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Thinking and intelligence

Illustration of an Oriental woman on a bench, gazing at a city skyline with a red sun above, framed by blooming branches and leaves.

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How to foster ‘shoshin’

It’s easy for the mind to become closed to new ideas. Cultivating a beginner’s mind helps us rediscover the joy of learning

by Christian Jarrett

A silhouette of a person sitting on a dock with an industrial bridge in the background, captured in sepia tones.

Thinking and intelligence

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How to think clearly

By learning to question and clarify your thoughts, you’ll improve your self-knowledge and become a better communicator

by Tom Chatfield

Black-and-white photo of people sitting at a bar; a man lights a pipe while others converse, drinks and food are on the counter.

Thinking and intelligence

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How to think like a detective

The best detectives seem to have almost supernatural insight, but their cognitive toolkit is one that anybody can use

by Ivar Fahsing

Person with curly hair in a dark jacket stands facing a large, minimalistic framed artwork with a plain background.

Thinking and intelligence

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How to think for yourself

Schopenhauer and Proust can help you find inspiration from your favourite writers while also retaining an independent mind

by David Bather Woods

Painting of a woman with reddish hair and flushed cheeks holding a white cloth to her mouth, with a soft, blurred background.

Knowledge and reason

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How to know who’s trustworthy

Knotty problems call for sound advice. Use philosophy to find the intellectually dependable amid the frauds and egotists

by T Ryan Byerly

A close-up of a paint swatch booklet with colour samples including blue, yellow and beige. They have labels such as Polka Dot, Vanilla and Daisy Chain.

Creativity

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How to use ‘possibility thinking’

Have you hit an impasse in your personal or professional life? Answer these questions to open your mind to what’s possible

by Constance de Saint Laurent & Vlad Glăveanu

Various fish displayed in groupings at a fish market

Thinking and intelligence

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How to think like a Bayesian

In a world of few absolutes, it pays to be able to think clearly about probabilities. These five ideas will get you started

by Michael G Titelbaum

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.

Thinking and intelligence

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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

Photo of a person driving a car, seen through a car window, lit by warm sunlight, wearing glasses, with one hand on the steering wheel and the other hand resting in front of their face.

Consciousness

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How to think about consciousness

What is it like to be you? Dive into the philosophical puzzle of consciousness and see yourself and the world in new ways

by Amy Kind

Lone person standing in spotlight on dark stage, next to long aerial silks hanging from above.

Knowledge and reason

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How to think about truth

In a world of disagreement, what should you believe? These ideas will help you take a philosophically informed perspective

by Jeremy Wyatt & Joseph Ulatowski

Young boy in a blue top looking up with his finger touching his ear, against a light indoor background with framed pictures visible.

Learning and education

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How to do philosophy with kids

Embrace their questions, no matter how daft or daunting – kids are natural philosophers and you can learn from each other

by Scott Hershovitz

A slide labelled “Bryce Canyon, Utah, Steve Thomsen #1” showing a landscape with rock formations and a UFO-like object in the sky.

Thinking and intelligence

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How to think about weird things

From discs in the sky to faces in toast, learn to weigh evidence sceptically without becoming a closed-minded naysayer

by Stephen Law