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PHILOSOPHY FOR THE REAL WORLD

PHILOSOPHY FOR THE REAL WORLD

Written by: PHILOSOPHY FOR THE REAL WORLD
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About this listen

 This is a series of podcasts by Professor Thomas White about the practical usefulness of philosophy--philosophy for the real world. We live in a culture that bombards us with messages about what we should buy, value, believe, and how to vote. But how do we decide what's going to advance our interests--rather than the interests of the people trying to persuade us? Each podcast applies philosophical tools that will help you clearly understand a critical issue before taking any action. The goal of these podcasts is primarily practical—to show you how applying philosophical tools can put you in a position where you have maximum control over your decisions.© 2026 PHILOSOPHY FOR THE REAL WORLD Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 3: How well do you know what Americans think?

    Episode 3: How well do you know what Americans think?
    Feb 18 2026
    Think of this as a test. Sorry about the cryptic episode title, but saying too much will be a spoiler.
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    13 mins
  • Episode 2: Why do the right thing?

    Episode 2: Why do the right thing?
    Feb 16 2026
    “Doing the right thing” is often difficult because it means putting other people’s interests ahead of our own. The ancient Greek thinker Socrates has an interesting–and surprising–perspective because he argues that “vice harms the doer.” The selfish thing, then, is to avoid that harm by doing what’s right.
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    15 mins
  • Episode 1: Philosophy for the Real World. Introduction.

    Episode 1: Philosophy for the Real World. Introduction.
    Feb 16 2026
    This is the first in a series of podcasts by Professor Thomas White about the practical usefulness of philosophy–philosophy for the real world. This episode identifies the main areas of philosophy we’ll be applying: logic, ethics, knowledge, living with others in community. For a general introduction to philosophy, see my Discovering Philosophy (Hackett). Click here for information.
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    12 mins
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