Carnegie Council Podcasts

Consulting firms have long helped corporations make their operations more efficient and profitable, but now moral leadership is being added to the equation. Two advisers with philosophy degrees share their thoughts on the role of corporations in society and what drives corporate leaders.

Do the presidential nominating conventions still serve a purpose in American politics? Do these events need to be reformed or scaled down? Or should they be scrapped altogether?

Three-quarters of the world's fish stocks are in distress and many fisheries could collapse by midcentury. Should we ban industrial fishing or regulate it for sustainable output? Can farmed fish make up the difference? Furthermore, who will police the oceans? What do you think?

Both left and right agree that the U.S. income gap is widening. It's harder to agree on how to solve it. Fred Setterberg yearns for the solidarity and job opportunities of his childhood. Rea Hederman says a new tax structure and programs encouraging individual initiative will grow the middle class.

From jailing bloggers in Ethiopia to legislating religion-neutral clothing in France, censorship takes many forms. Is censorship ever warranted, even if it's used to promote tolerance? Or should the American model, in which the First Amendment reigns, be the world's standard?

The London Olympics are unfolding as Britain endures a severe recession. With a $17 billion price tag, are the Olympics worth it for a nation going through financial difficulties? Or does the glory of the games and the temporary economic boost make them a wise investment?

With an unemployment rate three times higher than that of adults, there are 75 million youth worldwide looking for work. International Labour Organization head Juan Somavia gives his take and Indian employer Rahul Mirchandani speaks about training youth for the workforce.

The gun control debate in the United States has been revived in the wake of the Aurora massacre. With thousands of firearm-related homicides each year in the U.S., should it be harder to buy a gun? Or is gun ownership a core liberty that defines the American way of life?

With Somali piracy surging over the last four years, the UN is calling for travel and financial sanctions on senior pirate leaders. Is this an effective way to punish the ringleaders or could it make piracy more violent? Should the focus, instead, be on the underlying problems in Somalia?

Since there is very little any given individual can do to address climate change, there is a problem drawing a line from collective responsibility to individual responsibility. Fortunately, philosopher Garrett Cullity has a solution for morally motivating individuals.