Jonny Thomson

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 woman in ancient armor holds out a small statue to a seated, bearded man, while another figure—symbolizing the evolution of wisdom—stands with their back turned near a tree and a cave.
Mini Philosophy
Does the evolution of reason undermine the belief in evolution?
Evolution may have built our brains, but it didn't build them to find truth.
Jonny Thomson
Two women with long hair and dark coats face each other against a divided background, evoking a Socratic dialogue. A red scribbled area looms above, while light and dark halves split the scene behind them.
Mini Philosophy
3 ways to have more meaningful conversations
Can you be my Socrates?
Jonny Thomson
A large yellow hot air balloon with a smiley face is shown on the left; on the right, a bunch of parfit smiley face balloons float against a cloudy sky.
Mini Philosophy
The “repugnant conclusion” that an Oxford philosopher couldn’t escape
If happiness is an absolute good, would 1 billion slightly happy people be better than 1 million incredibly happy people?
Jonny Thomson
Blurred image of people in white robes spinning in a circular motion on a wooden floor, creating a sense of movement and flow.
Mini Philosophy
The dancing monk: Why mature people don’t chase total control
The child has no control at all and the adult tries to control too much. But there is a third way.
Jonny Thomson
Watercolor painting of a woman in profile, wearing a black veil over her head and face, looking downward against a light background—a quiet reflection on philosophy and grief.
Mini Philosophy
Three responses to grief in the philosophy of Kierkegaard, Heidegger, and Camus
How we handle grief largely depends on our worldview. Here is how three famous philosophers handled the certainty of grief and despair.
Jonny Thomson
A person lifts a barbell next to a box labeled "DONATE," filled with folded clothes and shoes, highlighting fitness and charity against a light green background.
Mini Philosophy
The “SSS” framework: How to change the world with what you have
Rutger Bregman's "Moral Ambition" wants us to aim our careers not at money but solving the world's biggest problems.
Jonny Thomson
A man and a woman in ancient attire sit at a table indoors, engaged in conversation; beside the jug, roses, and scroll lies a small straw man figure.
Mini Philosophy
Daniel Dennett’s 4 rules for a good debate
What's the point in fighting a made up monster?
Jonny Thomson
Learn from the world's biggest thinkers.
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