Nigel Warburton
19 May 2022
Everyday Philosophy: The problem with whataboutery
Whataboutists try to convince you that all wrongdoing is the same because ignoring how the cases differ never works in their favour
Read the full article12 May 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How to win hearts and minds
Our feelings shape what we do and they arise from our interactions with the world and changes in our bodies. It's time to get back to thinking about decision-making in this way
Read the full article05 May 2022
Everyday Philosophy: We are on the cusp of a social crisis
The rich may be well-protected. But for the rest of us, this is going to be a very rough ride
Read the full article28 April 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why we need analyses of atrocities
But, we also need art that exposes us to different ways of thinking about them
Read the full article21 April 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Russian soldiers need to know the world is watching them
The so-called Nuremberg defence of “I was just following orders” won't protect them, nor should it
Read the full article07 April 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Does wisdom always come with old age?
Cicero famously said that old age is the final act in the play of life. But that doesn't always mean wisdom plays a part in it
Read the full article31 March 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why this spring could prove the pessimists wrong
Despite the devastation in Ukraine, there is still room for hope this spring
Read the full article24 March 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How photography captures the unforgiving reality of war
Photos quickly become burned into memory and can trigger a stronger human response than words or cool statistical analysis
Read the full article17 March 2022
Everyday Philosophy: What Hobbes teaches us about our desire for peace
If Hobbes is right, perhaps the only way to maintain peace is to have a powerful world organisation that can enforce international laws and punish states that break them
Read the full article10 March 2022
Everyday Philosophy: What Aristotle teaches us about the bravery of the Ukrainians
Putin will never subjugate those who, despite their fears, stand up and defend their families, homes and democracy itself
Read the full article03 March 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why we need to keep talking to each other
Polish ophthalmologist LL Zamenhof's dream of a universal language that would foster international harmony never really caught on. Nonetheless, we have to keep communicating with each other
Read the full article23 February 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why we’re pessimistic about power
As the power games play out in Europe, we continue to hope that key players will use reason and self-control
Read the full article17 February 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why it’s right to feel uncomfortable about Jimmy Carr’s comedy
Intentions aren't everything, says philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON. Casually racist jokes can normalise contempt and hatred for minority groups
Read the full article10 February 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why we should be wary of political metaphors
'Cutting the red tape' was always an easy message to sell. But, philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON warns us not to get beguiled by the imagery of political rhetoric
Read the full article03 February 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How the British became bad at waiting
Philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON on why it's alright to be impatient while we wait for the full Sue Gray report, and why we hope for some gratification from it.
Read the full article27 January 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How the arguments for republicanism haunt today’s Royal family
Using Thomas Paine's anti-monarchy arguments today suddenly makes close scrutiny of the royal family not look quite so promising, writes NIGEL WARBURTON.
Read the full article20 January 2022
Everyday Philosophy: Why compassion must not be forgotten in the wake of Partygate
While Britain has focussed on Boris Johnson's partying and Prince Andrew, desperate people have risked their lives in cold and dangerous waters, writes NIGEL WARBURTON.
Read the full article13 January 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How to decode politicians’ use of flags
Keir Starmer opted for the backdrop of a Union flag while he delivered a keynote speech. It may look like a prop, but we can't ignore it, writes NIGEL WARBURTON.
Read the full article06 January 2022
Everyday Philosophy: How to define a party
Most parties include alcohol, some even include cheese... Philosopher NIGEL WARBUTON on what makes a party.
Read the full article16 December 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Hypocrisy is everywhere you look
Public figures, including Prince Charles, continue to demonstrate that it's one rule for us, and another for them.
Read the full article09 December 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Don’t underestimate the importance of playtime
Philosopher NIGEL WARBUTON why we must not forget the fun and games of life when it seems bleak.
Read the full article02 December 2021
Everyday Philosophy: How Doomsday changes the way we live
Philosopher NIGEL WARBUTON on how Covid isn't the only disaster we should be wary of.
Read the full article25 November 2021
Everyday Philosophy: What John Stuart Mill would think about freeing Britney and Brexit
Britney may finally be free – even to marry Sam Asghari – sadly, the same can't be said of the UK.
Read the full article18 November 2021
Why shaming Boris Johnson for his self-serving antics is unlikely to work
Why Boris Johnson's true hero is more like the cynic philosopher Diogenes of Sinope.
Read the full article11 November 2021
Everyday Philosophy: The worrying link over cruelty to animals
Philosopher NIGEL WARBUTON on the link between those who are cruel to animals and violence against humans.
Read the full article04 November 2021
Everyday Philosophy: How disgust led latest Tory backlash
From U-bend to U-turn, NIGEL WARBURTON on the role of disgust in UK politics
Read the full article28 October 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Where have all the Nigels gone?
The name is at risk of going extinct. On this decline, Philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON ponders why this is.
Read the full article21 October 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Why do so many choose suffering over comfort?
The Tories appear to be exploiting a weakness in humans, where they will tolerate pain and suffering over comfort.
Read the full article14 October 2021
Everyday Philosophy: How it all comes down to taste
How much attention should we pay to food reviews and rankings? Philosopher NIGEL WARBURTON gives his take.
Read the full article07 October 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Resisting the urge to gloat over Brexit schadenfreude
Schadenfreude might seem harmless, but there's a difference between a temporary feeling and living your whole life gloating about it.
Read the full article30 September 2021
Everyday Philosophy: Anger – is it always a bad emotion?
There are different kinds of anger - some good and some bad. The right kind of anger can be valuable.
Read the full article23 September 2021
Everyday Philosophy: What is art?
NIGEL WARBURTON, one of the world’s most-read philosophers, considers the latest art installation at Paris’s Arc de Triomphe.
Read the full article