Cooperation and collaboration

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Photo of an ancient stone relief depicting four figures in draped garments with expressive faces, shown in close-up.

Communication and language

idea

How do good conversations work? Philosophy has something to say

The idea of what makes for a successful conversation is always tricky, and has always been contested by philosophers

by Stephanie Ross

Photo of three women talking through open windows, showing interaction between apartments in a residential building.

Compassion and empathy

idea

Improve your relationships with the science of perspective-taking

Social psychology research is breaking down the process of perspective-taking and revealing ways to help us get along better

by Hunter Gehlbach

Two men in conversation on a city street, gesturing expressively. A building and pedestrians are visible in the background. Black and white image.

Cooperation and collaboration

guide

How to have better arguments

Arguing well isn’t just about winning. A philosophical approach will help you and the other person get much more out of it

by Scott Aikin & John Casey

People on a makeshift raft, constructed from various items and barrels, floating on water under a grey, foggy sky.

Altered states

film

After an apocalyptic storm, survivors band together on a surreal journey

Directed by Benh Zeitlin

Black and white photo of two people facing away whispering on a street corner with vehicles in the background.

Communication and language

idea

Recognise the point of giving advice and you can do it better

A philosophical look at advising highlights what makes it a distinct form of interaction – and why it often goes wrong

by Joshua Habgood-Coote

Retro photo of a waitress serving pizza to a smiling couple seated at a table with beer and glasses.

Cooperation and collaboration

idea

If smiles are so easy to fake, why do we trust them?

Smiles can be a way to dupe people because they’re easy to fake – but we’ve figured out which smiles can be trusted

by Alexander Danvers

A crowded Tube carriage with passengers standing and sitting, some holding onto blue handrails, others using their phones.

Communication and language

guide

How to ask for help

You’re not weak or lazy – everyone needs support. Follow these steps to learn when to reach out, who to go to and what to say

by Debbie Sorensen

Photo of three scouts saluting, holding a poster of flags and the Statue of Liberty, in front of the US Capitol building.

History of emotions

idea

The politics of internationalism rest on the intimacy of feelings

Political communities are based on feelings of familiarity and affinity, so how do you make people internationalists?

by Ilaria Scaglia

Photo of a wooden artist mannequin lying on its back with limbs bent against a black background.

Technology and media

idea

What falling robots reveal about the absurdity of human trust

A ‘trust fall’ prompts an absurd state of simultaneous vulnerability and safety – a paradox that robots can’t compute

by Amy LaViers & Ilya Vidrin

Photo of a museum exhibition with three tall, thin sculptures on pedestals and people observing them, with white shadows of the figures painted on the background wall.

Compassion and empathy

guide

How to see the humanity in anyone

Practising a form of ‘deep curiosity’ can help you connect with yourself and others, even if they’re on the ‘other side’

by Scott Shigeoka