The Minefield

In Jane Austen’s novel Emma, we find an abiding concern with the demands, not just of propriety, but of morality, an attentiveness to the dangers of self-deception, and vivid reminders of the importance of friendship to progress in the moral life.

In November 2022, Scott Stephens delivered the 20th annual Simone Weil Lecture on Human Value hosted by the Australian Catholic University. His topic was the moral conditions of democratic life.

Over the next few weeks, we are bound to be in the same space with some most disagreeable company. Is this a prospect we should dread?

Does Stanley Kramer's 1967 film, "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner", have to make too many sacrifices in order to be morally palatable to its white audience?

Sam Spall, a Senior Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Sydney, dives into the intriguing world of jealousy. He discusses how jealousy differs from envy, and whether it can ever be viewed as a moral emotion. The conversation highlights the complex nature of jealousy in relationships, distinguishing between protective feelings and destructive possessiveness. Spall also explores societal perceptions of jealousy, shedding light on its implications for love and care, and provocatively questions the moral obligations tied to wealth distribution.

Ever since the advent of “ready-to-wear” mass-produced clothing, the brands and prevailing fashions they establish hold out a kind of “idealised” body to which wearers must conform.

Civility is often misunderstood as mere politeness, but the discussion dives deeper into its role in democracy. Engaging with justice and equity for marginalized voices is crucial. The challenges of fostering inclusive discourse in diverse societies are explored, alongside the limits of civil conversation on existential issues. The speakers also examine how civility intersects with identity, particularly for those on the autism spectrum. Ultimately, the moral obligation of civility in political discourse raises questions about empathy and the balance between dissent and respectful dialogue.

There is no denying that Queen’s set at Live Aid on 13 July 1985 was one of the most electrifying live performances ever captured. But did Queen simply pull out their “greatest hits”, or were they attuned to the ethical demands of the occasion?Guest: Shane Homan is the Head of the School of Media, Film and Journalism at Monash University.

Movements like Extinction Rebellion and Effective Altruism both regard the fact of climate change and the impending threat of climate catastrophe as moral realities that cannot be ignored. Which is the more fitting response?

How far should clubs be expected to go when it comes to accommodating the ethical or religious objections of their players to wear sponsor logos?