The Institute of Art and Ideas presents: The Agony & the Ecstasy
The Issue: We take it for granted that eradicating pain is desirable. And since De Quincey remarked that a quarter of human misery was toothache, remarkable strides have indeed been made. But is it possible, and do we want, to eliminate pain and suffering entirely or is it necessary to life?
The Debate: Physician Raymond Tallis, philosophers Christopher Hamilton and Barry C Smith, and metaphysician Havi Carel, who has a terminal illness, question the purpose of pain.
Watch the full discussion here.