Bring Back Capital Punishment?
11th January 2015 · 11:00am - 1:00pm
In person | Virtual event
Barbara Smoker & Prof. Evan Parker
This will be a lively but serious discussion event to kick-off 2015, exploring whether there is now a case to re-introduce the death sentence.
Barbara Smoker, who is adamantly opposed to such a notion, will explain why this “barbaric” practice – outlawed across the European Union, was abandoned as a form of retribution in the UK in 1963. Indeed the Conway Hall Ethical Society (and Barbara) were at the vanguard of this campaign, viewing this form of punishment as unethical. Members generally continue to hold this view to this day.
Evan Parker will set out why we should now reconsider our thinking on this very emotive issue. He will present arguments as to why inconsistent, outdated and non-democratic thought processes have prevailed in determining the ultimate sanction, and that it is timely to revisit. He will describe how capital punishment could now be viewed as appropriate retribution, bringing potential benefits to our society and interpreted as an ethical practice.
Evan Parker held the Chair in Semiconductor Physics for 25 years at the University of Warwick. He continues to do research in nanotechnology and has strong interests in climate change, including geo-engineering. He has published widely, spun-out several companies including one in 2014. He is a Trustee of Conway Hall Ethical Society.
Doors 10.30. Entry £3, £2 concs./Free to Ethical Society members
Tea, Coffee & biscuits will be available.