Jonny Thomson

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Jonny Thomson

Jonny Thomson taught philosophy in Oxford for more than a decade before turning to writing full-time. He’s a columnist at Big Think and is the award-winning, bestselling author of three books that have been translated into 22 languages.

Jonny is also the founder of Mini Philosophy, a social network of around two million curious, intelligent minds. He's known all over the world for making philosophy accessible, relatable, and fun. 

Everything Videos Articles
A statue of an authentic marble figure holding a red plastic cup against a black background.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Should I hide my wild past from my parents?”
How heavy is the mask that you wear?
Jonny Thomson
A diptych image: left side shows a row of shopping carts lined up, right side depicts a single shopping cart abandoned in a puddle, serving as a litmus test for societal behavior.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: The quickest way to test your moral character
The "Shopping Cart Litmus Test" is a popular meme about morality. What does it really reveal about one's character?
Jonny Thomson
Business
The panopticon effect: How best to handle surveillance
Nobody likes the uneasy feeling of being watched — so can there be any workplace benefit to the all-seeing eye?
Jonny Thomson
Collage featuring a thoughtful person contemplating dating philosophy, two embracing cats in monochrome, and a close-up of an orange cat's face, with graphic elements like a question mark and abstract lines.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Is it OK to date someone your friend likes?”
A battle between different kinds of love.
Jonny Thomson
Portrait of Voltaire, featuring a detailed depiction of the philosopher in a red coat, with gray curly hair and a gentle smile, symbolizing his wisdom in making better decisions, painted by Nicolas de L
Business
How to avoid the “Panglossian trap” and make better decisions
Voltaire's wonderful satire, Candide, remains a useful work-life antidote to bogus platitudes and naive optimism.
Jonny Thomson
A digital graphic featuring a vibrant blue circle showcasing a clear sky with clouds, surrounded by radiating white lines and particles on a dark background.
The Future
Philosopher Nick Bostrom’s predictions on life in an AI utopia
Big Think recently spoke with Nick Bostrom about how humans might find fulfillment in a post-scarcity world.
Jonny Thomson
Three men looking at a smartphone and laughing, embodying everyday philosophy, with two faded figures and a sketch of a thinker with a question mark.
Thinking
Everyday Philosophy: “Should I disinvite my bigoted friend from group trips?”
You've got to know when to fight and when to laugh.
Jonny Thomson
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