I don't think we can look at the record of probably any of the major political parties and say that they haven't used rather devious rhetoric, which are not based in reason. In particular, I'll give you the one example: Miliband was doing quite well when he threw out Tory HQ under Linton Crosby. And there is some evidence they worked a bit, right? Now, they didn't work because the electorate is so stupid that everyone believed it. It worked because enough people were, you know, the seeds of doubt were sown. Those things were put in that it affected them. But all you need to do is to fall enough of the people, enough of the time
Philosopher Julian Baggini shares the insights of his new book How to Think Like a Philosopher: Essential Principles for Clearer Thinking. In conversation with government minister Jesse Norman, who was himself once an academic philosopher, Baggini set out the techniques, methods and principles that guide philosophy, and show how they can be applied to our own lives – and our politics. Using precepts such as: pay attention, question everything, follow the facts, and think for yourself but not by yourself, Baggini shows how clearer thinking can help us meet the challenges of our troubled times.
We’d love to hear your feedback and what you think we should talk about next, who we should have on and what our future debates should be.
Send us an email or voice note with your thoughts to podcasts@intelligencesquared.com or Tweet us @intelligence2.
And if you’d like to support our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations, as well as ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content, early access and much more, become a supporter of Intelligence Squared today.
Just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices