The Art of Thinking: Philosophy and Forgetting

Kazuki

Hatched by Kazuki

Jun 25, 2023

2 min read

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The Art of Thinking: Philosophy and Forgetting

For centuries, philosophy has been the go-to field for those seeking to understand the world around them. In "How to Do Philosophy," author Nigel Warburton provides a guide to the art of thinking, emphasizing the importance of questioning assumptions and seeking truth. Meanwhile, in "Podcast 750: The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting," the hosts of the popular podcast Freakonomics explore the idea that forgetting can also be a valuable tool in our cognitive arsenal.

Despite their seemingly disparate subjects, these two pieces of media share a common thread: the importance of critical thinking. Whether we are examining our own beliefs or considering the evidence presented to us by others, the ability to question assumptions and approach issues with an open mind is crucial. As Warburton notes, "The aim of philosophy is to challenge our assumptions and uncover the truth." Forgetting, meanwhile, can help us to let go of old beliefs that may be holding us back.

Of course, forgetting is not always desirable. The Freakonomics hosts acknowledge that we rely on our memories to function in our daily lives, and that certain types of memory loss can be harmful. However, they also point out that holding onto every piece of information we encounter can lead to cognitive overload and decreased productivity.

In the end, the key is balance. Philosophy teaches us to approach information with a critical eye, while forgetting can help us to let go of outdated beliefs and streamline our thought processes. By combining these two approaches, we can become more effective thinkers and decision-makers.

In conclusion, both "How to Do Philosophy" and "Podcast 750: The Surprising Benefits of Forgetting" offer valuable insights into the art of thinking. Whether we are examining our own beliefs or considering the evidence presented to us by others, the ability to approach information with a critical eye is crucial. At the same time, forgetting can help us to let go of outdated beliefs and streamline our thought processes. By balancing these two approaches, we can become more effective thinkers and decision-makers, both in our personal lives and in the wider world.

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