March 2023 – How to Think like a Philosopher
Dr. Julian Baggini
In March, we held a talk by the philosopher Dr. Julian Baggini, an Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Kent. He joined us to talk about his latest book, How to Think Like a Philosopher.
Modesty and Humility
At the outset, Julian explained that modesty and humility are requirements of good thinking, and without those things, one can go astray. “Even the smartest people, when they know they’re smart, can often get over-confident, and overreach,” he said.
How to Think Like a Philosopher.
While the book’s title might imply there are quick and easy hacks to employ for better thinking, Julian stressed that thinking well is difficult. “Be aware that cognitive shortcuts will be problematic, and we’ve got to erect speed bumps,” he said.
Those “speed bumps” include taking time to get the facts right and not jumping to conclusions. Also important is the pure and sincere intent to find the truth (and not to defend an already-held view, or to attack someone else’s).
Moral Obligation
He talked about the ethical imperative to think better. “There’s a moral obligation here. If you don’t reason well, you end up believing things you shouldn’t believe; following people you shouldn’t follow; doing things you shouldn’t do. And these things have consequences.” Click here for the book