Festival strand
Contemporary Controversies

Too many controversial topics are avoided in today’s ‘safe’ culture. These panel discussions don’t avoid difficult questions, but rather try to interrogate them. What’s wrong with human rights? Is the desire to sweep away past traditions always positive? Is it time to explore the oceans as a new source of resources or has human influence on our planet gone too far, to the point where we threaten disaster?

Saturday 17 October 2015
12.00 to 13.00 Free Stage
14.00 to 15.30 Barbican Library
17.30 to 18.45 Conservatory
Sunday 18 October 2015
12.00 to 13.00 Cinema 3
12.00 to 13.00 Free Stage
14.00 to 15.30 Cinema 3

Produced by
Academy of Ideas

America: the twilight years?

"Five debates a day sounds a bit daunting beforehand, but I really loved it. The speakers are so knowledgeable and passionate about their chosen topic, and the amount of time dedicated to questions from the audience was great as it really brought in alternative views."
Exeter University student

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