Surprising Ethics
The most interesting ideas from ethics and political theory. Where every episode contains a surprise.
Surprising Ethics is an accessible philosophy podcast exploring the striking ways in which philosophers are trying to upend received wisdom about politics and how to live ethically. In the battle between the status quo and surprising alternatives, which will win out?
By Dr William Gildea, McGill University and Centre for Research in Ethics. Artwork by Ana Otelea.
Podcasting since 2025 • 10 episodes
Surprising Ethics
Latest Episodes
Votes for teenagers and kids? With Dr Isa Trifan | ep. 9
Many countries are considering lowering the voting age. But right now it’s 18 nearly everywhere. Why? Why not 14, 12, or even 6? Don’t kids have interests in having a voice? Teenagers may not the sages that we adults are, but then again some 15...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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39:59
What should parents feed their kids? Meat, or vegan? | w. Dr Fischer & Dr Fredericks | ep. 8
How do we craft a diet in the child’s best interests? That’s the question Rachel Fredericks and Jeremy Fischer set out to answer, leaving behind the usual arguments about climate and animals. These two ethicists combined philosophy, psychology ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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1:07:47
Philosophy of New Year’s Resolutions | ep. 7
Are new year’s resolutions a golden opportunity for self-improvement, or do they reinforce a damaging ideology of work and “self-improvement”? And how can we best decide on a resolution?This episode explores two philosophical challenges ...
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Season 1
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Episode 7
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26:58
Is envy a virtue? W. Prof Sara Protasi | ep. 6
Envy is seen as a deadly sin. But not by Professor Sara Protasi, who argues that envy is often good – even *virtuous*. Envy drives progress, she claims. Feeling envious is natural. And without it, we might never leave the couch. But how can suc...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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56:43
