Philosophy Archives

Reason and Emotion: How Do They Influence Morality?

How is morality determined by reason and emotion? Which force is stronger when it comes to ethics? Some argue that morality is governed by reason. Others insist that morality is governed by emotion. In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt discusses the argument, showing how philosophers and psychologists point to reason and emotion as driving forces behind our moral choices. He believes that one argument is stronger, and he offers insight into how we can leverage this to persuade others. Read more to learn how reason and emotion come into play when it comes to our sense of right

Debunking the New Atheists: Religion Is Not a Virus

What do the New Atheists believe about religion? Are they right? In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that the New Atheists get it wrong when it comes to religion. Their claim that religion is a virus is at odds with the benefits that religion provides to society. Read on to learn how Haidt believes the New Atheists are wrong about religion.

Empathy and Morality: What Is the Connection?

What is the connection between empathy and morality? Do the moral philosophies of Bentham and Kant go far enough? In his book The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt asserts that popular Western theories about morality fail to fully grasp the connection between empathy and morality. He points to the moral philosophies of Jeremy Bentham and Immanuel Kant in particular. Read more to learn about the treatment of empathy and morality in Western philosophy.

Tony Robbins: Values and Why They Matter

What does Tony Robbins say about values? How can understanding your values change your mindset for the better? According to Tony Robbins, values can dictate every evaluation and decision you make. When you’re clear on your values, they act as your compass, guiding you unequivocally toward any action that upholds them. As argued by Tony Robbins, values that are understood fully can lead to happiness, empowerment, and fulfillment. Find out more about Tony Robbins’ value theory below.

How to Ask for What You Want: Ask and Receive

Does fear of rejection prevent you from getting what you want? How do you ask for what you want in an unobtrusive yet bold and assertive way? Sometimes, all it takes to get what you want is asking for it. But it’s easy to hold yourself back—maybe you’re afraid of rejection, so you decide it’s better not to ask than to face a “no.” Here are some tips on how to ask for what you want to increase your chances of actually getting it.

How Caring About What Others Think Makes Us Better

How can caring about what others think of us make us better people? What power does this kind of pressure have? In The Righteous Mind, social psychologist Jonathan Haidt argues that caring about what others think of us can cause us to make better moral judgments. When we’re concerned about our reputation, we behave better. Read more to learn how caring about what others think of us can make us better people.

Are Games Art or Stories? Raph Koster’s Take

Are games art? Are games stories? Or are games metaphors? Can they be all three, and why does it matter? Game designer and author of A Theory of Fun for Game Design, Raph Koster, delves into these questions in his book. Koster wants to legitimize gaming because of the potential benefits games could have on society. Keep reading for Koster’s opinion on games’ role in society.

Stoicism: A Good Life Philosophy

8 Secrets to Living a Good Life [Charlie Munger]

What does a good life look like to you? How did Stoics believe that one should live their life? In Stoicism, a good life is not necessarily a life of fulfilled dreams and accomplished ambitions. According to Marcus Aurelius, a life lived well is one lived in accordance with two simple principles: willingly giving help and ridding yourself of anxiety. Here is what it means to live a good life, according to Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius.

A Brief History of Time: Quotes by Stephen Hawking

Looking for A Brief History of Time quotes by Stephen Hawking? What are some of the most noteworthy passages worth re-visiting? Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time is an exploration of the forces that govern our universe. The following quotes and passages simply but elegantly distill some of the key concepts discussed in the book. Keep reading for quotes and passages from A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.

Stephen Hawking and A Brief History of Time

Is Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time worth reading? What are some of the key topics explained in the book? A Brief History of Time is an exploration of the forces that govern our universe. It distills a wide range of topics, from Newton’s laws of gravity to special and general relativity, the Big Bang, black holes, the possibilities of time travel, the quantum theory, and more. Here is a brief overview of Stephen Hawking’s book A Brief History of Time: From the Big Bang to Black Holes.