Category Archives: Monthly Hangout Topic

Decision Making, Intuition, Bias, Judgement

We make decisions constantly, big and small, that affect our lives and the lives of those around us. Spending some time thinking about how we make decisions is, arguably, time well spent. At this campfire discussion, we are going to chat about decision making – how we think/feel that we do it, what (if any)Continue reading “Decision Making, Intuition, Bias, Judgement”

The Ethics of Secrets

What role do secrets play in our lives, and are there some secrets that are best kept? Are there secrets that we have a ‘right’ or ‘duty’ to keep private and others that we have a ‘responsibility’ to tell? When can revealing secrets cause more harm than good? And to what extent, if any, should consequences be factored into our deliberations?

I don’t know if it’s Art, but…

If you look online, there are a host of opinions on what art and aesthetics are. As starting points for today’s campfire, I have a couple of resources to give us some common ground – particularly for those not familiar with aesthetics. I also provide information on a work that caused considerable controversy in 2000,Continue reading “I don’t know if it’s Art, but…”

Managing Risk in a Complex, Fragile World

How do we prepare for things to “go bad”? The news cycle presents us with a litany of horrors from local to global, and most of us have inbuilt filtering strategies that enable us to not be overwhelmed on a daily basis. Life adapts for survival, and our human brain is no exception. So, whatContinue reading “Managing Risk in a Complex, Fragile World”

Creativity – a talent or a skill?

Is creativity about talent or is it a way of thinking/seeing the world? Is innovation a form of creativity or something that happens because of creativity? If it is a skill, how can it be taught? If a talent, is it reasonable to expect everyone to be able to come up with “innovative solutions” asContinue reading “Creativity – a talent or a skill?”

Does it matter if we do not know where our food comes from?

With most Australians growing up in cities and most farms now run by corporations, we are increasingly removed from where and how our food is grown, processed, and packaged for our consumption. Even if you want to be a “responsible consumer” it can be hard to work out what is truth and what is “greenwashing”.Continue reading “Does it matter if we do not know where our food comes from?”

Is there less stigma around mental health in Australia than 10 years ago?

Our politicians and celebrities are speaking more publically about personal experiences with mental health episodes and management with varying degrees of media compassion in response. Workplaces are talking the talk of mental health, neurodiversity and burnout. Is any of this reducing the stigma around mental health in the day to day life of Australian’s? Saturday,Continue reading “Is there less stigma around mental health in Australia than 10 years ago?”