The Shape of Dialogue

Michael Goldwater
  • 0.0 (0)
  • Philosophy

The Shape of Dialogue podcast focuses on the foundational principles that make societies function at their best. It initially started with an investigation into free speech, it continues to discuss relevant and interesting topics about our world and how best to navigate through it.

  1. 5d ago

    The Shape of Knowledge with Brett Hall - The Shape of Dialogue #50

    About Brett Hall Brett Hall is an expert in epistemology (the theory of knowledge) and the philosophy of science. From childhood, Brett was motivated by the big questions about the universe. He studied an unconventional Bachelor of Science in astronomy, quantum theory, general relativity, mathematics, logic, and, in particular, the philosophy of science at the University of New South Wales. His degree introduced him to Karl Popper and David Deutsch, whose ideas on knowledge, science, physics, ethics, and philosophy shaped his thinking. Subsequently, Brett gained a Bachelor of Teaching (Mathematics and Science) from the University of Western Sydney, a Postgraduate Certificate in TESOL from Macquarie University, a Postgraduate Certificate from the Australian Catholic University, focusing on further mathematics and a Master of Science in Astronomy from Swinburne University, which he regards as his most rigorous and satisfying qualification. This fulfilled his childhood dream of becoming an astronomer, though he never pursued it professionally. He also briefly started a Diploma of Geoscience (Geophysics). Brett worked as a security guard while studying and later as a science communicator at the University of New South Wales’ Outreach Centre, running planetarium shows and science demonstrations. Read Brett’s writings on the physics, epistemology, the philosophy of science and more at www.bretthall.org Follow Brett’s Theory Of Knowledge (TOK) podcast on Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmP5H2rF-ER33a58ZD5jCig X - https://x.com/ToKTeacher Also mentioned: David Deutsch - https://www.daviddeutsch.org.uk

  2. Mar 29

    What are the pillars of our civilisation? with Rafe Champion - The Shape of Dialogue #49

    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 Critical rationalism as articulated by Karl PopperThe principles of classical or non-collectivist liberalism in politicsIn economics, the importance Free trade, entrepreneurialism and a market underpinned by the rule of lawA moral framework founded on honesty, compassion, civility, personal responsibility, community service, and enterprise.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

  3. Mar 26

    How do narratives shape our opinions? Ani O'Brien & Juliet Moses - The Shape of Dialogue #48

    Ani O'Brien is a women's rights advocate and political commentator. She has worked previously for the Leader of the Opposition (National) and is a council member of the Free Speech Union. https://aniobrien.substack.com/ Juliet Moses is spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council and is a trust lawyer. This podcast features a discussion between Ani O'Brien (women's rights advocate, political commentator, Free Speech Union council member, and self-described TERF), and Juliet Moses (spokesperson for the New Zealand Jewish Council and trust lawyer), exploring how grand narratives -overarching moral stories that define heroes/villains, good/evil, and acceptable discourse - powerfully shape public conversations, media framing, policy, and perceptions, often inverting reality and sidelining facts through emotional appeals, institutional capture, and social pressure. 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

  4. Feb 11

    Are empires ethical? with Lord Nigel Biggar - The Shape of Dialogue #47

    About Nigel Biggar: https://nigelbiggar.uk/about/ Nigel Biggar CBE is Emeritus Regius Professor of Moral Theology at the University of Oxford and Distinguished Scholar in Residence at Pusey House, Oxford. He holds a B.A. in Modern History from Oxford and a Ph.D. in Christian Theology & Ethics from the University of Chicago. He was appointed C.B.E. “for services to Higher Education” in the 2021 Queen’s Birthday Honours list. The Treaty of Waitangi https://www.tepapa.govt.nz/discover-collections/read-watch-play/maori/treaty-waitangi/treaty-close/full-text-te-tiriti-o Chris Hipkins: How shared values can unite Aotearoa and not divide https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/chris-hipkins-how-shared-values-can-unite-aotearoa-and-not-divide/74ZQEKGFARAWZN7W5OHN27KY3A/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email David Seymour: Treaty should mean equal rights, not race-based policy https://www.nzherald.co.nz/kahu/david-seymour-treaty-should-mean-equal-rights-not-race-based-policy/UBZ5PT56HNCJDCZZEJN6S4PHEU/?utm_source=substack&utm_medium=email 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

  5. Jan 30

    How should we educate our kids? with Katharine Birbalsingh - The Shape of Dialogue #46

    Katharine Birbalsingh, CBE, is the Headmistress and co-founder of Michaela Community School in Wembley, London. She was Chair of the Social Mobility Commission from 2021 to 2023. Michaela School is renowned for its high standards of behaviour and academic achievement, knowledge curriculum and teaching of kindness and gratitude. In 2017, Ofsted graded the school as ‘Outstanding’ in every category. In 2022, almost 75% of all GCSEs were graded 9 to 7 (A* to A). 98% of pupils achieved a 4+ (C or above) in both English and Maths, with 99% of all pupils achieving grade 9 to 4 (A* to C) in at least 5 subjects. Katharine read Philosophy and Modern Languages at the University of Oxford and has always taught in inner London. She has made numerous appearances on television and radio and has written for several UK publications. Katharine has written 2 books and edited 2 more, including The Power of Culture (published in June 2020). Katharine was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2020 Birthday Honours by the Queen. https://michaela.education/

  6. Jan 6

    Free Speech & Common Knowledge with Steven Pinker - The Shape of Dialogue #45

    About Steven Pinker - https://stevenpinker.com/biocv When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows...: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life https://stevenpinker.com/publications/when-everyone-knows-everyone-knows-common-knowledge-and-mysteries-money-power-and Tickets: An Evening with Steven Pinker https://www.ticketmaster.co.nz/event/2400635CC1573F86 Antisemitic protest outside the Sydney Opera House chanting "Gas the Jews" https://youtube.com/shorts/cQcoLR4y1P8?si=ajGQYmsC_lPzylHN 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

  7. 12/27/2025

    Why don’t we name it? with Brett Hall - The Shape of Dialogue #44

    Brett Hall talks about why the Australian government can’t name the cause of the Bondi Beach massacre of Jews. About Brett Hall - https://www.bretthall.org/about.html Josh Frydenberg urges PM Anthony Albanese to take tougher action after Bondi massacre https://youtu.be/PPVkyzg5x9M?si=o2_DKw5ymqJHih0u 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

  8. 12/07/2025

    Narcissistic Transgression with Vaishnavi Sundar - The Shape of Dialogue #42

    Vaishnavi Sundar - Feminist, Writer, Filmmaker & Activist Vaishnavi Sundar discusses the narcissistic transgressions of trans ideology and its negative impact on women and girls. https://vaishnavisundar.com/ https://vaishnavisundar.com/about/ Behind The Looking Glass - FIRST EVER Documentary about the Wives & Children of Trans-Identified Men https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Frffv2sB8zE&t=6s https://limesodafilms.com/btlg/ https://limesodafilms.com/ Music: Bach B Minor Mass Performed by The Monteverdi ChoirThe English Baroque SoloistsJohn Eliot Gardiner https://music.apple.com/nz/album/j-s-bach-mass-in-b-minor-bwv-232/1053521016

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About

The Shape of Dialogue podcast focuses on the foundational principles that make societies function at their best. It initially started with an investigation into free speech, it continues to discuss relevant and interesting topics about our world and how best to navigate through it.

Information

  • Creator
    Michael Goldwater
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    49
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Michael Goldwater
  • Show Website
    The Shape of Dialogue

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