Keywords: Public Intellectual
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AUSTRALIA
In response to campus protests, universities erred on the side of free speech when every other day, the prevailing ethos is one of ‘safetyism’, namely suppressing speech or inquiry if an identity group frames it as ‘harmful’ to them. Universities should strive to be uncomfortable and ‘unsafe’ for all, with no identity immune from robust scrutiny.
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AUSTRALIA
- Barry Gittins
- 24 May 2024
In the latest Quarterly Essay profile of Peter Dutton, author Lech Blaine may well describe his work as character delineation, rather than character assassination. But we seem to be at an impasse in Australian market of ideas, and scorn gives greater bang for the buck than dialogue.
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RELIGION
- Michael McGirr
- 11 January 2024
In the realm of intellectual giants, Einstein's acclaim often overshadows luminaries like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. A century after the publication of 'The Mass on the World', this Jesuit priest's reflections remain challenging, spotlighting his quest for a singular reality binding all existence.
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MEDIA
- Andrew Hamilton
- 11 January 2024
The departure of Stan Grant from his role at the ABC following racial abuse triggers collective dismay and brings to light the deeply rooted issue of racism in Australia. His exit from public life is a sobering reminder of the societal toll of bigotry, and underscores the urgent need to safeguard our public intellectuals.
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Andrew Hamilton
- 25 August 2023
1 Comment
Failed Ambitions offers a complex exploration into the history of institutions for individuals with mental illnesses and intellectual disabilities. The book addresses the evolution of attitudes towards these communities, highlighting ongoing struggles with public stigma, systemic neglect, and the importance of giving voice to marginalised individuals.
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RELIGION
- Michael McGirr
- 21 August 2023
15 Comments
In the realm of intellectual giants, Einstein's acclaim often overshadows luminaries like Pierre Teilhard de Chardin. A century after the publication of 'The Mass on the World', this Jesuit priest's reflections remain challenging, spotlighting his quest for a singular reality binding all existence.
READ MORE
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MEDIA
- Andrew Hamilton
- 31 May 2023
19 Comments
The departure of Stan Grant from his role at the ABC following racial abuse triggers collective dismay and brings to light the deeply rooted issue of racism in Australia. His exit from public life is a sobering reminder of the societal toll of bigotry, and underscores the urgent need to safeguard our public intellectuals.
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INFORMATION
Eureka Street was named Publication of the Year at the 2021 Australasian Religious Press Association Awards, with the judges citing its 'authenticity of voice and fidelity to the Gospel'. They said Eureka Street was 'grounded in the social teachings of the Catholic Church, it addresses issues both national and international, and gives readers access to some of Australia's best public intellectuals.'
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RELIGION
- Andrew Hamilton
- 09 October 2019
16 Comments
Of English saints the newly canonised John Henry Newman is the most intellectual and active in public life since Thomas More. When conversation turns to faith it is common to regard the gift of finding good words as no more than a decoration on the hard reasoning that faith demands. Newman stands as a reproach to that view.
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ENVIRONMENT
- Andrew Hamilton
- 02 June 2017
10 Comments
The strident public debate about global warming and the threat it poses has died down. Few knowledgeable people deny its reality. At the same time, powerful interest groups and politicians appeal to the need for economic growth in order to weaken any international commitment. At such a time it is worth returning to Laudato Si, Pope Francis' passionate exhortation to care for the environment. Its most significant insight is that the environment is not something outside ourselves. We are part of it.
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AUSTRALIA
- Binoy Kampmark
- 18 October 2016
2 Comments
The late Professor Desmond Ball of the Australian National University's Strategic and Defence Studies Centre came as close as any on being a public intellectual on nuclear strategy. While some of his counterparts in the US felt that using nuclear weapons was feasible and sound, Ball issued his pieces with mighty caveats. 'Controlling escalation', Ball ventured, 'requires both adversaries to exercise restraint, and current US policy is to offer a ... mixture of self-interest and coercion.'
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ARTS AND CULTURE
- Ellena Savage
- 19 June 2015
13 Comments
I have a friend who tells me she loves seeing what she terms 'mediocre women' at the top of their fields, especially in public, because it shows that feminism is working. Some women have made a success of themselves as men have always done, through acquiring privilege and seizing opportunities with a sense of entitlement, rather than by the myths of brilliance and sacrifice. I like this perspective.
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