Love, sex, and happiness, explained by philosophy | Jonny Thomson: Full Interview

The podcast explores the philosophical concept of happiness, questioning why it remains elusive and how it can be achieved. Jonny Thomson, author of "Mini Philosophy," argues that happiness is often misunderstood as mere pleasure (hedonia) and proposes three pillars for a more profound understanding: recognizing that happiness transcends pleasure, practicing moderation, and embracing virtue. Thomson draws upon Taoist analogies, Aristotle's eudaimonia, and Kierkegaard's critique of aestheticism to illustrate these points. He also connects these pillars to practical examples such as parenting, dieting, and the importance of social connections, suggesting they can serve as a diagnostic tool for personal unhappiness. The discussion further delves into Plato's concept of true love, Bentham's utilitarianism, Arendt's theory on the banality of evil, and the relevance of philosophy in everyday life.