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Jim Stone Ph.D.

About

James Tiberius Stone received his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Washington in Seattle where he explored the intersection of Motivational Psychology with Evolutionary Ethics. Jim also has a degree in Mathematics and Computer Science.

Jim’s recent writing and research has been focused on the question of how we human beings can meet our psychological needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness in a modern world that often frustrates our ability to meet these needs, and how we can not only cope, but also thrive, and make the world a better place through creative achievement.

Jim has developed a software tool (the Fractal Planner) that combines a project planning tool with “motivation wizards” that help users troubleshoot their sticking points as they work.

In the past Jim taught Philosophy courses at the University of Washington and Washington State University where he developed courses in Logic, Practical Reasoning, Political Philosophy, Ethical Theory, and Environmental Ethics.

Recent Posts

The Arguing Ape Hypothesis

The problem with contemporary political discourse is not bias and laziness. It's tribalism.

The problem with contemporary political discourse is not bias and laziness. It's tribalism.

Kids, Would You Please Lower Your Weapons?

With authoritarians on both the Right and the Left dominating political discourse, it's tough (and sometimes unsafe) for the sensible center to get a word in edgewise.

With authoritarians on both the Right and the Left dominating political discourse, it's tough (and sometimes unsafe) for the sensible center to get a word in edgewise.

Four Organizing "Sins" to Start Committing on Purpose

Computer science can improve our psychological health by absolving us from the guilt of being disorganized.

Computer science can improve our psychological health by absolving us from the guilt of being disorganized.

How Much Diversity Can We Handle?

When we embrace diversity, we reap benefits in the long term, with much conflict in the short term.

When we embrace diversity, we reap benefits in the long term, with much conflict in the short term.

One Simple Question for Modern Humans Who Want to Be Happy

Our minds must operate in the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Yet their underlying hardware was molded in a tribal context on the African Savanna. How can we make this work?

Our minds must operate in the hustle and bustle of the modern world. Yet their underlying hardware was molded in a tribal context on the African Savanna. How can we make this work?

Why Do Your Facebook Friends Have So Much Political Bias?

Myside bias makes us notice, search for, and favor evidence that supports what we already believe. Why do we do this? And is it worse on social media?

Myside bias makes us notice, search for, and favor evidence that supports what we already believe. Why do we do this? And is it worse on social media?

Should You Finish What You Start?

Do you have several half-finished projects going at a time? If so, here's a neat trick that might help you finish things more often.

Do you have several half-finished projects going at a time? If so, here's a neat trick that might help you finish things more often.

Productivity Secrets of an Influential Young Scotsman

Here's how passion, action, and reason work together to help you get things done.

Here's how passion, action, and reason work together to help you get things done.

How A Psychologist Lost Weight Drinking Soda

A psychologist visited Paris and lost weight. He credits the soda.

A psychologist visited Paris and lost weight. He credits the soda.

5 Sources of Stress and Anxiety in the Modern World

Are you stressed out or anxious about too many parts of your life? The modern world might be to blame.

Are you stressed out or anxious about too many parts of your life? The modern world might be to blame.

November 2024 magazine cover

The Perfectionism Trap

When we fall prey to perfectionism, we think we’re honorably aspiring to be our very best, but often we’re really just setting ourselves up for failure, as perfection is impossible and its pursuit inevitably backfires.

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