The 80/20 Principle

298: Thinking Like a Philosopher: Jonny Thomson on Truth, AI, and the Socratic Method

Dec 24, 2024
Jonny Thomson, a best-selling author and Oxford professor, shares insights on philosophy, ethics, and AI's impact on truth. He emphasizes how critical thinking can uncover biases in our complex world. The Socratic method plays a crucial role in both philosophy and law, promoting deeper inquiry. Thomson also discusses his writing journey and the challenges of adapting philosophical ideas for social media. The interplay between AI and human intelligence raises important questions about knowledge reliability and the nature of truth.
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ANECDOTE

Unexpected Book Cover Color

  • Jonny Thomson's book "Mini Philosophy" unexpectedly had a bright green cover, surprising him.
  • The book's success led to its translation into 22 languages, furthering his surprise.
ANECDOTE

Algorithm's Discovery

  • Bernie discovered Thomson through Instagram's algorithm, despite not following much philosophy content.
  • This serendipitous discovery sparked Bernie's interest in Thomson's work, highlighting the algorithm's occasional usefulness.
INSIGHT

Freud's Philosophical Contributions

  • Freud's work, while lacking empirical data, offers valuable philosophical insights into human concepts.
  • He unpacks ideas like the human condition, exploring their broader implications.
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