Rational Realm

Rational Realm explores a rational approach to life and belief systems, drawing on the best of philosophical and scientific research. Through our podcast, Rational Realm inspires reasoned inquiry and ethical action in a world of dogma, superstition and media manipulation.

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Episodes

The Hidden Toll of Religious Trauma

Mental health professionals are increasingly noticing a pattern of symptoms in both those who have left religion and those who are still practicing that mirror the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. In 2011, Dr. Marlene Winell coined the term 'Religious Trauma Syndrome' (RTS) to give a name to the unique trauma that many face from their experiences with religion. Like PTSD, RTS symptoms sometimes fly under the radar or are attributed to other causes, such as major depression or an anxie...

Jun 30, 2021•21 min•Season 3Ep. 1

The Good Life: Different Perspectives

In this episode, Akiva Quinn and Usha Sista examine the notion of "The Good Life" from various viewpoints. We all want our lives to actualise some conception of "The Good Life" where this notion will generally include fulfilment, happiness or wellbeing for ourselves, our family, friends and other people. In addition, for many, to live the good life also entails living with concern for both self and others based on moral and practical or prudential considerations. Is the good life about experienc...

Nov 09, 2020•47 min•Season 2Ep. 7

Meaning in Life: Existentialism

How does one create or pursue "meaning IN life" if there is no cosmic "meaning OF life"? Does the absurdity of suffering and banality of repetitive human activities undermine meaning? Akiva Quinn offers perspectives on life as meaningful based on the projects and purposes we each adopt, drawing on existentialist and absurdist thinkers including Jean-Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Martin Buber and Viktor Frankl, among others. Akiva explores the extent to which meaning in life may be achieved through ...

Sep 29, 2020•50 min•Season 2Ep. 6

Democracy in Our Time: Worth Defending? – Part 2

Recently, there has been a plethora of books and articles on the topic of democracy's demise. We find authors who point to a number of countries that are moving towards authoritarian rule (such as America, Hungary, Turkey and the Philippines), while others argue that, despite these exceptions, democracy is alive and well. In particular, Dr Vince Giuca will examine two important threats to democracy. First, populism, where (authoritarian) leaders claim to represent the people and their interests ...

Jul 22, 2020•52 min•Season 2Ep. 5

Democracy in Our Time: Useful Idea or Not? – Part 1

While democracy has widespread appeal, many consider it to be under threat. Dr Vince Giuca will open this discussion by asking what is 'democracy', teasing out the implications of 'rule of the people' — an amorphous concept for some who ask whether it is meaningless and should be abandoned altogether. This will be followed with consideration of where democracy is today with special attention to American politics in the age of Trumpism.

Jun 16, 2020•57 min•Season 2Ep. 4

Is Morality Subjective or Objective? – Part 2

Subjectivists about morality say that all of our moral judgments are about nothing more than our personal preferences. Objectivists, on the other hand, claim that our moral valuations are based on a human-independent realm of moral facts. Is there a way to reconcile these two opposing views? In this second part of a two-part series, Leslie Allan explains the expressive function of moral language that gives it its subjective character. He’ll then return to filling out the case that ethics is also...

Jun 06, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 3

Is Morality Subjective or Objective? – Part 1

Subjectivists about morality say that all of our moral judgments are about nothing more than our personal preferences. Objectivists, on the other hand, claim that our moral valuations are based on a human-independent realm of moral facts. Is there a way to reconcile these two opposing views? In this first part of a two-part series, Leslie Allan will get us thinking about this vexed problem by introducing us to a typical everyday moral argument. He’ll then discuss how four dominant views in moral...

May 06, 2020•29 min•Season 2Ep. 2

Why I Am a Humanist

In this episode, Leslie Allan shares his early experiences and how they shape his humanist outlook today. He then outlines what he considers to be the three core principles underlying the humanist world view and illustrates their application with historical and contemporary examples. He concludes by drawing upon each of these principles to tease out what it means to live a good life; a life of meaning and purpose.

Apr 24, 2020•21 min•Season 2Ep. 1

Henrietta Dugdale – Freethinker and Suffragist

This synopsis tracks the story of Henrietta Dugdale, a leading light of the women’s liberation movement in pre-Federation Australia. Throughout the nineteenth century, women were treated as emotional and fragile, unable to govern themselves. In this social setting, Dugdale challenged the suffocating patriarchal structures of the day with her provocative prose and political willpower. She campaigned tirelessly for equality and for the victory of reason over cruel religious dogma. With her fellow ...

Feb 09, 2019•10 min•Season 1Ep. 2

What's Wrong with Democracy?

The rise of Donald Trump and the outcome of the Brexit vote indicate that our democratic systems of government are under stress. Leslie Allan outlines the key principles underpinning democracy and some ideas on how to buttress them.

Jan 20, 2019•7 min•Season 1Ep. 1

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