When it comes to biological sex, humans are pretty vanilla. Things are so much wilder in nature. Philosopher of science Paul Griffiths challenges the notion that our biological sex is a rigid, unchangeable thing. Political philosopher Luara Ferracioli contemplates the controversial idea of artificial wombs replacing women’s wombs, with babies gestated entirely outside of the human body. What could that mean for the future of parenthood, motherhood, and our relationship to children? They join Natasha Mitchell for a Big Ideas on sex, biology, and baby making.

Artificial wombs and animal sex — philosophers weigh in on brave new futures

Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.

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Leading Australian climate scientist Dr Joelle Gergis takes a timely look at Australia's perilous future in a warming world. "Most Australians aren't aware how bad things are and how much worse they will get." — Joelle Gergis This event was recorded at Gleebooks in Sydney on Tuesday June 4, 2024. Speakers Dr Joelle Gergis Climate scientistAuthor, Highway to Hell — Climate Change and Australia's Future (Quarterly Essay #94, Black Inc Books) Marian Wilkinson Journalist and author

Highway to Hell — Joelle Gergis on climate change and Australia’s future

A huge number of ancient artefacts, First Nations' ceremonial objects and precious art sits in museums, galleries, private collections all over the world — with polite plaques. But their history is often messier than the plaques suggest. Throughout its reign, the British Empire 'stole' a lot of stuff. One of the arguably most controversial examples are the Parthenon Marbles, a collection of sculptural reliefs from the temple of Athena (the Parthenon) on the Acropolis in Greece. The second season of the TV documentary Stuff The British Stole has started on ABC TV and ABC iView. This discussion was presented by the National Gallery of Australia. The ABC acknowledges the National Gallery of Australia for their support with setting up this event and their assistance to guest speakers and ABC staff. Speakers Marc FennellHost of the podcast and TV series Stuff the British StoleWakely-award winning journalist and documentary-maker Adjunct Professor Margo Ngawa NealeEmeritus Curatorial Fellow: First Nations at the National Museum of Australia, former Head of the Centre for Indigenous Knowledges. Born and raised on Gunai/ Kurnai country with other clan affiliations to Gumbaynggirr and Wiradjuri nations Dr Nick MitzevitchDirector of the National Gallery of Australia Santilla Chingaipe (host)Zambian-born Australian historian, journalist, and filmmaker

Marc Fennell on stuff the British stole

Author, essayist and speechwriter Don Watson says that the price of democracy is energy, imagination, and unstinting hard work. Through the lens of Trump's America, and the malaise of Australian politics, Watson questions whether our modern democracies are up to the job. This event was recorded on Bunurong country at the Sorrento Writers' Festival on April 25 2024. Speaker Don Watson, Author, essayist and speechwriter

Don Watson on democracy

On the doorstep of Gaza comes the remarkable story of the world's first peace treaty — a 3200-year-old text. Egyptologist Dr Camilla Di Biase-Dyson joins Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell to share a political and personal soap opera that brought an enduring peace to a region now suffering from a bloody war. Speaker:Dr Camilla Di Biase-DysonLinguist and EgyptologistSenior Lecturer, Macquarie University

The incredible saga of the world’s first peace treaty — it comes from the Middle East

Disadvantaged and marginalised students often don't get the financial and teaching support that they need. Equity everyone, regardless of their background, is one of the most pressing challenges facing out higher education sector.  The government released the Universities Accord Final Report earlier this year – and it recommends sweeping changes. What are the main recommendations? And are they any good? Access, Achievement, Accord 2024 was presented at The Australian Student Equity Symposium, Curtin University. Speakers Dr Kylie AustinPresident for Equity Practitioners in Higher Education Australasia Professor Verity FirthVice President Societal Impact, Equity and Engagement at the University of New South Wales Professor Barney GloverCommissioner of Jobs and Skills Australia Professor Harlene HayneVice-Chancellor of Curtin University Professor Mary O'KaneChair of the Universities Accord Review; director and executive chairman of the consultancy O'Kane Associates Professor Shamit Saggar (host)Executive Director Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, Curtin University Further information Australian Universities Accord Final Report Document

Artificial wombs and animal sex — philosophers weigh in on brave new futures

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