The Ramsay Centre Podcast Wed, 04 Mar 2026 14:06:02 -0500 http://www.buzzsprout.com/472723 en-au © 2026 The Ramsay Centre Podcast yes 6cf082e7-3fcf-5ed5-9b8b-a9e4eb9cd883 The Ramsay Centre episodic false Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) The Ramsay Centre https://storage.buzzsprout.com/z0spb15l24noi9xwo8whgcvjurw6?.jpg The Ramsay Centre Podcast http://www.buzzsprout.com/472723 The Ramsay Centre Podcast: | Might Makes Right? Great Powers and Challenges to the International Order – Prof Brendan Simms The Ramsay Centre Podcast: | Might Makes Right? Great Powers and Challenges to the International Order – Prof Brendan Simms The “rules-based” international system is under threat, both from within and without. However, this is not the first time it has faced challenges, or challengers. Imperial Germany, Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, Fascist Italy and the Soviet Union ‒ great powers or would-be powers ‒ as well as others, have sought to disrupt or overthrow the world order based on free trade and, to some extent at least, liberal values. Now Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea confront the United States and its allies, who are grappling with the apparent fragility of the US’s commitment to world order and a much bigger role for neutrals and non-aligned.

For our sixth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Professor Brendan Simms who delivers an address titled: Might Makes Right? The Past, Present and Future of the Great Powers and Challenges to the International Order.

Professor Simms examines whether the future lies in a world determined by relations of power, in particular between the great powers, rather than rules or values. For example, should the EU pursue great power status? Is there still scope for the UK, Australia, Japan and other like-minded nations to carve out a space for themselves with or without American or European support?

Please join us for this compelling discussion exploring current challenges to the “rules-based” international system.

]]> The “rules-based” international system is under threat, both from within and without. However, this is not the first time it has faced challenges, or challengers. Imperial Germany, Nazi Germany, Imperial Japan, Fascist Italy and the Soviet Union ‒ great powers or would-be powers ‒ as well as others, have sought to disrupt or overthrow the world order based on free trade and, to some extent at least, liberal values. Now Russia, China, Iran, and North Korea confront the United States and its allies, who are grappling with the apparent fragility of the US’s commitment to world order and a much bigger role for neutrals and non-aligned.

For our sixth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Professor Brendan Simms who delivers an address titled: Might Makes Right? The Past, Present and Future of the Great Powers and Challenges to the International Order.

Professor Simms examines whether the future lies in a world determined by relations of power, in particular between the great powers, rather than rules or values. For example, should the EU pursue great power status? Is there still scope for the UK, Australia, Japan and other like-minded nations to carve out a space for themselves with or without American or European support?

Please join us for this compelling discussion exploring current challenges to the “rules-based” international system.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-17882656 Thu, 25 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +1000 5250 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Truth Test: Science and Pseudoscience in a World of Information Overload – Prof Ian Frazer AC. The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Truth Test: Science and Pseudoscience in a World of Information Overload – Prof Ian Frazer AC. Science is power. So is the ability to persuade people that something is scientific or supported by science, i.e. that science is “on your side”. In a scientific civilisation, when our world is increasingly shaped by, and dependent on, the achievements of science, and the word “science” is often wielded as a weapon, what are the challenges facing scientists and non-scientists in distinguishing good science from what is merely presented as science, and in identifying the legitimate limits of science?

For our fifth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by world renowned scientist Ian Frazer, former Australian of the Year and co-developer of the basic technology behind the world’s first cancer vaccine. Professor Frazer delivers an address titled: The Truth Test: Science and Pseudoscience in a World of Information Overload.

Professor Frazer examines how we can tell good science from bad, and why there is good reason to be optimistic. He is joined by Nick Enfield, Linguistics Professor and Director of the Sydney Social Science and Humanities Advanced Research Centre at the University of Sydney, who provides additional context and insights.

Please join us for this compelling discussion exploring scientific research and its commitment to societal well-being.

]]> Science is power. So is the ability to persuade people that something is scientific or supported by science, i.e. that science is “on your side”. In a scientific civilisation, when our world is increasingly shaped by, and dependent on, the achievements of science, and the word “science” is often wielded as a weapon, what are the challenges facing scientists and non-scientists in distinguishing good science from what is merely presented as science, and in identifying the legitimate limits of science?

For our fifth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by world renowned scientist Ian Frazer, former Australian of the Year and co-developer of the basic technology behind the world’s first cancer vaccine. Professor Frazer delivers an address titled: The Truth Test: Science and Pseudoscience in a World of Information Overload.

Professor Frazer examines how we can tell good science from bad, and why there is good reason to be optimistic. He is joined by Nick Enfield, Linguistics Professor and Director of the Sydney Social Science and Humanities Advanced Research Centre at the University of Sydney, who provides additional context and insights.

Please join us for this compelling discussion exploring scientific research and its commitment to societal well-being.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-17518451 Thu, 17 Jul 2025 11:00:00 +1000 1949 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The future West: How we can harness new technologies to transform lives – Dr Catherine Ball The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The future West: How we can harness new technologies to transform lives – Dr Catherine Ball From the scientific method, to the post-industrial economy, to new digital technologies, the West has played a pivotal role in many of the most transformative developments of the modern era.

Now with the age of AI and robotics before us, how can we actively shape the future in an age of accelerating change? And how do we harness the power of technology in higher education, to ensure it advances learning, rather than diminishes the university experience? 

For our fourth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by globally renowned futurist Dr Catherine Ball titled: The future West: How we can harness new technologies to transform lives. 

Dr Ball draws on her deep expertise in emerging technologies—from AI and robotics to digital ethics and sustainability—to illuminate the powerful role that leadership, purpose, and human-centred innovation play in genuine progress.

Far from being passive observers of disruption, we are all participants in building what comes next. Dr Ball challenges the audience to move beyond fear or fascination with technology and instead harness it as a tool for impact and resilience.

Please join us for this inspiring, thought-provoking event exploring how we can actively shape the future in an age of accelerating change.

]]> From the scientific method, to the post-industrial economy, to new digital technologies, the West has played a pivotal role in many of the most transformative developments of the modern era.

Now with the age of AI and robotics before us, how can we actively shape the future in an age of accelerating change? And how do we harness the power of technology in higher education, to ensure it advances learning, rather than diminishes the university experience? 

For our fourth Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by globally renowned futurist Dr Catherine Ball titled: The future West: How we can harness new technologies to transform lives. 

Dr Ball draws on her deep expertise in emerging technologies—from AI and robotics to digital ethics and sustainability—to illuminate the powerful role that leadership, purpose, and human-centred innovation play in genuine progress.

Far from being passive observers of disruption, we are all participants in building what comes next. Dr Ball challenges the audience to move beyond fear or fascination with technology and instead harness it as a tool for impact and resilience.

Please join us for this inspiring, thought-provoking event exploring how we can actively shape the future in an age of accelerating change.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-17427257 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 09:00:00 +1000 1949 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Teach Us Today – Bettany Hughes The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Teach Us Today – Bettany Hughes In the age of AI and the smartphone is history a vital form of knowledge? How can the treasures of the past enrich our minds and help us to live more fully today?

For our second Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Bettany Hughes OBE titled: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Teach Us Today. 

Drawing on her field research, including digs in Europe, North Africa and Central Asia, Bettany explores how archaeology in particular is a powerful tool that can make us better and wiser travellers in a modern world that is everywhere marked by the traces of the past.

Please join us for this exciting presentation about why, at a time when technology seems to offer the possibility of existing solely in a permanent and therefore impoverished present, the past has absolute value and relevance, and why it is, in fact, one of our greatest treasures.

]]> In the age of AI and the smartphone is history a vital form of knowledge? How can the treasures of the past enrich our minds and help us to live more fully today?

For our second Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Bettany Hughes OBE titled: Digging Up History: What the Treasures of the Past Can Teach Us Today. 

Drawing on her field research, including digs in Europe, North Africa and Central Asia, Bettany explores how archaeology in particular is a powerful tool that can make us better and wiser travellers in a modern world that is everywhere marked by the traces of the past.

Please join us for this exciting presentation about why, at a time when technology seems to offer the possibility of existing solely in a permanent and therefore impoverished present, the past has absolute value and relevance, and why it is, in fact, one of our greatest treasures.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-16847896 Thu, 27 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +1100 2793 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Welcome to Oz – Immigration 1788-2100 – Bernard Salt AM together with Professor James Curran The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Welcome to Oz – Immigration 1788-2100 – Bernard Salt AM together with Professor James Curran Today some 30 per cent of Australia’s population was born overseas, double the proportion in the US and the UK. How has Australia managed to add so many people so quickly and still maintain social cohesion? And how might our immigration mix change in the decades ahead?

For our first Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Bernard Salt AM together with Professor James Curran titled: Welcome to Oz – Immigration 1788-2100. 

Leading social commentator and demographer Bernard Salt and eminent historian and journalist James Curran discuss changes to Australia’s demography and the political and cultural history of Australian immigration, from the gold-rush, to Federation, to the post-war era, to today. Bernard Salt delivers the main address with James Curran providing additional insights.

Please join us for this stimulating exploration of the critical role that immigration has played in Australia’s development and how it is likely to continue to define us in the 21st century. 

]]> Today some 30 per cent of Australia’s population was born overseas, double the proportion in the US and the UK. How has Australia managed to add so many people so quickly and still maintain social cohesion? And how might our immigration mix change in the decades ahead?

For our first Ramsay Event for 2025, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Bernard Salt AM together with Professor James Curran titled: Welcome to Oz – Immigration 1788-2100. 

Leading social commentator and demographer Bernard Salt and eminent historian and journalist James Curran discuss changes to Australia’s demography and the political and cultural history of Australian immigration, from the gold-rush, to Federation, to the post-war era, to today. Bernard Salt delivers the main address with James Curran providing additional insights.

Please join us for this stimulating exploration of the critical role that immigration has played in Australia’s development and how it is likely to continue to define us in the 21st century. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-16729246 Thu, 06 Mar 2025 09:00:00 +1100 4624 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Tragedy of 21st Century Geopolitics – Robert D. Kaplan The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Tragedy of 21st Century Geopolitics – Robert D. Kaplan Trying to make sense of a world where great power rivalry, war and competition for resources are not ghosts of history but present realities?From the Middle East to Ukraine to the South China Sea, world leaders are confronted by complex crises with no easy solution in sight.

US journalist, author and foreign policy advisor Robert D. Kaplan thinks that we must learn to think tragically if we are to avoid or mitigate tragedy. Leaders should be neither optimists nor pessimists but realists, argues Kaplan. His book, The Tragic Mind, reflects hard-won wisdom and was written as the author grappled with his promotion, as an influential journalist and respected analyst, of the second Iraq War, the US-led military intervention that toppled Iraqi tyrant Saddam Hussein but unleashed further bloodshed and anarchy. Kaplan was also deeply affected by former US President Bill Clinton hesitating to intervene in the Balkans after reading Kaplan’s 1993 book Balkan Ghosts.

In The Tragic Mind, Kaplan notes that tragedy is not merely imperfection, nor is it the fact that progress is intermittent and reversible. Humans confront tragedy when they recognise that whatever they do, including nothing, some good will be lost.

For our sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Robert D. Kaplan titled: The Tragedy of 21st Century Geopolitics. 

After a period of deep personal reflection and exploration of the ancient Greeks and classics, Kaplan determined a tragic mindset was necessary to guide foreign policy in particular. In his talk, he explains that tragedy is not common misfortune or crime but the triumph of one good over another, and about the narrow choices we face, however vast the landscape. He discusses Ukraine, Gaza and the South China Sea as illustrations of tragedy and employs the works of ancient Greek dramatists, Shakespeare, German philosophers and the modern classics to explore the central subjects of international politics: order, disorder, rebellion, ambition, loyalty to family and state, violence and the burdens of what is always limited power.

Please join us for this stimulating exploration of how a ‘tragic mindset’ could guide decision making and leadership and how the classics can help inform current conflicts.

]]> Trying to make sense of a world where great power rivalry, war and competition for resources are not ghosts of history but present realities?From the Middle East to Ukraine to the South China Sea, world leaders are confronted by complex crises with no easy solution in sight.

US journalist, author and foreign policy advisor Robert D. Kaplan thinks that we must learn to think tragically if we are to avoid or mitigate tragedy. Leaders should be neither optimists nor pessimists but realists, argues Kaplan. His book, The Tragic Mind, reflects hard-won wisdom and was written as the author grappled with his promotion, as an influential journalist and respected analyst, of the second Iraq War, the US-led military intervention that toppled Iraqi tyrant Saddam Hussein but unleashed further bloodshed and anarchy. Kaplan was also deeply affected by former US President Bill Clinton hesitating to intervene in the Balkans after reading Kaplan’s 1993 book Balkan Ghosts.

In The Tragic Mind, Kaplan notes that tragedy is not merely imperfection, nor is it the fact that progress is intermittent and reversible. Humans confront tragedy when they recognise that whatever they do, including nothing, some good will be lost.

For our sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Robert D. Kaplan titled: The Tragedy of 21st Century Geopolitics. 

After a period of deep personal reflection and exploration of the ancient Greeks and classics, Kaplan determined a tragic mindset was necessary to guide foreign policy in particular. In his talk, he explains that tragedy is not common misfortune or crime but the triumph of one good over another, and about the narrow choices we face, however vast the landscape. He discusses Ukraine, Gaza and the South China Sea as illustrations of tragedy and employs the works of ancient Greek dramatists, Shakespeare, German philosophers and the modern classics to explore the central subjects of international politics: order, disorder, rebellion, ambition, loyalty to family and state, violence and the burdens of what is always limited power.

Please join us for this stimulating exploration of how a ‘tragic mindset’ could guide decision making and leadership and how the classics can help inform current conflicts.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-16096127 Wed, 13 Nov 2024 15:00:00 +1100 5914 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Well-Tempered Power: The Rule of Law in Theory & Practice – Professor Martin Krygier The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Well-Tempered Power: The Rule of Law in Theory & Practice – Professor Martin Krygier What is the key to ‘well-tempered power’? Can the rule of law be sustained by the law alone, or does it need to be blended with distinct cultural, political, social and economic forces? The Western concept of the ‘rule of law’ has not been applied with equal success in countries globally, many of whom have all the dressings of a legal system including courts, judges and lawyers, but still experience arbitrary exercise of significant power.

For our fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Professor Martin Krygier titled: Well-Tempered Power: The Rule of Law in Theory & Practice.

Professor Krygier is one of the world’s leading theorists on the rule of law. His argument that the rule of law, well understood, is not merely “following the rules” but includes a culture of respect for all sorts of limitation on arbitrary power, is one of the most original and influential jurisprudential arguments of the past fifty years. In his presentation Professor Krygier explains and defends his conception of the rule of law and discusses the challenges it faces around the world today.

NSW Solicitor-General Michael Sexton SC, an esteemed commentator and author of several books on Australian history and politics, then offers a response.

Please join us for this stimulating discussion about the concepts of ‘well-tempered power’ and the rule of law.

]]> What is the key to ‘well-tempered power’? Can the rule of law be sustained by the law alone, or does it need to be blended with distinct cultural, political, social and economic forces? The Western concept of the ‘rule of law’ has not been applied with equal success in countries globally, many of whom have all the dressings of a legal system including courts, judges and lawyers, but still experience arbitrary exercise of significant power.

For our fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by Professor Martin Krygier titled: Well-Tempered Power: The Rule of Law in Theory & Practice.

Professor Krygier is one of the world’s leading theorists on the rule of law. His argument that the rule of law, well understood, is not merely “following the rules” but includes a culture of respect for all sorts of limitation on arbitrary power, is one of the most original and influential jurisprudential arguments of the past fifty years. In his presentation Professor Krygier explains and defends his conception of the rule of law and discusses the challenges it faces around the world today.

NSW Solicitor-General Michael Sexton SC, an esteemed commentator and author of several books on Australian history and politics, then offers a response.

Please join us for this stimulating discussion about the concepts of ‘well-tempered power’ and the rule of law.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-15732447 Thu, 12 Sep 2024 09:00:00 +1000 6101 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Getting Russia Right – Kyle Wilson The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Getting Russia Right – Kyle Wilson What is Russian exceptionalism? How can we best understand the mindset of Russians and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the most effective response to the war on Ukraine? Is there a path forward to ‘getting Russia right’?

For our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Centre is pleased to present an exploration of this topic – a recorded conversation between former Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines, and one of Australia’s foremost Russia experts, the esteemed academic, diplomat and Russian interpreter Mr Kyle Wilson.

In their discussion, the pair draw upon Mr Wilson’s direct dealings with President Putin as well as his research into Russian history and society to explore the mindset that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Mr Wilson posits that President Putin is bent on reaffirming age-old traditions of autocracy at home and empire abroad. Far from being threatened by NATO expansion in its so-called near abroad, Putin is intent on integrating Ukraine into greater Russia. Leading into this conclusion, Mr Wilson and Professor Haines explore the following:

*Mr Wilson’s thesis that contemporary political culture in Russia is a mirror of what Genghis Khan created in the Mongol Empire, a militarised empire where all power resides with an autocrat who is above the law and where people exist to serve the state.

*Russian exceptionalism and how Russians are taught to believe they are unique, ethnically and culturally superior, and owed gratitude for saving humanity on three occasions from Khan, Napoleon and Hitler.

*Why Russia believes the West is mounting a war against it and wants to influence the foreign policy of its small neighbours to the West because of the times it has been invaded from the West.

*Why despite past invasions it is not NATO expansion and fear of invasion that are driving the war on Ukraine but rather Putin’s military strongman mindset and the desire to restore to Russia parcels of lands that it believes it still has right to. 

Please join us for this compelling discussion that seeks to offer better comprehension of the events unfolding in Russia and Ukraine today. 

]]> What is Russian exceptionalism? How can we best understand the mindset of Russians and Russian President Vladimir Putin to ensure the most effective response to the war on Ukraine? Is there a path forward to ‘getting Russia right’?

For our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Centre is pleased to present an exploration of this topic – a recorded conversation between former Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines, and one of Australia’s foremost Russia experts, the esteemed academic, diplomat and Russian interpreter Mr Kyle Wilson.

In their discussion, the pair draw upon Mr Wilson’s direct dealings with President Putin as well as his research into Russian history and society to explore the mindset that led Russia to invade Ukraine. Mr Wilson posits that President Putin is bent on reaffirming age-old traditions of autocracy at home and empire abroad. Far from being threatened by NATO expansion in its so-called near abroad, Putin is intent on integrating Ukraine into greater Russia. Leading into this conclusion, Mr Wilson and Professor Haines explore the following:

*Mr Wilson’s thesis that contemporary political culture in Russia is a mirror of what Genghis Khan created in the Mongol Empire, a militarised empire where all power resides with an autocrat who is above the law and where people exist to serve the state.

*Russian exceptionalism and how Russians are taught to believe they are unique, ethnically and culturally superior, and owed gratitude for saving humanity on three occasions from Khan, Napoleon and Hitler.

*Why Russia believes the West is mounting a war against it and wants to influence the foreign policy of its small neighbours to the West because of the times it has been invaded from the West.

*Why despite past invasions it is not NATO expansion and fear of invasion that are driving the war on Ukraine but rather Putin’s military strongman mindset and the desire to restore to Russia parcels of lands that it believes it still has right to. 

Please join us for this compelling discussion that seeks to offer better comprehension of the events unfolding in Russia and Ukraine today. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-15505670 Thu, 01 Aug 2024 09:00:00 +1000 4224 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Liberal Education in the 21st Century – Andrew Kern The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Liberal Education in the 21st Century – Andrew Kern What is ‘liberal education’? What distinguishes it from vocational education, and even programs of study adopted in many modern liberal arts programs? Can an education focused on ‘knowledge for its own sake’ rather than for professional pursuits and industry careers, hold appeal among current and future generations of scholars? And why is there a resurgence in liberal education movements in the West, in an era where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) reigns supreme and artificial intelligence holds promise to do our thinking for us? 

For our third Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by classical education expert Andrew Kern (founder and president of the CiRCE Institute in the US, Center for Independent Research on Classical Education) titled: Liberal Education in the 21st Century.

In his lecture, Andrew Kern explores the challenges and opportunities facing the liberal arts, not only in the US, but around the world. His lecture takes the audience on a compelling journey through the historical foundations of the liberal arts, stressing their enduring value in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and responsible citizenship. He also addresses the evolving landscape of education, considering the impact of technology, cultural shifts and intellectual and political challenges to traditional notions of learning. 

Please join us for this stimulating lecture about liberal education in the 21st century.

]]> What is ‘liberal education’? What distinguishes it from vocational education, and even programs of study adopted in many modern liberal arts programs? Can an education focused on ‘knowledge for its own sake’ rather than for professional pursuits and industry careers, hold appeal among current and future generations of scholars? And why is there a resurgence in liberal education movements in the West, in an era where STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) reigns supreme and artificial intelligence holds promise to do our thinking for us? 

For our third Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present an in-person lecture by classical education expert Andrew Kern (founder and president of the CiRCE Institute in the US, Center for Independent Research on Classical Education) titled: Liberal Education in the 21st Century.

In his lecture, Andrew Kern explores the challenges and opportunities facing the liberal arts, not only in the US, but around the world. His lecture takes the audience on a compelling journey through the historical foundations of the liberal arts, stressing their enduring value in shaping well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and responsible citizenship. He also addresses the evolving landscape of education, considering the impact of technology, cultural shifts and intellectual and political challenges to traditional notions of learning. 

Please join us for this stimulating lecture about liberal education in the 21st century.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-15286936 Fri, 21 Jun 2024 09:00:00 +1000 5837 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Living with Leviathans: Australia in a Multipolar Age – Professor Michael Wesley The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Living with Leviathans: Australia in a Multipolar Age – Professor Michael Wesley  What does it mean for Australia that it is part of the West, but geographically remote from it? Must we choose between our geography and our traditional alliances in this multipolar age?

For our second Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present an in-person lecture by leading strategic analyst and University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement Professor Michael Wesley titled: Living with Leviathans: Australia in a Multipolar Age. 

As an island and former British colony in Oceania, with no territorial disputes or powerful near neighbours, Australia has always had a unique “strategic gaze”; one shaped as much by how the world looks from the capitals of the culturally congruent great powers the country has formed alliances with as by how it looks from Canberra. Now, in a multipolar age where India as well as China have joined the United States in the first rank of global powers, this strategic sensibility has been challenged, without being overthrown. 

In his lecture, Professor Wesley presents a blend of historical context and contemporary insights to explain our place in a world with several great but no dominant powers. He highlights the necessity for Australia to adapt diplomatically, culturally, and strategically to new realities, charting a safe course between the Leviathans of the international system. 

Please join us for this stimulating discussion about the future global order and Australia’s place in it.   

]]>  What does it mean for Australia that it is part of the West, but geographically remote from it? Must we choose between our geography and our traditional alliances in this multipolar age?

For our second Ramsay Lecture for 2024, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present an in-person lecture by leading strategic analyst and University of Melbourne Deputy Vice-Chancellor Global, Culture and Engagement Professor Michael Wesley titled: Living with Leviathans: Australia in a Multipolar Age. 

As an island and former British colony in Oceania, with no territorial disputes or powerful near neighbours, Australia has always had a unique “strategic gaze”; one shaped as much by how the world looks from the capitals of the culturally congruent great powers the country has formed alliances with as by how it looks from Canberra. Now, in a multipolar age where India as well as China have joined the United States in the first rank of global powers, this strategic sensibility has been challenged, without being overthrown. 

In his lecture, Professor Wesley presents a blend of historical context and contemporary insights to explain our place in a world with several great but no dominant powers. He highlights the necessity for Australia to adapt diplomatically, culturally, and strategically to new realities, charting a safe course between the Leviathans of the international system. 

Please join us for this stimulating discussion about the future global order and Australia’s place in it.   

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-14854729 Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:00:00 +1000 4285 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Navigating between China and the US in Asia - Mike Green, Lavina Lee, Milton Osborne, Sam Roggeveen The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Navigating between China and the US in Asia - Mike Green, Lavina Lee, Milton Osborne, Sam Roggeveen Australia’s complex strategic landscape is situated at the crossroads between two global giants – China and the United States. To help explore the geopolitical challenges, economic considerations, and diplomatic nuances that shape Australia’s role in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, our expert panellists dissect the evolving dynamics, assess potential scenarios, and offer insights into how Australia might navigate this intricate balance in Asia in order to secure its interests and contribute to regional stability.

To examine this vital topic, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our first Ramsay Lecture for 2024, with accomplished foreign policy experts Dr Mike Green, United States Study Centre CEO, Dr Lavina Lee, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, Dr Milton Osborne AM, author and consultant, and Sam Roggeveen, Lowy Institute International Security Program Director on Navigating the Crossroads: Australia’s Strategic Position Between China and the US in Asia.

Please join us for this thought-provoking panel discussion.

]]> Australia’s complex strategic landscape is situated at the crossroads between two global giants – China and the United States. To help explore the geopolitical challenges, economic considerations, and diplomatic nuances that shape Australia’s role in the dynamic Asia-Pacific region, our expert panellists dissect the evolving dynamics, assess potential scenarios, and offer insights into how Australia might navigate this intricate balance in Asia in order to secure its interests and contribute to regional stability.

To examine this vital topic, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our first Ramsay Lecture for 2024, with accomplished foreign policy experts Dr Mike Green, United States Study Centre CEO, Dr Lavina Lee, Senior Lecturer in Security Studies and Criminology at Macquarie University, Dr Milton Osborne AM, author and consultant, and Sam Roggeveen, Lowy Institute International Security Program Director on Navigating the Crossroads: Australia’s Strategic Position Between China and the US in Asia.

Please join us for this thought-provoking panel discussion.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-14573435 Mon, 26 Feb 2024 10:00:00 +1100 5021 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Is the West eccentric? – Rémi Brague The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Is the West eccentric? – Rémi Brague For our ninth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, the Centre is delighted to present an exploration of the topic Is the West eccentric? in a recorded conversation between Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines and esteemed French philosopher Rémi Brague, best-selling author and Professor Emeritus of Arabic and Religious Philosophy at the University of Paris, the Sorbonne.

In their discussion, the pair explore Professor Brague’s theory that the West is an outlier civilisation that uniquely acknowledges the superiority of some elements of foreign culture, in particular Classical culture.

Professor Brague traces this ability back to the essential role of Rome, claiming that it was the sense of inferiority that the ancient Romans felt towards the Greeks (culturally not militarily) that saw them develop an indispensable ability to draw together and assimilate cultural traditions.

This psychology of “secondarité” or inferiority never left the West, Professor Brague claims, and consequently the West with roots in Athens and Jerusalem drew heavily from both and continues to be uniquely open to other cultures and influences. The West is also more accepting than other civilisations of transmitting other influences in their whole form into its own, he argues.

Please join us for this captivating lecture with Professor Rémi Brague.

]]> For our ninth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, the Centre is delighted to present an exploration of the topic Is the West eccentric? in a recorded conversation between Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines and esteemed French philosopher Rémi Brague, best-selling author and Professor Emeritus of Arabic and Religious Philosophy at the University of Paris, the Sorbonne.

In their discussion, the pair explore Professor Brague’s theory that the West is an outlier civilisation that uniquely acknowledges the superiority of some elements of foreign culture, in particular Classical culture.

Professor Brague traces this ability back to the essential role of Rome, claiming that it was the sense of inferiority that the ancient Romans felt towards the Greeks (culturally not militarily) that saw them develop an indispensable ability to draw together and assimilate cultural traditions.

This psychology of “secondarité” or inferiority never left the West, Professor Brague claims, and consequently the West with roots in Athens and Jerusalem drew heavily from both and continues to be uniquely open to other cultures and influences. The West is also more accepting than other civilisations of transmitting other influences in their whole form into its own, he argues.

Please join us for this captivating lecture with Professor Rémi Brague.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-13885471 Wed, 01 Nov 2023 10:00:00 +1100 4164 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Are the History Wars Worth Fighting? – Robert Tombs The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Are the History Wars Worth Fighting? – Robert Tombs Is our past being misrepresented in our schools, cultural institutions, and the broader society; leading to the history of the West being presented as one only worthy of shame, apology, and reparations?

Or are the ‘history wars’ merely an invention of the paranoid, to stir up synthetic controversy and prevent belated recognition of dark sides of our past?

To help explore this vital topic, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our eighth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, eminent UK historian Professor Robert Tombs on Are the History Wars Worth Fighting?

Professor Tombs outlines the forces he says are driving this campaign, ranging from intellectual and ideological forces to the professional managerial class, technology, and geopolitics. He examines the cost to society from historical half-truths, whether in the form of violence, a loss of sense of community, or a belief that violence, racism and exploitation in the past is a permanent feature of the West in the present day.

Professor Tombs argues that while we must recognise difficult aspects of our past, we need to “…urge society to remember accurately, fully and honestly, and to understand the vital differences between the past and the present, crucial to understanding both our forebears and ourselves.”

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Professor Robert Tombs.

]]> Is our past being misrepresented in our schools, cultural institutions, and the broader society; leading to the history of the West being presented as one only worthy of shame, apology, and reparations?

Or are the ‘history wars’ merely an invention of the paranoid, to stir up synthetic controversy and prevent belated recognition of dark sides of our past?

To help explore this vital topic, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our eighth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, eminent UK historian Professor Robert Tombs on Are the History Wars Worth Fighting?

Professor Tombs outlines the forces he says are driving this campaign, ranging from intellectual and ideological forces to the professional managerial class, technology, and geopolitics. He examines the cost to society from historical half-truths, whether in the form of violence, a loss of sense of community, or a belief that violence, racism and exploitation in the past is a permanent feature of the West in the present day.

Professor Tombs argues that while we must recognise difficult aspects of our past, we need to “…urge society to remember accurately, fully and honestly, and to understand the vital differences between the past and the present, crucial to understanding both our forebears and ourselves.”

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Professor Robert Tombs.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-13670881 Wed, 27 Sep 2023 17:00:00 +1000 4825 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Who Will Save Us Now? Searching for Meaning in an Age of Unbelief – John Carroll The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Who Will Save Us Now? Searching for Meaning in an Age of Unbelief – John Carroll If the modern West is both statistically and culturally no longer Christian, who will save us now? What remains? Are we still searching for meaning in an age of unbelief?

To help explore the psyche of the post-Christian West, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Professor John Carroll on Who Will Save Us Now? Searching for Meaning in an Age of Unbelief.

According to Professor Carroll, people in the Western tradition are, by their nature, saviour seeking and this ‘saviour syndrome’ impels people to find someone, or some equivalent, to show the way to a better life, and counter the quintessentially modern ordeal of unbelief. 

Drawing on examples from literature, history and popular culture, Professor Carroll argues that people in the West are constantly investing those around them with exemplary or transcendent qualities, with some seeking a form of enchantment to bring grace into their lives. Although in the modern West the figure of Christ may appear to be obsolete for many (though of course far from it for many others), the archetype of Christ the Saviour continues to resonate and a yearning for a saviour continues to manifest itself.

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Professor John Carroll.

]]> If the modern West is both statistically and culturally no longer Christian, who will save us now? What remains? Are we still searching for meaning in an age of unbelief?

To help explore the psyche of the post-Christian West, the Ramsay Centre is pleased to present our sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Professor John Carroll on Who Will Save Us Now? Searching for Meaning in an Age of Unbelief.

According to Professor Carroll, people in the Western tradition are, by their nature, saviour seeking and this ‘saviour syndrome’ impels people to find someone, or some equivalent, to show the way to a better life, and counter the quintessentially modern ordeal of unbelief. 

Drawing on examples from literature, history and popular culture, Professor Carroll argues that people in the West are constantly investing those around them with exemplary or transcendent qualities, with some seeking a form of enchantment to bring grace into their lives. Although in the modern West the figure of Christ may appear to be obsolete for many (though of course far from it for many others), the archetype of Christ the Saviour continues to resonate and a yearning for a saviour continues to manifest itself.

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Professor John Carroll.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-13234520 Mon, 17 Jul 2023 11:00:00 +1000 4193 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: A Reflection on Liberal Education - An exclusive panel discussion with Emily Langston, Simon Haines and Stephen McInerney The Ramsay Centre Podcast: A Reflection on Liberal Education - An exclusive panel discussion with Emily Langston, Simon Haines and Stephen McInerney What is liberal education? How is it different from professional or practical education? What does it set out to do and how does it form us? 

To help uncover some of the distinctive features of liberal arts and great books programs, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present our seventh Ramsay lecture event for 2023: a panel discussion comprising leading experts on approaches to delivering successful liberal arts programs. The conversation provides a focus on the pedagogical model delivered at St John’s College, Annapolis, where fundamental texts and a core curriculum offer a unique model of self-formation.

Please join our esteemed panellists as they share their expertise and experience, and engage in a stimulating discussion about the benefits of liberal education.   

]]> What is liberal education? How is it different from professional or practical education? What does it set out to do and how does it form us? 

To help uncover some of the distinctive features of liberal arts and great books programs, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present our seventh Ramsay lecture event for 2023: a panel discussion comprising leading experts on approaches to delivering successful liberal arts programs. The conversation provides a focus on the pedagogical model delivered at St John’s College, Annapolis, where fundamental texts and a core curriculum offer a unique model of self-formation.

Please join our esteemed panellists as they share their expertise and experience, and engage in a stimulating discussion about the benefits of liberal education.   

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-13157291 Tue, 04 Jul 2023 12:00:00 +1000 4051 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Secondary Education: Laying the Foundation - An exclusive panel discussion with Elena Douglas, Sarah Golsby-Smith and Elizabeth Stone The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Secondary Education: Laying the Foundation - An exclusive panel discussion with Elena Douglas, Sarah Golsby-Smith and Elizabeth Stone Is our secondary education at risk of becoming second-rate? Is the curriculum too fragmented and lacking in rigour? Have we focused too much on new trends in education while neglecting a knowledge-rich approach? Can we reverse the trajectory in international rankings by returning to fundamentals and laying better foundations?

To help uncover some of the challenges and opportunities in Australia’s secondary education sector and navigate the way forward, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present our fifth Ramsay lecture event for 2023: a panel discussion comprising some of Australia’s leading educational experts and educators.

Please join our esteemed panellists as they share their expertise and experience, engage in a spirited and thought-provoking discussion, and propose practical solutionsfor moving forward.   

]]> Is our secondary education at risk of becoming second-rate? Is the curriculum too fragmented and lacking in rigour? Have we focused too much on new trends in education while neglecting a knowledge-rich approach? Can we reverse the trajectory in international rankings by returning to fundamentals and laying better foundations?

To help uncover some of the challenges and opportunities in Australia’s secondary education sector and navigate the way forward, the Ramsay Centre is delighted to present our fifth Ramsay lecture event for 2023: a panel discussion comprising some of Australia’s leading educational experts and educators.

Please join our esteemed panellists as they share their expertise and experience, engage in a spirited and thought-provoking discussion, and propose practical solutionsfor moving forward.   

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-13035219 Wed, 14 Jun 2023 11:00:00 +1000 6083 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: WEIRD Minds: How religion, marriage and the family made the West psychologically peculiar and particularly prosperous - An exclusive lecture by Dr Joseph Henrich The Ramsay Centre Podcast: WEIRD Minds: How religion, marriage and the family made the West psychologically peculiar and particularly prosperous - An exclusive lecture by Dr Joseph Henrich Do people in the West think differently to other populations across the globe? Are they psychologically peculiar? If so, why: and what role has this point of difference played in the rise of the industrialised world, and the recent dominance and prosperity of the West?

In order to explore the WEIRD nature of the West and how it was created, the Ramsay Centre presents our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Dr Joseph Henrich on WEIRD Minds: How religion, marriage and the family made the West psychologically peculiar and particularly prosperous.

According to Dr Henrich, an accumulating body of evidence reveals not only substantial global variation along several important psychological dimensions, including conformity, individualism, moral judgment, guilt, patience, trust and analytic thinking, but also that people from societies that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) are particularly unusual, often anchoring the ends of global psychological distributions.

Drawing on the principal thesis of his 2020 best-seller, The WEIRDest People in the World, he shows how the most fundamental of human institutions—those governing marriage and family—influence motivations, perceptions, intuitions and emotions. He also explores how the Western Catholic Church systematically dismantled the intensive kin-based institutions in much of Latin Christendom, effectively altering people’s psychology and opening the door to new forms of voluntary organizations (charter towns, universities, guilds, monasteries), impersonal markets and eventually modern organizational competition. 

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Dr Joseph Henrich. 

]]> Do people in the West think differently to other populations across the globe? Are they psychologically peculiar? If so, why: and what role has this point of difference played in the rise of the industrialised world, and the recent dominance and prosperity of the West?

In order to explore the WEIRD nature of the West and how it was created, the Ramsay Centre presents our fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Dr Joseph Henrich on WEIRD Minds: How religion, marriage and the family made the West psychologically peculiar and particularly prosperous.

According to Dr Henrich, an accumulating body of evidence reveals not only substantial global variation along several important psychological dimensions, including conformity, individualism, moral judgment, guilt, patience, trust and analytic thinking, but also that people from societies that are Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich and Democratic (WEIRD) are particularly unusual, often anchoring the ends of global psychological distributions.

Drawing on the principal thesis of his 2020 best-seller, The WEIRDest People in the World, he shows how the most fundamental of human institutions—those governing marriage and family—influence motivations, perceptions, intuitions and emotions. He also explores how the Western Catholic Church systematically dismantled the intensive kin-based institutions in much of Latin Christendom, effectively altering people’s psychology and opening the door to new forms of voluntary organizations (charter towns, universities, guilds, monasteries), impersonal markets and eventually modern organizational competition. 

Please join us for this thought-provoking lecture with Dr Joseph Henrich. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-12826931 Thu, 11 May 2023 12:00:00 +1000 5050 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition - An exclusive lecture by Peter Boghossian The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition - An exclusive lecture by Peter Boghossian How do we have “impossible conversations”? What is the basis of belief? How do we disagree fruitfully across philosophical, ideological, and religious divides? In an age of mass education, social media, and polarisation, it is more important than ever to cultivate the art of conversation and debate. But where do we begin? In order to unravel some of the complexities of modern discourse and suggest a way forward, the Ramsay Centre presents our third Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Dr Peter Boghossian on The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition.

 The Socratic Method is a form of argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions to draw out ideas and underlying assumptions. In this lecture, Peter Boghossian outlines how he has devised a template using the Socratic Method as a core element in discourse. He speculates on the role of dialectical processes, critical thinking, corrective mechanisms to test beliefs and assumptions, and attitudinal dispositions and also explains the method of his conversational technique known as ‘street epistemology’ for promoting reflection. 

 Please join us for this compelling lecture with Peter Boghossian. 

]]> How do we have “impossible conversations”? What is the basis of belief? How do we disagree fruitfully across philosophical, ideological, and religious divides? In an age of mass education, social media, and polarisation, it is more important than ever to cultivate the art of conversation and debate. But where do we begin? In order to unravel some of the complexities of modern discourse and suggest a way forward, the Ramsay Centre presents our third Ramsay Lecture for 2023, Dr Peter Boghossian on The Socratic Method in the Western Tradition.

 The Socratic Method is a form of argumentative dialogue based on asking and answering questions to draw out ideas and underlying assumptions. In this lecture, Peter Boghossian outlines how he has devised a template using the Socratic Method as a core element in discourse. He speculates on the role of dialectical processes, critical thinking, corrective mechanisms to test beliefs and assumptions, and attitudinal dispositions and also explains the method of his conversational technique known as ‘street epistemology’ for promoting reflection. 

 Please join us for this compelling lecture with Peter Boghossian. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-12521314 Mon, 27 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +1100 4419 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Western Civilisation: An Australian View - An exclusive panel discussion with Paul Kelly, John Lee and Dave Sharma The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Western Civilisation: An Australian View - An exclusive panel discussion with Paul Kelly, John Lee and Dave Sharma What form does Western civilisation take in modern Australia? What are our unique considerations on being part of the West? How has Western civilisation shaped our past and present, and how will it influence our future? 

Listen to three accomplished Australians in this Ramsay Lecture panel discussion, as they explore Western civilisation from an Australian perspective:
* The Australian newspaper’s Editor-at-Large Paul Kelly 
* Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Dr John Lee
* Former Australian Ambassador to Israel and former federal MP, Dave Sharma.  

These three esteemed panellists, citizens of a modern Australia that is both Western and multicultural, as well as home to an ancient indigenous culture, shed light on topics ranging from the decline of organised religion in the West to the enduring wisdom of the Greco-Roman Stoics, from the traces of the ancient world in modern Israel to the challenges posed by the rise of China. 

The discussion is guided by Ramsay Centre Academic Manager Jack Sexton.  

]]> What form does Western civilisation take in modern Australia? What are our unique considerations on being part of the West? How has Western civilisation shaped our past and present, and how will it influence our future? 

Listen to three accomplished Australians in this Ramsay Lecture panel discussion, as they explore Western civilisation from an Australian perspective:
* The Australian newspaper’s Editor-at-Large Paul Kelly 
* Hudson Institute Senior Fellow Dr John Lee
* Former Australian Ambassador to Israel and former federal MP, Dave Sharma.  

These three esteemed panellists, citizens of a modern Australia that is both Western and multicultural, as well as home to an ancient indigenous culture, shed light on topics ranging from the decline of organised religion in the West to the enduring wisdom of the Greco-Roman Stoics, from the traces of the ancient world in modern Israel to the challenges posed by the rise of China. 

The discussion is guided by Ramsay Centre Academic Manager Jack Sexton.  

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-12397929 Wed, 08 Mar 2023 15:00:00 +1100 5720 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: John Minford | Four Classics of Chinese Literature: Thoughts from Another Great Civilisation The Ramsay Centre Podcast: John Minford | Four Classics of Chinese Literature: Thoughts from Another Great Civilisation In this lecture, the world’s foremost living translator of Chinese literature, Emeritus Professor John Minford, explores four great works in the Chinese tradition that he believes best reveal the ancient lineaments and undercurrents still running through the hearts and spirits of Chinese people today.

Professor Minford examines:

·         The I Ching c. 700 BC;

·         The Tao Te Ching c. 300 BC;

·         A selection of the most famous Chinese poems; and

·         The Story of the Stone c. 1750-90.

Professor Minford then discusses:

*The peculiarity, as he terms it, of the I Ching, the most ancient Chinese classic, which he says is ‘really a spirit’ and which the Chinese say ‘is not a book at all’.

*The I Ching’s exploration of two polarities, yin and yang, and how they impact on all environments and situations.

*Tao or Dao, the ultimate logos and goal of all virtue, the fundamental concept of Chinese philosophy.

*The curious form of the Tao Te Ching, the ‘great mystical classic of Daoism’, which Prof. Minford reads as a composite of ‘ecstatic hymns’ and which teach that the Dao cannot be known intellectually but only through experience and embodiment.

*The contrast between Chinese and Western poetry, with Chinese poetry ‘very much about being absorbed into the universe rather than standing apart and having wonderful, deep, emotional feelings’.

*Why he believes the epic The Story of the Stone, a very long autobiographical novel by an 18th-century aristocrat, is the most influential work in Chinese civilisation, far surpassing any works relating to Confucianism, and equivalent in stature and influence to Shakespeare, Goethe, Tolstoy and Homer all rolled into one.

Like this video if you enjoyed it so we know you want to see more content like it. Subscribe to our channel and click the bell to watch our videos first. 

Missed our last lecture? To view other Ramsay Lectures go to: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/events/ 

About the Ramsay Centre: The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation is based in Sydney Australia. It was created with an endowment from the late Paul Ramsay AO, founder of Ramsay Health Care, to promote a deeper understanding of western civilisation, through scholarships, educational partnerships and events. The Ramsay Lecture series hosts speakers from all walks of life who have important and interesting perspectives relating to the world and our western heritage. Learn more about the Ramsay Centre at: ramsaycentre.org or follow us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRamsayCentre

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-ramsay-centre-for-western-civilisation/

Email to join our event/lecture notification list: ramsayevents@ramsaycentre.o

]]> In this lecture, the world’s foremost living translator of Chinese literature, Emeritus Professor John Minford, explores four great works in the Chinese tradition that he believes best reveal the ancient lineaments and undercurrents still running through the hearts and spirits of Chinese people today.

Professor Minford examines:

·         The I Ching c. 700 BC;

·         The Tao Te Ching c. 300 BC;

·         A selection of the most famous Chinese poems; and

·         The Story of the Stone c. 1750-90.

Professor Minford then discusses:

*The peculiarity, as he terms it, of the I Ching, the most ancient Chinese classic, which he says is ‘really a spirit’ and which the Chinese say ‘is not a book at all’.

*The I Ching’s exploration of two polarities, yin and yang, and how they impact on all environments and situations.

*Tao or Dao, the ultimate logos and goal of all virtue, the fundamental concept of Chinese philosophy.

*The curious form of the Tao Te Ching, the ‘great mystical classic of Daoism’, which Prof. Minford reads as a composite of ‘ecstatic hymns’ and which teach that the Dao cannot be known intellectually but only through experience and embodiment.

*The contrast between Chinese and Western poetry, with Chinese poetry ‘very much about being absorbed into the universe rather than standing apart and having wonderful, deep, emotional feelings’.

*Why he believes the epic The Story of the Stone, a very long autobiographical novel by an 18th-century aristocrat, is the most influential work in Chinese civilisation, far surpassing any works relating to Confucianism, and equivalent in stature and influence to Shakespeare, Goethe, Tolstoy and Homer all rolled into one.

Like this video if you enjoyed it so we know you want to see more content like it. Subscribe to our channel and click the bell to watch our videos first. 

Missed our last lecture? To view other Ramsay Lectures go to: https://www.ramsaycentre.org/events/ 

About the Ramsay Centre: The Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation is based in Sydney Australia. It was created with an endowment from the late Paul Ramsay AO, founder of Ramsay Health Care, to promote a deeper understanding of western civilisation, through scholarships, educational partnerships and events. The Ramsay Lecture series hosts speakers from all walks of life who have important and interesting perspectives relating to the world and our western heritage. Learn more about the Ramsay Centre at: ramsaycentre.org or follow us on:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/TheRamsayCentre

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/the-ramsay-centre-for-western-civilisation/

Email to join our event/lecture notification list: ramsayevents@ramsaycentre.o

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-12246670 Tue, 14 Feb 2023 12:00:00 +1100 3777 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Hon. Kim Beazley – Australian Self-Reliance: The Task for Our Defence Review The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Hon. Kim Beazley – Australian Self-Reliance: The Task for Our Defence Review What must Australia do to counter the rising military presence of China on Australia’s doorstep? How can it best position itself to meet its security challenges through to 2033 and beyond?

In August 2022, Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, announced a major review into Australia’s Defence Force capabilities and structure, to better understand where to prioritise investment.

In this special Ramsay Lecture, the Hon Kim Beazley AC, a former Australian Ambassador to the United States and former Australian Defence Minister, outlines what he sees as the task for the defence review. With expert knowledge on past defence reviews, Australian military history and Australia’s strategic alliance with the US, Mr Beazley argues that in the face of increasing Chinese aggression, Australia is out of warning time. He argues that Australia needs to seriously reprioritise its defence needs to ensure it has sufficient capability to deter and defeat attacks with its own forces.

]]> What must Australia do to counter the rising military presence of China on Australia’s doorstep? How can it best position itself to meet its security challenges through to 2033 and beyond?

In August 2022, Australian Prime Minister, the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, and Australian Minister for Defence, the Hon Richard Marles MP, announced a major review into Australia’s Defence Force capabilities and structure, to better understand where to prioritise investment.

In this special Ramsay Lecture, the Hon Kim Beazley AC, a former Australian Ambassador to the United States and former Australian Defence Minister, outlines what he sees as the task for the defence review. With expert knowledge on past defence reviews, Australian military history and Australia’s strategic alliance with the US, Mr Beazley argues that in the face of increasing Chinese aggression, Australia is out of warning time. He argues that Australia needs to seriously reprioritise its defence needs to ensure it has sufficient capability to deter and defeat attacks with its own forces.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-11841144 Fri, 09 Dec 2022 15:00:00 +1100 5358 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Mary Eberstadt – How the West Really Lost God The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Mary Eberstadt – How the West Really Lost God In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2022 US author and cultural critic Mary Eberstadt expands on the central thesis of her 2013 title, How the West Really Lost God, arguing that the decline in Western churchgoing is more attributable to the collapse of the Western family, especially since the 1960s, than any other commonly touted cause.

In pressing her case, she disputes prevailing arguments about why Christianity is in decline, including what she claims is the dominant theory, ‘that material prosperity drives out God.’ Citing an array of historical and statistical evidence, she shows that poorer and less educated Westerners are less likely to go to church, with greater religious devotion among the wealthy and middle class. She also examines the psychological impact of the two world wars of the 20th century, as well as the impact of industrialization and mass mobility. While conceding that these have had some impact on religious devotion, she argues that the biggest cause of religious decline is the breakdown of the family unit, flowing on from the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

]]> In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2022 US author and cultural critic Mary Eberstadt expands on the central thesis of her 2013 title, How the West Really Lost God, arguing that the decline in Western churchgoing is more attributable to the collapse of the Western family, especially since the 1960s, than any other commonly touted cause.

In pressing her case, she disputes prevailing arguments about why Christianity is in decline, including what she claims is the dominant theory, ‘that material prosperity drives out God.’ Citing an array of historical and statistical evidence, she shows that poorer and less educated Westerners are less likely to go to church, with greater religious devotion among the wealthy and middle class. She also examines the psychological impact of the two world wars of the 20th century, as well as the impact of industrialization and mass mobility. While conceding that these have had some impact on religious devotion, she argues that the biggest cause of religious decline is the breakdown of the family unit, flowing on from the sexual revolution of the 1960s.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-11694465 Tue, 15 Nov 2022 10:00:00 +1100 2214 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Roosevelt Montás - The Liberal Arts: why they matter more than ever The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Roosevelt Montás - The Liberal Arts: why they matter more than ever What is the effect of reading a whole curriculum of ‘Great Books’? Can prolonged exposure to such texts radically alter the course of a life? Can they speak to people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds? In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2022, Columbia University academic, Dr Roosevelt Montás speaks with Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines and evidences, from his own life-story, how the Great Books can lift people out of their circumstances and transform lives. 

The personal transformation of Dr Montás is detailed in hi,s 2021 volume, Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed my Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation. In his book, Dr Montás describes how, as a poor immigrant schoolboy from the Dominican Republic with limited English, he made a chance discovery of ‘beautiful editions’ of Socrates and Shakespeare in the neighbourhood trash in Queens, New York. His determination to read these books, to understand their ‘compelling narratives’, saw him begin a journey of discovery that took him from his lowly neighbourhood high school to study at the prestigious Ivy League Columbia University, where he rose to.direct the University’s world-famous Core Curriculum.

In a wide-spanning conversation, Professor Haines and Dr Montás discuss:

  • How four authors – Plato, Augustine, Freud, and Gandhi – had a profound impact on Montás’s life. 
  • The history of Columbia’s Core Curriculum as a democratising force, aimed at levelling the playing field between those who have access to cultural capital and those who do not.
  • The peculiarity of a liberal arts education – the personal journey that differentiates it from a technical or professional education.
  • The problematic absence of women writers in the Western canon, but why that should be a basis for learning and examination, not a reason to abandon the study of great works.
  • How ancient texts should be read as contemporary works, relating to students’ current experiences.
  • The intrinsic value of knowledge and the need for universities to offer students the opportunity to engage with their humanity, rather than simply be treated as customers, preparing for a vocation.
  • Moral absolutism and the need for students to balance idealism with nuance and scepticism.
  • Dr Montás’s mixed optimism for the future of the humanities.

Please join us for this special and insightful recorded conversation between Dr Roosevelt Montás and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> What is the effect of reading a whole curriculum of ‘Great Books’? Can prolonged exposure to such texts radically alter the course of a life? Can they speak to people from all cultural and socio-economic backgrounds? In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2022, Columbia University academic, Dr Roosevelt Montás speaks with Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines and evidences, from his own life-story, how the Great Books can lift people out of their circumstances and transform lives. 

The personal transformation of Dr Montás is detailed in hi,s 2021 volume, Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed my Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation. In his book, Dr Montás describes how, as a poor immigrant schoolboy from the Dominican Republic with limited English, he made a chance discovery of ‘beautiful editions’ of Socrates and Shakespeare in the neighbourhood trash in Queens, New York. His determination to read these books, to understand their ‘compelling narratives’, saw him begin a journey of discovery that took him from his lowly neighbourhood high school to study at the prestigious Ivy League Columbia University, where he rose to.direct the University’s world-famous Core Curriculum.

In a wide-spanning conversation, Professor Haines and Dr Montás discuss:

  • How four authors – Plato, Augustine, Freud, and Gandhi – had a profound impact on Montás’s life. 
  • The history of Columbia’s Core Curriculum as a democratising force, aimed at levelling the playing field between those who have access to cultural capital and those who do not.
  • The peculiarity of a liberal arts education – the personal journey that differentiates it from a technical or professional education.
  • The problematic absence of women writers in the Western canon, but why that should be a basis for learning and examination, not a reason to abandon the study of great works.
  • How ancient texts should be read as contemporary works, relating to students’ current experiences.
  • The intrinsic value of knowledge and the need for universities to offer students the opportunity to engage with their humanity, rather than simply be treated as customers, preparing for a vocation.
  • Moral absolutism and the need for students to balance idealism with nuance and scepticism.
  • Dr Montás’s mixed optimism for the future of the humanities.

Please join us for this special and insightful recorded conversation between Dr Roosevelt Montás and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-11490933 Thu, 13 Oct 2022 13:00:00 +1100 3871 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Professor the Hon Bob Carr - How politics and books shaped a life The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Professor the Hon Bob Carr - How politics and books shaped a life In the fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2022, former NSW Premier and Foreign Minister, and one of Australia’s most well-read public figures, and an author himself, Professor the Hon Bob Carr delivers a cogent and illuminating lecture on how politics and books have influenced and shaped his life.

In this wide-ranging address, Professor Carr, who is also the longest continuously serving Premier in NSW history, reveals his literary influences and outlines the case for ‘cultural literacy’. He discusses his favourite biographies, with special reference to US Presidents, as well as former NSW Premier William Arthur Holman and Australia’s 16th Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Professor Carr contemplates the Western canon and its relation to what is studied in schools and universities today and reflects on how we should approach figures from our past, ultimately confirming his steadfast belief that history is the most serious and urgent of the humanities.
 
Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between Professor the Hon Bob Carr and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> In the fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2022, former NSW Premier and Foreign Minister, and one of Australia’s most well-read public figures, and an author himself, Professor the Hon Bob Carr delivers a cogent and illuminating lecture on how politics and books have influenced and shaped his life.

In this wide-ranging address, Professor Carr, who is also the longest continuously serving Premier in NSW history, reveals his literary influences and outlines the case for ‘cultural literacy’. He discusses his favourite biographies, with special reference to US Presidents, as well as former NSW Premier William Arthur Holman and Australia’s 16th Prime Minister Ben Chifley. Professor Carr contemplates the Western canon and its relation to what is studied in schools and universities today and reflects on how we should approach figures from our past, ultimately confirming his steadfast belief that history is the most serious and urgent of the humanities.
 
Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between Professor the Hon Bob Carr and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-11404015 Thu, 29 Sep 2022 10:00:00 +1000 4475 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Gary Johns - Charity, Enhancing its value to Australian society The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Gary Johns - Charity, Enhancing its value to Australian society  In the first in-person Ramsay Lecture for 2022, former Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the Hon Dr Gary Johns, grants us an in-depth view into the current state of the Australian charity sector.  

As Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission since 2017, former ALP Minister, the Hon Dr Gary Johns has gained unique insights into the state of the Australian charity sector. As outgoing Commissioner, he offers his praise for the immense value and distinctive contribution that charities afford to Australian society, in addition to his parting thoughts on how Australia could enhance their contribution. In a show of support for the work of charities, Dr Johns argues that all charities should be granted the privilege of a tax deduction for the donor. However, he believes that charities ‘need to demonstrate added value in pursuit of their charitable purposes’. He expresses the view that a tax deduction should be granted if charities meet a number of conditions, including efforts to raise donations and recruit volunteers, thus satisfying a ‘clear means of delivering’ test, reporting the source of government funds, and not spending charity funds on political campaign advertising.  

Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between the Hon Dr Gary Johns and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]>  In the first in-person Ramsay Lecture for 2022, former Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission, the Hon Dr Gary Johns, grants us an in-depth view into the current state of the Australian charity sector.  

As Commissioner of the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission since 2017, former ALP Minister, the Hon Dr Gary Johns has gained unique insights into the state of the Australian charity sector. As outgoing Commissioner, he offers his praise for the immense value and distinctive contribution that charities afford to Australian society, in addition to his parting thoughts on how Australia could enhance their contribution. In a show of support for the work of charities, Dr Johns argues that all charities should be granted the privilege of a tax deduction for the donor. However, he believes that charities ‘need to demonstrate added value in pursuit of their charitable purposes’. He expresses the view that a tax deduction should be granted if charities meet a number of conditions, including efforts to raise donations and recruit volunteers, thus satisfying a ‘clear means of delivering’ test, reporting the source of government funds, and not spending charity funds on political campaign advertising.  

Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between the Hon Dr Gary Johns and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-11151804 Wed, 17 Aug 2022 12:00:00 +1000 3655 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Craven - Classics and why we must keep them alive The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Craven - Classics and why we must keep them alive In the third Ramsay Lecture for 2022, one of Australia’s leading public intellectuals and our most distinguished independent literary critical voice, Peter Craven, poses and answers the question – Classics and why we must keep them alive.

In this lecture Peter Craven journeys back in time, taking us through centuries of great works, through various translations and adaptations, through famous dramatisations, and through the infusion of ancient cultures into each another.  In so doing, he discusses the classic works that have impacted him, and which he believes to be the best ever produced.  Peter also reveals the connectedness of great works to one another and shows how the classics serve as points of entry to our understanding of other cultures and world history in general.

Provocatively, Mr Craven argues that it is through the classics we learn that “…the history of civilisation is at the same time, as Walter Benjamin reminded us, the history of barbarism: Athens executed Socrates and Rome executed Christ..” And that “…Renaissance England, Shakespeare’s England, was an axe-blade world, a world of religious persecution and an exorbitant abuse of power.”

Mr Craven discusses the need to resist some unjustified cancelling of the classics, and to ensure that deserving modern works are passed onto future generations.

“We need to be constantly aware that literature can be a difficult pleasure, something that was not forgotten in the wake of modernism.  We need to be our own library of Alexandria and resist the flames flickering all around us.”

Please join us for this ‘tour de force’ lecture and conversation between Peter Craven and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> In the third Ramsay Lecture for 2022, one of Australia’s leading public intellectuals and our most distinguished independent literary critical voice, Peter Craven, poses and answers the question – Classics and why we must keep them alive.

In this lecture Peter Craven journeys back in time, taking us through centuries of great works, through various translations and adaptations, through famous dramatisations, and through the infusion of ancient cultures into each another.  In so doing, he discusses the classic works that have impacted him, and which he believes to be the best ever produced.  Peter also reveals the connectedness of great works to one another and shows how the classics serve as points of entry to our understanding of other cultures and world history in general.

Provocatively, Mr Craven argues that it is through the classics we learn that “…the history of civilisation is at the same time, as Walter Benjamin reminded us, the history of barbarism: Athens executed Socrates and Rome executed Christ..” And that “…Renaissance England, Shakespeare’s England, was an axe-blade world, a world of religious persecution and an exorbitant abuse of power.”

Mr Craven discusses the need to resist some unjustified cancelling of the classics, and to ensure that deserving modern works are passed onto future generations.

“We need to be constantly aware that literature can be a difficult pleasure, something that was not forgotten in the wake of modernism.  We need to be our own library of Alexandria and resist the flames flickering all around us.”

Please join us for this ‘tour de force’ lecture and conversation between Peter Craven and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-10505099 Tue, 26 Apr 2022 15:00:00 +1000 4050 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rowan Callick OBE - The party that ate China: the subsuming of a great culture The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rowan Callick OBE - The party that ate China: the subsuming of a great culture In the second Ramsay Lecture for 2022, Walkley Award winner and distinguished China commentator Rowan Callick OBE offers unique insight into the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) and argues that the Party’s actions are subsuming China’s great culture as we know it.  

Drawing on some 20 years of reporting, Rowan Callick lists examples of manipulation of Chinese life by the CPP to ensure its own survival. He discusses how the CCP control over media and social media, national celebrations and events, education, and even printing presses has worked to suppress traditional elements of Chinese culture so that only Party-friendly elements remain. During his lecture, Rowan discusses the achievements of China’s ‘marvellous civilisation’ and its cultural treasures and laments that ‘an extraordinarily pervasive and ambitious CPP’ has seen these fade into memory as it creates its own ‘grim simulacrum of a civilisation’. Despite the CCP’s tight grip over Chinese society, he believes that the will and genius of the Chinese population will ultimately see their civilisation survive.  

Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between Rowan Callick and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.  

]]> In the second Ramsay Lecture for 2022, Walkley Award winner and distinguished China commentator Rowan Callick OBE offers unique insight into the Chinese Communist Party (CPP) and argues that the Party’s actions are subsuming China’s great culture as we know it.  

Drawing on some 20 years of reporting, Rowan Callick lists examples of manipulation of Chinese life by the CPP to ensure its own survival. He discusses how the CCP control over media and social media, national celebrations and events, education, and even printing presses has worked to suppress traditional elements of Chinese culture so that only Party-friendly elements remain. During his lecture, Rowan discusses the achievements of China’s ‘marvellous civilisation’ and its cultural treasures and laments that ‘an extraordinarily pervasive and ambitious CPP’ has seen these fade into memory as it creates its own ‘grim simulacrum of a civilisation’. Despite the CCP’s tight grip over Chinese society, he believes that the will and genius of the Chinese population will ultimately see their civilisation survive.  

Please join us for this insightful lecture and discussion between Rowan Callick and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.  

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-10421652 Tue, 12 Apr 2022 12:00:00 +1000 4206 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Bettany Hughes - Venus and Aphrodite: A Biography of Desire The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Bettany Hughes - Venus and Aphrodite: A Biography of Desire In the first Ramsay Lecture for 2022, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us on a journey piecing together the story of Venus and Aphrodite throughout the ages.
 
In this exclusive lecture, the fourth in the series delivered by Professor Hughes for the Ramsay Centre, Bettany draws upon research from her 2019 book, Venus and Aphrodite: History of a Goddess, to demonstrate why Venus matters today and her enormous appeal as a pagan deity who survived the advent of Christianity and was even transposed into Marian imagery. 

Professor Hughes analyses the central role of Venus, whose gender-fluid representation as a goddess of desire, war and cities, encompassed a wide range of possibilities in human relations, reminding us of the powerful nature of love as an act of symbiosis.
 
Through her archaeological revelations and philosophical deliberations, Bettany reveals Venus/Aphrodite as a persona who is as relevant now as she was in ancient Rome and Greece. 

Please join us on this incredible journey. 

]]> In the first Ramsay Lecture for 2022, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us on a journey piecing together the story of Venus and Aphrodite throughout the ages.
 
In this exclusive lecture, the fourth in the series delivered by Professor Hughes for the Ramsay Centre, Bettany draws upon research from her 2019 book, Venus and Aphrodite: History of a Goddess, to demonstrate why Venus matters today and her enormous appeal as a pagan deity who survived the advent of Christianity and was even transposed into Marian imagery. 

Professor Hughes analyses the central role of Venus, whose gender-fluid representation as a goddess of desire, war and cities, encompassed a wide range of possibilities in human relations, reminding us of the powerful nature of love as an act of symbiosis.
 
Through her archaeological revelations and philosophical deliberations, Bettany reveals Venus/Aphrodite as a persona who is as relevant now as she was in ancient Rome and Greece. 

Please join us on this incredible journey. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-10343040 Wed, 30 Mar 2022 10:00:00 +1100 2849 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Tom Holland – ‘Why the West is more Christian than it thinks’ The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Tom Holland – ‘Why the West is more Christian than it thinks’ What has been the impact of Christianity on the development of Western civilisation? Could it have been so profound that it is now hidden from view? Even in a secular West, are we ‘goldfish swimming in a Christian pond’? 

In our final Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Centre Academic Director and Deputy CEO Dr. Stephen McInerney interviews award-winning UK historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland. Mr. Holland is author of the 2019 Sunday Times best-seller Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. 

In their discussion Mr Holland presses his case for the central place of Christianity in the formation of Western values, arguing ‘Christianity is the most enduring and influential legacy of the ancient world, (and) its emergence the single most transformative development in Western history. 

In this exclusive interview Dr McInerney and Mr Holland discuss: 

  • How Mr Holland’s interest in antiquity led him to explore the shift from the brutality of ancient times to a more compassionate society today; 
  • The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ‘myth’ which lies at the heart of the development of Western values; 
  • The changing symbolism of the cross and its relationship to concepts of power;  
  • Christianity’s permeation in other ‘secular’ structures; and 
  • The influence of Christianity on modern concepts of love. 

Please join us for this wide-spanning conversation. 

]]> What has been the impact of Christianity on the development of Western civilisation? Could it have been so profound that it is now hidden from view? Even in a secular West, are we ‘goldfish swimming in a Christian pond’? 

In our final Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Centre Academic Director and Deputy CEO Dr. Stephen McInerney interviews award-winning UK historian, biographer and broadcaster Tom Holland. Mr. Holland is author of the 2019 Sunday Times best-seller Dominion: The Making of the Western Mind. 

In their discussion Mr Holland presses his case for the central place of Christianity in the formation of Western values, arguing ‘Christianity is the most enduring and influential legacy of the ancient world, (and) its emergence the single most transformative development in Western history. 

In this exclusive interview Dr McInerney and Mr Holland discuss: 

  • How Mr Holland’s interest in antiquity led him to explore the shift from the brutality of ancient times to a more compassionate society today; 
  • The crucifixion and the resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ‘myth’ which lies at the heart of the development of Western values; 
  • The changing symbolism of the cross and its relationship to concepts of power;  
  • Christianity’s permeation in other ‘secular’ structures; and 
  • The influence of Christianity on modern concepts of love. 

Please join us for this wide-spanning conversation. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9668965 Mon, 06 Dec 2021 13:00:00 +1100 3505 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Socrates and his Athens - An exclusive lecture by Professor Bettany Hughes OBE The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Socrates and his Athens - An exclusive lecture by Professor Bettany Hughes OBE In the eighth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us back to Golden Age Athens, as seen through the eyes of Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher and arguably the true father of western thought. 

In her exclusive lecture Professor Hughes draws on her comprehensive research on Socrates, as he left no written record. Through archaeological discoveries and research into the accounts of people who lived alongside him, Bettany pieces together Socrates’ life experiences - his youth, his time as a soldier, his search for the ‘good life’ and his death, and how these all laid the foundation for his philosophy, still relevant and being taught across the world today. 

Please join us on this incredible journey. 

]]> In the eighth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us back to Golden Age Athens, as seen through the eyes of Socrates, the ancient Greek philosopher and arguably the true father of western thought. 

In her exclusive lecture Professor Hughes draws on her comprehensive research on Socrates, as he left no written record. Through archaeological discoveries and research into the accounts of people who lived alongside him, Bettany pieces together Socrates’ life experiences - his youth, his time as a soldier, his search for the ‘good life’ and his death, and how these all laid the foundation for his philosophy, still relevant and being taught across the world today. 

Please join us on this incredible journey. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9609560 Thu, 25 Nov 2021 08:00:00 +1100 3647 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Great Covid Panic: Ramsay Centre CEO Prof. Simon Haines in Discussion with Prof. Gigi Foster The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Great Covid Panic: Ramsay Centre CEO Prof. Simon Haines in Discussion with Prof. Gigi Foster In this seventh Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Professor Gigi Foster joins Ramsay Centre CEO, Professor Simon Haines, in discussion on The Great Covid Panic:  What Happened, Why, and What To Do Next. 

]]> In this seventh Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Professor Gigi Foster joins Ramsay Centre CEO, Professor Simon Haines, in discussion on The Great Covid Panic:  What Happened, Why, and What To Do Next. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9427804 Mon, 25 Oct 2021 23:00:00 +1100 3646 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: "Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium – the Queen of Cities" An exclusive lecture by Bettany Hughes OBE The Ramsay Centre Podcast: "Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium – the Queen of Cities" An exclusive lecture by Bettany Hughes OBE In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us on ‘dazzling historical journey through the many incarnations of one of the world’s greatest cities’ – Istanbul. 

In her lecture, Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium – the Queen of Cities, Professor Hughes draws upon her in-depth research, shares new archaeological discoveries, ancient stories and geographic insights to illuminate Istanbul’s past as the cradle of civilisation formerly known as both Constantinople and Byzantium.  Bettany discusses the various cultures, religions, and peoples that have inhabited and blended the city over time.  She examines the introduction of Christianity and the Ottoman take-over whilst delving deeply into the city’s proud history of asylum and its record on social justice.  Please join us on this journey through a city that is known as the gateway between the East and the West. 

]]> In the sixth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, world-famous historian, author and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes OBE, takes us on ‘dazzling historical journey through the many incarnations of one of the world’s greatest cities’ – Istanbul. 

In her lecture, Istanbul, Constantinople, Byzantium – the Queen of Cities, Professor Hughes draws upon her in-depth research, shares new archaeological discoveries, ancient stories and geographic insights to illuminate Istanbul’s past as the cradle of civilisation formerly known as both Constantinople and Byzantium.  Bettany discusses the various cultures, religions, and peoples that have inhabited and blended the city over time.  She examines the introduction of Christianity and the Ottoman take-over whilst delving deeply into the city’s proud history of asylum and its record on social justice.  Please join us on this journey through a city that is known as the gateway between the East and the West. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9392259 Tue, 19 Oct 2021 11:00:00 +1100 3634 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The sensible centre: can it hold? In conversation with award-winning journalist Chris Uhlmann The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The sensible centre: can it hold? In conversation with award-winning journalist Chris Uhlmann In the fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines interviews Chris Uhlmann about Australia’s response to COVID-19, and what it reveals about our politics, Federation, media, and leadership and its possible long-term effect on our future generations.

]]> In the fifth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines interviews Chris Uhlmann about Australia’s response to COVID-19, and what it reveals about our politics, Federation, media, and leadership and its possible long-term effect on our future generations.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9272267 Tue, 28 Sep 2021 16:00:00 +1000 3492 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 13 – Aeschylus’ The Oresteia: The Eumenides The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 13 – Aeschylus’ The Oresteia: The Eumenides The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9151295 Tue, 07 Sep 2021 14:00:00 +1000 1944 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Last Straw: has Covid-19 finally broken freedom’s back? Lord Daniel Hannan in conversation with Professor Simon Haines The Ramsay Centre Podcast: The Last Straw: has Covid-19 finally broken freedom’s back? Lord Daniel Hannan in conversation with Professor Simon Haines In the fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines interviews Lord Daniel Hannan where they discuss and answer the question “The Last Straw:  has Covid-19 finally broken freedom’s back?” 

]]> In the fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2021, Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines interviews Lord Daniel Hannan where they discuss and answer the question “The Last Straw:  has Covid-19 finally broken freedom’s back?” 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-9083300 Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:00:00 +1000 3410 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 12 – Aeschylus' The Oresteia: The Libation Bearers The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 12 – Aeschylus' The Oresteia: The Libation Bearers The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8830690 Wed, 14 Jul 2021 11:00:00 +1000 1672 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 11 - Aeschylus' The Oresteia: Agamemnon The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 11 - Aeschylus' The Oresteia: Agamemnon The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8590134 Sat, 26 Jun 2021 11:00:00 +1000 2019 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Why are we so rich - Prof Deirdre McCloskey, University of Illinois at Chicago The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Why are we so rich - Prof Deirdre McCloskey, University of Illinois at Chicago  Prof Deirdre McCloskey, University of Illinois at Chicago discusses why Liberalism and not investment or exploitation or Christianity made us rich.

]]>  Prof Deirdre McCloskey, University of Illinois at Chicago discusses why Liberalism and not investment or exploitation or Christianity made us rich.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8634625 Thu, 03 Jun 2021 10:00:00 +1000 2919 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Why Liberalism Failed - Prof Patrick Deneen in conversation with Dr Stephen McInerney The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Why Liberalism Failed - Prof Patrick Deneen in conversation with Dr Stephen McInerney Prof Patrick Deneen discusses his latest book, Why Liberalism Failed, highlighting issues that are facing the west and our democracies. 

]]> Prof Patrick Deneen discusses his latest book, Why Liberalism Failed, highlighting issues that are facing the west and our democracies. 

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8455160 Tue, 04 May 2021 14:00:00 +1000 3664 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: ABC Radio Newcastle Drive program: Paul Turton discusses Western Civilisation with Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines The Ramsay Centre Podcast: ABC Radio Newcastle Drive program: Paul Turton discusses Western Civilisation with Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines Feature interview with Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines on Western Civilisation. What is it?  What are its notable achievements?  Why is it worth studying?

]]> Feature interview with Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines on Western Civilisation. What is it?  What are its notable achievements?  Why is it worth studying?

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8368232 Tue, 20 Apr 2021 16:00:00 +1000 1027 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Margaret Thatcher: Lord Charles Moore in conversation with the Hon John Howard OM AC The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Margaret Thatcher: Lord Charles Moore in conversation with the Hon John Howard OM AC In the first Ramsay Lecture for 2021, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard interviews Lord Charles Moore, the authorised biographer of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

]]> In the first Ramsay Lecture for 2021, former Australian Prime Minister John Howard interviews Lord Charles Moore, the authorised biographer of former UK Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8286274 Wed, 07 Apr 2021 12:00:00 +1000 3532 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Peter Tregear OAM - A Matter of Some Notes The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Peter Tregear OAM - A Matter of Some Notes Conductor, singer, author, Professor Peter Tregear OAM discusses the importance of, and the changes to the study of classical music in our universities and our society today. He argues that great music in all its forms, in all its genres, wherever it is found, and however it is ultimately labelled by us, should properly be understood.

]]> Conductor, singer, author, Professor Peter Tregear OAM discusses the importance of, and the changes to the study of classical music in our universities and our society today. He argues that great music in all its forms, in all its genres, wherever it is found, and however it is ultimately labelled by us, should properly be understood.

]]> Prof Peter Tregear OAM Buzzsprout-6746020 Wed, 09 Dec 2020 12:00:00 +1100 2206 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Ita Buttrose AC OBE – The ABC, Democracy and the Importance of Press Freedom The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Ita Buttrose AC OBE – The ABC, Democracy and the Importance of Press Freedom ABC Chair, Australian media and publishing icon, and 2013 Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose presents a Ramsay Lecture titled ‘The ABC, Democracy and Press Freedom’.

]]> ABC Chair, Australian media and publishing icon, and 2013 Australian of the Year, Ita Buttrose presents a Ramsay Lecture titled ‘The ABC, Democracy and Press Freedom’.

]]> Ita Buttrose AC OBE Buzzsprout-6746389 Mon, 23 Nov 2020 16:00:00 +1100 2323 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Baldwin Part 1 – Turning Back the Woke Tide The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Baldwin Part 1 – Turning Back the Woke Tide Peter Baldwin former ALP Politician presents a two part Ramsay Lecture titled “Turning Back the Woke Tide” - Part 1

]]> Peter Baldwin former ALP Politician presents a two part Ramsay Lecture titled “Turning Back the Woke Tide” - Part 1

]]> Peter Baldwin Buzzsprout-6748288 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 21:00:00 +1100 1712 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Baldwin Part 2 – Turning Back the Woke Tide The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Peter Baldwin Part 2 – Turning Back the Woke Tide Peter Baldwin former ALP Politician presents a two part Ramsay Lecture titled “Turning Back the Woke Tide” - Part 2

]]> Peter Baldwin former ALP Politician presents a two part Ramsay Lecture titled “Turning Back the Woke Tide” - Part 2

]]> Peter Baldwin Buzzsprout-6748300 Wed, 11 Nov 2020 20:00:00 +1100 1775 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Bettany Hughes – The Odyssey – Odysseus’ Journey and His Women The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Bettany Hughes – The Odyssey – Odysseus’ Journey and His Women Award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes presents a Ramsay Lecture titled ‘The Odyssey – Odysseus’ Journey and Odysseus’ Women’. 

]]> Award-winning historian, author, and broadcaster, Professor Bettany Hughes presents a Ramsay Lecture titled ‘The Odyssey – Odysseus’ Journey and Odysseus’ Women’. 

]]> Prof Bettany Hughes Buzzsprout-6748321 Wed, 28 Oct 2020 20:00:00 +1100 3075 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Lionel Shriver – Just Because We’ve Been Okay Doesn’t Mean We’ll Stay That Way The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Lionel Shriver – Just Because We’ve Been Okay Doesn’t Mean We’ll Stay That Way Award-winning author and journalist Lionel Shriver presents a Ramsay Lecture titled - 
 ‘Just because we’ve been okay doesn’t mean we’ll stay that way’ 

]]> Award-winning author and journalist Lionel Shriver presents a Ramsay Lecture titled - 
 ‘Just because we’ve been okay doesn’t mean we’ll stay that way’ 

]]> Lionel Shriver Buzzsprout-6749260 Wed, 14 Oct 2020 13:00:00 +1100 2631 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Andrew Roberts – Why we Must Believe in Western Civilisation The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Prof Andrew Roberts – Why we Must Believe in Western Civilisation ‘Why we must believe in Western Civilisation’ – Ramsay Lecture by UK historian Professor Andrew Roberts, introduction by Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> ‘Why we must believe in Western Civilisation’ – Ramsay Lecture by UK historian Professor Andrew Roberts, introduction by Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines.

]]> Prof Andrew Roberts Buzzsprout-6749281 Fri, 21 Aug 2020 12:00:00 +1000 1961 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 1 The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 1 The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7281922 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 10:00:00 +1000 904 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 2 The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 2 The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7282774 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 09:00:00 +1000 1046 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 3 The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 3 The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7282858 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 08:00:00 +1000 1129 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 4 The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Emeritus Prof John Fitzgerald AM – Trust in Time of Pandemic: The Use and Abuse of Civilisations - Episode 4 The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7282900 Mon, 01 Jun 2020 07:00:00 +1000 1525 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 1 - Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 1 - Sophocles’ Oedipus Rex The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7284847 Mon, 11 May 2020 14:00:00 +1000 1346 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 2 - Plato’s Apology The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 2 - Plato’s Apology The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7284895 Mon, 11 May 2020 13:00:00 +1000 1248 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 3 - Augustine’s Confessions The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 3 - Augustine’s Confessions The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7284946 Mon, 11 May 2020 12:00:00 +1000 1072 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 4 – Machiavelli’s The Prince The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 4 – Machiavelli’s The Prince The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7287817 Mon, 11 May 2020 11:00:00 +1000 1294 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 5 – Shakespeare’s Macbeth The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 5 – Shakespeare’s Macbeth The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7287835 Mon, 11 May 2020 10:00:00 +1000 1374 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 6 – Aristotle’s Ethics (Bk 1) and Aquinas’s ST I-II (Qs 1-5) The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 6 – Aristotle’s Ethics (Bk 1) and Aquinas’s ST I-II (Qs 1-5) The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7287883 Mon, 11 May 2020 09:00:00 +1000 1230 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 7 – Nietzsche's Genealogy of Morals The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 7 – Nietzsche's Genealogy of Morals The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7287889 Mon, 11 May 2020 08:00:00 +1000 1246 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 8 – Shakespeare’s The Tempest The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 8 – Shakespeare’s The Tempest The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7287898 Mon, 11 May 2020 07:00:00 +1000 1970 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 9 – Shakespeare’s Hamlet The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 9 – Shakespeare’s Hamlet The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-7752106 Mon, 11 May 2020 06:00:00 +1000 2086 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 10 - Prufrock and Other Observations The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Great Books of the Western Canon – Podcast 10 - Prufrock and Other Observations The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8047913 Mon, 11 May 2020 05:00:00 +1000 1789 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Simon Haines in conversation with John Bell AO OBE on Shakespeare The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Simon Haines in conversation with John Bell AO OBE on Shakespeare On Tuesday 19 November John Bell AO OBE, actor, theatre director, founder of Bell Shakespeare, joined our CEO Professor Simon Haines for a conversation on Shakespeare and Bell’s remarkable career. It was our eighth and final Ramsay lecture event for 2019.

]]> On Tuesday 19 November John Bell AO OBE, actor, theatre director, founder of Bell Shakespeare, joined our CEO Professor Simon Haines for a conversation on Shakespeare and Bell’s remarkable career. It was our eighth and final Ramsay lecture event for 2019.

]]> John Bell AO OBE Buzzsprout-2169845 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 17:00:00 +1100 2712 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Simon Haines speaks with Anastasia Lin The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Simon Haines speaks with Anastasia Lin On Tuesday 27 August Canadian-Chinese actress and human rights advocate Anastasia Lin and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines discussed the West, education and our basic freedoms for the seventh Ramsay Lecture event for 2019.

]]> On Tuesday 27 August Canadian-Chinese actress and human rights advocate Anastasia Lin and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines discussed the West, education and our basic freedoms for the seventh Ramsay Lecture event for 2019.

]]> Anastasia Lin Buzzsprout-2169713 Tue, 26 Nov 2019 16:00:00 +1100 2699 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rachel Fulton Brown – Great Books of the Middle Ages and How to Read Them The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rachel Fulton Brown – Great Books of the Middle Ages and How to Read Them On Wednesday 14 August Rachel Fulton Brown from the University of Chicago  delivered a Ramsay Lecture for 2019 at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel. The title of her lecture was “Great Books of the Middle Ages; and how to read them”

]]> On Wednesday 14 August Rachel Fulton Brown from the University of Chicago  delivered a Ramsay Lecture for 2019 at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel. The title of her lecture was “Great Books of the Middle Ages; and how to read them”

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8056282 Tue, 10 Sep 2019 11:00:00 +1000 2531 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Anastasia Lin - Has the Cultural Revolution arrived in the West? The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Anastasia Lin - Has the Cultural Revolution arrived in the West? On Tuesday 27 August Canadian-Chinese actress and human rights advocate Anastasia Lin and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines discussed the West, education and our basic freedoms for the seventh Ramsay Lecture  event for 2019.

]]> On Tuesday 27 August Canadian-Chinese actress and human rights advocate Anastasia Lin and Ramsay Centre CEO Professor Simon Haines discussed the West, education and our basic freedoms for the seventh Ramsay Lecture  event for 2019.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8124777 Mon, 02 Sep 2019 10:00:00 +1000 3845 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Stephen McInerney speaks with Rachel Fulton Brown The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Stephen McInerney speaks with Rachel Fulton Brown What is the Middle Ages and what can we learn from that period about truth, beauty and goodness, to enhance the joy of modern learning? Ramsay Centre Executive Officer Dr Stephen McInerney sits down with acclaimed medievalist Associate Professor Rachel Fulton Brown from the University of Chicago ahead of her Sydney lecture on “Great Books of the Middle Ages and How to Read Them”. 

]]> What is the Middle Ages and what can we learn from that period about truth, beauty and goodness, to enhance the joy of modern learning? Ramsay Centre Executive Officer Dr Stephen McInerney sits down with acclaimed medievalist Associate Professor Rachel Fulton Brown from the University of Chicago ahead of her Sydney lecture on “Great Books of the Middle Ages and How to Read Them”. 

]]> Rachel Fulton Brown Buzzsprout-1567339 Mon, 19 Aug 2019 16:00:00 +1000 1296 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Stephen McInerney speaks with Helen Pluckrose The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Stephen McInerney speaks with Helen Pluckrose What does a fake ‘dog park study’ tell us about scholarship in certain areas of the humanities? Is feminism what it once was? What does it mean to identify as being on the left, while taking a stand against identity politics? Ramsay Centre Executive Officer Dr Stephen McInerney sits down with editor of Areo magazine and scholar of medieval women’s writing, Helen Pluckrose, following her Sydney lecture, to talk more about the ‘grievance studies’ hoax, her life, thought and work.

]]> What does a fake ‘dog park study’ tell us about scholarship in certain areas of the humanities? Is feminism what it once was? What does it mean to identify as being on the left, while taking a stand against identity politics? Ramsay Centre Executive Officer Dr Stephen McInerney sits down with editor of Areo magazine and scholar of medieval women’s writing, Helen Pluckrose, following her Sydney lecture, to talk more about the ‘grievance studies’ hoax, her life, thought and work.

]]> Helen Pluckrose Buzzsprout-1470964 Mon, 29 Jul 2019 14:00:00 +1000 1426 grievance studies, full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Helen Pluckrose - The Rise and Whys of Grievance Studies The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Helen Pluckrose - The Rise and Whys of Grievance Studies On Tuesday 18 June Helen Pluckrose, Editor in Chief for Areo Magazine delivered the fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2019 at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel. The title of her lecture was “The Rise and Whys of Grievance Studies”.

]]> On Tuesday 18 June Helen Pluckrose, Editor in Chief for Areo Magazine delivered the fourth Ramsay Lecture for 2019 at the Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel. The title of her lecture was “The Rise and Whys of Grievance Studies”.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8124892 Tue, 18 Jun 2019 10:00:00 +1000 2049 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rod Dreher - Recovering and Sustaining Cultural Memory The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Rod Dreher - Recovering and Sustaining Cultural Memory On Tuesday 21 May Rod Dreher, Senior Editor for The American Conservative, delivered a Ramsay Lecture at the State Library of NSW. The title of his lecture was “Recovering and Sustaining Cultural Memory”.

]]> On Tuesday 21 May Rod Dreher, Senior Editor for The American Conservative, delivered a Ramsay Lecture at the State Library of NSW. The title of his lecture was “Recovering and Sustaining Cultural Memory”.

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8056364 Tue, 21 May 2019 11:00:00 +1000 2184 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Greg Sheridan AO - The Case for God The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Greg Sheridan AO - The Case for God On Tuesday 9 April, Greg Sheridan AO, Foreign Editor, The Australian and Author delivered the second Ramsay Lecture for 2019. The title of his lecture was “The Case for God: can Western Civilisation be sustained without belief?”

]]> On Tuesday 9 April, Greg Sheridan AO, Foreign Editor, The Australian and Author delivered the second Ramsay Lecture for 2019. The title of his lecture was “The Case for God: can Western Civilisation be sustained without belief?”

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8056395 Tue, 09 Apr 2019 11:00:00 +1000 2577 full false The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Professor Fiona Wood AM - The impact of western science on today’s society The Ramsay Centre Podcast: Professor Fiona Wood AM - The impact of western science on today’s society On Tuesday 19 March, national living treasure and former Australian of the Year, Professor Fiona Wood AM, Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon,  delivered the first Ramsay Lecture for 2019. The title of her lecture was “The impact of western science on today’s society”

]]> On Tuesday 19 March, national living treasure and former Australian of the Year, Professor Fiona Wood AM, Plastic and Reconstruction Surgeon,  delivered the first Ramsay Lecture for 2019. The title of her lecture was “The impact of western science on today’s society”

]]> The Ramsay Centre Buzzsprout-8056455 Tue, 19 Mar 2019 11:00:00 +1100 3141 full false