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60 seconds with … Justin Oakley

21 May 2008

Justin Oakley
 

Name: Justin Oakley
Org. Unit: Centre for Human Bioethics, School of Philosophy and Bioethics
Title: Associate Professor and Director, Centre for Human Bioethics
Dept: Centre for Human Bioethics

How long have you been with Monash University?

18 years.

Prior to working at Monash, where were you located and what was your role?

I was a tutor in the Language and Academic Skills Unit of Latrobe University's School of Social Sciences and a casual tutor in their philosophy department.

What challenges are ahead in your current role?

Pursuing collaborative grant-funded research on emerging issues in bioethics, strengthening the Centre's links with similar centres internationally and developing the Centre's postgraduate and undergraduate bioethics programs - we have recently started teaching a Minor in Bioethics, which is proving to be popular. I am also looking forward to a sustained period of research from July-December for a proposed book on virtue ethics and reproductive issues.

What is it about your job that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

I love developing new ideas through research in bioethics and philosophy. I am particularly keen to bring out the full relevance of Aristotle's ethics to contemporary issues. I also really enjoy teaching experienced health professionals in the Master of Bioethics program. It is wonderful to teach such motivated students, and their stories of the ethical dilemmas they have encountered never cease to amaze me.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Venice during a winter fog, when its mystique returns.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

A secondary school teacher who strongly influenced the direction of my life said, follow your passion where it leads you. She gave me her books on Western philosophy as she'd become more interested in Eastern philosophy.

What is something about yourself that most of your colleagues wouldn't know?

I once drove a QJ class steam locomotive through Inner Mongolia, under instruction from the engine driver in sign language.

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