Philosophy on the ground

The University of Sydney Philosophy Society’s (PhilSoc) Philosophy on the Ground series takes everyday issues in the public discourse and shows how philosophy can enrich our discussion of these topics. In doing this, PhilSoc aims to show that philosophy is far from an outdated or abstract discipline, but something in which everyone can participate and have a voice. The events will take various forms, including debates, discussions and workshops, and engage with experts at Sydney University as well as community actors. 

For the inaugural event, PhilSoc, in association with the Sydney Environment Institute, will host a moderated conversation on environmental ethics in a world in the throes of climate change. What are the obligations owed between ourselves, the environment and future generations? The guest speakers at this event are Sydney University academics, Dr Killian Quigley (Department of English) and Professor Danielle Celermajer (Department of Sociology and Social Policy). Dr Quigley has a broad background in environmental humanities, with a focus on theories of the ocean where he has been a contributor to the Open Learning Environment course Global Ethics: The Great Barrier Reef. Professor Celermajer has researched extensively on human rights policy and is director of the Multispecies Justice Project. 

This event was held online on Monday 2 November 2020.

Speakers

• Danielle Celermajer is a Professor of Sociology and Social Policy at the University of Sydney. Her research stands at the interface of theories exploring the multi-dimensional nature of injustice and the practice of human rights, focusing on the relational intra-space between human and non-human animals. 
• Sam Naylor (Chair) is the Secretary of PhilSoc and a fourth-year student of a Bachelor of Laws / Bachelor of Economics degree at the University of Sydney. 
• Killian Quigley is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Sydney Environment Institute. His research spans literary history, aesthetic theory, the history of science, colonial and postcolonial studies, historical geography, and the environmental humanities. 

Header image: Piotr Krzeslak via Shutterstock. ID: 547703677.