Julian Baggini discusses how philosophical principles can sharpen our political discourse and personal thinking. He emphasizes techniques like questioning everything and following the facts. The conversation touches on how political deception impacts public perception and the need for honesty in politics. Baggini critiques the alignment of party loyalty over sincere engagement with complex issues like climate change and COVID. He advocates for a democratic space that welcomes competing values, urging for clearer, more reflective political dialogue.
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Thinking Virtues in Politics
Good thinking requires not just technical skills, but also virtues like accuracy and sincerity.
Many politicians, though smart, struggle with these virtues, prioritizing scoring political points over truth.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Burke's Revolutionary Stance
Burke supported the American Revolution but opposed the French Revolution.
This seeming inconsistency reflects different understandings of "revolution" in each context.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Dead Cat Strategy
The Tories, under Lynton Crosby, employed the "dead cat strategy" against Miliband, distracting from other issues.
While not universally effective, such tactics can sow doubt among enough voters to make a difference.
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In *How to Think Like a Philosopher*, Julian Baggini explores the methods and attitudes of philosophical thought, providing a fresh introduction to both canonical and contemporary philosophers. The book identifies twelve key principles that promote critical thinking, such as paying attention and questioning everything, which can be applied to various aspects of life, from understanding climate change to personal self-assessment.
Justice Is Conflict
Stuart Hampshire
In 'Justice Is Conflict', Stuart Hampshire challenges traditional notions of justice by arguing that it inherently involves conflict. He distinguishes between procedural justice, which requires both sides of a conflict to be heard, and substantive justice, which is always subject to dispute. Hampshire's work critiques the idea of achieving harmony through reason alone, instead emphasizing the role of institutionalized argument in resolving conflicts.
Truth and Truthfulness
Bernard Williams
In *Truth and Truthfulness*, Bernard Williams explores the concept of truth and its importance in human society. He argues that truth is essential for successful human interaction and identifies two key virtues of truthfulness: Accuracy, which involves seeking reliable information, and Sincerity, which involves expressing genuine beliefs. Williams uses a genealogical approach to trace the evolution of these virtues, drawing on historical figures and philosophical traditions.
The President of Good and Evil
Peter Singer
In *The President of Good and Evil*, Peter Singer examines the ethical principles and actions of George W. Bush, highlighting contradictions between his stated values and policies. The book critiques Bush's domestic and foreign policies, including his stance on issues like stem cell research, the death penalty, and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Singer argues that Bush's moral framework is simplistic and often inconsistent with ethical theories.
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.
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