Counterfactual Reasoning & Effective Altruism (MacAskill)

A man standing at a crossroads with signs that point in various directions illustrates counterfactual reasoning

Do you ever think about what could have been? How can answering that question help you make better decisions? In his book Doing Good Better, William MacAskill presents the concept of counterfactual reasoning as a tool for effective altruism. He explains how this approach can help you evaluate the real-world impact of your charitable choices and career decisions. Read more to discover a more strategic approach to making a difference in the world.

The Scientific View of Human Nature: Steven Pinker Explains

A collage of three people--a young man, a young woman, and an old woman--illustrate the scientific view of human nature

What’s wrong with the mainstream view of human nature? How does it hold up in light of current scientific understanding? In The Blank Slate, Steven Pinker lays out his scientific arguments against the mainstream view of human nature. Then, he articulates a scientific view of human nature and what this alternative perspective means for gender differences, politics, and our understanding of personality. Read more to understand where Pinker is coming from.

Why the Mainstream Theory of Human Nature Is Flawed (Pinker)

People walking down a city street illustrates the mainstream theory of human nature

What’s the mainstream theory of human nature? Why does Steven Pinker think it’s old-fashioned and, thus, misguided? Throughout most of the 20th century, the mainstream intellectual view of human nature was that humans are benevolent blank slates, with immaterial souls distinct from their physical bodies. But, according to cognitive psychologist and public intellectual Steven Pinker, this view is mistaken. Keep reading to learn what the theory is and how it falls short.

Plato’s Ship Allegory: An Ideal Ruler Has a Philosopher’s Character

An ancient Greek ship in the blue waters off a rocky coast illustrates Plato’s ship allegory

What kind of people make the best leaders? What might an ancient allegory teach us about modern governance? In his seminal work The Republic, Plato introduces the concept of philosopher-kings as ideal rulers. Plato’s ship allegory illustrates why philosophers are best suited for leadership roles. We explore the ship metaphor and its relevance to political governance. Read on to discover how well Plato’s ancient wisdom resonates in today’s complex political landscape.

The Republic: Plato’s Foundational Work (Overview & Takeaways)

A man in a three-piece suit reading a book while sitting on a bench in an urban park with flowers and birds in the background

What’s Plato’s primary argument in The Republic? Why did he choose to write in the form of dialogues? In The Republic, Plato provides one of the foundations of the Western philosophical canon. He gives key arguments, images, and allegories about morality, politics, and knowledge. This includes but isn’t limited to Plato’s ideal city, his concept of philosopher kings, and his allegory of the cave. Continue reading for our overview of The Republic by Plato.

The Republic’s Allegory of the Cave: What Does It Mean?

A cave with a campfire and shadows on the wall illustrates The Republic's allegory of the cave

What’s the true nature of reality? What if everything you perceive is just a shadow of something greater? In Plato’s The Republic, the allegory of the cave explores these profound questions. This thought-provoking metaphor illustrates the journey from ignorance to enlightenment and the role of philosophers in society. It’s part of a series of metaphors Plato uses to explain his concept of the ideal ruler. Keep reading to learn about one of philosophy’s most enduring allegories.

Plato’s Republic: Why Philosopher-Kings Are the Ideal Rulers

An artistic rendering of an ancient Greek ruler illustrates Plato’s Republic philosopher-kings

What kind of a person should lead a society? What makes someone an ideal ruler? In Plato’s Republic, philosopher-kings are presented as the type of people who are best suited to rule over others. He uses three powerful (and well-known) metaphors to illustrate his point. Keep reading to discover why wisdom might be the ultimate leadership quality.

What Is Plato’s Timocracy Society From The Republic?

An ancient Spartan army general with troops in the background illustrates Plato's timocracy

What’s the connection between military prowess and political power? What happens when a society values honor above all else? In The Republic, Plato introduces the concept of timocracy through his character Socrates. According to Plato, a timocracy is a society where military achievement and honor are the primary drivers of political power. Continue reading for details about this political system and the potential pitfalls of prioritizing martial values over philosophical wisdom.

Plato: An Oligarchy Is a Society Structured Around Wealth

A wealthy man in ancient Greece represents Plato's description of an oligarchy

How does wealth impact society? What are the consequences of a system where money equals power? In The Republic, Plato explores different societal structures through the character of Socrates. According to Plato, an oligarchy is as a system where wealth determines political power. This concept is part of a larger discussion on the decline of ideal societies. Keep reading to discover why Plato believed oligarchies fall short and how they shape both society and individuals.

Chaos Theory and Free Will: Unpredictability vs. Choice

Two colored circles representing the diagram of chaos theory

Is free will really a thing? How might chaos theory relate to our ability to make choices? In his book Determined, Robert Sapolsky explores the fascinating intersection of chaos theory and free will. He explains the theory and how it might be applied to decision-making in complex systems. He also points to what he believes are flaws in the application. Keep reading to discover why unpredictability doesn’t necessarily mean indeterminism and how you can use options to navigate an unpredictable world.