In this episode, philosopher Sam Shpall discusses friendship.

“Workists” are people who find most of their life’s meaning through their work. Critics have bemoaned the fact that workism is on the rise, encouraging us instead to find meaning in family relationships, or in helping to make the world a better place. Associate Professor Matthew Hammerton, a philosopher from the Singapore Management University, defends workism. He argues against common criticisms, saying that finding meaning primarily in your work will not necessarily lead you to live an unbalanced life, and is no more risky than finding more meaning in relationships or in other activities.

In what sense is forgiveness a choice? Is forgiving something that is under the victim’s voluntary control, or do some victims find themselves unable to forgive, no matter how hard they try? Guest Professor Lucy Allais, a philosopher who holds academic positions at both the University of the Witwatersrand and Johns Hopkins University, discusses whether we should always choose to forgive those who have wronged us. To highlight this issue, Professor Allais tries to make sense of June Steenkamp’s decision to forgive Oscar Pistorius – the man who murdered her daughter – despite June knowing full well that Oscar remains unapologetic and unrepentant.