#1135 Ian James Kidd: What is Misanthropy?

Aug 11, 2025

In this fascinating discussion, Ian James Kidd, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham, delves into the intricacies of misanthropy. He contrasts common misanthropy with its philosophical counterpart, exploring the roots of human failings and societal vices. Kidd categorizes misanthropes into types like the activist and the quietist, examining their varied motivations. The conversation takes an intriguing turn as it considers embracing humanity's flaws while advocating for personal moral improvement amidst the backdrop of pervasive corruption.

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INSIGHT

Philosophical Misanthropy As A Verdict

Ian James Kidd distinguishes philosophical misanthropy as a reasoned verdict on humankind rather than merely an emotion.
He stresses it rests on evidence, arguments, and assessment, not only feelings.

ANECDOTE

Pathways Into Misanthropy

People become misanthropic through bad experiences, reflection, arguments, or religious influences.
Ian James Kidd describes converting to misanthropy in about a year after reading modern misanthropic writers.

ADVICE

Manage The Emotional Turbulence

Misanthropic conversion brings moral disorientation and intense negative emotions that need management.
Identify harmful emotions and develop coping practices to regulate them and sustain long-term commitments.

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Dr. Ian James Kidd is an Associate Professor at the Department of Philosophy at the University of Nottingham. Most of his current research concerns epistemology, virtues and vices, misanthropy (on which he is writing a book) and pessimism, and south and east Asian philosophies, especially Buddhism, Confucianism and Daoism.

In this episode, we talk about philosophical misanthropy. We first discuss what it is, the failing of humanity, and whether most people are decent. We then talk about the relationship between vices, corruption, and misanthropy; and religious and secular misanthropy. We discuss the different types of misanthropes: the activist, the enemy, the fugitive, and the quietist. Finally, we discuss if there could be a fifth type, who would simply embrace the evils of humanity, and how we can deal with humanity’s malevolence without losing hope.

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