To mark its 20th anniversary Philosophy Now, the iconoclastic magazine which has spearheaded the 'popular philosophy' movement in the UK is holding an all-day Philosophy Festival next month, and awarding a new prize against stupidity

Posted: 24 November 2011

– To mark its 20th anniversary, the international news-stand magazine Philosophy Now is delighted to announce that a one-day Philosophy Festival will be held at Conway Hall in central London on December 18th, 10.30am-9pm. The festival which is free and open to all will include lively debates, inspirational talks and fun philosophy-related games and activities for the whole family. It brings together the UK's leading philosophy societies, institutes and charities, and will feature well-known philosophers such as Roger Scruton and Anthony O'Hear.

Philosophy Now magazine was launched in 1991 to make the best in modern philosophy accessible to the general public, as well as to provide some lighter reading matter for academics and students. From small beginnings in a spare bedroom in Ipswich, it has grown to become the biggest-selling philosophy periodical in the English language, with news-trade distribution in most English-speaking countries. The magazine championed the popularising of academic philosophy for the mainstream in the early 90s and in so doing showed there was a public appetite for 'big ideas' – leading ultimately to the tide of popular philosophy books now spilling off our bookshelves.

The Philosophy Festival will bring together organisations such as Philosophy For All, the Royal Institute of Philosophy, London School of Philosophy, French Institute Café Philo, the Philosophy Foundation, Philosophical Society of England, Kingston Philosophy Café, Conway Hall, U3A and Philosophy Now. Between them they have created an exciting platform for the public to engage with philosophical thinking and a wealth of esteemed speakers.



There will be a 'Speed Debating' session, a balloon debate, lectures on various topics including on the nature of philosophy and on the Greeks. There will be a utilitarianism workshop debating the view that actions should maximise 'the good', a 'Kantian self-help group', a round table debate on whether philosophy should replace religion, plus philosophy sessions for 5-8 year olds, for 9-12 year olds and for teenagers. There will be a Philosophy Santa, face painting, and a "Meaning of Life" Wall of Ideas. Finally, there will be the Award for 'Contributions in the Fight Against Stupidity'. Nominees can be philosophers, authors, scientists, journalists, playwrights or whomever the public thinks has made an outstanding contribution to promoting knowledge, reason or public understanding.

Philosophy Now's co-editor Dr Anja Steinbauer said: "Why the fight against stupidity? Because that is very much at the core of philosophy as an activity. Schiller said: 'Against stupidity even the gods contend in vain', but we think he was too pessimistic. A core function of philosophy in our time is to oppose dumbing down and uphold standards in public debate – because public debate is fundamental to our democracy. So we hope people will nominate the person, philosopher or otherwise, they feel has made the biggest contribution to intelligent discussion and debate in public life."

"We are delighted by the number of different philosophers and organisations who will be involved, making it truly is a festival of ideas," remarked Philosophy Now's co-editor and founder Rick Lewis. "There are a number of festivals that involve intelligent public debate and public intellectuals – but no specifically philosophy festival to actively involve the public in philosophical thinking. We are encouraging everyone to join us on the day, and join in the lively discussions and fun activities or listen to one of the many fascinating talks – there is bound to be something that appeals and will inspire thought."

For more information about Philosophy Now’s Festival of Ideas and

Birthday celebration, see:

http://www.philosophynow.org/anniversary



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