Ideas change everything

Philosophy

A collection of TED Talks (and more) on the topic of Philosophy.

Video playlists about Philosophy

Who are you?

What makes you, well, you? Get to know yourself a bit better with this collection of thought-provoking talks.

Unsolved mysteries

We all love parsing the twists and folds of a good old-fashioned mystery -- of all kinds.

How we make choices

Talks on why some choices are so tough, and how we can make better ones. Some even ask: are we really in control of our choices at all?

Are we alone in the universe?

Is Earth really the only life-sustaining planet? These speakers think there might just be something or someone else out there -- and urge us to keep looking for it.

See all playlists on Philosophy

Talks about Philosophy

Life lessons from the DJ booth

Alexi Pappas

Why I love my bad days

Michael Vazquez

Should we replace politicians with randomly selected people?

Meghan Sullivan

Would you take a pill that made you love everyone?

Sarah Stroud, Michael Vazquez

If you had the chance to be immortal, would you take it?

Michael Vazquez, Raye Ploeger

Can humans be trusted with control over genetics?

Michael Vazquez, Sarah Stroud

When should you break a promise?

Lessons from history for a better future

Sarah Stroud, Michael Vazquez

This could save lives— but are you willing to do it?

Stephanie H. Smith

How to love, according to Rumi

Joseph Lacey

How could so many people support Hitler?

Joseph Lacey

Picture a perfect society. What does it look like?

Delaney Thull

5 philosophers on anger

Mark Hopwood

How to know if you're selfish (and whether or not that's bad)

Edo Liberty

How does long-term memory work in AI?

Douglas MacLean

Ethical dilemma: What makes life worth living?

See all talks on Philosophy

Exclusive articles about Philosophy

Want a meaningful life? Just ask: “Who would I take to a remote island?”

Often the best and easiest way to improve your own sense of well-being and meaningfulness is to switch your lens: Concentrate less on yourself and more on being connected with others, says philosopher and psychology researcher Frank Martela. Identify the people who give you vitality, strength and love, and spend time with them.

Posted Jul 2020

Why you should not try to be the perfect lover

Philosopher Yann Dall’Aglio argues that the quest to be the perfect lover is a distinctly modern delusion -- and that it erodes the very relationships we seek to strengthen. Here's why we should forget about performance and instead seek a less than perfect union.

Posted Nov 2015

Maxims and mottoes from masters of one-liners: A reading list

Professional aphorist and all round word nerd James Geary shares his list of must-read books from authors covering literary life, proverbs, aphorisms, and the art of being quoted.

Posted Jan 2015

TED is supported by ads and partners