The Minefield

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.

Benjamin Moffat, an Associate Professor in Politics at Australian Catholic University and an expert in populism, unpacks the multifaceted nature of populism. He critiques how the term has been weaponized post-Trump and Brexit, revealing its historical roots among left-wing movements. Moffat discusses the manipulation of populist sentiments by elites, the oversimplification of complex debates, and the emotional engagement that populism fosters. He highlights the disconnect between everyday experiences and elite perceptions, stressing the need for diverse perspectives in governance.

The policy of negative gearing — which gives the owners of investment properties an unlimited ability to deduct losses from their overall taxable income — has come to symbolise the disparity between the different ways Australians see home ownership: for some, it is a means of wealth creation; for others, it represents the ever-receding promise of shelter, stability, security.It is unsurprising, then, that the policy would evoke such strong feelings whenever it re-enters public debate.Will changes to negative gearing solve Australia’s housing affordability crisis? No. But inquiring into why it elicits such powerful emotions can help us think more clearly about the moral dimensions of our relationship to housing and home ownership.

In this engaging discussion, Simon Tedeschi, an acclaimed concert pianist and award-winning writer, delves into the haunting war poetry of Wilfred Owen. The conversation reveals how Owen’s works like 'Strange Meeting' starkly contrast glorified war narratives, urging profound reflection on sacrifice and loss. Tedeschi highlights the emotional power of poetry in connecting with our shared humanity amidst chaos. The episode culminates in a heartfelt performance, emphasizing art's critical role in understanding and healing in today's turbulent world.

With the US presidential election on the horizon, to say nothing of a number of Australian elections, our airwaves, news sites and social media feeds are filled with political rhetoric.Many of us have come to accept political rhetoric — with its obfuscations, generalisations, exaggerations and outright evasions — as the price of doing business with democratic politics.Is there a meaningful difference anymore between political rhetoric and propaganda? What disciplines and constraints must political rhetoric adopt in order to keep itself free of the propagandistic temptation?

In a thought-provoking conversation, Loira Frascioli, an Associate Professor of political philosophy at the University of Sydney, discusses the potential dangers of Australia's proposed cap on international students. She argues that this policy could harm the quality of education and research, emphasizing universities' reliance on international student fees. Frascioli highlights the broader implications for Australia's economy and societal attitudes towards higher education, advocating for a balanced approach that values international students as integral contributors rather than mere commodities.

Stan Grant, a prominent journalist and author known for his insights into Australian culture and politics, joins Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens for a thought-provoking conversation. They delve into the complexities of social cohesion in Australia, contrasting it with global unrest. The discussion covers the importance of genuine relationships and stable housing in fostering community trust. They also tackle the moral implications of economic inequality and highlight the need for restored human connections in an increasingly divided society.

Explore the complex concept of freedom in American politics, especially at the recent Democratic National Convention. Delve into the tension between personal rights and societal safety, contrasting American and Australian views. Discover how social cooperation can shape true freedom and examine the dual nature of freedoms like gun ownership. Unravel the paradoxes of freedom's history, stressing the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility, and find insights in fairy tales, linking labor and self-awareness to genuine freedom.