It is difficult not to feel concerned about the volatility of global issues, and yet the dominant avenue for social discourse – the online space – is divisive and primed for furore. And the results can be horrifying – from online pile-ons and doxing to job loss and, in some cases, death. But how did we get here?

Eminent British philosopher A. C. Grayling searches for the middle ground in an otherwise incendiary debate in his nuanced and historically grounded new book Discriminations: Making Peace in the Culture Wars. In this keynote, Professor Grayling will explore the history of 'cancel culture', from Ancient Greek ‘ostracism’ through hemlock cups, witch trials and the House of Un-American Activities. In this compelling keynote, he will offer a timely examination of the state of our public culture and the effect it is having on intellectual discourse, and offer a vision for building a more inclusive, harmonious society.

TICKETS: $35 + $1.38 BF - General Admission

WHERE: Brennan Room, University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus

WHEN: Tuesday 20th May 7.30pm - 8.30pm (Bar will be available from 6.30pm)

BOOKS & SIGNING: Book sales available thanks to MacLean's Booksellers. A book signing will follow the event

PARKING: Please arrive via Shortland Lane, and use car park 5. Overflow parking also available. Please click here for map

ABOUT A.C. GRAYLING

A.C. Grayling is Master of the New College of the Humanities, UK. He has written and edited numerous works of philosophy and is the author of biographies of Descartes and William Hazlitt. He believes that philosophy should take an active, useful role in society. He has been a regular contributor to The Times, Financial Times, Observer, Independent on Sunday, Economist, Literary Review, New Statesman and Prospect, and is a frequent and popular contributor to radio and television programmes, including Newsnight, Today, In Our Time, Start the Week and CNN news. He is a Fellow of the World Economic Forum at Davos, and advises on many committees ranging from Drug Testing at Work to human rights groups.