Hayek argues that an decentralized market is the most efficient market available because no one actor could possibly know everything that is otherwise communicated through prices. The Use of Knowledge in Society (Text)
Mike Munger discusses why organizations use firms despite the efficiency of markets and how those firms help make economic decisions.
Many of the societal norms we all follow today were not the product of deliberate planning, but a product of spontaneous order. Tom W. Bell uses the works of Adam Smith and Friedrich Hayek to explain spontaneous order and how…
How do incentives affect individuals and the choices they make? A discussion on how institutions influence the decisions that all individuals make through the incentives they offer.
It’s easy to understand that incentives influence policy-making decisions, but determining all the ways that a policy could influence individual behavior is more difficult. Professor Angela Dills explains the importance of looking at not only the obvious incentives that arise…
Professor Mario Villarreal-Diaz uses marginal analysis, or examining the benefits of choosing one option compared to the costs of that option, to explain why diamonds cost more than water, and how we use both marginal analysis and opportunity cost to…
Mario Villarreal-Diaz explains the important concept of opportunity cost, which is what is given up when one choice is pursued over another.
Don Bordeaux explains that a product’s value does not lie in the amount of money or resources that went into creating it, but rather the subjective value that a consumer puts on that product.
A short video explaining why destruction does not create economic prosperity.
A comprehensive, ground-up introduction to deductive economic science. Not charts and graphs, but the fundamental principles of the study of rational human behavior from the basic actions of a single individual to the complex world of money and markets.
An introduction to the often counter-intuitive science of basic economic thinking. Why do seat-belts kill? Why does popcorn cost more at the movies?
"There is only one difference between a bad economist and a good one: the bad economist confines himself to the visible effect; the good economist takes into account both the effect that can be seen and those effects that must…
For a more fleshed-out examination of the ideas on work in this section, we recommend The School of Life's How to Find Fulfilling Work. You can order the book at the Amazon link below. How To Find Fulfilling Work (Book,…
Psychologist Barry Schwartz writes on the need to rethink our concept of work and the role it plays in our lives.
In this Medium article, Praxis founder Isaac Morehouse introduces a way of thinking about the four types of relationships people have to their work.
These three short blog posts from Seth Godin argue against the notion that your professional success depends on being discovered or getting picked.
"Doing what you love" is a nice idea on paper, and it sounds like a breeze. YCombinator Paul Graham argues that doing what we love is more complex (and difficult) than the simplistic picture we're often given.
Praxis founder Isaac Morehouse reflects on the importance of thinking critically about your philosophy of work.
Former Dirty Jobs host Mike Rowe takes a new approach to thinking about the relationship between work and passion.
Entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban gives his take on the "follow your passion" meme.
Cal Newport makes his case for why the "follow your passion" meme falls short of what really describes the process underlying the careers of those who love what they do.
Entrepreneur and LinkedIn Top Voice on Education Zak Slayback argues that we should rethink the work/life balance (and the work/life distinction itself).
Brain Pickings' Maria Popova looks at a letter written from playwright Eugene O'Neill to a son struggling with work ethic.
Simon Sinek discusses the power of prioritizing "why" over "what" and "how" when building a brand or organization.
Brain Pickings' Maria Popova examines a lesser-known book on the philosophy of work from the post-war period in the United States.
You answer multiple philosophical questions every time you go to work. You just might not realize it. Let the School of Life's Alain de Botton acquaint you with the philosophy of work.
Todd Buchholz argues that a life of work is essential for our health and happiness. He further argues against the notion that less stress/more vacation = fulfillment/freedom.
Bertrand Russell goes against the grain of much of Western society by arguing that hard work is not a virtue after all.
Is there a purpose outside of our ourselves? If not, how do we find a reason to live?
This three-part conversation between theoretical physicist and cosmologist Prof. Lawrence Krauss and theologian and philosopher Dr William Lane Craig explores the relationship between science, theism, and existence.
How should we think about God? Radical theologian and philosopher Don Cupitt introduces the non-realist view of the divine.
Philosopher and School of Life founder Alain de Botton shares some ideas on how secular people can gain meaning, insight, and valuable traditions from the world's religions.
Sam Harris is one of the world's leading atheist critics of religion. In Waking Up, reviewed here by Maria Popova from Brain Pickings, he argues that some traditional spiritual practices can still offer compelling insights into human consciousness.
Ryan Bell is a former Christian pastor who decided to spend a year living out his doubts. The experience has given him some unique insights into how to live with uncertainty, follow the evidence, and welcome the truth.
Philosopher Aaron Ridley joins Philosophy Bites for a discussion on German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche's changing views on the connection between art and truth.
When discussing film, most philosophers focus on the nature of the medium. Mulhall views film in a very different way and, in doing so, argues that film is philosophy.
"Philosopher of wine" Barry Smith joins Philosophy Bites to discuss the subjective experience of tasting wine and its value as an activity.
In an age in which modern art constantly challenges definitions of art, Open University philosopher Derek Matravers explores the question of what exactly art is.
Musician and music historian Leon Botstein explores the philosophical study of aesthetics across music, painting, architecture, movies, and more.
Philosopher Robert Nozick's thought experiment addresses our interaction with the real world and its connection to what makes a life good and worthwhile.
This interactive thought experiment addresses free will and determinism, the two opposing camps in understanding human consciousness and moral responsibility. Take the thought experiment.
In this TED talk, ethicist Peter Singer poses several thought experiments that can help you think about how you help others (and how you can do it more effectively).
This essay addresses the "Last Man" thought experiment in an investigation into the objective value of the environment.
Ronald Bailey discusses several moral arguments against terraforming other planets.
Dr. Joshua Thurow of Augustana College lectures on one of the foundational questions of morality: is it even real? Listen to the lecture.
Do you do that which maximizes happiness, or do you act in a way that always treats others as ends in themselves, never merely as means? This thought experiment will give you several scenarios in which you can test how…
Google’s in-house philosopher Damon Horowitz discusses different theories of ethics and how we can work towards developing what he calls a “moral operating system” which will help us act rightly towards others.
Are there universal moral intuitions? Many philosophers and scientists ask this question. Georgetown University's John Mikhail looks to the theory of universal moral grammar as a clue.
Philosopher Roger Crisp breaks down John Stuart Mill's philosophy of ethical utilitarianism.
Peter Singer explains the importance of thinking ethically, examining several ethical questions touching on how we spend our money and whether we are obligated to help others.
This panel discussion explores the impact of evolutionary theory and neuroscience on traditional views on morality.
Massimo Pigliucci argues that the disciplines of philosophy and science have been alienated for too long. In this talk he introduces a way of thinking philosophically about scientific findings.
According to Professor Hasok Chang, the tendency of modern science is "to assume that it is in possession of the one right way of studying nature that will eventually yield a uniquely correct and unchangeable body of knowledge." Chang challenges…
Institute for Advanced Study director Robbert Dijkgraaf draws from the history of scientific advancement to argue for a robust renewal of scientific experimentation and adventure beyond academia.
Do our scientific models describe objective reality, or are they just useful human constructs? Here John Wilkins presents competing views in modern philosophy of science debates.
Math can't be experienced by the senses or independently verified outside of a human mind. Does that mean it doesn't exist? What does this mean for how we think about other concepts?
The philosophy of science attempts to resolve conflicting conclusions produced by science and empiricism.
A theoretical physicist and now philosophy lecturer refutes Feynman's claim that philosophy of science is useless to scientists.
Since legal rules, not just individual decisions, shape the overall distribution of resources within society, Zwolinski argues that libertarians ought to embrace a theory of social justice.
In this excerpt from Anarchy, State, and Utopia, Nozick claims that John Rawls' theory of distributive justice is actually unjust.
Political philosopher Matt Zwolinki examines high liberalism's concept of social justice and the classical liberal and libertarian responses to it.
Why do economists speak of value as being subjective? Don't philosophers spend their time trying to find objective truth and values? Philosophy professor Aeon Skoble argues that these ways of talking about value aren't contradictory.
In this TEDx talk, political philosopher Michael Huemer discusses the rampant irrationality in politics and society. He highlights the importance of questioning your own beliefs and ensuring that they are reasonable.
In this video, philosopher Tamar Gendler discusses the role of government in society through the lens of Hobbes, Rawls, and Nozick.
In this essay, John Hasnas shares his arguments on the nature of law and how it is molded by interpretation.
Federalist Letter #78 explains the role of the judiciary in establishing and enforcing the rule of law in a constitutional republic.
English political philosopher John Stuart Mill's famous Harm Principle states that "the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilized community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others." Why is this…
University of Cambridge law professor Matthew Kramer investigates various views on rights in order to define what exactly a legal right is.
Oxford jurisprudence professor John Gardner discusses the nature of constitutions and how they ought to be interpreted.
In this video, Mansfield argues for the value of political philosophy in shaping our answers to questions about what a just society and just individual action look like.
In this video, Harvard government professor Harvey Mansfield helps to define political philosophy, political science, and their differences.
This exercise is all about testing your logical thinking skills, and perhaps lowering your opinion of them. Take the test.
If you've encountered the Trolley Problem, you know that it frustrates many first-timers as well as many experienced philosophers. Well, it just got a bit more (ethically) complicated. Start the thought experiment.
When Robert Nozick published the paper introducing this exercise – the Newcomb Paradox – in 1969, he wrote that "to almost everyone, it is perfectly clear and obvious what should be done. The difficulty is that these people seem to…
Suppose you're on a game show, and you're given the choice of three doors: behind one door is a car; behind the others, goats. You pick a door, say No. 1, and the host, who knows what's behind the doors,…
Economist Bryan Caplan writes on why the ability to engage in hypothetical thinking is essential for developing intellectual clarity.
Daniel Dennett is a world-renowned thinker on the philosophy of consciousness. In this Big Think video, he explains how philosophers use thought experiments (or "intuition pumps"), and he invites you to participate in the time-honored tradition.
In 2011, Edge.org publisher John Brockman, linguist Steven Pinker, and psychologist Daniel Kahneman asked 151 influential philosophers, doctors, and research scientists for their answers to the question “What scientific concept will improve everybody’s cognitive toolkit?” The answers that follow take…
Here are some examples of fallacious statements. Practice identifying the fallacy committed in each example. Ready to find the fallacy? Start the exercise.
Validity is one of the first tests for a good argument. This exercise will train you to spot what makes an argument valid or invalid. Take the valid or invalid test.
Logical fallacies, illustrated by cartoon characters. Need we say more? Read An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments here.
Reasoning is a skill like any other. You can choose to do it well or badly, and that choice depends on how you approach the principles of critical reasoning outlined in this article from Philosophy Now.
Perhaps you've heard that Socrates was one of the fathers of philosophy. But what made him so unique and memorable as a thinker? In this Philosophy Bites interview, King's College London professor M.M. McCabe introduces the Socratic method.
Human beings are remarkably good at getting things wrong. Many of our moments of greatest certainty come when we're furthest from the truth. This lecture explores some of the limits of human thought, feelings, and sensory experience – and some…
Jason Fried of 37 Signals discusses the importance of taking time to think things through before being too quick to disagree.
When, where, and how should you share your opinion? There are some prerequisites.
In this TED talk, philosopher Daniel H. Cohen argues that our world of talk radio pundits and combative debate has missed the entire point of argumentation.
Want to dive further into the history of philosophy? Nigel Warburton's (of Philosophy Bites) A Little History of Philosophy will take you through the growth of Western philosophy and its thinkers. You can order the book at the link below.…
Old ideas get a bad rap, but Oxford philosophy professor Adrian Moore makes the case that they're still vitally important to forming a living philosophy today.
British philosopher Ray Monk joins the Philosophy Bites crew for a discussion on how a philosopher's life affects their conclusions, and vice versa.
Legendary YCombinator founder and startup investor Paul Graham writes on where he thinks the study of philosophy has gone wrong and offers his prescription for how to fix it.
Joshua Knobe believes in the importance of experimentation to philosophy. Through the technique of experimental philosophy, he has investigated the conflict between determinism and moral responsibility, in addition to how moral judgments shape the way we understand people’s actions.
Many philosophers become mere logical fallacy detectors, capable of crushing intriguing ideas in their infancy. In this Philosophy Bites episode, writer Jonathan Reé instead argues that philosophers can be artists, embracing interesting ideas and utilizing literary techniques.
In "Philosophy as Quest," Jon Dorbolo gives an in-depth analysis of what philosophy is, its relationship to other fields of study, and its importance in helping us understand our own belief systems.
Philosophy isn't just for the armchair. Many of the world's leading entrepreneurs were shaped by their training in philosophy. They're able to bring philosophical thinking to the problems of value creation.
These two articles address criticisms of the perceived uselessness of philosophy made by Neil deGrasse Tyson, Stephen Hawking, Richard Feynman, and other prominent scientists.
Philosopher and historian Richard Carrier addresses common objections agains the value of philosophy in this lecture to Skepticon. You can find notes on this lecture in the PDF below this video.
Bertrand Russell argues that philosophy should not be pursued for the sake of definite answers but rather for the sake of contemplation itself.