The Ethics of Journalism, Duty and Democracy

About The Ethics of Journalism

DATE & TIME
THURS 20 MARCH 2025
6:30pm – 7:30pm AEDT

When it feels like the whole world is unstable, unpredictable, unfair and increasingly fractured, it continues to be the job of journalists to bring us the facts.

In this timely session, The Ethics Centre’s Dr Tim Dean will be joined by Walkley-winning journalist, TV presenter and social commentator Jan Fran to explore the ethics of journalism today.   

Can journalists sustain integrity, continue to hold power to account and commit themselves to “honesty, fairness, and independence” in ever-changing and increasingly challenging circumstances? In a time where everyone is a content creator, how do journalists differ? How should journalists balance the need to attract eyeballs while avoiding sensationalism? Can public trust in journalism be restored? Is objectivity a realistic goal, or is every story pushing someone’s agenda? If journalists can’t report the facts, how else do we get them?

About The Ethics of Duty

DATE & TIME
THURS 3 APRIL 2025
6:30pm – 7:45pm AEDT

In today's highly individualistic world, we often think more about what we want and deserve, rather than considering the concept of duty. 

But we are not atoms in a void. Humans are social and moral creatures, which means sometimes we have a duty to others that trumps our personal interests.

For some people, that sense of duty is central to how they think about ethics.

From healthcare workers to frontline soldiers to civil servants, we are surrounded by people who take duty seriously. But what does duty look like when we untangle it from things like obligation, orthodoxy and social pressure? When does duty override our self-interest or even the law? What happens when our duties conflict? And what does it mean when those to whom we are dutiful to aren’t dutiful back?

In this session, Anthropologist and Army Reservist Dr Monty Badami is joined by special guests to explore the ethics of duty.

About The Ethics of Democracy

DATE & TIME
THURS 10 APRIL 2025
6:30pm – 7:45pm AEST

Winston Churchill once said that democracy is the worst form of government ... except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.

As we witness the most powerful democracies in the world seemingly unravelling, many voices are starting to question whether democracy really is the best option we have.

Does our vote really make a difference? Is democracy able to serve everybody? Is apathy and despair the greatest threat to democracy, or are there bigger threats lurking in the wings?

Do we have a responsibility to vote not just for our own interests, but for the welfare of others? Should we be open to experimentation with undemocratic alternatives, or is the solution more democracy?   

Join Fellow at The Ethics Centre Dr Gwilym David Blunt and special guests to delve into the ethics of democracy. What part do we each play?

About The Ethics Of

‘The Ethics of…’ is an event series where we freely examine the experiences, hopes and challenges that make us truly human; from the good to the bad and everything in between. Each event is an intimate conversation, led by a philosopher, with opportunities for the audience to share their experiences, views and learn from each other. Join us for this important and interactive event, held both in person and livestreamed, about the ways we connect with each other.

IN PERSON AND LIVESTREAM 

Limited seats in person 
The Ethics Centre 
Level 1, 161 Castlereagh St 
Sydney, 2000 
Event live stream will be available to watch on demand for up to 14 days post-event.