Scientist Tim Flannery — a Panopticon for our times?
The Panopticon was a prison design by the famous philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham which placed prison guards in a central tower overlooking inmates. So why does scientist and climate advocate Tim Flannery want us to re-imagine the Panopticon as a path towards a more compassionate society? And why does he find warmth and connection even in conflicted communities angry about climate change policies? This event was hosted by RMIT University and Now or Never, Melbourne's festival of art, ideas, sound, technology. Speaker Tim Flannery Paleontologist, climate and environment advocate, author, and former Australian of the Year. Hilary Harper (host) ABC Radio National presenter
March 4, 2026
1 hr 5 min
184 of 248
March 4, 2026
Scientist Tim Flannery — a Panopticon for our times?
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Scientist Tim Flannery — a Panopticon for our times?
Summary
<p>The Panopticon was a prison design by the famous philosopher and social reformer Jeremy Bentham which placed prison guards in a central tower overlooking inmates. So why does scientist and climate advocate Tim Flannery want us to re-imagine the Panopticon as a path towards a more compassionate society? And why does he find warmth and connection even in conflicted communities angry about climate change policies?</p><p>This event was hosted by <a href="https://www.rmit.edu.au/">RMIT University</a> and <a href="https://nowornever.melbourne.vic.gov.au/">Now or Never</a>, Melbourne's festival of art, ideas, sound, technology.</p><p>Speaker</p><p><a href="https://www.textpublishing.com.au/authors/timflannery">Tim Flannery</a>Paleontologist, climate and environment advocate, author, and former Australian of the Year.</p><p><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/hilary-harper/7347198">Hilary Harper (host)</a>ABC Radio National presenter</p>