Philosophy talks, London: Alain de Botton and John Grey
Great steps forwards in medicine, economics and psychology will change the world. Knowledge will one day eradicate illness and poverty, and help us all lead better lives. Won’t it?
Not according to John Gray and Alain de Botton, two of the most accessible and influential philosophers of our time.
Countering millennia of philosophical thought stretching right back to Socrates, LSE professor John Gray suggests that maybe knowledge isn’t the answer to all of mankind’s questions. In what promises to be a mind-stretching discussion, he questions this basic assumption lying at the heart of modern ideas of ‘progress’ and ‘freedom’. Maybe, Gray proposes, we’ll only be truly free, happy and fulfilled when we give up the hunt to ever-expand our understanding, and accept that the world is full of mysteries.
This is philosophy for everyone, not just scholars, so you don’t need a PhD under your belt to enjoy the evening; only a ticket, and an inquisitive mind.
Great steps forwards in medicine, economics and psychology will change the world. Knowledge will one day eradicate illness and poverty, and help us all lead better lives. Won’t it?
Not according to John Gray and Alain de Botton, two of the most accessible and influential philosophers of our time.
Countering millennia of philosophical thought stretching right back to Socrates, LSE professor John Gray suggests that maybe knowledge isn’t the answer to all of mankind’s questions. In what promises to be a mind-stretching discussion, he questions this basic assumption lying at the heart of modern ideas of ‘progress’ and ‘freedom’. Maybe, Gray proposes, we’ll only be truly free, happy and fulfilled when we give up the hunt to ever-expand our understanding, and accept that the world is full of mysteries.
This is philosophy for everyone, not just scholars, so you don’t need a PhD under your belt to enjoy the evening; only a ticket, and an inquisitive mind.
| What | John Gray and Alain de Botton in conversation |
| Where | Emmanuel Centre, 9-23 Marsham Street, London, SW1P 3DW | MAP |
| Nearest tube | St. James's Park (underground) |
| When |
On 19 Mar 15, 6:40 PM – 9:00 PM |
| Price | £30 |
| Website | Click here for more information and to book |
