The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge

In the 25th year of the inception of the Institute of Advanced Studies at The University of Western Australia we invite you to join us for a special discussion on the value of enquiry for its own sake.

In an age of rising anti-intellectualism and ‘post-truth’ discourse, where expertise is increasingly questioned, this panel explores the enduring value of intellectual and creative pursuits free from the constraints of predetermined outcomes.

Moderated by Natasha Mitchell of ABC’s Big Ideas program, the discussion will revisit Abraham Flexner’s provocative 1939 Harpers essay, ‘The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge’. Our speakers will consider the ways in which we can nurture curiosity, knowledge, and meaning in a world that prioritises ‘impact’ and performance metrics over so-called ‘useless knowledge’?

Our Panel

• Oron Catts, Academic Lead/Director of the Institute of Advanced Studies, UWA since July 2024 and Head, SymbioticA, hosted by the Art Gallery of Western Australia.

• Jessyca Hutchens, Curator at the Berndt Museum of Anthropology and Lecturer at the UWA School of Indigenous Studies.

• Terri-ann White, founder and Director of Upswell, an independent not-for-profit publishing house and founding Director, UWA Institute of Advanced Studies, 2000-2012.

The panel will be followed by a Reception to mark the 25th Anniversary of the opening of the Institute of Advanced Studies at The University of Western Australia

• 7.30pm-8.30pm, University Club Lower Colonnade

Cost: Free, but RSVP required.