2021’s most dangerous reads
Stay ahead of the discussion with the year’s most dangerous reads.
With 2021 coming to a close, (thankfully!), FODI co-curator Ann Mossop has compiled a dangerous reading list for you to devour. Annoy your family and friends with excellent provocations from these latest titles!
Kathryn Paige Harden
The Genetic Lottery: Why DNA Matters for Social Equality
For anyone interested in the science of genetics, Kathryn Paige Harden presents a fascinating argument about how we should think about equality, in light of our differences.
A great companion read to Michael Sandel’s The Tyranny of Merit.
Jeremy Moss
A compelling look at what Australia’s responsibilities really are in relation to climate change, given our massive exports of fossil fuels, from philosopher Jeremy Moss.
George Packer
Last Best Hope: America in Crisis and Renewal
George Packer talked about The Unwinding: 30 years of American Decline at FODI in 2016. His new book is a short, sharp look at where America is headed, after the ‘near-death experience’ of the Trump years.
Amia Srinivasan
A brilliant collection of connected essays about the politics and ethics of sex from philosopher Amia Srinivasan.
Zeynep Tufeckci
Zeynep Tufeckci came to FODI in 2018 to talk about how big tech has stolen our attention. With her substack newsletter, the insight, launched in 2020, she writes about all kinds of complex problems including some very interesting work on COVID-19. She describes the newsletter as ‘something between public writing and social media: some of both but neither.’
And something to look forward to…
Toby Walsh
Machines Behaving Badly: The Morality of AI
The next instalment from our AI guru on what the future of AI could mean is due out in March 2022.
Ann Mossop is the Director of the Centre for Ideas at UNSW Sydney. She previously, as Head of Talks and Ideas at the Sydney Opera House from 2010–2017, established the Opera House’s extensive talks and ideas program and lead key projects like the Festival of Dangerous Ideas and All About Women.
