Philosophy matters

Annual Royal Institute of Philosophy Event
Monday 21 March 2011, 6:00-7:30pm
Great Hall, Wills Memorial Building, Queen’s Road, Bristol,

Organised by Dr Havi Carel & Prof James Ladyman

Speakers: Professor AC Grayling (Birkbeck College, University of London); Professor Baroness Onora O’Neill (House of Lords & University of Cambridge); Professor James Ladyman (University of Bristol); Dr Havi Carel (UWE Bristol).Chair: Dr Julian Baggini (editor-in-chief, The Philosophers’ Magazine)

Why study philosophy? Is philosophy valuable to those in society who don’t engage with it directly? Is a degree in philosophy a good preparation for employment? How does philosophy contribute to culture and can it help us be happy?

In recent months public debate about the cost and value of higher education has been at the centre of national interest. The value of higher education, and more specifically that of the humanities and other non-vocational subjects, has been both questioned altogether, and reduced to its economic and social impact.

The philosophy departments of the University of Bristol and of UWE Bristol have joined forces with the Royal Institute of Philosophy to host a discussion that will go beyond the economics of higher education in order to discuss the ways in which philosophy matters in individual and public life. The event will be free, open to all and aimed at the general public.

The panel will consider the narrow economic value of philosophy, and also to consider whether ideals nurtured by philosophy such as those of free, democratic and open thought and critical reflection, are essential components of a free society. The discussion will examine the contribution philosophy has brought to society, question the view of the Brown report that higher education is a private good aimed solely at increasing the earning power of the individual, and provide concrete examples of ways in which philosophical and critical thinking contribute to our society.

The event is free and all are welcome, but booking is required. The event is funded by the Royal Institute of Philosophy, AHRC, UWE, Bristol and the University of Bristol.

Download the Philosophy Matters poster.