Are periodic bouts of withdrawal from life’s urgent demands and heated debates necessary to regain a sense of our shared humanity, and to renew the commitments that sustain the moral life? This episode was first broadcast on 17 March 2024. 

Kim Huen, a Senior Lecturer at the Australian National University and expert in caregiving and ethics, dives into the complexities of gift-giving, especially during holiday seasons. She discusses the ethical implications, distinguishing gift-giving from mere almsgiving and emphasizes the emotional connections forged through thoughtful gifts. The conversation touches on the evolving nature of gifts—from cash to experiential offerings—and highlights how acceptance of gifts can create feelings of obligation, underscoring the deep relationships that gifts symbolize.

Democracy is in retreat, authoritarianism on the rise. But this has happened before. So how did big thinkers of the past respond to the threats to democracy, and what can we learn from them?Scott Stephens delivered the Humanities Research Centre 50th Anniversary Distinguished Lecture at the Australian National University on 31 July 2024. It was recorded and subsequently broadcast as part of the SOS DEMOCRACY series on Big Ideas.After the lecture, Scott answers questions from Dr Kim Huynh,  the Deputy Director of the Humanities Research Centre, and members of the audience.

In December 1974, “The Godfather, Part II” premiered in New York City. Following the unlikely success and unexpected acclaim that his 1972 adaptation of Mario Puzo’s bestselling novel received, Francis Ford Coppola was granted almost unlimited discretion to realise his cinematic vision for the sequel — and he used that discretion to greatest possible effect.In fact, “The Godfather” and “The Godfather, Part II” are rare instances of films that far outstrip, in both its narrative depth and its aesthetic form, the source material on which they are based.At the heart of the first two “Godfather” films is a stark contrast. Vito is virtuous within a cinematic universe in which legality and morality are not synonymous: the fact that his assassination of the tyrannical Don Fanucci is celebrated, that his “favours” are beneficent, that he is attentive to his wife and children — all suggest a kind of moral goodness. Whereas Michael, having begun as the most virtuous of Don Corleone’s sons, falls deeper than the others could have gone.Having begun alone, somewhat removed from the family, Michael ends the film utterly, existentially, morally, isolated.

Since the start of November, the Australian government has made two significant announcements aimed at preventing the harms that social media platforms are causing to the mental health of adolescents — but are these measures enough?

Josh Bornstein, an employment and labor relations lawyer and author of "Working for the Brand," dives into the fraught intersection of corporate power and employee free speech. He discusses the chilling effect of corporate policies on political expression, especially in industries like journalism. The conversation critically explores how large corporations, driven by public pressure, often compromise ethical commitments, raising questions about accountability and the alarming erosion of worker rights in today’s digital landscape.

Sarah Percy, an Associate Professor from the University of Queensland, provides keen insights into Donald Trump's political resurgence. She discusses how Trump is reshaping the political narrative, including his ability to unify diverse voter bases. The conversation reveals growing skepticism towards democratic institutions and explores economic concerns overshadowing democratic values. Percy also highlights the implications of recent shifts in public sentiment and the evolving perceptions of democracy itself amid Trump's enduring influence.

Stan Grant, an award-winning writer and distinguished professor, joins Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens to unravel the complexities of 'evil' in today's society. They discuss how personal backgrounds shape our interpretations of evil and its implications for public discourse. The conversation delves into cultural perspectives, the potential harm of labeling actions or individuals as evil, and philosophical insights from thinkers like Hannah Arendt. Grant emphasizes the balance of divine attributes and human conduct, questioning the relevance of evil in contemporary moral discussions.

Talia Morag, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at Australian Catholic University, dives into the ethical conundrum of revenge in politics. She explores the historical allure of payback and its seemingly satisfying nature, while also addressing its perpetual cycle of harm. Morag delves into philosophical viewpoints from ancient Greece about the futility of vengeance and the importance of justice over retribution. The discussion highlights how local engagement and understanding can provide viable alternatives to the temptations of revenge in modern political discourse.

In this discussion, Jordan Giao, Director of Responsible Technology at Per Capita, explores the alarming impact of disinformation on democracy, especially as elections loom. He highlights the emotional toll misinformation takes on individuals, such as meteorologists during natural disasters. Giao delves into the challenges of rebuilding trust in institutions amidst a swirl of political mendacity and social media influence. The conversation also touches on Taiwan's innovative democratic practices, which empower direct citizen engagement, offering a contrasting perspective to the prevailing issues in Western democracies.