Harris: Thank you for coming, I have some questions for you guys about philosophy for my class.
Julian Baggini: Not a problem Harris, I’m glad Nigel, Kurt, and I were able to meet up.
Harris: Alright, “Do you think philosophy can help people learn to respect truth, facts, reality, and one another, and to reject falsehood, superstition, selfishness, polarization, partisanship, and mutual hostility based on differences of race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, belief, etc.? If so, how? If not, why not?”
Julian Baggini: Good question Harris, in my book “How the World Thinks” I state “We should remember that way-seeking and truth-seeking are not incompatible. It should be possible for us to see the strengths of both and give both due emphasis. Your chances of finding the right way are improved if you are willing to see the world as it is, independently of your values. And your chances of making the most of the truths you discover are higher if you constantly bring those truths to bear on what most matters for human life” (Baggini 101).
Kurt Andersen: I have to agree with Julian, I feel like too often people are stuck too hard to their values. Values they may have developed from their parents and upbringing, and as a result they don’t change, even when change is needed. This can be seen in modern politics, where people are gridlocked to their political beliefs with no hope of being swayed.
Nigel Warburton: For so long humans, whether they be someone like Aristotle or just your average Joe have asked these questions, the more time that progresses, the more humans stay the same.
Harris: Very interesting, how would you guys suggest viewing the world independently of your values?
Julian Baggini: Well, first off when you are writing a paper you choose neutral sources correct? So when reading the news or developing perspectives, be a neutral source for yourself. Ask yourself what would the other side view the situation as? This can help you eliminate any biased perspective on your behalf.
Kurt Andersen: Kind of like I mentioned earlier, people nowadays are stuck to their beliefs and for the most part, are unwilling to alter them. As Julian said, if you try to view the other side’s perspective, it can help you understand the situation truthfully.
Harris: I often hear my friends, family members, or even see people on social media arguing over things from politics to which pizza place is the best place to order from. While some of these arguments are trivial, others are more important like politics. I do agree, people are way too entrenched at times. It’s a bit sad because of the division this causes. I try to hear the other side's viewpoints as well, and I do find that this gives me a greater understanding and appreciation of the “opponents”, if you will, and why they feel the way they do. This allows me to have respectful debates, and in the end, learn things at times.
Julian Baggini: Absolutely. It’s imperative to put aside what your notions are on the world, oftentimes people’s notions aren’t always what is best for the greater good. Casting these notions away is a good way to start seeking truths and improvements.
Harris: Well, gentlemen thank you for your time.
Kurt Andersen: Not a problem Harris, I enjoyed speaking with you all.
Nigel Warburton: Of course.
Baggini, Julian. How the World Thinks: a Global History of Philosophy. Granta, 2019.
Good start. Did you forget to pose the second question?
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