We’re back! To mark the reopening of society, the Academy of Ideas is hosting a special day of debate in central London.
#OpenForDebate is the start of the Battle of Ideas festival’s LIVE events for 2021. We can’t let Covid continue to restrict the urgent need to debate. Society has sat on the couch waiting to hear the latest government pronouncements about what we are free or not free to do or say. Enough. We need to start initiating discussions on issues that matter, and grasp our freedom back.
After so long in Lockdown, it’s time to start animating the public square and come together for face-to-face, lively conversations about key social, economic and political issues. For too long, opinions have been confined to Zoom events and social media spats. But nothing can replace the frisson of actually getting together to thrash out issues.
The Academy of Ideas, along with our partner organisations, has decided to avoid programming any debates specifically related to the pandemic; there is more to life and politics than a virus and there will be plenty of time in the future to look at the short and long-term consequences of the past year and a half. There will be a reckoning, and at the full Battle of Ideas festival on the weekend of Saturday 9 & Sunday 10 October, we will do just that. But for now, let’s consider other issues that will shape what post-Lockdown society will look like.
The Battle of Ideas festival model makes a virtue of audience participation. The speakers will frame their arguments to stimulate debate but then it’s over to YOU. If you are a free-thinker, inquisitive about ideas, open-minded, have opinions that you want to share – but are prepared to be challenged – come along.
OUTLINE PROGRAMME
10.00 – 10.45
Registration
10.45 – 11.00
Welcome address
11.00 – 12.30
Beyond Culture Wars: how to argue better in an age of conformity
12.30 – 13.30
Lunch
13.30 – 14.45
From Levelling Up to the Skills Bill: how do we achieve inclusive economic growth?
14.45 – 15.00
Break
15.00 – 16.15
What does the Sewell Report mean for education?
16.15 – 16.30
Break
16.30 – 18.00
Free speech: how can we combat campus cancel culture?
TICKETS
Tickets cost £15 / £7.50 (concessions). Visit our Eventbrite page to purchase.
FIND OUT MORE
Visit the Battle of Ideas festival website for full details of sessions and speakers.