How Philosophy Explains Our World, with Julian Baggini (Part One)

Intelligence Squared

News, Society & Culture, Arts, News Commentary

4.2 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 28 December 2025

⏱️ 38 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

What would Aristotle make of Keir Starmer? Would Plato be a Republican? And what can philosophy teach us about modern world? In October 2025 philosopher Julian Baggini came to Intelligence Squared to help us understand the world of politics through philosophy. He set out why ‘polarisation’ need not be a dirty word, what differentiates conspiracy theorists from skeptics, and how to apply precepts such as: follow the facts, be humble and think for yourself but not by yourself. --- This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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1:05.7	Welcome to Intelligence Squared, where Great Minds meet. I'm producer Mia Serente. Today's episode is part
1:13.7	one of our recent live event with philosopher and author Julian Bougini, recorded live at
1:19.2	Conway Hall. Buccini joined us to explore how philosophy explains our world. What would Aristotle
1:25.4	make of Kirstama? Would Plato be a Republican?
1:28.3	And what can ancient and modern philosophy teach us about today's turbulent politics?
1:34.3	In this event, the genie sets out why polarization isn't necessarily a dirty word.
1:39.3	What distinguishes conspiracy theories from genuine skeptics
	...

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