Donald J. Robertson on How to Think Like Socrates in the Age of AI

Socrates /

Posted on: January 9, 2025 / Last Modified: January 9, 2025

In this episode of Singularity.FM, I sit down with renowned author and philosopher Donald J. Robertson to explore his latest book, How to Think Like Socrates: Ancient Philosophy as a Way of Life in the Modern World. As we navigate the crossroads of ancient wisdom and modern challenges, Donald shares timeless insights from Socrates that remain profoundly relevant in today’s age of rapid technological transformation and AI.

We dive into the art of critical thinking, the value of questioning assumptions, and the ethical considerations of integrating philosophy with cutting-edge innovation. About halfway through our conversation, Donald J. Robertson turns the tables and starts asking me Socratic questions, sparking a dynamic and thought-provoking exchange that takes the discussion to new depths.

Together, we tackle big questions: What can Socrates teach us about living wisely in a world dominated by AI? How do we balance our pursuit of knowledge with the necessity of wisdom? And how do ancient philosophical techniques help us confront the uncertainties of our time?

Whether you’re a fan of philosophy, curious about the future, or looking to deepen your understanding of critical thinking in the digital age, this episode offers a rich dialogue packed with insights and practical takeaways. Join Donald J. Roberson and me as we explore the enduring legacy of Socrates and its implications for humanity’s evolving relationship with technology.

As always, you can listen to or download the audio file above or scroll down and watch the video interview in full. To show your support, you can write a review on iTunesmake a direct donation, or become a patron on Patreon.

Who is Donald J. Robertson?

Donald J. Robertson is a writer, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapist, and trainer. He is one of the founding members of the Modern Stoicism nonprofit and the founder and president of the Plato’s Academy Centre nonprofit in Athens, Greece.

Donald specializes in teaching evidence-based psychological skills and is known as an expert on the relationship between modern evidence-based psychotherapy and classical Greek and Roman philosophy. His work is highly interdisciplinary, combining philosophy, history, and psychology.

He was born in Irvine, Scotland, and grew up in Ayr. He worked as a psychotherapist for about twenty years in London, England, where he had a clinic in Harley Street and ran a training school for therapists. He emigrated to Canada in 2013 and began focusing more on writing and consultancy. He now divides his time between Greece and Canada.

Donald J. Roberson is an experienced public speaker. His therapy practice specialized for many years in helping clients with social anxiety and self-confidence issues. His work, and that of his colleagues, has often been featured in the media of different countries, including Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, the BBC, etc.

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