Virtues and vices
idea
The medieval notion that shows why even experts should be humble
Nicholas of Cusa and others saw the importance of ‘learned ignorance’ or recognising there is always something more to learn
by Christopher M Bellitto
Emotion regulation
idea
The psychology of impatience could make waiting more tolerable
New studies on the experience of impatience suggest there’s more to it than simply how long you’ve been left hanging
by Matt Huston
Communication and language
idea
Beyond dogwhistles – racists have a new rhetorical trick
How are so many politicians today able to get away with overtly racist utterances? By using rhetorical ‘figleaves’
by Jennifer Saul
Virtues and vices
idea
Why so many plagiarists are in denial about what they did wrong
So often people claim ‘I didn’t mean to’, yet they fail to realise that plagiarism is more like speeding than theft
by Philip Reed
Virtues and vices
idea
Be honest: little white lies are more harmful than you think
Even well-intentioned white lies can foster disconnection and distrust – openness and honesty really are the best policy
by Elena Svetieva & Leanne ten Brinke
Virtues and vices
idea
What the ‘fundamental attribution error’ misses about blame
Classic research says we overlook situational factors in explaining people’s misdeeds. But the reality is more complex
by Laura Niemi, Jesse Graham & John M Doris
Communication and language
idea
Here’s the truth about how to spot when someone is lying
From shifty eyes to fidgeting fingers, there are many folk beliefs about the signs of lying – but what does the science say?
by Tim Brennen & Svein Magnussen
Virtues and vices
idea
Toleration is an impressive virtue that’s worth reviving
To be tolerant you need both to sustain your moral beliefs and at the same time resist the temptation to act on them
by Daniel Callcut
Artists and art history
idea
Love the art, disgusted by the artist? Maybe philosophy can help
Rather than trying to leave behind beloved art by immoral artists, let philosophy offer you a model for engaging with it
by Erich Hatala Matthes
Emotions
idea
Why it feels right to feel guilty about accidental mishaps
Say you caused a random accident. Your expression of guilt – or its lack – could send a message about who you are deep down
by Rajen Alexander Anderson
Virtues and vices
idea
The virtue of honesty requires more than just telling the truth
Honesty has fallen out of fashion, yet it is essential to self-improvement. How can we cultivate this neglected virtue?
by Christian B Miller
Ethics
idea
Sikh ethics sees self-centredness as the source of human evil
Sikhism places unity over individualism, offering a different perspective on the big questions of Western moral philosophy
by Keshav Singh