Battle of Ideas
BATTLE OF IDEAS – LONDON, 19/20 OCTOBER. I’m taking part in two (hopefully non-pugilistic) events at the Battle of Ideas[…]
ReadAuthor: Julian Baggini
What is the benefit of doubt?
Used properly, doubt is neither a dead end, nor an obstacle to be overcome, but a guide. That is not to say, however, that it is merely a means to an end, something that can be left behind once it has done its task. In order to maintain an awareness of other perspectives, and to keep testing the robustness of your own, doubt always needs to be a close companion, asking the difficult questions.
ReadShould we retreat?
Running away is sometimes exactly the right thing to do, and it can take courage to leave the familiar behind and go in search of something more uncertain, more unknown. Perhaps the taunt hurled at the ignoble knight Sir Robin – “He bravely ran away” – is not such an oxymoron after all.
ReadReview of Building: Isaiah Berlin’s Letters
In their introduction, the editors say: “If this is not one of the best letter-writers of the 20th century, we are ready to eat our respective hats.” Gentlemen, you can leave your hats on.
ReadAre we compassionate enough?
Compassion may be more at home in the corporate world than is commonly expected. It’s true that businesses can be more concerned with looking good than doing good. But when you have to answer to stakeholders, there is at least some pressure to show not just that you take the welfare of others seriously, but that you are actually doing something constructive about it and not merely wasting resources on empty gestures.
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