Circle Of Chairs
Among a jam-packed program of presentations, The Ethics Centre invites festival goers to take up a chair alongside fellow attendees and a philosopher to discuss some of modern life’s most dangerous ethical dilemmas. What will you be burning to say? Will you agree with what your fellow FODI attendees’ have to say? You are welcome to join in the conversation or simply listen in, all are welcome to witness the unfolding of these unscripted conversations.
Circle of Chairs sessions have no age restriction; adult themes may be discussed and adult language may be used, please use your discretion.
Circle of Chairs sessions may be hosted by any one of the philosophers listed, other than the 3:45pm session on Sunday 25 August, which will be led by young philosopher Daniel Finlay with a focus on dilemmas affecting those who are 30yrs and under. Following this session, there will be a one-off meet up opportunity in the Public Space, to unpack the conversation, and connect with like-minded young people. Whether a first time or long time FODI fan, all are welcome. Refreshments provided.
Presented by
Tim Dean
Tim Dean is a public philosopher, speaker and writer. He has a Doctorate in philosophy from UNSW Sydney on the evolution of morality and specialises in public philosophy, ethics and critical thinking. He is an Honorary Associate at the University of Sydney and the author of How We Became Human. He is also an experienced science writer and editor and has worked for outlets such as The Conversation and edited magazines including Cosmos and Australian Life Scientist. He is the recipient of the Australasian Association of Philosophy Media Professionals’ Award for his work on philosophy in the public sphere. He is currently Senior Philosopher and Manos Chair in Ethics at The Ethics Centre.
Daniel Finlay
Daniel Finlay is a philosopher and writer working at The Ethics Centre to bring ethics to younger people in a way that is impactful, relatable and fun. He has completed an Honours degree in philosophy from the University of Sydney and enjoys reading, video games and music.
Laura Kotevska
Laura Kotevska is a philosopher and interdisciplinary educator at the University of Sydney. She has a doctorate from the University of Sydney and has delivered talks at Princeton, Oxford, and the École Normale Supérieure in Paris. She specialises in the history of philosophy with a particular focus on the character traits that are important for moral deliberation and critical thinking. She has written extensively on the topic of disagreement for ABC Religion and Ethics and appeared on The Philosopher’s Zone and The Minefield.
Simon Longstaff
Simon Longstaff began his working life on Groote Eylandt in the Northern Territory of Australia. He is proud of his kinship ties to the Anindilyakwa people. After a period studying law in Sydney and teaching in Tasmania, he pursued postgraduate studies as a Member of Magdalene College, Cambridge. In 1991, Simon commenced his work as the first Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, a role he continues today. In 2013, he was made an officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for “distinguished service to the community through the promotion of ethical standards in governance and business, to improving corporate responsibility, and to philosophy.” Simon is an Adjunct Professor of the Australian Graduate School of Management at UNSW Sydney, a Fellow of CPA Australia, the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Risk Policy Institute.
We acknowledge the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation - the custodians of the country in which we meet - and acknowledge their Elders, past and present.
While we believe in freedom of speech, the views and opinions expressed by the speakers are not necessarily the views of The Ethics Centre and our partners.