The 2025 Australian Federal Election: The Key Issues Between Wallets, Safety and Housing

Overview of the 2025 Federal Election

Scheduled to occur before the 25^th of July, The 2025 Australian Federal Election is a pivotal democratic process which will determine the composition of Australia’s 150-seat House of Representatives and 40 Senate seats for the next parliamentary term (Jeffrey, 2025). In accordance with Australia’s two-party system, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Labor Party will seek re-election, facing a challenging contest against the Liberal/National Coalition led by Peter Dutton. Hence the election also functions as a referendum on the current Albanese government’s performance implying voters would carefully evaluate competing platforms against key issues like economic management, climate change, healthcare and national security. Consequently, the electorate may respond by penalising the Labor Party in favour of the Coalition or rejecting the two-party system altogether by backing independents, teal candidates, and minor parties.

The 2025 elections also represent a significant shift in voter demographics fuelling the mixed evidence poised by recent polls predicting election outcomes.  According to a YouGov national poll, The Coalition maintains a steady lead with 39% of the primary vote in contrast to Labor’s 32% while net approval ratings for the Party’s leaders have increased by an average of 3.5 points Despite this, recent statistics released by Australia Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showing improving employment and growth outcomes with the employment population ratio rising by 0.2% would fuel further revaluation as the Labor government is provided more talking points regarding economic management (Beamont, 2025). Furthermore, this election would see Gen Z and Millennial voters projected to become a dominant voting force. According to an Australian National University study, these younger voters show a complex political landscape: 67.1% are satisfied with the country’s direction, despite a decline in their confidence in the Albanese government since 2022 (Karvelas, 2025).  It remains to see how younger demographics would respond to the ongoing political environment and vote in the 2025 election.

While social and economic shifts project uncertainty, there remains a relatively enduring list of economic and social issues that would influence voter sentiment and expedite the outcomes of the 2025 federal election. The Business Council of Australia and Roy Morgan Research have uncovered these issues through in-depth surveys revealing some unanimous themes that are of concern to electors (BCA, 2025; Roy Morgan, 2025). Therefore, the purpose of this article is to articulate on the top five issues that are most likely to dominate the minds of voters as they envision the future of Australia at the ballot box. These issues include cost-of-living pressures, interest rates, crime rates, immigration and the environment.

The Cost-of-Living Squeeze

The rising cost-of-living has firmly embedded itself in media discourse, academic research, and the daily conversations of everyday Australians, emerging as a pressing and inescapable challenge in recent years. According to Roy Morgan (2025), keeping daily day-to-day living costs remains a key concern up by 7% since the 2022 election affecting 57% of the electorate. One specific point of concern for consumers are food prices which is indiscriminately affecting Australia’s across several demographics. The latest consumer price. The latest Consumer Price Index data shows food price inflation decreased to 3.0% annually in the December 2024 quarter, down from 3.3% in the previous quarter, but still above the 10-year average of 2.7% (Barret, 2025). Specific items like bread, chicken, and beef continue to be costly, reflecting ongoing pressure on household budgets. While experts predict some stabilisation in grocery prices for 2025, they are unlikely to decrease significantly having compounded further by the price gouging techniques used by Woolworths and Coles in 2024.  Inflationary pressures and the lack of governmental oversight over anti-restrictive trading practices only exacerbate the challenge of cost-of-living.

 Economic analysts suggest that neither major political party has presented a comprehensive plan to significantly improve citizens’ economic well-being. The Coalition focuses on tackling inflation and cost-of-living pressures through eccentric measures like public sector defunding and nuclear energy transition, while Labor’s “Future Made in Australia” plan aims to transition to a net-zero economy with significant investments in renewable energy and industrial innovation (AFR, 2025). Neither of these plans adequately address how these policy positions would enhance citizen wellbeing and mitigate their concerns regarding the cost-of-living pressures. Instead, these plans are politically unpragmatic focusing on the party-specific policy positions thereby misrepresenting voter concerns. These unclear and impractical plans leave voters to weigh campaign promises against complex economic realities which would only complicate voter choices and persist cost-of-living concerns beyond the election.

The Rate Cut and Affordable Housing

Building on the strain of cost-of-living pressures, concerns around housing affordability, economic management and monetary policy have surfaced as extended challenges, further complicating the financial landscape for everyday Australians. According to Roy Morgan (2025), this issue has increased marginally in importance, up 2% points to 22% while reducing taxes holds steady at 15%. The latest inflation data for Australia’s December 2024 quarter shows a significant easing in price pressures, increasing the likelihood of an interest rate cut in the near future. The Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose by 0.2% in the quarter, bringing the annual inflation rate down to 2.4% from 2.8% in the previous quarter (Hawson, 2025). These figures have prompted major banks to revise their forecasts, with ANZ now predicting the first rate cut as early as February 2025. Rate-cuts maybe capitalised by Albanese Government as a sign of sound economic management and may instil some confidence amongst undecided voters.

Despite this, the widespread expectation of a rate-cut complicates Australia’s current cost-of-living challenges as expansionary monetary policy could fuel further inflation. The market currently prices in a 73% probability of a rate cut to 4.1%, driven by easing inflation which dropped to 2.4% in the December 2024 quarter – the lowest since June 2020 (Lefort, 2025). However, these figures are still considerably higher than pre-pandemic levels and so a rate cut would only intensify cost-of-living challenges. Therefore, some economists like Associate Professor Sam Tsiaplias caution against premature rate reductions, despite the overall economic consensus suggesting the RBA will commence an easing cycle, with the exact timing and extent dependent on ongoing economic indicators (Lefort, 2025). Irrespective of the dissonance in expert opinions, voters increasingly perceive rate-cuts as a sign of relief against unaffordable mortgage and rent payments. They unlikely to consider the rippling expansionary impacts of a rate-cut and it remains to see how policy issues concerning housing affordability would be framed by major parties close to the campaigning cycle.

Crime Rates, Law and Order

Social issues are equally at play in the 2025 election as public anxiety regarding crime and safety has surged, with law and order becoming a major electoral concern. Roy Morgan (2025) reports that public support for “reducing crime and maintaining law and order” has jumped by 10 percentage points to 23%, the most significant increase for any issue. Despite this rising fear, official crime statistics present a dissonant picture. Simpson and Hurley (2024) note that overall crime in Australia has been declining since 2009, with violent offenses like attempted murders and armed robberies decreasing since 2004. While knives have been the most common weapon used in homicides since 2010, the perception of a growing knife crime epidemic appears to be more influenced by media coverage and political rhetoric than actual trends. In contrast, countries such as the UK and Canada have seen genuine increases in knife crime (Simpson & Hurley, 2024). Therefore, the dichotomy between crime statistics and voter perceptions being fuelled by media and political rhetoric is a more plausible explanation for crime being a major concern in the 2025 election.

Irrespective of crime statistics however, the political response to crime concerns has intensified between the major parties. Higgins (2025) highlights that Peter Dutton, and the Coalition are positioning themselves as the “tough on crime” party, advocating for harsher youth justice policies, especially in Queensland and the Northern Territory where crime is historically higher than other states. However, experts argue that punitive approaches are ineffective, as data shows detention does not reduce recidivism and disproportionately affects First Nations children (Higgins, 2025). Meanwhile, authorities are also confronting a rise in antisemitic attacks, with 166 reports since December 2024, including 15 serious incidents (Whiteman, 2025). Investigations suggest potential overseas funding, with the Australian Federal Police working alongside the Five Eyes intelligence alliance to determine any international links (Whiteman, 2025). In response, security has been tightened at Jewish sites, and authorities have adopted stronger measures to counter antisemitic hate crimes. Therefore, the rise in antisemitism coupled with Dutton’s crime political framing maybe another explanation behind the increasing concerns of voters regarding crime rates, law and order.

Immigration and Population Growth

Public concerns over immigration and population growth have also intensified, with Roy Morgan (2025) reporting an 8-percentage-point increase in Australians prioritising this issue in the 2025 Federal Election. This surge aligns with record-high immigration levels and ongoing housing affordability challenges fuelled by migrants. Nicholas (2025) highlights the complexity of public sentiment, noting that while 48% believe immigration levels are too high, there is strong opposition to reducing international student numbers certain of its potent impact in filling labour shortages. A recent survey also found that Australians largely support Pacific migration policies, with 68% favouring easier migration for climate-vulnerable Pacific Islanders over migration from other regions (Nicholas, 2025). These findings suggest that while immigration remains a divisive topic, there is broad recognition of its role in addressing shaping Australia’s workforce and commitment to humanitarian values.

As Australia approaches the 2025 federal election, immigration is becoming a focal point in political debates. Steyman (2024) reports that Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has pledged to cut migration to ease housing pressures, though experts caution against framing immigration as a scapegoat without addressing its economic implications. Meanwhile, workforce shortages remain a pressing concern, with HR leaders struggling to balance skills gaps and talent acquisition leading to questions regarding the effectiveness of migration at filling in labour shortages (Patten, 2025). Meanwhile, there are also concerns amongst conservative voters regarding the extent to which increasing multiculturalism fuelled by immigration may disorient with Australia’s national identity (Steyman, 2024). These concerns position  immigration as a multidimensional issue intermingled with housing affordability, labour shortages and national identify making it a key issue in the 2025 election that must balance between the needs of various voting demographics.

The Environment and Climate Change

Finally, it comes down to environmental policies and climate change which unlike previous years demonstrate a mixed narrative. Public concern for environmental issues has declined, with Roy Morgan (2025) reporting a 9-percentage-point drop in the importance of “global warming and climate change,” now at 23%. This shift comes despite the Australian government’s continued commitment to ambitious climate targets. In contrast to Trump’s withdrawal of the US from the Paris Agreement, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen reaffirmed Australia’s dedication towards the agreement, aiming for a 43% emissions reduction by 2030 and net zero by 2050 (Jervis-Bardy, 2025). Bowen emphasized that Australia’s climate policies are driven by national interests and economic opportunities rather than the actions of other nations. He highlighted the country’s progress in renewable energy and its ambition to become a clean energy leader. Additionally, Australia remains committed to international climate cooperation, including its bid to co-host COP31 with Pacific nations, stressing the urgency of collective global action to combat climate change (Jervis-Bardy, 2025).

Despite these commitments, environmental policy has become a contentious issue in the lead-up to the 2025 federal election. Ritchie et al. (2025) report that Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision to abandon proposed reforms to Australia’s 25-year-old environmental laws has sparked criticism, particularly from environmental groups and the Greens. The reforms, originally recommended by the Samuel Review in 2020, aimed to establish national environmental standards under an independent regulator. Although 75% of Australians support stronger environmental protections, the government cited insufficient parliamentary support for the changes (Ritchie et al., 2025). Meanwhile, Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has argued that the proposed reforms would harm the economy showing no signs of support for environmental and climate change policies apart from ambitious vision for nuclear energy. Therefore, although voter sentiments for climate change may have declined, it still remains a key issue that would influence certain demographics who may prioritise their long-term vision for Australia over short-term reliefs.

Conclusion

The 2025 Australian federal election is shaping up to be defined by economic pressures, social anxieties, and shifting political narratives. Cost-of-living remains the dominant concern, with inflationary pressures, interest rate movements, and economic policies influencing voter sentiment. Crime and law enforcement debates, fuelled by political rhetoric and media coverage, are amplifying public fears, while immigration remains a contentious issue linked to housing affordability, labour shortages, and national identity. Meanwhile, climate change, though declining in perceived importance, continues to divide political parties, with Labor focusing on renewables and the Coalition promoting nuclear energy. The absence of clear, pragmatic solutions from major parties leaves voters facing a complex decision. With economic instability and social concerns at the forefront, the election will likely be determined by which party can best convince Australians of their ability to deliver real, tangible improvements to their daily lives.

REFERENCES

Barrett, J. (2025, January 30). High food prices becoming ingrained in Australian economy, analyst warns. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jan/30/high-food-prices-becoming-ingrained-in-australian-economy-analyst-warns

Beaumont, A. (2025, January 20). Coalition still ahead in latest polls, but some promising news for Labor. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/coalition-still-ahead-in-latest-polls-but-some-promising-news-for-labor-246544

Business Council of Australia. (2025). Australia’s priorities for the 2025 Federal Election. Business Council of Australia. https://www.bca.com.au/australia_s_priorities_for_the_2025_federal_election

Hawkins, J. (2025, January 29). Lower inflation in the December quarter boosts chances of an interest rate cut. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/lower-inflation-in-the-december-quarter-boosts-chances-of-an-interest-rate-cut-246987

Higgins, I. (2025, February 5). Peter Dutton’s law and order campaign makes local crime a national election issue. Abc.net.au; ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-05/peter-dutton-coalition-tough-on-crime-youth/104899920

Jeffrey, D. (2025, January 28). “Read the tea leaves”: When will the next federal election be held? @9News; 9News. https://www.9news.com.au/national/federal-election-2025-when-is-it-earliest-latest-dates-double-dissolution-explained/a8dec667-4d33-46d6-b85a-ae4ea2b88b4b

Jervis-Bardy, D. (2025, January 23). Australia “not giving up” on Paris climate agreement despite Trump withdrawal, Bowen says. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2025/jan/23/chris-bowen-not-giving-up-on-paris-agreement-despite-donald-trumps-moves

Karvelas, P. (2024, November 25). Federal election 2025 will be the first vote where Gen Z and Millennials outnumber Baby Boomers at the ballot box. Abc.net.au; ABC News. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-11-25/election-2025-gen-z-millennial-outnumber-baby-boomers/104641230

Lefort, C. (2025, February 5). RBA interest rates: Economists predict Reserve Bank will hold rates on February 18 as Donald Trump’s tariffs create uncertainty. Australian Financial Review. https://www.afr.com/markets/debt-markets/these-five-economists-make-a-bold-prediction-on-next-rate-cut-20250204-p5l9gq

Nicholas, J. (2025, February 4). Australians want less migration but oppose cutting international student numbers, study finds. The Guardian; The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/feb/04/australians-want-less-migration-but-oppose-cutting-international-student-numbers-study-finds

Patten, S. (2025, January 30). Telstra, Westpac and ASX HR bosses discuss their challenges for 2025. Australian Financial Review. https://www.afr.com/work-and-careers/workplace/the-workforce-challenges-keeping-these-hr-bosses-up-at-night-20241206-p5kwgy

Ritchie, E., Jaana Dielenberg, & Burnett, P. (2025, February 3). Labor’s dumping of Australia’s new nature laws means the environment is shaping as a key 2025 election issue. The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/labors-dumping-of-australias-new-nature-laws-means-the-environment-is-shaping-as-a-key-2025-election-issue-248872

Roy Morgan. (2025). Top 10 Issues Shaping the 2025 Federal Election: Cost-of-living and Crime on the Rise, Climate Change Fades – Roy Morgan Research. Roymorgan.com. https://www.roymorgan.com/findings/9797-most-important-issues-facing-australia-january-2025

Shteyman, J. (2024, November 8). Immigration debate looms as flashpoint in election. Canberratimes.com.au; The Canberra Times. https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8814269/immigration-debate-looms-as-flashpoint-in-election/

Diogenes Unplugged: 7 Philosophical Stunts That Combine Truth & Wit

When we think of the Ancient Greek philosophical pantheon, names like Socrates, Aristotle, and Plato inevitably come to mind. These intellectual missionaries laid the bedrock of Western thought, crafting ideas and allegories that still drive the engines of academia today. However, amidst this elite philosophical assembly, one figure stands out like a sore thumb at a toga party: Diogenes of Sinope (404-323 BC)¹. Born in the 4th century BCE, he was the son of the infamous Tresius, a wealthy money-changer, whose adulterous and fraudulent activities forced him and his family to be exiled from Sinope to Athens. There, Diogenes lived his life as a mendicant, choosing to shelter himself in a ceramic barrel by the Temple of Cybele, where he transformed his life of poverty to virtue by embracing philosophy in a peculiar sense¹. Today, he is regarded as one of the leading proponents of Cynicism, a school of thought that emphasised living in virtuous agreement with nature, rejecting societal conventions and avoiding material excess.

The peculiarity of Diogenes’s characterisation as a philosopher stems from the methods he chose to express his cynical ideas. While Socrates was busy questioning everything in sight and Plato was off in his ideal world crafting perfect forms, Diogenes was more concerned with turning the whole philosophical exercise into a comedic spectacle. Unlike his contemporaries who practiced traditional teaching methods, Diogenes chose to exercise his philosophical propositions  through hilarious stunts that shocked the streets of free-speech-loving Athens. Unashamed by the defiance of social norms, these humorous stunts reverberate deep ideas that continue to be relevant to this day. From the very act of living in a barrel to his infamous lantern and mocking of Plato, I count down in this list 10 of my favourite philosophical stunts by Diogenes and what I believe their philosophical underpinnings might be.

1. The Barrel Affair

One of Diogenes’s most stand-out stunts was his enduring choice to live life in a large ceramic jar (affectionately referred to as a barrel in popular culture). Although one would rationalise this choice as exemplification of his exposure to poverty, it is impossible to assume that a man as ingenious as Diogenes would not make a conscious choice to live in barrel. This very act has continued to stand the test of time and has inspired thinkers to this day. Famously in 2007, during Dutch Philosophy week, philosopher, Eric Hoekstra emulated Diogenes by living the week in a barrel in order to highlight the essence of living a life that is free from the complex idiosyncrasies, constructs and trappings that define the contemporary era².

Similar to Hoekstra’s stunt, Diogenes’ lifestyle choice shares similar philosophical underpinnings. As a cynic, his simple living choice questions the necessity of luxury and exuberance in sustaining a mortal human life. His message remains more evident than ever in the contemporary era that is often characterised by materialism and decadence from our infatuation with physical objects and desire to conform to the norms and constructs of the modern world.  Diogenes reminds us to question the futility of our materialistic desires and free ourselves from living a sheltered existence in a calculated society. His message remains more relatable that ever to the elites of Ancient Greece as the elites of today, whose extravagant hedonistic lifestyles are hindered by an inner emptiness and desire for simplicity that one would forever remain unrealised. His simplistic choice embodies this cynical philosophy and establishes the school’s fundamental answer on how to live a mortal human life.  

2. The Daylight Lantern

Another one of his clever stunts, was his daylight lantern, a frequent spectacle that involved Diogenes walking the sunny streets of Athens with a well-lit lantern. When questioned by onlookers of his bizarre behaviour, his response was that he was looking for an ‘honest man’. There is a current historic debate on the exact words he stated with some experts suggesting that he was looking for a ‘man’ or ‘human’ or any other word choice that reflects the idea of humanity³. This lexical dispute leads to two interrelated interpretations that I believe collectively convey the essence of his ingenious act.

If Diogenes was indeed looking for an honest man, it is palpable that he was highlighting the severe lack of authenticity and honesty in a society that is constrained by norms and constructs. By choosing to search this inexistent man in broad daylight, he highlights the scarcity of honesty and how it is instilled through society where people choose to act and enslave themselves to a status quo whilst jeopardising their own exercise of freedom. His choice to conduct this search with a lit lamp only further accentuates the gravity and relevance of his philosophical message to Athenian society that was at times stricken by instances of bad faith,

However, if we shift gears and focus on the second historic argument in that Diogenes was in search for a ‘human’ or ‘humanity’, it seems that he was questioning the very definition of humanity and how it was applied and practiced by the citizens of Athens. One could argue that his search for humanity was synonymous to an ordinary man’s quest for meaning as he climbs the ladder of life. However, his inability to search one, despite being in daylight with a lamp, serves as stark reflection on how many of us choose to live against the forces that strives us to find meaning in life and self-actualise. Consequently, Diogenes’s idea of the ‘honest man’ is more synonymous to a ‘genuine man’, a man whose quest for meaning is derived by his intrinsic desires as opposed to the expectations of society emphasising the importance of humans to self-actualise and celebrate their inner genuine self.

3. Don’t block my sunlight!

Many of the stunts mentioned thus so far were undoubtedly eccentric and wise but were relatively simple to translate actions to substance. The following stunt, however, is brief and implicit but carries profound axiological undertones. This is the tale of the day when the mighty King of Macedon, Alexander the Great, on an expedition to Corinth, encountered Diogenes, as usual, living life in his infamous barrel.

According to Plutarch’s writings, Alexander, having been educated by Aristotle, had himself become a fervent lover of wisdom and was thrilled to meet the iconoclastic Diogenes at the time. On that fateful day, Alexander approached the man whilst he was bathing in his barrel and in a brief yet memorable exchange, Alexander asked Diogenes if there was any favour he could grant him. Diogenes, reclining in his barrel, looked up and simply replied, “Move a little to the right; you are blocking my sun”. With a thoughtful smile and an expression of sudden clarity, Alexander then declared, “If I were not Alexander, then I should wish to be Diogenes”, subsequently granting his trivial request⁴.

This encounter represents a profound juxtaposition between two towering figures of antiquity: an ambitiously intelligent conqueror and a sagacious, ascetic philosopher. The stark contrast in their worldviews is immediately evident through our pre-conceived notions of both, and their humorous exchange illuminates several of Diogenes’s cynic philosophies. In essence, Diogenes extols simplicity as the highest virtue and his impudence to face the most powerful man in the Hellenistic world in such a casual manner. Diogenes positions himself as equal to Alexander and rejects the idea of titles and demographic markers that disrupt our humanistic need to bond with fellow humans. Alexander, despite his own grand pursuits, profoundly understands and acknowledges the wisdom in Diogenes’s words by fulfilling his simple request.

Furthermore, Diogenes’s emphasis on the ‘sun’ serves as a potent symbol of nature and the elemental needs of human life, urging us to reconnect with and celebrate the simple pleasures derived from nature. This interaction is thereby a  timeless lesson that underscores the value of simplicity and contentment over the relentless pursuit of power and wealth by contrasting two juxtaposing figures in the history of Ancient Greece. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, Diogenes’s message remains strikingly relevant: true fulfilment maybe found in the simple pleasures delivered by nature. In a world that is increasingly plagued by materialism and technological encroachment, we can revert to modest natural pleasures by the sounds of water gushing through fractured rocks or sun rays falling over a verdant vista of hills.

4. The Silence of the Statues

There are no limits to the eccentricity and ingeniousness of Diogenes’s philosophical stunts. Here is another peculiar one… Begging for food and money from statues. Diogenes would stand before the statues of gods and illustrious figures in public spaces, extending his hand and imploring them for alms⁵. Once again, his persistent pleas to these inanimate objects highlighted his willingness to engage in actions that defied conventional logic and decorum. However as accustomed as we are to Diogenes’ style of wisdom, we know this too was far from a meaningless stunt; it was a deliberate philosophical exercise that carried a deeper, profound message.

The underlying philosophy of begging from statues was a sharp critique of human behaviour. By choosing statues as the recipients of his pleas, Diogenes illustrated the futility of seeking help or validation from those who cannot provide it. This act paralleled the often-fruitless efforts of humans seeking approval from indifferent or incapable sources. Just as statues are lifeless and unresponsive, so too are many of the entities from which people seek validation- be it societal institutions, material wealth or superficial relationships. Diogenes’s actions underscored his cynic ideals of self-sufficiency and independence from societal expectations. He demonstrated that true strength and contentment come from within, rather than from external approval or assistance. Through this witty act, Diogenes challenged individuals to reconsider their dependencies and to cultivate a life grounded in self-reliance and inner fulfilment. This is key ideological fixture within cynicism and is indeed relevant in the present day, where external validation remains a key constituent of identity formation that has subsequently obscured us from our genuine self and our ability to stay independent and free.

5. The Featherless Chicken

Diogenes, our iconoclast, is also known for challenging his fellow philosophers at time who were ever-so infatuated with defining the metaphysics of reality through what he would have described as an absurd and ludicrous approach to inquiry. One of his most despised institutions would have been the Platonic academy where Plato himself had one day merely defined humanity as ‘featherless bipeds’ thus commanding Diogenes to perform yet again another philosophical stunt.   In this provocative act, Diogenes was said to have entered the platonic academy with a featherless chicken and proudly declaring “Here is Plato’s human!⁶” This audacious act, which at first seemed like a mere joke or a mockery of philosophical discourse and was so influential that Plato himself was compelled to revise his definition of humanity.

The underlying message of Diogenes’s plucked chicken was to critique the superficial and abstract thinking instilled by the institutions of the time. By presenting the featherless bird as a “human” Diogenes exposed the inadequacy of defining humanity through theoretical thought experiments and reducing complex entities to narrow descriptions comprised of a few simple words.  It emphasises the importance of looking beyond superficial attributes to understand the true nature of complex concepts as opposed to over-intellectualising and fetishizing them for the sake of pedagogy or philosophy.  The holistic approach to understanding life through experience and living is what Diogenes advocates as the most ideal way to gage metaphysical concepts. This anecdote remains relevant to date, questioning figures in the academic field to seek deeper, more meaningful and more pragmatic definitions of complex phenomena that shrouding them in meaningless imagery and abstract thought that would never be understood by the layman.

6. Living Life Like a Dog

Diogenes is said to have lived life like a dog as the Athenians would says.  He was known for his habit of scavenging for food, much like a stray dog. He would roam the streets, searching for discarded scraps and openly consuming whatever he found, regardless of how it might be perceived by others. This behaviour also said to have extended including acts such as urinating in public and masturbating on the streets of Athens⁷.

The philosophy behind Diogenes’s ‘dog-like’ existence where he chose to make private acts a public spectacle is once again one of his many cynic metaphors.  By aligning himself with the natural, unpretentious behaviour of dogs, Diogenes sought to demonstrate the transformation of humans from lawless animals to tamed beings highlighting a disparity that underscores the impact of societal norms and constructs in giving humans their new identity. By doing so , Diogenes reminds us that despite our complex human evolution we are still indifferent to animals and carry the same basic instincts, needs and desires which we must sometimes confronted in times of morally ambiguity. Therefore, Diogenes’s adoption of this lifestyle was a deliberate commentary on the false currency of morality and societal norms, which he saw as barriers to empathising with humans when we face scenarios where established morals are questioned and human instincts come into fruition. 

7. King or Slave?

We close this list with  one of the most striking of Diogenes’ philosophical stunts, this one involving human bones, slaves and once again the King of Macedon.  According to Plutarch’s accounts, one ordinary day, Diogenes set foot on a marketplace where he was meticulously digging through a pile of human bones which attracted the stares of a few daily grocers. When asked what he was searching for, presumably by Alexander himself, he reportedly replied, “I am looking for the bones of your father (Philip of Macedon), but I cannot distinguish them from those of a slave”^8.A deeply macabre and bone chilling act but nevertheless another one of his erudite stunts. 

Diogenes’s search for bones was not a literal quest but a symbolic commentary on human equality and the futility of social distinctions making it one of his most progressive messages that surpasses the intellect of the time where inequality was weaved through the Hellenistic social fabric. By sifting through bones to find those of a king but unable to distinguish them from those of a slave, Diogenes was highlighting the inherent equality of all humans beyond their social status and roles. He highlights that in the face of death, all human distinctions become meaningless irrespective of whether they are by gender, status, wealth or role. It serves as a direct challenge to the social hierarchies and pretensions of his time, emphasising that material and social distinctions are ultimately irrelevant when faced with the fundamental truths of human mortality.

Diogenes’s bone-searching incident serves as a timeless reminder of the ephemeral nature of social status and material wealth. In today’s context, where societal divisions and the pursuit of status often overshadow our common humanity, Diogenes’s message is particularly relevant. It encourages us to recognise the inherent equality of all individuals and to reflect on the true value of our actions and judgments. By acknowledging the inherent sameness in all people, we can foster a more equitable and compassionate society, transcending superficial distinctions and focusing on shared human experiences and values.

There we go! 7 Philosophical stunts performed by Diogenes that despite being comedic gold hint erudite messages that are still relevant to modern-day as much as ancient humans. Since this is an article on Diogenes, let me end it by rejecting the academic convention of writing a conclusion and leave it to you synthesise and concatenate the wisdom and comedy of Diogenes’ stunts. He remains my favourite Classical philosopher and an eloquent reminder of how simplicity, honesty and equality among many others are great virtues that define humanity.

REFERENCES

¹Diogenes of Sinope. (n.d.). In Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://iep.utm.edu/diogenes-of-sinope/

²Cook, W. (2007, April 5). The philosopher of fun. The Guardian. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/theguardian/2007/apr/05/features11.g2

³Zaretsky, R. (2016, Spring). Looking for an honest man. National Affairs. Retrieved from https://www.nationalaffairs.com/publications/detail/looking-for-an-honest-man

⁴Panagopoulos, A. (2023, October 18). The meeting of Alexander the Great and Diogenes the Cynic: A clash of philosophy and power. Greek Reporter. Retrieved from https://greekreporter.com/2023/10/18/alexander-great-diogenes-philosophy/

⁵Grout, J. (n.d.). Diogenes the Cynic. Encyclopaedia Romana. Retrieved July 22, 2024, from https://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/greece/hetairai/diogenes.html#:~:text=Asked%20why%20he%20begged%20in,hunger%20by%20rubbing%20one’s%20stomach

⁶Saul, H. (2016, April 4). Of Socrates, cynics and flat-nailed featherless bipeds. The New York Times. Retrieved from https://archive.nytimes.com/opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2016/04/04/of-socrates-cynics-and-flat-nailed-featherless-bipeds/

⁷Martin, D. (2023, June 1). Diogenes the Cynic: A Socrates gone mad? Psychology Today. Retrieved from https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/hide-and-seek/202306/diogenes-the-cynic-a-socrates-gone-mad#:~:text=After%20being%20exiled%20from%20his,the%20false%20currency%20of%20morality

⁸Tsakonas, A. (2023, January 1). Diogenes of Sinope and Alexander the Great: A study of philosophical confrontation. Strategos History. Retrieved from https://www.strategoshistory.com