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Freedom and choice

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In a pandemic we learn again what Sartre meant by being free

What the Nazi occupation was for Sartre, the COVID-19 pandemic is for us: an opportunity to relearn what it means to be free

by Julian Baggini

An elderly man with grey hair who is Karl Jaspers in front of a blurred bookshelf, in a dark suit, white shirt and a tie.

Thinkers and theories

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To Karl Jaspers, uncertainty is not to be overcome but understood

The existentialist Karl Jaspers believed uncertainty ungirds human existence: better to recognise this than rage against it

by Carmen Lea Dege

A rotating antique globe in brass and other materials seen from above

Freedom and choice

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Recognise free will is an illusion and reap the emotional benefits

The idea that all our choices are determined by past events may seem dispiriting – but it can be emotionally liberating

by Francis Merson

Three people interact with a large manatee sculpture in an art gallery, with colourful artwork in the background.

Knowledge and reason

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Dare to speak your mind and together we flourish

Reason emerges through dialogue with others. To truly flourish, stop self-censoring and risk your status to speak your mind

by Hrishikesh Joshi

Person diving into an icy blue waterhole amidst a frozen landscape, with scattered ice chunks and a stack of icy blocks nearby.

Freedom and choice

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The three reasons why it’s good for you to believe in free will

Regardless of whether humans do or don’t have free will, psychological research shows it’s beneficial to act as if you do

by Kennon Sheldon

Two men in black and white film scene: one in military uniform leaning over and talking to the other who is seated, looking apprehensive.

Freedom and choice

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Brainwashing has a grim history that we shouldn’t dismiss

Scientific research and historical accounts can help us identify and dissect the threat of ‘coercive persuasion’

by Joel E Dimsdale

Painting of the storming of the Bastille with people fighting and buildings in the background, featuring cannons and smoke from gunfire.

Freedom and choice

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Freedom needs friction: lessons in choice from French history

The French Revolution set freedom on a collision course with choice, showing how a break with habit can author a new self

by Larry S McGrath

An elderly woman in a wheelchair on a beach looking at a large photo poster of a temple entrance set against the sea.

Imagination

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Nourish your imagination and you will be forever free

The imagination is fundamental to the human experience, freeing us from physical confines and anchoring us during unrest

by Tania Zittoun

Black and white photo of a person covering their bare chest with their hand, following a mastectomy without reconstructive surgery

The body and physical health

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I chose to go flat after breast cancer surgery. I have no regrets

Breast reconstruction following surgery to remove cancer owes more to the cosmetic industry than to medical science

by Sarah Cretch

Children in a classroom seated at long desks, some writing or raising hands, with educational posters on the wall behind.

Learning and education

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Why I shut down an argument in my philosophy for children class

To provide the free, open conditions needed to do philosophy for children can sometimes mean restricting what gets said

by Amy Reed-Sandoval

A wooden box filled with vintage black-and-white photographs, showing portraits and various scenes, some faded with age.

Parenting and families

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I’m childfree by choice. Should I feel guilty about ending my line?

My uterus is not my ancestors’ vessel for future progeny. What’s the impact of my choice on my family’s genetic lineage?

by Starre Vartan

Primary school classroom with children sitting at desks, listening attentively to a teacher. Colourful posters on the walls.

Values and beliefs

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Teaching tolerance in schools cannot avoid controversy

If tolerance of different values, lifestyles and creeds is an aim of education, how should schools teach it to children?

by Christina Easton