Matt Beard

Author, Inspirational Speaker, Personal Development, Philosophy, Social Issues

Dr Matt Beard is a dad, husband and award-winning moral philosopher with experience helping people find meaningful, practical advice in the history of philosophy.

He is an accomplished speaker, broadcaster and facilitator who brings enthusiasm, rigour, humour and accessibility to his work.

Where were you born?

Sydney, Australia

What other jobs have you had?

Teaching assistant, research fellow, content producer/blog editor, lecturer, debating and public speaking coach.

What themes are recurring in your work?

I focus on helping people to understand how ethics is an expression of who they are. It’s not just about avoiding doing bad stuff, it’s about understanding and sticking true to who you are.

I’m also passionate about helping people use philosophy and ethics to understand the smorgasbord of different moral beliefs, and the opinions and arguments which surround them. This builds empathy, strengthens reasoning and facilitates social cohesion.

My PhD research was in military ethics – I’m a recognised expert in this field, including the way that our ethical beliefs can cause moral and psychological trauma. These insights translate into a range of other fields – basically I can help people deal with moral complexity or ambiguity.

What have been the highlights of your career?

In 2016, I received the AAP media prize for my “prolific contribution to public philosophy.”

Since 2016, I’ve been the resident ethicist on the ABC’s hit podcast, ‘Short & Curly’ – an ethics podcast for kids and families, which has been downloaded over a million times.

Where have your works been published?

I’ve been published in a wide range of outlets. I’m a columnist with New Philosopher, have had a column with The Conversation, and been published in The Guardian, Vice, The Age, Sydney Morning Herald, Huffington Post, The Drum, ABC Religion and Ethics, Crikey, Meanjin and The Daily Telegraph

What are you passionate about?

Parenting, pop culture, integrity and identity, veterans’ issues, social justice and the way we think and talk about masculinity and fatherhood.

Haven’t I seen you before?

Probably! I’m often on radio and media – I’ve been on The Project, The Drum and ABC’s Moral Compass.

You’ve probably heard me guest-hosting The Minefield, presenting on Philosopher’s Zone or on Short & Curly.

You might also have seen me giving keynote presentations at Purpose 2018, speaking at the Sydney Writer’s Festival or the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, or at a bunch of different corporate and non-profit events.

Anything else you’d like to share with us?

Philosophers are almost always good facilitators for panel events and Q&As because of the way we see the world. When a client isn’t totally sure what they’re after, there’s a good chance they really need a philosopher!