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.

Surprising Ethics is a society podcast hosted by Dr William Gildea, with 14 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80.

Dr William Gildea hosts Surprising Ethics, a society show with 14 episodes published.

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  Episode #14

  The philosophy of breakups: are breakups good? w. Dr Justin Clardy and Idil Çakmur

  Oct 1, 202651 minS1

  Are breakups actually *good*? Do they unlock striving, freedom, and authenticity? Or is anchoring and commitment the ideal path? Is the trend towards non-committal, undefined 'situationships' bad or good, and why? And how should we break up? Should partners have a “clean break”, or do they actually have special duties to each other even after a breakup? And can the act of breaking up with someone ever be morally problematic? Tune in as your host Will chats to two philosophers of love and breakups, Dr Justin Clardy and Idil Çakmur. Together we revisit some of our most fundamental assumptions about whether and how to part ways. Give your feedback ! https://tinyurl.com/feedbackformSurprisingEthics Podcast website for contact details and more: surprisingethics.buzzsprout.com Instagram: @surprising_ethics_podcast tinyurl.com/surprisingethics

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  Episode #13

  Sex, dating, and discrimination. w. Dr Simone Degn and Dr Søren Midtgaard

  Jul 1, 202641 minS1

  Being straight: a fair sexual preference or discrimination? What about not wanting to date people of certain races? Or screening dates based on height? What counts as discrimination in dating, and what is simply following your preferences? Two leading philosophers of dating have a new take. We discuss freedom of association, fetishisation, dating apps, looks-based discrimination (or “lookism”), and more. Warning: explicit language. Send in voice notes for the listener special based on this episode! By 19 July 2026. Email: william.gildea@mcgill.ca Include name/pseudonym and location. Give your feedback ! https://tinyurl.com/feedbackformSurprisingEthics Podcast website for contact details and more: surprisingethics.buzzsprout.com Instagram: @surprising_ethics_podcast tinyurl.com/surprisingethics

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  Episode #12

  Activism for good causes: often morally wrong? w. Tobias Leenaert

  Jun 1, 202644 minS1

  <p>Are activists who fight for a good cause with a bad strategy on the hook morally? The episode begins with a striking thought experiment which suggests the answer may be ‘yes’.</p><p>The episode also asks: Are hard-line approaches to activism ineffective? What can the case study of extreme vegan activism tell us? And what are some principles for a successful activism? </p><p>This episode includes an interview with the strategist Tobias Leenaert, a writer on activist strategies and founder of a global charity. The episode covers direct action protests, idealism, compromise, the emotions of activism, catharsis and c...

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  Episode #11

  What Counts as a War of Self-Defence? Iran & Beyond w. Prof David Rodin

  May 1, 202657 minS1

  <p>What actually counts as self-defence when waging war? The 21st century has seen a pivot towards ‘preventive wars’: wars fought in anticipation of a possible future attack. The war in Iran is the latest example. What can philosophy tell us about these wars?</p><p>My conversation with Prof David Rodin, a world-leading ethicist of war, covers these questions and other topics, including the Israel-Palestine conflict; the "conspiracy paradox"; nuclear threats; the moral duty to spy; the psychology of those waging unjust wars; and non-military ways of warding off an invasion.</p><p><b>Give your feedback</b>! https://tiny...

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  Episode #10

  Is the manosphere making men incapable of love? w. Patrick van Straaten

  Apr 1, 202653 minS1

  <p>Research shows it’s love – not money or social status – that can soothe the suffering many men are feeling today. But is the manosphere taking this balm away from men? It encourages men to see women as stereotypes and as commodities. This could render them incapable of romantic love with a woman, according to many philosophers of love. And if we want to turn our backs on Andrew Tate and co, is there actually a healthier alternative form of masculinity to which men and boys can turn? I asked therapist Patrick van Straaten. Our chat emphasises vulnerability, authenticity, and real c...

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