The Influence of Temperament on Philosophy

Kieran Setia, a philosophy professor at MIT, discusses how his temperament influences his philosophical thinking. He describes himself as timid, cautious, and averse to radical views, preferring compromise and seeing truth in both sides of a dispute. He believes philosophy should solve puzzles and provide therapy that makes us more at home in the world. While he acknowledges contradictions in his temperament, such as being resolute yet conflict-averse, he explains how these aspects shape his philosophical perspectives. He also reflects on how temperament can influence philosophical thinking and whether it is a good or concerning phenomenon.