Theology matters – and not just for church.

In the twenty-first century, religion is often seen as divisive, church membership is in decline, and religious institutions have been forced to reckon with their own sins. Yet theology still speaks deeply to many people in Australia, both inside and outside the Christian churches.

This book presents a series of conversations with prominent Australians about how theological ideas and religious practices inform their contribution to public life. Through their stories, it asks the ultimate question: what difference does theology make?

The results show how deeply held views and the capacity to think outside the box inform policy and practice across a variety of areas – from politics to journalism, arts and the law, health and education – to assert that theology matters in contemporary Australia more than ever.

This book is a contribution to the ongoing effort to join with First Peoples and all peoples to think about how our world might look in the light of the welcoming, inclusive and undying love of God. It is not a book of answers. Often theology is about asking better questions. This is a fascinating glimpse into the lives of eleven people who reflect on what their lives and work might mean in a world that is loved by God. From the foreword by Archbishop Kay Goldsworthy AO DD

The participants: Deborah Barker, Rufus Black, Frank Brennan, Libby Byrne, Julie Edwards, Dan Fleming, Stan Grant, Sean Lau, Anne Pattel-Gray, Tony Rinaudo and Kevin Rudd.

Artificial intelligence draws on the data we humans have created, and reflects our history back to us. For better and for worse, we are making machines in our image.

AI is changing how we think, how we make decisions and how we navigate the world. It presents a fever dream of utopian and dystopian visions. AI promises everything from an end to deadly disease to limitless wisdom at our fingertips. Yet this brave new world also threatens new kinds of digital repression.

As the age of AI takes shape around us, we need to centre the best of our values. We need a way of thinking ethically about how the machines we have made will shape our future. This book explains how human rights can help us respond to the rise of AI in ways that advance the ideas of dignity, equality and respect.

Machines in our Image is an essential read for anyone who wants to better understand AI, and how to make it work for everyone.

This book invites ten philosophers to share their thoughts. What indeed are they thinking?

In this collection of conversations Daniel Nellor meets philosophers working in universities across Australia today. They discuss the nature of philosophy and why it’s valuable, and dig deep into some of the big questions on their minds. Logic, morality and the nature of time; technology, the mind, the environment and the economy: this book is a glimpse into the world of some of Australia’s leading thinkers as they wrestle with the most important questions we can ask. What Are They Thinking? is for anyone who would like to know more about philosophy from the people who practice it.

The Philosophers:

Daniel Halliday
Margaret Cameron
Greg Restall
Christopher Cordner
Kristie Miller
Bronwyn Finnigan
Moira Gatens
Seth Lazar
Dalia Nassar
Peter Singer