

Zwischenzug • 471 implied HN points • 13 Jan 24
🎾 Sports Theory
  1. Chess improvement can be divided into levels: taking pieces, tactics, and strategic play.
  2. Mastering lower levels of chess skills is crucial; they have a more significant impact on your game.
  3. Balancing theory and practice is essential for chess improvement; playing games is the best form of practice.

The Conversational Nature of Reality

The Joyous Struggle • 592 implied HN points • 05 Dec 23
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. The Antidebate project aimed to create a space for more meaningful public conversations, bridging the gap between debate and dialogue in addressing modern challenges.
  2. The concept of 'the conversational nature of reality' by David Whyte emphasizes the importance of the interaction between self and the world in shaping our existence and relationships.
  3. The evolution of the Antidebate project showcases the struggle of translating theory into practice, highlighting the complexities and uncertainties of introducing new social practices.

BEWARE of Occam's Razor

Insight Axis • 731 implied HN points • 08 Oct 23
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Occam's razor is a tool for finding the best explanations, not a one-size-fits-all solution. It should only be used in specific situations where competing explanations are equally valid.
  2. Good explanations are deep, broad, and hard to vary - not necessarily simple. Choosing simplicity over accuracy can lead to wrong conclusions, like favoring Newton's theory over Einstein's theory of relativity.
  3. Occam's razor can transfer complexity from explanations to objects, but doesn't always eliminate complexity. It's important to apply it correctly by selecting the explanation that avoids unnecessary complexity.

3.3 Potentials, Energy, & Fields

Fields & Energy • 239 implied HN points • 20 Mar 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. There's a debate in science about how we understand forces, like whether they act at a distance or through fields in space. Two main theories exist: one says forces happen instantly, while the other suggests they spread out gradually.
  2. George Green, a self-taught baker turned mathematician, made important contributions to the math behind electromagnetism. His work, which included ideas about electric potential and field theory, changed how we study these forces.
  3. Fields and potentials are two simple ways to describe how electricity and magnetism work. They help us understand how energy moves and behaves in different situations, like around charges or between capacitor plates.

How Does it Feel to Be a Bug?

Bet On It • 271 implied HN points • 30 Jul 25
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Bugs live short lives, but they don't experience long-term suffering like humans do. They don't linger in misery or worry about the future.
  2. Bugs likely have a different way of experiencing life. They probably don't feel loss, disappointment, or humiliation like we do.
  3. It's not clear if bugs are actually less happy than humans. They might have lives worth living, even if they face quick deaths.

The Intensive Margin

David Friedman’s Substack • 260 implied HN points • 29 Jul 25
🚌 Education Theory
  1. Many economics courses focus too much on math, making it less about real economic concepts. This can turn students away who expect more practical learning.
  2. Doing new research on topics that have been studied for a long time is tough because it's hard to say something fresh. It's often easier to use new math tools on old problems.
  3. To make meaningful contributions in economics, it's better to apply existing ideas to new areas rather than just trying to add more math to classic studies.

Theory

Software Design: Tidy First? • 220 implied HN points • 21 Jul 25
🕹 Technology Theory
  1. Software design is all about balancing behavior and structure to create value.
  2. Coupling affects the cost of software changes, meaning changes can get expensive if things are too tightly linked together.
  3. Understanding these principles helps in making better decisions about how to organize and maintain software.

Philosophic Premises of Quantum Mechanics – Part I

Fields & Energy • 359 implied HN points • 12 Nov 23
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Quantum mechanics is often misunderstood, with some believing it challenges objective reality. However, the issues stem from outdated philosophies rather than quantum theory itself.
  2. During the Weimar period in Germany, there was a strong cultural push against reason and causality. This opposition influenced the development of quantum mechanics during that time.
  3. Many scientists who shaped quantum mechanics were caught between supporting the new ideas and adhering to older principles of causality, leading to mixed interpretations of their findings.

The 2x2 Edition

Why is this interesting? • 1568 implied HN points • 01 Aug 23
💼 Business Theory
  1. 2x2 charts are a common tool in consulting and presentations to explain ideas
  2. The concept of 2x2 charts originated from the worlds of game theory and business strategy
  3. 2x2 charts aim to simplify complex ideas for better understanding and execution in organizations

Cohen vs. Trotsky: Is Marxism Without Dialectics Really Like a Clock Without a Spring?

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 239 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Marxism debates include the significance of the 'dialectical method' and if it's essential to the ideology.
  2. There's a discussion on whether Marxism can do without dialectics or if it's a crucial aspect.
  3. Understanding the relationship between Hegel's dialectical approach and Marxism is a key focus in analyzing theoretical differences.

Faithfulness in translation

The Leftovers • 199 implied HN points • 22 May 23
🎨 Art & Illustration Theory
  1. Translation is a crucial art that applies across various sectors, including literary work.
  2. Literary translation requires a different skill set but still follows similar principles as other forms of translation.
  3. Engaging in translation work offers a profound hands-on experience with language, revealing the truth of translation.

Controversy On Whether Growth Mindset Works Should Strengthen The Theory

The Future of Education • 158 implied HN points • 13 Dec 23
🚌 Education Theory
  1. Education research needs to move beyond just identifying 'best practices' and look for nuanced insights that work for specific individuals.
  2. Researchers should focus on deductive research to identify anomalies that can lead to a better understanding of interventions.
  3. Acknowledging anomalies in research can help in providing actionable insights that actually benefit educators and students.

Principles for the Permaweird

Breaking Smart • 219 implied HN points • 09 Feb 25
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Chiang's Law states that science fiction focuses on strange rules, while fantasy revolves around special people. This idea helps in understanding different storytelling styles.
  2. Chor-Pharn's Law suggests that knowing your identity leads to bigger conflicts, while uncertainty can cause cultural battles. It highlights the importance of self-awareness in societal issues.
  3. Boyd's Razor emphasizes prioritizing integrity over blind loyalty in leadership. This balance fosters a healthier work culture and encourages diverse ideas, preventing toxic environments.

Law of Large Numbers and the Gamblers Fallacy[Math Mondays]

Technology Made Simple • 179 implied HN points • 11 Sep 23
🚌 Education Theory
  1. The Law of Large Numbers states that as the number of trials increase, the average of results will get closer to the expected value.
  2. This law is crucial in scientific fields, allowing predictions on chaotic events, leading to industries like gambling and insurance.
  3. Misunderstanding the Law of Large Numbers can lead to the Gambler's Fallacy, as it deals with the convergence of infinitely many experiments, not individual ones.

Foundations of Physical Theory: Function of Models

Fields & Energy • 3 HN points • 02 Sep 24
🔬 Science Theory
  1. Models in physics help us understand complex ideas by simplifying them into more relatable forms. They allow us to reason about things we can't observe directly.
  2. It's important to consider the medium through which forces act, rather than just thinking of actions at a distance. This helps explain phenomena like electricity and magnetism more clearly.
  3. Using analogies can be helpful in learning new concepts, but we must be careful not to confuse them with the actual properties of the things we are studying.

The Art of Difficult Conversations

rebelwisdom • 275 implied HN points • 16 Feb 23
🚌 Education Theory
  1. Difficult conversations can be opportunities for growth and connection by embracing polarity.
  2. Developing curiosity, flexibility, and playfulness can help navigate challenging discussions with loved ones and strangers.
  3. Learning communication techniques and models can enhance relationships and facilitate deeper connections.

Inside Out

Reactionary Feminist • 19 implied HN points • 22 Nov 25
📚 Literature Theory
  1. Working on a book takes longer stretches of focused time. It's hard to get things flowing if the work is done in short bursts.
  2. The author plans to take breaks from regular updates to dedicate uninterrupted time to writing. This will help produce higher quality content.
  3. The reading list includes works that connect critical theory and theology. These topics are being explored together to deepen the understanding of identity and modern challenges.

RKUL: Time Well Spent 1/1/2025

Razib Khan's Unsupervised Learning • 211 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
📚 Literature Theory
  1. Books that challenge the norm can change how we think. Authors who present radical ideas might be dismissed but can spark new creativity.
  2. Parents often believe their choices greatly affect their children's outcomes, but many outcomes are influenced more by genetics and chance than parenting styles.
  3. Science evolves as new discoveries are made. Historical theories can be amazing, but modern techniques allow us to understand life in greater detail than ever before.

James Burnham’s managerialism eighty years later

Global Inequality and More 3.0 • 558 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🚌 Education Theory
  1. James Burnham proposed the concept of 'managerialism' as a replacement for capitalism, where managers rule while capitalists take a passive role.
  2. Burnham's predictions were proven wrong, but his analysis of the shift towards managerialism and the role of state in the economy remains relevant for reflection.
  3. Despite Burnham's inaccuracies, his ideas on managerial revolution and the potential for alternative economic systems in the future can still offer valuable insights.

In Memory of Donald Black

Bullfish Hole • 58 implied HN points • 10 Feb 24
🚌 Education Theory
  1. Donald Black made significant contributions to sociology with his theory on law and social control, providing a new perspective on understanding social reality.
  2. Donald Black was passionate about developing new ideas in sociology and was dedicated to ensuring the science of social life was explored thoroughly.
  3. Donald Black's work serves as a reminder of the true essence of sociology, focusing on explaining social conflicts rather than taking sides in moral debates.

How to Embrace the B-Theory of Time Without Abandoning All of Human Language

Philosophy for the People w/Ben Burgis • 119 implied HN points • 30 Jul 23
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. The B-Theory of time challenges the idea of an ontologically privileged present moment compared to the A-Theory.
  2. The B-Theory suggests that time is not dependent on human consciousness but is objectively defined.
  3. Embracing the B-Theory of time raises questions about the potential impact on human language and the truthfulness of statements.

The Integrity Objection to Utilitarianism

Going Awol • 119 implied HN points • 08 May 23
📖 Philosophy Theory
  1. Utilitarianism focuses on maximizing happiness and minimizing pain, even if it means compromising personal integrity.
  2. The Integrity Objection argues that utilitarianism undervalues personal values, aspirations, and moral integrity, leading to unreasonable demands.
  3. Critics point out that utilitarianism may push individuals to act against their core values, showing flaws in the theory's approach to balancing consequences and personal integrity.