The Minefield

Politics is sometimes called the “art of the possible”, which entails sacrificing what is ideal for the sake what is tolerable and achievable. But when are such compromises virtuous, and when are they a form of consent to injustice?

What are we to make of Elon Musk’s claims about “free speech” and about a private company functioning as a “de facto public town square”?

Because of the pervasiveness of contempt, we no longer see those with whom we radically disagree as members of a common moral community, and therefore as participants in a shared political project.

Ukraine has enjoyed remarkable military success against Russian invaders — thanks, in no small part, to the financial support and weaponry provided by Western nations. In response, President Vladimir Putin has raised the possibility of nuclear retaliation. Does such a prospect change the moral calculus of the West’s support of and solidarity with Ukraine?

Andrew Lee, Assistant Minister for Competition and author of 'Fair Game', discusses the unique relationship between sport and societal values. He explores whether sports enhance moral behavior or reflect societal flaws. The conversation touches on fan dynamics and the balance of respect amidst rivalry. Lee critiques the commercialization of sports and its impact on integrity. He delves into player loyalty, fair compensation, and how sports can highlight the dignity of work, offering a lens to understand justice in society.

In a time when everything is politicised, it is worth noting that so many people have such evident affection for a figure who stood above the political fray. Does democratic politics require apolitical institutions in order to be healthy?

Over the last century, we’ve seen the profound longing for a way of life that has seemingly been “lost” — or, more insidiously, “stolen” — be weaponised by cunning politicians and turned against members of a political community. But should nostalgia simply be dismissed?

For many people, burning-out is taken as proof of our dedication to our jobs. Have we finally reached the point where we can re-envision the relationship between work and life?

For the last two weeks, Australian political coverage has been consumed by a series of decisions undertaken by the former Prime Minister. What made them so serious? How far should we go to ensure they can't happen again?

Robert Talese, the W. Alton Jones Professor of Philosophy at Vanderbilt University, explores the intricate dynamics of democracy and polarization. He discusses how rising partisanship impacts civic values and democratic integrity. The conversation dives into the challenges of moral language in political discourse and its effect on unity. Talese also addresses the responsibilities of citizenship, emphasizing political equality amid division, and examines how societal pressure influences civic engagement and media narratives. A thought-provoking look at democracy's resilience!