One of Australia’s preeminent philosophers, Raimond Gaita (pictured), a conversation enthusiast, delivered the second annual oration following the annual general meeting of the Melbourne-based "Climate at the Crossroads".

The Importance of Conversation in the very Idea of our Common Humanity".

He is a Honorary Professorial Fellow, at the Melbourne Law School and Emeritus Professor of Moral Philosophy,  King's College London.

Promotional material for the lecture said Mr Gaita has long been a beacon of moral clarity in a world increasingly defined by division and despair.

Conversation is where everything begins and the answers to the present climate crisis can be found in simply talking with each other.

And so, although Mr Gaita did not directly address climate issues, he did help the audience of about 100 better understand the importance of conversation.