Philosopher's Zone

Jackie Broad, a Professor of Philosophy at Monash University, deep dives into the intriguing moral philosophy of Catharine Trotter Cockburn. They explore how Cockburn, a defender of John Locke, navigated the moral landscape of her time, asserting that virtue is attainable through reason—even for atheists. Broad reveals Cockburn’s unique blend of Christian faith and Stoic principles, as well as her firm belief in the internal motivations that guide morality. Their discussion highlights why Cockburn's ideas are essential for modern debates on ethics and virtue.

In this discussion, Audrey Wasser, an Assistant Professor at Miami University and literary theorist, delves deep into the complexities of reading. She explores what it truly means to read, highlighting the tension between passive reception and active interpretation. Audrey brings to light the hermeneutics of suspicion, how critics like Marx and Freud influence our understanding, and critiques Derrida's deconstruction. The conversation also touches on the rise of affect-focused readings and the construction of texts, revealing how material pressures affect literary criticism.

David Bather-Woods, an Associate Professor of Philosophy at Warwick University and author of a recent biography on Arthur Schopenhauer, dives into the complexities of the 19th-century philosopher. They explore Schopenhauer’s stark pessimism and its relevance today. Bather-Woods contrasts Schopenhauer's views on romantic love and desire with compassion as an ethical foundation. They also discuss his hard determinism, personal setbacks, curious relationships, and the balance between misanthropy and warmth in his character, revealing a more nuanced figure than often portrayed.

Jeanette Kennett, a philosopher specializing in moral psychology from Macquarie University, tackles the troubling intersection of poverty and welfare policy. She explains how myths of individual failure cloud political accountability and highlights the damaging effects of mutual obligation on welfare recipients. Kennett critiques punitive welfare sanctions and questions the fairness of conditional support. She also argues that poverty undermines self-control, while advocating for a reformative approach amidst rising anti-poverty activism.

Georgia Felton, a Brisbane-based author and human rights activist, delves into the complexities of modern parenting practices. She highlights how parenting apps, often rooted in Western science, can overshadow traditional wisdom, causing rifts in multi-generational families. Georgia discusses the surprising global uniformity in parenting practices and the balance mothers strike between cultural rituals and digital advice. She warns against the potential loss of nuanced knowledge and emphasizes that while apps can empower, they often reinforce traditional gender roles.

Michael Furstein, Professor of Philosophy at St. Olaf College and author of *Experiments in Living Together*, explores the complex interplay between democracy and social progress. He discusses how democracy serves as an experiment in moral cognition, emphasizing the roles of social environments in shaping empathy. Furstein highlights the swift moral changes around same-sex marriage and the historical milestones of the gay rights movement. He also addresses the vulnerabilities of democracy, emphasizing the importance of community-building to combat polarization.

Join philosopher and biologist Kate Lynch, an expert in environmental ethics, and Christopher Lane, a research fellow tackling ethical conservation issues. They delve into radical ideas such as recreating ecosystems through biotechnology and the ethical implications of genetically engineering species. The conversation explores wild animal welfare, the conflict between species conservation and individual suffering, and the intriguing notion of bioengineering humans to reduce environmental demands. It's a thought-provoking journey into the future of our natural world!

Mark Alfano, a Professor of Philosophy at Macquarie University, dives into the urgent issue of 'slopaganda'—AI-generated propaganda that's spreading misinformation at an unprecedented rate. He traces propaganda's evolution through technology and discusses its strategic use of truth. Alfano explains how generative AI creates personalized, emotionally charged content that can overwhelm fact-checking efforts. He advocates for pre-bunking and digital literacy as defenses against such manipulative messages. The conversation highlights the need for platforms to prioritize trustworthy content.

Eugenia Flynn, a Larrakee, Tiwi, Chinese-Malaysian, and Muslim writer, discusses her journey in Indigenous literature within academia. She emphasizes the need for Indigenous storytelling to challenge the white-dominated literary canon. Flynn advocates for recognizing non-written Indigenous texts as valid literature and critiques traditional Western frameworks. She explores how Indigenous paradigms can reshape literary critique and suggests creating more Indigenous-centered programs to improve access and representation in the field.

Matthew Sharp, a philosophy lecturer and author, dives into the profound thoughts of Albert Camus while exploring contemporary issues. He discusses how echoes of Camus' era, like democratic withdrawal and ecological concerns, resonate today. Sharp illuminates Camus' views on fascism as a form of irrationalism and critiques Nietzsche's absolutism. They tackle despair and cynicism as breeding grounds for far-right movements, emphasizing the need for empathy and independent journalism in the Trump era. Sharp argues for a balanced revolt against absurdity, citing Camus’ insights on both democracy and nature.