216 episodes

Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

Moral Maze BBC Radio 4

    • Religion & Spirituality
    • 4.4 • 534 Ratings

Combative, provocative and engaging live debate examining the moral issues behind one of the week's news stories. #moralmaze

    The morality of forgiveness

    The morality of forgiveness

    The Legacy Act in Northern Ireland provides a conditional amnesty for people who committed crimes during the Troubles, as part of a broader process of reconciliation. It’s an attempt to draw a line under events of the past, but it’s generated anger among the families of some victims, who feel they’ll be denied justice.

    When things go wrong, we need to find people to blame. Who’s responsible? Who should be punished? But might we do better if we were prepared to blame less – prioritising the truth, and forgive more? It's been proposed that the NHS adopts a no-blame system where staff don’t lose their jobs if they admit a failure, so the NHS learns quickly from its mistakes. The “no-blame culture” idea already exists in parts of the US aviation industry where people are encouraged, even praised, for owning up to mistakes that could cost lives.

    If blame means disgrace and the end of a career, it’s hardly surprising that people hide the truth about their own failure. How many of us would admit it quickly, if we discovered that a mistake at work had led to terrible consequences? More forgiveness might lead to greater openness and honesty. It could make it easier to avoid mistakes being repeated. But is it moral to forgive serious wrongdoing? Where is the justice in that? Surely the fear of blame is a powerful incentive for us all to do our jobs properly and avoid mistakes. Do we need more forgiveness – or less?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
    Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 56 min
    The morality of immigration

    The morality of immigration

    This week it emerged that Abdul Ezedi, hunted by police after an attack on a woman and her daughters with a corrosive liquid, was granted asylum after being convicted of sexual assault. He'd converted to Christianity, which could have put him at risk in his native Afghanistan. It’s just the latest story stirring debate about one of the most divisive issues of our times - immigration.

    In 2022 net migration hit a record 745,000. That’s more people than live in many of Britain’s biggest cities. Last week the Office for National Statistics predicted that the population could rise by nearly 10% between 2021 and 2036. The overwhelming majority of immigrants are legal.

    Economists are split on the costs and benefits of immigration. Some suggest that it could help tackle a demographic timebomb as our population ages. Britain also attracts some of the world’s most capable and highly qualified people, driving up our wealth-creating potential. National life is enriched culturally and socially. Isn’t there also a moral imperative to open our doors to people from countries troubled by war, oppression and climate change? But immigration has been high for decades without a clear electoral mandate. Some neighbourhoods have been transformed, raising concerns over social cohesion. It’s added to the pressure on housing and on creaking public services. Is it right that whole industries rely on immigrants willing to work for low pay – social care, health and hospitality?

    What is a desirable level of immigration? How should the balance be struck between the demands of our economy and social cohesion? What’s the moral case for immigration?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
    Assistant Producer: Linda Walker
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 56 min
    The morality of marriage

    The morality of marriage

    It’s Valentine’s Day, when we celebrate romantic love, and is there anything more romantic than getting married? It’s the way all those old films end, after all the “will they, won’t they”, the couple finally tie the knot, the titles roll and we all enjoy the warm certainty that they’re sorted for life. What’s not to love about marriage? A lifelong commitment to care for each other... a solemn promise rooted in love… perhaps the foundation for starting a family. But for many, marriage is losing its gloss. The latest government figures suggest that the proportion of adults in England and Wales who are married has, for the first time, fallen below 50%.

    The rise of pre-nuptial agreements signals a change in levels of confidence about marriage. Is forever still forever? If it probably isn’t – then let’s just plan ahead for when it all goes wrong.

    We live much longer than in the past, so “til death us do part” is likely to be a very long time indeed. Perhaps it’s now unreasonable to expect a lifelong commitment. Short of that, are human beings even built for monogamy? If love dies in a marriage, should that be the end, or is marital commitment broader than that? There is some evidence that outcomes for children are better if parents are married, and some people see it as a fundamental building block of society. But is there a moral value to marriage? Is it a striving for what is finest about being human, the highest realisation of not just romantic love, but of that important social unit – the couple? Or just an old fashioned idea, rooted in outdated traditions, all wrapped up in a sentimental rose tinted fantasy?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producers: Jonathan Hallewell and Peter Everett
    Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 55 min
    The moral case for veganism

    The moral case for veganism

    It emerged this week that scientists in South Korea have created a new kind of “meaty” rice, with high levels of protein.  The grains are packed with beef muscle and fat cells – all grown in a lab.  It’s just the latest of many meat-alternatives that are helping people to eat less meat.  Supermarkets are responding to public demand by offering an ever wider choice of plant-based foods.  But while we might not need to eat meat, most of us really enjoy it.
    The goal posts are shifting in the age old debate about the morality of meat.  Whatever you think about the industrial breeding of animals, to be slaughtered and served up for our pleasure, there’s now another compelling argument for us to stop, or at least cut back – meat production significantly contributes to climate change. 
    In the last decade, the number of vegans in the UK has increased steeply, but it’s still small. Estimates vary between about 2% and 3% of the population.  Many more are vegetarian, who avoid meat and fish, but eat dairy.  There are also flexitarians, who mainly choose a plant-based diet, but do occasionally eat meat.  
    A moral argument that was once focused on whether humans have the right to exploit animals has become a broader debate that includes protecting the planet for future generations.  Some say it’s natural for humans to eat meat, indeed we have evolved to do so.  Others think it’s barbaric and the effects of the meat and dairy industry on the climate have made the argument for veganism overwhelming.   What’s the moral case for veganism?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
    Assistant Producer: Ruth Purser
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 56 min
    The Purpose of Punishment

    The Purpose of Punishment

    The last week saw two contrasting examples of how societies treat killers. Valdo Calocane, who killed three people in Nottingham and tried to kill three more, avoided jail and was instead sent to a secure hospital for life because of his mental illness. One of the victim’s relatives protested that he “got away with murder”. Meanwhile in America, convicted murderer Kenneth Smith became the first person in the US to be executed using nitrogen gas.
    Calocane’s charge was reduced to manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility because of his paranoid schizophrenia. The mother of one of his victims objected and complained that the families were not consulted. The Attorney General will be reviewing the sentence. It’s raised questions about what punishment is for: Is it for criminals – to provide the suffering they deserve, or reform them or deter future offenders? Or is it for victims – providing retribution and a sense of fairness to them? Victims are uniquely placed to appreciate the true impact of crime, so shouldn't their perspective have a greater weight in the judicial process? Would a bigger role for victims improve or hinder justice? What’s the purpose of punishment and can it ever provide justice for the most serious offenders, and their victims?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
    Assistant Producer: Linda Walker
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 56 min
    Ukraine - the moral case for ceding land for peace

    Ukraine - the moral case for ceding land for peace

    It’s now nearly two years since Russia began its full scale invasion of Ukraine. Hopes that Ukraine might seize back its territory have been dashed, in a conflict that’s become deadlocked. At first it felt clear – the invasion is wrong, Putin must fail and be seen to fail, Ukraine’s defiance and bravery must be supported with everything its allies can provide. But as the death, destruction and bloodshed continues, with little sign of progress on either side, questions have been raised about how the war might ever be brought to an end.
    How realistic is it for Ukraine to aspire to recapture all of its land, even Crimea? This year’s US presidential election has sharpened the focus: A Trump victory could threaten Ukraine’s future supply of arms. Some believe Russia would settle for the land it has already captured. If so, for Ukraine the bitter pill of ceding some 20% of its territory would at least bring the war to an end. But what’s the moral case for this? What’s the real value of peace – bought at the cost of justice? If western powers are seen to allow aggression to win the day in Ukraine, what message would that send to Vladimir Putin and other tyrants around the world? In Ukraine, what’s the moral case for ceding land for peace?
    Presenter: Michael Buerk
    Producer: Jonathan Hallewell
    Assistant Producer: Linda Walker
    Editor: Tim Pemberton

    • 56 min

Customer Reviews

4.4 out of 5
534 Ratings

534 Ratings

Bromptonero ,

A must

This program is without a shadow of a doubt, a necessary listen for anyone that would like to participate in the debate of current affairs and, for the ones that are brave enough to be challenged on their own views and beliefs.
Offering informed opinions from every angle onto a relevant subject, the guests get questioned and respectfully challenged by the panelists, people well prepared, knowledgable and prominent on their field. The host is 6 starts.

DisOlHippie ,

Challenging but well worth a listen.

A really interesting programme that debates the ethics of a subject from all points of view. I found it challenged my own view on subjects and really made me think why I think the way I do. Seeing other points of view was interesting and challenging at times. All views are just put there and not forced on you which makes it enjoyable. In the end they leave the decision up to you

Silverstone3 ,

Invigorating

I love this show. Intellectually invigorating, the differing perspectives are rigorously debated which is mind opening. My favourite contributor is Melanie Phillips who pulls no punches.

Top Podcasts In Religion & Spirituality

Omar Suleiman
Muslim Central
Mufti Menk
Muslim Central
Yaqeen Podcast
Yaqeen Institute
Soul Survivors
Premier Christianity magazine
Haifaa Younis
Muslim Central
BibleProject
BibleProject Podcast

You Might Also Like

The Briefing Room
BBC Radio 4
Analysis
BBC Radio 4
More or Less: Behind the Stats
BBC Radio 4
Any Questions? and Any Answers?
BBC Radio 4
Thinking Allowed
BBC Radio 4
A Point of View
BBC Radio 4

More by BBC

Newscast
BBC News
Just One Thing - with Michael Mosley
BBC Radio 4
You're Dead to Me
BBC Radio 4
The Infinite Monkey Cage
BBC Radio 4
The Martin Lewis Podcast
BBC Radio 5 Live
Rugby Union Daily
BBC Radio 5 Live