Episode 48

What are the pillars of our civilisation? with Rafe Champion - The Shape of Dialogue #48

Australian Popperian philosopher, Rafe Champion, outlines the five pillars of peace, freedom and prosperity that are the foundations for our Western civilisation.

About Rafe Champion: http://www.the-rathouse.com/aboutRafe.html

The Philosophy Site of Rafe Champion - The Rat House

http://www.the-rathouse.com/index.html

Five pillars of peace freedom and prosperity

https://rafechampion.substack.com/p/five-pillars-of-peace-freedom-and?utm_source=publication-search

  1. Critical rationalism as articulated by Karl Popper
  2. The principles of classical or non-collectivist liberalism in politics
  3. In economics, the importance Free trade, entrepreneurialism and a market underpinned by the rule of law
  4. A moral framework founded on honesty, compassion, civility, personal responsibility, community service, and enterprise.
  5. Energy - abundant, reliable, and cheap energy.

I, Pencil

About I, Pencil: https://fee.org/ebooks/i-pencil/

Read I, Pencil here:

https://dn790006.ca.archive.org/0/items/i-pencil-pdf-2019/I%2C%20Pencil%20%28PDF%202019%29.pdf

Music: Bach B Minor Mass

Performed by John Eliot Gardiner, The Monteverdi Choir and The English Baroque Soloists

https://music.apple.com/nz/album/j-s-bach-mass-in-b-minor-bwv-232/1053521016

https://open.spotify.com/album/3ELfX4GIPcYOTJBl8PdoKi?si=I8bz8nhaTyK3Qq4E5-ZtXg

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Michael Goldwater

Michael Goldwater is a New Zealand podcaster and host of The Shape of Dialogue, a podcast exploring the foundational principles underpinning well-functioning societies.

Michael's prominent international and New Zealand guests discuss important issues of the day, illuminating what societies require to function effectively and cohesively.

In 2023, Richard Dawkins (the world's most famous scientist) personally asked Michael to host and interview him for his New Zealand speaking tour.

Michael has also interviewed other significant world-renowned thinkers, including Steven Pinker (three times), James Flynn, Jerry Coyne, Jonathan Rauch, Helen Joyce (twice), Sal Grover, Helen Pluckrose, Katherine Birbalsingh, Peter Boghossian, Lord Toby Young, Lord Nigel Biggar and numerous international and New Zealand scientists and thought leaders.

Michael's interviews are characterised by civil discourse and a genuine curiosity about a diverse range of topics. His podcasts serve as forums for thoughtful explorations of complex societal issues, aiming to inspire listeners to engage in meaningful conversations, consider more than one viewpoint to bridge ideological divides and take a fresh look at subjects that sometimes are not seeing the light of day in other media.

Michael's esteemed guests have discussed a wide range of engaging topics, including science, Indigenous knowledge, education, human rights, women's rights, philosophy, the classics, liberty, free speech, communism, epistemology, trans-ideology, censorship, language and rhetoric. 

Michael is also a musician, educator, businessman and an accomplished photographer. His art photography can be viewed at www.michaelgoldwater.photography

In 2015, Michael founded and led Stop Stealing Our Harbour, an environmental advocacy group dedicated to protecting Auckland's beautiful Waitematā Harbour from continued industrial reclamation. He has been a prominent voice in the national conversation around this issue and has successfully campaigned to stop thousands of tons of concrete from being poured into Auckland's famous harbour.