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Julian Baggini

Writer and Philosopher, UK

Julian Baggini is a writer and philosopher. His latest book is How to Think Like a Philosopher (2023).

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Written by Julian Baggini

Close-up of a tabby cat sleeping with its paws tucked in, showing a peaceful expression with closed eyes and striped fur.

essayAnimals and humans

Goodbye Pixel

Although it felt more like bereavement for a person than the loss of a thing, the death of a pet isn’t exactly like either

Julian Baggini

A wooden cabin perched on a forested hillside above a tranquil lake, surrounded by dense trees and rugged terrain.

essayThinkers and theories

Secular pilgrimage

Visiting Wittgenstein’s home evokes the philosopher’s serious, ascetic mind (no doubt he would disapprove its restoration)

Julian Baggini

Graffiti on a wall showing a silhouette of a person with “E. KANT” written below. The wall texture is rough and white.

ideaHistory of ideas

Why sexist and racist philosophers might still be admirable

Julian Baggini

Five people sitting at a counter sipping from large bowls, with stacks of bowls and utensils in the foreground.

ideaPleasure and pain

Is there any real distinction between ‘high’ and ‘low’ pleasures?

Julian Baggini

Abstract painting of David Hume’s face, featuring colourful geometric shapes and bold lines in the background and on the face.

essayThinkers and theories

Hume the humane

Hume believed we were nothing more or less than human: that’s why he’s the amiable, modest, generous philosopher we need now

Julian Baggini

Black-and-white photo of three men examining a lunar module model in front of a large moon image, with one man pointing at it.

ideaCognition and intelligence

The triage of truth: do not take expert opinion lying down

Julian Baggini

Ancient Chinese painting of a man riding a dark horse with a pale horse in the background, calligraphic text is on the left side.

essayFairness and equality

In defence of hierarchy

As a society we have forgotten how to talk about the benefits of hierarchy, expertise and excellence. It’s time we remembered

Stephen C Angle, Kwame Anthony Appiah, Julian Baggini and others

Vintage photo of a woman lying on a railway track as an oncoming steam train approaches in a semi-rural setting.

ideaValues and beliefs

Life-and-death thought experiments are correctly unsolvable

Julian Baggini

Chefs preparing food behind a sushi bar in a dimly lit restaurant with red lamps and a city skyline visible through windows.

essayFood and drink

Recipe for success

Who should we admire more: the Michelin-starred chef with his teams and glamour, or the unsung but brilliant cook?

Julian Baggini

A black tuxedo with a white shirt, black bow tie, black buttons and a white pocket square.

ideaPolitical philosophy

Why I never want to dress up in black tie again

Julian Baggini

Black-and-white photo of a waiter holding a tray with glasses, serving patrons in a dimly lit, busy café or restaurant.

essayFood and drink

To tip or not to tip?

Rude in Tokyo, rude not to in New York – tipping mystifies tourists, economists and anthropologists. Should we stop?

Julian Baggini

A happy audience at a conference seated on red beanbags clapping and smiling with decorative walls and lights in the background.

essayMood and emotion

Super excited

Does relentless enthusiasm really help the world, or should generation TED learn to take a more sceptical view?

Julian Baggini

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