logo
episode-header-image
Aug 4
12m 55s

How ethics can help you make better deci...

TED
About this episode

What would Immanuel Kant say about a fender bender? In a surprisingly funny trip through the teachings of some of history's great philosophers, TV writer and producer Michael Schur (from hit shows like "The Office" and "The Good Place") talks through how to confront life's moral dilemmas -- and shows how understanding ethical theories can help you make better, kinder decisions.


This episode originally aired on July 7, 2022.

For a chance to give your own TED Talk, fill out the Idea Search Application: ted.com/ideasearch.


Interested in learning more about upcoming TED events? Follow these links:

TEDNext: ted.com/futureyou

TEDSports: ted.com/sports

TEDAI Vienna: ted.com/ai-vienna

TEDAI San Francisco: ted.com/ai-sf


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Up next
Today
TED Talks Daily Book Club: Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment | Rha Goddess
Rha Goddess is an entrepreneurial soul coach and author of the new book "Intentional Ambition: Redefining Your Work for Greater Joy, Freedom, and Fulfillment." In this TED Talks Daily Book Club interview with host Elise Hu, Goddess talks about moving forward after the 2020 pandem ... Show More
53m 52s
Yesterday
Why having fun is the secret to a healthier life | Catherine Price (re-release)
Have you had your daily dose of fun? It's not just enjoyable, it's also essential for your health and happiness, says science journalist Catherine Price. She proposes a new definition of fun -- what she calls "true fun" -- and shares easy, evidence-backed ways to weave playfulnes ... Show More
13m 26s
Aug 22
What sex, soap and alcohol taught me about making an impact | Myriam Sidibe
What if saving lives and growing a company went hand in hand? Public health expert Myriam Sidibe thinks many businesses are going about social impact all wrong — and leaving millions of dollars on the table at the same time. Drawing from decades of experience, she reveals a playb ... Show More
11m 8s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 4
How ethics can help you make better decisions | Michael Schur (re-release)
What would Immanuel Kant say about a fender bender? In a surprisingly funny trip through the teachings of some of history's great philosophers, TV writer and producer Michael Schur (from hit shows like "The Office" and "The Good Place") talks through how to confront life's moral ... Show More
12m 55s
Jul 28
Ep. 372: Kant's Ethics Lectures (Part One)
We discuss lecture notes from Kant's 1785 ethics course, which provide more examples and an emphasis on the practical than his more famous works. For instance, we get more information on ethical motivation: How can the rational recognition of ethical principles lead to moral feel ... Show More
49m 4s
Jul 2023
The new 10 commandments | Massimo Pigliucci, Simon Baron-Cohen, Sophie Grace Chapel
Are we bound by traditional rules for life or is it time for a new playbook? Tune in to find out!Seeking the link mentioned in this episode? It's right here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesIn this thought-provoking discussion, our distinguished panelists delve into the fo ... Show More
43m 43s
Jan 2025
Stoicism for contemporary society | Stoicism Series PART 3 | Nancy Sherman
Why is stoicism one of the most well-known and read philosophical strains in the contemporary age? After 2000+ years, what is its continued appeal?Join philosopher Nancy Sherman, an expert in ancient philosophy, as she delves into her attraction to the topic and the ways she beli ... Show More
26m 3s
Jun 2024
Walter Sinnott Armstrong on AI and Morality
Can AI help us make difficult moral decisions? Walter Sinnott Armstrong explores this idea in conversation with David Edmonds in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.  
13m 58s
Sep 2023
How I changed my mind about truth | Simon Blackburn
Can we have objective morality without metaphysics?Looking for a link we mentioned? It's here: https://linktr.ee/philosophyforourtimesJoin Simon Blackburn, renowned philosopher at Cambridge University, as he discusses navigating heated moral discussions, the play of perspective o ... Show More
28m 9s
Nov 2024
Ep. 354: Guest Tim Williamson on Philosophic Method (Part One)
Oxford philosophy professor Timothy Williamson talks to us about his new book, Overfitting and Heuristics in Philosophy. How can we best apply the insights of philosophy of science to philosophy itself? Maybe some alleged philosophical counter-examples are just the result of psyc ... Show More
42m 33s
Aug 20
Trolleyology (MORAL DILEMMAS + THE TROLLEY PROBLEM) with Joshua Greene
Train tracks. Split decisions. And a philosophy humdinger worth debating. Dr. Joshua Greene is a Harvard Psychology professor, neuroscientist, and *actual* Trolleyologist. The moral humdinger that has been used in everything from Supreme Court decisions to board games looks at: W ... Show More
1h 21m
Apr 2021
Five: Prof Will MacAskill on moral uncertainty, utilitarianism & how to avoid being a moral monster
Immanuel Kant is a profoundly influential figure in modern philosophy, and was one of the earliest proponents for universal democracy and international cooperation. He also thought that women have no place in civil society, that it was okay to kill illegitimate children, and that ... Show More
1h 52m
Jun 3
WorkLife: The psychology of forgiveness with Michael McCullough
In this season of WorkLife, we’re pairing each of our regular episodes with a companion interview to do a deeper dive into the topic. This is the companion for our episode on the secrets of a great apology. Michael McCullough is a psychology professor at UC San Diego and a pionee ... Show More
29m 52s