Uncommon Sense

British philosopher Professor A. C. Grayling returns to Uncommon Sense to discuss his new book, The History of Philosophy. They discuss the vital role of philosophy in society, ancient philosophical traditions and ideas, including stoicism, as well as Antony's key role in the pro-remain campaign in Britain, which seeks to stop Brexit from going ahead. 

British philosopher Professor A. C. Grayling returns to Uncommon Sense to discuss his new book, The History of Philosophy. They discuss the vital role of philosophy in society, ancient philosophical traditions and ideas, including stoicism, as well as Antony's key role in the pro-remain campaign in Britain, which seeks to stop Brexit from going ahead. Emeritus Professor John Burns from The University of Hong Kong joins Amy on the ground to explore the key reasons for the escalating protests in the city and airport, as well as the political view from Mainland China. John will be appearing at a Melbourne University forum on the issue this week. Plus Maddison Connaughton, Editor of The Saturday Paper, came in to discuss the latest in federal politics.

Owen Jones, political columnist for the Guardian UK, joins Amy in the studio to discuss the bungling of Brexit, the Tory push to populism and the future of progressive politics in Britain. Editor of The Saturday Paper, Maddison Connaughton comes in to talk about the latest in federal politics. Plus Amelia Young from the Wilderness Society on the Victorian Government’s public consultation into the management of our native forests and what Victorians value most about them and want for their future.

Playwright Rory Godbold and Dr Carolyn Johnston, Senior Research Fellow in law and biotechnology at Melbourne Law School, joined Amy to discuss Victoria's new voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws that come into effect this week and Rory's new play on VAD at La Mama Theatre, When The Light Leaves. Antony Dapiran, lawyer and author of City of Protest: A Recent History of Dissent in Hong Kong, joined us from Hong Kong to discuss the mass-scale protests against the government's proposed extradition bill, as well as the history of protest in the city. Plus Ben Eltham from New Matilda on the latest in federal politics.

Playwright Rory Godbold and Dr Carolyn Johnston, Senior Research Fellow in law and biotechnology at Melbourne Law School, joined Amy to discuss Victoria's new voluntary assisted dying (VAD) laws that come into effect this week and Rory's new play on VAD at La Mama Theatre, When The Light Leaves.

Professor Tonia Eckfeld, Principal Fellow in History at the University of Melbourne and Distinguished Research Fellow at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, came in to discuss the history of the Qin Dynasty as well as the NGV's exhibition, Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality and accompanying works by contemporary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang.

Professor Tonia Eckfeld, Principal Fellow in History at the University of Melbourne and Distinguished Research Fellow at Northwestern Polytechnical University in Xi’an, came in to discuss the history of the Qin Dynasty as well as the NGV's exhibition, Terracotta Warriors: Guardians of Immortality and accompanying works by contemporary Chinese artist Cai Guo-Qiang. Professor Andrew Walter from the University of Melbourne joined Amy to discuss the latest in Brexit news, as well as the race to become the next leader of the Tory party. Plus Ben Eltham on the latest in federal politics.

Dr Emma Shortis from the RMIT’s EU Centre came in to discuss the latest in US politics, including Robert Mueller’s statement on his investigation into Trump, Russia and the 2016 Presidential election and the rising trade war with China. American author, climate activist and co-founder of 350.org Bill McKibben speaks about his latest book, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? Plus, a federal politics discussion with Meanjin political writer and Publisher of AustralianPolitics.com, Malcolm Farnsworth.

American author, climate activist and co-founder of 350.org Bill McKibben speaks about his latest book, Falter: Has the Human Game Begun to Play Itself Out? 

Philosopher and writer Eleanor Gordon-Smith came in to chat about her new book, Stop Being Reasonable, which explores the features and limits of rational argument and what really changes our minds. Dr Chiara De Lazzari from The University of Melbourne discusses the results of the 2019 European Parliamentary elections and what it means for the European Union and member states. Amy and Chiara explore the rise of movements on the left and right of politics, including populism in its many forms, and the DiEM25 movement led by former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis. Plus Ben Eltham from New Matilda on federal politics.