Occasional Papers
Occasional Papers (OP) are short publications usually based on a lecture or presentation given at the CIS. Our annual John Bonython and Acton Lectures are part of the OP series.
Categories
Declaring Dependence, Declaring Independence: Three Essays on the Future of the Welfare State
In a time when governments are running up enormous welfare bills and intrusively regulating everyday life, this series of essays remind us that many people do not need to rely on the government to survive. Read More
In Praise of Elitism
Australian society is frequently characterised as egalitarian: belief in a 'fair go' for all and a love for cutting down tall poppies are canonical elements of the national character. Does our distrust... Read More
The Ethic of Respect: A Leftwing Cause
Frank Field argues that nineteenth century Christianity bequeathed us a "rich deposit of ethical values", which he summarises as an 'ethic of respect'. In this paper he warns that this ethic is rapidly... Read More
Conspicuous Compassion: Why sometimes it really is cruel to be kind
This book by Patrick West challenges the trend towards dramatic public displays of 'concern' which have very little to do with genuine compassion. Such displays of empathy do not change the world for the... Read More
Six Questions About Civility
Civility is a moral virtue and a social responsibility, contributing to the public good and the quality of life. Yet the term civility is often used without a true understanding of what it is and why it... Read More
Civic Capitalism- An Australian Agenda for Institutional Renewal
A new political middle ground is forming around the idea that successful societies depend on ‘social capital’- the goodwill, trust and sense of mutual obligation that underpin co-operation and community.... Read More
The Moral Sense: An Essay
The distinctive feature of The Moral Sense: An Essay is that it uses the findings of modern science and social science to provide extensive evidence that natural human inclinations toward sociability lay... Read More
Preventative Policing
In this companion paper to "Six Questions About Civility" (2002), Nicole Billante explores ways to combat the problem of rising crime in Australia, looking particularly at the initiatives carried out in... Read More
