Centre for Independent Studies

Can Humanity Sustain Its Growth? | Marian Tupy | Liberalism in Question

Follow this podcast here: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/Watch here: https://youtu.be/6uiMn9hRqQA In this episode, Rob chats with Marian Tupy, the editor of Human​Progress.org, a senior fellow the Cato Institute’s Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, and co-author of The Simon Abundance Index. Marian argues that humanity has accomplished a great deal and can continue to do so if we continue to adhere to the values of classical liberalism. According to Marian, the argument that resources can’t keep up with human growth is simply not true. A cold, dispassionate look at the big picture shows that, all things considered, the world continues to improve along many different dimensions. #auspol #humanprogress #catoAll our links: https://linktr.ee/centreforindependentstudies

The Western World at a Tipping Point | Sherelle Jacobs | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/DHfbzSOM7FwOn this episode, Rob engages in a compelling conversation with Sherelle Jacobs, a columnist for the UK's Daily Telegraph newspaper. Sherelle contends that the Western world is at a tipping point, experiencing a decline marked by limitations on economic freedom, intellectual pursuits, and the freedom to demonstrate in the new millennium.The core question explored is whether the West is currently facing a decline that demands significant changes for its survival, and the prospects of liberalism in this evolving landscape. Sherelle highlights a prevailing sense of malaise that grips the national psyches of Western societies.#auspol #west #democracy

Greedflation: Inflation with an Agenda | Warren Hogan | WYNTKA

Warren Hogan is an eminent economist, and the founder of EQ Economics, a Sydney-based micro advisory firm, with a focus on providing economic and strategic advice to businesses in Australia. Warren is a regular in Australian and international media, and a columnist for The Australian Financial Review. He has also published extensively in The Conversation.
In this episode, Warren debunks to notion of greedflation and explains what you need to know about inflation in Australia. "What will determine whether inflation sustains a lift above the target band will come down to what happens in Australian labour markets, and how businesses respond to rising nominal wage growth." - Warren Hogan. 

Will AI Destroy us all? | Larry Marshall | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/-n7GJom-KEEDr. Larry Marshall is a scientist, technology innovator and business leader with more than 25 years’ experience in creating new value and impact with science.Dr. Larry Marshall dismantles the myth of AI's destructive potential, highlighting its exponential growth and role in fostering prosperity. He advocates for essential regulation and unbiased education to address AI-driven cybercrimes and ensure responsible use. Dr. Marshall emphasizes that AI, currently grounded in algorithms, lacks consciousness. in as he calls for increased investment in AI expertise, both from the government and industry, to create new jobs in the era of automation. #auspol #AI #openai

How Woke Won | Joanna Williams | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/cJ11MmRAGbgFollow this show: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/On this episode, Rob chats with Joanna Williams, author and former academic now running her platform Cieo, delve into the catastrophic impacts of wokism on society. Joanna defines wokism and discusses how it has prevailed, emphasising the widespread emphasis on victimhood in our culture. She addresses the core issue, asserting that the focus of woke anti-racism is on 'structural' racism ingrained in laws, policies, systems, and institutions. This phenomenon has permeated various aspects of Western society, from education and workplaces to sports, politics, and justice administration. Joanna highlights the defenders of wokism who claim to protect vulnerable freedoms but argues that opponents must recognize this and brace for a prolonged battle to reverse its influence. She underscores the and emphasises the need to vigorously safeguard our liberties against the pervasive influence of wokism.#woke #auspol

What is the Science of Learning? | Trisha Jha | Research Collection

What is the Science of Learning? By Trisha Jha.Listen to all our research here: https://cisresearch.podbean.com/Despite billions of additional experts and concerted efforts at reforming several pillars of the Australian education ecosystem, students’ results continue to plateau. While the focus on teaching quality and effective, evidence-based practices is welcome, it is incomplete. Australian education needs to position the science of learning as the foundation for policy and practice.
The establishment of the Australian Education Research Organisation (AERO) — in particular its recent work How students learn best — and the Strong Beginnings report into initial teacher education reforms are important because they create space for shifting focus towards the science of learning.
Unfortunately, key pillars of Australian education policy do not reflect the science of learning, due to the far-reaching impacts of progressive educational beliefs dating back to the 18th century.
These beliefs include that:
Students learn best when they themselves guide their learning and it aligns with their interest;
Rote learning is harmful;
Learning should be based on projects or experiences, and that doing this will result in critical and creative thinkers.
But these beliefs are contradicted by the science of learning, which is the connection between: 1) insights from cognitive science and educational psychology; and 2) the teaching practices  supported (and not supported) by those insights. Key concepts include:
Biologically primary knowledge (BPK) and biologically secondary knowledge (BSK): These concepts are not about stages of schooling. Rather, BPK includes things like basic social relations and problem-solving skills we have evolved to learn and do not need to be taught. In contrast, BSK includes foundational skills — like reading, writing, maths as well as coding, Cubism and how to kick a football (what schools are for) — we can only learn through instruction;
Domain-specific and domain-general skills: domain-general skills overlap with biologically-primary knowledge but critical thinking and analysis are specific to domains such as maths, history etc;
Working memory and long-term memory: working memory is severely limited and can only handle small amounts of new information; making it a funnel to long-term memory. A strong long-term memory can help strengthen working memory; and
Cognitive load theory: given these models of human cognition, teachers should design instruction to optimise the burden on working memory in a way that best helps learning.
The teaching approach best supported by the evidence is explicit instruction of a well-sequenced, knowledge-focused curriculum. Some key features of explicit instruction include:
Careful ordering of curriculum content so that new information and concepts are built sequentially;
Explanation of new information in small steps, taught through modelling and worked examples, with student practice after each step;
Asking questions and checking for all students’ understanding of what has been taught before gradual release of students for independent work and more complex tasks; and
Regular review of previous content to ensure retention.
There are many implications for the science of learning:
For teachers, it is an opportunity to design instruction in a way that is likely to lead to most students’ success with learning;
Parents can become more informed about how their child will learn best and more empowered when selecting or having conversations with their child’s school; and
For policymakers, it provides a foundation for future reform of policy at all levels.Read the paper here: https://www.cis.org.au/publication/what-is-the-science-of-learning/

The dialogue between faith and reason | David de Carvalho | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/lgExhylzqG4?si=Ile66rcGVQls_5ek Follow this show: https://liberalisminquestion.podbean.com/David de Carvalho is the Executive Dean, Faculty of Education, Philosophy and Theology at The University of Notre Dame Australia. Prior to this role, David was the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA). He has extensive experience in leading major reforms at both national and state level and a deep personal passion for, and understanding of, education.In the episode, he chats with Rob about his article, Modern Western malaise 500 years in the making .

Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price's Insightful Outlook | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/5ELTO4fBpRw?si=WU3AHp99wWZszSLP 
 
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In this enthralling episode of Liberalism in Question, host Rob Forsyth engages in a deep dialogue about Indigenous affairs in Australia with influential Senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price. Distinguished as one of Australia's most notable figures in 2023, Price imparts a fresh perspective on her experiences and shares her critical views on the prevailing policies affecting Indigenous Australians.
Through this riveting conversation, Price unearths the damaging effects of the 'groupthink' mentality and the policy of self-determination that has not met its promised outcomes over the past fifty years. She further discusses the debilitating narrative that portrays Aboriginal Australians as victims and demythologizes beliefs surrounding colonialism and modernization. This conversation serves as an open revelation on the realities of Indigenous Australians and a call for a liberal visionary approach for their future.
In delving profounder into these intricacies, Price presents a confounding analysis of socio-cultural allusions and stereotypes prevalent in the Indigenous community. From the Indigenous feminist movement to violence in remote communities and the intersections of traditional culture with modern norms - this expansive discussion scrutinizes dominant narratives and accentuates the need for honest recognition of traditional society's strengths and vulnerabilities. Furthermore, the dialogue hones in on the individual complexities within the Indigenous community, shifting focus from race-based policies to ones centered around need and personal specifics.
The worthy culmination of this spirited chat lies in a heartfelt sharing of Price's Grandfather's life story - a man who defied societal norms and inspired resilience in his lineage. This episode guarantees to be a deep contemplation of the past, a critique of the present, and an optimistic projection for Australia's future from an Indigenous viewpoint. It is a must-listen for all interested in gaining a deeper understanding of Indigenous affairs in Australia.
#auspol

Is liberalism suffocating in the UK? | Fraser Nelson | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/lSEJBQyf2D0?si=XyDBRAr_PqsgXvjL
 
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In this engaging episode of "Liberalism in Question", host Rob Forsyth dialogues with Fraser Nelson, renowned UK journalist and editor of The Spectator. The conversation plunges deep into the dynamics of liberalism, the wrestle for "social justice", and the influence of government on societal transformation.
Nelson, an avowed liberal, articulates his understanding of social cohesion's significance and the hazards of an overpowering government. The discourse broadly encompasses the transforming descriptions of liberalism and conservatism, the repercussion of net zero climate objectives, and inspirations from historic figures such as Robert Menzies and Margaret Thatcher. The episode also brings to light the considerable challenges encountered by conservatives in acknowledging emerging societal issues like climate change.
Nelson underscores the necessity of adhering to liberal principles and sidestepping impulsive policy decisions influenced by popular clamor. Reflecting on the Queen's address to the United Nations, Nelson indicates that profound societal alterations often spawn from the aspirations of millions as opposed to the resolutions of prime ministers.
The discussion culminates with an introspection into the intellectual tradition of liberal thinkers in the UK and the present status of liberalism under a Conservative government. This episode offers an in-depth discourse on UK's political ethos and the future trajectory of liberalism from an esteemed political commentator's perspective. The conversation covers the intricacies of current political parties, their stances, and the potential repercussions of future elections.
From the prospect of a Labour Party victory in the ensuing UK general election to apprehensions surrounding press freedom; from the American political scenario's impact on UK politics to the Brexit's national implications - this episode leaves no stone unturned. Substantive discussions orbit the well-being of liberalism post-Brexit, the allure of Scottish nationalism amid political uncertainties, and the convoluted status of Northern Ireland post-Brexit.
Nelson imparts his vision of the future, predicting a backlash against identity politics and a resurgence of fundamental ideals like unity, freedom of speech, and equality. This episode serves as a comprehensive examination of UK's political landscape and a contemplative dialogue on the vitality of liberalism and the imperative for convincing, argumentative politicians in the future.

The Battle Between Liberalism vs Nationalism | John Mearsheimer | Liberalism in Question

Watch here: https://youtu.be/pwVfRn3fSfU?si=rx-jiGt-S_0Q4Ih5
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In this episode, Rob chats with John Mearsheimer, the R. Wendell Harrison Distinguished Service Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago. Mearsheimer presents a nuanced perspective on liberalism, emphasising a crucial distinction between its positive impact domestically and its potential pitfalls when applied as a foreign policy approach. He delves into his views on modern-day liberalism, exploring the concept's "crusader impulse" and its role in intervening in other states' perceived rights. Mearsheimer critically examines instances where the U.S., driven by a belief in the universality of liberalism, has sought to impose its values on other nations, resulting in interventions like Iraq, Afghanistan, Libya, and Syria.
He highlights the unintended consequences of such interventions, often leading to the rise of nationalism in the affected regions. Mearsheimer explores the intricate bond between liberalism and nationalism, expressing his disagreement with prevailing foreign policy stances that tend to fuel nationalist sentiments. Mearsheimer provides insightful perspectives on the complexities of liberalism and its intersection with nationalism in the realm of foreign policy.
 
#auspol