History of ideas
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Communication and language
idea
Let me open a treasure chest to explain how metaphor works
Once maligned by philosophers, metaphors are a key communication tool for extending the power of literal speech
by Elek Lane
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Progress and the future
idea
We need the toolkit of utopian thinking, now more than ever
Many dismiss utopian ideas. But imagining a better world is a vital political skill for tackling today’s challenges
by Caitlin Rajan
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Love
guide
How to think differently about love
Poets, philosophers and scientists all tell stories about the nature of romantic love. It can be liberating to critique them
by Arina Pismenny
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History of ideas
film
An audiovisual odyssey into the heavens of astronomy and myth
A film by Bill Morrison
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Social history
idea
Bunkerised society – why prepping for end times is so American
Millions are preparing for doomsday, not together, but by closing the hatch. It’s a logical response to a hollowed-out state
by Robert Kirsch & Emily Ray
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The body and physical health
idea
In defence of slouching: the bad science behind good posture
The idea that we should all stand straight is widely accepted. But this modern obsession has dubious origins
by Beth Linker
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The nature of reality
guide
How to think about time
This philosopher’s introduction to the nature of time could radically alter how you see your past and imagine your future
by Graeme A Forbes
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Communication and language
idea
I am an article about the speaking objects of ancient Greece
Talkative drinking cups and threatening oil flasks tell us how the written word asserted its authority in an oral society
by Teddy Fassberg
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Wonder and the sublime
idea
The most profound wonder is stirred by what is most ordinary
Rare moments of wonder at the mere existence of things – rather than the dramatic or new – involve perceiving with the soul
by Maria Balaska
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History of ideas
guide
How to read philosophy
The first thing to remember is that the great philosophers were only human. Then you can start disagreeing with them
by Charlie Huenemann