Moral Maze
News & Politics
About
Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze
Episodes
- What is education for?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the purpose of education in light of universities cutting humanities courses. It explores whether education is an intrinsic good or a means to an end, and examines issues of unequal access and the impac…
- Artemis 2 and the ethics of human space flight
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the ethics of human space flight, focusing on NASA's Artemis 2 mission. It examines the financial investment, the beneficiaries of space exploration, and the potential for repeating past mistakes.
- Is an Established Church Morally Defensible?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the moral defensibility of an established church, using the Church of England as a case study. Discussions include its relationship with the state, equality laws, and its evolving role in a secular socie…
- Economic shocks: is there a duty to accept sacrifice?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the idea of sacrifice during economic shocks, questioning who should bear the burden and the government's role in intervention versus asking citizens to accept hardship. It delves into the historical and…
- Pragmatism and Principle: what is the role of morality in foreign policy?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the complex role of morality in foreign policy, particularly in the context of the UK-US relationship. It debates whether nations should prioritize principle or pragmatic self-interest in their internati…
- Is it moral to attack Iran?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the morality of military action against Iran. Discussions include the strategic and moral justifications for attacks, concerns about human rights, and the geopolitical implications and human cost of such…
- What Is Truth?
This episode of The Moral Maze discusses the concept of truth, examining it from various perspectives including empirical data, subjective viewpoints, and the contributions of science, art, and postmodernism. The panel and witnesses delve…
- What's the bigger threat to Europe: "cultural erasure", or far-right populism?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the debate surrounding "cultural erasure" and far-right populism in Europe. It explores the appropriation of Christianity in culture wars and the implications of perceived threats to European identity.
- Should children be banned from social media?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the potential for banning social media for children under 16, following Australia's pioneering move. The debate covers concerns about online harms and developmental impacts versus arguments about indivi…
- The Jury: Moral Innovation or Historic Relic?
This episode discusses the historical significance of jury trials and a proposal to restrict them to serious cases. It examines arguments for and against retaining juries, considering their role in justice and potential for broader democra…
- Politics: Whose Morality Is It Anyway?
Rutger Bregman discusses his call for a moral revolution to improve societies. The episode explores the moral underpinnings of different political worldviews and examines where moral authority might lie in contemporary politics.
- How much should we consider the role of moral luck?
This episode of Moral Maze examines the concept of moral luck and its implications for human agency, responsibility, and culpability. The discussion delves into how factors beyond our control, such as genetics and upbringing, can influence…
- What should we expect from a father?
This episode of Moral Maze examines the evolving role of fathers in society, touching on societal expectations, gender roles, and the impact of father absence on children. It also explores whether children always need fathers and how to ad…
- Is democracy a failed experiment?
This episode of Moral Maze examines if democracy is a failed experiment. It discusses declining global faith in democratic systems, protests against perceived democratic backsliding, and various interpretations of these trends, including t…
- Is recognising the state of Palestine a moral duty?
The Moral Maze investigates whether the recognition of a Palestinian state is a moral duty. The discussion explores the motivations behind such a recognition, its potential impact on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the complex histor…
- To know or not to know?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the moral implications of viewing real-life violence on social media and news. It explores the ethical duties and risks associated with consuming graphic content and its effects on understanding, empath…
- Is ‘net zero’ a moral pursuit?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the moral implications of "net zero" policies. It examines whether pursuing net zero is a moral imperative or if the detrimental consequences, such as a decline in living standards, render it immoral.
- Does the media reflect or exacerbate public disquiet?
This episode of Moral Maze investigates the role of media in public discourse, specifically focusing on immigration. It debates whether media coverage accurately reflects public concerns or exacerbates societal disquiet, contrasting tradit…
- What is the moral value of disgust?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the moral value of disgust, discussing how societies judge behavior based on instinctive disapproval, even when no harm is apparent. It questions whether disgust, an evolutionary mechanism, still holds m…
- Is it time to ditch historical figures as heroes?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the debate around removing historical figures from banknotes. It questions whether these figures are divisive or represent important moral values and human endeavor.
- Is social cohesion a moral good? And can governments influence it?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses social cohesion, examining if it is a moral good and if governments can influence it. The conversation delves into definitions of social cohesion, class divisions, and societal tolerance, with insights…
- Is Privacy an outdated concept or a moral right?
The Moral Maze explores whether privacy is an outdated concept or a moral right. It delves into discussions on digital ID cards, data collection by household gadgets, and the balance between state/Big Tech and individual freedom. Witnesses…
- What is the ethical purpose of the NHS?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the ethical purpose of the NHS, debating whether the focus should be on equality of access to healthcare or equality of health outcomes. It discusses the foundational principles of the NHS amidst current…
- Was Israel right to launch strikes on Iran?
This episode of The Moral Maze explores Israel's pre-emptive strikes on Iran. It delves into the arguments of self-defense, the development of nuclear weapons, and the geopolitical implications of such actions.
- Is having children a moral duty?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the concept of pronatalism and declining birth rates globally. It delves into the economic implications of aging populations and questions whether there is a moral duty to have children.
- AI: Promise or Peril ? Recorded at the Hay Festival
This episode of Moral Maze, recorded at the Hay Festival, discusses the promises and perils of artificial intelligence, including efficiency, human redundancy, creativity, prejudice, and objective truth. Witnesses include Dr. Kaitlyn Regeh…
- Is free trade a moral good?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the ethical implications of free trade and tariffs, especially in light of recent global trade shifts. The discussion examines whether free trade is morally good, drawing on perspectives from historical…
- Does elitism damage or protect art?
This Moral Maze episode discusses whether elitism damages or protects art, examining the rise of "Instapoetry" and criticisms of Arts Council England's "Let's Create" strategy. The debate explores the tension between "high art" and popular…
- What's wrong with men?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the 'crisis of masculinity' and evolving gender roles, exploring the impact of societal changes and media on young men. It examines the tension between progressive attitudes and traditional male behavio…
- How just is our justice system?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the fairness of the justice system, focusing on proposed new sentencing guidance in England and Wales. It examines how ethnicity, faith, or personal circumstances might impact sentencing and the disprop…
- Is there a moral case for cutting welfare?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the moral case for cutting welfare. It examines arguments around the sustainability of the benefits system, its impact on employment incentives, and the potential effects of cuts on the most vulnerable…
- When should we be grateful?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the role of gratitude in our moral lives. It examines perspectives from ancient philosophers and modern psychologists on the benefits of gratitude, as well as arguments from skeptics about its potential…
- How should Britain deal with Donald Trump?
This episode of Moral Maze examines potential British responses to Donald Trump's policies, focusing on his views on the war in Ukraine and the implications for the global political landscape. It delves into the debate between maintaining…
- What should we do about inherited inequality?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses inherited inequality, examining how genetic make-up, training, education, and wealth are passed down through generations. It explores societal approaches to addressing these disparities, including quest…
- Should morality be enforced?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the concept of moral managerialism and the enforcement of morality. It questions whether rules, regulations, or even "moral bio-enhancement" can or should be used to make people behave better, and the im…
- Is democracy still the 'least worst' form of government?
The episode explores the continued validity of democracy as the 'least worst' form of government, considering recent political events and challenges in various countries. It questions democracy's moral superiority in light of current globa…
- Who and what is 'toxic'?
This episode discusses the term 'toxic' and its recent application to people and workplaces. It explores the definition of 'toxic', how it affects well-being, and its role in various environments. The discussion also delves into distinguis…
- What is a healthy attitude to death?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses what constitutes a healthy attitude towards death, exploring how society
- Is loyalty a virtue or a vice?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the nature of loyalty, examining whether it is a virtue or a vice. The discussion covers loyalty in personal relationships, to organizations, and its potential impact on independent thought and ethical c…
- Does intent matter?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the philosophical question of whether intent matters in judging actions, citing the controversy surrounding Jamie Oliver's children's book and legal concepts like murder and manslaughter. It examines how…
- VAT on private school fees: justice or spite?
This episode of Moral Maze explores the debate over imposing VAT on private school fees. It considers the arguments for and against the tax increase, touching on its moral, political, and economic implications.
- The morality of sending offenders to prison.
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the morality of sending offenders to prison in Britain, exploring the crisis in the prison system and various perspectives on punishment, deterrence, and rehabilitation. It examines arguments for and ag…
- How should we help the global poor?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses how to help the global poor, 40 years after Michael Buerk's report on famine in Ethiopia. It covers different perspectives on humanitarian aid, debt cancellation, and direct cash transfers.
- Should Foreign Tourism Be Discouraged?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses whether foreign tourism should be discouraged, focusing on protests in Spain and the economic, cultural, and ethical implications of mass tourism. The discussion also touches on the balance between affo…
- What do the riots say about Britain?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the recent riots in Britain, exploring various perspectives on their causes and implications for society. It delves into the divisions and hopes for improved community relations.
- Is anything sacred?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the concepts of "sacred" and "profane" in modern Western society, prompted by a controversial performance at the Paris Olympics. The panel debates whether anything is still considered sacred and the fun…
- 24/07/2024
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the modern Olympic Games, examining whether they live up to their founding ideals of
- How can we reduce the temperature of politics?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses whether it is possible to reduce political polarization and prevent violence. The panelists explore the distinction between passionate criticism and incitement to violence, and what can be done to stren…
- The Morality of Stepping Down
This episode of The Moral Maze explores the morality of stepping down, prompted by concerns about Joe Biden's age and continued presence in the presidential race. The discussion examines whether the elderly can block younger generations by…
- What is history for?
This episode of Moral Maze discusses the purpose of history, prompted by Camden Council's labeling of some of Virginia Woolf's views as "offensive." It examines how history is used in today's battles and what lessons it should impart.