Julian Baggini's 'How To Think Like A Philosopher' Critiqued for Failing to Merge Philosophy with 'Smart Thinking' Genre

In 2023, Julian Baggini, the founding editor of The Philosophers' Magazine, released 'How To Think Like A Philosopher: Essential Principles for Clearer Thinking,' which falls under the 'Smart Thinking' category. This genre has taken over traditional philosophy sections in bookstores such as Waterstones and features authors like Jordan Peterson ('12 Rules For Life', 2018), Daniel Kahneman ('Thinking, Fast and Slow', 2011), Steven Pinker ('The Better Angels of Our Nature', 2011), and Yuval Noah Harari ('Sapiens', 2011). Baggini outlines twelve principles aimed at enhancing clarity in thought but has been criticized for misrepresenting the essence of philosophy, a point made by Theodor Adorno in his 1965 work 'Lectures on Negative Dialectics.' Adorno argued that the significance of philosophy lies in its resistance to practical use, which contrasts with the aims of 'Smart Thinking.' Baggini's previous book, 'The Pig That Wants To Be Eaten' (2005), is also associated with this genre.