Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking: Bill Tomlinson on Reasoning, Paradox, and AI as a Tool for Thinking

Introduction to Philosophy and Critical Thinking: Bill Tomlinson on Reasoning, Paradox, and AI as a Tool for Thinking

Author: Gwendolyn Dolske, PhD & Rudy Salo | Philosophy & Education Podcast February 20, 2026 Duration: 37:03

In this episode of Good Is In The Details, hosts Gwendolyn Dolske and Rudy Salo are joined by philosopher and author Bill Tomlinson to explore the foundations of critical thinking and the practice of philosophy. Drawing from his book Dialogues with Artificial Intelligence: On the Tools of Philosophy, the conversation offers an accessible introduction to how philosophers think — and how anyone can develop clearer, more rigorous reasoning.

What is philosophy, and how do philosophers approach complex questions? What is the difference between inductive and deductive reasoning? How do definitions, distinctions, and paradoxes shape philosophical thinking? This episode addresses these commonly asked questions while guiding listeners through the essential tools used in philosophical inquiry.

The discussion also explores a timely question: Can artificial intelligence support critical thinking rather than replace it? Tomlinson explains how students, educators, and curious learners can engage with AI as a tool for reflection, questioning, and deeper reasoning — without surrendering the work of thinking itself.

Listeners will explore:

what philosophy is and how philosophical thinking works

the foundations of critical thinking and clear reasoning

inductive vs. deductive reasoning explained

what a paradox is and why paradoxes matter in philosophy

how making distinctions improves understanding and argument

how educators and students can use AI to strengthen, not replace, thinking

Blending philosophy, education, and accessible explanation, this episode offers a clear introduction to philosophical inquiry while inviting listeners to think more carefully about how they reason, question, and understand the world.

Get your copy of Bill's book: Dialogues with Artificial Intelligence: On The Tools of Philosophy

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Hosted by Gwendolyn Dolske, Ph.D., and Rudy Salo, Good Is In The Details operates on the belief that the most profound insights are often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be unpacked. This philosophy and education podcast doesn't just skim the surface of big topics; it lingers there, examining the nuances of how we think, learn, and ultimately live our lives. You'll hear thoughtful, meandering conversations with scholars, authors, and practitioners from diverse fields, all centered on how ideas from ethics, culture, and critical thinking intersect with our daily realities. The hosts have a knack for breaking down complex academic concepts without losing their depth, making each episode feel like an engaging seminar you can enjoy on a walk or during your commute. Rather than offering easy answers, this podcast provides the tools and perspectives to ask better questions, finding the substance in the subtleties that we often overlook. It’s for anyone who believes that understanding the framework of an argument or the history of a thought is just as important as the conclusion. Tune in for a consistently thoughtful exploration of the books, theories, and cultural forces that quietly shape our world.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 190

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