Sally Shrapnell, an Associate Professor in Physics, and Peter Harrison, a Research Fellow and Emeritus Professor in the Humanities, dive into the purpose of philosophy. They tackle the discipline's historical biases, such as sexism and colonialism, revealing how these injustices persist today. The discussion expands to the relationship between philosophy and science, questioning the nature of truth and the influence of narrative in moral understanding. They also confront the challenges posed by misinformation in the modern era, emphasizing philosophy’s role in navigating societal dilemmas.

Jessica Eisen, Deputy Director at La Trobe University and author of "Queer and Animal Provocations," explores the ties between queer liberation and animal rights. She discusses how queer identity struggles can perpetuate animal exploitation. The conversation dives into the complexities of homonormativity, critiquing the mainstream gay agenda's exclusions. Eisen also examines historical friendships between queer identities and animals, highlighting both marginalized groups' dehumanization. She emphasizes the emotional depth of activism, linking LGBTQ+ rights with compassion for all beings.

Sam Barron, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at the University of Melbourne, delves into the intricate relationship between AI and trust. He discusses the challenges of trusting black box AI systems, emphasizing the need for transparency. Barron explores how we should navigate our reliance on AI, pointing out that while these systems offer predictive power, they lack accountability. He warns against blindly anthropomorphizing AI, arguing that true trust hinges on understanding the intentions behind AI decisions, not just their outcomes.

The forced removal of First Nations children from their families was active government policy in Australia between the 1910s and the 1970s, and still continues today under the banner of child protection. Today we're hearing that the story of the Stolen Generation has a historical parallel in the "child rescue" movement in 19th century Britain, when so-called "ragged children" were taken from their families - in many cases, abducted - and placed in institutions, to be trained and moulded into productive citizens.

We all feel we know what a conspiracy theory is: it's a belief held by other people about a conspiracy or conspiracies. Nobody likes being identified as a conspiracy theorist - including conspiracy theorists - and this makes life difficult for social scientists, psychologists and other researchers. When it comes to philosophy and the business of nailing down exactly what a conspiracy theory is, things get even muddier.

Our current "post-truth" environment means it's getting harder to trust what we see, hear and read - and this is a problem for all of us, but especially for educators and anyone in the business of teaching younger people about the world. This week we hear from a scholar who's looking to a modern philosophical tradition to come up with critical thinking strategies for students.

Jeff Sebo, an Associate Professor at NYU specializing in environmental ethics and author of "The Moral Circle," explores the expansion of our moral considerations. He discusses the evolving understanding of non-human beings, including insects and artificial intelligence, in our ethical frameworks. The conversation delves into the complexities of moral standing and the shifting landscape of animal rights, highlighting the emotional ties to pets and the ethical dilemmas we face. Sebo calls for careful thought on how we manage our responsibilities to all sentient beings.

Yuri Kath, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at La Trobe University and author of "Knowing What It Is Like," dives into the complexities of experiential knowledge. He questions whether true understanding of feelings, like love or childbirth, requires firsthand experience. The discussion includes tiers of 'what it’s like' knowledge and the ethical nuances of representing life experiences in literature. Kath also examines how virtual reality can create empathy, while probing the limits of these simulators in conveying real emotions.

Laura D'Olimpio, an Associate Professor of Philosophy of Education at the University of Birmingham and author of "The Necessity of Aesthetic Education," discusses the crisis facing arts and humanities in education. She explores the vital role of aesthetic experiences in fostering engagement and appreciation of art. D'Olimpio challenges the idea that arts education is solely about self-expression, emphasizing its cultural significance and moral complexities. She also addresses the impact of societal attitudes on arts education and the need for effective communication in advocating for the arts.

Explore the revival of Wilfrid Sellars through the eyes of contemporary Continental philosophers, including unexpected interest from Marxists. Discover his dual views on the manifest and scientific images of reality, pushing for a richer understanding of truth. Delve into how his insights inform our responses to climate change and social reform, advocating for a blend of philosophy and natural science. Unpack the 'myth of the given' and its implications for knowledge acquisition, revealing the complexity of intellectual challenges we face today.