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The Minefield

Latest episodes

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May 22, 2024 • 54min

If chatbots are polluting the commons of human communication, what are the moral consequences?

The podcast explores the ethical considerations of integrating AI in human communication, including the impact of AI tools like GPT-4. It discusses a speculative fiction story from 1954 about the impact of automated language manipulation. The conversation also covers the cultural urge to immediately voice opinions, the implications of using chat GPT for academic writing, and the challenges of academic integrity in an AI-dominated world.
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May 15, 2024 • 54min

What are the ethical, and legal, limits of protests at Australian universities?

Protests are, by their nature, unequivocal and univocal. They tend to avoid nuance or fine distinctions, and most often do not invite dialogue. They make demands. Does the particular vocation of universities place ethical limits on the forms of expression available to protestors?
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May 8, 2024 • 54min

The decency of everyday life — are unwritten rules enough to sustain a good society?

Exploring the importance of unwritten rules in sustaining a good society, the podcast delves into topics like ethical bonds, societal norms, and the balance between individual freedom and societal responsibility. Through examples from everyday life and TV shows, the discussion highlights the complexities of maintaining decency and reciprocity in a rapidly changing world.
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May 1, 2024 • 55min

What will endure? The ethics of “Groundhog Day”

Exploring the deep themes of entrapment, transformation, and moral growth in 'Groundhog Day'. Analysis of the protagonist's evolution from self-centeredness to selflessness. Discussing the significance of music in driving character development and ethical exploration. Delving into the transformative power of pain and appreciation for films.
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Apr 24, 2024 • 53min

After the stabbings in Sydney — Grief? Anger? Revenge?

Residents of Sydney have found themselves understandably overwhelmed by the compound traumas of two stabbing attacks in three days. How are we to make sense of the cycling-through of emotions in response to shocking public violence?
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Apr 17, 2024 • 54min

What’s fueling the tension between the courts and the media?

The podcast discusses the tension between the courts and the media, exploring the influence of media on public perception in legal proceedings. It delves into ethical considerations in journalism, challenges of oversight in the media, and the interplay between narratives in the media and legal precedents. The episode highlights the complexities of truth and ethics in journalism and the law, emphasizing the importance of honesty and ethical standards in both fields.
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Apr 10, 2024 • 53min

What would the moral obligation to avoid civilian deaths look like in Gaza?

Jessica Wolfendale, a Philosophy Professor specializing in war crimes, delves into the ethical dilemmas surrounding civilian deaths in Gaza. She discusses the moral obligation of preventing casualties and the implications of indifference towards civilian lives. The conversation highlights the conflict between political responsibility and morality in warfare, and critiques the unequal global responses to civilian casualties based on victim identity. Wolfendale also reflects on the challenges of empathy and justice in addressing these complex moral issues.
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Apr 3, 2024 • 54min

Ramadan — the rediscovery of society

The podcast delves into the transformative nature of Ramadan for Muslims, the value of solitude in seeking authenticity, the role of friendship in promoting thoughtful dialogue, and the importance of honoring commitments for true freedom within society.
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Mar 27, 2024 • 53min

Ramadan — the importance of friendship

Delving into the concepts of friendship and solitude inspired by Thoreau's Walden, the podcast explores the complexities of genuine friendships for self-betterment. It discusses strategies to address defensive mechanisms in the face of criticism and anger, emphasizing the impact of ego on truth recognition. The episode highlights the transformative power of friendships in self-discovery and growth, and the ethical challenges of supporting a dishonest friend.
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Mar 20, 2024 • 53min

Ramadan — the discipline of solitude

Exploring the discipline of solitude during Ramadan, the podcast discusses the importance of spiritual reflection and attentiveness. It touches on the analogies of life as a garden and the historical roots of solitude in religious practice. The conversation also explores the significance of solitude in spiritual development and the parallels between music, literature, and inner peace.

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