Centre for Ethics – Upcoming Events

The Oxley College Centre for Ethics is the home of ethical inquiry and critical thinking at Oxley.

This year will be delivering an ambitious program of events for both our students and the local community in the Southern Highlands. These events will feature distinguished speakers and leaders from diverse fields, including philanthropy, higher education, non-governmental organisations and industry. You can find out more here: Oxley College Centre for Ethics – Oxley College

Professor A. C. Grayling

Making Peace in the Culture Wars

“It seems like we can’t talk about anything nowadays… Whether it’s war or something utterly inconsequential, the internet is primed for furore. And the results can be horrifying – from online pile-ons and doxing to job loss and, in some cases, death. But how did we end up here? Nuanced and historically grounded, A. C. Grayling searches for middle ground in an otherwise incendiary debate.”

Professor A.C. Grayling is a British philosopher and author of about 30 books on philosophy, biography, history of ideas, human rights, and ethics. He is the founder and Master of New College of the Humanities, now Northeastern University London. Known for his accessible and engaging style, Professor Grayling is an excellent communicator who brings complex ideas to life for a wide audience. He has been a prominent voice in public discourse, frequently appearing in British media to discuss philosophy and public affairs.

In a world increasingly divided by cultural and ideological conflicts, Professor Grayling’s wisdom and perspective are more relevant than ever.

When: Monday 12 May 2025, 6.30pm

Where: Oxley College, Burradoo

Cost: $15

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CZUGC

More information: ethics@oxley.nsw.edu.au

Professor Peter Greste

The Grey Zone:

How 9/11 created a conflict over ideas that is undermining democracy

Professor Peter Greste explores the zone of tolerance — the space between the blacks-and-whites of polarised extremes that is essential to democracy, but that now appears to be unravelling. The rise of far-right parties in Europe and Latin America, and the recent elections in the United States have all seen the Grey Zone shrink. The startling rise in the murders of journalists is another symptom of the problem. Professor Greste draws on his 25 years of experience as a correspondent, and his time in Egypt, to discuss the Grey Zone, and why we need to protect it.

Peter Greste is an Australian journalist, author, and media freedom activist, currently an adjunct professor at the University of Queensland (UQ). He gained international attention in 2013 when he was arrested in Cairo on terrorism charges while working for Al Jazeera, leading to a seven-year sentence that was widely condemned as an attack on press freedom. His ordeal and subsequent advocacy for media freedom are depicted in the 2024 film The Correspondent, directed by Kriv Stenders.

When: Thursday 29 May 2025, 6.30pm – 8.00pm

Where: PCC, Oxley College

Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/CXUPD